Using Dimension Feature in ArcGIS for Desktop?

Question

I would like to use the Dimension Feature tool in ArcGIS - this button enter image description here as I want to have a label on every side of some polygons (they are all reasonably simple polygons).

When I click on my polygon to add the dimensions (and don't move or click the mouse again), they come up like this which is how I want them:

enter image description here

However as soon as I click the left mouse button to place them, they go like this:

enter image description here

Am I missing an option somewhere? it does not allow me to select 'Dimension Feature' in the Construction tools section of the create features dialog. Its only available as a button (that I found by adding the button manually). The closest construction tool I can select is Dimension Edge, but that means I have to add dimensions for each edge of the polygon. Its a slower process.

• user21239: I think the problems is coming with ArcGIS system on your pc and need to re install it
• James S: Can you be more specific as to what is wrong with my machine? As I have just installed ArcGIS 10.2 (and this includes a uninstall of 10.1 SP1). It still doesn't work.
• fishbone: Why my ArcGIS create feature box does not allow me to add dimension?? There is only a Construction Tools box...

Answer 1

Unfortunately the Dimension Feature tool, which seems to be the only one that will dimension every side of a feature at once, only gives vertical or horizontal dimensions. It will not give aligned dimensions.

The tool you want to use that will dimension each side (unfortunately only one-at-a-time) is either the Simple Aligned Dimension enter image description here, which produces dimensions that look the same as your first image, or the Aligned Dimension enter image description here which produces the same dimensions but gives the extra option of off-setting away from the feature.

Simple Aligned Dimension:

enter image description here

Aligned Dimension:

enter image description here