Can I add a prefix or suffix to a dimension value in BricsCAD?

ByCADbrief Staff

Short Answer

Yes — in BricsCAD, you can add a prefix or suffix to a dimension value by editing the dimension text override in the Properties panel, using the DIMEDIT workflow or direct property editing. The most common professional method is to select the dimension and enter text in the Prefix or Suffix field. This only affects the selected dimension unless you change the dimstyle.

What You Need to Know Before

Warning: If you overwrite the dimension text incorrectly, the measured value may stop updating as expected or display misleading annotation. A common mistake is replacing the value entirely instead of adding a prefix or suffix around the live measurement token.

How to Add a Prefix or Suffix to a Dimension Value

  • Command: DIMEDIT

  • Shortcut: No default shortcut commonly used

  • Quick Steps:

    1. Select the dimension, then open the Properties panel (Ctrl+1) or right-click and choose Properties.
    2. In the dimension properties, find the Text section and enter the required text in Prefix or Suffix.
    3. Press Enter and confirm the dimension still shows the live measured value, not a manually replaced text string.

Variables & Settings

  • Key Setting: Prefix / Suffix in the dimension’s Properties panel

  • Expert Setting: These fields append text before or after the actual measured value while keeping the dimension associative. This is safer than replacing the full dimension text, because the numeric value can still update when geometry changes.

Why it Fails

  • Cause 1 (Geometry): The dimension may be non-associative, so even if the prefix or suffix displays correctly, the measured value will not update with geometry edits.

  • Cause 2 (layers/Locks): The dimension’s layer may be locked, preventing edits to its text properties.

  • Cause 3 (Command/Logic): If the dimension text was fully overridden earlier, adding a prefix or suffix may not restore the live measurement automatically.

Quick Fix & Best Practice

  • Quick Fix: Select the dimension, open Properties, and clear any full text override before using only the Prefix or Suffix field.
  • Manager’s Verdict: Use prefix or suffix overrides for one-off notes like “TYP.” or “MAX.”, but use dimstyles for office-wide standards to keep annotation consistent and easier to manage.

FAQ

Can I add a diameter symbol as a prefix in BricsCAD?

Yes, enter the required symbol in the dimension Prefix field if your font supports it.

Will the dimension still update after adding a suffix?

Yes, if you use Prefix or Suffix properties and the dimension remains associative.

Can I apply the same prefix to many dimensions at once?

Yes, but for repeated use, a dimstyle is usually the better professional choice.

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