Problem with text/dimension/line scale

I've just started using autocad to do semi-serious work and I've stumbled on
a very annoying problem.

When I start a new drawing I setup the units and define the limits and then
I draw whatever I need to draw. When I need to add text, dimensions and
even use some line types, those drawing elements generally appear
off-scale. As I usually draw diagrams that are in the [0.5, 50] meter
range, all other scalable drawing elements end up huge.

I end up fixing that problem by re-dimensioning things like text sizes,
arrow heads and the like, all by hand. Nonetheless, that doesn't seem right
to me. Isn't there a way to set the size of all scalable elements in a
single place? Some sort of scale constant that affects the scale of all
scale-dependent drawing elements like text size, dimension text size and
line types.


Thanks in advance
Rui Maciel

 

Dimension entity parameters are defined in 'dimension styles'. You set up
these styles for various kinds of situations ( like, say, plotting scale),
pick the right style for a task, and then dimension. Dimensioning first,
then editing each dimension's characteristics is backwards and very
unproductive. Look in the help file for 'dimension style'.

Like in most things in CAD, you do a bit of work up front to get a big boost
later.

 

When I start a new drawing I setup the units and define the limits and then

You may need to read the help and tutorials on setting up text and
dimension styles. The sizes and scale are determined by the styles and
how they are set up. This functionality also differs depending on the
version you are using.
Dimensioning in paper space is not always the correct way to control
dimension scale. Dimensions and text are usually best done in model
space and controlled by the styles.

Daryl

 

I've gave it a try and indeed that was exactly what I was looking for.
Really great stuff! Kudos!


Once again thanks!
Rui Maciel

 

Also, experiment with the PSLTSCALE system variable. If you scale
viewports other than 1:1, you may want to at least see what happens to
linetypes when you set it to 1.

Bill DeShawn
http://my.sterling.net/~bdeshawn

 

Set up your text styles first. The command is "DDSTYLE". Then you
should set up your dimensioning parameters next. That command is "DDIM".

In our office we have text styles set up for 1/8" & 1/4". If we need
more we create as we go along. The same goes for dimension styles.

It truly saves us much time to have these created and available for use.

Janice

PS: I dimension in Model Space. That way any changes to the drawing
automatically change the dimensions. For me it's easier that way.

 

I see.

Well, first It's helpful to know what discipline you're working in to
get an idea of paper size and the kind of detailing you're going to be
adding to your drawings. Have you created a title block, and if so,
for what sizes of paper? It's a good idea to create a list of
plotting scales that you are going to be comfortable with using, and
that those with whom you consult will also be comfortable with. If
your plotting scale is 1:30, then your DIMSCALE should be 30:1. One
should be the reciprocal of the other. The size of the text in
dimensions should be exactly what you expect to see on the paper. So,
as an example, if you want 6mm high text, and your drawing is set up
for 1 unit = 1mm, then set DIMTXT to be 6. Since DIMSCALE is set to
30, actual text size in the DWG file will be 180mm, but will plot at
6mm, because this drawing will be plotted at 1/30 actual size. Making
the rest of your text match, you should make the height of those text
objects 180mm. They will also plot at 6mm high.


(No translation nec.)