Instructor:
David has more than 20 years of hands-on experience with AutoCAD as a user, developer, author and
consultant. He is an applications engineer with The PPI Group, a contributing editor to Desktop Engineering
magazine, the former publisher and editor-in-chief of CADCAMNet and Engineering Automation Report, the
former senior editor of Cadalyst magazine, and the author of more than a dozen books on AutoCAD. A licensed
architect, David was also one of the earliest AutoCAD third-party software developers, creating numerous
AutoCAD add-on programs. As an industry consultant, David has worked with many companies including
Autodesk. He teaches college-level AutoCAD courses and is always a popular presenter at Autodesk University.
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Scale Representations
In the following illustration, multiple scale representations of the dimension are visible when the
dimension is selected. The 1:2 scale representation appears at the top while the 1:1 scale
representation appears below. This demonstrates that not only can the annotative objects have
different sizes, but they can also exist in different positions.
Annotation scaling is like having multiple versions of annotation objects all at different scales, and their
visibility is controlled automatically based on the scale of the viewport through which they are seen.
Example of Annotation Scaling
In the following illustration, a drawing is shown that utilizes annotation scaling. Views of the
geometry exist on the sheet at different scale factors. Dimensions, text, and other annotative objects
can all be represented with single annotative styles for each type. The objects appear at the correct
scale regardless of the viewport in which they are visible.
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Annotative Objects
The foundation for annotative scaling is based on using annotative styles or the annotative property
for specific object types. The following object types support the annotative property:
Dimensions
Text
Leaders and multileaders
Hatch patterns
Blocks
Attributes
As you create new drawings, you should use the annotative options or styles supported by these
object types.
Annotative Styles
In the following image, annotative styles are shown on the dashboard. These styles are available in
any drawing created from one of the templates provided.
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Description
When the status indicator is in this mode, AutoCAD shows annotation objects for all scales.
When the status indicator is in this mode, only the scale representations that match
the current annotation scale setting are shown.
When the status indicator is in this mode, new scale representations are created
automatically if the annotation scale changes.
When the status indicator is in this mode, scale representations are not created
automatically as the annotation scale changes.
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Guidelines
When using annotation scaling for the first time, consider the following guidelines.
Create all design geometry at full scale.
Use annotative styles and properties for all objects that support annotation scaling.
When working in model space, adjust the annotation scale using an estimate based on the scale
that would be required to plot from model space. In other words, if you would need to plot using
a 1:2 scale then use that annotation scale in model space.
Lock the viewports as soon as a scale is determined. This will prevent the viewport scale and
annotation scale from getting out of sync. If this occurs, simply select a viewport scale or
annotation scale to synchronize the two settings, then lock the viewport.
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Annotative Equivalent
Annotative Associative
Dimension
Annotative Mtext
Leaders
Leader, Multileader
Hatch Pattern
Block
Attribute
Annotative Block
Annotative Attribute
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Notes
Update dimension style to be annotative.
Edit the mtext object and make it annotative,
or update the text style to be annotative.
Multileaders are preferred because both
leader and text are treated as a single object.
Edit the hatch pattern and make it
associative
Update block definition to be annotative.
Update attribute definition to be annotative.
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Plan view
Isometric view
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While using this option can simplify the status bar, and enable you to focus primarily on
the concept of Annotation Scale, this control does not display the current viewport scale.
Refer to the guidelines above for considerations regarding potential out-of-sync situations
that may occur.
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Scale Representations
A scale representation is an instance or copy of an annotative object, that is drawn at a different scale.
A single annotative object might have multiple scale representations. Each of these representations can
be moved and located in different positions. As the various annotation scales are activated, the related
scale representations are made visible in the location in which they were last placed.
For example, in the following illustration, an annotative multileader is selected. When the object is
selected it reveals all of its scale representations. Notice how each representation is in a different
position, and the grips only appear on one scale representation. When you select an annotative
objects, the grips only appear on the current scale representation. If the current Annotation Scale is
set to 1:20, only the 1:20 scale representation will have grips.
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These options can also be accessed on the Modify > Annotative Object Scale menu.
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In the illustrations, the annotation objects were spaced intentionally for clarity. In an actual drawing,
the scale representations could be positioned on top of one another.
Command Access
Command Line: SAVEFIDELITY
Options Dialog Box
The Maintain Visual Fidelity for Annotative Objects option is available on the Open and Save tab of
the Options dialog box. Selecting or clearing this option sets the SAVEFIDELITY system variable to 1
(on) or 0 (off).
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still treated as annotative when the drawing is opened in a version of AutoCAD that supports
annotation scaling.
Additional Support and Resources
Youve attended this presentation, but whats next?
The material in this presentation is taken from Autodesk Official Training Courseware (AOTC) and
there are a number of additional learning resources available to help you to continue to get the most
from Autodesk software:
A variety of resources are available to help you get the most from Autodesk software:
Autodesk Subscription
Autodesk Consulting
Autodesk Partners
Autodesk Certification
Courseware from Autodesk
Autodesk publishes dozens of courseware titles every year designed to help users at all levels of
expertise improve their productivity with Autodesk software.
Courseware from Autodesk is the preferred classroom training material for Autodesk Authorized
Training Centers (ATC) and Resellers. The same training materials are also well-suited for self-paced,
standalone learning.
Autodesk offers three brands of Courseware:
Autodesk Official Training Courseware (AOTC) is developed by Autodesk for hands-on learning
covering the most important software features and functionality.
Autodesk Official Certification Courseware (AOCC) covers the knowledge and skills assessed on the
Certified User and Certified Expert examinations.
Autodesk Authorized Training Courseware (AATC) is created in cooperation with leading Autodesk
partners and includes a growing number of local-language titles.
Experience Real-World, Hands-on Learning
Students simulate real-world projects and work through hands-on, job-related exercises. Most titles
include a trial version of the software.
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Contact a Reseller
Speak with our sponsor for information on product support programs that fit your needs.
Discussion Groups
Ask questions and share information in peer-to-peer forums. For more information visit the
Discussion Groups area at www.autodesk.com/discussion.
Autodesk Subscription
Ensure competitive advantage by keeping your design tools and your design skills up to date
easily and cost-effectively with Autodesk Subscription.
Simplify your technology upgrades and boost your design productivity with the complete software,
support and training package from Autodesk Subscription.
With Autodesk Subscription you get the latest releases of your Autodesk software, incremental
product enhancements, personalized web support direct from Autodesk technical experts and selfpaced training (e-Learning) to help extend your skills. And with access to a range of exclusive
community resources and members-only privileges, you can use the power of your design tools to
the fullest and make the most of your technology investment. For more information visit
www.autodesk.com/subscription or contact our reseller sponsor.
Autodesk Consulting
Make the most of your software investment with Autodesk Consulting. Get access to Autodesk
technical and project management professionals, a global network of technical experts. For more
details visit www.autodesk.com/consulting.
Autodesk Partners
Developer Center
The Developer Center was created for developers seeking proven tools and technologies to produce
superior design solutions. Whether you plan to customize existing Autodesk software or develop a
completely new application, Autodesk is committed to making technology that is accessible to you.
For more information visit www.autodesk.com/developer.
Autodesk Sparks
Sparks developers leverage Autodesk Media and Entertainment's strong technical and market
expertise to deliver integrated, creative and workflow solutions to the post-production community.
For more information visit www.autodesk.com/sparks.
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Autodesk Reseller
Autodesk resellers understand your design processes and business requirements and specialize in all
kinds of industries and applications. You can maximize your productivity with Autodesk software with
Reseller services, from implementation and customization to learning and training. To learn more,
speak with our CAD Camp reseller sponsor.
Partner Products & Services
Autodesk works together with thousands of software development partners from around the world.
In the Partner Products & Services catalog, you can search for and find detailed information on
Autodesk partners around the world that further enhance our broad range of fully integrated and
interoperable solutions, for every design profession you can imagine. For more information visit
www.autodesk.com/partnerproducts.
Autodesk Authorized Training Centers
Be more productive with Autodesk Software. Get trained at an Autodesk Authorized Training Center
(ATC) with hands-on, instructor-led classes to help you get the most from your Autodesk Products.
Autodesk has a global network of Authorized Training Centers offering Autodesk-approved training of
the highest quality.
Every day, thousands of our customers are taught how to realize their ideas, faster, with Autodesk
software. You can perform smarter and better with Autodesk software products when you turn to an
Authorized Training Center. ATCs are carefully selected and monitored to ensure you receive highquality, results-oriented learning.
An ATC is your best source for Autodesk-authorized classes, tailored to meet the needs and
challenges facing todays design professionals.
Find an Authorized Training Center
With nearly 2,000 ATCs around the world, there is probably one close to you. Visit the ATC locator at
www.autodesk.com/atc to find an Autodesk Authorized Training Center near you.
Autodesk Certification
Gain a competitive edge with Autodesk Certification. Autodesk certifications validate that you have
the knowledge and skills required to use Autodesk products. Demonstrate your software skills to
prospective employers, advance your career opportunities and enhance your credibility.
End-to-End Certification Solution
Each solution includes the necessary components to help you independently validate your product
skills.
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Application Proficiency Examination measures your readiness for Certification. Assess your skills on
your schedule, anytime, using an on-line test to measure your knowledge of an Autodesk product.
Autodesk Official Certification Courseware (AOCC) covers the knowledge and skills assessed on the
Certified User and Certified Expert examinations.
Autodesk Certified User Examination validates your core knowledge of an Autodesk application.
Autodesk Certified Expert Examination validates that you can use the application to perform complex
tasks typically associated with a power user.
Certification Benefits
Useful Links
Courseware
www.autodesk.com/aotc
Certification:
www.autodesk.com/certification
Find a Reseller:
www.autodesk.com/reseller
Find an Authorized Training Center:
www.autodesk.com/atc
Services & Support
www.autodesk.com/servicesandsupport
Consulting:
www.autodesk.com/consulting
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Discussion Groups:
discussion.autodesk.com
Blogs:
www.autodesk.com/blogs
Communities:
www.autodesk.com/community
Student Community:
students.autodesk.com
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