Rhino 3D Tip: Consistent Annotation Scaling Across Mixed‑Scale Rhino Layouts

Consistent annotation sizes across mixed-scale sheets keep drawings readable and professional. Here’s how to make Rhino’s annotations behave predictably at any scale.

Set the goal

• Decide on standard on-paper heights before you start (e.g., 2.5 mm for general notes, 3.5 mm for titles, 1.8 mm for dense callouts).
• Do the same for arrowheads, extension offsets, and tick sizes so everything is coordinated.

Create an annotative style

• Run Options (or DimStyle) and create a new Annotation Style.
• Set Text Height, arrowhead sizes, and dimension offsets in paper units (the size you want to see on the printed sheet).
• Enable annotation scaling so the style adapts to Layout Detail scales automatically.
• If you ever print directly from model space (no Layouts), set the Model space scale to your print scale (e.g., 50 for 1:50) so paper-sized text prints correctly from model views.

Use it across multi-scale layouts

• Create Layouts, add Details, and set each Detail’s precise scale. Lock Detail viewports to prevent accidental rescaling.
• Annotate with the annotative style:
  • Preferred: Place annotations in Layout space for guaranteed on-paper heights, regardless of Detail scale.
  • Alternative: Place annotations in Model space; with scaling enabled in your style, they will display at consistent paper heights through Details.
• Keep all dimensions, leaders, texts, and hatches on styles that have scaling enabled. Avoid per-object overrides unless absolutely necessary.

Hatches, linetypes, and leaders

• Use hatch pattern scales and linetype scales that are defined in paper units (via your style and document settings) so patterns read consistently on mixed scales.
• Verify leader arrowheads and text masks are sized in paper units in the style.

Quality checks

• After setting Detail scales, do a quick on-sheet check: measure the text height with a scale ruler or compare to a reference label.
• Use MatchProperties to unify stray annotations to the correct style. SelByType = Annotation helps you batch-select text, dims, and leaders.
• Lock Details once approved so future zooming doesn’t change scale.

Interoperability

• When exporting DWG, enable the option to map Rhino’s annotation scaling to AutoCAD’s annotative behavior so your drawings remain consistent downstream.

Pro tip

• Maintain a template (.3dm) with prebuilt annotative styles, title blocks, and common Layouts. This avoids rework and enforces office standards.

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