---
bc-version: [all]
domain: finance
keywords: [dimension-set-entry, dimension-value-id, getdimensionset, getdimensionsetid, posted-dimensions, temporary]
technologies: [al]
countries: [w1]
application-area: [all]
---

# Change a transaction's dimension set reference, not a shared set's membership

## Description

The same `Dimension Set ID` can be referenced by an unposted journal line and by many already-posted entries. Editing or deleting the persisted set's dimension/value rows therefore changes the meaning of unrelated transactions, including posting history. The dimension-set search tree also relies on those combinations remaining stable; a set is not a mutable child collection owned by one journal line.

## Best Practice

To change an unposted transaction's dimensions, load its set into a **temporary** `Dimension Set Entry` buffer with `DimensionManagement.GetDimensionSet`, change the buffer, and obtain a reusable ID with `GetDimensionSetID`. Validate dimension values in the buffer so `Dimension Value ID` matches the chosen value. Store the resulting ID on the transaction and synchronize its projections through that record's supported dimension validation.

For already-posted G/L dimensions, use the supported dimension-correction workflow rather than changing shared rows. Read-only access, temporary buffers, and standard maintenance of projection metadata such as `Global Dimension No.` are not membership changes. This rule protects shared posting history; it does not prescribe custom-table/default-dimension wiring.

See sample: [`do-not-edit-shared-dimension-sets.good.al`](do-not-edit-shared-dimension-sets.good.al).

## Anti Pattern

Follow a journal/document/ledger `Dimension Set ID` to a **persistent** `Dimension Set Entry` and modify, rename, or delete its dimension/value membership in order to change that one transaction. Inspect `IsTemporary` guards, aliases, and the fields written before reporting: the same operations on a temporary working copy are expected.

See sample: [`do-not-edit-shared-dimension-sets.bad.al`](do-not-edit-shared-dimension-sets.bad.al).

## References

- [Dimension set entries overview](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics365/business-central/design-details-dimension-set-entries-overview).
- [Supported G/L dimension correction](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics365/business-central/finance-troubleshooting-correcting-dimensions).
- [DimensionManagement API](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics365/business-central/application/base-application/codeunit/microsoft.finance.dimension.dimensionmanagement).
- [BCApps: Dimension Set Entry and its set-ID resolver](https://github.com/microsoft/BCApps/blob/8f7a04cb0db8aa96cb97e055c45c61aead49e280/src/Layers/W1/BaseApp/Finance/Dimension/DimensionSetEntry.Table.al).