dim line offsets??

[comcu]

Is their away so that your 'ext line offset' offsets from your dim line as opposed to the object your dimensioning?

thanks for your help

col

[CromCruithne]

Just trying to make sure I understand what you're asking:
You want it setup so that the Dimension line doesn't actually intersect the Extension lines? You want it to end a specified distance, like 3/32", before reaching the Ext line?

-Crom

[comcu]

No.

It want the ext lines to intersect with the dim line and like a cross. then the ext line with be say, 2.5mm (scaled 1:1) from the dim line.

I'll explain the reason i'm asking as their may be a simplier solution.
The reason im asking is that when i dimension objects i'm finding it looking untidy.

Say for very (basic) example i dimension a set of steps. I will dimensions it so my dimension lines are all in line, but my extension lines will all be stepped, this will follow the pattern of the stairs. What I think would look a lot more tidy & clean would be for the extension lines to end in a similar straight line say 2.5mm from the dim lines?
I can produce the above by dimensioning it normally then playing about with the offsets in properties. This is very time consuming. I have used another dwg tool called 'drawing express' which did this automatically, which to be honest was the only neat thing about it!


cheers for your help

[CromCruithne]

SO you're wanting the extension lines to automatically terminate at the same X or Y value depending on how your dimensions are aligned.
I can't think of a way to do that I'm afraid, although someone else might. I can say that the standards I was taught have you lining up the dimension lines, so the extension lines will also match up. Using the Continue Dimension command is a huge help in this.
That's for architectural work though, so I can't say how this will sit for structural work.

-Crom

[Cad64]

Have you ever used OTRACK? It's the little button along the bottom of your screen next to OSNAP. If you want to dimension some stairs and have your extension lines all ending uniformly at a set distance from the dimension line you can use OTRACK to help out.

Draw a line, on a non-printable layer, somewhere above your stairs. This line will represent the ending point for your extension lines.

Make sure OSNAP ORTHO and OTRACK are all enabled.

Make sure your Endpoint and Intersection Osnaps are enabled.

Now start the DIMLIN command and hover your cursor over an endpoint on the stairs for a second and then drag straight up to the line you drew. You should snap to an apparent intersection, so click to place the first set point. Now hover your cursor over the next endpoint and drag up to the line again and you will see a small X appear on the line at the next intersection so click to place your second set point. Now do this for each stair and all of your extension lines will be uniform.

That's the easiest way that I know of to do what you want. Let me know if any of that doesn't make sense.