How to Measure Nearest Distance

Quick answer: Nearest Distance lets you dynamically view and modify the distance between two selected entities or subentities, and also shows the aligned distances along the WCS’s X, Y, and Z axes. Selecting two entities shows the distance directly; typing a new value into a distance field moves the second entity to match.

Using Nearest Distance

1. Select the first entity or subentity (hold Ctrl to select a subentity).
2. Select the second entity or subentity. The nearest distance appears, with an arrowhead pointing to the second entity.
3. Optionally double-click a distance field (see below).
4. Optionally click a distance field and type a value; the second entity moves to match.

Double-Clicking a Distance Field

Doing this does two things at once: it toggles the display of the X, Y, and Z axis-aligned distance fields, and it zooms out as needed to fully display both selected entities.

The NEARESTDISTANCE system variable controls whether this feature displays at all.

What You Can Use It For

• Measuring the distance between two entities or subentities.
• Adjusting the distance between a (sub)entity and a block.
• Modifying a rectangle’s dimensions.
• Adjusting the distance between 3D solids.
• Editing a 3D solid’s width.
• Measuring and editing a 3D solid’s height.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Nearest Distance only show the direct distance between two entities? No, it also shows the aligned distances along the X, Y, and Z axes of the World Coordinate System, not just the shortest direct distance.

How do I select a subentity instead of a whole entity? Hold Ctrl while selecting.

Can I use Nearest Distance to actually move something, not just measure it? Yes. Click a distance field and type a new value; the second entity you selected moves to match it.

What does double-clicking a distance field do? It toggles the axis-aligned distance fields on or off, and zooms out if needed so both selected entities are fully visible.