Controlling the Display Size of Temporary Dimensions in Plan, or Rich Text in the Specification Dialog

Reference Number: KB-01110

Last Modified: September 12, 2025

QUESTION

The display of temporary dimensions on my screen is too small when I am zoomed out. How can I make their display bigger so that they are easier to read, without affecting the size they will be when printed?

ANSWER

The on-screen size of temporary dimensions and object labels can both be specified in the Preferences dialog on the Appearance panel.

To change the display size of dimensions

Select Edit> Preferences if you're on a Windows PC or Chief Architect> Preferences if you are on a Mac.
On the Appearance panel, under the Minimum Display Size section, specify the number of Pixels for Temporary Dimensions.

This is the on-screen size and does not affect printed or exported output. To use the printed scale, set these values to 0 or turn on Print Preview.

Printed dimension and label sizes are set by modifying the text styles used by those dimensions or labels.
Click OK to apply this change.

To change the display size of Text in the Rich Text Specification

Create or Select and open the Rich Text we are working with.
On the RICH TEXT panel, at the top right, change the Zoom percentage to adjust the Rich Text display size below.

Note: This will not edit the size of the text on your plan/layout file. For information on controlling the size of your text on plan/layout please see the Related Articles section below.