Alternate Units for selected dimensions only

[0x3FA5]

Hi,

I am usually working in imperial, but a few diameters on the drawing should have an alternate dimensions in metric style as well.

The problem is if I go to the "Styles Editor" and update there, ALL the dimensions update with alternate dimensions, which is not what I need.

How do I select specific dimensions to add alternate units?

Thank you.

[mcgyvr]

Create 2 dimensions styles in your drawing.. Assign as needed..

[0x3FA5]

Well, there is a problem: the library is in the Vault and set for "read only". So I need to add this option every time I encounter the need for alternate units.

Is there a less time consuming solution? I have the 2021  Inventor Professional version.

[mcgyvr · Accepted solution]

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@0x3FA5 wrote:

Well, there is a problem: the library is in the Vault and set for "read only". So I need to add this option every time I encounter the need for alternate units.

Is there a less time consuming solution? I have the 2021  Inventor Professional version.

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You will need to add the alternate dimension style to your drawing template file (and global style library of course) AFTER you checkout/modify your project file to set it to "read/write". Then you can "update" your drawings as needed to pull in that new style.

[0x3FA5]

Thank you.

(I MISS SOLIDWORKS SO MUCH!!)

[johnsonshiue]

Hi Folks,

One minor correction here. This special Dim style (dual dim enabled), if not pre-existing in the library, only needs to be added to the drawing template as a local style. It can be used right away. I don't think a new standard is required unless you want it to be a default style or participating in Object Defaults.

If you want to save the change back to the styles library, you will need to check out the library.

Many thanks!

[0x3FA5]

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@johnsonshiue wrote:

Hi Folks,

One minor correction here. This special Dim style (dual dim enabled), if not pre-existing in the library, only needs to be added to the drawing template as a local style. It can be used right away. I don't think a new standard is required unless you want it to be a default style or participating in Object Defaults.

If you want to save the change back to the styles library, you will need to check out the library.

Many thanks!

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As a person who does not change the styles, libraries and drawing templates, can I ask you to include a simple picture of what can be used right away?

A link to an example video would be ideal, but a picture is always better than 6 lines of text.

Thank you.

[johnsonshiue]

Hi! It is not that difficult. Please take a look at the attached screencast (https://autode.sk/3wR9faB). Basically, you just need to create a new dim style within the file (and the template too). Unless you want to save it back to the library, you don't need to worry about the library.

The key here is to make sure the same named style does not exist in the library. Otherwise, if you start a new template, Inventor will check if the local style (same named) matches the library one. When difference is detected, it will push the library style to the file.

Many thanks!