How to Change the Dimension Size in AutoCAD?

Understanding Dimension Size in AutoCAD

Changing the dimension size in AutoCAD is essential for ensuring that your drawings are clear and meet the specific requirements of your projects. Whether modifying existing dimensions or setting up a new dimension style, the process can be straightforward if followed step by step.

Modifying Existing Dimension Styles

1. Access the Dimension Style Manager:

   • Type "DIMSTYLE" in the command line and hit Enter, or navigate to the ‘Annotate’ tab and locate the ‘Dimension’ panel.
   • Click on the small arrow icon in the lower right corner of the panel to open the Dimension Style Manager.

2. Select the Dimension Style:

   • From the list of dimension styles, choose the style that you would like to modify. This could be a standard style or one that you have previously created.

3. Modify the Style:

   • Click the ‘Modify’ button to open the Modify Dimension Style dialog box.
   • Go to the ‘Text’ tab where you can adjust the settings related to the dimension text.

4. Adjust Text Height:

   • If the text style currently used is set with a fixed height, you can either change it to a new fixed height or modify the dimension text height directly by entering the desired value in the Text Height box.
5. Apply and Exit:
   • After making the changes, click ‘OK’ to apply them, and then close the Dimension Style Manager.

Creating a New Dimension Style with Custom Size

1. Open the Dimension Style Manager:

   • Repeat the first step as outlined above to open the Dimension Style Manager.

2. Create a New Dimension Style:

   • Click on ‘New’ in the Dimension Style Manager. You will be prompted to name the new style. Choose a descriptive name that reflects its purpose, then click ‘Continue’.

3. Set Up Text Height:

   • Navigate to the ‘Text’ tab and set your desired Text Height. This height will be used for all dimensions employing this style.

4. Specify Additional Options:

   • Customize other properties as needed, such as color, arrow style, and other text attributes.
5. Save the new style:
   • Click ‘OK’ to save the new dimension style. You can now use this style in your drawing.

Changing Dimension Units

1. Access Units Command:

   • Enter the command "UNITS" in the command line and press Enter. This opens the Units dialog box.

2. Set the Units:

   • In the Units tab, select the type of units to use (e.g., inches or feet) and adjust the Precision settings for desired accuracy.
3. Apply Changes:
   • Click ‘OK’ to confirm your settings and return to your drawing.

FAQs

Q1: Why is my dimension text still small even after adjusting settings?
A1: Ensure that the text style associated with the dimensions has its height set correctly. Check both the dimension style and the associated text style to confirm their heights.

Q2: Can I change the dimension size for specific dimensions without altering the entire style?
A2: Yes, you can select individual dimensions and use the Properties palette to override the text height just for those dimensions without changing the entire style.

Q3: Is it possible to quickly convert dimensions from inches to feet in AutoCAD?
A3: Yes, you can use the UNITS command to change the units and then use the Scale command to adjust existing dimensions accordingly. Select dimensions and scale them by entering the appropriate factor to convert inches to feet (for example, scale by 1/12).