FREE MEASURING STICK

[Jack Zimmer]

Here is a free measuring stick. You can use it to get accurate heights while in Elevation or Section views. Add the jpg of the dim style you need (imperial or metric) then use the following instructions to apply the image to a resized 'column'. You can move the column where you like in the plan and read the heights in Elevation / Section views.

Allan, it would be nice if you could post the example you made of the measuring stick in use.


Here are instructions on how to apply the jpg Ruler image to a column. (added new instructions that were deleted in forum update)

Download Scale Image of Choice
Download one or all of images of 'Rulers' to a folder on your computer that will not be moved. (I have folder called 'Materials' w/ subfolders)
Create New Column
First select Column tool and the right click in Catalog> Add New and size column to 9'x 3.5" (varies based on scale of image).
Switch to 3D mode and place the new column in drawing.
Materials (images) in Catalog
Add the new 'Ruler image' to your catalog.
While in 3D, select Paint Brush tool. When materials are showing ,in GROUPS, right click and select Add Group (mine is 'JK MATERIALS')
Move cursor down to "MATERIALS' below GROUPS and right click 'Add New', locate and name the new Ruler image material you saved.
Assign Image to Column
Select the Column, right click.Properties. Go to Materials 'tab' and under Materials list >click Select and navagate to the Ruler image saved to Catalog.
This assigns the column the texture of the Ruler image.
Mapping Ruler sizeNow go to the Mapping option, select Override Tile size and resize the material to fit the column (9' x 3.5") etc.

Don't forget to give the Column itself a new name (9' Measuring Stick). If you don't do that at first in Catalog, you can go to File > Catalog>Save Element to Catalog and then click on the newly named Measure Stick which will add it to the catalog for you.

[Allan Chesney]

Hi jack,

Thanks for posting this here too, I am sure it will help many when it comes to placing things on top of each other.

It works really well and saves a huge amount of time trying to get the heights right. In the past I have avoided putting things into cabinets as it took so long experimenting with the elevation settings.  With your measuring stick it was dead easy. Place all the objects, and then just elevate them to the heights shown on the measuring stick - then delete the stick obviously. Wonderful!!

As requested the images I created with the stick in place are below.

Thanks again!!!

Allan

[Kajvin - Robert W]

Thanks Jack This is a great tool,
I have just done the imperial measuring stick and it work fine to measure higher than 9', you only have to duplicate the stick and elevate it 9' and put it on top of the first one, now you can measuring 18'.

I ad a new group in the columns this have I named Measuring stick, the same in the material list the I have put the jpgs

[Kajvin - Robert W]

Thanks Jack This is a great tool,
I have just done the imperial measuring stick and it work fine to measure higher than 9', you only have to duplicate the stick and elevate it 9' and put it on top of the first one, now you can measuring 18'.

I ad a new group in the columns this have I named Measuring stick, the same in the material list the I have put the jpgs

One more tips for the measuring stick you can have 2 different stick one for outdoor measuring and one for internal measuring
both is same height for imp 9' but the difference is base offset for indoor you set 0" as base offset and for outdoor set base offset to -1'

[katykr]

Thank you for your answers!

[Jack Zimmer]

Move to top. This is buried too deep in Tips and Tricks IMO>

Jack

[Kajvin - Robert W]

BUMP

[Kajvin - Robert W]

BUMP

Move post up, Allan can you pin Jacks post to the top, this is a so great tool to measuring height.

/Kajvin

[Allan Chesney]

Hi Robert,

Good idea - have done!

Allan

[Bjorn]

Hi,
This measuring stick is an awesome tool.  I don't know how many times I have moved items inch by inch to position it at the right height.
Thank you Jack and Allan.
I spent some free time making a 10 ft ruler with 1/16" resolution that I wanted to share with you.  It has the inches showing above and below the line so that you can use it to place items on a shelf as well as hanging thing under it or in a ceiling. 

Regards,

This ruler has been replaced with the two below...

[Allan Chesney]

Hi Bjorn,

Really nice 'double' ruler - great idea.

Are you preparing a metric version too?! 

Allan

[Bjorn]

Allan,
Here is a 3 meter metric measuring stick (100mm wide) with 1mm resolution as well as an improved 10ft (4in wide) with 1/16in resolution for everyone to use.

Regards,

[Allan Chesney]

Hi Bjorn,

I did not really expect you to make a metric version - I was actually joking. However I do appreciate it and I am sure many other metric users will too!

Thank you very much!

Allan

[Bjorn]

Allan,
I knew you were just kidding.  This is just my way to contribute to this forum and give back to all the people volunteering their help to users like us.  As well, it's fun to tackle a challenge once in a while...   

Thank you!

[Kajvin - Robert W]

Hi Bjorn,

Great upgrade to Jack's stick, hope you don't mind that I share it with Cadsoft forum

Robert