AutoCAD

How to Change Arrow Size in AutoCAD?

Understanding Arrow Sizes in AutoCAD

Changing the size of arrows in AutoCAD is crucial for clarity in your drawings. Whether you’re working with leaders, dimensions, or other annotations, knowing how to adjust arrow sizes can enhance the effectiveness of your design.

Modifying Leader Arrow Sizes

  1. Access the Leaders Settings:

    • Start AutoCAD and open the drawing where you need to adjust the arrow size.
    • Type LEADER in the command line and press Enter. This will activate the leader command settings.
  2. Navigate to the Annotation Scale:

    • Go to the “Format” menu located on the top toolbar.
    • Choose “Dimension Style” and then click on “Modify” within the Dimension Style Manager.
  3. Adjust Arrow Size:

    • In the Modify Dimension Style dialog, look for the “Symbols and Arrows” tab.
    • Here, you’ll see options to adjust the arrow size. You can specify the size in the relevant fields.
    • Click “OK” to apply the changes and close the dialog box.
  4. Exit and Review:
    • Create a leader to see the changes. The arrows should now reflect the new size settings.

Changing Arrow Sizes in Dimensions

  1. Open Dimension Style Manager:

    • Type DIMSTYLE into the command line to open the Dimension Style Manager.
  2. Modify Existing Styles:

    • Select the dimension style you want to change and click on “Modify.”
  3. Set Arrow Size:

    • In the Modify Dimension Style dialog, navigate to the “Symbols and Arrows” tab.
    • Adjust the arrowhead size as needed, using the designated input fields.
    • Click “OK” to save your changes.
  4. Test the Changes:
    • Re-dimension your objects to verify that the arrows are now set to your preferred size.

Resizing the Cursor in AutoCAD

Changing the cursor size can indirectly affect how you perceive arrow sizes.

  1. Open Options:

    • Right-click anywhere in the drawing area and select “Options” from the dropdown.
  2. Adjust Selection and Display Settings:

    • Under the “Selection” tab, adjust the “Pickbox Size” slider for larger or smaller cursor points.
    • Switch to the “Display” tab and modify the “Crosshair Size” by entering a numerical value or dragging the slider.
  3. Apply the Changes:
    • Click “OK” to close the Options dialog, effectively changing your cursor appearance in the drawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I ensure that the arrow sizes are consistent throughout my AutoCAD project?
To maintain consistency, you should create and apply a standard dimension style across your entire project. This ensures that all annotation arrows retain the same size and style.

2. Can I customize the arrow appearance in AutoCAD?
Yes, AutoCAD allows you to customize the shape of the arrows. You can access this through the Dimension Style settings, under the “Symbols and Arrows” tab, where you can choose different arrowhead types.

3. Is it possible to revert to default arrow sizes?
If you’ve made changes and wish to revert, simply navigate back to the Dimension Style Manager and select the “Standard” option or whichever style you initially used. This will restore default settings for your arrow sizes.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.