DIMENSION

Purpose:

To enable the user to modify the arrangement of existing dimensioning.

Instructions:

1. In the Modify menu, click Dimension.

2. The system displays a multiple choice dialog box containing various options, as reviewed below, and from which the user can make one or more selections that can be used until the required dimensioning arrangement is achieved.

3. Move Dimension Line

   Selecting this option returns the user to the graphic display and he is able to drag, with the cursor, the basic dimension line to a new position. The movement is constrained to be parallel to the original line. Position the cursor over the line, click the left button and then drag the displayed copy of the line to the required new position. Click the left button again in order to fix it in position, simultaneously deleting the old line. Note that the dimension value text is moved to the new line position and the dimension associating lines also modified accordingly.

   Operation complete returns the user to the multiple choice dialog box. This also applies to all of the following options.

4. Slant Witness Line

   Selecting this option returns the user to the graphic display and he is able to indicate point aside from the reference line. The dimension will slant and the reference line will pass through this point.

5. Presentation

   Selecting this option returns the user to the graphic display and he is able to indicate any element of a particular dimension construct if he wishes to change the basic form of presentation. The system responds by highlighting the selected dimension construct and simultaneously displaying in four boxes the alternative presentation forms available within the system.

   Select the required presentation format. The system changes the format immediately when the first or the second format is chosen. For the rest two formats the user has to indicate a side of dimension text. Select another dimension to format or click Operation complete to finish the sub function.

6. Move Dimension Text

   This sub-function lets the user move an individual text in a dimensioning of type linear "normal", linear "chain", radius, diameter or angular, to an arbitrary position. In case the user indicates a dimensioning other than above mentioned the text can still be moved but the difference is that the new position will not be persisted, implying that a sub-sequent re-evaluation from PADD will undo the modification.

   The system asks the user to indicate the dimension text to move, after which the selected text is dragged into desired new position.

   Note: This function is applicable on linear, radius, diameter and angular dimensionings.

7. Flip Arrow

   This sub-function lets the user flip the direction of an arrow in an arbitrary dimensioning.

   The system asks the user to indicate the arrow to flip, where after the direction is reversed.

   Note that in case the user indicates a dimensioning other than linear, the result will not be persisted, implying that a sub-sequent re-evaluation from PADD will undo the modification.

8. Text Properties

   This sub-function lets the user change the text properties in a dimensioning. It is also possible to change the properties of individual texts in a linear multi-dimensioning (that means, containing several measure texts).

   Initially, the system asks the user to indicate the dimension to update. Click Options to modify individual texts in a linear multi-dimensioning. After indicating the dimensioning, or the specific dimension text to modify, the system displays the Text Property dialog showing the current properties of selected item.

   After making the desired changes in the dialog, click OK to update the selected dimensioning with the new properties.

   Note: This function is applicable on linear, radius, diameter and angular dimensionings.

9. Edit Dimension Text

   This sub-function lets the user change the value of the dimension text in a dimensioning component (corresponding to the Dimension Text field in for example, the Linear Dimensioning dialog). It is also possible to change the value of individual texts in a linear multi-dimensioning (that means, containing several measure texts).

   Initially, the system asks the user to indicate the dimension to update. Click Options to modify individual texts in a linear multi-dimensioning. After indicating the dimensioning, or the specific dimension text to modify, the system displays the current value in the Text Edit dialog. After changing the value, click OK to update the selected dimensioning.

   When editing an individual dimension text, it is possible to flip between the "intelligent" (original) text and the evaluated text as the predefined value in the Edit Text dialog by clicking the Options button. Note that the Options button will be enabled only if the evaluated text is "trivial" (no symbols or tolerances) and differs from the "intelligent" text.

   Note: This function is applicable on linear, radius, diameter and angular dimensionings.

10. Hide/Unhide Arrow

    This sub-function lets the user toggle the visibility of an arrow in a linear dimension. The system asks the user to indicate the arrow (that means, the dimension line) to hide/unhide.

Options:

None.

Result:

The arrangement of dimensions within a display, and the associated drawing file, can be modified in order to improve the overall presentation and to avoid conflicts with other entities within the drawing.