AutoCAD

How to Turn Off Fraction Stacking in AutoCAD?

Understanding Fraction Stacking in AutoCAD

Fraction stacking in AutoCAD facilitates the representation of fractions in a stacked format, enhancing clarity in drawings. However, there are instances when users may want to disable this feature for better readability or to adhere to specific format requirements.

Steps to Turn Off Fraction Stacking in AutoCAD 2025

Follow these detailed steps to turn off the fraction stacking feature in AutoCAD:

Step 1: Open Dimension Style Manager

Begin by accessing the Dimension Style Manager. Navigate to the Home tab, and locate the Annotation panel. Here, click on the ‘Dimension Style’ tool to open the Dimension Style Manager window.

Step 2: Select the Appropriate Dimension Style

Within the Dimension Style Manager, you will see a list of available dimension styles. Identify and select the style you wish to modify. This selection is crucial as it determines how fractions are displayed in your drawings.

Step 3: Modify Dimension Style Settings

After selecting your dimension style, click on the ‘Modify’ button. This will open the Modify Dimension Style dialog box, where various settings can be adjusted.

Step 4: Access Primary Units Tab

In the Modify Dimension Style dialog, navigate to the ‘Primary Units’ tab. This section controls how linear dimensions, including fractions, are displayed.

Step 5: Adjust Fraction Format

Within the Primary Units tab, locate the option labeled ‘Fraction format’. Click on the dropdown menu to see available options. Select ‘Horizontal’ to disable stacking or choose the format that best fits your needs. Ensure the stacked format is not selected to turn off the fraction stacking feature.

Step 6: Apply Changes

Once you have made the necessary adjustments, confirm your changes by clicking ‘OK’. This will exit the Modify Dimension Style dialog. Following this, click ‘Close’ in the Dimension Style Manager to save your updates.

Alternative Methods to Disable Fraction Stacking

If changing the dimension style does not yield the desired result, you could also consider altering the text style used for annotations in your drawing:

Step 1: Open Text Style Manager

Similar to dimension styles, text styles can impact the appearance of fractions. Access the Text Style Manager by clicking on the Home tab, then find the text settings in the Annotation panel.

Step 2: Select and Modify Text Style

Select the text style you are using. Click ‘Modify’ and then review settings that may affect the display of stacked fractions. You may need to change the font settings or switch to a font that does not support fraction stacking.

FAQs

1. What are the advantages of using fraction stacking in AutoCAD?

Fraction stacking improves the visual clarity of fractions in dimensions and labels, making it easier to read and understand values precisely, especially in technical drawings.

2. Can I revert my changes after turning off fraction stacking?

Yes, you can revert the changes at any time by following the same steps and reselecting the stacked format in the dimension style settings.

3. Does changing the fraction stacking setting affect existing annotations?

Changes made to the dimension style settings will only affect future annotations. Existing annotations will remain as they were unless they are updated manually.

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.