Dimension Background Mask Hides Dimension Line When Stacking Primary and Alternate Units

[darrenr]

Hi, When I use background mask on my dimension text and stack my primary units above the dimension line and alternate units below the dimension line (using \X between the two), the mask hides the dimension line. I know there must be a setting to bring the dimension line forward because I've seen it done in other CAD drawings. Does anyone know the setting for this? It doesn't seem to have anything to do with bring to front or back order because the dimension and the text are all one object and you can't separate one from the other in order to bring the dimension line forward. Thanks for your help, Darren

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[MMcCall402]

Try increasing the Text "Offset from dim line" value in the dimension style.  It looks like the fill area of the two parts are meeting in the middle and blocking the line.

[rl_jackson]

Use \P instead of \X

[darrenr]

Thanks Rick, I tried typing in \P between the primary and alternate units while editing the dimension text and it didn't automatically update it like when I type \X. It just added the text and in the properties Text Override setting, it shows two backslashes \\P. I then tried editing the Text Override setting by removing one of the backslashes and it just stacks the text above the dimension line instead of splitting showing the primary units on top and alternate units below. A couple screenshots below. Thanks!

[darrenr]

Thanks Mark, tried it but doesn't seem to separate them from the dimension line anymore when it's split using \X between primary and alternate units like this. 

Darren

[darrenr · Accepted solution]

Oh interesting. I figured it out. So you use \X and it separates the primary units above the dimension and the alternate below with the mask overtop of the dimension. But then you have to select the dimension and hover over the grip and then a menu comes up automatically. You then select Reset Text Position and it separates the mask and allows you to see the dimension. Good grief Autodesk. Why make this so difficult. Thanks everyone for your help. Darren

[ChrisRS]

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@darrenr wrote:

Oh interesting. I figured it out. So you use \X and it separates the primary units above the dimension and the alternate below with the mask overtop of the dimension. But then you have to select the dimension and hover over the grip and then a menu comes up automatically. You then select Reset Text Position and it separates the mask and allows you to see the dimension. Good grief Autodesk. Why make this so difficult. Thanks everyone for your help. Darren

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Try as i might, I cannot make this work.

[darrenr]

Hi Chris, It doesn’t separate the mask and show the dimension line when you click on Reset Text Position?

[ChrisRS · Accepted solution]

This is a core AutoCAD function.

You can accomplish this without using \X or \P by enabling the Alternate Units option to place the value below the primary. 

I created a dimension style called “Ff o [M]” (feet over meters). For inline dimensions, I’d use something like “Ft - [M]”.

Here’s the setup:

• On the Text tab, set Vertical alignment to “Above.” You may want to adjust the Offset from dim line value.

• On the Primary Units tab, set your desired precision and suffix.

• On the Alternate Units tab:

  • Set precision, multiplier, and suffix.

  • Enable Display alternate units.

  • Set Placement to “Below primary value.”

Note: “Below primary value” is a bit of a diva. It forces the primary unit above the dimension line and the alternate below—regardless of your vertical text placement. If you set vertical placement to “Center,” the mask will obscure the dimension line. “Above” seems most logical.

[ChrisRS]

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@darrenr wrote:

Hi Chris, It doesn’t separate the mask and show the dimension line when you click on Reset Text Position?

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It does not. If you want to post a drawing (Just a dimension is enough) I can probably track down the difference.

If you are open to a separate dimension style, I have a post showing an automatic style.
Ft o [M] dimension Style 

I thought a separate reply would be less confusing.

[darrenr]

Thanks, Chris. I set up a second dimension style based on your instructions and it worked great. I was trying to do it with just the one style which is what gave me the issue. Now I have two solutions. Thanks so much for your help. Darren

[darrenr]

Chris,

Attached is the dimension with the mask covering up dimension line. You have to put your cursor right on the grip in order for the menu to come up. Select Reset Text Position and it resets the mask so it doesn't cover up the dimension line.