How to Update Dimensions in AutoCAD 2020?

Understanding Dimension Updates in AutoCAD 2020

Updating dimensions in AutoCAD is a fundamental task that ensures your drawings reflect accurate measurements. Whether adjusting existing dimensions or creating new styles, understanding the process is crucial for precise drafting. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you manage and update dimensions effectively in AutoCAD 2020.

Step-by-step Guide to Changing Dimension Styles

1. Access Dimension Styles:

   • Navigate to the Home tab on the ribbon and look for the Annotation panel. Click on the Dimension Style button to open the Dimension Style Manager.

2. Create a New Dimension Style:

   • In the Dimension Style Manager, click on the New button to initiate a new dimension style.
   • Enter a unique name for this style that reflects its intended use, then click Continue.

3. Modify New Dimension Style:

   • You will be directed to the New Dimension Style dialog box. Here, navigate through the available tabs to customize settings such as text size, color, and scale according to your project’s requirements.
4. Confirm Your Changes:
   • Once you have configured all settings, click OK to save the dimension style, and then click Close to exit the Dimension Style Manager.

Modifying Existing Dimensions

1. Open Dimension Style Manager:

   • Again, go to the Home tab, select the Annotation panel, and click on Dimension Style.

2. Select Dimension Style to Modify:

   • In the Dimension Style Manager, you will see a list of existing styles. Click on the style you wish to modify, and then click the Modify button.

3. Adjust Settings:

   • Within the Modify Dimension Style dialog box, you can explore various tabs to change dimensions. Under the Fit tab, select options that allow for manual placement of text to ensure clarity in your dimensions.
4. Save Changes:
   • Click OK to apply your changes, and exit the Dimension Style Manager by clicking Close.

Changing Dimension Units to Inches

1. Open the Dimension Style Manager:

   • Use the command DIMSTY to open the Dimension Style Manager directly.

2. Select Current Style:

   • Highlight the dimension style that is currently in use and select the Modify option.

3. Navigate to Units Configuration:

   • Once in the Modify Dimension Style dialog, go to the Primary Units tab. Here, set the Unit Format to Decimal for clarity in inches.

4. Set Precision and Suffix:

   • Adjust the Precision settings to represent whole inches by setting it to 0. In the Suffix box, include the inch symbol (") for accurate display.
5. Finalize Changes:
   • Click OK to confirm your modifications and then close the Dimension Style Manager to see the updated dimension outlines in your drawings.

Checking for AutoCAD Updates

1. Launch AutoCAD Application:

   • Open the AutoCAD application to check for the latest updates directly from your software.

2. Locate Update Option:

   • Click on the AutoCAD 2020 menu and select Check for Updates from the dropdown list.
3. Follow Update Prompts:
   • If an update is available, a notification will appear. Follow the on-screen instructions to accept and install the update, ensuring that your AutoCAD application remains current with the latest features and improvements.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I set AutoCAD to use feet and inches for dimensions?
You can configure AutoCAD to use feet and inches by accessing the Units setting under Drawing Utilities. Change the Type to Architectural to enable feet and inches, and adjust the precision as needed.

2. What do I do if my dimensions appear incorrectly?
If dimensions are not displaying correctly, double-check the dimension style settings and ensure that the scale and measurement units are properly set in the Drawing Units and Dimension Style settings.

3. What is the shortcut for creating a linear dimension in AutoCAD?
The shortcut key for creating a linear dimension in AutoCAD is DIMLINEAR, which allows for quick access to dimensioning without navigating through menus.