Editing Dimension Line Properties

This task explains how to access and, if needed, edit dimension line properties.
Open the Brackets_views02.CATDrawing document. Create a dimension.

  1. Select the dimension you just created (whatever the type).

  2. Select Edit > Properties.

You can also right-click on this dimension and then choose Properties from the contextual menu.

  1. In the Properties dialog box that appears, click the Dimension Line tab. The associated dialog box is displayed. Not all fields are active: their activation depends on your choice of options.

Representation

  • Representation

Specify how you want the dimension line represented: Regular, Two Parts, Leader one Part, Leader two Parts.

  • Extension

Choose an extension type for your dimension line.

  • Color

Choose a color for the dimension line.

  • Thickness

Specify the thickness for the dimension line.

Leader and Second Part

Leader

  • Leader Angle:  Specify the angle for the first part of a leader one part/two parts. 

  • Leader Length: Specify the length for the first part of a leader two parts.
    It is not possible to define a leader length for a leader one part.

Second Part

If you chose Two parts or Leader two Parts for the representation, you need to provide information about the second leader part:

  • the Reference for positioning the second part of the dimension line,
  • the Orientation for the secondary part of the dimension line in relation to its reference,
  • the Angle for the secondary part of the dimension line in relation to its reference (if you selected Dimension Line in the Orientation field and Fixed Angle in the Reference field).

  • Leader Angle:  Specify the angle you want for the extension line. 

Symbols

Choose the properties you want to apply to Symbol 1, Symbol 2 (you may need to check this box to specify you want to the dimension to display two symbols), and Leader Symbol (if you chose to represent the dimension line with a leader). 

Symbol 1 / Symbol 2 / Leader Symbol
 
  • Shape: you can choose the dimension line shape (open arrow, outlined circle, plus, etc.).
  • Color: you can choose the symbols color.
  • Thickness: you can define the symbol thickness.
  • Reversal: you can set the position of the symbols (inside or outside) in relation to the extension line. 

In the case of two-symbols dimensions, you can specify a different position for each symbol (i.e. symbol 1 inside and symbol 2 outside, or vice-versa). 

You can also do this interactively using the Ctrl key.
You can apply different kinds of modifications between arrow symbol 1 and symbol 2 on the condition the drawing was created from version 5 release 5 on.
 

Foreshortened 

For radius dimensions, you can activate the Foreshortened option. 
It allows you to transform a radius dimension line into a foreshortened radius dimension line. You can then choose from the following options:

  • Text position: specify whether the text should be positioned on the long segment or on the short segment of the dimension. 
  • Orientation: define the orientation of the text associated to the dimension line (parallel or convergent).
  • Angle: specify the angle value (must be valued between 180deg and -180deg). The default angle is 60 degrees.
  • Ratio: specify the ratio for the short segment and the long segment of the foreshortened dimension. 
  • Point scale: specify the point scale value.
  • Unfix extremity position: check this box to unfix the extremity point of the foreshortened dimension line. You will then be able to move the extremity point using a yellow manipulator.
For foreshortened radius dimensions, you can define the appearance of the extremity point by making sure the Symbol 2 box in the Symbols area is checked, and then choosing the appropriate options.
Clicking the More button displays extra options, if any are available.
 

  1. Modify the available options as required. 
    For example, from the Representation drop-down list, choose Leader two Parts.

  1. In the Leader area, specify the angle and the length you want between the two parts of the leader.

    These angle and length are applied to the first segment:

On a leader one part/two parts, you can also modify these angle and length in the view by dragging the Move dimension leader manipulator . For this, check that the Move dimension leader option is activated in Tools > Options > Drafting node > Manipulators tab.

You can also drive the second segment from the options in the Second Part area: it can be horizontal, vertical, parallel, perpendicular, fixed angle with screen, view, or dimension horizontal and vertical.

  1. Change the Leader symbol in Symbols > Leader Symbol > Shape. 
    Choose Double Filled Arrow, for example.

  2. Transform this two parts leader into a one part leader: from the Representation drop-down list, choose Leader one Part.

  1. Click OK to validate and exit the dialog box.