When did alt codes stop working in AutoCAD dimension text overrides?

[jjenkins4]

We used to be able to use Alt codes in AutoCAD's dimension properties text overrides and now it seems we can't. For instance, we could select a number of dimensions to existing geometry and in the PROPERTIES window enter <>ALT0177 (where ALT is the Alt key on the keyboard), and it would add the plus or minus symbol "±" after each dimension. This no longer works.

Is this a "feature" of a newer version? 

Anyone have a clue how we can restore this functionality?

[pendean]

ALT+ codes differences can be font specific: Did you perhaps miss moving over those fonts to your new setup? Or are you using a FONT that does not have the ALT codes you are used to using?

or is this MTEXT limitation (applies to dimtext and mleader text) what you might be facing https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Custom-control-cod...

Or are you a recent convert from REVIT for example?

[Kent1Cooper]

You can use %%P for ±.

[jjenkins4]

Thanks for the response @pendean.

The alt code still work in mtext, etc., but not in the dimension. All are based on the same text style which uses the Arial font at width factor = 1.00

[jjenkins4]

Thank you @Kent1Cooper,

I am aware of the %%P method also, but my fingers remember the Alt codes for this and other symbols that are used over many programs, and I would like to know why they no longer work in AutoCAD.

[pendean]

Can you provide examples please? Just so we are all on the same page and all.

TIA

[pkolarik]

I just tested it on 2021 and it works fine. Then tested it on 2024 autocad and it doesn't work. So somewhere in between those two versions is when it stopped working I guess.

edit:  Ok, not sure what happened, but I went and tried it one more time and now it's working in 2024

[jjenkins4]

Thanks for the insight @plolarik. We are working through V2 virtual desktops, maybe the issue is with that rather than with AutoCAD.

[Valentin_CAD]

@jjenkins4 ,

You may need to Reset to Default.

• To Reset the Application to the Default Settings
• How to reset AutoCAD to defaults

Holding down the ALT and entering 0177 after the <> in the PROPERTIES / Text override seems to work fine (with Standard Text Style using the True Type Arial font).

[jjenkins4]

Thanks for the suggestion @Valentin_CAD, but resetting AutoCAD is definitely NOT the answer.

This is a capricious malfunction which so far arbitrarily exists with no reason why yet identified.

True it's not a biggie and there are work-arounds, but it's aggravating, especially knowing that there is a simple something somewhere that directly tickles it to make it function correctly. 

[pendean]

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@jjenkins4 wrote:

Thanks for the suggestion @Valentin_CAD, but resetting AutoCAD is definitely NOT the answer.

This is a capricious malfunction which so far arbitrarily exists with no reason why yet identified.

True it's not a biggie and there are work-arounds, but it's aggravating, especially knowing that there is a simple something somewhere that directly tickles it to make it function correctly. 

---

Here is how to open a support case with Autodesk if you are on subscription to seek out Autodesk Support's help:
https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/How-to-find-my-sup...

You can also report whatever you wish here too https://www.autodesk.com/company/contact-us/product-feedback 

[tfreeman9H33V]

I've had this same issue. Literally happened to me today too. (I'm using 2024 LT, am loath to upgrade lest my settings get run through the scrap grinder)
I typed in alt+18(↕) in properties boxes for special dimensions I use for frame rakes, and it worked.
Tried to do the same 5 minutes later, and it didn't work. Typical Monday, I suppose.

I looked through my notes, and found a former solution from elsewhere in this forum.

If you type alt(hold)+/+18, you get ↕ without the usual "I functioned, but you get no result" twitch. The forward slash is typed in front of the code as if it is part of it.

I can't remember if I've had trouble with this not working either, but I just had it to work for me several times a minute before typing this.

As for copying, I was able to copy from inside the properties of the object in question, but copying from outside the object's properties(id est, from an MTEXT, which receives alt-codes just fine) workes about as often as just the raw alt code. <Just my experience for reference.

[h_s_walker]

@tfreeman9H33V are you sure you're typing fast enough. I just tried on LT2026, both Mtext and Text gave the symbol without having to press /

[tfreeman9H33V]

Fast enough the result can sometimes be dyslexic because my mental preload timing and my hand/fingers' actual speed mismatched.

It might be a 2024 thing, tbh.