How to make a volume in AutoCAD. Creating a dimension style in AutoCAD. How to copy a dimension style from one drawing to another

This note is dedicated to dimensions in AutoCAD, dimension styles, their fine tuning, application, and small tricks. At the end you can find a link to an example with customized dimensional styles for different scales and working styles in AutoCAD (in a model, at a scale of 1:1, at a scale of 1:1000)

Preface about classic AutoCAD

To work in AutoCAD, I have the “classic style” enabled because Ribbons (huge panel at the top) in CAD systems tend to get in the way. They were inserted into AutoCAD at the request of Microsoft, and, frankly speaking, they were sewn in one place. They also do not provide any clarity or special functionality. They take up a lot of space and contain few functions; to get to the ones you need you have to constantly rush between tabs. Plus, the ribbons themselves often turn out half-empty.

That's why I work in the Classic AutoCAD space. Accordingly, for a better understanding, I advise you to include this particular style. (team _cui, in the window that opens in the [ tab Workspaces] choose Classic AutoCAD, right-click and select “ Install" And " Set as default", and the buttons below apply And OK)

About sizes in AutoCAD

So, dimensions in AutoCAD are separate objects that, compared to primitives (arc lines, etc.), have a number of properties that make them absolutely indispensable when creating drawings.

toolbar Size

In the general case, they work quite intuitively: indicate the distance (angle) to be measured, sequentially indicating the points between which we want to obtain the size and indicate the distance from the measurement object. The remaining size parameters - text height, serifs, arrows, measurement scale, tolerances, etc. can be adjusted to taste and GOST requirements.

Let’s take a closer look at the settings. You can customize each size individually or using so-called dimensional styles. Accordingly, you can individually configure it as follows - select a size in the drawing, open its “properties” (ctrl+1, right mouse button-> “properties”) As you can see, there are many parameters.

The good news is that there aren't that many that are actually needed for most tasks. But more on that below.

So, we have configured the size using properties, but the next new size will have to be configured from scratch. Or use it from a configured object to a new one. Which is not convenient if there are more than a couple of dozen sizes.

Dimensional styles in AutoCAD

This is where dimensional styles come to our aid.

By default, the new file contains Standard and ISO-25 dimension styles. And accordingly, all new sizes receive their parameters from this style by default.

We can create our own styles for all occasions and use them.

Why all this complexity? The fact is that AutoCAD is a universal tool that is used in many industries and countries around the world. Accordingly, there are many design options and standards, not to mention the internal standards of companies or their divisions, and even the preferences of individual specialists.

By the way, the “Size” toolbar can be displayed as follows: right-click on any of the buttons on any toolbar, select “Size” from the drop-down list

Creation/editing of styles is done using the dimension style manager. To call it, you need to click on the button next to the list of dimensional styles - size with a brush. Or by team _dimstyle. In new versions of AutoCAD it can be reached through the tab

Annotations\Dimensions\[in the style drop-down list - dimension style manager]

Create a new dimension style

In order to figure it out, I suggest creating a new style, click the “New” button

To make work easier, new styles are created based on the styles of existing ones. Accordingly, set the style name “1-1” and click next.

Actually, from this moment we start setting up the style. It consists in changing the parameters we need to bring the size to the optimal form for our purposes. In other words, let's make it look the way we want it.

The style parameters completely replicate the size properties settings in AutoCAD, see the beginning of the article.

Lines:

Here we adjust the appearance (thickness, color, indents, extensions) of the size lines. Moreover, you can remove them completely so as not to interfere (Suppress 1st, 2nd.)

Symbols, serifs and arrows for dimensions:

Symbols and arrows, on this tab we configure the so-called serifs, their size and appearance. In general, the remaining parameters can be left at default, since they are used quite rarely.

Size text setting:

In this tab, we configure the properties of the dimension inscription, positioning, orientation, color, offset from the dimension line, etc. It also makes sense to create a separate text style for sizes (the button next to the “text style” drop-down list): Let's call it “DimensionalTextStyle”, and set the font ISOCPEUR, a ttf font, almost similar to our GOST font. Why ttf? - unlike shx (internal optimized AutoCAD fonts), it can be used in Word and Excel, and in Tekla, as well as any other Windows application, which allows you to give the project some uniformity. Let's return to dimensional styles:

Accommodation:

Placement of text— I would recommend leaving this item unchanged and adjusting it individually if necessary for individual sizes. For example, it is very convenient to enable the size option - build a leader. But when included in the style, it interferes because you have to constantly move the text with it in addition to the size.

Scale of dimensional elements -Annotative— when this option is enabled in AutoCAD, the size parameters in the model will be taken depending on the specified scale. It is set on the panel in the lower right corner:

The working scale is selected in the drop-down list. Next, the size parameters are automatically multiplied by the scale value. If the same detail is present in a different scale, we change the working value and feel free to set new dimensions. It may turn out to be a mess. It doesn’t matter - the button to the right of the scale selection can turn on or off the display of annotative dimensions of a different scale.

Why is this necessary? Creating on sheet (layout) viewports with details, plans and sections of the model, you choose the display scale. And AutoCAD displays on the viewport only those dimensions whose scale coincides with the scale of the viewport. This is convenient because it allows you to avoid wasting time creating multiple styles, depending on the display scale. And makes it easier to filter the display of dimensions in the viewport.

Global scale— essentially a multiplier of all size parameters. We set 2, and the parameters of all size elements double, set 10 - ten, and so on.

Basic units:

Here we set the format in which our measurements will be displayed. An important point, if you want your angular dimensions to show not only degrees but also minutes and seconds, then adjust the accuracy and format of the angular dimensions. If you want to use this style for a specific scale, you can set a “scale” (essentially a multiplier by which the size obtained from the model will be multiplied, draw a line of length 1, add a size, specify a scale of 1000 in the size, and accordingly the size text is displayed as 1000) .

The prefix and suffix are what will be added before or after the size. I indicated “mm” in the suffix and all dimensions will be 1000mm.

Alternative units:

Enabling this option will allow you to display another option of the same size in brackets. In general, it makes more sense to enable this option for individual sizes rather than per style.

Tolerances:

Accordingly, if you need to specify tolerances, you can configure this parameter for your style here. Or in the properties of individual sizes individually.

As a short afterword, let's talk about working styles in AutoCAD and their impact on dimensional styles.

Personally, I can distinguish three main styles of working in AutoCAD:

1. “Drawer” or “everything in the model” style.

This is the most common so-called incorrect style, typical for those who are just starting to work in AutoCAD, or those who have worked on paper for too long, and accordingly, working with a model and sheet does not bring anything but problems to such people. Therefore, a sheet is drawn in the model, and drawings are already created in this sheet, and plans, components and parts are made on the appropriate scale. Which is quite pointless, time-consuming and involves a lot of empty calculations.

But if you adhere to this particular school, then you will need dimensional styles for each scale. They will differ only in one parameter - Basic units — scale. You will need styles like M1:1, M1:100, in the first scale units will be equal to one, in the second one hundred. And so on.

2. One-to-one style

This is the most common style. All plans, components and parts are made in the model, on a scale of 1 to 1, and the layout of the drawing and selection of scales is carried out on a “sheet” (layout) using view windows. At first glance, it seems that this is quite complicated, but this approach makes it very easy to transfer components and parts from project to project, and do not “drawing” but modeling in model space. This allows you to significantly increase the accuracy of the final documentation and avoid a number of ridiculous mistakes.

The peculiarity of dimensional styles in this approach is that when displaying the same element on a sheet at different scales, the size parameters (text height, indents, arrow size, etc.) must change, while the scale of units remains unchanged and equal unit.

3: “1 in 1000” style, this style is typical for surveyors and planners. Those. For one conventional unit of the model, unlike the “1 to 1” style, we take not a millimeter, but a meter. Dimensional styles, similar to the second style, change their dimensions while maintaining the same scale of units. Therefore, on a scale of units, instead of 1, we take 1000.

Another advantage of this approach is that if you work with plans, you can enter much fewer zeros. For example, you need to construct a segment one meter long: set the point, direction and length -1. If you work on a scale of 1 to 1, you will have to enter 1000.

As a result, for simple input there are four keystrokes versus one.

As an example, for greater clarity, I made a file with dimensional styles for the main scales, for all three options for working in AutoCAD.

FAQ on sizes in AutoCAD:

Add your text to AutoCAD size

Add angle brackets to the text field, as a result your text will be displayed along with the current size value.

How to remove decimal places from AutoCAD dimensions

In the size or size style properties, set the precision to no decimal places.

Add minutes and seconds in AutoCAD angular size

Or in dimensional style in the section - Basic units\ Unit format: Select the appropriate format from the drop-down list and adjust the accuracy.

Or in the properties of a specific size (ctrl+1) - basic units, unit format(angle forman):

AutoCAD 2014/2013. Working with dimension chains

After selecting the handles of a rotated or parallel dimension that are on the dimension line:
-press ctrl, there is a dimensional chain
- ctrl again, enter the base size
- ctrl again, the arrow rotates.
Both the chain size and the base size will be the same style as our size with handles, no matter what the current size style is.
It is also convenient in that when carrying out similar operations with a parallel dimension, a dimension chain is formed from rotated dimensions with an appropriate rotation angle, and thus the dimension line will not rotate due to the points from which the dimension is taken out.

Also, for size chains, I advise you to study the work of the command

Editing Dimension Text

team _ddedit— will allow you to edit text of any size as regular multi-line text.

In the text properties, you can display your own text instead of the current size. If you want to leave the size value along with your text, you can write <>.

How to delete a dimension style in AutoCAD

To remove unused dimension styles, block descriptions, layers, fonts, etc. in AutoCAD, use the command _purge it calls up a dialog box for clearing “garbage” which one way or another appears when working with a drawing (by the way, if you have a couple of lines in the drawing and the file weighs several megabytes - _purge will help bring the form and content into harmony, throwing out everything that is stored in the drawing but not used)

Accordingly, if you do not have a single dimension in the drawing with a dimension style to be deleted, then it will be defined as “garbage” and will appear in the list for cleaning in the dialog accessible by command _purge.

How to copy a dimension style from one drawing to another.

The easiest way is to copy the size:

open a drawing with customized styles
create or select the sizes of the desired styles

If you are working on a drawing, then you have definitely asked yourself the question: how to make dimensions in AutoCAD? After all, this is a mandatory element of any project.

In the previous article, we already looked at how to set the size in AutoCAD, and we also studied the main points of their application. Now is the time to talk about how to customize dimensions so that their appearance matches the necessary drawing requirements. Now we are talking not only about the size of the text, but also about its orientation and location, the accuracy of numerical values (i.e., the number of decimal places), the appearance of arrows (serifs, dots, etc.), as well as the setting of extensions/ dimensional lines (color, type, weight, etc.).

How to adjust dimensions in AutoCAD?

The Dimension Style is responsible for the external display of dimensions in the drawing. It is enough to configure it once, save the drawing as a template and then use it in your work without wasting time editing dimensions.

So, in AutoCAD you can change the size, or rather, customize its appearance, in the Dimension Style Manager. There are several ways to bring up this dialog box:

On the “Home” tab - in the “Annotations” panel, expand the drop-down list and click on the small icon with the image of the size, as shown in Fig. 1.

On the Annotations tab in the Dimensions panel, click on the small arrow in the lower right corner of the panel, as shown in Fig. 2.

Enter “_dimstyle” in the command line.

Whichever method you choose, the Dimension Style Manager dialog box will open (see Figure 3), in which you can edit or create new styles.

Despite the fact that there are quite a lot of settings, they are all grouped and combined on the corresponding tabs “Lines”, “Symbols and arrows”, “Text”, etc.

Setting dimensions in AutoCAD. Example.

It is not advisable to describe each parameter. However, I will still list the main points that are worth paying attention to. I will also give an example of the settings that I use all the time.

It is always better to create new styles and give them names that will characterize them.

So, first you need to call the “Dimension Style Manager”. Set the name of the new style “GOST_3.5K” based on “ISO-25”:

1. Lines tab:

Line color and type → By layer.

Line weight → 0.18 mm.

Step in basic dimensions → 10 mm.

Color, as well as extension line type 1 and 2 → “By layer”.

Distance from object → 0 mm.

2. “Symbols and Arrows” tab:

Arrows → First, Second → Tilt.

Arrows → Leader → Filled closed.

Line color and type → By layer.

Arrow size → 3.

Center Marker → Line (value 2.5).

Arc Length Symbol → “Above Text Dimension.”

3. “Text” tab:

Text style → Select a previously created one or create a new one (read more about setting up text). Here is a small example: to create a new style, go to the text style editor, create a new one based on “GOST_3.5K” → set the name “Dimensional_3.5” → Font name “Simplex.shx”. A font with *.shx extension can use a line weight value. Apply → Close → Select the newly created style.

Text color → By layer.

Fill color → No fill (value “none”).

All other parameters are default.

4. Tab "Basic units":

Accuracy → 0 (leave all other parameters at default).

5. All other tabs- default.

After all the settings, the dimensions in the drawing may look like this (Fig. 4).

Dimensional style with "diameter" sign.

Let's look at another example of how to change the size in AutoCAD. In order to put a dimension with a diameter sign ∅, you need to go to the “Annotations” tab → Dimensions panel → “Dimension style manager” → New... → based on “GOST_3.5K” → Name “GOST_3.5K_diameter”. On the “Basic units” tab, set the value of the prefix → %%s (the meaning of the special character in Latin). Read more,

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 the first letters of the command into the command line, 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.

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 that there are many different types of sizes and many 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 indicates what level of associativity is currently in use.

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:

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 :

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 :

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 :

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 alignment(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 options

Tab 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 Settings

Tab 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 settings

Tab 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 text of the numerator and denominator 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 options

Tab 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 parameters for the size view. 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 Units

Tab 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 the 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 characters. For example, the control code %%C 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 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 measurement

Tab 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 settings

Tab 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 kinds of dimensions, which are an integral part of 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.

And its elements. In the previous article we talked about setting up the dimensional style in accordance with GOST. Now is the time to pay attention to the basic commands that allow you to quickly measure any drawing. Therefore, here you will find information on how to specify the size in AutoCAD using the appropriate tools located on the Annotations tab, “Dimensions” palette.

Express command (“Quick size”).

The Express (“Quick Dimension”) command helps answer the question of how to set dimensions in AutoCAD automatically for several elements at once.

Fig.1. “Express” quick sizing command.

To execute the command you need to: select several objects at once and specify the location of the size. The specified size displays the distances between all the characteristic points that have been selected. Contextual properties include:

Stepped

Base

Ordinate

Radius/diameter, etc. (you will find more details about each parameter in the course “”).

Rice. 2. Parameters of the “Express” command.

To create a chain of dimensions manually, you first need to set the original dimension and select the “Continue” command, then specify the characteristic points between which you need to determine the distance. By analogy with the original size, you can add a basic one (the “Basic” command). The snap goes to the first marked point of the original size.

Team "Break".

If two dimensions intersect, you can use the Break tool. The sequence of actions is as follows: call the command, then highlight the size you want to break and press Enter.

Rice. 3. Dimension break in AutoCAD.

"Attach" command.

The “Attach” command allows you to redefine an already assigned size to other points without losing connection, i.e. Associative dimensions remain in AutoCAD.

The associative property implies that objects (in this case, dimensions) are interconnected with the original elements of the drawing that need to be measured (segments, arcs, etc.). And when, for example, the length of a segment changes, the text value in size is automatically recalculated. You may have encountered exclamation marks appearing in the drawing, as in Fig. 4. This means that the associativity between size and object has been lost.

Rice. 4. Property of associative dimensions in AutoCAD.

Of course, there are other commands for working with dimensions, which are concentrated on the same tab. However, we will not consider them, because... It's intuitive how they work. Besides, you can always use Autodesk Help (hotkey F1), if difficulties arise.

A few words about dimensions in AutoCAD 3d.

Dimensions are always placed in the XY plane. If there is a need to take out a size, for example, the height of a volumetric object, i.e. along the Z axis, then you won't succeed. To perform this operation, it is enough to redefine the direction of the axes, i.e. work in a Custom coordinate system.