At this point, we’ve built a complete system:
Both depend on the same scale factor.
Now we apply that same idea to multileaders.
A common problem is:
This happens when multileaders are not scaled correctly.
Multileaders are a hybrid because they combine two systems:
The text portion:
Uses a text style (font)
Has its height defined in the multileader style
Important:
TEXTSIZE is not used for multileaders
The height is set directly in the style as a paper height.
For example:
0.125 = 1/8″ text on paper
The leader portion behaves like dimensions.
It includes:
These elements must scale with the drawing.
This is where scaling comes in.
This is the key connection:
If your DIMSCALE is 24
Then your MLEADERSCALE should also be 24
So again:
You are not learning a new system.
You are reusing the same one.
From Lesson 4:
Now for multileaders:
Everything will match automatically.
No.
In most cases, you only need one primary multileader style.
That style should be set up with:
Once that is set:
You do not need separate styles for different scales
All other elements are scaled automatically using MLEADERSCALE.
This includes:
So instead of creating multiple styles for different scales:
You keep one style
You change MLEADERSCALE
Creating multiple styles leads to:
Using one style with MLEADERSCALE keeps everything:
If a multileader is not scaled correctly:
Select the multileader
Open Properties (CTRL + 1)
Find:
Overall Scale
Adjust it to match your scale factor.
Example:
Incorrect value ? 4.5
Correct value ? 3
Once updated, the leader will match your drawing.
MLEADER
Creates multileaders
MLEADERSTYLE (MLS)
Opens the multileader style manager
Used to define text height (paper size), arrow style, and formatting
MLEADERSCALE
Sets the overall scale (must match scale factor)
PROPERTIES (CTRL + 1)
Used to fix existing multileaders
The text height for multileaders is set in the style (paper size).
MLEADERSCALE applies the scale.
TEXTSIZE is not used for multileaders
Everything now follows the same system:
Viewport = controls scale
Scale factor = the number behind it
They all use the same number
Set text height in the style to paper size
Set MLEADERSCALE to match your scale factor
Use one style and let the scale factor do the work
If your multileaders do not match your drawing, what should you adjust?
A) Change viewport scale
B) Change MLEADERSCALE
C) Scale the drawing
(Answer is at the bottom of the page)
What does MLEADERSCALE control?
MLEADERSCALE controls the overall size of multileaders, including arrows and spacing.
Why do my multileaders not match my dimensions or text?
Because MLEADERSCALE does not match your scale factor.
Does TEXTSIZE control multileader text?
No. The text height is defined in the multileader style using paper size.
How is multileader text sized correctly?
Set the text height in the style (for example 0.125), then scale it using MLEADERSCALE.
What does it mean that multileaders are a hybrid?
They combine text behavior (style and height) and dimension behavior (scaled elements).
Do I need multiple multileader styles?
No. Use one style and let MLEADERSCALE handle scaling.
Why not create multiple styles for each scale?
It adds complexity and leads to inconsistent drawings.
How do I fix an existing multileader?
Use Properties and adjust the Overall Scale.
Do multileader styles carry over to new drawings?
No. They are stored inside each drawing file.
What is the most important thing to remember?
Set text height in the style, set MLEADERSCALE to the scale factor, and keep everything consistent.
B) Change MLEADERSCALE
Here’s the full system:
Model Space = draw everything full size
Paper Space = your sheet
Viewports = control how the drawing appears
Scale factor = the number behind the scale
That same number is used everywhere:
Draw everything full size in Model Space
Set your viewport scale in Paper Space
Use the same scale factor for all annotation
Once this system is set up correctly:
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