DDi Tech Center

Perhaps you define datums for your model or you select a common baseline for a set of ordinate dimensions.  Now you are halfway through the model and it turns out you need to pick a different baseline, what can you do?  Delete the entire dimension set and start dimensioning all over?  Reapplying the dimensions not necessary, to update the baseline in both a sketch on a 3D model or a drawing simply follow the following steps:

1.  Delete any existing dimensions that constrain or are in the way of your new baseline location.

2. Select the zero baseline dimension so it is highlighted in light blue.

3. Drag the SolidWorks handle on the dimension (small blue square) to the new baseline location, indicated with the red vertical line below.

4. A pop-up window will appear that will allow you to confirm the update to the other dimensions.

5.  Confirm by selecting “yes” and this will result in updating the baseline of the dimension set as well as the dimensions at each constrained point based on the new baseline.  As stated before, the same functionality and behavior is exhibited on a drawing file as well.