Dimension edit handles

Dimensions have a standard set of color-coded handles to indicate their behavior during edits. When you select a dimension, the handles are visible.

Note:

For information about 3D dimension edit handles, see the help topic PMI edit handles and cursors.

Identifying handles based on color and location

There are three types of handles that appear on a dimension. The handle colors identify the type of edit the handle performs. The location of the handle indicates what will change.

Example:

Edit handles for a dimension (ISO standard) are (1) a gray connection handle, (2) a dark blue terminator handle, and (3) light blue edit handles.

For an ANSI standard dimension, the light blue edit handles are located at (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d):

Using the handles

Refer to the following table for an explanation of what the handles do. To learn how to use the dimension edit handles, as well as other techniques for moving a dimension, see the help topic, Move a dimension.

Handle name and location	Purpose	Does this
(1) Connection handle	Connects a dimension projection line to an element.	Changes the length of the projection line. Alt+drag disconnects the handle from the parent geometry.
(2) Terminator handle	Modifies the selected terminator, dimension line, and projection line.	Displays a menu of dimension formatting commands: Terminator Type Displays a list of available terminator types for the selected dimension. Set terminator size and shape Show Projection Line Shows or hides the projection line adjacent to the selected terminator handle. Display a half dimension. Show Dimension Line Shows or hides the dimension line and terminator adjacent to the selected terminator handle. Display a half dimension. Flip Terminator Flips both of the dimension lines with terminators outside or inside the projection lines. Move a dimension
(3) (3a) Dimension text edit handle	Moves dimension text.	Drags the dimension text along the dimension line. For dimension text with a break line, changes the length of the break line and moves the dimension text to the opposite side of the dimension line.
(3b) Dimension line edit handle	Adjusts the length of a dimension line.	Lengthens or shortens the selected dimension line.
(3c) Projection line edit handle	Adjusts the length of a projection line. Note: For ISO dimensions, the projection line edit handle is coincident with the connection handle. It is not visible until you drag it.	Lengthens or shortens the selected projection line.
(3d) Break line edit handle	Adjusts the length of a break line associated with dimension text.	For dimension text with a break line, changes the length of the break line and moves the dimension text to the opposite side of the break line.

Note:

The handle colors are defined by the Handle 1, Handle 2, and Handle 3 colors on the Colors tab in the QY CAD Options dialog box. The default handle colors are different in 2D and 3D environments.

Formatting symmetric diameter dimensions

Snap indicators for dimensions