Update Annotative Text Within Dimensions

[kmwhitt]

I created all of my annotative dimensions in the wrong scale and now in layout view they are too small and can't be seen. Model space was set to 3/4" = 1'. Once I got to Layout View, I realized I did not have enough space so I needed to size down to 1/2" = 1'. How do you go about changing existing annotative dimensions to another scale? I am using 2010. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Kevin

[the ber]

I think you need the "OBJECTSCALE" command. You have to add the new scale that you want to use, and probably delete the one that you now have. I think you also have to select all the dimensions to apply the new scale to, in model space. I used the "LAYWALK" command to show only my dimensions and hide all other layers when I did the same. I'm not at my CAD computer right now, so I'm writing from memory. I got a lot of help here:

http://exchange.autodesk.com/autocadlt/enu/online-help/browse#WS1a9193826455f5ff1bb1a0510dab2fb04a-7f64.htm

[Dadgad]

 

I never use associative dimensions, but if you modify the attribute in this image, it may do the trick for you. In your dimensions style dialog box, choose modify and it looks easy.

[Dadgad]

 

You can make changes to the annotative scale in your properties or your QUICKPROPERTIES palettes. This image shows my QUICKPROPERTIES showing just about anything I might ever want to know about a selected dimension. By adjusting the TEXT HEIGHT you can fix it so that it displays correctly. If you click on an annotative dimension in your modelspace, I believe you will get the ANNOTATIVE SCALE DIALOG box, wherein you clarify the anticipated viewport scale for subsequent display.

 

If you need to change them all, then you should probably just modify your dimension style, and make the text of a size so that it displays intelligibly in your viewports.

 

This is way more theoretical than I like to be, as I don't use associativity for my dimensions, because I dimension in paperspace.

 

No doubt somebody who really understands them will have better information for you. I do like using LAYERWALK though, as an easy way to access layers.

[kmwhitt]

I think you need the "OBJECTSCALE" command. You have to add the new scale that you want to use, and probably delete the one that you now have. I think you also have to select all the dimensions to apply the new scale to, in model space. I used the "LAYWALK" command to show only my dimensions and hide all other layers when I did the same. I'm not at my CAD computer right now, so I'm writing from memory. I got a lot of help here:

http://exchange.autodesk.com/autocadlt/enu/online-help/browse#WS1a9193826455f5ff1bb1a0510dab2fb04a-7f64.htm

 

Thanks for the reply... Won't OBJECTSCALE scale all the dimensions using that style in the drawing? I have some that I don't want to touch...

[kmwhitt]

[ATTACH=CONFIG]32068[/ATTACH]

 

You can make changes to the annotative scale in your properties or your QUICKPROPERTIES palettes. This image shows my QUICKPROPERTIES showing just about anything I might ever want to know about a selected dimension. By adjusting the TEXT HEIGHT you can fix it so that it displays correctly. If you click on an annotative dimension in your modelspace, I believe you will get the ANNOTATIVE SCALE DIALOG box, wherein you clarify the anticipated viewport scale for subsequent display.

 

If you need to change them all, then you should probably just modify your dimension style, and make the text of a size so that it displays intelligibly in your viewports.

 

This is way more theoretical than I like to be, as I don't use associativity for my dimensions, because I dimension in paperspace.

 

No doubt somebody who really understands them will have better information for you. I do like using LAYERWALK though, as an easy way to access layers.

 

 

I have tried changing the Text Height in properties - it simply won't change. Would I have to disable annotative first? I have also tried to change the Annotative Scale and it won't stick - defaults back to 3/4" = 1'...

[the ber]

When you use OBJECTSCALE you have to select the items that you want to change. Just don't select the ones that you don't want to touch. It is also possible to have several scales for each annotative dimension. When you hover the cursor next to an annotative dimension, you will see either one or two of those triangular scales. If the dimension has only one scale assigned to it, then you will see one triangle. If there are two or more scales available to that dimension, then you will see two triangles. The multiple scale assignments are there to allow the dimensions to be seen in differently scaled viewports. But this is about where my French ends; I'm just learning this stuff too. You really should check the link that I sent for more info (even though it's for AutoCAD LT).

[Dadgad]

In rereading this it becomes obvious that you should have set up your layout view first, so as to be able to correctly answer the annotative dimension query in modelspace, regarding the scale to be used for display, when you started using the annotative dimension style there. If you select the dimension you want to change in modelspace, does it not ask you if you want to add or delete a scale?

 

I was able to change both the TEXT HEIGHT and the DIMSCALELINEAR of a selected annotative dimension, as shown in both the PROPERTIES window on the left, and the QUICK PROPERTIES palette on the right side. You should be able to select all of those dimensions which you want to change at one time, and then apply the changes in either of these places. The 3 dimensions shown all started out the same, annotative 1 dimension style, and I adjusted the TEXT HEIGHT only on the middle one, and the DIMLINEARSCALE only on the bottom one, which now displays 55, as I reduced the DIMLINEARSCALE from 1 to 0.5. If you have entered the changes you want in the properties box, hit ENTER, or else they WILL revert to the previous values. Once again, a huge disclaimer, as I would take this system to be a work-around, having little to nothing to do with BEST PRACTICE techniques. I still presume that adding an additional annotative scale may be the correct route.

[Dadgad]

Here's some more grist for your mill....... I saw earlier a note to the effect that if you have a TEXT STYLE set with a height specified, that it will trump text height specifications in the Dimension style. Perhaps that is why you have not been able to get them to change?

 

I'm glad I dimension in paperspace.

[kmwhitt]

Dadgad:

 

Thanks! Sorry it has taken me so long to respond - I have not been getting email notices on this thread.

 

I do see two icons next to my dimensions when I hover and the scales available are 1/2" and 3/4" (the scales I need) - yet they don't stay the same size when viewing in paper space.

 

I do have my paper text height set to .075. I don't see any alternative. There isn't a choice other than setting the height and I can't set it to zero. This may account for my trouble, but I don't see a way around it. Please explain...

 

What are the advantages of dimensioning in paper space other than the obvious? Also, I often have many revisions to make and I find having to redimension every time cumbersome. Am I missing something?

 

Thanks again,

 

Kevin

[Dadgad]

Dadgad:

 

Thanks! Sorry it has taken me so long to respond - I have not been getting email notices on this thread.

 

I do see two icons next to my dimensions when I hover and the scales available are 1/2" and 3/4" (the scales I need) - yet they don't stay the same size when viewing in paper space.

 

I do have my paper text height set to .075. I don't see any alternative. There isn't a choice other than setting the height and I can't set it to zero. This may account for my trouble, but I don't see a way around it. Please explain...

 

What are the advantages of dimensioning in paper space other than the obvious? Also, I often have many revisions to make and I find having to redimension every time cumbersome. Am I missing something?

 

Thanks again,

 

Kevin

 

In order to answer your question fairly and in an unbiased fashion, I would have to have used both systems. I have not.

 

I learned working with 3D models, and was taught to use paperspace for the sheet, text and dimensions. I trace models in modelspace for fabrication drawings, put hole centers and centerlines in modelspace. If I am working on a more complex piece I typically use SOLPROF which is run from paperspace. VIEWBASE also is run from paperspace. Using either of those I would not be doing any tracing in modelspace. I also print from paperspace.

 

When I set up a dimension style I know what it is going to look like. The way it displays is set up and called out. No surprises. I maintain total control, and use my QUICK PROPERTIES to constantly fine tune the appearance. As you might note looking at the quick properties displayed on the right side of my earlier post, there are lots of different ways for me to interact with a single dimension, a selection, or all of the dimensions in my drawing.

 

The point you make about having to fix dimensions, in the likely event of a change is quite valid, whence the whole mindset behind the desirability of annotative dimensions.

 

I suggest that you search for ANNOTATIVE DIMENSIONING on this site, and I am sure you will find a thread or more debating the relative merits, or revealing the subtleties and options.

 

Sorry I'm not better equipped to answer your question.

[kmwhitt]

In order to answer your question fairly and in an unbiased fashion, I would have to have used both systems. I have not.

 

I learned working with 3D models, and was taught to use paperspace for the sheet, text and dimensions. I trace models in modelspace for fabrication drawings, put hole centers and centerlines in modelspace. If I am working on a more complex piece I typically use SOLPROF which is run from paperspace. VIEWBASE also is run from paperspace. Using either of those I would not be doing any tracing in modelspace. I also print from paperspace.

 

When I set up a dimension style I know what it is going to look like. The way it displays is set up and called out. No surprises. I maintain total control, and use my QUICK PROPERTIES to constantly fine tune the appearance. As you might note looking at the quick properties displayed on the right side of my earlier post, there are lots of different ways for me to interact with a single dimension, a selection, or all of the dimensions in my drawing.

 

The point you make about having to fix dimensions, in the likely event of a change is quite valid, whence the whole mindset behind the desirability of annotative dimensions.

 

I suggest that you search for ANNOTATIVE DIMENSIONING on this site, and I am sure you will find a thread or more debating the relative merits, or revealing the subtleties and options.

 

Sorry I'm not better equipped to answer your question.

 

OK, it makes sense in your case. I have found no other solution than to redraw the dimensions in the appropriate scale from the start. I have learned that I need to know upfront how they will display in paper space. I appreciate you taking the time to help me out with this.

 

Take care,

 

Kevin

[the ber]

Did you mean that you can't set the text height to zero, or that you don't want to? My text height is set to zero, but the dimensions override the zero.

As you say, when you have differently scaled views of the same object, then it's a pain to dimension every viewport. That's why I decided to look into annotative dimensions. I don't know if I'm doing it quite by the book, but I've gotten it to work. (But it sure didn't work the first time!)

[Dadgad]

OK, it makes sense in your case. I have found no other solution than to redraw the dimensions in the appropriate scale from the start. I have learned that I need to know upfront how they will display in paper space. I appreciate you taking the time to help me out with this.

 

Take care,

 

Kevin

 

You're very welcome, sounds like the ber has some more info for you. It had occurred to me that perhaps your text height should be set to zero, in order that the program take charge of the display size. Good luck.

 

I'm surprised there are not more contributors to this thread. As highly touted as the annotative dimension feature is, could it be that almost nobody uses it?

[kmwhitt]

Did you mean that you can't set the text height to zero, or that you don't want to? My text height is set to zero, but the dimensions override the zero.

As you say, when you have differently scaled views of the same object, then it's a pain to dimension every viewport. That's why I decided to look into annotative dimensions. I don't know if I'm doing it quite by the book, but I've gotten it to work. (But it sure didn't work the first time!)

 

Well, I can set it to 0, but the annotative feature does not seem to be taking over when I dimension. I thought what Dadgad was telling me was to ignore the text height and the annotative dimensions woud automatically adjust. Her is the dialog box:

 

[the ber]

This is my current text setting. (Excuse the language, I live in Germany.) When I first attempted to use annotative dimensions, I started with an old drawing that had differently scaled dimensions in model space. I had put these different scales on different layers, so that I could blend them in or out depending upon the scale of the paperspace viewport. Anyway, I could not get the annotative dimensions to work without a lot of fiddling.

 

I think it is best to start with a new drawing: you scale your annotative dimensions according to how your paperspace layout will be scaled. They should only be visible in a layout with the same scale, IIRC. I also think you have to have the viewport and the dimensioning scale the same.

 

When you make a layout with a different scale you won't see the dimensions until you go back to model space and assign the new scale to the dimensions that you want to see.

It might really help if you look up that link I sent you.

http://exchange.autodesk.com/autocadlt/enu/online-help/browse#WS1a9193826455f5ff1bb1a0510dab2fb04a-7f65.htm

[rkent]

OK, it makes sense in your case. I have found no other solution than to redraw the dimensions in the appropriate scale from the start. I have learned that I need to know upfront how they will display in paper space. I appreciate you taking the time to help me out with this.

 

Take care,

 

Kevin

 

There are several good ways, one is to select all the dimensions, go to properties, add the scale needed, in this case the 1/2"=1' I believe you said.

 

You can also toggle the little scale symbol at the bottom right of the screen that automatically adds scales, then toggle from 3/4" scale to 1/2" scale. This will affect all annotative objects.