Generic Annotation Family with Dimensions

[JH75]

When you create a Generic Annotation Family with Dimensions set to Instance - how come you don't get the little blue handles to adjust them like do with a Details Component?

Thanks
J

[mwiggins121466]

Click on the reference plane go to properties, under other make sure that Is Reference is not set to "Not a Reference" weak reference seens to work in most cases.

[JH75]

Thanks,
I tried to change the Ref Plane to "Weak Reference" and it didn't work , I also swapped the ref plane to a ref line but with the same result.
I have attached the family - maybe it doesn't work in a Generic Annotation family?
Thanks
J

[Steve Mintz]

In order to get shape handles, you need to:
(1) set the reference planes to anything but "Not a reference" (you've already checked this step, so good), and
(2) label the dimension with an instance parameter

The help file has a great entry for this. Look up "shape handles" in the index, and then select "Instance Parameters and Shape Handles" in the topic list, followed by "Add Shape Handles to a Component Family"

And if you have additional problems, I suggest you upload your family here. It will help us avoid taking shots in the dark.

Oh, and Generic Annotations can't have shape handles... <g>
What family do you want as an annotation with shape handles? If you're dragging something, it is usually more suited to a detail component... What would you expect to happen to the annotation when you changed the scale of the drawing?

[JH75]

Thanks Steve,

It is an anootation for calling up precast fixings on our Precast Elevation. The reason I want to be able to "stretch" it is so I can move the "callout" bubble in case of clashes.
I allready have created the same as a Detail Component but I like the idea using an Annotation Family as you can type in the value without having to go into the Elements Properties. And also if I use an Annotation I can use it for differnet scales.
But as you say that Generic Annotations can't have shape handles so I just have to make up my mind of which "version" I would like o use.
I have attached the Detail Family and in my previous post I have attached the Genneric Annotation Family

Cheers,
Jonas

[Steve Mintz]

Gotcha. I don't see any labels in your annotation; are you just placing text inside of it?

Here's what I would do (assuming you don't actually want to model the precast fixings):

Create the annotation family with some parametric text. Nest it into a detail component. You should then be able to control the location with a shape handle. You can "link" the parameter for the text in the annotation up to a similar parameter in the detail component to bring it to the surface.

Ultimately, instead of nesting into a detail component, I would probably nest into a generic model component so that I can see a representation in plan and in elevation. I'll also be able to schedule it.