How to create a new dimension style in AutoCAD. Creating a Dimension Style in AutoCAD
Any correctly designed drawing carries information about the dimensions of the drawn objects. Of course, AutoCAD has a lot of intuitive dimensioning capabilities.
After reading this article, you will learn how to apply and adjust dimensions in AutoCAD.
Applying dimensions
Let's consider adding dimensions using a linear example.
1. Draw an object or open a drawing in which you need to add dimensions.
2. On the Annotate ribbon tab, go to the Dimensions panel and click the Dimension (Linear) button.
3. Click at the start and end points of the distance being measured. After that, click again to set the distance from the object to the dimension line. You have drawn the simplest dimension.
To create drawings more accurately, use object snaps. To activate them, press the F3 key.
4. Let's make a dimensional chain. Select the size you just added and in the “Dimensions” panel, click the “Continue” button, as shown in the screenshot.
5. Click one by one on all the points to which the dimension should be attached. To complete the operation, press the "Enter" or "Enter" key in the context menu.
All points of one projection of an object can be measured with one click! To do this, select "Express" in the dimensions panel, click on the object and select the side on which the dimensions will be shown.
Angular, radial, parallel dimensions, as well as radii and diameters are entered in the same way.
Editing dimensions
Let's look at some options for editing sizes.
1. Select the size and call context menu right mouse button. Select Properties.
2. In the “Lines and Arrows” rollout, replace the ends of the dimension lines by setting the “Slope” value in the “Arrow 1” and “Arrow 2” drop-down lists.
In the properties panel, you can turn dimension and extension lines on and off, change their color and thickness, and set text parameters.
3. On the dimensions panel, click the text position buttons to move it along the dimension line. After clicking the button, click on the dimension text and it will change its position.
You can also use the Dimensions panel to break dimensions, skew text, and leader lines.
Linear size
Measuring angles
Basic and related sizes
Size style
Dimensioning drawings is perhaps one of the most controversial aspects of working with AutoCAD. While creating dimensions is fairly easy, managing their appearance and behavior can be quite challenging. The reason for this is the existence of many various types sizes and large quantity variables that control their appearance.
Additionally, the way you work with dimensions, their appearance and behavior can vary greatly depending on the industry you work in (mechanical engineering, nuclear power, electronics, etc.). In this chapter, you'll learn how to place dimensions and how to use dimension styles to control their appearance and behavior.
Dimension control commands can be launched using the corresponding buttons on the tab Annotate(Abstract) in group Dimensions(Dimensions) of the tape (Fig. 5.1).
Rice. 5.1. Dimensions group
There are many types of dimensions available in AutoCAD. The most commonly used linear dimensions are radius, diameter and angular dimensions.
Dimensions are associated with objects and are updated automatically when any changes are made to the drawing.
The first step is to select the type of dimension you want to create, and then specify the points that determine its placement. At the specified locations, AutoCAD creates point features, then measures the distance between those definition points and uses that distance as the default text dimension value.
For example, to measure a line, you create a linear dimension and then specify the two extreme points of the line. The program creates defining points in these places and measures the distance between them. After that, you choose a place to place the size value.
Defining points control the associativity of the dimension. When their position changes, the size associated with them is updated and moves to follow them. During dimensioning, AutoCAD automatically creates a level or layer called Defpoints(Defining points). All defining points are placed on this layer.
Note
The Defpoints layer is created when you run the dimension command. It is unique in that it does not print regardless of the print/don't print setting. Once created, the Defpoints layer cannot be deleted using the PURGE command or by clicking the Delete Layer button. You can rename this layer, but then AutoCAD will simply create a new Defpoints layer when you create a new dimension or update an existing one.
Advice
Because the Defpoints layer doesn't print, you can use it to create features that you don't want to show in your drawing. For example, this could include markups, viewing boundaries, and notes for other users working with the drawing.
There are actually three levels of associativity for size. The DIMASSOC system variable specifies what level of associativity is used in this moment.
The DIMASSOC system variable can be set to 0, 1, or 2. When set to 2 (the variable's default state), dimension definition points are associated with drawing objects. For example, if you specify the distance between two extreme points of a line, AutoCAD will create defining points there that will be associated with the line object. As you move the line, the dimension will move with it. If the position of the end point of a line changes (the line stretches, shortens, changes direction, etc.), the defining point associated with it will also move and the size will be updated.
When the value of the DIMASSOC variable is 1, AutoCAD still creates associative dimensions, but the definition points are not associated with any specific geometry. To change the size, you must move the defining points associated with the size explicitly. For example, if you specify the size of a line when DIMASSOC is set to 1, AutoCAD will create defining points at the ends of the line. But if you move the line, the size will not follow it. You must select and move the dimension along with the line so that they appear together. If you move the end of a line (by dragging, adjusting, extending, etc.), you should also move the defining point to update the size.
If DIMASSOC is set to 0, AutoCAD creates detached dimensions without associativity or defining points. Each part of a dimension leader (lines and value) is treated as a separate object.
Advice
Although it is possible to create isolated dimensions, this is considered bad practice in most CAD work environments. Isolated dimensions are difficult to manage and updating them can lead to sloppy and inaccurate drawings.
You can change the values of the DIMASSOC variable using the checkbox in the area Associative Dimensioning(Linked Dimensioning) tab User Preferences(Custom Settings) windows Options(Parameters) (see Fig. 4.8). If this checkbox is checked, the value of the DIMASSOC variable is 2. If it is unchecked, the variable is set to 1.
Linear size
To create vertical and horizontal dimensions there is one command - DIMLINEAR. It measures the distance between two defining points and allows you to choose the location of the dimension line.
There are two ways to create a linear dimension: specify defining points or select an object to measure. Using the point method, you select two points in the drawing and then specify the location of the dimension line. Depending on the direction of the text, the size is vertical or horizontal. If you place a value above or below the points, AutoCAD creates a horizontal dimension, but if to the left or right, it creates a vertical dimension (Fig. 5.2).
Rice. 5.2. Dimensioning by specifying defining points
You can also create a linear dimension by selecting a line, arc, or circle. After running the DIMLINEAR command, AutoCAD will prompt:
Press the key Enter to select a line, arc or circle. When you use the mouse to select the desired object, the program will create two defining points. In Fig. Figure 5.3 shows the results of selecting various objects.
Rice. 5.3. Dimensioning by selecting objects
Note
For dimensioning, you can select only a line, an arc or a circle. You cannot select an ellipse, text element, or spline curve this way. When you select a polyline object, AutoCAD will dimension the linear or arc portion of the polyline near the point you selected.
Let's look at the typical sequence for creating linear dimensions.
1. Make sure that object snap mode is turned on and that snapping to the extreme points and center of objects is specified. To do this, enter the DSETTINGS command and in the dialog box that appears Drafting Settings(Drawing Modes) open the tab Object Snap(Capture objects). The checkboxes must be checked Object Snap On (F3)(Enable Object Snap (F3)), Endpoint(Endpoint) and Center(Center).
2. Create or open a simple image for dimensioning (an example is shown in Fig. 5.4).
Rice. 5.4. Original simple image
3. Run the DIMLINEAR command. The program will ask you to determine the beginning of the first extension line:
Specify first extension line origin or
4. Click on the lower left point of the object. You will be prompted to specify the start of the second extension line:
Specify second extension line origin:
5. Click on the right end of the bottom sloping line. A prompt will appear:
In response to this, you can determine the location of the dimension line by dragging it with the mouse.
6. Place the dimension line as shown in Fig. 5.5. AutoCAD will then complete the DIMLINEAR command.
Rice. 5.5. Horizontal dimension created by specifying definition points
7. Run the DIMLINEAR command again. A prompt will appear:
Specify first extension line origin or
8. Press the key Enter.
Select object to dimension:
9. Click on the top sloping line. The program will place defining points at the ends of the segment and prompt you to determine the location of the dimension line:
Specify dimension line location or :
10. Place the dimension line as shown in fig. 5.6. AutoCAD will then complete the DIMLINEAR command.
Rice. 5.6. Vertical dimension created by selecting an object
DIMLINEAR Command Options
Once you select your definition points, AutoCAD offers many options for creating and placing dimensions. These settings are presented in table. 5.1.
Table 5.1. DIMLINEAR Command Options
The DIMLINEAR command has two text options – Mtext and Text. These options allow you to change the text associated with the size. By default, AutoCAD places the numerical value of the distance between two definition points as a dimension value. Using the Mtext and Text parameters, you can change this text and even hide it. For example, you can optionally display a note or other additional text along with the dimension, or print a specific dimension instead of using the calculated dimension value.
Forced entry of the actual size of the object
When you select the Mtext option, AutoCAD displays a multi-line text editor with the selected size value. The default value is the measured distance between the definition points. You can enter any text before or after the existing one, or delete it, but you cannot change the meaning of the selected text. If you delete the default text, AutoCAD will ignore the measured distance and display only the text you entered.
If you deleted the default size value, you can get it back by typing<>. The program will replace these brackets with the measured distance between the defining points.
You can use the same parentheses when working with the Text parameter. Once selected, AutoCAD will display the measured size as the default value and prompt you to enter one line of text. You can type any text using brackets<>instead of the measured distance between defining points.
Advice
You can also use the DDEDIT command to edit the size value.
Let's look at the procedure for changing the size value.
1. Open a previously created drawing or construct objects containing straight line segments.
2. Run the DIMLINEAR command. You will be asked to define the start of the first extension line:
Specify first extension line origin or
3. Press the key Enter. AutoCAD will prompt you to select an object to dimension:
Select object to dimension:
4. Select a line. The program will create defining points at its ends and issue a prompt:
Specify dimension line location or :
5. Select the Mtext option. A tab will appear on the ribbon Text Editor(Text Editor) and the default size will be highlighted. Delete this text and enter a value of 1.00.
6. Click outside the input field to close the editor. AutoCAD will display the size as 1.00.
7. Select the line you just dimensioned to activate its handles. Select the marker at one extreme point and drag it to a new location. AutoCAD changes the line length and the dimension line moves with it, but the dimension value does not update.
8. Run the DDEDIT command and highlight the size value 1.00. Remove the value 1.00 and enter<>. AutoCAD replaces the brackets with the actual line length.
9. Select the line to activate its handles and return the end point to its original position. AutoCAD changes the length of the line and the dimension line moves with it. The size value is updated to reflect the changes.
Additionally, if the actual dimension value does not match the distance between extension lines, you can add a zigzag to the linear dimension using the DIMJOGLINE command. Zigzag dimension lines are usually used when the object being measured is shown in dimensions that are smaller than actual dimensions. The application of these capabilities is shown in Fig. 5.7.
Rice. 5.7. Using Zigzag Dimensions
Creating Aligned Dimensions
Aligned dimension is another type of linear dimension. While horizontal and vertical dimensions measure distances along the axis X or Y accordingly, the aligned dimension shows the true distance between any two points. The dimension value is placed parallel to the straight line connecting the two defining points.
To create aligned dimensions, use the DIMALIGNED command. When using it, you can select two defining points or a line, arc or circle. Once you define the defining points, the Mtext, Text, and Angle options become available. Their values are identical to the corresponding parameters of the DIMLINEAR command.
Let's look at the procedure for creating aligned dimensions.
1. Open or create a drawing that contains a line, arc, or circle.
2. Run the DIMALIGNED command. A prompt will appear:
Specify first extension line origin or
3. Press the key Enter. AutoCAD will ask you to select an object to dimension:
Select object to dimension:
4. Select an object. AutoCAD will place definition points at the ends of the line segment and prompt you to determine the location of the dimension line:
5. Place the dimension line as shown in Fig. 5.8.
Rice. 5.8. Aligned Size
Dimensions for circles and arcs
For circles and arcs, the radius or diameter is usually measured, and for an arc, its length is also measured. AutoCAD allows you to set all these dimensions.
Radius measurement
The DIMRADIUS command is used to measure the radius. After launching it, AutoCAD prompts you to select an arc or circle. When you do this, AutoCAD will measure the radius of the arc and prompt you to place the dimension text value (inside or outside the arc). A leading line will be created perpendicular to the arc through the specified point, and a center mark will be created at the center of the circle or arc. When you place a text value, AutoCAD will automatically prefix R in front of the measured radius value (Figure 5.9).
Rice. 5.9. Inserting a radius
Like the DIMLINEAR and DIMALIGNED commands, the DIMRADIUS command has Mtext, Text, and Angle parameters to change the text value of a dimension.
When using the DIMRADIUS command, the leading line will always be perpendicular to the circle or arc segment. The starting point of the leading line will always be in line with the center point of the arc. A "crooked" radius differs from a regular radius in that its leading line has an offset zigzag built into it (Figure 5.10), which allows you to define a different center point for the leading line. This can be useful, for example, when specifying large radii whose center point is outside the visible area of the drawing. A "winding" radius dimension can be created using the DIMJOGGED command.
Rice. 5.10."Twisting" radius
When you run the DIMJOGGED command, AutoCAD prompts you to select a circle or arc. Once you select an object, you will be prompted to define a new center location:
Specify center location override:
The answer should indicate the location of the starting point of the leading line (the end without the arrow). The leading line will extend from this point to a point on the circle or arc. Then the program will ask you to determine the location of the text size value, after which you can adjust the position of the zigzag section.
Diameter determination
The diameter can be set using the DIMDIAMETER command. This command acts exactly the same as DIMRADIUS, only it measures and enters the diameter rather than the radius and accordingly places the diameter symbol in front of the value (Fig. 5.11).
Rice. 5.11. Diameter insert
Let's look at inserting radius and diameter.
1. Open or create a drawing containing a circle and an arc.
2. Run the DIMRADIUS command. A prompt will appear:
Select arc or circle:
3. Select an arc. AutoCAD will place definition points at the center of the arc and at the selected point, and then prompt you to locate the dimension line:
Specify dimension line location or :
4. Select the Mtext option and enter typ after the default size value. Click the button Close Text Editor(Close Text Editor) tab Text Editor(Text editor).
5. Place the dimension line in a suitable location.
6. Run the DIMDIAMETER command. AutoCAD will prompt:
Select arc or circle:
7. Select a circle. AutoCAD will place the defining points at the center of the circle and at the point you selected on the circle. You will then be prompted to locate the dimension line:
Specify dimension line location or :
8. Place the dimension line.
Setting the arc length
Similar to linear dimensions, AutoCAD can specify arc lengths using the DIMARC command. By default, the program measures the entire length of the arc, from one extreme point to the other, but you can choose to measure the length of part of the arc. In addition to Mtext, Text and Angle, this command has a Partial parameter, which allows you to select the start and end points on the arc and measure the length of only the specified section. When you place an arc length dimension, AutoCAD automatically inserts an arc symbol before the dimension value.
Let us indicate the length of the arc on the drawing.
1. Create an arc or arc polyline in the drawing area.
2. Run the DIMARC command. AutoCAD will ask you to select an arc or segment of an arc polyline:
Select arc or polyline arc segment:
3. Select an arc. AutoCAD will create defining points at the center of the arc and at the selected point on the arc. You will then be asked to specify the location of the dimension line:
Specify arc length dimension location, or :
4. Place the dimension line. The drawing will take approximately the same form as in Fig. 5.12.
Rice. 5.12. Inserting Arc Length
Creating Center Marks
When dimensioning arcs and circles, AutoCAD places marks at the centers of the measured objects. You may need to place center marks for arcs and circles that are not being measured. There are different ways to do this in AutoCAD. One option is to simply draw the center marks using the LINE or PLINE command. Another is to use the DIMCENTER command.
The DIMCENTER command places crossed lines at the center of a circle or arc. When you run this command, AutoCAD prompts you to select an arc or circle and then places a crosshair on the center mark.
Measuring angles
To define a linear dimension, AutoCAD must have two defining points. When entering angle values, you must specify three points to determine the angular size: a vertex and two end points. Angular dimensions are set using the DIMANGULAR command. When using this command, you have three options to define the angular dimension: selecting an arc or circle, selecting two intersecting lines, and selecting three points (a vertex and two endpoints) (Figure 5.13).
Rice. 5.13. Various options for inserting corner dimensions
When you run the DIMANGULAR command, AutoCAD prompts you to select an arc, circle, line, or define a vertex:
Select arc, circle, line, or
If you select an arc, AutoCAD will use the center and ends of the arc to determine the angular dimensions. If it is a circle, the selected point will be used as one extreme point of the corner, and the center of the circle will be used as the vertex. In this case, AutoCAD will prompt you for the second extreme point and allow you to place the dimension text.
If a line is selected, AutoCAD will ask you to select another line and will measure the angle based on their extreme points closest to the selected point on the line.
Note
If you select two parallel lines, the Lines are parallel prompt appears. After this, the command execution will end. If you select something other than a line segment as the second line, AutoCAD will report this and prompt you to select the second line again.
To set the vertex and corner extreme points, press the key Enter in response to the request:
Select arc, circle, line, or
The program will ask you to specify the vertex point and then specify the two extreme points.
Let's practice creating an angular dimension.
1. Draw an angle or lines that are not parallel.
2. Run the DIMANGULAR command. AutoCAD will prompt:
Select arc, circle, line, or
3. Select a line. The program will ask you to specify the second line:
Select second line:
4. Select the second line. A prompt will appear:
Specify dimension arc line location or :
5. Place the dimension line. Note that the angle value changes depending on the location of the mouse pointer.
In addition, you can control the location of the text value of angular dimensions outside the measured angle: if the value is indicated away from the corner, then an extension dimensional arc is created for it (Fig. 5.14).
Rice. 5.14. Using new sizing options
Basic and related sizes
Base and linked dimensions are linear dimensions that share common extension lines. Base size is also called baseline size because many of its properties are measured relative to a common characteristic feature. Related dimensions are called extended, since linear dimensions are extended from one end to the other.
Size with baseline
Basic dimensions are determined from the extension line of an existing linear or angular dimension. Each base dimension is set off from this extension line, and the dimension lines are positioned at a predetermined distance. To create basic dimensions, use the DIMBASELINE command.
The DIMBASELINE command requires an existing linear or angular dimension to work. By default, AutoCAD uses the first extension line of the last linear or angular dimension as the reference line. If you want to use another leader line as a basis, you can press the key Enter. If the program cannot find the line of the latest size, it will prompt you to choose the one you need.
Once you determine which line will be used as the base line, you are prompted to select a defining point for the next extension line. The DIMBASELINE command will continue to place dimensions with a baseline until you stop it with the Undo option.
Extended size
An extended dimension is similar to a basic dimension: it requires an existing linear or angular dimension to be created, and you can place multiple dimension lines with a single command. The only difference is that while dimensions with a baseline are based on the general extension line, extended dimensions are based on the last dimension line created. The result is a chain of dimensions in which each is measured relative to the previous one. To create extended (or chain) dimensions, use the DIMCONTINUE command.
After running the DIMCONTINUE command, AutoCAD will place a dimension line near the second extension line of the last linear or angular dimension created. If you want to continue adding similar dimensions, press the key Enter to select a different leader line. Like the DIMBASELINE command, the DIMCONTINUE command will repeat requests until you finish executing it. To complete the command, select the Undo parameter; to specify another extension line as the base line, select Select.
Let's look at the process of creating basic and chain dimensions.
1. Draw a detail approximately as shown in Fig. 5.15.
Rice. 5.15. Original part
2. Run the DIMLINEAR command and add a horizontal dimension near the left edge of the part.
3. Run the DIMCONTINUE command. AutoCAD will extend the dimension line from the previous dimension and prompt you to define the start of the second extension line:
4. Place the dimensions as shown in the figure. 5.16. Press the key Esc to end the DIMCONTINUE command.
Rice. 5.16. Extended size
5. Run the DIMBASELINE command. AutoCAD will begin to extend the dimension line from the previous one and will ask you to determine the beginning of the second extension line:
Specify a second extension line origin or
6. Press the key Enter to select the Select option. You will be prompted to select a base size:
Select base dimension:
7. Select the leader line at the leftmost point of the shape. AutoCAD will prompt you to determine the start of the second extension line:
Specify a second extension line origin or
8. Select the rightmost point of the shape. AutoCAD will automatically place the base dimension above the others. Your drawing will look something like the one shown in Fig. 5.17.
Rice. 5.17. Basic size insert
Size style
We looked at how to create and place dimensions in a drawing. However, this is only part of the process. In this section, you will learn how to control the appearance of dimension objects using dimension styles.
A dimension style is a collection of parameters stored under a specific name and applied to dimensions as settings. Dimension styles control the appearance and behavior of a dimension object: the arrowhead used, the text style, allowed values and formatting, and the overall scale of the dimension.
Dimension styles function like text or layer styles: you set a specific style as current, and any new objects are created using the settings contained in that style. Dimension styles are controlled using the DIMSTYLE command.
When you run the DIMSTYLE command, a dialog box appears Dimension Style Manager(Size Style Manager) (Fig. 5.18). In this window you can create and change a dimension style.
Rice. 5.18. Size Style Manager Window
In field Styles(Styles) Displays dimension styles. Drop-down list List(List) allows you to specify which styles should be shown in the field Styles(Styles). You can choose to display all styles or only those used in the drawing.
Additionally, using the checkbox Don't list styles in Xrefs(Don't List Styles in Xref) You can select, show, or hide dimension styles contained in Xrefs.
In area Preview of(Preview) displays an example of the currently selected dimension style being used. The buttons located on the right side of the window allow you to create, change, cancel, and compare dimension styles.
Creating a Dimension Style
AutoCAD comes with a predefined default dimension style - ISO-25. It can be changed, renamed, and even deleted if it is not listed as current. Style Options ISO-25 are defined in the template file used to create the drawing.
To create a new dimension style, click the button New(New) in the dialog box Dimension Style Manager(Size Style Manager). As a result, a window will appear Create New Dimension Style(Create a new dimension style) (Fig. 5.19).
Rice. 5.19. New Dimension Style Dialog Box
When you create a new dimension style, AutoCAD makes a copy of the existing style as a starting point. In the window Create New Dimension Style(Create New Dimension Style) provides a name for the new dimension style and indicates which style you want to copy to use as a base. You can also create a style that only applies to a specific type of size. For example, you might want all text dimension values to be aligned to dimension lines, but the text values for radius and diameter dimensions to be placed horizontally. In such cases, so-called child styles are used, which appear as substyles of the main dimension style.
Note
If you select a child dimension style in the Create New Dimension Style dialog box, the Dimension Style Manager window's Preview of area displays only those dimension style options that differ from the parent. The Description area shows the differences between the parent and child styles.
Let's create a new dimension style and apply it to the drawing shown in Fig. 5.20.
Rice. 5.20. Original drawing
1. Run the DDIM command. A dialog box will appear Dimension Style Manager(Size Style Manager). Click the button New(New) to open a window Create New Dimension Style(Create a new dimension style).
2. Enter the Mech name in the field New Style Name(Name of the new style) and make sure that in the list Start With(Start with) style selected ISO-25, and in the list Use for(Use for) – value All dimensions(All sizes). Click the button Continue(Continue). A window will appear on the screen New Dimension Style(New size style).
3. Change, for example, on the tab Text(Text) switch position Text align ment(Text Alignment) on horizontal(Horizontally).
4. Click the button OK, to accept the settings change. You will see the window again Dimension Style Manager(Size Style Manager). The new dimension style appears in the field Styles(Styles).
5. Click the button Close(Close) to end the DIMSTYLE command.
6. Place linear dimensions. Your drawing should look something like the one shown in Fig. 5.21.
Rice. 5.21. Result of applying the new dimension style
Customizing an existing dimension style
To change the dimension style options, select its name in the window Dimension Style Manager(Size Style Manager) and click the button Modify(Change). A window will open Modify Dimension Style(Change Dimension Style), which contains seven tabs that provide settings for various aspects of dimensions.
Line optionsTab Lines(Lines) is designed to control dimension and extension lines (Fig. 5.22).
Rice. 5.22. Dimension Line Options
Region Dimension lines(Dimension Lines) allows you to set the color (Color), type (Linetype) and thickness (Lineweight) dimension lines, as well as the interval between them, used to create basic dimensions. Field Extend beyond ticks(Go Beyond Labels) is only available when certain types of arrowheads are specified. For example, if an architectural label is used, the parameter Extend beyond ticks(Extend beyond labels) specifies how much the dimension line will extend beyond the labels. You can also make the dimension line invisible on either side of the text value (the checkboxes are for this Dim line 1 And Dim line 2). This is useful when dimensioning cluttered areas where lines often crowd out the text dimension value.
Region Extension lines(Extension Lines) contains similar options for extension lines. You can set the color, type, and thickness of extension lines, adjust their length, and specify the gap between the extension line and the object for which you are dimensioning.
Symbol and Arrow SettingsTab Symbols and Arrows(Symbols and Arrows) allows you to set the size and type of directional arrows used (Fig. 5.23).
Rice. 5.23. Symbol and Arrow Options
You can set different index arrows for the first and second dimension lines, as well as a separate arrow for the index lines (Leader). Region Center marks(Center Marks) is used to determine the size and type of center marks. Here you can specify how center marks will be displayed in radius and diameter dimensions, and also configure the creation of center mark lines with the DIMCENTER command.
You can break dimensions or extension lines where they intersect with geometry or other dimensions. Although this is not recommended drafting practice, sometimes such breaks are necessary, so in the area Dimension Break(Gap size) there is an opportunity to set the size of such a gap.
Options in area Arc length symbol(Arc Length Symbol) control where the arc length symbol is displayed when using the DIMARC command. In field Jog angle(Zigzag Angle) specifies the angle of the zigzag line segment used when executing the DIMJOGGED command.
Text settingsTab Text(Text) controls the placement and appearance of text (Figure 5.24). In area Text appearance(Text Style) You can set the text style to be used. Clicking the ellipsis button causes a dialog box to appear Text Style(Text Style) in which you can create and edit text styles. In addition, on this tab you can configure the color and background of the text, as well as set the display of a frame around the text by checking the box Draw frame around text(Draw a frame around the text).
Rice. 5.24. Text Options
Options Text height(Text Height) and Fraction height scale(Fraction Height Scale) controls the height of the text. Coefficient Fraction height scale(Fraction Height Scale) applies to the numerator and denominator text in the fraction. For example, if the text height is set to 0.12 5, and the fraction height scale is 0.5, then the height of the numerator and denominator must be 0.0625 so that together they fit into the overall height of the fraction.
In area Text placement(Text Placement) you can specify the placement of text relative to dimension and extension lines. In the dropdown list Vertical(Vertical) You can select the position of the text value relative to the dimension line: above, below, or centered. If you select the value JIS the text size will be positioned according to the Japanese industry standard. List horizontal(Horizontal) specifies the placement of the text relative to the leader lines: you can place the text near the first or second leader lines, or extend it over any leader line. From the list View Direction(Viewing Direction) You can select the direction of the text: left to right or right to left. In field Offset from dim line(Offset from dimension line) specifies the distance between the line and the text value of the dimension.
Fit and scale optionsTab Fit(Fit) controls the behavior and scale of dimensions (Figure 5.25). Here you can specify what happens to dimensions if AutoCAD cannot place both dimension lines and a text value between extension lines.
Rice. 5.25. Fit and Dimension Scale Options
Using the settings located in the area Text placement(Text Placement), you can determine where the text will be placed if it is not in the default position.
For example, if the drawing needs to be printed to scale 1/8"=1"–0", you should scale all annotations in your drawing by a factor of 96. Since the drawing is reduced for printing, this ensures that the annotation is the correct size. Switch Scale for dimension features(Scale for Dimension Properties) controls the overall scale of dimension feature annotations.
Attention!
It is important to note that the Scale for dimension features parameter only affects the size of the dimension objects themselves (lines, text), and not the dimension values.
Use overall scale of(Use Global Scale) is a scale factor that applies to all dimension properties. For example, if the text values and directional arrows have a height of 0.125 and the overall scale value is 2, AutoCAD will display the text and directional arrows at a scale of 0.25.
Overall scale (switch position Use overall scale of(Use Full Scale) is most often used when dimensions are placed in modeling space (the drawing area) and you are displaying the drawing view in that space. If you are drawing a drawing from layout space (sheet), you can set the switch to Scale dimensions to layout(Scale dimensions for layout). In this case, AutoCAD automatically scales all dimension properties to match the scale of the layout viewport. This is useful when one drawing contains many views and graphic scales.
In area Fine tuning (Fine tuning) you can set some additional dimensions type parameters. If the checkbox is checked Place text manually(Place Text Manually), an additional tooltip appears when creating dimensions, allowing you to locate the dimension text value after you have located the dimension line.
Checked checkbox Draw dim line between ext lines(Draw dimension line between extension lines) will force the dimension line to be placed between the extension lines regardless of the location of the text value.
Definition of Basic UnitsTab Options Primary Units(Basic units) are intended for formatting the text value of the size (Fig. 5.26). In area Linear dimensions(Linear dimensions) you can specify how the units of measurement will be displayed, and in the area Angular dimensions(Angle dimensions) – what the angular dimensions will look like.
Rice. 5.26. Dimension text value formatting options
Parameter Unit format(Units Format) sets the unit format for all dimension types except angular. It is usually adjusted to match the units of measurement of the design. In addition to standard settings you can also select units Desktop Windows that use the options located in the window language and regional standards(Fig. 5.27).
Rice. 5.27. Windows regional settings window
This window can be called up by running the command Start > Control Panel and clicking on the icon in the window that opens Language and regional standards.
Using a list Units format(Units format) in the area Angular dimensions(Angle dimensions) You can control the display of angular dimensions: Decimal Degrees(Decimal degrees), Degrees Minutes Seconds(Degrees, minutes, seconds), Gradians(Grady) or Radians(Radians).
Parameter Precision(Precision) controls the number of decimal places in the dimension text. It only affects the display of the text value, without changing the geometry of the drawing or affecting the actual measured value of the dimension.
In the dropdown list Fraction format(Fraction Format) You can select how fractions are displayed. This setting is only available when in the list Unit format(Unit Format) item selected Architectural(Architectural) or Fractional(Fractional). This option is used in combination with Fractional height scale(Fraction height scale) tab Text(Text).
If on the list Unit format(Unit Format) value selected Decimal(Decimal), then in the dropdown list Decimal separator(Decimal Separator) You can set the character used as the decimal separator.
In field Round off(Rounding) sets the rounding rule for dimensions of all types except angular. If you enter 0.25, all distances will be rounded to the nearest 0.25 unit value. If you enter 1.0, all measured distances will be rounded to the nearest whole number. The number of digits displayed after the decimal point depends on the setting Precision(Accuracy).
In field Prefix(Prefix) You can specify a prefix for the text size value. The specified text will be placed before the default value. You can enter any text in this field or use control codes to display Special symbols. For example, the control code %%C is responsible for displaying the diameter symbol.
In field Suffix(Suffix) can also be specified additional text, however in this case it will be placed after the default value. For example, you can enter the inch symbol (") and the program will insert it after each dimension value.
Region Measurement scale(Measurement Scale) contains options that allow you to define the scale factor for default dimension values. Parameter Scale factor(Scale factor) specifies the scale factor for linear dimension measurements. The value of any linear dimension is multiplied by this factor, and the final value is used as the default text. For example, if you set the dimension scale factor to 2, the text dimension value for a 1-inch line will appear as 2 inches. The value does not apply to angular measurements or rounding, or to positive or negative tolerances.
If the checkbox is checked Apply to layout dimensions only(Apply to Layout Dimensions Only), the scaled size value will only apply to dimensions created in layouts (view sheet space).
Settings in the area Zero suppression(Zero Suppression) controls the display of leading and trailing zeros in text dimension values. For example, when using decimal units of measurement, checking the Leading(Leading) means that a value of 0.5000 will be displayed as .5000. When checked Trailing The (final) size 12.5000 will look like 12.5.
Using fields Sub-units factor(Sub-dimensional factor) and Sub-units suffix(Sub-dimensional suffix) You can specify a sub-dimensional factor and a suffix. For example, if the unit of measurement is 1 m, you can specify a sub-size factor of 100 and a sub-size suffix of cm. In this case, when the size value is less than 1, for example 0.45, it will display 45 cm rather than 0.45 m.
Checkboxes 0 feet(0 in feet) and 0 inches(0 in inches) control the display of zeros in dimension values expressed in feet and inches. For example, if the checkbox 0 feet(0 in feet) is checked, a value of 0" 8" will display as 8". When checked 0 inches(0 in inches) value 12" 0" will display as 12".
Alternative units of measurementTab Alternate Units(Alternate Units) allows you to display dimensions in two different formats (Figure 5.28). A typical example is displaying dimensions in both millimeters and inches, for example 2.00. Tab Alternate Units(Alternate Units) contains options similar to those on the Primary Units(Basic units). To allow the use of alternative units, select the checkbox Display alternate units(Display alternative units).
Rice. 5.28. Alternate Unit Options
Parameter meaning Unit format(Unit Format) and Precision(Accuracy) is no different from similar settings on the tab Primary Units(Basic units). When using fractional unit formats (architectural and fractional), you can choose between composed and uncomposed fraction views.
Settings Multiplier for alt units(Multiplier for alternative units) and Round distances to(Round distances to) determine the conversion factor between primary and alternative units. For example, to convert inches to millimeters, set the multiplier to 25.4. This value does not affect the angular dimensions. Settings Round distances to(Round Distances To) allows you to apply rounded values to alternative dimensions. This rounded value is independent of the primary unit rounding value.
Options Prefix(Prefix), Suffix(Suffix) and checkboxes in the area Zero suppression(Zero Suppression) are configured in the same way as for basic units. For example, to place mm after the alternative units, enter Suffix(Suffix) corresponding meaning.
By switch Placement(Placement) you can choose where the alternate units will be displayed: after the main value (After primary value) or under it (Below primary value).
Tolerance settingsTab Tolerances(Tolerances) is intended to control the display and values of tolerances for both basic and alternative units (Fig. 5.29). Settings Method(Method) controls the display of tolerances. Parameter Precision(Accuracy) and checkboxes in areas Zero suppression(Zero suppression) work in the same way as in tabs Primary Units(Base Units) and Alternate Units(Alternate Units) but only controls tolerance values.
Rice. 5.29. Tolerance Options
In the fields Upper value(Upper limit) and Lower value(Lower Limit) You can set the upper and lower limits of the tolerance parameter values.
Using the field Scaling for height(Scaling for Height), you can set the relative size of the tolerance text value. This is the scale factor multiplied by the text height of the main unit. For example, if you specify a value of 0.5, the tolerance text will be half the size of the base unit.
On the list Vertical position(Vertical position) select the vertical position of the main text value of the dimension in relation to the tolerance text: Bottom(Bottom) Middle(Middle) or Top(Above).
Let's look at how to change an existing dimension style.
1. Run the DIMSTYLE command to bring up the dialog box Dimension Style Manager(Size Style Manager).
2. Select the dimension style you created earlier Mech and click on the button Modify(Change). A dialog box will appear Modify Dimension Style(Change size style).
3. On the tab Symbols and Arrows(Symbols and arrows) set the parameter Arrow size(Arrow size) value 0.125.
4. On the tab Text(Text) click the ellipsis button next to the list Text style(Text style). A dialog box will appear Text Style(Text style). Click on the button New(New) and create a text style named DIM using the font romans.shx. Click the button Apply(Apply) and then Close(Close) to return to the window Modify Dimension Style(Change size style).
5. Select from the list Text style(Text style) text style DIM which you just created and set the parameter Text height(Text height) equal to 0.125.
6. Click the button OK, to save size style changes and return to the window Dimension Style Manager(Size Style Manager). Select Size Style Mech and click on the button Set Current(Set Current) to set this dimension style as the current one. Click the button Close(Close) to complete the DIMSTYLE command. The sizes associated with this style will be updated.
Any drawing in AutoCAD contains various dimensions that are an integral part graphic information for workers in production, construction, management and many other industries. In this chapter, we looked at the basic AutoCAD commands and interface elements used to insert and edit linear and angular dimensions.
AutoCAD provides the user with a variety of tools to create, modify, and update dimensional objects. Using dimension styles effectively and knowing how to set dimension parameters correctly is the key to your success when working in AutoCAD.
Customizing an existing dimension style
To change the dimension style options, select its name in the window Dimension Style Manager(Size Style Manager), and then click the button Modify(Change). A window will appear Modify Dimension Style(Change dimension style) (Fig. 5.23). This window contains seven tabs containing various size settings.
Rice. 5.23. Change Dimension Style Dialog Box
Line options
Tab Lines(Lines) (Fig. 5.24) is designed to control dimension and extension lines.
Rice. 5.24. Dimension Line Options
Region Dimension lines(Size Lines) allows you to set the color ( Color), type ( Linetype) and thickness ( Lineweight) dimension lines, as well as the spacing between lines used to create basic dimensions. Field Extend beyond ticks(Extend Labels) is only available when certain types of arrowheads are specified. For example, if an architectural label is used, the parameter Extend beyond ticks(Extend beyond labels) specifies how much the dimension line will extend beyond the labels. You can also make the dimension line invisible on either side of the text value. This can be useful when dimensioning cluttered areas where lines often crowd out the text dimension value.
Region Extension lines(Extension Lines) contains similar options for extension lines. You can set the color ( Color), type ( Linetype) and thickness ( Lineweight) extension lines, adjust their length and specify the gap between the extension line and the object for which you are dimensioning.
Customizing Symbols and Arrows
Tab Symbols and Arrows(Symbols and Arrows) (Fig. 5.25) allows you to set the size and type of directional arrows used.
Rice. 5.25. Symbols and Arrows Tab
You can set different index arrows for the first and second dimension lines, as well as a separate index arrow for the index lines ( leader). Region Center marks(Center Marks) is used to determine the size and type of center marks. Here you can specify how the center marks will be displayed in the radius and diameter dimensions, and also configure the creation of lines of the center marks by the command DIMCENTER.
You can break dimensions or extension lines where they intersect with geometry or other dimensions. Although this is not recommended drafting practice, sometimes such breaks are necessary, so in the area Dimension Break(Gap size) there is an opportunity to set the size of such a gap.
Options in area Arc length symbol(Arc Length Symbol) are responsible for where the arc length symbol is displayed when using the command DIMARC. In field Jog angle(Zigzag angle) indicate the angle of the zigzag section of the line used when executing the command DIMJOGGED.
Text settings
Tab Text(Text) (see Figure 5.23) controls the placement and appearance of text. In area Text appearance(Text Style) You can set the text style to be used. Clicking the ellipsis button causes a dialog box to appear Style(Style) in which you can create and change text styles. In addition, on this tab you can configure the color and background of the text, as well as set the display of a frame around the text by checking the box Draw frame around text(Draw a frame around the text).
Options Text height(Text Height) and Fraction height scale(Fraction Height Scale) controls the height of the text. Coefficient Fraction height scale(Fraction Height Scale) applies to the numerator and denominator text in the fraction. For example, if you set the text height to .125 , and the fraction height scale is .5 , then the height of the numerator and denominator should be .0625 so that together they fit into the overall height of the fraction.
In area Text placement(Text Placement) you can specify the placement of text relative to dimension and extension lines. In field Offset from dim line(Offset from dimension line) specifies the distance between the line and the text value of the dimension. In the dropdown list Vertical(Vertical) You can select the position of the text value relative to the dimension line: above, below, or centered. If you select the value JIS, the size text value will be positioned according to the Japanese Industrial Standard. List horizontal(Horizontal) specifies the placement of the text relative to the leader lines: you can place the text near the first or second leader lines, or extend it over any leader line.
Fit and scale options
Tab Fit(Fit) (Figure 5.26) controls the behavior and scale of dimensions. Here you can specify what happens to dimensions if AutoCAD cannot place both dimension lines and a text value between extension lines.
Rice. 5.26. Fit and Dimension Scale Options
Using the options located in the area Text placement(Text Placement), you can determine where text will be placed if it is not in the default position.
In Chapter 1, we discussed annotation scale factors. For example, if the drawing needs to be printed to scale 1/8”=1’-0” , you must scale all annotations in your drawing by a factor of 96. Because the drawing is reduced for printing, this ensures that the annotation is the correct size. Switch Scale for dimension features(Scale for Dimension Properties) controls the overall scale of dimension feature annotations.
Attention!
It is important to note that the Scale for dimension features parameter only affects the size of the dimension objects themselves (lines, text), but not the dimension values.
Use overall scale of(Use Global Scale) is a scale factor that applies to all dimension properties. For example, if text values and directional arrows have a height .125 , and the value of the overall scale is 2 , AutoCAD will display text and directional arrows to scale .25 .
Overall scale (switch position Use overall scale of(Use Full Scale) is most often used when dimensions are placed in modeling space (the drawing area) and you are displaying the drawing view in that space. If you are drawing a drawing from layout space (sheet), you can set the switch to Scale dimensions to layout(Scale dimensions for layout). In this case, AutoCAD automatically scales all dimension properties to match the scale of the layout viewport. This is useful when one drawing contains many views and graphic scales.
In area Fine tuning(Fine tuning) you can set some additional parameters for the size view. When the checkbox is checked Place text manually(Place Text Manually), an additional tooltip appears when creating dimensions, allowing you to locate the dimension text value after you have located the dimension line.
Checked checkbox Draw dim line between ext lines(Draw Dimension Line Between Leader Lines) will force the dimension line to be placed between the leader lines regardless of the location of the text value.
Definition of Basic Units
Options on the tab Primary Units(Basic units) (Fig. 5.27) are intended for formatting the text value of the size. In area Linear dimensions(Linear dimensions) you can specify how the units of measurement will be displayed, and in the area Angular dimensions(Angle dimensions) – what the angular dimensions will look like.
Rice. 5.27. Dimension text value formatting options
Parameter Unit format(Units Format) sets the unit format for all dimension types except angular. It is usually adjusted to match the units of measurement of the design. In addition to the standard settings, you can also select units Desktop Windows, which use the parameters located in the window (Fig. 5.28). This window can be called up by running the command Start ? Control Panel and clicking on the icon in the window that opens language and regional standards.
Rice. 5.28. Windows regional settings window
Using a list Units format(Units format) in the area Angular dimensions(Angle dimensions) You can control the display of angular dimensions: Decimal Degrees(Decimal degrees), Degrees Minutes Seconds(Degrees, minutes, seconds), Gradians(Gradians) or Radians(Radians).
Parameter Precision(Precision) controls the number of decimal places in the dimension text. It only affects the display of the text value, without changing the geometry of the drawing or affecting the actual measured value of the dimension.
In the dropdown list Fraction format(Fraction Format) You can select how fractions are displayed. This setting is only available when in the list Unit format(Unit Format) item selected Architectural(Architectural) or Fractional(Fractional). This parameter is used in combination with the parameter Fractional height scale(Fraction height scale) tab Text(Text).
If on the list Units format(Unit Format) value selected Decimal(Decimal), then in the dropdown list Decimal separator(Decimal Separator) You can set the character used as the decimal separator.
In field Round off(Rounding) sets the rounding rule for dimensions of all types except angular. If you enter a value 0.25 , all distances will be rounded to the closest value 0.25 from the unit of measurement. If you enter a value 1.0 , all measured distances are rounded to the nearest whole number. The number of digits displayed after the decimal point depends on the setting Precision(Accuracy).
In field Prefix(Prefix) You can specify a prefix for the text size value. The specified text will be placed before the default value. You can enter any text in this field or use control codes to display special characters. For example, control code %% is responsible for displaying the diameter symbol.
In field Suffix(Suffix) You can also specify additional text, but in this case it will be placed after the default value. For example, you can enter the inch symbol ( ” ), and the program will insert it after each size value.
Region Measurement scale(Measurement Scale) contains options that allow you to define the scale factor for default dimension values. Parameter Scale factor(Scale factor) specifies the scale factor for linear dimension measurements. The value of any linear dimension is multiplied by this scale factor, and the final value is used as the default text. For example, if you set the size scale factor to 2 , then the text size value for a one-inch line will display as two inches. The value does not apply to angular measurements, rounding values, or positive or negative tolerance values.
If the checkbox is checked Apply to layout dimensions only(Apply to Layout Dimensions Only), the scaled size value will only apply to dimensions created in layouts (view sheet space).
Settings in the area Zero suppression(Zero Suppression) controls the display of leading and trailing zeros in text dimension values. For example, when using decimal units of measurement, checking the Leading(Leading) means that the value 0.5000 will be displayed as .5000 . When checked Trailing(Final) size 12.5000 will look like 12.5 .
Checkboxes 0 feet(0 in feet) and 0 inches(0 in inches) control the display of zeros in dimension values expressed in inches and feet. For example, if the checkbox 0 feet(0 in feet) set, value 0?8? will be displayed as 8? . When checked 0 inches(0 in inches) value 12?0? will be displayed as 12? .
Alternative units of measurement
Tab Alternate Units(Alternate Units) (Figure 5.29) allows you to display dimensions in two different formats. A typical example is to display dimensions in both millimeters and inches simultaneously, for example 2.00 . Tab Alternate Units(Alternate Units) contains options similar to those on the Primary Units(Basic units). To allow the use of alternative units, select the checkbox Display alternate units(Display alternative units). If it is set, the remaining options will be active.
Rice. 5.29. Alternate Units Options Tab
Parameter meaning Unit format(Unit Format) and Precision(Accuracy) does not differ from the values of similar parameters on the tab Primary Units(Basic units). When using fractional unit formats (architectural and fractional), you can choose between composed and uncomposed fraction views.
Settings Multiplier for alt units(Multiplier for alternative units) and Round distances to(Round distances to) determine the conversion factor between primary and alternative units. For example, to convert inches to millimeters, set the multiplier 25.4 . This value does not affect the angular dimensions. Settings Round distances to(Round Distances To) allows you to apply rounded values to alternative dimensions. This rounded value is independent of the primary unit rounding value.
Options Prefix(Prefix), Suffix(Suffix) and checkboxes in the area Zero suppression(Zero suppression) is set in the same way as for basic units. For example, to place after the alternative units the entry mm, enter in the field Suffix(Suffix) corresponding meaning.
By switch Placement(Placement) You can choose where the alternate units will appear: after the main value ( After primary value) or below it ( Below primary value).
Tolerance Options
Tab Tolerances(Tolerances) is intended to control the display and values of tolerances for both basic and alternative units (Fig. 5.30). Options located in the area Zero suppression(Zero suppression), and Precision(Accuracy) operate in the same way as the similar options on the tabs Primary Units(Base Units) and Alternate Units(Alternate Units) but only controls tolerance values. In the fields Upper value(Upper limit) and Lower value(Lower Limit) You can set the upper and lower limits of the tolerance parameter values.
Rice. 5.30. Tolerances Tab
In field Scaling for height(Scaling for Height) You can set the relative size of the text tolerance value. This is the scale factor multiplied by the text height of the main unit. For example, if you set the value Scaling for height(Scaling for height) equal .5 , the tolerance text will be equal to half the size of the base unit.
Settings Method(Method) controls the display of tolerances.
On the list Vertical position(Vertical position) select the vertical position of the main text value of the dimension in relation to the tolerance text: Top(Above), Middle(Middle) or Bottom(Bottom).
Let's look at how to change an existing dimension style.
1. Run the command DIMSTYLE to bring up the dialog box Dimension Style Manager(Size Style Manager).
2. Select the dimension style you created earlier Mech and click on the button Modify(Change). A dialog box will appear Modify Dimension Style(Change size style).
3. On the tab Symbols and Arrows(Symbols and arrows) set the parameter Arrow size(arrow size) value .125 .
4. On the tab Text(Text) click the ellipsis button next to the list Text style(Text style). A dialog box will appear Text style(Text style). Click on the button New(New) and create a text style named DIM using font romances.shx. Click the button Apply(Apply) and then Close(Close) to return to the window Modify Dimension Style(Change size style).
5. Select from the list Text style(Text style) text style DIM, which you just created, and set the parameter Text height(Text height) equal .125 .
6. Click the button OK to save the size style changes and return to the window Dimension Style Manager(Size Style Manager). Select Size Style Mech and click on the button Set Current(Set Current) to set this dimension style as the current one. Click the button Close(Close) to complete the command DIMSTYLE. The sizes associated with this style will be updated.
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The Symbol Manager has many top tabs. These are Lines, Arrows and symbols, Text, Basic units. Using these tabs you can customize the dimension style.
In the Style Manager dialog box, you can configure the Lines the following parameters:
1)
Set the step in basic dimensions2)
Extension beyond dimension lines – the amount of extension of extension lines beyond the dimension line3)
Indent from the object - indents of extension lines from the objectOn the tab Arrows and symbols you can make the following settings:
1)
Arrows You can set the design of the arrows, namely left, heel and extension lines)
2) Arrow size – you can specify the size of the arrow3)
Arc length symbol – sets the position of the arc above or below the textThe text tab, where you can customize the text.
1)
Text style in which you can choose a font and set the indentation between characters2)
Text height – you can set the text height4) Text alignment – you can set text alignment horizontally and vertically
5) Text orientation – you can set the position of the text along the dimension line, horizontally
On the tab Accommodation You can set Placement Options, Text Alignment, Scale of Dimensional Elements, Fitting of Elements.
1) Placement options – when text and arrows cannot be placed between leader lines (do not fit), you can specify what will be placed first behind the leader lines
2) Suppress arrows if they do not fit between extension lines - you need to check the box if, and do not check anything if not.
3) Text alignment, you can set the position of a dimension line or a leader if you move text in the drawing.
4) Global scale, you can set the global scale
5) Fitting elements, you can set the position of elements
Tab Basic units You can specify the dimensional accuracy. Specify a prefix, for example, if you want the size numbers to be preceded by a letter, for example B10, and not just the value 10. This is necessary when you need to indicate what size or what size. Also in this tab you can specify the separator between the integer and fractional parts (period or comma). You can specify the scale of measurements (depending on the scale of the drawing). You can specify the dimension and accuracy of angular dimensions (in degrees or degrees minutes seconds).
Well, in the tabs Alternative Units and Tolerances , alternative units and tolerances can be specified.
Dimensions- an important detail in the drawing. Therefore, I decided to write this article about what dimensions are in AutoCAD, how to set and change dimensions.
A dimension in AutoCAD is a complex object that is treated as a single entity. It consists of extension lines, a dimension line with arrows (or tick marks), and a dimension value.
All sizes are fundamentally divided into two groups: linear and angular. Linear dimensions characterize such parameters as length, width, thickness, height, diameter, radius. Angular size characterizes the magnitude of the angle.
Rules for applying dimensions.
These rules in our country are regulated by GOST 2.307-68. So you can go there for the rules for applying sizes. I advise you to adhere to these rules, even if you are not a professional designer or engineer.
Now I will just focus on how to put certain dimensions on drawings in AutoCAD.
On “Annotations” tab on “Size” panel click on button “Linear dimension”. As you probably already know, AutoCAD has special commands for calling tools. In our case this is the command “RZMLINEAR”. Try entering in command line the first letters of the command, for example, "RZML". The command will be added to the command line itself. Now press “Enter”.
A corresponding prompt will appear on the command line: “Start of first extension line or<выбрать объект>:". Click LMB to select the first dimension point on the object, then the second.
After this, the command line displays the prompt: “Dimension line position or [MText/Text/Angle/Horizontal/Vertical/Rotated]:”. Those. Now you need to indicate the location of the dimension line. According to GOST, this value is 10mm.
Simply moving the cursor approximately to the place where the size should be located, enter the value 10 from the keyboard. You will see how this value is displayed in the number field. Now don't forget to press “Enter”.
For faster work, you can not specify size points, but specify the part of the object that you want to measure.
To do this, in response to the first request, indicate the beginning of the first extension line, simply press “Enter”. You will use the “Select object” option.
Now you need to specify the object for which you need to size. For example, I'll indicate an interior wall. And now, moving the cursor away from the object, a linear dimension follows it. Here the position of the dimension line is arbitrary. Therefore, click LMB anywhere.
Always pay attention to the prompts that appear on the command line. After all, almost every command in AutoCAD has its own options.
Options that can be used when applying dimensions.
After placing the second point of the dimension - this is the beginning of the second extension line, a number of options appear on the command line - MText, Text, Angle, Horizontal, Vertical, Rotated.
Let's look at the sizing options available when using these options.
"MText". This option opens an editor that allows you to edit dimension text.
Here you can change the size value itself. Or add symbols “+-”, “~”, etc. to the value.
"Text". This option allows you to edit dimension text on the command line (without calling the editor). The resulting size value is displayed in angle brackets.
Enter a new numeric value at the command line. You can also change the text in the number field. After entering the value, specify the position of the dimension line.
"Corner". Allows you to change the rotation angle of dimension text.
