How to Add Leader to Dimension in AutoCAD?

Adding Leaders to Dimensions in AutoCAD

Creating leaders in AutoCAD facilitates better communication of specific information within drawings. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to add a leader to dimension objects in AutoCAD 2025, detailing each step clearly.

Understanding Leaders and Their Importance

Leaders are essential in technical drawings as they help in pointing out specific details or dimensions. Leaders consist of a line or curve that ends in an arrowhead, connecting to a piece of text that provides additional information.

Steps to Add a Leader to Dimension in AutoCAD

1. Open Your Drawing: Launch AutoCAD 2025 and open the drawing where you want to add a leader. Make sure your dimension is already created.

2. Select the Dimension: Click on the dimension to which you wish to attach the leader. This could be a linear dimension, angular dimension, or any other type.

3. Activate the Multileader Command:

   • Type MLEADER in the command line and press Enter.
   • Alternatively, you can access this feature from the Home tab on the ribbon. Look for the Annotation panel and click on the Multileader option.

4. Insert the Leader: Once the command is active, click on the location in the drawing where you want the leader arrow to begin. This marks the leader’s start point.

5. Define the Leader’s Path: Drag your cursor to define the desired curvature or straight path for the leader. Click again to set the end point of the leader.

6. Add Leader Text: After placing the leader, you’ll be prompted to enter the text. This text will describe the dimension, whether it’s a label or additional information. Type your desired text and press Enter to finalize.

7. Finish the Command: To exit the leader command, right-click and select Exit or press Enter once more.

Modifying Existing Leaders

If you need to adjust an existing leader for better clarity, follow these steps:

1. Select the Leader: Click on the leader that needs modification.
2. Open the Mulitleader Style Manager: Go to the Annotate tab and click on Leaders, then select the downward-facing arrow to access the Multileader Style Manager.
3. Choose the Desired Style: Locate the appropriate leader style from the list and click Modify to make your adjustments.
4. Adjust Arrow Size: You can change settings such as arrow size and leader line style in the Properties dialog box.
5. Save Changes: Click OK to confirm your changes and close the dialog.

Adding Multiple Leaders to a Single Dimension

To link multiple leaders to a dimension, follow these steps:

1. Select the Dimension: Click on the existing dimension you wish to enhance with additional leaders.
2. Enter the Leader Command: Activate the MLEADER command as described previously.
3. Define Additional Leader Points: After the first leader is configured, place additional leaders by repeating the click process for each point.
4. Enter Corresponding Text: For each leader, input the relevant text that corresponds to the dimension.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I customize leader styles in AutoCAD?
Yes, AutoCAD allows you to create and modify leader styles. You can access the Multileader Style Manager to customize arrow types, line weights, and text formatting.

Q2: How can I delete a leader once it has been added?
To delete a leader, select it by clicking on it and press the Delete key on your keyboard, or right-click and choose Delete from the context menu.

Q3: Can leaders be curved in AutoCAD?
Yes, leaders in AutoCAD can be straight or curved depending on the preferences set during the creation process. You can specify the type of leader during the Multileader command options.