Understanding Annotative Dimensions

Understanding Annotative Dimensions

Understanding Annotative Dimensions

Annotative dimensions can be an enormous time saver. Annotative dimensions allow you to use a single dimension and apply one or more scales to it. The correct scale will be used when the scale is set for the layout/view.

Each scale that is applied to an annotative dimension will hold modifications to that scale only. In other words, if a dimension needs to be spaced closer or further from the object depending on the dimension scale, it will hold that spacing for only that particular scale. To edit the spacing and placement of dimensions, you will need to change the current annotative scale (located in the Status Bar) to the desired scale and then make the changes. It is important to understand how a single annotative dimension can be used for multiple purposes.

Not all dimensions will have all the annotative scales applied. Dimensions inserted by Toolbox will automatically come in with all the available drawing scales. But dimensions inserted through AutoCAD will only have the current annotative scale applied to them. Other scales may be added by selecting the dimensions and right-clicking to access the Quick Menu. From the Quick Menu, expand the Annotative Object Scale and select Add/Delete Scales.


It is recommended, when using Annotative dimensions, to have the option “Add scales to annotative objects when the annotation scale changes” turned on in the Status Bar. This setting will help minimize having to add/delete scale.

There is a learning curve to understanding annotative scaling, but once it is learned, it will save a tremendous amount of time and will help ensure consistency throughout your drawings.


    • Related Articles

    • Overview of Annotative Scaling

      This article’s purpose is to guide you through the process of properly placing and editing annotative text and dimensions in your drawings and paper space. A video has been included at the end of the article to provide further insights and ...

    • Dual Unit Dimensions

      This short article and video will show you how to configure dimensions in your drawing to display both Imperial and Metric values in the dimension.  There are two levels of dual-unit dimensions. The first is setting the property of each dimension, ...

    • Dynamic Dimensioning in Microvellum BSB

      When applying dimensions to products and other solids in Microvellum BSB, by default, all dimensions are drawn in 2D on the Y plane, requiring one to switch to a top view (or an appropriately high isometric view) to see them. BricsCAD has a feature ...

    • Understanding the Blocks Palette

      Blocks can be inserted into a drawing with the Blocks Palette, the Tool Palettes window, or Design Center, depending on which of these tools best suits the user's needs. This article focuses on the Blocks Palette. To access the Blocks Palette, enter ...

    • Understanding Object Snaps

      Object snaps are a handy visual tool to help you identify precise locations on objects.  With object snaps turned on, anytime your cursor moves over an object in the drawing, a highlighted shape will appear to indicate a snap location.  If you pick a ...

    • Recent Articles

    • Microvellum Release Notes | Build 25.2.0406.641

      The following release notes apply to Microvellum build 25.2.0406.641. Label Image Fix Fig. 1: An error noting an incorrect number of Label Images. An issue was reported wherein creating new G-code from an existing work order that was edited using ...

    • Microvellum Foundation Library Release Notes | Build 26.0327

      The following release notes apply to Microvellum Foundation Library build 26.0327. Additions Added new Formula Driven Materials (FDM) and accompanying special FDM project wizard. * New Specification Group “Wizard Formula Driven Materials [FDM]”. New ...

    • Formula Driven Materials (FDM) User Guide

      The formula driven material (FDM) system in Microvellum automates the creation and management of materials within a project. By using predefined lookup tables and intelligent formulas, FDM dynamically generates each material’s name, thickness, and ...

    • Microvellum Release Notes | Build 25.2.0330.641

      The following release notes apply to Microvellum build 25.2.0330.641. Formula Editor Fix There was a recurring issue wherein attempting to edit any formula within the Part Properties of the software would result in an error. This would only occur ...

    • Microvellum Release Notes: Year of 2026

      This document will catalog all releases for Microvellum software builds that are released in the year 2026. This currently encompasses builds 25.2.0114.641 to 25.1.0406.641. Microvellum Release Notes | Build 25.2.0406.641 The following release notes ...