Different scale Dimensions in different Layouts

[SaraS]

Sometimes we want a detail, or several details within the same plan, we'll have say 3 layouts, 1:100 (eg: the building), 1:50 (commercial premises), and 1:20 (machine room). I normally just change the default dimension style to print off a part of the plan at 1:20 for example, but this isn't very pratical for collegues when I'm not there. In fact I'm looking for a nifty trick where someone can come along and print off the layout that they want without them having to hide a layer, or change the dim style (cos they don't know how to do that!). I'd also like to avoid creating multiple files as people get confused and it's a lot of work to update when there are modifications made to the project.

What do you folks do? Am I asking too much?

Sara

[Mike.Perry]

Hi

One suggestion...

* Set-up 3 Dimension Layers eg Dim100 / Dim 50 / Dim20.
* Set-up 3 Dimension Styles eg Dim100 / Dim 50 / Dim20.
* Freeze relevant Dimension Layers inside Floating Viewports.

Have a good one, Mike

[tyshofner]

Or if layouts are 1:1 and viewports are scaled......

You could try this......

*One Dimension style with "Scale for dimension features" set to "1.0000".
*Associative dimensioning turned on.
*Dimension in paperspace.

The dimensions "associate" with the objects and the viewport scale. Giving you the correct measurements and same appearance(text height, arrow size, etc.) for all sheets. Easy to manage and they update automatically.

Or......

*One Dimension style with "Scale for dimension features" set to "scale dimensions to layout(paperspace)".
*Associative dimensioning turned on.
*Dimension in model through paperspace (double click inside viewport).

Same effect as first option except dimensions are placed in model space and are actually scaled differently (depending upon the viewport scale).

Ty

[SaraS]

Thanks so much for the ideas. Today I needed to do a set of plans which was a perfect opportunity to try out your suggestions. I opted for a mixture of your ideas, I've created 3 different layers and 3 different dim styles, and then dimensioned on the viewports in my layouts with the associative dimensioning turned on. It works out just fine. The plan has no dimensions or text, and I've put all these in the layouts. Someone once told me that it's not a good idea to have things in the paper space, but heck, it doesn't seem to create any problems.

So that my colleagues don't get confused (they don't have AutoCAD or know how to use it)I've decided to simply print off a PDF each time.

Well, thanks again!

It's nice to come here, I'm all on my own in my little CAD world being the only draughtsperson in our branch. So it's great to read all your tips and ideas!