Controlling Annotation Scale Further

In my previous AutoCAD tutorial, I’ve introduced you annotation scaling for dimension. We have added two scales to all of our dimensions automatically. In this post, we will discuss how we use annotation scaling for hatches. We will also discuss how we can control it further.

Two questions popped up when I first time learn about annotation scaling:

1. Can we selectively show objects in a certain scales, but not in others?
2. Showing annotation in different scales is great. But sometimes it can obstruct my drawings on relatively large scale. But I need it there in detailed drawings.

To answer these questions, let’s open our drawing again. Select any wall, right click, and select block editor from context menu.

Here’s what we are going to do: We want our brick pattern will be not too large in 1:50. And we don’t want this pattern shown in 1:200 scale. Let’s assume we only use those 3 scales.

First, we need to tell AutoCAD this is how we want it look like in 1:100. Change your annotation scale to 1:100.

Now we need to add annotative behavior to this pattern. Select it, right click, select hatch edit. In the options area, activate annotative.

Click OK to close this dialog. Now try to move your pointer above this pattern, you will see annotative symbol right next your cursor.

Now we need to tell AutoCAD to also show this pattern in 1:50. Select the pattern. Look at your properties palette. If it’s not opened yet, right click and select properties.

In pattern section, click on text field next to annotative scale. You will see … button next to it. Click it.

This will open object scale dialog. You will see 1:100 listed here. Click add. Select 1:50 and click OK. Now this pattern will show only in 1:50 and 1:100! This is how you can add scales manually to your annotations. Save this block and close block editor.

Turn off annotation visibility. It’s the button next to your annotation scale list. Try several scales. You should see your pattern only in 1:50 and 1:100. Try to compare how it looks in your layout, different viewport scale.

Now let’s back to our dimension. Add some more dimension using 3mm style like this.

Now, here’s a challenge. Can you show all dimensions in 1:50, but only some in 1:100?

After you finish, here’s the last one on this post.

Activate 1:100 viewport. Let’s pretend that our dimension too far from our drawing. But we feel it’s OK for 1:50. Select a dimension. You will see your dimension showing two sizes: On 1:50 and 1:100.

Drag your dimension closer to your drawing. Pay attention to your other viewport while doing this. It’s only adjusted in your active viewport, but not in the other scale! Amazing isn’t it?

Basically that’s all you need to know about annotation scaling. Do you find it interesting? Will you use this feature?

If you won’t, what are your considerations?

About Edwin Prakoso

I work as a Solution Consultant in Datech Solutions, Tech Data Indonesia. I've been using AutoCAD since R14 and Revit since Revit Building 9. I occasionally write for AUGIWorld magazine and also active in Autodesk discussion forum.
I'm an Autodesk Certified Professional (ACP) for Revit Architecture and AutoCAD. I'm also a member of Autodesk Expert Elite, appreciation for individuals who give contribution to Autodesk community.
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