Dimensioning & display order

[Tom Krowka]

Two questions for dimensioning.

Is there any way to set the display order for dimension to the top. I know I can do each dimension individually, or select them all and move to the top. But can I set it anywhere to always be on top.

How can I only dimension to one side of the wall. Every time I select one side of a wall, it dimensions both sides. I have the "dimension to core of wall" check box off in the dimension dialogue box.

have a good weekend, ya'all.

[Anonymous]

There is no way to set the default display order, nor even (AFAIK) any way to tell where in the order something is (aside from what it's behind and in front of). You should post his to the wish list. I don't recall having seen anything on this subject and both of these things would be nice to have.

I do the same as you, i.e. select all and bring to top. Not a big deal, but a minor pain when notes or dimensions disappear under a mask fill. It's much more of a problem when they don't show up on the printed drawings because someone forgot to do it.

To dimension to one side you need to click on a corner (check mark or filled pencil) not and edge (mercedes cursor or pencil). Clicking the edge always dimensions to both sides.

[James Murray]

Tom wrote:
Is there any way to set the display order for dimension to the top. I know I can do each dimension individually, or select them all and move to the top. But can I set it anywhere to always be on top.

No. The default display order position for each element type is hard wired.

How can I only dimension to one side of the wall. Every time I select one side of a wall, it dimensions both sides. I have the "dimension to core of wall" check box off in the dimension dialogue box.

You have to click on a corner. It is the way of walls to do both sides. That said, I don't recommend it. (The corner.)

I always click on the wall itself and get both points, even if I only want one. (You can delete individual dimension ticks.) I think it's more accurate because you can see immediately that you hit the wall and not something else. Corners tend to get crowded.

Are you using composites for your walls? If not 'core only' has no effect. If so, use 'core only'. The core condition is set in the composite.

For stud walls, we use a composite of 1/2", 3 1/2", 1/2". The 3 1/2" is set to core. When dimensioning the wall, we get 3 1/2", the framing dim, which is our standard. (If you do finish dims, this wouldn't apply.) Note: for a composite like this, you've GOT to click on an edge rather than a corner, otherwise you're not sure if you got the sheathing or the stud without zooming way in, which is inefficient.

For concrete/stone veneer walls, we use 8" concrete, 4" stone. Both skins are set to core, so the whole wall gets dimensioned 12".

We leave 'core only' on all the time, and let the composites say what is core depending on the wall. Less stuff to switch on and off, which means fewer errors.

have a good weekend, ya'all.

You too.

[Dave Jochum]

Matthew wrote:
I do the same as you, i.e. select all and bring to top. Not a big deal, but a minor pain when notes or dimensions disappear under a mask fill. It's much more of a problem when they don't show up on the printed drawings because someone forgot to do it.

Similarly, with door & window marker leaders (the ones that should have customizable line types ), a fill hides the darn things and the only solution seems to be to draw in the portion of hidden line with another line. Very messy.