Dimension Text Offset

The Dimension Text Offset (DTOF) attribute defines the displacement of the text position from the text radial position. DTOF is a 2-dimensional array attribute. DTOF(1) defines the displacement along the text path direction (for example, Radial, Horizontal or Vertical depending on the DTANG setting), and DTOF(2) in the text ‘upvector’ direction. The default/initial value of DTOF is (0,0).

Further control of the text position in the upvector direction is given by use of the vertical alignment attribute ALIG . The actual position of the text for DTOF(2)=0 depends on the value of ALIG. You can then align text independently of the character height DTCH. Refer to for further information. Refer to Label Text Manipulation for further information.

The second component of text offset, DTOF(2), is always applied in the upvector direction. Its value can be positive, zero or negative. The example illustrates the effects produced by changing DTOF(2).

As an alternative to inputting two values, DTOF can be set using the cursor, for example,

DTOF @

Note:
In the example, ALIG=BBODY unless otherwise indicated.

The definition of the direction of application of the first component, DTOF(1), is more complex:

For DTANG STANDARD and text outside the circumference (for example, DTFLAG CIRCUM, positive DTRAD), DTOF(1) is in the direction of the radial displacement outwards from the text radial position. (In this case, it is preferable to modify the text radius (DTRAD) rather than DTOF(1); DTOF(1) is best left set to zero).

For DTANG HORIZONTAL and text outside the circumference, DTOF(1) is horizontal from the text radial position. In this case, the sign of DTOF(1) is determined by the DDEG attribute; for DDEG between -90 and +90, positive DTOF(1) adjusts the text position to the right of the radial position of the dimension text; for DDEG between 90 and 270, positive DTOF(2) adjusts the text position to the left.

Similarly, for DTANG VERTICAL and text outside the circumference, DTOF(1) moves the text up for DDEG between 0 and 180; and down for DDEG greater than 180 and less than 360.

In all three DTANG cases, if the text lies inside the circumference, the direction in which DTOF(1) is applied is reversed. DTOF(1) is always applied in the direction away from the Circumference.

Thus for DTANG Horizontal and DDEG=45, when the text is outside the circumference then DTOF(1) adjusts text to the right. However when text is inside the circumference, then DTOF(1) adjusts text to the left.

For DTANG Standard, then DTOF(1) moves text radially outwards for text outside the circumference; and inwards for text inside the circumference. However in this case it is better to leave DTOF(1) set to zero and modify the text radial position DTRAD.