Leader Dimension Properties

Now reading version 3.0. For the latest, read: Leader Dimension Properties for version 4

This documentation page references Altium NEXUS/NEXUS Client (part of the deployed NEXUS solution), which has been discontinued. All your PCB design, data management and collaboration needs can now be delivered by Altium Designer and a connected Altium 365 Workspace. Check out the FAQs page for more information.

 

Parent page: Leader Dimension

PCB Editor object properties are definable options that specify the visual style, content and behavior of the placed object. The property settings for each type of object are defined in the different way:

  • Pre-placement settings – most Leader Dimension object properties, or those that can logically be pre-defined, are available as editable default settings on the PCB Editor - Defaults page of the Preferences dialog (access from the  button at the top-right of the workspace). Select the object in the Primitive List to reveal its options on the right.

  • Post-placement settings – all Leader Dimension object properties are available for editing in the Leader dialog and the Properties panel when a placed Leader Dimension is selected in the workspace.

 

If the Double Click Runs Interactive Properties option is disabled (default) on the PCB Editor - Defaults page of the Preferences dialog, when the primitive is double-clicked or you right-click on a selected primitive then choose Properties, the dialog will open. When the Double Click Runs Interactive Properties option is enabled, the Properties panel will open. 
While the options are the same in the dialog and the panel, the order and placement of the options may differ slightly. 

Style
  • Dimension Line Width - the current line width.
  • Extension Line Gap - the current gap value, which is is the distance between the leader dimension arrow/dot and the object/point with which the leader is associated.
  • Text Gap - the current gap between the dimension text and the last 'leg' of the leader line.
When the Leader Shape is set to Round or Square, this becomes the gap between the dimension text and the right-hand edge of the encapsulating shape. In this case, increasing the gap will actually bring the text closer to the end of the leader line.
  • Leader Shape - use the drop-down to determine which shape is used to encapsulate the dimension text. Available options are AutomaticRound, and Square. If Round or Square are selected, enter the desired Size.
  • Arrow Style - use the drop-down to select the desired leader style. Choices are Arrow or Dot. Enter the desired Size.

Properties

  • Text - enter the desired text.
  • Layer - the layer to which the dimension is currently assigned. Use the drop-down to select the desired layer. Dimensions can be assigned to any available layer.
  • Text Position -  the current position of the dimension text. Use the drop-down list to choose one of the following options:
    • Aligned - Left - the dimension text will be aligned with the angle of the last 'leg' of the leader line.
    • Unidirectional - the dimension text will remain horizontal regardless of the dimension alignment angle.
    • Manual - the dimension text will be available for manual placement.
  • Text Height - the current text height.

Font Type

  • TrueType - use the drop-down to choose the required TrueType font. The drop-down list is populated with TrueType and OpenType (a superset of TrueType) fonts found in the \Windows\Fonts folder. Note that the list will only include entries for detected (and uniquely named) root fonts. Use the B (bold) and I (Italic) options to add emphasis to the text.
The use of TrueType fonts in PCB documents will result in more complex Gerber outputs.
To ensure all fonts used in your design are available wherever the design is loaded, enable the Embed TrueType fonts inside PCB documents option on the PCB Editor - TrueType Fonts page of the Preferences dialog. A substitution TrueType font can also be nominated for files using TrueType fonts that are not installed locally.
  • Stroke - stroke-based fonts are built into the software and cannot be changed. All three fonts have the full IBM extended ASCII character set that supports English and other European languages.
    • Font - use the drop-down to choose the required Stroke font. Available options are DefaultSerif, and Sans Serif. The Default style is a simple vector font that supports pen plotting and vector photo-plotting. The Sans Serif and Serif fonts are more complex and will slow down vector output generation, such as Gerber.
    • Stroke Width - enter the desired width.
If you find an issue, select the text/image and pressCtrl + Enterto send us your feedback.
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