DIMFRZ-bgol (Freeze Dimension Value as Fixed Text)

Command Type: AutoLISP routine (works in AutoCAD, BricsCAD, ZWCAD and most AutoLISP-compatible CAD platforms)
Developed by: BGol Community, bgol.in

Inspired by the general concept of dimension-value-freezing utilities used in CAD as-built/record drafting. This is an original, independently written routine, new file name, new command name, new source code, created so the CAD community has a free, editable, open-source alternative.

Overview

Dimension entities normally display their measured value via a default placeholder token (<>), automatically substituted with the live measured value whenever the dimension is displayed. DFZ takes a different approach: it replaces that placeholder with the dimension's *current* actual value baked in as fixed text. Once "frozen" this way, the displayed value stays fixed even if the dimension is later dragged or otherwise modified, unlike a normal dimension, which would recalculate and redisplay a new measurement automatically.

How to Use

1. Load DIMFRZ-bgol.lsp into your CAD session (drag-and-drop the file onto the drawing window, or use the APPLOAD command).
2. Type DFZ at the command line and press Enter.
3. Select the dimension entities you want to freeze, then press Enter to confirm the selection (only DIMENSION entities are picked up by the selection filter).
4. Each selected dimension's text is replaced with its current measured value (formatted using the drawing's current linear dimension precision, DIMDEC), overriding the default <> placeholder.

Why Use It

• Accuracy Snapshot, locks in the dimension's value at a specific point in time, useful when a recorded/certified measurement should not change even if the geometry is later adjusted.
• Efficiency, automates what would otherwise require manually overriding each dimension's text field one at a time.
• Consistency, ensures the displayed text explicitly matches the intended recorded value rather than relying on live recalculation, which could be undesirable in as-built or historical record drawings.

Where to Use It

• Recording an "as-measured" or "as-built" dimension value that should persist as a fixed record, even if the underlying geometry is subsequently edited for presentation or layout purposes.
• Converting dynamic, auto-updating dimension text into a static, fixed value before finalizing or archiving a drawing.
• Any scenario requiring a dimension's displayed value to remain unchanged despite later drag/edit operations on the dimension object.

Notes

• Uses the standard ActiveX TextOverride property, the mechanism AutoCAD itself uses when you manually type custom dimension text, so behavior is fully consistent with native editing.
• Value formatting respects the drawing's current DIMDEC (linear dimension decimal precision) setting at the time DFZ is run.
• Once frozen, use the native DIMEDIT / Properties palette (clearing the text override) if you ever want to restore live auto-updating behavior on a specific dimension.
• Source code is fully open, feel free to study, modify, and redistribute it under the same open, free-for-all spirit.

Credits

Developed and shared for the CAD community by BGol Community. Website: https://bgol.in/ Free and open-source, use it, modify it, share it, for personal or commercial work alike.