Annotative Scaling
One of the most common frustrations in CAD drafting is making text, dimensions, and hatches look consistent across multiple viewports or drawing scales. Without a strategy, you end up resizing annotations manually—sometimes multiple times—just to make sure they’re legible on different sheets. That’s where annotative scaling comes in.
What is Annotative Scaling?
Annotative scaling in AutoCAD is a feature that automatically adjusts the size of annotations (like text, dimensions, hatches, and blocks) so that they appear at the correct size regardless of the drawing scale.
In simpler terms:
You could have a floor plan and a close-up detail view on the same page, through different viewports set to different scales, and with annotative scaling, your dimensions in both viewports will appear the same height on the page.
This means no more re-scaling text manually, and no more inconsistencies between sheets.
Why Use Annotative Scaling?
Consistent Output
Your text, dimensions, and labels will always plot at the correct size, whether your drawing is at 1:10, 1:50, or 1:100.Faster Workflow
Instead of creating multiple versions of the same annotation for different scales, you create one annotative object and let AutoCAD handle the rest.Cleaner Drawings
Annotations aren’t cluttered with overlapping sizes. Only the annotation relevant to the current scale is displayed.Reduced Errors
No more missing or illegible notes because they were too small (or absurdly large) in a given viewport. AutoCAD ensures everything is scaled appropriately.
How Annotative Scaling Works
When you create an annotation, you assign it an annotative property. This links the object to a paper height (the size you want it to appear on a plotted sheet).
For example:
You want all dimensions to read at 3mm tall on paper.
You set that once.
In a 1:50 drawing, AutoCAD scales it so that on-screen it appears larger (because the model is smaller relative to paper).
In a 1:5 detail drawing, it appears smaller on-screen (because the model is bigger relative to paper).
Either way, when you print, the dimensions are always the same 3mm tall.
Practical Examples
Furniture Details
You might show a full furniture layout at 1:50 and then zoom into joinery details at 1:5. Annotative dimensions ensure the text looks consistent across both sheets.Labels and Callouts
Project notes, labels, and part identifiers don’t need to be redrawn at different scales—AutoCAD handles the adjustment for you.Hatches
Materials and patterns (like wood grain or perforated metal) can scale so they look correct whether you’re zoomed way in or looking at the big picture.
Tips for Using Annotative Scaling Effectively
Set Standard Text Heights: Decide once what your plotted text size should be (e.g., 3/32" or 2.5mm) and stick with it.
Check Your Scales: Always double-check which scales are added to your annotation objects to avoid missing notes.
Use Annotative Blocks: Symbols like north arrows or title labels can also be made annotative, so they’re always readable.
Keep It Simple: Don’t overload a single annotation with too many scales—just the ones you need for the project.
How We Use Annotative Scaling at Mette
At Mette, annotative scaling is a core part of how we keep drawings sharp and consistent. We do all our annotating and dimensioning in the model space. With annotative scaling, we can always be sure whether our dimensions are shown at 1/2” = 1’-0” or 6” = 1’-0”, for example, the text is easily legible on the page when it’s plotted.
Wrapping Up
Annotative scaling might feel like an extra step at first, but once you build it into your workflow, it saves countless hours and keeps your drawings looking professional. No more inconsistent text sizes or redundant annotations—just clean, readable drawings every time.
If blocks save you from repetitive geometry, annotative scaling saves you from repetitive annotation. It’s one of those tools that, once you start using it, you’ll never want to draft without.
