QCAD.org Forum

Let’s say I’ve already added and finalized an angled dimension in my drawing, but later realize I forgot to set the correct angle (for example, -45°). Is it possible to select that existing dimension and apply the new angle afterward, or modify its prefix?
I can edit the prefix and text without issues, but when I try to change the dimension angle, the measurement itself becomes distorted. Is there a proper way to update the angle without affecting the accuracy of the dimension?

Hi, and welcome to the QCAD forum.

Please note the above 'Forum rules' in red, at least specify your OS, OS version and QCAD version.

Please explain '... measurement itself becomes distorted' in more detail.
For example with an attached file including a 'before' and 'after' and tell us what you changed in what for the second case.
QCAD lets you make exact duplicate entities (DP) and the re-positioning of the duplicate.

First note that QCAD has its 'Own' methods of rendering Dimension entities.
Typically geared to the most common cases.
It does not support the DXF standard to its fullest.
And most probably not all Dimension entity styling that any other CAD application might provide.

A new Angular Dimension (DN) is by default formatted by the Drawing Preferences for Dimensions.
Angular dimensions typically include the angular unit as suffix or it is in the 'Deg/min/sec' format.
The label is placed near the middle of the measuring arc.
By default there are extension lines.
On creation you can already adapt a few things in the Option Toolbar.

After the creation of Dimensions in general one can change the global preferences in one go except for those with a customized Style.
One can also change properties of selected Dimensions in the Property Editor, a custom Style.


What I think that you want to do is changing the default positive angle reading in a negative reading.
- Select the Dimension or multiple.
- In the Property Editor edit the 'Label' field (Auto) to '-<>'
Where '<>' a placeholder is for the formatted value of the measurement, everything else is purely textual.

That should only affect the displayed value.
Not the label position, the measuring arc, its center reference or the extension lines and their references.

Regards,
CVH