Setting Exact Wall Dimension Lengths

QUESTION

I would like to precisely position my walls so that they are exactly the dimensions that I want them to be. How can I move walls precisely using dimensions?

ANSWER

You can move most objects precisely by using dimensions.

Home Designer allows you to draw each wall at the approximate length that you want, then use either temporary dimensions, or create dimension lines, and use those dimensions to position the walls with accuracy. This allows you to confirm that all walls have the correct sizes and relative positions. It also makes the task of laying out walls, as well as adding and positioning doors and windows, flow a lot more quickly and smoothly compared to inputting each wall length individually as it is created.

In this article, we will show you how to position your walls precisely, as well as specifying exact wall lengths. 

To adjust a wall's position

1. In this example, we will use a simple 4-walled rectangular structure, as shown below.
   
   
   
   
   
2. Using the Select Objects  tool, select the wall on the left with a single click. 
   
   When you do, you should see some temporary dimensions display. You can toggle your temporary dimensions on and off by selecting View> Temporary Dimensions  from the menu. 
   
   

   Note: In Home Designer 2026, temporary dimensions may display for different wall sides, depending on the wall that is selected. 
   
   To match what is shown in this resource, a setting change is in order. Navigate to Edit> Default Settings, select the Dimension category, then click Edit. In the Dimension Defaults dialog that displays, access the Locate Manual panel, then check the "Secondary Side" box for both the Exterior and Interior settings within the Wall Options section. 

   
   
   
   
   
3. When you place your cursor on one of these temporary dimensions, you should see your mouse cursor change from an arrow into a pointing finger .
   
   
   
   
   
4. We want to move the position of the wall, so we will click on the dimension that stretches across the building; we can enter in the new distance we need and press Enter/Return on the keyboard to accept the change. 
   
   In this example, we clicked on the dimension number, specified a value of 15' 6", and pressed enter. 
   
   
   
   
   
5. The selected wall will shift to the left or right according to the new value entered. 
   
   

   When entering in a new dimension, you will see two mode buttons. Move Object and Move Edge.
   
   To keep the wall connected to the adjacent top and bottom walls, we use the Move Edge option. Move Object would move the wall independently of the other walls it is connected to.
   
   These steps can also be followed using other types of dimensions such as Manual Dimensions or Automatic Dimensions.

   
   
   
   

To adjust a wall's length

1. For the purposes of this example, we will use a more complex example, as shown below. Using the Select Objects  tool, select the left side wall with a single click.
   
   
   
   
   
2. You may wish to Zoom In  on the wall segment if you are having difficulty selecting or mousing over the dimension numbers.
   
   Now, click on the dimension running along the wall and enter in a new value.
   
   

   Depending on the settings in your version, you may already have Automatic Exterior Dimensions displayed along the length of the walls. These dimensions may also be used to change the wall length. Unlike temporary dimensions, you can select Automatic Exterior Dimensions and edit where they start and end along different layers along the walls, which will change them into manual dimensions.
   
   You can also draw dimensions manually, such as using the Interior Dimension tool.
   
   To learn more about how to use the dimension tools in Home Designer, please refer to the Related Articles section below. 

   
   
   
   
   • While entering in the new length, you can choose to:
     
     
   • Move the top end .
     
     
   • Move both ends .
     
     
   • Move the bottom end .
     
   
   
   
3. Press Enter/Return on the keyboard to accept the change.
   
   Notice that in this example, because of the new wall length value we entered, there is no longer the small bumpout at the top of the structure because it now extends out into one continuous wall.