Understanding Dimensional Constraint Types

You can apply two types of Dimensional Constraints:

There are two types of Dimensional Constraints:

Dynamic: This type is shown only in the graphics area and do not print. It requires no user-defined DimensionStyle. The dimension text is positioned automatically. Dynamic Dimensions maintain the same size when zooming in or out.
Annotation: This type is printed and uses the current DimensionStyle.

Also, you can decide whether Dimensional Constraints are

Constrained: Geometry is driven from the dimension.
Derived: Dimension is derived from the geometry.

Dynamic and Annotational Dimensional Constraints

Dynamic and Annotational Dimensional Constraints differ in the following characteristics:

Characteristics	Dynamic Constraints	Annotational Constraints
Zoom	Maintain the same size when zooming in and out	Change size when zooming in and out
DimensionStyle	Use a fixed, predefined DimensionStyle	Use the current user-defined DimensionStyle
Entity Properties	Ignore Layer, LineStyle, and LineColor settings	Use the current Layer, LineStyle, and LineColor settings
Print Output	Are not shown on printouts	Display on printouts

Constraint and Derived Dimensional Constraints

You can create Derived Constraints from Dynamic and Annotational Dimensional Constraints by setting the Derived property of Dimensional Constraints on the Properties palette. Derived Constraints display with brackets in the graphics area.

When you set the Derived flag, you cannot edit the value or expression of the Dimensional Constraint. You can change the corresponding geometry to modify the constraint value.