Two Linetypes and/or Colors For a Dimension Using a CTB Plot Style in AutoCAD

I get this question at least a dozen times a year. The question is if you can have two linetypes or colors for a dimension. The most common reason is the person wants a solid baseline and a dashed or dotted extension lines.
This has been possible since AutoCAD 2000 and the addition of plot styles.

Sample DWF file showing two different linetypes and colors for the dimension.

You will need the free Autodesk View Express to view the DWF file.

JPEG Image of the DWF

Overview: In your Drawing, edit the dimension style and change the dim line, ext line, and text colors. Then set a plot style to redefine the way the two colors plot and display in a layout.

Step 1
Open the DIMSTYLE Editor and on the Lines & Arrows tab set the color for the baseline and extension line to separate colors. I chose green and red to clearly see the difference.
While still in the DIMSTYLE Editor navigate to the Text tab and set the color for the text. This is optional if you want the text to match a particular lineweight or color of the baseline for example.

Save the new dimension style as CONT-DASH-1

Step 2
Now lets create a color based plot style. Use the command for the plot style wizard R14PENWIZARD or from the menu Tools>Wizard>Add Color-Dependant Plot Style Table and select the option to create a new one from scratch. Name this plot style "multi linestyle dims" then choose next.

Step 3
Now select the button option to edit the plot style table. In the Form view, change the plot attributes for the colors you set for the dimension baseline, extension lines and text.
I select the color red and then set it to plot as blue with a .2 solid line.
Now select the button option to edit the plot style table. In the Form view, change the plot attributes for the colors you set for the dimension baseline, extension lines and text.
I select the color green and then set it to plot as blue with a .1 Dash Dot line.
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Step 4
Now make sure in the pagesetup for a layout you have the display plot styles enabled.

Your done.
Now you have a dimension style you can use on other drawings and output to DWF or the plotter.

Have an AutoCAD tip you would like to share? Email me [email protected]

Cheers,
-Shaan