How to Balloon in AutoCAD?

Understanding Balloons in AutoCAD

Balloons in AutoCAD are visual indicators used to denote parts or components within a drawing. They help associate these components with relevant identifiers or labels. This guide provides a detailed overview of how to effectively create and manage balloons in AutoCAD 2025.

Creating a Balloon in AutoCAD

1. Access the Balloon Tool
   Navigate to the Panel tab in AutoCAD. Locate the Insert Component option, and then select Footprints panel followed by Balloon.

2. Select the Component
   Click on the component you wish to link with the balloon. Ensure that the component is ready for scribing.

3. Position the Balloon
   After component selection, define where you want the balloon to appear in relation to the component. This step is crucial for clarity in your drawing.

4. Finalize the Entry
   Press Enter to confirm your balloon placement. If needed, select additional components to create more balloons or hit Enter again to finish the command.

5. Adjust Balloon Settings
   If you wish to alter the balloon’s appearance, select it and access the properties palette. Here, you can customize the balloon’s shape, size, and label content according to your project needs.

Adding Leaders to Balloons

1. Choose the Multi-Leader Tool
   Click on the multileader already present in your drawing.

2. Add a Leader
   Hover over the landing grip of the balloon and select Add Leader from the available options. Alternatively, you can access the Drafting tab, navigate to the Leader panel, and click Add Leader directly.

3. Define Leader Endpoint
   Click in the drawing area to specify where you want the leader line to point. Ensure it clearly connects the balloon to the corresponding part.

Managing Balloons with a Parts List

1. Open the BOM Panel
   Navigate to the Annotate tab, and select BOM panel followed by BOM.

2. Initiate BOM Creation
   Press ENTER to proceed. A dialog will appear, displaying a list of available Bills of Materials (BOMs).

3. Select a BOM
   Double-click on the BOM from which you would like to create the parts list.

4. Customize Parts List
   Within the toolbar, select your desired Parts List style from the dropdown menu and click Apply. Confirm by clicking OK.

Troubleshooting Common Balloon Issues

1. Hatch Not Working
   If hatch filling isn’t functioning correctly, ensure the hatch layer is active and not frozen. Check the settings in the Options menu under Display to verify that the "apply solid fill" option is enabled.

2. Cursor Visibility Problems
   If the cursor is missing or not visible, attempt to click anywhere on the ribbon to reactivate it, or try adjusting the display settings to restore visibility.

3. Red and Green Cursor Appearance
   A red dot next to your cursor signifies that the software is recording commands. This could indicate that commands are being captured for creating a macro or automation script.

FAQ

1. Can I customize the text within the balloons?
Yes, you can modify the text that appears in the balloons by selecting the balloon and adjusting its properties in the properties palette. This allows you to insert specific identifiers or descriptions.

2. Is it possible to batch-add balloons in AutoCAD?
While AutoCAD doesn’t have a direct batch ballooning feature, you can use the multi-leader tool to efficiently add several balloons for multiple components at once.

3. How do I remove a balloon if I no longer need it?
To delete a balloon, select it and press the Delete key on your keyboard. Alternatively, you can right-click the balloon and choose Delete from the context menu.