inventor not displaying correct hole note dimension when using alternate dimension

[chris90]

I I have a model that I created with an imperial template, but created with metric dimension (ie 25.4mm instead of 1.000).

I created a layout using imperial dimensions.  Then was asked if I could display the dimensions as MM[IN].

No problem for everything except the Hole Notes.  Both dims are displayed as imperial in the note. (see attached image).  Hole note should read 8X Ø9.00 THRU [8X Ø.354 THRU].  Instead, I get 8X Ø.35 THRU [8X Ø.354 THRU].

In the dimension style, "mm" are the units and "in" are the alternate units.

The display is correct for linear dimensions, diameters and chamfers.

Is this a know glitch or am I doing something wrong??

Thanks!

Chris Breidenbaugh

IV2026

[johnsonshiue]

Hi Chris,

Either this is a  bug or the Hole Note is corrupted. Please share the file here. I would like to understand the behavior better.

Many thanks!

[chris90]

Unfortunately, this is not a file I can post publicly. Do you have an email address I can send (them) it to??

[SBix26]

Here is the most likely solution: deselecting this checkbox (Part Units):

I was able to reproduce your results exactly, so I edited the dimension style as shown above, saved it, and got the result you are looking for:

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Sam B

Inventor Pro 2026.1 | Windows 11 Home 24H2

[dan_inv09]

That appears to be an odd feature to have, why would you have the ability to set the units in the dimension style and then add a check box to override those units?

I can't seem to reproduce this, is it a change in 2026?

(we're updating "soon" [for how many years?!?])

[SBix26]

It's been that way for as long as dimension styles have existed.  I don't know what the logic is behind that, but it's the default for all as-delivered styles.

I think, though, that it makes sense.  If you create a metric part but have some features with inch dimensions because they mate up to inch parts, you still want the dimensions to be in millimeters on your drawing, usually.  Same is true for holes, I think.

In this particular case, though, with alternate units, it makes less sense.  It's not at all intuitive that the alternate units are nullified by that check box for hole notes.

@johnsonshiue Any insight on this?

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Sam B

Inventor Pro 2026.1 | Windows 11 Home 24H2

[chris90]

Good morning Sam.

Thank you for your response.

I have two holes on the print to callout.

8 of one and 45 of the other.

I followed your instructions, and this worked nominally for the 8 holes (I did this hole first).  I did this by first copying the style. ".xxx" became "Copy of .xxx".

I then selected the hole note for the 45 holes and selected Copy of .xxx as the style, but there was no change.

I then tried to make a copy of the original style (.xxx).  this became Copy2 of .xxx.

I deselected the Parts Unit button, changed the units and alternate units, set decimals to the correct numbers.  Then changed the style for the 45 hole callout to "Copy2 of .xxx".

Still no joy...

[SBix26]

The 45 holes are a different hole type (blind, thru, counterbore, tapped, etc.) from the 8, correct?  That might explain the difference.  In the hole note dialog I showed in my first post, the pull-down right under Note Format is set to Thru, which is only the first of 52 hole types, each of which has its own unique note format and settings-- including the Part Units checkbox!

You should be able to use the same style that you used for the 8 holes, as long as the settings are correct for each hole type you intend to use it with.

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Sam B

Inventor Pro 2026.1 | Windows 11 Home 24H2

[chris90]

Actually, but sets of holes are thru holes.  No threads, counterbores, etc...

[SBix26]

Hmm... without the files it is really hard to figure this out.  You're certain both sets of holes are simple through holes?

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Sam B

Inventor Pro 2026.1 | Windows 11 Home 24H2

[chris90]

Both are thru holes.  The 45 holes are for water cooling.  The others are clearance holes for attaching.

[chris90]

The eight holes were originally Clearance holes.  To help decipher this, I changed them to Simple Holes, as the 45 holes are.  That did not make any difference.

[chris90 · Accepted solution]

Success!  I had to also deselect Part Units in the Edit Hole Note box.  

[johnsonshiue]

Hi Chris,

If you still want me to take a look, please send the files to me directly at [email protected].

Many thanks!