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Status Needs review
Categories 3D Modeling
Created by Guest
Created on Jan 19, 2026

Add measuring/pick distance tool in parametric solid and variables tools

As a MicroStation modelling user, I would like the capability of filling the Distance field by picking two points (or distance between other elements) from within the tool, so that I can be much quicker in creating solids and other elements where the distances are unknown and need to be measured.


Ideally there would be an option to make the distance associative.


Now you need to use a separate tool before entering the modeling tool, which slows down the work.


  • Guest
    Mar 17, 2026

    Please also see MSR-I-970.

    Also, I am not sure Solid By Extrusion is a good candidate for this. When the user already gets a readout on the length of the extrusion in the Accudraw input boxes.

    OTOH, it would be interesting to see how the input process can be improved (other tools may benefit more).

    1. There are a variety of options when using the Measure tool. Maybe the input box should recognise key ins, wait for the user to select the points etc and fill in.

    2. it would be good to look up the clipboard for any numerical input (with unit suffix). Maybe a dropdown list of the last 5-10 numerical inputs captured by the user's Ctrl-C or X. I think the Expressions input box already records previous inputs.

    3. ?