AutoCAD

How to Reduce the Size of Dimension Text in AutoCAD?

Adjusting Dimension Text Size in AutoCAD

Reducing the dimension text size in AutoCAD involves a few straightforward steps to ensure clarity and accuracy in your drawings. This guide will take you through the process systematically.

Accessing the Dimension Style Manager

  1. Navigate to the Dimension Menu
    Open AutoCAD and locate the Drafting tab on the Ribbon. Click on the Dimension panel.

  2. Open the Dimension Style Manager
    From the Dimension panel, click on the Dimension Style button. This action opens the Dimension Style Manager where you can modify text styles.

Modifying the Text Size

  1. Select the Appropriate Style
    In the Dimension Style Manager, browse through the list and select the dimension style you wish to edit. Click the Modify button to access the settings for that specific style.

  2. Adjust Text Appearance
    In the Modify Dimension Style dialog that appears, navigate to the Text tab. Here, you’ll find options related to the appearance of your dimension text.

  3. Change Text Style
    If applicable, choose a text style that suits your needs. Ensure that the selected style doesn’t have a predetermined height setting, allowing you to customize the height freely.

  4. Set the Text Height
    Under the Text Appearance section, locate the Text Height box. Enter a smaller value for the text height, which will consequently reduce the dimension text size in your drawing.

  5. Confirm Changes
    After entering your desired text height, click OK to apply the changes. The Dimension Style Manager will update to reflect your adjustments.

Applying Changes to Existing Dimensions

  1. Update Existing Dimensions
    If you want to see the changes reflected immediately, select the existing dimensions in your drawing. Use the Properties palette to confirm that the style adjustment has been applied.

  2. Regenerate the Drawing
    Sometimes, a simple regeneration (using the REGEN command) may be necessary for the new text settings to display accurately throughout your project.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the standard text height for dimensions in AutoCAD?
The standard text height often recommended is 1/8 inch (approximately 3 mm), though this can vary depending on industry standards and specific project requirements.

2. How do I ensure my text style has no fixed height?
To prevent fixed height settings, navigate to the Text Style dialog in the Properties menu, and set the height to 0. This allows greater flexibility in dimension text sizing.

3. Is it possible to scale text separately from dimensions?
Yes, you can scale text while leaving other dimension features unchanged by selecting the text objects and applying a scale factor through the Annotate tab’s Scale function.

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.