Topic: Dimension Text - Dtext or Mtext

[deegeecees]

I am looking for a way to convert dimension text to DTEXT in AutoCAD '02. I've looked for an hour now, and I haven't found diddly on this subject anywhere (Swamp, Help Files, Google).

[Greg B]

Can't you explode the dimensions?

[deegeecees]

Can't you explode the dimensions?

That is a BIG NO-NO!

[hudster]

copy, paste?

[Chuck Gabriel]

Are you saying you want to make associative dimensions use text instead of mtext for the dimension text?

If you are, I'm gonna say you can't do that.

However, I assume you want to do that because you don't like the mtext editor.  If so, try changing the value of the MTEXTED system variable to :lisped.

[M-dub]

Is there an express tool that does that?  I'm back in our office (not where I usually am) so I can't tell.  We don't have Express Tools

Having another look.....

[CAB]

http://www.theswamp.org/forum/index.php?topic=7276.msg90074#msg90074
 

[deegeecees]

Are you saying you want to make associative dimensions use text instead of mtext for the dimension text?

If you are, I'm gonna say you can't do that.

However, I assume you want to do that because you don't like the mtext editor. If so, try changing the value of the MTEXTED system variable to :lisped.

Reason:
We have a client that uses a font with "Special ASCII Characters" (%%130 = Delta Symbol, etc.) and they don't work with Mtext. Alot of their drawings are R14 and below, so to preserve their DIMENSION fractions without having to change a million I was (hoping) that their was some easy fix. I am sorley mistaken. Ugh.

Thanks for the responses.

[Crank]

Can't you use Unicodes?

%%130 -> \U+0082

[CAB]

When you say "dimension text" are you just going after the dimension override?
Or are you looking to combine the override with the dimension?

[deegeecees]

When you say "dimension text" are you just going after the dimension override?
Or are you looking to combine the override with the dimension?

Just the override. I'm trying to steer away from having to modify a whole drawing, entity by entity. I'll explain in detail (keep in mind I'm typing this in between waiting for Mickeystation/Projectwise drawings to open/close as I have a rush job at the moment and will be working all W.E.).

In suspect drawing, all dimensions with fractions use special ASCII Chars. for fractions (R14 and below dwgs) and they are all overrides. This means that in, say a structural drawing there will be about 50 or so dimensions with text that looks like 9'-3%%206". When I explode the dimension and then the text, the text breaks into 2 entities, leaving one 9'-3 and a separate fraction entity. This is causing me extreme grief. If I could globally change all dimension text to DTEXT, my life would get a little easier. Carol Bartz will be getting a letter, and I will be adjusting her scorcard pending the outcome.

Clear as mud?

[CAB]

Why not remove all the over rides?

[deegeecees]

Why not remove all the over rides?

Two reasons:

1. The drafter/'s did not draw to the dimensions (NTS).
2. Standards dictate that fractions must be as defined in the ASCII chars. which are small slanted fractions (I'd post a pic, but pressed for time at the moment).

[CAB]

OK,
1. What do you want dtext of the dimension override for?
2. What are you doing with the dimensions which have an override?
3. Do you have a list if the characters codes that represent the fractions?

In other words are you translating the dimtext to be placed in dtext?
Or are you translating from one text style special characters to a second text style
with special characters. And if so are you updating the dim override or creating new dtext?

[deegeecees]

Chuck,

1. What do you want dtext of the dimension override for?

The only way to show the special characters properly is in Dtext, Mtext just shows the raw ASCII.

2. What are you doing with the dimensions which have an override?

I'm going to explode them, grab the override, change it to Dtext.

3. Do you have a list if the characters codes that represent the fractions?

Yes. I'lll post em if you want to race me to see who can write this. Just kiddin. You'd leave me in your dust. I must leave the text styles as is. The client uses a modified "Standard".