Why do dimensions not go where I tell them to go?

[Steve]

Why is it sometimes when you try and move a dimension when you click on it it is "locked" in some direction? It's like it is snapping to something and consequently I cannot get it moved to where I want it. What is going on?

Steve

[Gary Brauch]

Steve,
Under the settings, look at the "auto place" settings.
If you have a number other than "0" in the "Min Space" area, then this could be the problem.
This sets the minimum distance between a geometry line and a dimension.
So if you have a horizontal line and a horizontal dimension above it, and the min space is set to "20", then the closest you can place the dimension to that line is 20 mm. You can move it horizontally or up and further away from the line, but you can not move it closer.
If you attempt to move it close it will stay in that positition until your cursor crosses the line, then it will jump below it by 20 mm.