How to make a dimensions to show the total length for a Complex Chain that made by Arc and Line String?

You cant really show true length as a dim when its got arc and line, but you can copy the true length from the properties and edit the dimension and I'm using v8iss4

ok I figured out a trick edit the dim text   *  change it to a space

Now go to place text tool and  type True Length =

Then insert a text field  its the f(x) in the text editor  > select properties > select the complex line  select geometry length> show mu label

It then adds the true length as text  wth text field value place this where  the dimension should go  ..

now they are associated between dim lines and complex line  move on and other moves with it , edit the complex line and the text field updates.. you may have to the text field to get it in right position but its the true length..

reposition  text to centre but at least its still with the dims and updates... pretty cool work around I think.. have a look at this dgn and modify lines

Practice.dgn

you can place text field directly into dimension - instead of that "*" sign and save few clicks

yes TKT2 the original poster knew that, but he wanted to get the true dim without adding it and wanted it to keep updating as a real dim, the text field  updates with changes...

if you edit dim text and insert there field (length of element), you get exactly what writes in his original post

I think were both saying the same thing, the first time I tried something went wrong and it did not  update text field but  but second time second post it worked perfect...

I think were both saying the same thing, the first time I tried something went wrong and it did not  update text field but  but second time second post it worked perfect...