The Manual dimension point behavior on update default

Learn about the different options of the Manual dimension point behavior on update default.

Manual dimensions share the same defaults as the automatic dimensions when it comes to graphical representation - dimension style, color, etc. Only a single default is specific to manual dimensions - the Manual dimension point behavior on update default, located under the Drawing-Dimensioning defaults tab in the Advance Steel Management Tools application:

The three settings available for this default will control the behavior of manual dimensions during update.

Use the Manual dimension point behavior on update default

Important: Once setting this default to one of its options, it will apply to any existing drawings, during update.

1. By default it is set on Erase all invalid dimension point - This setting is best used if all the dimensions are created matching the requirements of smart dimensions. This setting will ensure that all the dimensions are created between valid points, that can update, and that during update, the dimensions values are correct and according to the model.

   The drawback of this setting is that it doesn't allow dimensioning of any invalid points, on a reference object or in mid-air (to for example a virtual reference).

2. Don't erase any manual dimension point - This option will disable the deletion during update of any invalid points, but the smart dimension points are still recognized and updated as required. The major advantage of this option is that you can dimension anything, and if the geometry doesn't change during update, you will still have a good dimension. The disadvantage is that the invalid points will not move. If the geometric change is small (hard to spot a difference during update), there is a risk that the dimension which didn't move during update will no longer be correct, giving a false value. High awareness is required when using this option, to avoid introducing errors in the drawings

3. Erase all invalid points no longer on objects - An option that combines the effects of the first two options. Using this setting will still update all smart dimension points, but it will only delete the dimensions that are no longer on the object geometry. This means that if a dimension point is set on an invalid point on the object geometry (e.g. an apparent intersection point between two elements), it will not update with geometry changes, but it will not be deleted either, unless the object it sits on is deleted or moved. This option is recommended if dimensions are needed on invalid points - but not in mid-air (virtual reference points), because it adds a small layer of protection against big geometry changes. Invalid manual points will not update, but deleting them can highlight the geometry change better and advise you to adjust the manual dimensions.