AutoCAD Cloud – How to Add Clouds in AutoCAD

Introduction

AutoCAD Clouds, also known as revision clouds, are useful tools for highlighting changes or areas requiring attention in a drawing. Whether you’re marking up design revisions or emphasizing important sections, adding a cloud in AutoCAD is a simple yet effective way to improve communication within projects. This article provides a comprehensive guide to creating and customizing clouds in AutoCAD, along with tips to streamline the process for enhanced productivity.

What is a Revision Cloud in AutoCAD?

A revision cloud in AutoCAD is a freeform object used to highlight specific areas within a drawing. Represented by a series of connected arcs, revision clouds visually indicate design changes, areas for review, or notes requiring special attention.

Common Uses of Revision Clouds:

• Design Revisions: Highlight areas where changes have been made to communicate updates clearly.
• Annotations: Emphasize key elements, dimensions, or notes in a drawing.
• Error Markups: Identify discrepancies or issues requiring resolution.

How to Add a Cloud in AutoCAD

Adding a cloud in AutoCAD is straightforward and can be done using the Revision Cloud Tool.

1. Access the Revision Cloud Tool

There are multiple ways to access the revision cloud feature:

• Ribbon: Navigate to the Annotate tab and find the Revision Cloud tool in the Markup section.
• Command Line: Type REVCLOUD and press Enter.

2. Draw the Revision Cloud

Once the tool is activated, you can create a revision cloud by defining its boundary.

• Freeform Drawing:
  1. Click anywhere in the drawing area to start the cloud.
  2. Move the cursor to define the cloud’s shape.
  3. Click to close the boundary and finish the cloud.
• Rectangle Shape:
  1. After typing REVCLOUD, choose Rectangle from the options displayed.
  2. Specify two corner points to define the rectangular cloud.
• Polygonal Shape:
  1. Choose Polygonal after activating the REVCLOUD command.
  2. Specify each corner of the polygon until the desired shape is complete.
  3. Close the cloud by clicking the starting point or typing C for close.

3. Adjust the Arc Size

The arcs in a revision cloud determine its visual style and can be adjusted for clarity or aesthetics.

• Arc Length Options:
  1. After activating the REVCLOUD command, select Arc Length.
  2. Enter the minimum and maximum arc lengths.
  3. Draw the cloud, and the arcs will adjust automatically to the specified lengths.

Pro Tip: Use smaller arcs for detailed drawings and larger arcs for highlighting broader areas.

4. Modify the Revision Cloud

Revision clouds can be edited after they are created.

• Reshape the Cloud:
  1. Select the revision cloud.
  2. Use the grips to stretch or reshape the cloud.
• Change Arc Length:
  1. Select the cloud and type REVCLOUD.
  2. Choose Arc Length and specify new values.

Pro Tip: Convert a polyline to a revision cloud using the REVCLOUD command, selecting the Object option, and clicking on the polyline.

Customizing Revision Clouds

1. Change Cloud Style

AutoCAD allows customization of revision cloud styles to suit project requirements.

• Line Weight and Color:
  1. Select the revision cloud.
  2. Use the Properties palette to adjust line weight, color, or layer.
• Layer Settings: Assign revision clouds to specific layers for better organization and visibility.

2. Use Dynamic Input for Precision

Dynamic Input (F12) provides real-time guidance during cloud creation, ensuring precise placement and sizing.

1. Activate Dynamic Input before starting the REVCLOUD command.
2. Follow the prompts to define cloud boundaries with greater accuracy.

3. Annotate the Cloud

Adding annotations next to revision clouds enhances clarity.

• Use the TEXT or MTEXT commands to include notes or descriptions near the cloud.
• Create a legend to explain the purpose of different revision clouds, such as color-coded changes.

Best Practices for Using Clouds in AutoCAD

1. Keep It Simple: Avoid overly complex shapes for revision clouds, as they may distract from their purpose.
2. Use Layers: Assign clouds to specific layers to control visibility and printing preferences.
3. Standardize Arc Sizes: Establish consistent arc sizes across the drawing for a professional appearance.
4. Label Revisions: Combine clouds with numbered or lettered labels to track changes systematically.
5. Save as Blocks: Save commonly used cloud shapes as blocks for quick insertion.

Common Issues and Solutions

1. Cloud Does Not Close Properly:
   • Ensure that the starting and ending points are aligned. Use the Close option if drawing freeform.
2. Arc Sizes Are Too Small/Large:
   • Adjust the arc length settings in the REVCLOUD command or resize the cloud using grips.
3. Clouds on the Wrong Layer:
   • Reassign the cloud to the correct layer using the Properties palette or the LAYISO command.

Applications of Clouds in AutoCAD Projects

• Architectural Drawings: Highlight changes in floor plans, elevations, or sections.
• Engineering Designs: Mark areas requiring further analysis or revisions in mechanical or civil plans.
• Construction Documentation: Emphasize updates in construction drawings or blueprints.
• Client Reviews: Use clouds to draw attention to client feedback or pending approvals.

Conclusion

Adding clouds in AutoCAD is a simple yet powerful way to enhance clarity and communication in your designs. By understanding how to create, customize, and manage revision clouds, you can streamline your workflows and produce more professional drawings. Whether you’re revising architectural layouts, annotating engineering designs, or collaborating on construction plans, revision clouds are an indispensable tool for clear and effective markups.

FAQs

What is a revision cloud in AutoCAD?
A revision cloud is a series of connected arcs used to highlight changes or specific areas in a drawing.

1. How do I create a revision cloud?
   Use the REVCLOUD command or the Revision Cloud tool in the Annotate tab to draw a freeform, rectangular, or polygonal cloud.
2. Can I adjust the size of the arcs in a revision cloud?
   Yes, you can set the minimum and maximum arc lengths during or after creating the cloud using the Arc Length option.
3. Can I convert a polyline into a revision cloud?
   Yes, select the Object option in the REVCLOUD command and click on the polyline to convert it.
4. What are the best uses for revision clouds in AutoCAD?
   Revision clouds are ideal for highlighting design changes, marking errors, and emphasizing key areas for review in architectural, engineering, and construction drawings.