Viewports

I'm having an issue with my viewports in a certain layout. I like to keep my viewports on the Defpoints layer, when I do that I lose the ability to grab the viewport and change it's size, move it, or change it's scale. I can do all of these things while I have the viewport on a different layer, but once I change it, I'm stuck. The Defpoints layer is unlocked, and not off or frozen. Anybody have any ideas on what the issue might be?

Is layer 0 locked/off/frozen?

hint... don't use Defpoints

Your viewports should be on their own layer (not Defpoints) that is set to not print. Make this S.O.P.

I always set them to a layer of there own, "Viewports" and change the colour to magenta. But make sure its set not to print. I used to just freeze the layer before printing but kept forgetting.

No, the layer 0 is not locked or off. I've used defpoints for years as my viewport layer and I've never had this problem before, thats why I ask. Weird.

Thanks guys. I'll have to break the habit of using the defpoints layer for my viewports, that should fix the problem and stop it from happening in the future.

Thanks for the help.

Just because you've done it for years doesn't make it right. Prior to AutoDesk giving us the ability to set a layer to "no plot" we did have to resort to using the Defpoints layers but we are way past that now. You've got to make more of an effort to keep current.

Just because you've done it for years doesn't make it right. Prior ro AutoDesk giving us the ability to set a layer to "no plot" we did have to resort to using the Defpoints layers but we are way past that now. You've got to make more of an effort to keep current.

My point of saying that I've done it that way for years was that it had worked up until this point, 5-6 years. I don't claim to be an expert, but if it works it works, right or wrong. I would have changed the way I do it long ago if it didn't work back then. Why is it that Defpoints is wrong? Why is the layer there if it's not to be used? Right now I'm using MEP 2011, and regularily go to Autodesk training, so my company does a pretty good job of keeping me current. In that training not using defpoints has never been talked about.

You've got to make more of an effort to keep current.

So there

I have never used Defpoints - what was it for?

Back to school guys (and gals). From your AutoCAD Help file. And here I thought everyone knew this stuff.

definition points

Points for creating a dimension. The program refers to the points to modify the appearance and value of a nonassociative dimension when the dimensioned object is modified. Also called defpoints and stored on the special layer DEFPOINTS.

Isn't it a waste to create a layer that does the exact same thing Defpoints does? According to Autodesk's website, even though Defpoints isn't intended as a layer to place objects, it's sometimes helpful to place objects intended for viewing only on the layer.

the problem is, it really doesnt do the exact same thing as defpoints. Defpoints is an autodesk created layer that applies to dimensions mostly, it is the definition points of the dimension, in other words, the little nods/points/dots (whatever you want to call them) that define what a dimension dimensions are on that layer. Changes to the layer properties of layer 0 directly affect the defpoints layer. this does not happen to any other layer, which obviously shows that you cannot create a layer that does the exact same thing as defpoints. Just create a Viewport layer that is set to non plot and add it to your standard template, then put all your viewports on that layer from now on. once you have it added to your template, you are longer wasting anything to create a layer. Or you could even go a little further and create a program that runs based on reactors that changes the current layer to viewport when you create one and then back when your done, that way you dont have to change anything, or even worry about it.

Could you please post a link to the information on Autodesk's website (just curious).

ccowgill,

Thanks for explaining that. It makes sense. I was looking for more of an explanation of why I shouldn't be using defpoints, other than because it's wrong.

"Although the DEFPOINTS layer is not intended to be used as a layer for placing objects, it can sometimes be helpful to place reference or construction geometry or other objects that are intended for viewing only."

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/dl/item?siteID=123112&id=2898250&linkID=9240617

yes but it also says

Objects that are on the DEFPOINTS layer do not plot or print because this layer is intended only to store information about dimensions.

Isn't it a waste to create a layer that does the exact same thing Defpoints does? According to Autodesk's website, even though Defpoints isn't intended as a layer to place objects, it's sometimes helpful to place objects intended for viewing only on the layer.

No it isn't. Want to know why? Because on those rare occasions when you want to do something with the objects you placed on the defpoints layer you can't. Now isn't that just a kick in the teeth. That's what we get for trying to outfox the fox.

No it isn't. Want to know why? Because on those rare occasions when you want to do something with the objects you placed on the defpoints layer you can't. Now isn't that just a kick in the teeth. That's what we get for trying to outfox the fox.

Isn't what a kick in the teeth? What are you talking about? If you read above you'll see a logical explanation and response to my post for not using Defpoints provided by ccowgill. When my viewports are on Defpoints I typically can still "do something" with them. It seems like you're here to argue, not professional at all. Your aggressive banter is childish. Nobody is "outfoxing" anybody, just discussing pros and cons to using defpoints as a viewport layer.

I concede your point. Happier now?

Maybe a good idea to load the "lock all viewports" lisp that also puts all viewports on the correct layers.

And use the Lee Mac reactors handler to put all new viewports on the correct viewport layer.

There is even an pretty easy way to automatic make the viewport layer if not available.

So you really don't have to worry about anything.

I would suggest adding the Viewport layer to one's template(s).

I can't reiterate this enough (having burnt my fingers many a time since 2006). I was also in the "habit" of using Defpoints, since that was the most effective to use when there was no Non Plot setting for layers, freezing the layer had some other issues.

But this unselectable story started happening to me with Vanilla 2006. Usually it was due to layer 0 being Off / Frozen / Locked, but in some cases even after I've then turned it back on / thawed / unlocked I could still not select some things. And this did not just happen to viewports, text seemed to have an extreme affinity for this problem. And even more strangely, some of the unselectable stuff weren't even on the Defpoints layer. It was as if ACad started screwing up every time I had something on Defpoints ... and it became like a virus.

Once I've moved everything off of Defpoints onto their own layers, this problem cleared up. I've never had it since.

And BTW, that link you had is simply a short description to explain to someone why stuff don't plot when it is on the Defpoints layer. ADesk is NOT advocating using Defpoints at all. Rather read this one:

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/dl/item?siteID=123112&id=3268084&linkID=9240615

That's just one of the reasons for not using Defpoints. There are others as well, e.g. you cannot change an XRef's defpoints independently from the host drawing as you can with other layers.