Multi-leader / Callout Display Issue

[phil_ferguson_tkg]

We have created a multileader style for callouts that uses a block with a solid hatch for the background (see attached).  We did this to pre-empt the issues with text masking (we want the entire interior of the border to mask linework).  We elected to not use a wipeout because of the shape and the seemingly ever-unpredictible draworder inconsistencies with them.  The color of the hatch is important, as this color acts as a wipeout would in our plotting system.  We have several other multileader styles for callouts, set up the exact same way, that use different shapes.

Here's whats happening...

In model space - Never a problem.

In layouts/viewports - Occasionally, the hatch will view as the color assigned to the layer that the multileader is on.  The multileader will plot correctly, but it is difficult to see the text through the hatch while working.  If you switch model space, they view correctly.  This is only a problem in layouts/viewports.

Any ideas?

BTW...Yes, we are using Civil 3D...But, this is clearly an AutoCAD issue.

Thanks in advance,

[Anonymous]

Right after stating that you are using Civil 3D, then state that this is clearly an AutoCAD issue, I have to disagree immediately without any additional information to go on.

First, how about some details:

What service packs have you installed into your Civil 3D 2016?

What video card and driver is the errant system using?

Have you tried the drawing out on a different system to see if the issue is system independant?

Have you tried logging onto a different Windows user profile to check if the issue might be due to a corrupt user profile?

Have you tried resetting Civil 3D to defaults to see if that resolves the issue?

What versions of AutoCAD have you tested the issue out in, if any?

Specific questions yield specific answers.

[phil_ferguson_tkg]

So, I guess the short answer to my question is...no.

As a general rule, when I'm looking for an answer to issues with AutoCAD functionality, I post in an AutoCAD forum.  As is the case here.  When I'm having issues with Civil3D functionality, I post in one of those forums.  I have had posts moved to another forum when moderators find that I'm using Civil 3D.  As much as anything, I was trying to politely state that this is a problem with AutoCAD functionality (in the hopes that it wouldn't get moved).

Suffice it to say that the systems that we are running are updated to the latest SPs that apply.  This problem is not isolated to one machine and does not present itself in a consistent manner.  The most recent example was with a drawing that was about 2 hours old and that had been created with a template that hadn't presented with this issue previously.  The user profile is the same for each of our users...and, yes, as part of my testing, I tryed a different (OTB) user profile and workspace (and in unconfigured "vanilla" AutoCAD 2016).  We have had this issue present itself (intermittently) in C3D2014 in the past.  

My gut has led me to believe that this is a video driver issue (something that seems to be common with 2016).  However, this issue presents on machines that have been fully updated (video) and those that have not (we have various entry-level Quadro FX 350-580).

My searches in both Civil 3D and AutoCAD forums have not returned anything (that I've seen) that touches on this.  Perhaps someone comes across this post and it jogs their memory.

Thanks,

[pendean]

>>>... the hatch will view as the color assigned ...<<<

Color 169? Why not color 254 (almost invisible) or RGB color 255,255,255 (completely invisible): these are built-in to do exactly what you want without picking a random color and hoping a plot style table setting or pagesetup "display plot styles" catches it).

Works like that in C3D and plain AutoCAD for 20+ years.

>>>... - Occasionally,...<<<
Almost always means a missed User setting: should be easy to find once you dig into it. Start with PAGESETUP command.

[stevetamplen]

Hello Phil;

The Quadro FX 350 is not listed on our Certified Hardware site for AutoCAD and Windows 7, so I cannot make any kind of recommendation there, except to check and see if any of the problems are occurring on those systems.

The recommended driver for the Quadro FX 580 is listed below; please note that the recommended driver apparently has some issues with DirectX 9 in the High quality geometry area.

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/syscert/card?siteID=123112&catID=18254205&id=18844534&product=1...

NVIDIA Quadro FX 580

Certified

Selected Product(s): AutoCAD 2016

Operating System: Windows 7 64-bit

Graphics Card Manufacturer: NVIDIA

NVIDIA Driver Release - Quadro Desktop/Quadro Notebook 341.21 64bit [9.18.13.4121]

This kind of issue that does not seem to appear with any kind of pattern/regularity is extremely hard to diagnose, but my recommendation is to try and isolate which systems have the issue regularly, and make a list of the similarities & differences so you can eventually whittle it down to a driver/Windows update/certain piece of hardware/certain piece of software/something else and eliminate that variable.

If any post answers your question, please click the "Accept as Solution" button. This helps everyone find answers more quickly!

[phil_ferguson_tkg · Accepted solution]

<<Glitch Alert???>>  It sure seems to be an anomoly in our system...  Or, at least in Civil 3D 

In the suspect drawing, viewport layer overrides had been applied (in this case, colors).  After removing the viewport layer overrides, the Multi-leader / Callouts display as expected.

If anyone wants to experiment with this, see the original post for the mulileader/callout.  Now I'm interested to know if this is a Civil 3D thing or an AutoCAD thing.

Thanks,

[edhing]

To all those who want to solve the situation until a definitive solution can be found, I suggest drawing parallel lines close enough so that the thickness of the lines covers the entire background of the block and use it as a mask. You can change the color of the lines to the desired color and it works; however, placing the lines on a different layer that you can turn off until you go to print helps you visualize the text without so many lines clouding your view.