Modifying Dimension Text Using the Dimension Palette

The Dimension palette appears when you insert or select a Dimension so you can change the properties and formatting of Dimension text.

You can change the tolerance, precision, and formatting in the palette without going to the Properties palette.

The palette is beneficial for reusing format settings for other Dimensions (for example, reference dimensions, or tolerances).

If you select more than one Dimension, the properties and formatting that you specify in the palette apply to all of the Dimensions.

The palette applies to linear, angular, radial, diameter, arc length, and ordinate Dimensions.

To display the Dimension palette:

1. In the graphics area, insert or select a Dimension.

   The Dimension palette tool  appears to the upper right of the pointer.

2. Move the pointer over the tool to display the Dimension palette.
3. Click anywhere in the palette to pin it.

   The palette disappears if you move the pointer beyond the graphics area or clear the Dimension selection by another means.

  Note: The Dimension palette is a context toolbar that you can turn off (See Dimension Palette Options).

Dimension Palette Overview

The Dimension palette has three areas:

• The buttons at the bottom let you change the properties and formatting of Dimension text and Tolerances.

  

  See Dimension Text and Tolerance Properties and Formatting.

• The text boxes in the middle of the Dimension palette let you add text to the left, right, top, and bottom of the Dimension text. The Dimension text is located in the center of this area, and you can override it.

  

  Additional text boxes are inserted behind the Dimension text box, if you apply a tolerance type (Symmetrical, Deviation, or Limits).

  

  If you specify more than one Dimension, the Dimension text and Tolerances boxes may display "<varies>".

• The buttons at the bottom let you manage favorites for the appearance and formatting of Dimension text and Tolerances for subsequent use.

  

  See Dimension Text Favorites Management.

Dimension Text and Tolerance Properties and Formatting

Option	Button	Description
Insert Symbol		Inserts a material condition symbol.
Unit Precision		Sets the precision of the Dimension value from 0 to 8 decimal places.
Add Parentheses		Puts parentheses around Dimension text. Reference dimensions are shown in parentheses.
Center Dimension Text		Centers the Dimension text between the extension lines. This option is similar to the EditDimension command with the Home option, which undoes the move of Dimension text and returns it to its original position.

Tolerance Formats

Tolerance formats include:

• Symmetrical. Appends a plus/minus tolerance value to the Dimension measurement which indicates the positive and negative deviation in a single value.
• Deviation. Appends separate plus and minus values of deviation to the Dimension measurement.
• Limits. Displays a maximum and a minimum value, one on top of the other.
• Basic. Displays the additional Dimension measurement and deviation in a single value with a box around it.
• None. Does not generate a tolerance value.