How to keep dimension properties (end markers, text) constant in Viewports of different scales?

[rlb]

As a relative newcomer I'm having trouble keeping dimension properties and text sizes constant at different viewport scales. This is in the context of architectural contract drawings.

 

What are the 'best practice' settings or methods for doing this. For example, I want a 'universal' text size of 10 pt and a 0.03" dot as end marker.

 

Thanks!

[Guest Wes Gardner]

@rlb...the best practice approach is to do your dimensioning IN the viewport - the dimension, text, etc will remain constant. (Page Based)  If you do your dimensioning on design layers the dimension, text, etc will not (World Based)

 

Wes

 

 

 

[Boh]

Set your design layer scale for your model design layers the same as the viewport scale for your main plans. For your main plans you can then either dimension on the design layer or in vp annotations. (Markers, line weights, line styles etc will appear “normal” whilst working in the  Design layer too).

 

For other plan vps that are not the typical plan scale you need to dimension in the vp annotation layer as Wes said.

 

Place dl dimensions in the “Dimensions” class so they can be turned off in the non typical plan scale vps.

[JackBuilt]

Is there a way to lock dimensions in a VP to the design layer elements?  ie: IF I choose to dimension in the VP and find I need to scoooch a window 1/4" for sensibility when I go back to the VP I won't have to RE-dimension the window location?

[E|FA]

I believe Associative Dimensioning works in Viewports but did not double check:

 

 https://app-help.vectorworks.net/2021/eng/index.htm#t=VW2021_Guide%2FDimensions%2FAssociative_dimensioning.htm

 

EDIT: I just noticed your signature showing version 2012.  The link is for VW 2021 help files.

Edited September 24, 2020 by E|FA

[Pat Stanford]

If you have Associative Dimensions turned on in the Document Preferences then you should get this automatically.

 

The trick is that you can only associate to specific snap points, mostly corner points or center points. Random points in the middle of lines will not associate.

 

[JackBuilt]

Thanks for the replies.  Sorry for hijack.  I am using 2021 and Associative Dimensions is checked and this does not work me.  I'll keep digging.

[Guest Wes Gardner]

@Inspectorjack, are you getting the small GREEN squares in your viewport?

 

Wes

 

 

[JackBuilt]

13 minutes ago, Wes Gardner said:

@Inspectorjack, are you getting the small GREEN squares in your viewport?

 

Wes

 

 

Thanks for this tip. It seems the associative points can be determined by the green squares.  Yes, I get them on the wall vertices but not on the PIO window objects anywhere.  I can move walls and have the Associated dimensions update.  Just need to figure out the PIO settings that will allow this as well.   Thanks again.

[Pat Stanford]

I just tried with a simple Window PIO. I was able to get Associative Dimensions to all of the intersection points I tried on the window.

 

If you are trying to get the rough opening, you might need to snap to the locus points on the center line of the window instead of just to the edge of the wall.

 

[Tom W.]

Thanks @Wes Gardner I didn't know you could move/resize an object this way! In a viewport.

 

@Pat Stanford are you saying I should be able to edit the size of the window this way too? I can use Associative Dimensioning to move the position of the window in the wall + move the wall relative to the window position but not to adjust the size of the window...

[Pat Stanford]

Yes. If you have both ends of the dimension associated, you can double click into the Dimension text string and edit the number. The "window" will move in the design layer (and therefore the viewport) to the revised dimension.

[Pat Stanford]

Sorry I misread your question. No you can't edit the dimension to change the size of the window. Since the Window is a Plugin Object you have to edit its size view the Object Info Palette or the Settings dialog box.

 

You can use the Edit Design Layer option of the viewport to make it easy to get to the Window so you can select and edit it. Be careful with the Add Reference Crop Object. It will put a bright green poly the size of your Crop object on the design layer. Make sure you delete it when you are done or it will show in your other viewports as well.

[Tom W.]

Thanks Pat I thought as much but just wanted to check. Still really great to be able to tweak positions of windows etc in the model by editing dimension text in the viewport 👍

[konst]

On 9/21/2020 at 4:08 PM, Wes Gardner said:

@rlb...the best practice approach is to do your dimensioning IN the viewport - the dimension, text, etc will remain constant. (Page Based)  If you do your dimensioning on design layers the dimension, text, etc will not (World Based)

 

Wes

 

 

 

Hi Wes ..i was wondering how is this possible to do dimensioning in a VP as this sheet is always in 1:1 ....when i try to dimension in a 1:50 detail in my VP the dim i get is not related to the 1:50 detail but to the 1:1 sheet layer of my viewport  ---  so a 0.30cm is shown as 0.01...is there something that i am missing..?

Edited November 29, 2020 by konst

[Tom W.]

You need to add the dimensions in the VP annotations. Right click or double click on the VP + choose 'Edit Annotations'. Then the dim values will be world based.

[konst]

thanks a lot Tom...!!!!!!!!!!

[thinkingpencil]

Thank you to all. I learned significantly!