Dimension text override in a dynamic block

[nikkilawsonPLKEN]

Hi all,

As the title implies I am trying to figure out how to override the text on a dimension within a Dynamic Block. I would want to do this without having to open Block Editor if this is possible, as some of the people using the block aren't familiar with Block Editor. 

I am unsure if this is even possible and if it is, I clearly don't even know where to start...

I am using AutoCAD LT 2022

Thank you in advance for your assistance.

Nik.

[h_s_walker]

Post the block. Explain exactly what text you are trying to put in and people here might be able to help

[nikkilawsonPLKEN]

Thank you for the incredibly fast response!

I don't have a block yet, I was literally just testing it with a Linear Dimension, Linear Parameter and a Stretch Action.

Basically, all of our components are 12.5mm, 25mm and 50mm tiles. So, as standard our overall dimension can only increase in increments of 12.5mm. However, on rare occasions, some of our clients need very specific dimensions that are impossible to achieve using our current blocks. So, the overall dimension for the housing of the tiles would need to increase in increments of 12.5mm as per our standard blocks, but then be editable in some way so we can override what the dimension displays (reduce by 1-15mm ish).

If need be I can upload the block when I start working on it, but for now I was playing around with ideas. I don't usually like to commit to creating a block until I know exactly what I want to do with it, because I find it can be more complex to change things later on. I usually change / fix one thing and break a bunch of other things in the process.

Nik.

[h_s_walker · Accepted solution]

Here's an idea to get you started. The standard dimension just stretches with the block so changes automatically. I've also put a multiline attribute in there (for the background mask to hide the dimension text) if you need to override the dimension

[nikkilawsonPLKEN]

That is pure genius! I would have never thought to do that. I have no idea how you did it but I am sure I should be able to reverse engineer the block.

I have just one more question that has only just come to mind. Say I need to make this 1500mm+ but need to view it on a single A4 sheet / .pdf, I will have to zoom out significantly to fit it in the viewport. Is it possible to change the size of both the text and the dimension simultaneously, without entering block editor?

[h_s_walker]

Make the dimension and attribute annotative and then add annotative scales to those two objects. See the attached drawing

[nikkilawsonPLKEN]

Ah I see! I have never used an annotative dimension before. I usually just change the text height in properties each time. That is a perfect solution to my issue! Thank you very much for this.

It is crazy to think that I have been using AutoCAD for 7 years and still know so little about all of it's features by comparison to a lot of AutoCAD users! I honestly don't know what I would do without this forum at times!