> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.openbrim.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.openbrim.org/templates/cadd/measurelength-cadd.md).

# Measure Length

A **Measure Length** annotation reports the straight-line distance between two picked points. It is the quick "how far is that?" tool — unlike a Linear Dimension it draws no extension lines or arrowheads, just the measured line with its value written along it.

Pick two points and the distance appears rotated to follow the line, flipped as needed so it never reads upside down. Because the points snap like any other CAD geometry, measuring to an endpoint, midpoint, center or intersection is exact rather than eyeballed.

Use it for checking work — confirming a girder spacing, a clearance, a skew offset — where you want the number on screen but not a formal dimension in the drawing.

## Text and units

**Label:** Override text, replacing the measured value.

**Prefix / Suffix:** Text before and after the value (e.g., a unit symbol).

**Precision:** Number of decimal places.

**Unit Style / Length Unit:** Units. Unit Style selects fractional (`12' - 7" 3/4`), decimal with symbol (`26.87'`), or decimal with name (`26.87 feet`). Length Unit overrides the project geometry unit for this annotation only.

## Typography

**Text Height:** Text size in real units.

**Font Family / Font Weight / Font Style:** Font controls.

## Notes

The clickable area covers the text band along the line, not just the thin line itself, so the annotation is easy to select and move.

For a dimension that belongs in the issued drawing — with extension lines, arrowheads and drafting conventions — use [Linear / Aligned Dimension](/templates/cadd/dimensionline-cadd.md) instead. Measure Length is the working tool; the dimension objects are the deliverable.


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