How to Set Default Dimension Style in AutoCAD 2018?

Understanding Default Dimension Styles in AutoCAD

Setting a default dimension style in AutoCAD is essential for maintaining consistency across your drawings. A dimension style encompasses various attributes including text style, size, and layout, ensuring that dimensional annotations appear uniform throughout your designs. The following steps will guide you through the process of configuring a default dimension style in AutoCAD 2018.

Accessing the Dimension Style Manager

To begin, open your AutoCAD application. The first step is to access the Dimension Style Manager:

1. Type D or DIMSTY in the command line and press Enter.
2. This will open the Dimension Style Manager window where all existing styles are listed.

Selecting and Modifying a Dimension Style

Once you are in the Dimension Style Manager, follow these steps to select and modify the dimension style:

1. In the Styles list, locate the dimension style you wish to alter. If you want to create a new one, click on New and provide a name.
2. Highlight the selected style and click on Modify.

Adjusting Dimension Settings

Upon entering the Modify Dimension Style dialog box, you will be presented with various tabs, each allowing you to customize different aspects of the dimension style.

1. Select the Fit tab. Here, you can specify scale adjustments under the section labeled “Scale for Dimension Features.”
2. Explore other tabs like Text, Lines, and Symbols and Arrows to make additional customizations.
3. Once you have made your desired changes, click OK to save them.

Setting the Default Dimension Style

To ensure that the dimension style you just modified is used as the default, you will need to complete the following steps:

1. In the Dimension Style Manager, right-click the name of the modified dimension style.
2. Select the option Set as Default.
3. Click Close to exit the Dimension Style Manager.

Saving the Dimension Style

To finalize your modifications and ensure they are available for future projects, it’s essential to save the dimension style:

1. Navigate to the Manage tab.
2. In the Styles and Standards panel, click on the Save button. This action saves the modified dimension style for use in any compatible projects.

Loading Dimension Styles

If you wish to incorporate an existing dimension style from another drawing, you can do so by following these steps:

1. Go to the View tab and select Palettes, then open DesignCenter.
2. On the DesignCenter toolbar, click Load and navigate to your desired drawing template.
3. Double-click Dimstyles to load individual styles into your current drawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the default dimension style in AutoCAD?

The default dimension style in AutoCAD is known as STANDARD. It comes preconfigured with basic settings suitable for general use.

How do I check for existing dimension styles in AutoCAD?

You can check existing dimension styles by accessing the Dimension Style Manager with the command D or DIMSTY. Here, you’ll find a list of all styles available in your current drawing.

Can I create custom dimension styles in AutoCAD?

Yes, custom dimension styles can be created by selecting New in the Dimension Style Manager. You can then modify various attributes to tailor the style to your specific needs.