Understanding Revision Clouds in AutoCAD
Revision clouds play a crucial role in marking areas within a drawing that require attention, modifications, or annotations. These are essentially polylines comprised of interconnected arcs, allowing users to highlight specific components of their design effortlessly.
Drawing a Cloud in AutoCAD 2025
To create a revision cloud in AutoCAD 2025, follow these organized steps:
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Access the Revision Cloud Tool: Navigate to the Home tab. Locate the Draw panel and click on the Revision Cloud drop-down menu.
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Select the Object Type: In the drawing area, right-click to open a context menu, then choose the “Object” option. This step allows you to convert existing geometries into a cloud shape.
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Choose the Geometry: Click on a pre-existing circle, ellipse, polyline, or spline that you wish to transform into a revision cloud shape.
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Confirm Arc Direction: After selecting the geometry, press Enter to retain the present arc direction. This ensures that the arcs will maintain their orientation as per your initial selection.
- Finalize the Creation: Press Enter again to complete the drawing process. The revision cloud will now appear, encompassing the selected geometry.
Editing a Cloud in AutoCAD
Modifying the characteristics of an existing revision cloud is straightforward:
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Open the Revision Cloud Tool Again: Click on the Home tab, then navigate to the Draw panel and select the Revision Cloud drop-down.
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Adjust Arc Length: With the revision cloud selected, right-click in the drawing area and select the “Arc Length” option from the context menu.
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Set Minimum Arc Length: Specify a new minimum arc length as required.
- Define Maximum Arc Length: Next, input a new maximum arc length. Press Enter to activate the changes or hit Esc to exit the command without modifications.
Creating a Rectangular Revision Cloud
For a more structured approach, consider creating a rectangular revision cloud:
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Select the Rectangular Option: Start by going to the Home tab and choosing the Revision Cloud drop-down. Click on the “Rectangular” option.
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Define the First Corner: Click in your drawing area to indicate the first corner of your rectangular cloud.
- Complete the Rectangle: Specify the opposite corner by clicking again, and your rectangular revision cloud will be formed.
Reversing a Revision Cloud
Sometimes, you may need to reverse the direction of the arcs in a revision cloud:
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Use the REVCLOUD Command: Type “REVCLOUD” into the command line to initiate the process.
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Select the Cloud: Right-click on the inverted revision cloud you want to reverse and then left-click to confirm your selection.
- Adjust Arc Length if Needed: If the arcs required adjustment, repeat the earlier steps and enter “yes” when prompted to confirm the reversal.
FAQs
What is the purpose of a revision cloud in AutoCAD?
A revision cloud serves as a visual indicator within a drawing, pinpointing areas that have been revised or need further attention. It aids in the review and annotation process, ensuring clarity in communication regarding changes.
How can I change the arc length of an existing revision cloud?
To change the arc length, select the revision cloud, right-click, and choose “Arc Length.” You can then specify a new minimum and maximum arc length to modify the curvature of the arcs.
Can I create other shapes besides rectangular clouds in AutoCAD?
Yes, you can create various shapes, including circular and elliptical clouds, by selecting the appropriate geometry type before initiating the revision cloud command. This flexibility allows for tailored highlighting according to your drawing needs.
