Dimensioning Cabinets in an Elevation

QUESTION

How can I create a detailed elevation view of my cabinets?  

ANSWER

Create a cabinet elevation by using one of the elevation camera tools and then use the manual dimension tools to add dimensions.

To create an elevation

1. Select 3D> Create Camera View or Create Orthographic View, depending on the product you're using, select the Wall Elevation  tool, then click and drag towards your cabinets in your 2D plan view to generate an elevation of that wall.
   
   
   

   You can also create a Cross Section/Elevation view that will span all floor levels of the plan, if you wish. This can be done by navigating to 3D> Create Camera View or Create Orthographic View, depending on the product you're using, selecting the Cross Section/Elevation tool, then clicking and dragging to create the view.

   
   
2. To save this elevation view with the plan, select 3D> Save Active Camera from the menu.
   
   

To dimension cabinets in an elevation

1. While in the elevation, navigate to CAD> Dimensions , select either the Manual Dimension   or End to End Dimension  tool, then click and drag out a dimension line across the cabinets that you want dimensioned.
   
   

   To learn more about the Dimension tools that are available in Home Designer, please see the "Using the Dimension Tools" resource in Related Articles section below. 

   
   
2. You can now select the dimension line that was just generated and modify it further to your liking.
   
   
   
   
   • The Move handle is square-shaped and is located near the dimension number. This handle is used to move the entire dimension line, including any subsections, perpendicular to itself.
     
     
   • Extension Line End handles are diamond-shaped and are positioned at the point that each extension line locates. Click and drag these handles to move or delete extension lines from a dimension line. Note that each extension line is numbered and will display as such when the dimension line is selected.
     
     
   • The Add Extension Line handle is diamond-shaped and displays next to the Move handle. These handles are used to add extension lines to the selected dimension line. Extension lines added in this manner are able to locate marks that the dimension line might not locate as it was being drawn.
     
     
   • In Home Designer 2026 and newer, as well as in Home Designer Pro, each dimension number along the dimension string will have a smaller, square Move handle that allows you to move the number to your desired location. The pointer changes to a four-headed arrow when moved over this handle, allowing you to move the number in any direction. 
   
   

   Note: By default, you will likely notice that the value of this cabinet dimension is in feet and inches. If you would like to change the format of dimensions to be just inches, please see the "Displaying Dimensions in Inches" resource in the Related Articles section below.
   
   If you're using Home Designer 2026 or newer, or Home Designer Pro, you can specify what objects manual dimensions locate within the Dimension Defaults. To learn more, please see the "Changing Your Dimension Settings" resource, which is also located in the Related Articles section.

   
   
3. Continue to add as many dimensions, as needed
   
   
   
4. You can also use the Text  tools to add notes in elevations.
   
   
   
5. If you would prefer to have a black and white elevation, you can select View> Color  from the menu to toggle the display of color in the view.
   
   
   
   
   
6. Once you're finished, navigate to 3D> Save Active Camera  once again.