Drawing Clouds in AutoCAD: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding Revision Clouds
Revision clouds are essential tools in AutoCAD that serve to highlight areas in your drawing that require special attention or annotation. They can be utilized to indicate design changes, corrections, or notes, enabling clearer communication in the design process. This guide walks you through the process of creating a cloud in AutoCAD, from drawing it to editing and adjusting its parameters.
Steps to Create a Cloud in AutoCAD
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Access the Revision Cloud Tool
Go to the Home tab on the ribbon. Locate the Draw panel, and click on the Revision Cloud drop-down menu. Here you will find the various options for creating revision clouds. -
Select the Cloud Type
Within the drop-down, you can choose from different options. You can either select the option to create a cloud by drawing predefined shapes or converting existing objects. -
Convert Existing Shapes
To convert an existing shape into a revision cloud, right-click in the drawing area and select ‘Object’ from the context menu. Choose from shapes like circles, ellipses, polylines, or splines that you want to turn into a cloud. -
Adjust Arc Direction
After selecting the object, AutoCAD will prompt you regarding the direction of the arcs. If you are satisfied with the current direction, simply press Enter to keep it. -
Finalize the Cloud
Once you have indicated your preferences, press Enter again to complete the creation of the revision cloud. Your new cloud will now be visible in your drawing area.
Drawing a Rectangular Cloud
To create a rectangular cloud, follow these steps:
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Begin the Cloud Creation Process
Similar to the previous method, initiate the Revision Cloud tool from the Home tab. -
Select the Corners
Click to define two corner points of the rectangle in your drawing. This action will establish the boundaries of your rectangular revision cloud. -
Complete the Process
After defining the corners, press Enter. The rectangular cloud will appear in your specified area.
Editing an Existing Cloud
If you need to modify the parameters of a cloud after it has been created, use the following steps:
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Access the Edit Feature
Return to the Home tab, click the Revision Cloud drop-down, and select the option to edit the cloud. -
Specify Arc Length
Right-click in the drawing area and select ‘Arc Length’. This allows you to set new dimensions. -
Enter New Arc Lengths
Provide a new minimum arc length followed by a new maximum arc length to specify how tight or loose you want the arcs to appear in your cloud. -
Confirm Changes
Press Enter to apply the changes or Esc to discard them.
Understanding the Revision Cloud Command
The Revision Cloud command in AutoCAD serves the purpose of creating a visual marker for changes in a design. You can make a cloud by selecting corner points, drawing a freeform shape, or converting existing geometries into revision clouds. This powerful feature is integral for marking areas that deserve further review or annotation, significantly improving the clarity of your designs.
Changing the Scale of a Revision Cloud
To alter the visual scale of your cloud annotations:
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Access the Revision Cloud Tool
Again, navigate to the Home tab and select the Revision Cloud option. -
Edit Arc Lengths
Right-click and choose ‘Arc Length’ to open the configuration dialogue. -
Specify New Lengths
Enter the desired minimum and maximum arc lengths to adjust the cloud size. -
Apply Changes
Confirm your adjustments by pressing Enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I delete a revision cloud in AutoCAD?
To delete a revision cloud, select the cloud you wish to remove and simply press the Delete key on your keyboard or right-click and select ‘Erase’.
Can I change the color of a revision cloud?
Yes, you can change the color of a revision cloud. Select the cloud, and use the Properties panel to modify the color settings to your preference.
What symbols can I use alongside revision clouds?
You can enhance your drawing by adding symbols like revision triangles or other annotations, which can be accessed from the Annotation toolbar or the Insert tab.
