Breaking dimensions

A dimension break is a space on either side of an entity that intersects a dimension or extension line. Adding a break keeps the dimension from looking as if it is a part of drawn entities, and it can add clarity where dimension, extension, or leader lines intersect.

Dimension breaks can be applied to multileaders too.

After a break is added, it is updated automatically when the dimension, multileader, or intersecting entity is modified.

The size of a break gap is determined by the assigned dimension style.
To specify the break size, use the Dimension Styles Manager command. For more details, Using dimension styles and variables.

To break a dimension (or multileader)

   1   Do one of the following to choose Dimension Break ():     

    On the ribbon, choose Annotate > Dimension Break (in Dimensions).

    On the menu, choose Dimensions > Dimension Break.

    On the Dimensioning toolbar, click the Make Oblique tool.

    Type dimbreak, then press Enter.    

   2   Select the dimension or multileader that you want to break. To break or restore more than one dimension or multileader, choose Multiple, then select them.

   3   Do one of the following:

    Select the entity that crosses the dimension or multileader where the break is needed.

    Choose Auto to place breaks at each point where the selected dimension intersects with other entities.

   4   When finished, press Enter.

To remove breaks from a dimension (or multileader)

   1   Do one of the following to choose Dimension Break ():     

    On the ribbon, choose Annotate > Dimension Break (in Dimensions).

    On the menu, choose Dimensions > Dimension Break.

    On the Dimensioning toolbar, click the Make Oblique tool.

    Type dimbreak, then press Enter.    

   2   Select the dimension or multileader that you want to break. To break or restore more than one dimension or multileader, choose Multiple, then select them.

   3   Choose Remove to remove all existing breaks from the selected dimensions or multileaders.