Displaying Dimension Names Only

[Updraft]

Does anyone know an easy way to display ONLY the dimension names on a drawing. I have a table drawing and want to only show the A, B, C, etc. where the dimension values would be. (Yes, I've first searched this forum and the SWX Help.)

Options > Show Dimension Names on the General tab does show the dimension names, but that is along with the value, which I don't want to show. I have already named the dimensions A, B, C, etc. in the part file.

The only option I see is to manually modify each dimension by selecting the Override Value box and changing the Primary Value to the alpha character. I'm looking for some technique or macro to make the display in one easy step for all dimensions.

Any ideas?

Thanks,

- - -Updraft

 

[handleman]

How about turning on display of dimension names, then activating the selection filter to select only dimensions, and box-selecting all the dimensions on the sheet. Then, in the "Dimension Text" box, replace <DIM> with just a space. The dimension names will still be in parenthesis, but the values won't show.

 

[Updraft]

Handleman,

I tried what you suggested, but ran into the following problems:
1. If I replace the <DIM> with a space I get (A) displayed and it is below the dimension line. I need the alpha centered in the dimension line and without the parentheses.
2. If I delete the <DIM> I get nothing except extension and dimension lines; no text, no value = no good.

The good news is that what you proposed did allow me to affect all the dimensions together, rather than having to change them one at a time.

Table drawings arent't new. How have the readers of this forum solved this problem?

- - -Updraft

 

[Regg]

We no longer do them. When we started using SolidWorks, it was difficult to get the design table to display in the drawing. Plus many of our manufacturing people do not like them because it does not show a true rep of the part (we very seldom use broken views either). But to answer your question, when we did explore the possibility of using them we would have to take out the <dim> and replace it with the corresponding letter.

Regards,

Regg