This tab allows you to set the default properties for Dimension Units, used when you add a Dimension to a PCB design.
Shortcuts
Default Keys: Shift+D
Default Menu: Setup
Command: Design Settings
Locating this option
Available from:
Setup menu > Design Settings option > Defaults > Dimension Units page
Setup menu > Technology option > Design Settings > Defaults > Dimension Units page
Using the Dimension Units Defaults Tab
Angle Units
By selecting the appropriate radio button, you can choose between Degrees and Radians for the angle units used when inserting an angular dimension.
The Precision specifies how many digits (if any) to display after the decimal point. Values that do not exactly “fit” using the defined precision are rounded to the nearest applicable value before they are displayed.
The Prefix string is displayed before the dimension number, leave blank if no prefix is required.
The Units Text string is displayed at the end of the dimension text, leave blank to just display the dimension number. If you want to use the special degree character it can be entered by holding the Alt key down and typing 0176 on the keyboard number pad. See Character Set for more details.
Length Units
Where the length is displayed, choose between Imperial or Metric for the units.
The Precision specifies how many digits (if any) to display after the decimal point. Values that do not exactly “fit” using the defined precision are rounded to the nearest applicable value before they are displayed.
The Prefix string is displayed before the dimension length, leave blank if no prefix is required.
The Units Text string is displayed at the end of the dimension text, leave blank to just display the dimension number. If you want to use the special degree character it can be entered by holding the Alt key down and typing 0176 on the keyboard number pad. See Character Set for more details.
Radial Length Units
Where the Radial length is displayed, choose between Imperial or Metric for the units.
The Precision specifies how many digits (if any) to display after the decimal point. Values that do not exactly “fit” using the defined precision are rounded to the nearest applicable value before they are displayed.
The Prefix string is displayed before the Radial length, leave blank if no prefix is required.
The Units Text string is displayed at the end of the Radial length text, leave blank to just display the dimension number. If you want to use the special degree character it can be entered by holding the Alt key down and typing 0176 on the keyboard number pad. See Character Set for more details.
Alternative Units
For both Length and Radial Length there is the option of including a second ‘alternative’ set of measurements in different units so that your dimensions display the measurements in two units. These alternative units are set up in the same way as the main units, with the addition of fields that let you control how the alternative units are separated from the main units or possibly enclosed in other delimiters to make them clear to read.
Decimal Point Character
Use the Decimal Point Character box to type the character you want to use for the decimal point. if the box is left blank a dot will be assumed.
Changing Units While Adding and Placing Dimensions
You can change the Units when adding the dimension using the context menu option, Change Units. Selecting this option toggles between the units defined in the Units dialog. This option is also available when moving the actual dimension text and the dimension line.
Related Topics
Insert Dimension | Defaults Dimensions | Technology Overview | Technology Text Styles | Technology Line Styles | Properties | Dimension Properties | Dimension Arrows Properties | Dimension Doc Lines Properties | Dimension Text Properties | Dimension Tolerance Properties | Units