AutoCAD Tip: Revision Cloud Workflow and Standards

Use revision clouds to draw the eye to what changed—quickly, clearly, and consistently.

Core workflow

• Create a dedicated layer (for example, REV-Clouds). Set a distinct color and a slightly heavier lineweight than notes so the clouds read at plot.
• Start the command: type REVCLOUD or use the Annotate panel. Choose a method that suits the change area:
  • Rectangular or Polygonal for fast, tidy clouds
  • Freehand for irregular boundaries
  • Object to convert a closed polyline or circle into a cloud
• Set arc length appropriate to your final plot scale. As a rule of thumb, arcs should be clearly legible but not dominate the sheet—preview before committing.
• Place clouds in Paper Space when the revision is sheet-specific; use Model Space only if the same change must appear across multiple viewports.
• Add a revision delta/flag next to each cloud. Use a block with attributes for the revision letter/number and date so it ties into your revision schedule reliably.

Standards that save time

• Layer discipline:
  • Use one layer per issue cycle (REV-A, REV-B, etc.). Freeze old layers on new issues to keep history without clutter.
  • Apply ByLayer color and lineweight so one change updates all clouds.
• Annotative consistency:
  • Make your revision delta block annotative so its plotted size is consistent across viewports.
  • Keep cloud arcs visually in balance with your text height and dimension lineweights.
• Templates and palettes:
  • Save the REV-Clouds layer, page setups, and delta block in your DWT template.
  • Add a Tool Palette button that draws a cloud on the correct layer and inserts the delta in one step.

Editing and QA

• Use grips to refine shape; for major reshaping, it’s often faster to redraw than to over-edit.
• Keep clouds outside dense annotation when possible; you want to highlight the change, not obscure it.
• Always plot preview. If the cloud competes with dimensions, reduce lineweight or use a lighter color with a firm CTB/STB setting.
• Lock revision layers after issue to prevent accidental edits.

Leverage compare and automation

• Run DWG Compare to quickly identify deltas between versions. Use the result as a guide and place your official revision clouds on the REV-Clouds layer.
• Populate the revision schedule with fields or attributes that reference your delta blocks to minimize manual typing.

Team tips

• Document your revision protocol in the CAD manual: where to place clouds, naming for layers, delta block standards, and when to remove or archive past clouds.
• Package issued drawings with fonts, plot styles, and dependent files using ETRANSMIT so revision graphics plot identically for everyone.

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