Is there a way to draw a ʼCloudʼ for revision notes in BricsCAD?

ByCADbrief Staff

Short Answer

Yes — in BricsCAD, the standard way to draw a revision cloud is with the REVCLOUD command. It lets you create cloud-shaped annotation boundaries quickly by picking points or converting an existing object. The most common professional method is drawing it directly with Arc length control. Limitation: it is only a visual revision marker, not an automatic revision tracker.

What You Need to Know Before

Warning: Revision clouds often fail when the current layer is locked or when the selected polyline cannot be converted cleanly. A very common issue is using arc lengths that are far too large or too small for the drawing scale, making the cloud unreadable on plotted sheets.

How to Create a Revision Cloud in BricsCAD

  • Command: REVCLOUD

  • Shortcut: No default shortcut in many workspaces; type REVCLOUD

  • Quick Steps:

    1. On the command line, type REVCLOUD, or go to the Ribbon annotation/draw tools if your workspace shows it.
    2. Choose the Arc length option and set a suitable minimum and maximum arc length for your drawing scale.
    3. Click points around the revision area, then press Enter to close the cloud, or use the Object option to convert a closed polyline into a revision cloud.

Variables & Settings

  • Key Setting: Arc length

  • Expert Setting: The Arc length option controls how tight or loose the cloud bubbles appear. Smaller values create a denser cloud suited to detailed drawings, while larger values work better for large-format plans. If the cloud looks irregular, adjust arc length before finishing the command.

Why it Fails

  • Cause 1 (Geometry): The source object is not a valid closed shape or has geometry that does not convert well into a revision cloud.
  • Cause 2 (layers/Locks): The current layer or target object layer is locked, preventing creation or modification.
  • Cause 3 (Command/Logic): The chosen arc length does not match the annotation scale, so the cloud appears distorted, oversized, or too dense.

Quick Fix & Best Practice

  • Quick Fix: Run REVCLOUD again and reduce or increase the Arc length values to match the plotted scale; if converting, first clean the boundary with PEDIT.
  • Manager’s Verdict: Use revision clouds for plotted change identification, not as the revision management system itself. Keep them on a dedicated revisions layer so they can be isolated, plotted, or removed cleanly.

FAQ

Can I turn a polyline into a revision cloud in BricsCAD?
Yes, use REVCLOUD and choose the Object option.

Can I edit a revision cloud after creating it?
Yes, typically by grip-editing the cloud or adjusting the source boundary if workflow allows.

Should revision clouds be placed on their own layer?
Yes, that is the standard professional practice for visibility and plot control.

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