The revision cloud in AutoCAD 2018 serves a dual purpose: primarily as an annotation tool for highlighting drawing changes, and in a more specialized context, as a feature for 3D model manipulation and scaling.
Understanding the Revision Cloud in AutoCAD 2018
At its core, a revision cloud is a distinctive polyline composed of successive arcs that forms an irregular, cloud-like shape. Its main purpose is to draw immediate attention to specific areas of a drawing that have been modified or require review.
The Revision Cloud as an Annotation Tool
The most common application of a revision cloud in AutoCAD 2018 is as a powerful annotation tool used in design review processes.
- Purpose: To clearly mark areas of a drawing that have undergone revisions, making it easy for reviewers and collaborators to identify changes quickly without sifting through the entire drawing. This streamlines the revision cycle and helps ensure all team members are aware of the latest updates.
- Appearance: Typically, a revision cloud is a closed polyline with an arc style that gives it a "bubbly" or "cloudy" appearance. Users can customize the arc length to control the density and look of the cloud.
- Flexibility: AutoCAD 2018 provides various methods to create revision clouds, adapting to different drawing contexts:
- Rectangular: Creates a rectangular revision cloud.
- Polygonal: Allows drawing a custom, multi-sided polygonal revision cloud.
- Freehand: Offers the flexibility to draw a completely freeform cloud.
- Object: Converts an existing object (like a circle, polyline, or spline) into a revision cloud.
How to Create a Standard Revision Cloud
Creating a revision cloud in AutoCAD 2018 is straightforward:
- Access the command by typing
REVCLOUDin the command line or by selecting it from the Annotation panel on the Home tab of the ribbon (under the 'Revision Cloud' dropdown). - Choose your desired creation method (Rectangular, Polygonal, Freehand, or Object).
- Specify the first point and subsequent points (depending on the method) to define the shape of your cloud.
- Adjust the arc length as needed to control the size of the individual arcs forming the cloud, thereby affecting its overall appearance.
- Press Enter to complete the command.
For more detailed information on using the revision cloud as an annotation tool, you can refer to the Autodesk Knowledge Network.
The "Revcloud" as a 3D Modeling and Scaling Feature
Beyond its widely recognized role as an annotation tool, AutoCAD 2018 also includes a specialized "Revcloud" functionality designed for 3D model manipulation. This feature operates distinctly from the annotation cloud.
This particular "Revcloud" is a feature that helps to create a 3D model of the object. It is specifically used to adjust the scale of the model.
Key Aspects of the 3D Modeling "Revcloud"
- 3D Model Creation: This specialized functionality assists in the process of generating or defining aspects of a 3D model. Its interaction with model creation suggests a role in initial design or conceptual stages where volumetric definition might be refined.
- Scale Adjustment: A significant utility of this "Revcloud" lies in its ability to adjust the scale of the 3D model. This could be critical for ensuring dimensional accuracy, preparing models for different manufacturing processes, or fitting components within larger assemblies.
- Prerequisites for Use: To utilize this 3D modeling and scaling "Revcloud" feature effectively in AutoCAD 2018 or later versions:
- Ensure you are operating AutoCAD 2018 or a more recent version.
- Verify that you have configured the appropriate settings within your AutoCAD preferences, which likely include specific 3D modeling environment settings or preferences related to scaling tools.
This dual interpretation highlights the versatility of AutoCAD 2018, where a term like "Revcloud" can refer to both a standard 2D annotation for design review and a more specialized tool for fundamental 3D model construction and dimensional control.
Comparative Overview
| Feature Aspect | Standard Revision Cloud (Annotation) | "Revcloud" (3D Modeling & Scaling Feature) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Highlights changes in drawings for review | Aids in creating 3D models and adjusting their scale |
| Dimension | Primarily 2D annotation | Involved in 3D model manipulation |
| Output | A visual, cloud-like polyline on a drawing | Affects the geometry and dimensions of a 3D model |
| Typical Use Case | Design reviews, identifying revised sections, communication | Initial 3D model definition, precise scaling of 3D objects |
| Required Version | AutoCAD 2018 or later (standard feature) | AutoCAD 2018 or later |
| Additional Needs | None beyond standard AutoCAD operation | Specific preference settings must be configured |
