Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Unlike with the text you created in Chapter 9, “Adding Text to Drawings,” you specify the
text height by its final print size. You then specify an overall dimension scale factor that affects
the sizing of all dimensioning settings, such as text and arrows.
If you want to use a specific text style for your dimensions, select a text style in the Text
Style pop-up menu in the Text tab. If the style you select happens to have a height specification
greater than 0, that height will override any text height settings you enter in the Text tab.
Setting the Location and Orientation of Dimension Text
AutoCAD's default setting for the placement of dimension text puts the text in line with
the dimension line, as shown in the example at the top of Figure 11.2 earlier in this chapter.
However, you want the new My Architectural style to put the text above the dimension line, as
is done in the center of Figure 11.2. To do that, you'll use the Placement and Alignment options
in the Text tab of the New Dimension Style dialog box:
1.
In the Alignment group in the lower-right corner of the dialog box, click the Aligned
With Dimension Line radio button.
2.
In the Placement group, open the Vertical pop-up menu, and select Above. The appear-
ance of the preview image changes to show how your new settings will look.
3.
Again in the Placement group, change the Offset From Dim Line value to
1
⁄
16
˝. This setting
controls the size of the gap between the dimension line and the dimension text.
Offset from dim line
Each time you change a setting, the preview gives you immediate feedback about how your
changes will affect your dimension style.
FITTING TEXT AND ARROWS IN TIGHT PLACES
Every now and then, you'll need to dimension a small gap or a small part of an object in which
dimension text won't fit. The Fit tab (covered later in this chapter) includes a few other settings
that control how dimensions act when the extension lines are too close.
The Fit Options group lets you control how text and arrows are placed when there isn't enough
room for both between the extension lines.
The Text Placement group contains three options to place the text in tight situations:
Beside The Dimension Line
Places text next to the extension line but close to the dimen-
sion line. You'll see how this affects your dimension later.
Over Dimension Line, With Leader
Places the dimension text farther from the dimension
line, and includes an arrow or a leader from the dimension line to the text.
Over Dimension Line, Without Leader
Does the same as the previous setting, but doesn't
include the leader.
