Change the parent of a dimension by dragging it

You can change the parent that a dimension is attached to by dragging a connection handle. You can do this to repair detached or partially detached elements.

Select a dimension to display its handles.

ISO dimension handles

ANSI dimension handles
Select a handle that connects the dimension to the dimensioned element (1).
Do one of the following:
- To attach the dimension to a different parent and measure a different value, hold the Alt key as you drag the connection handle to the new element (2). When you locate a keypoint on the element, release the mouse button, and then release Alt.
- To maintain a driving dimension value (and therefore modify a feature)—Hold Ctrl+Alt as you drag the connection handle to the new element (3). When you locate a keypoint on the element, release the mouse button, and then release Ctrl+Alt.

Tip:

When you select a dimension or annotation, its parent geometry highlights.
Partially or fully detached dimensions are displayed in the dimension error color. The connected projection line is displayed in its default color.
When you reattach or replace a dimension, any prefixes, tolerances, and other formatting on the old dimension are applied to the new dimension.
To learn other techniques for manipulating PMI elements, see Move PMI elements.

Remove breaks from a dimension projection line

Reattach a dimension or annotation using the Attach Dimension command