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if you choose Override in the Dimension Style Manager, and change the
color of extension lines on the Lines tab, the current dimension style
remains unchanged. However, the new value for color is stored in the
DIMCLRE system variable. The next dimension you create will have
extension lines in the new color. You can save the dimension style overrides
as a new dimension style.
Some dimension characteristics are common to a drawing or to a style of
dimensioning and are therefore suited to be permanent dimension style
settings. Others generally apply on an individual basis and can be applied
more effectively as overrides. For example, a drawing usually uses a single type
of arrowhead, so it makes sense to define the arrowhead type as part of the
dimension style. Suppression of extension lines, however, usually applies in
individual cases only and is more suited to a dimension style override.
There are several ways to set up dimension style overrides. You can change
options in the dialog boxes or change system variable settings at the Command
prompt. You reverse the override by returning the changed settings to their
original values. The overrides apply to the dimension you are creating and all
subsequent dimensions created with that dimension style until you reverse
the override or make another dimension style current.
Example: Change a Dimension Style Override at the Command Prompt
You can override the current dimension style while creating a dimension by
entering the name of any dimensioning system variable at any prompt. In
this example, the dimension line color is changed. The change affects
subsequent dimensions you create until you reverse the override or make
another dimension style current.
Command: dimoverride
Enter dimension variable name to override or [Clear overrides]: dimclrd
Enter new value for dimension variable <BYBLOCK>: 5
Enter dimension variable name to override: Enter another dimension variable
name or press Enter
Select objects: Use an object selection method and press Enter when you finish
To set up dimension style overrides
1 Click Home tab ➤ Annotation panel ➤ Dimension Style.
2 In the Dimension Style Manager, under Styles, select the dimension style
for which you want to create an override. Click Override.
1502 | Chapter 31 Dimensions and Tolerances