How Do You Stack Fractions Override in AutoCAD?

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Stacking fractions in AutoCAD can be a useful way to present measurements or dimensions in a clear and concise manner. By default, AutoCAD uses a single-line format for displaying fractions, but sometimes it may be necessary to override this and use a stacked fraction instead. In this tutorial, we will explore how to stack fractions in AutoCAD using the built-in tools and commands.

Using the ‘FRACSTACK’ Command

The ‘FRACSTACK’ command is the key to stacking fractions in AutoCAD. To access this command, simply type ‘FRACSTACK’ in the command line or select it from the ribbon menu.

Note: The ‘FRACSTACK’ command is available in AutoCAD versions 2015 and later.

Step 1: Activate the Fraction Stacking Feature

To enable fraction stacking, first make sure that the ‘FRACTIONSTACK’ system variable is set to 1. You can check this by typing ‘FRACTIONSTACK’ in the command line and verifying that its value is 1.

If the value is not 1, you can set it by typing ‘FRACTIONSTACK’ again followed by ‘1’ and pressing Enter.

Step 2: Inputting Stacked Fractions

Now that the fraction stacking feature is activated, you can start inputting stacked fractions. To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Type any number or expression followed by a forward slash (/).
  2. Type another number or expression after the forward slash (/) followed by a space.
  3. Finally, type another number or expression after the space.

The three elements mentioned above will be automatically stacked to form a fraction. For example, if you type ‘3/4’ followed by a space and ‘5’, AutoCAD will display the stacked fraction as ¾ over 5.

Customizing the Fraction Stack Style

In addition to using the default fraction stack style in AutoCAD, you can also customize it to match your specific requirements. The ‘FRACTIONFORMAT’ system variable allows you to control the appearance of stacked fractions.

Step 1: Accessing the ‘FRACTIONFORMAT’ Variable

Type ‘FRACTIONFORMAT’ in the command line and press Enter. The current value of this variable will be displayed.

Step 2: Modifying the Fraction Stack Style

You can modify the fraction stack style by changing the value of the ‘FRACTIONFORMAT’ variable. Here are some common options:

  • 0: Displays fractions as single-line text.
  • 1: Displays fractions as stacked text (default).
  • 2: Displays fractions as diagonal fractions.
  • 3: Displays fractions as aligned text.

To change the fraction stack style, type ‘FRACTIONFORMAT’ followed by the desired value (e.g., ‘FRACTIONFORMAT 2’) and press Enter.

Conclusion

In summary, stacking fractions in AutoCAD is a straightforward process that involves activating the ‘FRACSTACK’ command and customizing the fraction stack style using the ‘FRACTIONFORMAT’ system variable. By using this feature, you can present measurements and dimensions in a more visually appealing and organized manner, enhancing the clarity of your AutoCAD drawings.