How To Mirror Dimension Text In Autocad

How To Mirror Dimension Text In AutoCAD

Mirroring dimension text in AutoCAD allows users to maintain consistent readability and aesthetics, particularly in drawings with mirrored elements. This process involves manipulating the dimension text to reflect its corresponding geometry. Several methods achieve this, ranging from simple text placement adjustments to utilizing the mirror command.

Using the DIMTEDIT Command

The DIMTEDIT command offers a direct method for manipulating dimension text placement. This command allows users to reposition the text relative to the dimension line, facilitating mirroring effects.

Select the dimension to be modified.
Type DIMTEDIT or DTEXTED (short form) in the command line and press Enter.
Choose the desired text placement option from the command line prompts. The "New" option allows manual placement by specifying a new text location with the mouse. Options like "Left," "Right," "Over," and "Center" can be used to achieve specific text alignment.
For mirrored dimensions, consider selecting "Over" to place text centrally above the dimension line, or manually position the text with the "New" option to reflect its mirrored counterpart.

Using the DIMMIRROR Command

Specifically designed for mirroring dimensions including dimension lines, extension lines, and text. The DIMMIRROR command provides a simpler alternative for mirroring complete dimensions.

Select the dimensions to mirror.
Type DIMMIRROR in the command line and press Enter.
Specify the first point of the mirror line.
Specify the second point of the mirror line.
Choose whether to delete the source dimensions or retain both original and mirrored versions.

Mirroring with the MIRROR Command

The standard MIRROR command, while primarily used for mirroring objects, can also effectively mirror dimensions. However, this process requires careful selection and understanding of how dimensions behave when mirrored.

Select the entire dimension, including dimension lines, extension lines, and text.
Type MIRROR in the command line and press Enter.
Specify the first point of the mirror line.
Specify the second point of the mirror line.
Choose whether to delete the source dimensions or retain both original and mirrored versions.
Be mindful of the resulting dimension text orientation. Additional adjustments using DIMTEDIT might be necessary to ensure proper readability.

Leveraging the Properties Palette

The Properties palette provides a visual interface for managing dimension properties, offering another pathway to adjust dimension text placement for mirroring purposes.

Select the dimension to modify.
Open the Properties palette (Ctrl+1 or Properties on the ribbon).
Locate the "Text" section within the Properties palette.
Modify the "Text Position" property to relocate the text relative to the dimension line. The "Horizontal" and "Vertical" options provide precise control over text placement.

Understanding Dimension Styles

Dimension styles control the default appearance and behavior of dimensions, including text placement. By creating and modifying dimension styles, users can establish consistent mirroring behavior for dimensions.

Type DIMSTYLE in the command line and press Enter to open the Dimension Style Manager.
Either modify an existing style or create a new one.
In the "Text" tab, explore and adjust settings like "Text Placement," "Horizontal Justification," and "Vertical Justification" to establish the default text mirroring behavior for the chosen style.
Apply the modified or newly created dimension style to existing or future dimensions.

Using Annotations for Mirrored Views

In drawings involving mirrored views, the automated mirroring of dimensions might not always yield the desired results. Annotations can offer a flexible alternative for adding text to mirrored views while maintaining readability.

Instead of mirroring the dimensions themselves, consider mirroring only the geometry.
Add new dimensions to the mirrored geometry.
Use text annotations (mtext or single-line text) to add specific notes or labels related to the mirroring, ensuring clarity and avoiding conflicts with mirrored dimension text.

Combining Methods for Complex Scenarios

In complex mirroring scenarios, combining the methods described above may be necessary to achieve the desired results. For instance, using the MIRROR command followed by DIMTEDIT allows for precise control over both overall dimension placement and specific text alignment.

Mirror the geometry and dimensions using the MIRROR command.
Fine-tune the position of the mirrored dimension text using DIMTEDIT or the Properties palette.
Consider dimension styles for consistent application of these adjustments.

Checking for Readability

Regardless of the chosen mirroring method, always verify the readability of the resulting dimension text. Ensure the text is properly oriented, not overlapping other objects, and clearly associated with its corresponding geometry. Adjustments might be needed to optimize clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Zoom in to the mirrored dimensions to closely inspect their text placement and orientation.
If needed, use DIMTEDIT, the Properties palette, or annotations to adjust text positioning.
Consider using different text styles or sizes to further enhance readability in complex areas.