Datum dimensioning is useful for marking holes and other features on a part. The dimensions are parallel to each other (like chain dimensioning), and have a common datum point. Normally, design engineers use this type of dimensioning for parts that will be NC machined.

Creo Elements/Direct Drafting allows you to define the orientation of datum dimensions relative to geometry features using the buttons of the Orient gallery.

All buttons enable you to apply dimensioning to a single linear drawing element or to a group of elements.

If you clicked the Automatic check box (automatic dimension displacement) in the Options settings of the Dimension Settings dialog box, Creo Elements/Direct Drafting positions the new dimensions automatically. Automatic placement only applies when you have selected multiple elements for dimensioning.

If you cleared the Automatic check box (automatic dimension displacement) in the Options settings of the Dimension Settings dialog box, position the dimensions on your drawing manually. A dimension trace appears when you select elements. Move the trace around your drawing until the dimension text is in the desired location. Click the desired text location and Creo Elements/Direct Drafting draws the dimension or dimensions. When multiple elements are selected, the trace shows the proposed dimensions for all of them at the same time.