How to Use Dimension Style Tools in BricsCAD

Quick answer: The dimension style tools on the Dimensions toolbar and ribbon panel run -DIMSTYLE at the Command line, letting you apply the current dimension style to a selection, save the current settings as a new style, restore an existing style as current, and list the current style’s variable settings. This is a distinct, narrower toolset from the DIMSTYLE dialog covered on this hub’s dimension styles page, which handles full style creation, editing, and comparison through the Drawing Explorer.

Applying the Current Dimension Style to a Selection

1. Click the Apply Dimension Style tool on the Dimensions toolbar, choose Apply Dimension Style from the Dimensions menu, or launch -DIMSTYLE and type A for apply.
2. Select the dimension entities to update, then press Enter.

Since this only affects dimension entities, selecting every entity in the drawing at this step is a safe way to apply the current style to every dimension without filtering manually first.

Saving the Current Settings as a New Dimension Style

1. Click the Save Dimension Style tool button on the Dimensions toolbar, choose Save Dimension Style from the Dimensions menu, or launch -DIMSTYLE and type S for save.
2. Type a name for the new style and press Enter. If that name already exists, you’re asked whether to redefine it.

Restoring a Dimension Style as Current

1. Click the Restore Dimension Style tool button on the Dimensions toolbar, choose Restore Dimension Style from the Dimensions menu, or launch -DIMSTYLE and type R for restore.
2. Do one of the following:
   • Type the name of the style you want and press Enter.
   • Press Enter, then click a dimension entity in the drawing; that entity’s style becomes the current one.
   • Type ? to list every dimension style already defined in the drawing.

Listing the Current Style’s Settings

Click the Dimension Variable Status tool button on the Dimensions toolbar, choose Dimension Variable Status from the Dimensions menu, or launch -DIMSTYLE and type ST for status. The full status of the current dimension style’s settings lists in the Prompt History window, confirming the same table-row summary covered on this hub’s dimensioning tools overview page. Press F2 to close that window again.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between these tools and the DIMSTYLE dialog covered elsewhere in this hub? These four tools work entirely at the Command line and only apply, save, restore, or report on dimension styles you already have; the DIMSTYLE dialog is where you actually build and edit a style’s settings in the first place.

Can I apply the current dimension style to every dimension in a large drawing at once? Yes, when prompted to select dimensions, select every entity in the drawing; non-dimension entities are ignored since the style only affects dimension entities.

What happens if I try to save a new dimension style using a name that’s already taken? The Command line asks whether you want to redefine the existing style with that name.

Where do I see the results of the Dimension Variable Status tool? In the Prompt History window; press F2 to close it once you’re done reviewing the settings.