Can I change the arrow style of a dimension in BricsCAD?

ByCADbrief Staff

Short Answer

Yes, you can change the arrow style of a dimension in BricsCAD by editing the dimension style with DIMSTYLE, which is the most common professional method. Open the dimension style, go to Symbols and Arrows, and choose a new arrowhead type for first and second arrows. This changes dimensions that use that style. One limitation is that overridden dimensions may not update as expected.

What You Need to Know Before

Warning: If your dimensions were manually overridden in Properties, changing the dimension style may not affect all existing dimensions. Also, dimensions inside blocks or locked xrefs cannot be edited directly until you modify the source or unlock the dependency.

How to Change the Arrow Style of a Dimension in BricsCAD

  • Command: DIMSTYLE

  • Shortcut: D

  • Quick Steps:

    1. Type D and press Enter, or go to the Ribbon and open the Dimension panel to launch Dimension Style Manager.
    2. Select the current dimension style, click Modify, then open the Symbols and Arrows tab.
    3. Change the Arrowheads setting for First, Second, or Leader arrow, then click OK and Set Current if needed.

Variables & Settings

  • System Variable: DIMBLK (Default: .)

  • Expert Setting: DIMBLK controls the arrowhead block used for dimension arrowheads. If set by the dimension style, it updates standard arrow appearance consistently. If a custom block name is used, missing or nonstandard blocks can cause unexpected arrow display.

Why it Fails

  • Cause 1 (Geometry): If the dimension space is too small, BricsCAD may move arrows outside extension lines or suppress the expected look depending on fit rules.

  • Cause 2 (layers/Locks): Dimensions on locked layers, or dimensions coming from xrefs, cannot be changed directly even if the style is edited locally.

  • Cause 3 (Command/Logic): If the dimension has local property overrides, the style change through DIMSTYLE may not fully replace the existing arrow settings.

Quick Fix & Best Practice

  • Quick Fix: Use DIMSTYLE, modify the active style, and then remove dimension overrides in Properties for affected dimensions if the arrowhead does not update.

  • Manager’s Verdict: Use dimension styles, not per-object edits, whenever you need to change arrow style in production drawings. It is faster, cleaner, and keeps plotting standards consistent across teams.

FAQ

Can I change only one dimension’s arrow style in BricsCAD?
Yes, you can use Properties to override arrow settings for a selected dimension.

Will changing the dimension style update all dimensions?
Yes, if those dimensions use that style and do not have local overrides.

Can I use custom arrow blocks for dimensions?
Yes, if the custom block is valid and available in the drawing.

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