Problem with dimensions

[Tripp]

I recently upgraded from AutoCAD LT 2015 to LT 2016. I mention that because I have not seen this issue before the upgrade.

 

I have my dimension style set for my output scale. When I move the drawing or make a copy of a dimension string the font size increases. When I check the properties, the dimension style is still the same even though the text size increased. "Match Properties" has no effect as the properties menu still indicates the original (correct size) style.

[Dana W]

Dim style set in what way? Maybe somehow the dim style became annotative and is changing with the annotation scale of the current view.

[Tripp]

My firm has preset dimension styles for our most frequently used output scales. I used the one that corresponds to my intended scale 1/2"=1'-0".

 

The dimstyle did not change. I think there is something going on with the base file. I am not having the same issue with any other files. Perhaps the file creator included some setting that i don't know of?

[Dana W]

The only setting that could possibly change the font size of a dimension is the Annotative setting in the dimension style editor, as I mentioned before. Did you take a look there to see if the style has been made annotative? You failed to mention the item at all. See the image below.

 

An annotative dimension will show in ALL scale sizes assigned to it when it is selected whether selected alone or in a bunch of objects.

 

Can you possibly post the drawing here, so someone can look at it?

[ReMark]

Attach a copy of the drawing file (a .dwg not an image file) to your next post so we can have a look for ourselves. It will save us all a lot of time and trouble. Thank you.

[Tripp]

Thanks for your help. I asked a colleague before I joined this site and he steered me in the wrong direction. When I set my dim style I just enter the text height I want. He set the overall scale to 4.5 because he uses 1" text height and scales it up.

[ReMark]

It seems your company hasn't quite entered the 21st century.

[Tripp]

It seems your company hasn't quite entered the 21st century.

 

That's kind of rude there ReMark. I am just learning AutoCAD after using ArchiCAD for 15 years. Sorry I am confused by dimensions and text which ArchiCAD does automatically like Revit.

[ReMark]

I was referring to the use of scale factors and dimensions.

[Tripp]

I was referring to the use of scale factors and dimensions.

 

Well that was my colleague. And you are right he has not made it to the 21st century yet.

 

I am trying to figure out the Annotative text as that is what i was used to with ArchiCAD but have been too swamped to make the time. Annotative is clearly the way to go. My colleague will probably never use it.

[ReMark]

And that is certainly one alternative which would be easier for you to adapt than, as you say, your coworker.

 

There is another option that might be easier for your colleague to adapt which would be to put all dimensions and text in the layout as opposed to model space. It would of course be somewhat dependent on the type of work your company does. For companies like ours this is a great solution; for others it might lead to problems. All options, in my opinion, should be explored and a choice made that would best suit the company.

[Tripp]

I will try adding text and dims on the layout. There are certainly projects where that will work. A lot of our projects are not suitable for that as I may use a base floor plan for several different plans (floor, finish, furniture, graphics, reflected ceiling, life safety and demolition) by using the Layer state manager to turn on/off specific text/ dims for the individual plan (my colleague does not use the Layer state manager, he manually turns on/off layers as needed).

[ReMark]

That would work but it would also mean different approaches for different drawings. Would it be acceptable to all the other CAD techs? Is their a CAD Manager or is that you?

[Tripp]

The firm is small. Just 3 Architects and we all do our own drawings so no CAD techs or CAD manager. The principal has been good about learning new techniques but my colleague has been doing the same thing for 30 years and is resistant to change. When I started, he and I went to a Revit basics class. Since then, I have been excited about using Revit and he just thinks of reasons not to (old dog meet new trick).

So it is a little tricky for me to use a bunch of new techniques that no one else knows because then no one can work on my projects effectively if I am out of the office.

[ReMark]

Your point is well taken. Thanks for insight.

[Tripp]

Thank you for your help and suggestions.