Text confusion

I have been working on a set of residential drawings. I Have read several different ways to achieve text size when plotting.

I currently have all my text and dimscale set to 0" height. I have the 'scale dimensions to layout (paperspace)' radio button checked. However, I cannot see even the slightest hint of test when looking at my screen. I sent a dwg to a friend of mine who plotted it. no text was visible. What height should I set the text to in order to achieve an 1/8" tall plotted text? I cannot see text in either the model space or in the paper space. I'm totally lost.

Where did you create your text and dimensions?

Modelspace or Paperspace?

I only have dimensions so far. They were created in modelspace.

From what I have read. I draw 1:1, I plot 1:1. My viewport scale sets the drawing so that I achieve a scale of 1/4" = 1' using either the 'zoom' command and setting the zoom to 1/48xp, or highlighting the viewport going to properties and setting the scale to '1/4"-1'. I have done that. I started with text size, dim text size, and ticks, and arrows the size I wanted them to be on the drawing when it was plotted to the 1/4 scale. However, it did not plot that way. I must have missed something. If I go and set my text to 3" I can see it, and if I plot from modelspace onto an 81/2" x 11" paper on my desktop printer. I can see the text. It is very small, but I can see it. Much like I can if I print a PDF of a full size drawing onto letter sized paper. I'm afraid though that if I leave the text at 3" it will become too large on the 24" x 36" 1/4 scale plot.

I hope this makes sense. I'm so confused I'm not even sure I am describing my problems correctly anymore........

Welcome to the forum, by the way.

I put all of my dimensions and text in paperspace, along with my drawing sheet. Very simple.

I don't want to try and sort this out for you, as I do not understand this way of doing it, and am concerned that I will only muddy the waters further.

Did you see anywhere the option of defining the paperspace height for the text?

Offhand it sounds to me like you might want to make your text 6", as 1/48 x 6" = 1/8". But this is purely speculative.

Be patient, somebody will show up who dimensions in modelspace, and ikely be able to help you sort it all out.

If your dimensions don't need to be in modelspace, then you could use CHSPACE to move them to paperspace.

Thanks Dadgad. I have never tried to dimension in paperspace. I was taught to place dimensions and text associated with an object in modelspace. General notes and the title block and title block text go into paper space. I don't know if any one way is better or not. I have just always done it the way I do. I was using Draftsight for my drawings. There you scale your text up, like you said in our post. 1/8" plotted text is 6". But I was having problems with people being able to open my drawings. I started using AutoCad 2005 after a 15yr absence. There is a lot to re-learn and learn as it has changed a lot since I have last used it.

There is no right, nor wrong way to do it. A client or company may have standards to which you need to conform.

There are a good many very knowledgeable folks, and strong feelings on both sides of this 'where to put stuff' divide.

Associativity and Annotativity, same story. Some use and love them, others couldn't care less, nor be bothered.

It sounds like you should turn on PLOT PREVIEW in your customize quick access toolbar.

When I dimension and create text in paperspace I can see what it looks like.

I may need to create a new dimstyle for use in a viewport, but that is as simple as CREATING NEW from pick the style and changing the PRIMARY UNITS divisor.

Not so difficult, 10 seconds it is done.

At the end of the day, the right way for you is whichever way you find the most comfortable and intuitive.