AutoCAD

How to Scale Revision Cloud in AutoCAD

Understanding Revision Clouds in AutoCAD

Revision clouds are essential tools in AutoCAD, allowing users to visually indicate areas of change in their drawings. These clouds consist of a continuous line of arcs that form a cloud-like shape, making it easy to highlight modifications or areas needing attention. This guide focuses on how to effectively scale a revision cloud in AutoCAD 2025 to suit your drawing needs.

Steps to Scale a Revision Cloud in AutoCAD

Scaling a revision cloud in AutoCAD involves adjusting well-defined parameters to modify its size. Below are step-by-step instructions to help you through the process.

Step 1: Access the Revision Cloud Tool

Begin by opening your AutoCAD drawing. Navigate to the Home tab on the ribbon. Look for the Draw panel.

  • Click on the Revision Cloud drop-down menu.

Step 2: Modify Arc Length Settings

To change the size of an existing revision cloud, you’ll need to adjust its arc length settings:

  • Right-click in the drawing area and choose Arc Length from the contextual menu.
  • A dialog box will appear, allowing you to specify new values for both the minimum and maximum arc lengths. Adjust these numbers according to how much you want to change the cloud’s dimensions.
  • Press Enter to confirm your changes or Esc to cancel.

Step 3: Confirm the Changes

Once you’ve set your desired arc lengths, take a moment to inspect the revision cloud. Ensure it appears the way you intended. If further adjustments are needed, repeat the previous steps.

Alternative Methods to Resize a Revision Cloud

Scaling can also be executed using a different approach within AutoCAD.

Using the Scale Command

Another method to resize a revision cloud involves using the Scale command:

  • Select the revision cloud you want to resize.
  • Type SCALE into the command line and press Enter.
  • Choose a base point for scaling, which can be any point on the revision cloud.
  • Specify a scale factor. A value less than 1 will decrease the size, while a value greater than 1 will increase it.
  • Press Enter to apply the scaling.

Rescaling with the Properties Palette

The Properties Palette can also be convenient for altering the size of your cloud:

  • Select the revision cloud and right-click.
  • Choose Properties from the context menu.
  • In the Properties Palette, locate the properties related to height and width, and adjust them accordingly.
  • Close the Properties Palette when finished.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of a revision cloud in AutoCAD?

A revision cloud serves to highlight areas in a drawing that need attention, whether for changes, reviews, or annotations. This visual cue helps streamline communication among team members who work on the drawing.

Can I convert a polyline into a revision cloud in AutoCAD?

Yes, AutoCAD allows you to convert existing polylines into revision clouds by selecting the polyline, right-clicking, and then choosing the revision cloud option from the context menu.

Are revision clouds customizable in terms of appearance?

Absolutely. You can customize the color, line type, and other properties of revision clouds within AutoCAD to match your project’s specifications.

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.