Expert: Paul Jordan - 11/2/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hello Mr. Paul

I have problems with paper space. When I put dimensions or axis "bubbles" on paper space in order to avoid different scales in plans and sections, everything becomes 100 times bigger than actual size in milimeters.

You see, I'm drawing everything in real numbers, as if I'd walk in construction site. So if there's dimension 3 meters, I put a line length 3000 in model space and then scale it 100 times to fit paper space. It worked in earlier CAD's but 2008 and newer probably uses "smart" mechanics, which I don't know how to change.

Sorry if I sound unconstructive, but English isn't my primary language. Thank you in advance :)

ANSWER: Have you tried just dimensioning the line in Paperspace?  Draw a line 3 meters long in modelspace, go to paperspace and without going into the viewport, just dimension it right from paperspace.  Autocad now dimensions through paperspace and I think that might be part of your problem.

I hope that helps.

Paul

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello, this is exactly the same technique I've used, I put dimensions in paper
space, as if
they're are on top of the drawing, in order to avoid different scales in
different viewports.

Today I've realised, that I need to modify dimension and text style a hundred
times lesser
than I needed - even if previous setting should fit ISO A3 paper - with 3.5mm
text height,
instead I have to use 0.0350mm height in order to make things look proper.
So it's like a
temporary workaround, but I'm not sure how this drawing will be displayed
on older CADs
like '06 or '05.  

Answer
Saving to an earlier version should be fine.  The only "versions" where the drawing format has been changed are 2007, 2004, 2002, and 2000.  If you save it as 2004, anyone using 2004 or newer will be able to see your changes.

You also might just want to change your dimscale and that should update all the dimensions on your drawing.  If tat doesn't, click on your dimensions pulldown, then update dimensions, then select the dimensions that need to be updated.

I hope this helps.

Paul