How to Assign Dimensions in AutoCAD

You assign dimensions in AutoCAD primarily by controlling their appearance and properties through dimension styles, managed using the DIMSTYLE command.

Dimension styles dictate how dimensions are displayed in your drawing, ensuring consistency and adherence to drafting standards. Rather than setting properties individually for each dimension object you create, you define a style and apply it.

Controlling Dimension Appearance with DIMSTYLE

The core method for controlling how dimensions look in AutoCAD is through the Dimension Style Manager. This allows you to define rules for text, lines, arrowheads, tolerances, and more.

Here's how to access and use the Dimension Style Manager based on the provided reference:

1. Access the Command: Type “DIMSTYLE” in the command line and press Enter.
2. Open the Dialog Box: The Dimension Style Manager dialog box will appear.
3. Manage Styles:
   • Click on “New” to create a completely new dimension style from scratch.
   • Select an existing style from the list to modify it or set it as the current style for new dimensions.
4. Adjust Parameters: Once you are creating or modifying a style, you can adjust the parameters such as text height, arrowhead style, dimension lines, etc., according to your preferences or required drafting standards. These settings are organized into various tabs within the New Dimension Style or Modify Dimension Style dialog boxes (e.g., Lines, Symbols and Arrows, Text, Fit, Primary Units).

Key Customizable Elements (Based on DIMSTYLE)

Within the Dimension Style Manager, you can control many aspects of dimension appearance:

• Dimension Lines: Color, linetype, lineweight, extension beyond extension lines, spacing.
• Extension Lines: Color, linetype, lineweight, extend beyond dim lines, offset from origin.
• Arrowheads: Type (closed filled, open, architectural tick, etc.), size.
• Text: Text style, text color, text height (as mentioned in the reference), placement relative to the dimension line, alignment.
• Units: Precision, format (decimal, architectural, engineering, etc.).

Creating a New Dimension Style

Creating a new style is useful when you need different appearances for various types of dimensions or drawings (e.g., one style for architectural plans, another for detailed mechanical parts).

• Start from an existing style (Start With option in the New Dimension Style dialog box).
• Give your new style a descriptive name.
• Customize the settings through the tabs.
• Save the style.

Once a style is created, you can set it as the "current" style. Any new dimensions you draw afterward will automatically use the properties defined in the current dimension style. You can also apply existing styles to dimensions that have already been placed in your drawing.

By effectively using the DIMSTYLE command and managing different dimension styles, you ensure that all dimensions placed in your drawing are consistent in appearance, professional, and easy to read.