How many of you after switching over to SolidWorks 2008 couldn’t figure out how to hide an extension line? There was a small change to how you hide or show dimension and extension lines that seemed to be made under the radar. The first time I needed to hide an extension line I was shocked to find the way I have become accustomed to was no longer there. No worries though, the command is still available and even easier to find then before without having to dig though menus.

First, what are dimension and extension lines? Section 2.8.1 & 2.8.2 of ASME Y14.2m-1992 have the following definitions:

Dimension lines are used to indicate the extent and direction of dimensions, and are terminated with uniform arrowheads.

Extension lines are used to indicate the point or line on the drawing to which the dimension applies. They are also used to indicate the extension of a surface to a theoretical intersection.

Hide / Show Dimension Lines

To hide a dimension line, right-click the dimension line you wish to hide. If your dimension line is broken by the dimension value, each segment is independent. For this example we only want to hide the right side so we will right-click the right segment and select Hide Dimension Line in the menu.

The right segment of the dimension line is now hidden.

Now we need to show the hidden dimension line. If you try, you will find you cannot right-click the hidden dimension line. Instead to show the dimension line right-click the remaining dimension line and select Show Dimension Lines. If both dimension lines are hidden you can right-click the extension lines and select Show Dimension Lines in the menu.

Hide / Show Extension Lines

To hide a extension line, right-click the line and select Hide Extension Line in the menu.

The selected extension line is now hidden.

As before, you cannot right-click the hidden extension line. Instead, right-click the remaining extension line and select Show Extension Lines. If both extension lines are hidden you can right-click a dimension line and select Show Extension Lines in the menu.

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