topic Re: using multiple units in one drawing in AutoCAD LT Forum

using multiple units in one drawing

roblinger — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 15:41:37 GMT

I have a newbie question, and I can't seem to find the answer, mainly because I don't think I am using the correct wording. I came from using the old 2d drawing program AutoSketch, and what I am trying to ask is done easily in AutoSketch.

My AutoCAD LT drawings all have the units set to inches, however there are times when I need to create a line or circle/radius that is in feet and inches or millimeters. Is there a way to do this without changing the drawing units? In AutoSketch, if I needed to offset a line by 4mm, while my drawing units were set to inches, I would put my offset distance at "4mm", instead of 0.15748", and my line would be offset correctly.

I'm guessing AutoCAD LT has this same capability, but like I said, I just can't seem to find it.

Thanks in advance!

Rob

Re: using multiple units in one drawing

pendean — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 16:20:08 GMT

This is not Autosketch. You have to commit to a unit type first and stick with it.

Read this if you need to change the entire DWG file's units default https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad/learn-explore/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Convert-imperial-unit-drawing-to-metric-units.html

OR... if you only want to do this while dimensioning only do this https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Core/files/GUID-5C0999EE-2F40-43B2-AE23-A42B7DFD5387-htm.html#:~:text=In%20the%20Dimension%20Style%20Manager,tab%2C%20select%20Display%20Alternate%20Units.&text=Select%20a%20unit%20format%20from,value%20for%20the%20alternate%20units.

OR just convert in your head (or calculator) before you type it in for one offs.

HTH

Re: using multiple units in one drawing

roblinger — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 16:33:52 GMT

lol, I guess not!

There are some really nice items that AutoSketch brought over from Drafix Cadd Professional. It was nice just entering the alternate unit's mark (', ", or mm) while in any drawing, no matter what the default unit was. Seems like it should be an easy thing to add, but I'm not a programmer.

Rob

Re: using multiple units in one drawing

RSomppi — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 17:24:46 GMT

@roblinger wrote:
Seems like it should be an easy thing to add

That's what everyone says that finds a limitation that they weren't expecting. SMH...

Re: using multiple units in one drawing

roblinger — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 18:16:57 GMT

lol

Re: using multiple units in one drawing

pendean — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 19:23:43 GMT

Sounds like you need to go back to AutoSketch then if this is a dire business need: in the meantime, if you want to offer up suggestion to Autodesk for future features in AutoCAD/LT you can do so here https://www.autodesk.com/company/contact-us/product-feedback

HTH

Re: using multiple units in one drawing

roblinger — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 19:28:11 GMT

No, it's not a dire business need, just something to make my work day a little bit easier. I'm stuck with AutoCAD LT until I retire. I'll keep using my trusty Construction Master Pro Trig to make any conversions that I can't do in my head. I just find it funny that AS had such a simple solution for such a long time, and AutoCAD didn't copy that over.

Thanks for the comments guys.

Re: using multiple units in one drawing

RSomppi — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 19:31:46 GMT

I think it's funny that a non-programmer is criticizing a premier program and it's developers.

BTW, Revit will draw with alternate units when specified.

Re: using multiple units in one drawing

roblinger — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 19:39:17 GMT

Good to know about Revit.

And I wasn't criticizing the development team, I just found it odd that AutoSketch, produced by AutoDesk, had such a great simple way of entering a different "on-off" unit of measurement into a drawing.

And you are right, I am not a programmer, just like millions of other AutoCAD users out there, but I guess that means that I can't ask a simple question and then give an opinion?

Re: using multiple units in one drawing

RSomppi — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 19:44:57 GMT

Oh, you're one of those people.

Did I say you couldn't give an opinion?

I'm not sure how you can make a distinction between the company and the developers in this aspect but, hey, that's just me.

Re: using multiple units in one drawing

roblinger — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 19:46:13 GMT

Thanks again guys.

Re: using multiple units in one drawing

roblinger — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 20:08:22 GMT

Thanks for the link, I just finished suggesting it.