Controlling the Minimum Display Size of Temporary Dimensions and Labels


Reference Number: KB-01110
Last Modified: September 25, 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 minimum display size of temporary dimensions

  1. Select Edit> Preferences if you're on a Windows PC or Chief Architect> Preferences  if you are on a Mac.


  2. 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.


    Minimum display size of dimensions in preferences


  3. Click OK to apply this change.


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

  1. Select  a rich tech object and Open  it to specification. 


  2. On the Rich Text panel of the dialog that opens, adjust the Zoom percentage in the top corner to adjust the display size of the text while in the dialog. 

    Note: This will not edit the size of the text within your plan/layout file. For information on adjusting the size of text placed in your designs, please see the Related Articles section below.


    Change the Percentile value to change the display size.