different dimension defaults on same layout page


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I'm trying to send two different CAD details to the same layout page.   I want detail 1 to have 1/16" dimension default.  I want detail 2 to have 1" dimension default.  I cannot accomplish this, as whatever dimension default I choose in any window changes the default for all windows.  I thought the answer way layer sets.  I created one layer set with 1/16" dimensions and sent to layout.  I created another layerset with 1" dimensions and sent that to layout.  It changed the 1/16" set to 1", even though the two CAD details were on different layer sets.  What am I doing wrong?  The foundation sub will think I'm insane if the foundation plan has 1/16" dimensions.

 

I should mention that I'm changing the dimension defaults by clicking on the dimension icon in the toolbar and editing "primary format".  Maybe there is another way to change dimension defaults that is view specific?

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Dimension Defaults are per Plan/Annoset.  If you use separate Plans for Details at different Scales you can have different dimensional accuracy.  The other option would be to use a Secondary Format but then you would just have 2 dimension values.

 

But of course the real answer is Annosets. :D;)

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1 minute ago, Joe_Carrick said:

Dimension Defaults are per Plan.  If you use separate Plans for Details at different Scales you can have different dimensional accuracy.  The other option would be to use a Secondary Format but then you would just have 2 dimension values.

Thanks Joe!   That's what I was afraid of :-(.    I don't know why dimension defaults can't be layer-set specific- seems useful to me.  Creating another plan just for different dimension defaults, and keeping it in sync, seems nightmarish.

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1 minute ago, Joe_Carrick said:

David,

 

Use 2 different Annosets with 2 different Dimension Defaults.

So I guess this means I have to learn how to use annosets, which I've been avoiding.  Are you saying that within the same plan, I can create distinct annosets that have different dimension defaults, and these different defaults will appear intact on the layout?  Because I just created two different plans, and sent details to the layout from the different plans (with different defaults), and even that didn't work!

 

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I'm trying now still now working.  I created an annoset called 1/16", and set the dim default to 1/16.  I sent that view to layout with a box that was measured in 1/16" increments.  I created another annoset called 1", and changed the dim default, etc and sent that to layout.  It still changes the other view, does not show the 1/16" fraction on the first detail

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Technically, you don't need to use annotation sets to get what you want.  Annotation sets are a very powerful tool but I always suggest that people think of them as a quick way of changing your current defaults.  The important thing is to understand how your dimension defaults work.

 

All you really need is to have two different dimension defaults.  You can setup the dimension defaults in either your Defaults Settings or Active Defaults dialog.

 

Once you have the two dimension defaults that you need, you then need to make sure they are being used in your CAD details.  If you want to draw a dimension using a particular dimension default, just make sure that it is active in the Active Defaults dialog before drawing any new dimensions.  If you want to change an already drawn dimension to use a different default, just open the Dimension Specification dialog and change the dimension default.

 

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Make sure that you check each (any) anno set you create and make sure that dimensions, Rich Text, text, etc. are being applied to the correct layer for your anno set.  Open the Annotation Sets dbx; for Dimensions (1/16" or 1" anno sets ... any of them), click on the pencil to the right of the dbx for Dimensions; this opens the dimensions defaults dbx; next, click on Layer and check the Layer displayed (top center) of the dbx .... is that the correct layer that you want to/need to use .... if not, that probably explains what is causing your grief.  Make sure to double check all your arrow and text heights while you are setting everything up.

 

It takes a little time to set up all your anno sets and "match" them with the corresponding layer sets that will be used.  You might need to immerse yourself for a few hours into learning all you can from the manual, tutorials, help articles, Scots videos on anno sets, Terry Munson's article on anno sets ... anything else you can get your hands on until you have a good grasp on the subject (been there/done that ... probably could use a refresher myself).  From what I remember, Chief's video gives you the basics that you should be able to understand.

 

If you are still having trouble, give me a call and I will see if I can help you figure out what you are doing wrong.  I don't claim to be the best expert in the subject but I get by OK.  Once you get them set up, make sure you follow Joe's advice and make sure you switch to/use the proper anno set before sending views to LO.  If you don't have Annotation Sets icon on your tool bar, go to tools/toolbars & hot keys/customize and find that icon and drag in onto your tool bar.  I put mine just to the right of the Active Annotation Set Control window.

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48 minutes ago, Dermot said:

Technically, you don't need to use annotation sets to get what you want.  Annotation sets are a very powerful tool but I always suggest that people think of them as a quick way of changing your current defaults.  The important thing is to understand how your dimension defaults work.

 

All you really need is to have two different dimension defaults.  You can setup the dimension defaults in either your Defaults Settings or Active Defaults dialog.

 

Once you have the two dimension defaults that you need, you then need to make sure they are being used in your CAD details.  If you want to draw a dimension using a particular dimension default, just make sure that it is active in the Active Defaults dialog before drawing any new dimensions.  If you want to change an already drawn dimension to use a different default, just open the Dimension Specification dialog and change the dimension default.

 

That worked!! Yay, thanks Dermot

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21 minutes ago, CJSpud said:

David:

 

This short video by Scott Harris backs up what Dermot was saying.  If you haven't watched it, it will be worth your time to do so.

 

https://www.chiefarchitect.com/videos/watch/600/using-layer-sets-to-control-dimension-size-text-size-color.html?playlist=100

Thanks Curt, that video is really helpful

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