Content.

Introduction ................................................................................................................. 2
1. Dimensions .......................................................................................................... 4
2. Tools ..................................................................................................................... 8
3. Complementary tools ........................................................................................ 26
4. Dimension manager .......................................................................................... 43
Bibliographic references .......................................................................................... 64
Document control ........................................................................................................... 65

Introduction
Here the apprentice will find the
appropriate material to apply
dimensions in a fast and dynamic way;
AutoCAD 2D in its latest version adapted the process in a more efficient way, since the
tool detects the different possibilities of dimensioning that object requires and generates
them in a simpler way simplifying the activity.

In addition this process has a menu with the established tools to achieve an adequate
project presentation.

It is necessary to emphasize the importance of the process, because it becomes

relevant at the moment of handing in the project, dimensions and annotations make the
project design to come true, from paper to reality.
 1. Dimensions
It is the action of giving real measurements to an object in the drawing by a dimension
line, which are used to identify, manufacture and make designed elements or projects,
also to have a dimension control once they are manufactured or built

The dimension tools are located on the Annotate tool at the top of the interface, they
have a drop down bar that will show other dimension tools.

1.1 Dimension

Creates multiple types of dimensions

within a single command session.
When you hover over an object for
dimensioning, the DIM command
automatically previews a suitable
dimension type to use.
Select objects, lines, or points to
dimension and click anywhere in the
drawing area to draw the dimension.
The supported dimension types range
from vertical, horizontal, aligned, and
rotated linear dimensions, to angular
dimensions, to radius, diameter, jogged
radius, and arc length dimensions, to
baseline and continued dimensions. If
required, you can change the dimension
type using command line options.
Angular: creates an angular dimension
showing the angle between three points
by or the angle between two lines (same
as the DIMANGULAR command).
Baseline: creates a linear, angular, or
ordinate dimension from the first
extension line of the previous or
selected dimension (same as the
DIMBASELINE command).
Continue: creates a linear, angular, or
ordinate dimension from the second
extension line of a selected dimension
(same as the DIMCONTINUE
command).
Ordinate: creates an ordinate
dimension (same as DIMORDINATE
command).
Align: aligns multiple parallel,
concentric, or same datum dimensions
to a selected base dimension.
Move away: arranges the existing
dimension and the newly inserted
dimension into a baseline dimension
type.
Break up: splits up the existing
dimension into two dimensions, and
arranges those dimensions into a
continued dimension type.

Linear Dimensions: linear dimensions

can be horizontal, vertical, or aligned.
You can create an aligned, horizontal, or
vertical dimension with the DIM
command depending on how you move
the cursor when placing the text.
Radial Dimensions: a radial dimension
measures the radius or diameter of arcs
and circles with an optional centerline or
center mark. Several options are
displayed in the illustration.

Angular Dimensions: Angular

dimensions measure the angle between
two selected geometric objects or three
points. From left to right, the example
shows angular dimensions created
using a vertex and two points, an arc,
and two lines.

Ordinate Dimensions: ordinate

dimensions measure the perpendicular
distances from an origin point called the
datum, such as a hole in a part. These
dimensions prevent escalating errors by
maintaining accurate offsets of the
features from the datum.

Arc Length Dimensions: arc length

dimensions measure the distance along
an arc or polyline arc segment. Typical
uses of arc length dimensions include
measuring the travel distance around a
cam or indicating the length of a cable.
To differentiate them from linear or
angular dimensions, arc length
dimensions display an arc symbol by
default. The arc symbol, also called a
hat or cap, is displayed either above the
dimension text or preceding the
dimension text.

Baseline and Continued Dimensions:

Continued dimensions, also called
chained dimensions, are multiple
dimensions placed end-to-end.
 2. Tools
To access the dimension tools determined within AutoCAD, you need to open the drop-
down list shown below, where you will find the dimension tools that will be explained
below:

2.1 Dimlinear

Creates a linear dimension.

Creates a linear dimension with a
horizontal, vertical, or rotated dimension
line. This command replaces the
DIMHORIZONTAL and DIMVERTICAL
commands.
First, Second Extension Line Origin:
Prompts for the first and second
extension line origin points.

Dimension Line Location: Uses the

point you specify to locate the
dimension line and determines the
direction to draw the extension lines.

Object Selection: Automatically

determines the origin points of the first
and second extension lines after you
select an object.
For polylines and other explodable
objects, only the individual line and arc
segments are dimensioned. You cannot
select objects in a non-uniformly scaled
block reference.

Example of usage:

To use the LINEAR tool, it will be

necessary to have an object that needs
to be dimensioned.
Select the linear dimension tool with any
of the methods: by icon, when entering
the name of the command, within the
menu or by its abbreviation (DIMLIN)
followed by the ENTER key.

Select the first point to start the

measurement.

Specify the second point on the

reference line.

Give a distance for the dimension line

location, which in this case is 50 units.
This is the result of the drawing
dimensioned with the command

2.2 Dimangular

Creates an angular dimension.

Measures the angle between selected
geometric objects or 3 points.
Arc Selection: uses points on the
selected arc or polyline arc segment as
the defining points for a three-point
angular dimension. The center of the arc
is the angle vertex. The arc endpoints
become the origin points of the
extension lines.

Circle Selection: uses the selection

point as the origin of the first extension
line. The center of the circle is the angle
vertex.
The second angle endpoint is the origin
of the second extension line and does
not have to lie on the circle.

Line Selection: Defines the angle using

two lines or polyline segments.
The program determines the angle by
using each line as a vector for the angle
and the intersection of the lines for the
angle vertex. The dimension line spans
the angle between the two lines. If the
dimension line does not intersect the
lines being dimensioned, extension lines
are added as needed to extend one or
both lines. The arc is always less than
180 degrees.

Three-Point Specification: Creates a

dimension based on three points you
specify.
The angle vertex can be the same as
one of the angle endpoints. If you need
extension lines, the endpoints are used
as origin points.
The dimension line is drawn as an arc
between the extension lines. The
extension lines are drawn from the
angle endpoints to the intersection of
the dimension line.

Example of usage:

To use the DIMANGULAR tool, it will be

necessary to have an object containing
lines that converge on a point, in the
example they are drawn in yellow.

Select the Dimangular tool with any of

the methods: by icon, when entering the
9name of the command, within the
menu or by its abbreviation
(DIMANGULAR) followed by the
ENTER key.

Select the vertex for the start of the

measurement, which can start from an
arc, a circle or a line.
Select the second line.

Indicate the distance where it is required

to leave the dimension, this may be tied
to one of the points of the drawing

The generated dimension between two

points will show the value of the internal
angle and the external or supplementary
angle.

2.3 Dimarc
Creates an arc length dimension.
Arc length dimensions measure the
distance along an arc or polyline arc
segment. The extension lines of an arc
length dimension can be orthogonal or
radial. An arc symbol is displayed either
above or preceding the dimension text.
Arc or Polyline Arc Segment:
Specifies an arc or arc polyline segment
to be dimensioned.
Arc Length Dimension Location:
Specifies the placement of the
dimension line and determines the
direction of the extension lines. Arc
length dimensions measure the distance
along an arc or polyline arc segment.
The extension lines of an arc length
dimension can be orthogonal or radial.
An arc symbol is displayed either above
or preceding the dimension text.

Example of usage:

To use the DIMARC tool, it will be

necessary to have an object containing
arcs.

Select the Arc Length dimension tool

with any of the methods: by icon, by
typing the command name, within the
menu or by its abbreviation (DIMARC)
followed by the ENTER key.

Select the entity that needs to be

measured and then designate the
distance to which the dimension needs
to be arranged.

2.4 Dimradius

Creates a radius dimension for a circle

or an arc.
Measures the radius of a selected circle
or arc and displays the dimension text
with a radius symbol in front of it. You
can use grips to reposition the resulting
radius dimension easily.
Select Arc or Circle: Specifies a circle,
arc, or arc segment on a polyline. A fillet
is considered an arc.
Dimension Line Location: Determines
the angle of the dimension line and the
location of the dimension text. If the
dimension is placed off of an arc
resulting in the dimension pointing
outside the arc, the product
automatically draws an arc extension
line.

Example of usage:

To use the RADIUS tool, you will need

an object that contains circles or arcs.

Select the Radius Dimension tool with

any of the methods: by icon, when
entering the name of the command,
within the menu or by its abbreviation
(DIMRADIUS) followed by the ENTER
key.

Select the arc or circle.

With cursor movement, distance or
coordinate, specify the location of the
dimension line.

The result of the drawing with the

command.

2.5 Dimdiameter
Creates a diameter dimension for a
circle or an arc.
Measures the diameter of a selected
circle or arc, and displays the dimension
text with a diameter symbol in front of it.
You can use grips to easily reposition
the resulting diameter dimension.

Example of usage:

To use the DIAMETER tool, you will

need an object that contains circles or
arcs.

Select the Diameter Dimension tool with

any of the methods: by icon, when
entering the name of the command,
within the menu or by its abbreviation
(DIMDIAMETER) followed by the
ENTER key.

Select the arc or circle.

With cursor movement, distance or
coordinate, specify the location of the
dimension line.

The result of the dimensioned drawing

with the command

2.6 Dimjogged
Creates jogged dimensions for circles
and arcs.
DIMJOGGED measures the radius of
the selected object and displays the
dimension text with a radius symbol in
front of it. The origin point of the
dimension line can be specified at any
convenient location.
Note: Jogged radius dimensions are
also called foreshortened radius
dimensions.
Creates jogged radius dimensions when
the center of an arc or circle is located
off the layout and cannot be displayed in
its true location. The origin point of the
dimension can be specified at a more
convenient location called the center
location override.
Select Arc or Circle: Specifies a circle,
arc, or arc segment on a polyline.
Center Location Override: Specifies a
new center point for a jogged radius
dimension that takes the place of the
true center point of the arc or circle.
Dimension Line Location: Determines
the angle of the dimension line and the
location of the dimension text. If the
dimension is placed off of an arc
resulting in the dimension pointing
outside the arc, the product
automatically draws an arc extension
line.
Example of usage:

To use the DIMJOGGED tool, you will

need an object that contains circles or
arcs.

Select the DIMJOGGED tool with any of

the methods: by icon, when entering the
name of the command, within the menu
or by its abbreviation (DIMJOGGED)
followed by the ENTER key.

Specify the end point where you want to

locate the dimension

With cursor movement, distance or

coordinate, specify the location of the
text.
With the movement of the cursor, with a
distance or a coordinate, specify the
location of the jogged dimension line.

The result of the drawing with the

command.

2.7 Dimordinate
Creates ordinate dimensions.
Ordinate dimensions measure the
horizontal or vertical distance from an
origin point called the datum to a
feature, such as a hole in a part. These
dimensions prevent escalating errors by
maintaining accurate offsets of the
features from the datum.

Xdatum: Measures the X ordinate and

determines the orientation of the leader
line and dimension text. The Leader
Endpoint prompt is displayed, where
you can specify the endpoint.

Ydatum: Measures the Y ordinate and

determines the orientation of the leader
line and dimension text. The Leader
Endpoint prompts are displayed, where
you can specify the endpoint.

Example of usage:

To use the DIMORDINATE tool, it will

be necessary to have an object which
must be arranged on the axes (Y) and
(Z) in the coordinate (0,0) in order to
keep adequate distances.
Select the Dimordinate tool with any of
the methods: by icon, by its
abbreviation, within the menu or by
typing the command name
(DIMORDINATE) followed by the
ENTER key.

It will be necessary to start with the

location of the element where the first
dimension is to be placed.

With the movement of the cursor, with a

distance or a coordinate, specify the
leader end point.
In this case a value of 200 units of
distance will be assigned.

La figura queda acotada con el

comando.
 3. Complementary tools
The dimensions will need complementary tools to be able to adapt them to the design
requirements, that is why within the same menu Annotate, the following complements
will be found:

3.1 QDIM

Creates a series of dimensions

quickly from selected objects.
This command is particularly useful
for creating a series of baseline or
continued dimensions, or for
dimensioning a series of circles and
arcs.
The following prompts are
displayed.

Select geometry to dimension: Selects objects to dimension or dimensions to edit.

Specify dimension line position: Specifies the dimension line position.
Continuous: Creates a series of continued dimensions, in which linear dimension lines
are all located end-to-end along the same line.
Staggered: Creates a series of staggered dimensions, in which linear dimension lines
are offset from each other by a constant increment.
Baseline: Creates a series of baseline dimensions, in which linear dimensions share a
common extension line.
Ordinate: Creates a series of ordinate dimensions, in which features are annotated with
a single extension line together with either an X or Y value. measured relative to a
datum point.
Radius: Creates a series of radial dimensions, in which the radius values of selected
arcs and circles are displayed.
Diameter: Creates a series of diameter dimensions, in which the diameter values of
selected arcs and circles are displayed.
Datum Point: Sets a new datum point for baseline and ordinate dimensions.
Edit: Removes selected point locations from consideration before dimensions are
generated.
Settings: Sets the object snap priority for specifying extension line origin points, either
intersections or endpoints.

Example of usage:

To use the QUICK tool, it will be

necessary to have an object to be
dimensioned.

Select the quick dimension tool with

any of the methods: by icon, by its
abbreviation, within the menu or by
typing the command name (QDIM)
followed by the ENTER key.

Select the entities that need

dimension, then press the ENTER
key.
Specify the distance to which the
dimension is required.

This tool is also functional when

specific dimensions are required
such as: continuous, staggered,
base, ordinate, radius, diameter,
data point and edit, by displaying
characteristics of many quick
dimension tools.

3.2 Dimbreak

Breaks or restores dimension and

extension lines where they cross other
objects.
Dimension breaks can be added to
linear, angular, and ordinate
dimensions, among others.
Example of usage:

To cut dimensions, it is necessary to

select the object and then press the
command DIMBREAK. They are
required to cross each other.

Select the Dimbreak tool with any of the

methods: by icon, by its abbreviation, in
the menu or by typing the command
name (DIMBREAK) followed by the
ENTER key.

Select to add dimension

Describe the way in which you want to

break the dimension.
This process can be executed
automatically or manually as indicated
by the command.
It will automatically be as follows:

Imperceptible to the naked eye, it will be

necessary to generate zoom out to the
break.

In case of generating a manually break

dimension, the tool will work as follows:
the dimension to break has to be
selected.

Select the first point where the

dimension break will be generated.
Then select the second dimension break
point.

At the end, the dimension break

between the two selected points will be
generated, the final project design will
be cleaner and will have more clarity

3.3 Dimedit

Edits dimension text and extension lines.

Rotates, modifies, or restores dimension
text. Changes the oblique angle of
extension lines. The companion
command that moves text and the
dimension line is DIMEDIT.
The following prompts are displayed.
Home: Moves rotated dimension text
back to its default position.
The selected dimension text is returned
to its default position and rotation as
specified in its dimension style.

New: Changes dimension text using the

In-Place Text Editor.
The generated measurement is
represented with angle brackets (< >).
Use control codes and Unicode character
strings to enter special characters or
symbols. See Control Codes and Special
Characters.
To edit or replace the generated
measurement, delete the angle brackets,
enter the new dimension text, and then
choose OK. If alternate units are not
turned on in the dimension style, you can
display them by entering square brackets
([ ]).

Rotate: Rotates dimension text. This

option is similar to the Angle option of
DIMEDIT.
Entering 0 places the text in its default
orientation, which is determined by the
vertical and horizontal text settings on the
Text tab of the New, Modify, and
Override Dimension Style dialog boxes.
Oblique: The Oblique option is useful
when extension lines conflict with other
features of the drawing. The oblique
angle is measured from the X axis of the
UCS.

Example of usage:

To use the DIMEDIT, it is necessary to

have an object, which will be
dimensioned.

Select the dimension editing tool with any

of the methods: by icon, by its
abbreviation, within the menu or by
typing the command name (DIMEDIT)
followed by the ENTER key.

The tool will generate four different

options to edit the dimension.
Click on Home to activate the tool or
write the letter (H), the function of Home
is to set the position of the dimension to
its original position.

Select the dimension that requires to be

edited, followed by the ENTER key.

And the dimension will return to its

original position.

New: to activate the tool, click New or

write the letter (N).
Its function is to generate changes to
what is specified in the dimension.
A text window opens where the required
dimension changes will be included, then
press the ENTER key.

Select the dimension that needs to be

edited, and immediately the new value is
assigned to the element.

Rotate: to activate the tool click Rotate or

write the letter (R).
Its function is to generate changes to the
angle of the text.
Specify the new angle you require to
have the dimension text. In this case it is
270º

Select the objects to be modified followed

by the ENTER key, to change the
dimension text angle.

The result is the change of the dimension

direction.
Oblique: to activate the tool, click
Oblique or write the letter (O).
Its function is to change the angle of the
dimension line references.

Select the object that needs to be

modified.

The required angle to the reference line

dimension will be assigned. In this case
(90 degrees).
Changing as a result the angle line
references designated.

3.4 Dimtedit

Moves and rotates dimension text and

relocates the dimension line.
Use this command to change or restore
the location, justification, and angle of
dimension text.
You can also use it to change the
location of the dimension line. The
companion command, DIMEDIT, edits
the dimension text and changes the
extension line angle. In many cases,
selecting and editing the dimension text
grip can be a convenient alternative.
Select Dimension: Specifies a
dimension object.
Location for Dimension Text:
Specifies a new location of the
dimension text. The dimension and
extension lines are automatically
adjusted. Whether the dimension text
appears above, below, or in the middle
of the dimension line is determined by
the dimension style.

Left: Left-justifies the dimension text

along the dimension line.
This option works only with linear,
radius, and diameter dimensions.

Right: Right-justifies the dimension text

along the dimension line.
This option works only with linear,
radius, and diameter dimensions.

Center: Centers the dimension text on

the dimension line.
This option works only with linear,
radius, and diameter dimensions.
Home: Moves the dimension text back
to its default position.

Angle: Changes the angle of the

dimension text.
The center point of the text does not
change. If the text moves or the
dimension is regenerated, the
orientation set by the text angle is
retained. Entering an angle of 0 degrees
puts the text in its default orientation.
The text angle is measured from the X
axis of the UCS.

Example of usage:

To use de DIMTEDIT, it is necessary to

select an object to edit the dimension.

Select the DIMTEDIT tool to edit the

dimensions with any of the methods: by
icon, by its abbreviation, within the
menu or by typing the command name
(DIMTEDIT) followed by the ENTER
key.

Select the dimension to edit.

Specify the new location of the text, in

the menu appear the established
options:
Left, Right, Center, Home and Angle,
with the acronyms, the dimension will
move to the required place.

The text will appear on the left side after

typing letter (L).
In the same way the location of the text
with the other characteristics will be
modified.
Press Left Justify to obtain the result
easily.

The text will appear on the center after

typing letter (C).
Press Center justify to obtain the result
easily.

The text will appear on the right side

after typing letter (R).
Press Right justify to obtain the result
easily.
 4. Dimension manager
4.1 Dimstyle

Creates and modifies dimension styles.

The Dimension Style Manager is
displayed.
A dimension style is a named collection
of dimension settings that control the
appearance of dimensions. You create
dimension styles to specify the format of
dimensions quickly, and to ensure that
dimensions conform to standards.
Creates new styles, sets the current
style, modifies styles, sets overrides on
the current style, and compares styles.
Current Dimension Style: Displays the
name of the dimension style that is
current. The default dimension style is
STANDARD. The current style is
applied to dimensions you create.
Styles: Lists dimension styles in the
drawing. The current style is highlighted.
Right-click in the list to display a
shortcut menu with options to set the
current style, rename styles, and delete
styles. You cannot delete a style that is
current or in use in the current drawing.
The icon before the style name indicates
that the style is annotative.
List: Controls the display of styles in the
Styles list. Select All Styles if you want
to see all dimension styles in a drawing.
Select Styles in Use if you want to see
only the dimension styles currently used
by dimensions in the drawing.
Don’t List Styles in Xrefs: When
selected, suppresses display of
dimension styles in externally
referenced drawings in the Styles list.
Preview: Shows a graphic
representation of the style selected in
the Styles list.
Description: Describes the style
selected in the Styles list relative to the
current style. If the description is longer
than the space provided, you can click
in the pane and use arrow keys to scroll
down.
Set Current: Sets the style selected
under Styles to current. The current
style is applied to dimensions you
create.
New: Displays the Create New
Dimension Style dialog box, in which
you can define a new dimension style.
Modify: Displays the Modify Dimension
Styles dialog box, in which you can
modify dimension styles. Dialog box
options are identical to those in the New
Dimension Style dialog box.
Override: Displays the Override Current
Style dialog box, in which you can set
temporary overrides to dimension styles.
Dialog box options are identical to those
in the New Dimension Style dialog box.
Overrides are displayed as unsaved
changes under the dimension style in
the Styles list.
Compare: Displays the Compare
Dimension Styles dialog box, in which
you can compare two dimension styles
or list all the properties of one dimension
style.

Lines Tab (Dimension Style Manager)

Sets the format and properties for
dimension lines, extension lines,
arrowheads, and center marks.
Color: Displays and sets the color for
the dimension line. If you click Select
Color (at the bottom of the Color list),
the Select Color dialog box is displayed.
You can also enter a color name or
number.
Linetype: Sets the linetype of the
dimension line. (DIMLTYPE system
variable)
Lineweight: Sets the lineweight of the
dimension line.
Extend Beyond Ticks: Specifies a
distance to extend the dimension line
past the extension line when you use
oblique, architectural, tick, integral, and
no marks for arrowheads.
Example of usage:

Select the DIMSTYLE tool with any of

the methods: by icon, by its
abbreviation, within the menu or by
typing the command name
(DIMESTYLE) followed by the ENTER
key.

A pop-up window appears, where the

dimension style ISO-25 is specified.
As it will be necessary to generate
changes in the style, select the option
New.

Assign a name to the new style

(Dimensions), style that is based on
ISO-25 and then select Continue
The popup window is called the
dimension style manager and you can
find different tabs to manage the
dimensions characteristics:
Lines
Symbols and Arrows
Text
Fit
Primary Units
Alternate Units
Tolerances

DIMENSION STYLE MANAGER

Lines Tab
Sets the format and properties for dimension lines, extension lines, arrowheads, and
center marks.
Dimension Lines
Color: Displays and sets the color for
the dimension line. If you click Select
Color (at the bottom of the Color list),
the Select Color dialog box is displayed.
You can also enter a color name or
number.
Linetype: Sets the linetype of the
dimension line. (DIMLTYPE system
variable)
Lineweight: Sets the lineweight of the
dimension line.
Extend Beyond Ticks: Specifies a
distance to extend the dimension line
past the extension line when you use
oblique, architectural, tick, integral, and
no marks for arrowheads.
Baseline Spacing: Sets the spacing
between the dimension lines of a
baseline dimension. Enter a distance.
For information about baseline
dimensions, see DIMBASELINE.
(DIMDLI system variable)
Suppress: Suppresses display of
dimension lines. Dim Line 1 suppresses
the first dimension line; Dim Line 2
suppresses the second dimension line.
(DIMSD1 and DIMSD2 system
variables)

Extension Lines: Controls the

appearance of the extension lines.
Color: Sets the color for the extension
line. If you click Select Color (at the
bottom of the Color list), the Select
Color dialog box is displayed.
Linetype Ext Line 1: Sets the linetype
of the first extension line.
Linetype Ext Line 2: Sets the linetype
of the second extension line.
Lineweight: Sets the lineweight of the
extension line.
Suppress: Suppresses the display of
extension lines. Ext Line 1 suppresses
the first extension line; Ext Line 2
suppresses the second extension line.
Extend Beyond Dim Lines: Specifies a
distance to extend the extension lines
above the dimension line.
Offset From Origin: Sets the distance
to offset the extension lines from the
points on the drawing that define the
dimension.
Fixed Length Extension Lines:
Enables fixed length extension lines.
Length: Sets the total length of the
extension lines starting from the
dimension line toward the dimension
origin.

Symbols and Arrows Tab

Controls the appearance of the dimension arrowheads
Arrowheads
First: Sets the arrowhead for the first
dimension line. When you change the
first arrowhead type, the second
arrowhead automatically changes to
match it.
Second: Sets the arrowhead for the
second dimension line.
Leader: Sets the arrowhead for the
leader line. To specify a user-defined
arrowhead block, select User Arrow.
Arrow Size: Displays and sets the size
of arrowheads.

Center Marks: Controls the appearance

of center marks and centerlines for
diameter and radial dimensions.
Type: Sets the type of center mark or
line to use.
None: Creates no center mark or
centerline. The value is stored as 0 in
the DIMCEN system variable.
Mark: Creates a center mark. The size
of the center mark is stored as a positive
value in the DIMCEN system variable.
Line: Creates a centerline. The size of
the centerline is stored as a negative
value in the DIMCEN system variable.
Size: Displays and sets the size of the
center mark or centerline.

Dimension Break: Controls the gap

width of dimension breaks.
Break Size: Displays and sets the size
of the gap used for dimension breaks.
Arc Length Symbol: Controls the
display of the arc symbol in an arc
length dimension.
Preceding Dimension Text: Places arc
length symbols before the dimension
text. (DIMARCSYM system variable)
Above Dimension Text: Places arc
length symbols above the dimension
text.
None: Suppresses the display of arc
length symbols.

Radius Jog Dimension: Controls the

display of jogged (zigzag) radius
dimensions. Jogged radius dimensions
are often created when the center point
of a circle or arc is located off the page.
Jog Angle: Determines the angle of the
transverse segment of the dimension
line in a jogged radius dimension.

Linear Jog Dimension: Controls the

display of the jog for linear dimensions.
Jog Height Factor: Determines the
height of the of the jog, which is
determined by the distance between the
two vertices of the angles that make up
the jog.

Text Tab
Sets the format, placement, and alignment of dimension text.
Text Appearance
Controls the dimension text format and
size.
Text Style: Lists the available text
styles.
Text Style Button
Text Color: Sets the color for the
dimension text. If you click Select Color
(at the bottom of the Color list), the
Select Color dialog box is displayed.
You can also enter color name or
number.
Fill Color: Sets the color for the text
background in dimensions. If you click
Select Color (at the bottom of the Color
list), the Select Color dialog box is
displayed. You can also enter color
name or number. Text Height: Sets the
height of the current dimension text
style.
Fraction Height Scale: Sets the scale
of fractions relative to dimension text.
Draw Frame Around Text: Displays a
rectangular frame around the dimension
text. This option changes the value
stored in the DIMGAP system variable
to a negative value.

Text Placement
Controls the placement of dimension
text.
Vertical: Controls the vertical placement
of dimension text in relation to the
dimension line.
Horizontal: Controls the horizontal
placement of dimension text along the
dimension line, in relation to the
extension lines.
View Direction: Controls the dimension
text viewing direction.
Offset from Dim Line: Sets the current
text gap, which is the distance around
the dimension text when the dimension
line is broken to accommodate the
dimension text.

Text Alignment
Controls the orientation (horizontal or
aligned) of dimension text whether it is
inside or outside the extension lines.
Horizontal: Places text in a horizontal
position.
Aligned with Dimension Line: Aligns
text with the dimension line.
ISO Standard: Aligns text with the
dimension line when text is inside the
extension lines, but aligns it horizontally
when text is outside the extension lines.
Fit Tab

Fit Options
Controls the placement of text and
arrowheads based on the space
available between the extension lines.
Either Text or Arrows (Best Fit):
Moves either the text or the arrowheads
outside the extension lines based on the
best fit
Arrows: Moves arrowheads outside the
extension lines first, then text
(DIMATFIT system variable).
Text: Moves text outside the extension
lines first, then arrowheads (DIMATFIT
system variable).
Both Text and Arrows: When not
enough space is available for text and
arrowheads, moves both outside the
extension lines (DIMATFIT system
variable).
Always Keep Text Between Ext Lines:
Always places text between extension
lines.
Suppress Arrows If They Don't Fit
Inside Extension Lines: Suppresses
arrowheads if not enough space is
available inside the extension lines.
(DIMSOXD system variable)

Text Placement
Sets the placement of dimension text
when it is moved from the default
position, that is, the position defined by
the dimension style.
Beside the Dimension Line: If
selected, moves the dimension line
whenever dimension text is moved.
Over the Dimension Line, with
Leader: If selected, dimension lines are
not moved when text is moved. If text is
moved away from the dimension line, a
leader line is created connecting the text
to the dimension line. The leader line is
omitted when text is too close to the
dimension line.
Over the Dimension Line, Without
Leader: If selected, dimension lines are
not moved when text is moved. Text that
is moved away from the dimension line
is not connected to the dimension line
with a leader.

Scale for Dimension Features

Sets the overall dimension scale value
or the paper space scaling.
Annotative: Specifies that the
dimension is annotative. Annotative
objects and styles are used to control
the size and scale at which annotation
objects are displayed in model space or
a layout.
Scale Dimensions To Layout:
Determines a scale factor based on the
scaling between the current model
space viewport and paper space.
Use Overall Scale Of: Sets a scale for
all dimension style settings that specify
size, distance, or spacing, including text
and arrowhead sizes.

Fine Tuning
Provides additional options for placing
dimension text.
Place Text Manually: Ignores any
horizontal justification settings and
places the text at the position you
specify at the Dimension Line Location
prompt.
Draw Dim Line Between Ext Lines:
Draws dimension lines between the
measured points even when the
arrowheads are placed outside the
measured points.

Primary Units Tab

Sets the format and precision of primary dimension units and sets prefixes and suffixes
for dimension text.
Linear Dimensions
Sets the format and precision for linear
dimensions.
Unit Format: Sets the current units
format for all dimension types except
Angular.
Precision: Displays and sets the
number of decimal places in the
dimension text.
Fraction Format: Sets the format for
fractions.
Decimal Separator: Sets the separator
for decimal formats.
Round Off: Sets nearest rounding value
for dimension measurements for all
dimension types except Angular.
Prefix: Includes a prefix that you specify
in the dimension text.
Suffix: Includes a suffix that you specify
in the dimension text.

Measurement Scale
Defines linear scale options. Applies
primarily to legacy drawings.
Scale Factor: Sets a scale factor for
linear dimension measurements.
Apply to Layout Dimensions Only:
Applies the measurement scale factor
only to dimensions created in layout
viewports.

Zero Suppression
Controls the suppression of leading and
trailing zeros and of feet and inches that
have a value of zero.
Leading: Suppresses leading zeros in
all decimal dimensions.
Sub-units factor: Sets the number of
sub units to a unit. It is used to calculate
the dimension distance in a sub unit
when the distance is less than one unit.
Sub-unit suffix: Includes a suffix to the
dimension value sub unit. You can enter
text or use control codes to display
special symbols.
Trailing: Suppresses trailing zeros in all
decimal dimensions.

Angular Dimensions
Displays and sets the current angle
format for angular dimensions.
Units Format: Sets the angular units
format.
Precision: Sets the number of decimal
places for angular dimensions.
Zero Suppression: Controls the
suppression of leading and trailing
zeros.
Leading: Suppresses leading zeros in
angular decimal dimensions.
Trailing: Suppresses trailing zeros in
angular decimal dimensions.

Alternate Units Tab

Specifies display of alternate units in dimension measurements and sets their format
and precision.
Display Alternate Units
Adds alternate measurement units to
dimension text. Sets the DIMALT
system variable to 1.
Alternate Units: Displays and sets the
current alternate units format for all
dimension types except Angular.
Unit Format: Sets the unit format for
alternate units.
Precision: Sets the number of decimal
places for alternate units.
Multiplier for Alt Units: Specifies the
multiplier used as the conversion factor
between primary and alternate units.
Round Distances To: Sets rounding
rules for alternate units for all dimension
types except Angular.
Prefix: Includes a prefix in the alternate
dimension text. You can enter text or
use control codes to display special
symbols.
Suffix: Includes a suffix in the alternate
dimension text. You can enter text or
use control codes to display special
symbols.

Zero Suppression
Controls the suppression of leading and
trailing zeros and of feet and inches that
have a value of zero.
Leading: Suppresses leading zeros in
all decimal dimensions.
Sub-units factor: Sets the number of
sub units to a unit. It is used to calculate
the dimension distance in a sub unit
when the distance is less than one unit.
Sub-unit suffix: Includes a suffix to the
dimension value sub unit. You can enter
text or use control codes to display
special symbols.
Trailing: Suppresses trailing zeros in all
decimal dimensions.
0 Feet: Suppresses the feet portion of a
feet-and-inches dimension when the
distance is less than 1 foot.
0 Inches: Suppresses the inches
portion of a feet-and-inches dimension
when the distance is an integral number
of feet.
Placement: Controls the placement of
alternate units in dimension text.
After Primary Value: Places alternate
units after the primary units in dimension
text.
Below Primary Value: Places alternate
units below the primary units in
dimension text.

Tolerances Tab
Specifies the display and format of dimension text tolerances
Tolerance Format
Controls the tolerance format.
Method: Sets the method for calculating
the tolerance.
Precision: Sets the number of decimal
places.
Upper Value: Sets the maximum or
upper tolerance value.
Lower Value: Sets the minimum or
lower tolerance value.
Scaling for Height: Sets the current
height for the tolerance text.
Vertical Position: Controls text
justification for symmetrical and
deviation tolerances.
 Bibliographic references
Autodesk. (No date). Help. Consult on December 4th 2016, in
http://help.autodesk.com/view/ACDLT/2016/ENU/
Document control