Length Tools
TL;DR: Length tools measure linear distances and can convert them to area or volume quantities for items like wall finishes, skirting boards, pipes, and gutters.
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Overview
Length tools allow you to measure linear distances and convert them to area or volume quantities. These tools are essential for measuring walls, perimeters, runs, and linear elements that need to be converted to other measurement types.
Available Length Tools
Length
The basic length tool measures linear distances along walls, perimeters, pipe runs, or any linear element in your drawings.
Common Uses:
- Wall lengths for framing or partitioning
- Perimeter measurements
- Cable or conduit runs
- Fence lines
- Edge beading or trim
How to Use:
- Select the Length tool from the toolbar.
- Click along the line you want to measure.
- Double-click to finish the measurement.
- The total length is automatically calculated and displayed in the Measurement Tree.
Tip: Use snapping and alignment features to ensure accurate measurements along walls and edges.
Length to Area
This tool converts linear measurements to area quantities by applying a height or width multiplier. Perfect for measuring wall finishes, skirting boards, or any linear element with a consistent dimension.
Common Uses:
- Wall finishes (paint, plaster, cladding)
- Skirting boards and baseboards
- Wall tiles with consistent height
- Dado rails and picture rails
- Vertical surfaces measured from plan view
How to Use:
- Select the Length to Area tool from the toolbar.
- Draw along the linear element (e.g., wall perimeter).
- In the Element Properties panel, enter the height or width multiplier.
- The area is automatically calculated (length × height/width).
Example: For a room with 20m perimeter and 3m ceiling height, use Length to Area with a 3m multiplier to get 60m² of wall surface area.
Length to Volume
This tool converts linear measurements to volume quantities by applying cross-sectional area multipliers. Ideal for pipes, gutters, trenches, and other linear elements with a consistent cross-section.
Common Uses:
- Pipe volumes for drainage or plumbing
- Gutter and downspout volumes
- Cable trench excavation
- Ductwork volumes
- Linear concrete elements (beams, curbs)
How to Use:
- Select the Length to Volume tool from the toolbar.
- Draw along the linear element (e.g., pipe run).
- In the Element Properties panel, enter the cross-sectional area or dimensions.
- The volume is automatically calculated (length × cross-sectional area).
Note: For circular pipes, you may need to calculate the cross-sectional area first (πr²) before entering it as the multiplier.
Best Practices
- ✓ Verify scale is correctly set before drawing measurements
- ✓ Assign measurements to appropriate collections for organization
- ✓ Use descriptive labels and descriptions for clarity
- ✓ Double-check multipliers for area and volume conversions
- ✓ Use consistent units throughout your project
- ✓ Review measurements in the Measurement Tree to verify calculations