Dimension Style Manager¶
The Dimension Style Manager lets you create and manage reusable dimension styles that control how dimensions appear in your drawing -- line style, arrow type, number format, and tolerance display.
Why use dimension styles?
- Consistency -- all dimensions follow the same visual rules
- Standards compliance -- meet ISO, ANSI, or company standards
- Efficiency -- change a style to update every dimension using it
- Readability -- proper arrow sizes, text heights, and offsets for clear drawings
Dimension Style Properties¶
Each dimension style controls the following property groups:
| Property group | Controls |
|---|---|
| Name | Unique identifier for the style |
| Lines | Dimension line, extension line, offsets, and gaps |
| Arrow | Arrowhead type and size |
| Linear Dimension format | Units, precision, prefix/suffix for linear dimensions |
| Angular Dimension format | Units and precision for angular dimensions |
| Tolerance | Tolerance display method and values |
Lines¶
Control the appearance of dimension and extension lines:
| Property | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Dimension line color | Color of the measurement line | ByLayer, Red |
| Extension line color | Color of the projection lines | ByLayer |
| Extension offset | Gap between entity and extension line start | 1.0 mm |
| Extension beyond | How far extension lines extend past the dimension line | 2.0 mm |
| Dimension line offset | Spacing for stacked/baseline dimensions | 7.0 mm |
| Line thickness | Thickness of dimension lines | 0.18 mm |
Arrow¶
Configure arrowhead appearance:
| Property | Description | Options |
|---|---|---|
| Arrow type | Shape of the arrowhead | Filled, Open, Dot, Tick, None |
| Arrow size | Length of the arrowhead | 2.5, 3.0, 4.0 mm |
| First arrow | Arrowhead at the first point | Same as type or custom |
| Second arrow | Arrowhead at the second point | Same as type or custom |
Tip
Use Tick arrows for architectural drawings and Filled arrows for mechanical drawings.
Linear Dimension Format¶
Control how linear measurements are displayed:
| Property | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Units | Measurement unit system | Decimal, Fractional, Architectural |
| Precision | Number of decimal places | 0, 0.0, 0.00, 0.000 |
| Prefix | Text before the value | R for radius, empty for length |
| Suffix | Text after the value | mm, ", m |
| Scale factor | Multiplier for displayed value | 1.0 (actual), 0.5 (half scale) |
| Zero suppression | Hide leading/trailing zeros | Leading off, Trailing off |
Angular Dimension Format¶
Control how angular measurements are displayed:
| Property | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Units | Angle unit system | Decimal Degrees, DMS |
| Precision | Number of decimal places | 0, 0.0, 0.00 |
| Zero suppression | Hide trailing zeros | On/Off |
Tolerance¶
Configure tolerance display for manufacturing and engineering drawings:
| Property | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Method | How tolerance is shown | None, Symmetric, Deviation, Limits |
| Upper value | Maximum positive tolerance | +0.05 |
| Lower value | Maximum negative tolerance | -0.05 |
| Precision | Decimal places for tolerance values | 0.00 |
| Text height | Size of tolerance text relative to dimension text | 0.7x |
Note
Set method to None for general drafting. Use Symmetric (+/-) or Deviation (+upper/-lower) for machined parts and engineering details.
Add Dimension Style¶
Create a new dimension style:
- Click Add in the Dimension Style Manager
- Enter a style name (e.g.,
ISO-2.5,Arch-Tick,Mech-Precise) - Configure Lines, Arrow, Format, and Tolerance settings
- The new style becomes available in the Format Panel dimension style dropdown
Naming conventions
Use names that reflect the standard and purpose: ISO-Standard, ANSI-Mechanical, Arch-Imperial, Detail-0.01mm.
Edit Dimension Style¶
Edit the selected dimension style:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Select the style in the Dimension Style Manager |
| 2 | Click Edit |
| 3 | Modify properties across Lines, Arrow, Format, and Tolerance tabs |
| 4 | Save -- all dimensions using this style update automatically |
Note
Changes apply to all dimensions using this style. Dimensions with explicit property overrides are not affected.
Delete Dimension Style¶
Remove a dimension style from the drawing.
Warning
- Dimensions using the deleted style will revert to the default style
- The default dimension style cannot be deleted
- Consider renaming unused styles rather than deleting
Applying Dimension Styles¶
To New Dimensions¶
Set the active style before creating dimensions:
- Select the style from the Format Panel dimension style dropdown
- All new dimensions will use this style
To Existing Dimensions¶
- Select the dimension entity (or multiple dimensions)
- Change the Dimension Style in the Format Panel or Properties panel
Best Practices¶
| Practice | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Create styles before dimensioning | Consistent appearance from the start |
| Match style to drawing standard | ISO, ANSI, or company compliance |
| Use appropriate precision | Avoid unnecessary decimal places |
| Set arrow size relative to text height | Balanced, readable dimensions |
| Keep color ByLayer | Manage dimension visibility through layers |
| Place dimensions on a dedicated layer | Easy to toggle visibility for prints |
Quick Reference¶
| Task | Action |
|---|---|
| Create a dimension style | Dimension Style Manager > Add > configure |
| Apply style to new dimensions | Format Panel > select style from dropdown |
| Change existing dimension style | Select dimension > Format Panel > change style |
| Edit a style definition | Dimension Style Manager > select > Edit |
| Delete a style | Dimension Style Manager > select > Delete |
| Set arrow type | Edit style > Arrow tab > choose type |
| Set precision | Edit style > Format tab > choose decimal places |
See also: Text Style | Layer Manager | Format Panel | Line Style