When you open AutoCAD layout, do you ever found your dimensions (or other annotation objects) are missing in some viewports? I saw many threads about this issue like this one in AutoCAD forum. When you examine the AutoCAD drawing in model space, and in some viewports, everything looks OK. But somehow you can’t see them in the other AutoCAD viewports. Annotation objects can be dimensions, texts, hatches, and even blocks.
See the drawing below. Both are showing the same part from my AutoCAD drawing, I can see annotations in my left viewport, but I don’t see the annotations in the right viewport.
This problem become an AutoCAD regular problem, so I thought I should share it here.
Layer Properties per Viewport
There are two possibilities why this happen. First, AutoCAD now allow us to override layer properties for each viewport. If it’s true, most likely it is because the AutoCAD drawing has frozen layers in that viewport. Open layout tab, double click the viewport you want to check for problem. Or type MS then [enter].
Open layer properties manager, then check if there any VP Freeze properties.
If you see the layer properties overridden and you suspect it are used by the dimension, try to unfreeze it. And see if the problem solved.
Annotation Scale
But most likely the missing dimensions is because the dimension is using annotative style. The dimensions don’t have the active scale in the dimension scale list. Check the scale.
Now select the dimension, and check the scale list in properties palette.
In opened dialog box, check if the annotation scale is listed. Add if you don’t see it yet.
After you click OK, you should see the dimension now!
If you are not familiar with annotative scaling, you might want to read this basic tutorial and how to control annotation scaling further.
About Edwin Prakoso
I work as a Sr. Technical Consultant in Tech Data Advanced Solutions Indonesia. I’ve been using AutoCAD since R14 and Revit since Revit Building 9. I occasionally write for AUGIWorld magazine and also active in Autodesk discussion forum.
I’m an Autodesk Certified Professional (ACP) for Revit Architecture and AutoCAD. I’m also a member of Autodesk Expert Elite, appreciation for individuals who give contribution to Autodesk community.
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