Deta Studio

How to measure distance on a PDF

Set the page scale, select Dimension, and click two points. Deta displays the real-world distance between them.

Updated

Find the tool

DimensionM

Left toolbar → Dimension (ruler icon)

Before you start

Set or calibrate the page scale. Use a known dimension to check it before measuring an unlabelled distance. You need permission to add markups.

Steps

  1. Select Dimension in the left toolbar, or press M.
  2. Click the start point of the distance you want to measure.
  3. Click the end point. Deta creates a dimension and displays its length using the page scale.
  4. Switch to Select (V) and select the dimension to adjust its endpoints. The value updates with the line.
  5. To change the label's units or precision, follow Set measurement units and precision.

Zoom in before placing endpoints on a dense drawing. Press Esc to cancel an unfinished dimension.

Check your result

Measure a known span first. In the walkthrough, the dimension across Bedroom 1 reads 12'-0", matching the printed 12' span. Allow for endpoint placement and the chosen precision when comparing measurements.

A dimension measures a straight distance. For the full length around a room, use the perimeter guide.

Troubleshooting

  • The value is wrong: check the scale on this page, then check both endpoints. Changing the zoom is not calibration.
  • The label shows words instead of a measurement: clear the dimension's Custom Text in the properties bar to restore the calculated value. Editing label text does not calibrate the page.
  • The value is too rounded: open Scale → Drawing Units and choose a finer Length Precision.