Dimensioning grips-snap

[ChristianSoldier]

It's those settings that you set and forget that come to haunt ya.

 

I am using Acad 2002 (actually Mechanical 6 Power Pack, but I don't think it matters regarding this question).

There must be a setting that allows you to use dimensions as geometry (relating to osnap).

 

Before losing my customization, I could use the grips of a given dimension and snap the dimension to other dimensions for alignment such as osnap running endpoint, perpendicular, etc.; now and after losing my customized settings, the dimensions are not allowing that feature and I have to use real geometry features other than dimensions to osnap.

 

Any idea as to where or which setting is that one allowing the dimensions to be reference in osnap as if geometry?

[profcad]

You should be able to use most object snaps with dimension objects.

 

Does this happen in all drawings or just one drawing?

 

Are you dimensioning in model space or paperspace?

[ChristianSoldier]

You should be able to use most object snaps with dimension objects.

 

I used to be able to do just that, the only variable now is that I was forced to use another windows profile and had to reset all the customizations and settings I had before. I can't compare since the original is no longer accessible.

 

Does this happen in all drawings or just one drawing?

 

EXCELLENT question.

I hadn't checked an older drawing and now that I have, the snaps are working as before within a previous drawing.

So with that information, (*edit) it hints that it is related to a setting that can be saved to the drawing vs. a global environment (*end edit) .

 

Are you dimensioning in model space or paperspace?

 

Both, but it doesn't appear to matter in which space I am - based on the drawing that I consider snapping correctly.

 

 

EDIT TO UPDATE:

Did a comparison between the dim/stat on the drawing that snaps correctly and what I am getting now...

Nothing showing up there as far as an indicator in difference.

[profcad]

There is a tool under express tools called System Variables Editor.

 

Save your drawing as a different name. You do not want to mess up the original.

 

You could save the variables in the correct drawing then read them into the drawing with problems.

 

If this fix the problem then we know it is a system variable setting.

 

If you don't have express tools, I will be glad to look at the drawings for you. Just send them to jhelton@occc.edu

[Big Mike]

I believe this is a Mechanical thing.

 

I use mechanical (2006 currently) and I have it set for OSNAPS to ignore dimensions.

 

When I had to use plain Autocad for a while, it drove me crazy that my OSNAPS were all over my dims. I looked into it...and apparently it's an option with Mechanical.

 

Of course, I can't remember the variable or setting to change this. I'll look into it.

[profcad]

I did not think there was a feature like that in AutoCAD. I know in AutoCAD you can have it ignore hatches. That would be a nice feature, and then my students would quit dimensioning to the beginning of an extension line.

[Big Mike]

Yes, it's a great feature. The one downfall, is that you can't just snap to existing dimensions when putting in new ones. Although, that is bad practice, so snapping to the actual object is the way to go.

 

Here is the fix.

 

Click onto Power Snap on your toolbar (or type AMpowersnap), then Filters on the bottom left of the dialogue box, and un-check Dimension.

[ChristianSoldier]

Yes, it's a great feature. The one downfall, is that you can't just snap to existing dimensions when putting in new ones. Although, that is bad practice, so snapping to the actual object is the way to go.

 

Here is the fix.

 

Click onto Power Snap on your toolbar (or type AMpowersnap), then Filters on the bottom left of the dialogue box, and un-check Dimension.

 

Thank you very much Big Mike!

Thank you too profcad for your assistance.

 

After experimenting with it, I found that there was a difference between Mechanical6 and Acad2002; although, I suppose the filter settings are saved in the drawings somehow so I was getting variable results. The AMpowersnap filter was indeed the issue here.

 

You guys are great!

[IUSECAD4LIFE]

I have or had the same problem, now the problem is that i cant get the ampowersnap to stick. i have to change the setting in ampowersnap on every page! PLEASE SOMEONE TELL ME HOW TO MAKE THIS A SETTING WITH OUT CHANGING IT EVERYTIME!?