Linear measurements calculate lengths and distances for materials like fencing, edging, irrigation lines, retaining walls, and conduit runs. The linear tool supports both straight segments and multi-point paths that follow curves and corners.

Click the Linear tool (the line icon) in the canvas toolbar, or press W. A configuration panel appears where you can name your measurement and choose a color and opacity. Click Start to begin drawing.

Click to place each point along your route, adding a click at every bend or corner. When you're done, press Escape to complete the measurement. The total length combines all segments. You stay in the linear tool after completing a line, so you can immediately draw the next run.

Linear symbols have both appearance and dimensional settings. For appearance, adjust the Line thickness with a slider and toggle Dashed line to differentiate underground or hidden runs from visible elements.

For dimensions, set Width to calculate surface area for path paving or wall capping. Add Wall height for vertical linear elements like retaining walls, and Depth for trench volume calculations. The Slope setting adjusts for graded runs using pitch ratio, degrees, or percentage.

The Unit setting lets you display in feet, meters, yards, inches, or centimeters. Use Offset to adjust measurements relative to the drawn line, useful when measuring from centerlines but needing face-of-wall dimensions.

Select any linear measurement in the sidebar to highlight it on the canvas. You can drag individual points to reposition them and the length updates automatically. Press Delete or Backspace to remove a selected measurement.

Place points at every direction change rather than approximating curves with fewer points. Use descriptive names including material specs like "3-foot Cedar Fence" or "1-inch Schedule 40 PVC." Create separate symbols for different materials even on the same run to track quantities accurately.