Chapter 23: Dimensioning and Tolerancing
Dimension Text
The Dimension Text panel enables you to add text to the dimension. You can add lines of text both
above and below the dimension value itself, and you can also add text before and after the DIM
value on the same line. The DIM field is what places the actual value; if this syntax is somehow
deleted, you can type it back in and the dimension will still work.The Dimension Text panel includes some formatting tools, such as justification settings and a set-
ting for the position of the dimension line. The last two rows of buttons include the more com-
monly used symbols, with access to the complete library, such as any custom symbols that you
may have made for the library.Primary Value Override
The most famous bad habit former AutoCAD users use is overriding dimension values. Apparently
due to popular demand, the Primary Value Override is now available in SolidWorks, in the
Dimension PropertyManager, as shown in Figure 23.11. This option was added to the software
mainly to enable the creation of dimensions with words instead of numbers, as shown in
Figure 23.12.FIGURE 23.12Using the Override Dimension value
Display Options
You can control the default setting for parentheses around driven (reference) dimensions in the
Add Parenthesis By Default dialog box by selecting the choosing Tools ➪ Options ➪ Document
Properties ➪ Dimensions ➪ Add Parentheses By Default.