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You are here: Home / AutoCAD / How to create custom AutoCAD dimension arrow

How to create custom AutoCAD dimension arrow

July 1, 2015 by Edwin Prakoso 7 Comments

In this Article...

  • Creating the block
  • Modifying Dimension Style
  • Share your fancy blocks!

The great thing about AutoCAD is we can customize almost everything in AutoCAD. It is a CAD software for all industry, so we are likely need to customize it. We can create custom linetype, hatch pattern and fonts for your annotations.

In this article, we will learn to create our own dimension arrow.

dimension_style_arrows

Creating the block

Creating custom dimension arrow is easy. You only need to create a block. Below are the blocks that I use for example.

Note the arrow direction. You only need to create arrow pointing to the right. The red circles show the insertion point of the blocks.

The size of the block is 1:1 to the dimension arrow.

dimension_arrow_block

If you want to use the sample blocks in this article, you can download it here.

Modifying Dimension Style

To use the custom arrow, you need to modify the dimension style. Click the dimension style icon or type DIMSTYLE then enter.

dimension_style

In Dimension Style Manager, click New. Give the new dimension style name then click Continue.

new_dimension_style_name

In the next dialog box, go to Symbols and Arrows tab. In Arrowheads category, click the first arrow to change it. Choose User Arrow…

user_arrow

Next you can select the block that you want then click OK.

Notice that the second arrowhead is also changed. If it doesn’t, repeat the steps above. Change the leader arrowhead as well.

Now you are finished. Make dimension style that you want current. Use the dimension command and now you have your fancy dimension!

Share your fancy blocks!

Sometimes we need to make our drawings look good for presentation. There are many ways to do that. Custom dimension arrow can give big impact for your drawing.

We shared 4 blocks for you here. Do you have your custom arrow to share to us here?

About Edwin Prakoso

I work as a Solution Consultant in Datech Solutions, Tech Data Indonesia. I've been using AutoCAD since R14 and Revit since Revit Building 9. I occasionally write for AUGIWorld magazine and I am also active in Autodesk discussion forum. I'm a member of Autodesk Expert Elite, an appreciation for individuals who give contributions to the Autodesk community.
Connect with me on twitter or LinkedIn. If you want to have my new articles sent to your email inbox, you can subscribe to the newsletter.

Filed Under: AutoCAD Tagged With: autocad tips, dimension styles

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7 Comments
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Rogie
Rogie
6 years ago

Can you update the link.

0
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Edwin Prakoso
Edwin Prakoso
Author
Reply to  Rogie
6 years ago

Hi Rogie,
Thank you for the heads up. I updated the link, can you try again?

0
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zaenal
zaenal
8 years ago

very interesting. I’ll have to try it soon.
thanks

0
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Cody Fox
Cody Fox
8 years ago

Thanks for the great tutorial. We love passing these tips and tricks off to our students.

0
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Gary
Gary
8 years ago

When I select user arrow, my arrowhead is not displayed in the list. Is there a specific location I need to save my block to? The arrowhead I created is in a location of the file support path. Can you help? Thanks

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Edwin Prakoso
Edwin Prakoso
Author
Reply to  Gary
8 years ago

Gary,
You need to insert the block to your current drawing. After you insert the blocks, try to change the arrowhead again.

0
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Gary
Gary
Reply to  Edwin Prakoso
8 years ago

That worked!!! Thanks for your help!!! :-)

0
Reply
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