AutoCAD

How To Override Dimension Value In AutoCAD?

Understanding Dimension Overrides in AutoCAD

Overriding dimension values in AutoCAD is a crucial skill for precise drafting. This process allows you to adjust specific dimension values without altering the overall dimension style. Follow the detailed steps below to achieve this.

Step-by-Step Guide to Override a Dimension Value

  1. Open the Dimension Style Manager:

    • Navigate to the Annotate tab located at the top of the workspace.
    • Click on the dimensions panel’s dialog box launcher, represented by a small arrow in the corner of the panel’s header.
  2. Select Your Desired Dimension Style:

    • In the Dimension Style Manager that appears, browse through the list of dimension styles.
    • Click on the style you wish to override to highlight it.
  3. Initiate the Override Function:

    • Once you have selected your dimension style, click on the Override button. This will open the Override Current Style dialog box.
  4. Modify Specific Settings:

    • In the dialog box, you can make various changes, including altering colors, line types, and text styles specific to that dimension style. Adjust the parameters as required, ensuring your alterations meet the specifications of your drawing.
  5. Confirm Your Changes:

    • After making the necessary adjustments, click OK to apply the changes. Your dimension values will now reflect the overrides you have specified.
  6. Check Your Dimensions:
    • Return to your drawing to verify that the dimension values have been updated as intended. Ensure that the visual aspect aligns with your design goals.

Changing Dimension Values Directly

To change dimension text directly instead of overriding the style:

  1. Select the Dimension:

    • Click on the dimension text you want to modify in the drawing area.
  2. Open the Edit Dimension Dialog:

    • Right-click the dimension and select Edit from the context menu. This opens the Edit Dimension dialog box.
  3. Edit the Dimension Text:

    • In the text box provided, input the new dimension value or desired string of text you want displayed.
  4. Adjust Justification and Position:

    • If necessary, alter the justification settings or reposition the text according to your design requirements.
  5. Finalize Your Changes:
    • Click OK to save your edits.

Accessing Dimension Breaks

In certain cases, you may want to include dimension breaks, which prevent dimension lines from appearing as continuous elements in your design.

  1. Select the Dimension:

    • Click on the dimension for which you want to apply a break.
  2. Access the Dimension Break Feature:

    • Use the Dimension panel options to select and add breaks as required, either manually or automatically, depending on your preference.
  3. Adjust as Necessary:
    • Review the functionality of the breaks and adjust as needed to ensure clarity in your drawing.

FAQ

1. How can I check if my changes are applied correctly?

  • After applying your modifications, always review your drawing to confirm the dimension values match your expectations.

2. Can I save overridden styles for future use?

  • Yes, you can save modified styles in the Dimension Style Manager. Just ensure you name the new style distinctly to avoid confusion with others.

3. What should I do if dimensions are not displaying correctly?

  • Ensure that your layer settings are correct, check visibility options, and verify that text sizes are appropriate for your drawing scale. Adjusting these settings can often resolve display issues with dimensions.

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.