Model vs. Paper space - Dimensioning

[MarkFitz]

The more I think about it, the easer the answer appears.  I've been out of touch without AutoCAD for a few years now, so please forgive me for asking any questions that have already been resolved a thousand times.

We want to standardize the size of text and dimensions, so ALL text and dimensions appear to be one of let's say 3 sizes (1/8", 1/4" and 1/2") for different items, whether the text of a description, a dimension, and perhaps a title of an item - NOT Border/Title block stuff, the structured words of the actual page itself.  If we leave the dimensioning for the paperspace section, we are assured, regardless of size and scale, that it will be a lot easier to achieve our goal, right?

So what are the down sides to dimensioning in PaperSpace?

I've pretty much only ever used Paperspace to add my finished drawing into, singularly, not using viewports.

Thanks,

MarkFitz

[Anonymous]

You should take a close look to annotative objects. It may seem a little complex at first but the flexibility and coherence that you can achieve by using them largely pays off.

[Anonymous]

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@MarkFitz wrote:

The more I think about it, the easer the answer appears.  I've been out of touch without AutoCAD for a few years now, so please forgive me for asking any questions that have already been resolved a thousand times.

We want to standardize the size of text and dimensions, so ALL text and dimensions appear to be one of let's say 3 sizes (1/8", 1/4" and 1/2") for different items, whether the text of a description, a dimension, and perhaps a title of an item - NOT Border/Title block stuff, the structured words of the actual page itself.  If we leave the dimensioning for the paperspace section, we are assured, regardless of size and scale, that it will be a lot easier to achieve our goal, right?

So what are the down sides to dimensioning in PaperSpace?

I've pretty much only ever used Paperspace to add my finished drawing into, singularly, not using viewports.

Thanks,

MarkFitz

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No viewports at all?  Pretty much makes using paperspace pointless.  

You'll want to use viewports on a layout tab with annotative dimension styles.  You should start your research with the terms annotative dimension style so you can get a good picture of what you're going to need to do.

[Anonymous]

Just off the top of my head why using paperspace for dimensioning is bad...

• What if your model moves?
• What if you need to adjust your viewports?
• What if you need to change scale?
• You will also need to be mindful of the scale that you are dimensioning to.

Your options

• Use annotative objects
• Setup styles for all sizes
• Use a macros to make sure the size is always right (my preference)

Macro example. This will read the current dimscale, check wether you are in PS or MS and then change the text size accordingly for 3/32"

^C^C(COMMAND "LAYER" "M" "S-ANNO-TEXT" "C" "7" "" "") 'textstyle standard 'textsize $M=$(if,$(=,$(getvar,cvport),1),0.09375,$(*,0.09375,$(getvar,dimscale))) mtext;

Thanks.