Display measurement units with unit name, such as Inch or mm

[yury]

How to display measurements units in Inventor with unit name such as inch or mm OR both?

Greatly appreciate the help.

[pcrawley]

Are your unit names not showing?  I didn't know that was possible!

By default, Inventor shows the unit specified by Tools > Document Settings > Units - and this applies to all documents (parts, assemblies, drawings).  In the measure tool you can specify dual units (shown below) - in this case my document setting units are mm.

Or - are you asking if you can add dimensions to a drawing showing dual units?  (It is possible, but I need to make sure that's your question before investing time answering).

 

[yury]

Thank you for the follow up question.
I need to display the name of the measurement unit, like 1.00 inch instead
of just 1.00. Ideally, if it is possible in Inventor, I would like to
display measurement in two systems, like 1.00 inch and 25.40 mm.

[SBix26]

Still need the answer to @pcrawley 's question: is this measurement, using the Measure tool?  Or is it dimensioning, using the Dimension tool (in sketch or in drawing view)?  Terminology matters, and it makes communication easier if used correctly!

---

Sam B

Inventor Pro 2023.2 | Windows 10 Home 21H2

[kent_wold]

Yes this is possible in the styles under units there is a place to add your custom designation.. I've run into this for some employers and customers who want specific description. 

Just be careful as if the automatic designation is not turned off it will sometimes add your custom description to the default... ie " INCH ... This should also be possible for dual unit measurements like "/mm etc... 

Best to setup a new Dimension style with a custom name like 'INCH' or something and save it so you can use it when needed. Also there is a way to set things up so that 'last used' dimension style remains persistent so you do not have to change it every time you create a dimension. 

[yury]

It is the Dimension tool in sketch.

[pcrawley · Accepted solution]

I think this is what you are asking for:

 

Just to make things easier for everyone trying to answer your questions, it is helpful to post screenshots so we can see what you are trying to do.  Often pictures tell better stories than words.

[johnsonshiue]

Hi! To add to Peter's solution, the option is also available at Tools -> Doc Settings -> Units -> Model Dimension Display.

Many thanks!

[yury]

Thank you.

Yes, measurement in Expression shows the unit name. However, it also shows the name of the measurement, like D5 = 10 cm.  

Is there a way to display just the measurement value and unit name without measurement name, just 10 cm? 

[pcrawley]

For Sketch dimensions - no.  There are other settings for the display, but you will have tried them all by now.

Can I ask why you need it to be displayed with units?  I am asking because if you are modelling, you will know what the units are (at least, I hope you do!) - but I think you want it for presenting to a (possibly) non-technical audience.  

You could use 3d annotation:  They are not sketch dimensions - you can't edit them and see the model change shape, but they do "stick" to the model so when you change it, they move/update accordingly.

You can edit the text in the model, but the controls are limited.  You can set up a complete dimension style for 3d annotation if you open a drawing and use the Styles Editor there (and bring those styles into your part template).

[kent_wold]

Is this for Model Based Definition purposes???

[yury]

Peter,

thank you. It is very helpful. 

You are correct, I need this for the presentation for non-technical people. 

Something did not work, as I expected. I used Dimension in Annotation and could add the name of the unit measurement However, the measurements came in Inches, but my units are CM. How can I consolidate the drawing units in Sketch and in Annotation?

thanks.

[johnsonshiue]

Hi! I guess you created the part without using a template (New -> Part without any Standard.ipt file in the template folder). I think you want to create a new set of template. Go to Tools -> App Options -> File -> Configure Default Templates.

For existing parts, go to Tools -> Doc Settings -> Unit -> change it to mm.

Many thanks!

[yury]

I am using the standard Part template and I used Tools->Doc Settings->Unit
to change it to CM. However, Measure in Annotation gives me measurement in
inches.

[johnsonshiue]

Hi! The MBD standard can be set in Tools -> Doc Settings -> Standard -> Annotation.

Many thanks!

[pcrawley]

Hi Yuri. In addition to Johnson’s comment, you can fully define the 3DA dimension style from Styles Manager in the drawing environment.  You can’t edit the unit string, font, text height etc from the model environment.