What are notation/annotation commands in AutoCAD?

Notation (annotation) commands add information to drawings—text, dimensions, leaders, callouts, and tables—so designs can be read and built correctly.

TEXT vs MTEXT: which should I use?

Use TEXT (or DTEXT) for short single-line notes. Use MTEXT for multi-line, formatted paragraphs with wrapping, columns, and style control.

When should I use QLEADER or MLEADER instead of LEADER?

Use QLEADER or MLEADER when you need standardized callouts with style control and flexible content. They offer more options than the classic LEADER for modern documentation.

How do I ensure annotation scales correctly across viewports?

Use annotative text, dimensions, and leaders (or consistent manual scaling) so annotation remains readable in layouts with different viewport scales.

What is the role of layers in annotation?

Layers help organize annotation by type or discipline (e.g., text, dims, leaders). Consistent layer standards make it easier to control visibility, plotting, and overrides.

AutoCAD Notation & Annotation Commands: The Complete Guide

Q: How do I keep dimensions consistent across a project?

Create and apply dimension styles (DIMSTYLE) to control units, precision, arrowheads, text height, and tolerances. Apply styles uniformly to all dimensions.

Introduction

AutoCAD’s notation/annotation commands add the information that makes drawings usable: text notes, dimensions, leaders, callouts, and tables. Clear, consistent annotation is essential for communicating intent to reviewers, contractors, and fabricators. This page is your complete reference for annotation tools on CAD Master Coach.

Use the list below to jump into any command’s tutorial, or keep reading for practical applications and FAQs.

CopyClip-CopyBase

Copy objects to clipboard (with or without base point) for precise pasting between drawings.

CutClip-CutBase

Learn how to use CutClip and CutBase in AutoCAD to cut and copy objects to the clipboard. Understand when to use each command, best practices, and workflow tips.

Dim

Apply linear, angular, radial, arc length, ordinate dims with DIM. Styles, tolerances, and tips.

Distance

Measure distances, angles, and differences precisely with DISTANCE (DIST). OSNAP usage included.

Dtext

Create single‑line notes with TEXT/DTEXT. Height, style, justification, and best practices.

Layer

Control visibility and standards with LAYER. Create, rename, freeze, lock, filter, and set properties.

Mtext

Write formatted paragraphs with MTEXT. Columns, styles, fields, and editing shortcuts.

Pan

The PAN command in AutoCAD lets you move around your drawing without changing zoom level. Discover shortcuts, mouse techniques, and productivity tips for panning smoothly.

Paste

Paste clipboard contents into drawings with precision. PASTECLIP and base point control.

Qleader

Place leaders and notes with QLEADER. Styles, arrowheads, content blocks, and consistency tips.

Redo

The REDO command restores actions that were undone. Learn when and how to use REDO, differences from UNDO, and common pitfalls to avoid in your workflow.

Undo

Control action history with UNDO. Steps, groups, and mark/back options for experiments.

Zoom

The ZOOM command changes your view of the drawing without altering objects. Explore zoom options, shortcuts, and tips to navigate large drawings quickly and precisely.

Practical Applications of Notation Commands

Dimensions & tolerances: Apply consistent linear, angular, and radial dims; edit tolerance formats; maintain standards with styles.
Notes & labels: Use single-line and multi-line text for general notes, keynote legends, and callouts.
Leaders & callouts: Place leaders and multileaders to point clearly to features, with reusable leader styles.
Schedules & tables: Build tables for parts lists, door/window schedules, or general notes; link to fields where appropriate.

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