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 25.2.0317.641

      The following release notes apply to Microvellum build 25.2.0317.641 Product Prompts UI Overhaul The Microvellum Product Prompts interface has been redesigned to improve efficiency and usability, giving users greater control over multiple features of ...

    • Microvellum Processing Center System Requirements

      This document lists both the minimum and recommended system configuration for operating Microvellum's standalone Processing Center application. For more information about the standalone application, see the Microvellum Processsing Center Application ...

    • Microvellum Release Notes | Patch 25.2.0227.641

      The following release notes apply to Microvellum build 25.2.0227.641 Processing Center Fixes Multiple fixes and updates were applied to the standalone Processing Center application to improve usability. Add New Configuration An update has been ...

    • Microvellum Foundation Library Release Notes | Build 26.0220

      The following release notes apply to the Microvellum Foundation Library build 26.0220. Additions Added DTC Magic Pro and Magic Star Ultra drawer systems. Magic Pro Items added in hardware file 300 and 600 lengths for all drawer heights. Add 60kg ...

    • Microvellum Release Notes | Build 25.2.0223.641

      The following release notes apply to Microvellum build 25.2.0223.641. Add 2D Elevation Tokens to 3D Drawings Fig. 1: The new 2D Elevation setting. A popularly requested feature by the community has been added to the Microvellum software: the checkbox ...