Drawings SDK Developer Guide > Working with .dwg Files > Working with Entities > Working with Specific Entitites > Working with Dimensions > Working with Associative Dimensions > Concept of Associative Dimensions
Concept of Associative Dimensions

An associative dimension defines associativity between an entity and a dimension. When the entity associated with the dimension is modified, the associative dimension also recalculates its parameters (such as location, orientation, and dimension values). For example, when an entity is enlarged, its associated dimensions are enlarged too.

Existing associative dimensions
Associative dimensions after base entities change

Associative dimensions can be created in model space or paper space. Model space dimensions can be associated with Model geometry. Paper Space dimensions can be associated with Paper and Model geometry through Viewport entity displaying Model Space (trans-spatial associativity).

If an entity in Model Space or Viewport entity in Paper Space is modified, dimension in Paper Space with trans-spatial associativity is updated.

Associative dimensions are tightly associated with the entity after creation. If an entity is moved, the dimension is also moved, even if it is created in a separate layer and this layer is frozen. When you thaw the layer, the dimension is updated.

See Also

Working with Associative Dimensions

Associative Dimensions Architecture

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