Modifying dimension defaults

[scoopdeville]

There are many times I would like my dimensions to show up in inches only especially when the dimension is less then 2'-0". For instance I would prefer my dimension to say 18" instead of the default 1'-6". Is there a setting that will default enter dimensions to simply inches or do I need to maually change these texts all the time? And is there a way to set the range for "inches only" dimensioning such as all dimensions 24" and less? Thanks

[ReMark]

Inches only dimensions was the focus of a short paragraph in Michael Beall's October 2005 article entitled "Fun, Final and Fundamentals". You can visit him at Michael's Corner by going back to the main page of this website (left side of page).

Here's a link I found using Google to a number of Michael's archived files:

http://www.cadtutor.net/michael/archive.html

When you open October 2005's archive page down to the heading "The Odd Spot". Here you'll find a brief paragraph explaining how to set up inches only dimensions. I tried it myself using 2004 and it worked. I too was wondering the same thing. Now we're both just a bit smarter than we were when we woke up this morning. I always like to learn at least one new thing a day. Ain't life grand?

[mrjangles]

Click on the "Modify Dim Style" Tool button
Select style to modify
Go to Primary units and set "Unit Format" to decimal, I suspect your using "Architectural"
Go to "Suffix" box and put the " sign in.

Either use feet & inches or inches, don't mix the two on the same drawing.

[scoopdeville]

First, thanks to both Mrjangles (do you go by Bo for short?) and ReMark for helping. What I have done in the past is to set up a second dim style set to fractional with an inches suffix. Then on the dimensions I need to read inches only I match properties to the correct dim style. It gets the job done but being a lazy bum I was hoping to find a way that automatically sets all dimensioning under a specified figure like 2'-0" to use only inches. I have been reading Michael Beall's site and there is a lot of useful info there. I understand the concern about mixing dim styles on one drawing. As an architect we do a lot of dimensioning that includes large numbers and small numbers. usually drawn at 1/4" or 1/8" scales. 1'-0" simply does not fit between the dim lines at that scale where 12" fits nicely. Our builders don't mind the small units being inches only and our drawings neaten up quite a bit. Thanks again.