AutoCAD

How To Do A Reverse Cloud In AutoCAD?

Understanding Revision Clouds in AutoCAD

Revision clouds are essential tools in AutoCAD that help highlight revisions in drawings effectively. They consist of a series of arc segments that create a cloud-like shape, allowing users to easily identify areas that require attention. This functionality is particularly useful in architectural and engineering documents, where clarity in revisions is crucial.

What is a Revision Cloud?

A revision cloud is a closed or open polyline made up of arcs that visually emphasizes certain areas of a drawing. By employing revision clouds, stakeholders can easily spot changes or modifications without needing to sift through a lengthy explanation.

Steps to Create a Revision Cloud in AutoCAD

  1. Access the Revision Cloud Tool:

    • Navigate to the Home tab on the upper ribbon.
    • Click on the Draw panel.
    • From the drop-down menu, select Revision Cloud.
  2. Choose Your Drawing Object:

    • In the drawing area, right-click to bring up options.
    • Select an object such as a circle, ellipse, polyline, or spline that you would like to convert into a revision cloud.
  3. Set Arc Direction:

    • Press Enter to keep the current direction of the arcs.
    • A preview of the cloud shape will appear.
  4. Finalize Your Cloud:
    • Press Enter again to complete the command, creating a revision cloud around the selected area.

How to Reverse a Revision Cloud

Reversing a revision cloud in AutoCAD can be necessary to adjust the arc direction or to alter the visual appearance of the cloud. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Select the Revision Cloud:

    • First, ensure the revision cloud you want to reverse is selected.
  2. Access the REVCLOUD Command:

    • Type REVCLOUD in the command line and press Enter.
  3. Modify Arc Direction:

    • Right-click on the selected revision cloud.
    • Left-click on the option that indicates the inversion of the cloud.
    • If the arc length needs adjustment, repeat the selection.
  4. Confirm the Changes:
    • If prompted, type “yes” to finalize the reversal. Ensure to check the arc length settings before confirming the command, especially if they do not meet your requirements.

Adjusting the Arc Length for Revision Clouds

  1. Initiate the Arc Length Command:

    • Click on the Home tab.
    • Navigate to the Draw panel and find the Revision Cloud option.
  2. Select Arc Length:

    • In the drawing area, right-click and choose Arc Length from the options.
  3. Specify New Arc Lengths:
    • Input a new minimum arc length, then a maximum arc length if required.
    • Press Enter to implement the changes.

Usage of Revision Clouds

Revision clouds serve an important function in reviewing drawings by clearly marking areas that need adjustments or further annotations. This visual cue aids reviewers in quickly identifying changes, improving the overall efficiency of the review process.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What are the visual differences between a revision cloud and other markup tools in AutoCAD?

    • Revision clouds use arc segments to create a cloud-like appearance, whereas other tools like rectangles or lines provide more rigid shapes, lacking the immediate visual emphasis of a cloud.
  2. Can I change the color or style of a revision cloud in AutoCAD?

    • Yes, you can modify the properties of a revision cloud, including color, line type, and thickness through the properties palette.
  3. Is it possible to create a revision cloud from an existing drawing border?
    • Yes, you can convert any closed shape such as a border into a revision cloud by selecting it using the Revision Cloud command.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.