Using Annotative Scale in Model Space and Paper Space

[Amy14P]

Hi,

So we are trying to get everyone here to use annotative text/dims/etc. We are currently drawing our objects, dimensions, leaders and some text in model space. We have set the text/dims/leaders to be annotative. (We are often drawing large building layouts, and then small details for our conduit and cable runs)

Question 1:  Do we need to set the annotative scale in model space to 1:1 to have the items (dims etc) display at a readable height? Often the text is very tiny.

Question 2: Often we do not know the scale of the viewport that will be used later on: is there a setting/command that will allow for us to easily change those objects to the correct annotative scale?

Question 3: When we go back to an object to change it's annotative scale to match the viewport, we are using the object properties and it is not allowing us to make a change. We can click on the dimension  and then change it via the drop down on the bottom ribbon but not in the properties menu.

Lastly, Are we doing this (using annotative text etc) the best way ?

Any tips and suggestions are very appreciated.

AP

[beyoungjr]

Hi,

I'm working on a more thorough response for ya but got a bit busy with some pressing things.

For now check out the following to get a better grasp...

https://www.thesourcecad.com/understanding-annotation-scale-in-autocad/

Cheers,

Blaine

[Amy14P]

Hi Blaine,

That was a good article you shared.

The one question that I still need clarification on is the annotative scale in model space. If we add the annotative scales to the objects in model space...then the annotative scale in the ribbon is in control of what objects?

(Side note: sometimes my self and others have been told to 'not touch' the annotative scale in model space as this will affect he scale of what we are drawing, is there any truth to that?)

Thanks !

Amy

[beyoungjr]

Hi again,

Annotative scaling should only act upon annotative objects (annotative leaders, text/mtext, dims).  Blocks can be set as annotative or not so they will react based upon that condition.  Non-annotative styles for leaders, text/mtext, dims will not be affected, that is they will be the size as set no matter what the annotative scale setting is in MSPACE.

No geometric elements (lines, arcs, circles, etc...) will be affected by annotative scales in MSPACE.

Paper Space annotation scaling is yet another environment to synchronize based upon your needs.  You would do well to spend some time brushing up on things with some YouTube resources, Autodesk University subjects, and other online help with the annotation scaling subject.

The following link shows commands related to annotation scaling.

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2016/ENU/AutoC...

I attached a dwg made from acad.dwt and using a few examples with MSPACE annotation scaling.

Happy Annotating!

Blaine

[beyoungjr]

Oops almost forgot,

Don't be afraid of touching the scales in MSPACE.  It only affects objects created subsequent to changing it.  There is an icon of a scale with lightning bolt that will force annotative objects to change when the scale is altered.  It's turned off by default and I NEVER turn that bugger on.

Blaine

[greg_benson-shettle]

Hi Amy,

To clarify the question, 'What does the model space annotation scale control ?", it controls annotative objects only. That means annotative text, dimensions, and blocks etc. will automatically scale to a different size based upon the current scale.

If we think about this statement, 'it controls annotative objects only' that also means that it has NO affect on non-annotative objects, so, in model space, irrelevant of the current annotative scale, we can draw other items, such as lines, arcs and circles and specify distances / sizes etc. and the geometry with be the size we set it to.  

I have done a short video for you that I hope helps.

Addendum to the video, I drew the symbol with a width off 200mm while the scale was at 1:100 and when I set it back to 1:1 it still measured 200mm, not 100mm as I mentioned, for confirmation of this please see the attached screen shot. 

Regarding your side note, I have kind of answered this above as well. There is nothing wrong with changing the annotative scale in model space, some people prefer to add their notes and dimensions here; it will not change the way your view-ports look in Paper-space Layout.  If you do change it however, it is best practice to return it back to 1:1 when you finished to save any confusion.

 Any questions or comments please feel free to contact me.

[lonesrhia00]

We got a project to design pest control  equipment with the help of AutoCAD. I used the annotative scale in model space and paper space for the same.