How to Change Dimension Style in DraftSight?

Changing the dimension style in DraftSight can significantly improve the clarity and professionalism of your technical drawings. To modify the dimension style, follow these detailed steps:

Accessing the Dimension Style Manager

1. Begin by opening your DraftSight application and loading the drawing you wish to work on.
2. Look for the “Dimension” section in the menu bar located at the top of the interface.
3. Click on the “Dimension” menu to reveal additional options, then select “Dimension Style Manager.” This will open the Dimension Style Manager dialog box.

Selecting the Dimension Style to Modify

1. In the Dimension Style Manager dialog, you will find a list of existing dimension styles displayed in the “Styles” pane on the left side.
2. Navigate through the list and select the dimension style you wish to change. You may have styles like “Standard,” “Architectural,” or any custom styles you have created.
3. Once selected, click on the “Modify” button, usually located to the right of the list.

Modifying Dimension Style Settings

1. After clicking “Modify,” a new dialog box will open, displaying various tabs that represent different settings for the selected dimension style.
2. Explore the tabs available, which typically include “Fit,” “Text,” “Lines,” “Primary Units,” and possibly others depending on your version of DraftSight.
3. To adjust specific settings, click on the relevant tab. For example:
   • Under the “Text” tab, you can change the font style, text height, and color of the dimension text.
   • The “Fit” tab allows you to set how dimensions will be displayed in relation to other drawing elements.
   • Use the “Lines” tab to modify the appearance of dimension lines, including their color and weight.

Saving Your Changes

1. After making the desired adjustments, locate the “OK” button typically found at the bottom of the dialog box to save your changes.
2. Clicking “OK” will return you to the Dimension Style Manager, where you should see the updated style.
3. If you wish to implement the new style in your drawing, ensure it is set as the current style. To do this, click on the “Set Current” button in the Dimension Style Manager.

Closing the Manager

1. After confirming that the dimension style has been updated, you can close the Dimension Style Manager by clicking the “Close” button.
2. Your changes should now be reflected in the dimensions within your drawing. Create a test dimension to ensure everything has been applied correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I create a new dimension style from scratch?
Yes, you can create a new dimension style by clicking on “New” in the Dimension Style Manager. You will be prompted to provide a name for your new style and set your preferred dimension parameters.

2. How can I revert to the default dimension style?
To revert to the default style, open the Dimension Style Manager, select “Standard” or any default style from the list, and click “Set Current.” This will restore all dimensions to that style.

3. Is it possible to import dimension styles from another drawing?
Yes, you can import dimension styles by using the “Import” function in the Dimension Style Manager, allowing you to bring in styles from other drawings for consistency across multiple projects.