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, ...

    • 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 ...

    • Understanding Room Components

      Creating Floor and Ceilings To begin drawing floors and ceilings, click on the Draw tab in Toolbox and then click the Draw Room Components tab. Select the Walls category from the drop-down menu. At the bottom of the window, you’ll see the following ...

    • Recent Articles

    • Microvellum Foundation Library Release Notes | Build 24.1025

      The following release notes apply to Microvellum Foundation Library build 24.1025. Additions Added new global variable “Remove Stop Dado On Bottom Edge” for wood drawer boxes. Check this option to run the dado through at the bottom of the sub front ...

    • Toolbox Release Notes | Build 24.1.1030.641

      The following release notes apply to Toolbox build 24.1.1030.641 Routing and Profile Fixes Several issues were found with routing and polyline paths: Fig. 1: Horizontal routes off of a part disappearing (left) and appearing correctly (right). When ...

    • Toolbox Release Notes | Build 24.1.1010.641

      The following release notes apply to Toolbox build 24.1.1010.641 Biesse Winstore Fix Several issues with the Biesse Winstore plugin have been resolved: There was an issue that would sometimes occur wherein materials that were intended to stack wound ...

    • Toolbox Release Notes | Build 24.1.1001.641

      The following release notes apply to Toolbox build 24.1.1001.641 HBore Toolfile Fix Fig. 1: The location in the Toolfile UI where the error would occur. There was an issue reported with the functionality of the Horizontal Boring Machine setting in ...

    • Microvellum Foundation Library Release Notes | Build 24.0919

      The following release notes apply to Microvellum Foundation Library build 24.0919 Additions Added 5 new special Wine Rack products and 9 new Wine Rack Insert subassemblies. Products: Master Vertical Wine Rack Corner Frame Master Vertical Wine Rack ...