Labeling a Dimension with a Global Parameter

From the Label option for a dimension, you can create a global parameter or select an existing global parameter to control the dimension value.

• Dimensions labeled with global parameters cannot be included in groups. If both references of a dimension are to the same group, an error displays, and you have the option to remove the label. Dimensions with only one reference inside a group are allowed to associate with the group.
• Because arrays in a project can't be labeled, global parameters can't be used on arrays in a project.

1. Select a dimension.

   You can select a single or multi-segmented dimension. If you select a multi-segmented dimension, all segments of the dimension will be labeled with the same global parameter.

2. Click Modify | Dimensions tabLabel Dimension panelLabel drop-down, and click (Create Parameter). (You can also select an existing global parameter.)
   Note: You can also access the Label options by selecting the dimension, right-clicking, and clicking Label on the context menu.
3. In the Global Parameter Properties dialog, enter a Name.

   By default, the Discipline is Common, and the Type of Parameter is either Length or Angle (depending on the type of dimension). The default value for the parameter is the current value of the dimension.

4. Click OK.
   • The dimension is now locked (a constraint is created) and the Global Parameters icon in the drawing area indicates that a global parameter is assigned.
   • If you position the cursor over the dimension, the tooltip displays the Label (name of the parameter) and the Equation (formula), if defined.
   • If you select one of the references of the dimension (for example if the constraint is between 2 walls and you select one of the walls), the constraint element displays along with the label and value of the assigned global parameter.
5. Optionally, with the dimension selected, on the Properties palette, select the Show Label in View parameter to display the global parameter name with the dimension value.

   Selecting this option can make it easier to understand how and where global parameters are used in a model.

6. Optionally, click the dimension value, and customize the text on the Dimension Text dialog. You can add a prefix, suffix, text above, or text below the label. See Add Text to a Dimension or an Equality Text Label.
The dimension value can only be adjusted by one of the following ways:
• Changing the value of the global parameter in the Global Parameters dialog.
• Modifying a project element labeled with a reporting global parameter, that is used in a reporting parameter formula for a dimension.
To edit the global parameter, select the dimension, and click the Global Parameters icon that displays near the dimension. In the Global Parameters dialog, modify the Value and/or Formula for the parameter as required. See Creating Global Parameters. Changing the value of the global parameter will change the dimension in the model.
Note: You can also click the icon to the right of the Value parameter on the Properties palette.

To drive a selected dimension with a global parameter, on the Label panel (or for the Label value on the Properties palette), select a non-reporting global parameter. The dimension is locked and driven by the current value of the parameter. The only way to modify the dimension is to change the value of the parameter in the Global Parameters dialog.