Dimension leader position

[DaveM]

I

s it possible to have the leader attach to the center of the dimension instead of underline it?

[pendean · Accepted solution]

Yes, but you will need to change all your text placement from ABOVE to CENTERED, which may not be the look you want. Creating a second DIMSTYLE with this setting just for that occasion may be of value instead. See screenshot.

[DaveM]

Thank you, I find myself fighting dimension styles quite a bit. Alot of time i end exploding them and forcing them to look like i want.

[KateMorricalTowne]

Actually, you can override the vertical text alignment for individual dimensions. In the latest versions of AutoCAD it's an option in the multifunctional grips; previously it could be found in the right-click menu.

[pendean]

You are correct, click and hover over the grip to wait for the pop-up, then select CENTER VERTICALLY then move the dim text. Nice tip, thanks for sharing.

[dbroad]

There is almost no justification for exploding dimensions.  It is too easy to forget that the dimension is exploded.  Later modifications to geometry will begin reporting false distances which causes big economic impacts when someone is bidding on the drawings.

[DaveM]

dbroad,

I agree that dimensions should never be exploded. The problem is, I work at a small company who does not really want to pay for any training and I am the CAD Manager. I have always had a weakness with dimensions when the dimensions are tiny and need to be shown at a 40 scale. The budgets for jobs keep getting smaller and I am required to go faster and faster. So occasionally I have to explode because I do not have time to research. The frustrating part is, I get asked how much time I think the job will take and then they bid the job at 60% of my number. Enough of my rant, do you have any good resources for controlling dimensions when there is very little space?

I am very grateful for everyone here's help. I love the Community of like minded individuals helping people out just because they can. If only we could spread this kind of help to the rest of the world.