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So, you get an AutoCAD drawing from a
vendor and all the dimensions are metric. Hmmmm, that would be very time
consuming to translate all those values into Imperial inches with a
conversion calculator or a big piece of scratch paper! This tip will show
you how to convert those metric dimensions in the vendors drawing into just
inches very easily and quickly.
1. Open the source file and SAVE the file
with a new name using the SAVEAS command.
2. Zoom to the extents of the drawing.
3. Open the Dimension Style dialogue box and
create a new dimension style called Convert to Inches.
4. Pick the Primary Units tab.
5. Change the unit format from Decimal to
Architectural (Fractional if you don't want feet and inches).
6. Set the Precision to 1/16" (or higher if
needed).
7. Remove the Suffix mm.
8. In the Measurement Scale area, enter
0.03937 for the Scale Factor (this is the DIMLFAC variable that multiplies
the dimension value times this number).
9. Pick OK and then Close.
10. Enter DIM at the command line.
11. Enter UPDATE at the command line.
12. At the select objects: prompt type ALL
and issue two returns to accept the selection set.
13. Escape out of the DIM command.
Now that you have all the dimensions converted to the unit style of your
choice, you can print a hardcopy or refer to this drawing for all your
conversions. If for some reason you need to check your drawing that was
created in Imperial inches to Metric, Simply create a dimension style that
has the alternate units turned on. AutoCAD defaults Alternate units to the
Metric style. Now update all the dimensions with this style and you'll have
the best of both worlds before you.
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