How to Edit Dimension Text in AutoCAD Quickly and Easily

To edit dimension text in AutoCAD, select the dimension and then click on the Dimension Text to directly modify it or use the Properties palette to change the text content. You can also use the DDEDIT command to open the text editor for more detailed changes.

Syntax

Editing dimension text in AutoCAD can be done using these methods:

• Select and edit: Click the dimension text directly and type the new text.
• Properties palette: Select the dimension, open the Properties palette, and change the Text Override field.
• DDEDIT command: Type DDEDIT in the command line, select the dimension, and edit the text in the editor.

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DDEDIT
Select dimension to edit
Type new text or modify existing text
Press Enter to save

Example

This example shows how to change the dimension text using the Properties palette:

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1. Select the dimension you want to edit.
2. Press <code>Ctrl+1</code> to open the Properties palette.
3. Scroll to the <code>Text</code> section.
4. Find the <code>Text Override</code> field.
5. Enter the new text you want to display instead of the default dimension value.
6. Press Enter or click outside to apply the change.

Output

The dimension text on the drawing updates to show the new custom text instead of the measured value.

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when editing dimension text include:

• Trying to edit dimension text without selecting the dimension first.
• Not using the Text Override field, which causes changes to be lost when the dimension updates.
• Using the DDEDIT command on dimensions that are locked or part of a block, which may prevent editing.
• Forgetting to press Enter or click outside the text box to save changes.

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Wrong way:
Select dimension > try typing text directly without activating edit mode (no change happens)

Right way:
Select dimension > click on dimension text or open Properties palette > edit Text Override > press Enter

Quick Reference

Action	How to Do It
Edit dimension text directly	Select dimension > click text > type new text > press Enter
Use Properties palette	Select dimension > Ctrl+1 > Text Override field > enter text > press Enter
Use DDEDIT command	Type DDEDIT > select dimension > edit text in editor > press Enter
Remove custom text	Clear Text Override field in Properties palette > press Enter

Key Takeaways

Select the dimension first before editing its text.

Use the Text Override field in the Properties palette to customize dimension text safely.

The DDEDIT command opens a text editor for detailed dimension text changes.

Always press Enter or click outside the text box to save your edits.

Avoid editing locked dimensions or those inside blocks without unlocking them first.