Is anybody aware of a setting/toggle etc. when creating an annnotation style that allows annotation to be placed on the current layer instead of a pre-defined layer?
would be awesome if only it were a choice!
Am I missing something here?
>
> would be awesome if only it were a choice!
Next you will be asking for 'current' text style...you know, like LDD used to do it.
DDSM
(still running LDD Companion)
LDD still works
Civil 3D requires you to be careful with terminology... Use the wrong terminology, and you might have a hard time getting the answer you're looking for.
"Annotation style" sounds like you're talking about Annotative Text Styles or Annotative MLeader Styles. But from the context, I'm guessing you're talking about Civil 3D Labels...
Those behave somewhat differently depending on the type of Label you're talking about. But in general, the Labels use Object Layer settings. Many types of C3D Labels also behave somewhat like Blocks, in that the overall label can be on one layer, but the text inside the label can be on another.
The key is generally learning the proper use of Object Layers (in your Drawing Settings). Depending on the label type, you may configure the Style so that the text is on a specific layer, or on layer 0. Then most labels also go on the layer specified by the appropriate Object Layer.
In general, we find it best that you configure all your Object Layers so NOTHING goes on Layer 0 there. (This makes it much easier to work with your drawings, as you can freeze or turn off unneeded things in XREFs, which is impossible if you leave the things on Layer 0). Then, depending on which Label Style you're talking about, you may want to also specify a layer inside the Style, or you may want the Style to point to Layer 0 (or in some cases, have layer settings inside the Style set to "ByLayer" or maybe even "ByBlock"), so the label uses the Object Layer to define how the label looks.
In general, once you figure out how Styles and Object Layers work, the whole system is far superior to Land Desktop. It lets you work quickly and easily, and many things automatically go on the correct layers, automatically enforcing standards. Net result is you can work faster, yet turn out better and more-consistent drawings. The cost is you have to learn how Styles, Labels, and Object Layers interact first.
The two areas we've found where the old-style "Use Current" behavior is still really useful is with General Note and General Line/Curve Labels. For that, you can use the Sincpac-C3D. One of the free features (just install and use, no activation required) is the feature that will automatically flip the General Note and/or General Line/Curve Object Layer settings whenever you change the current layer. So if you create your General Note and General Line/Curve Styles with the internal layers set to Layer 0, you can use this option to get your General labels to go on your current layer, as in the "old days". The feature is turned on and off by the setting in the Sincpac-C3D tab in OPTIONS, which appears after installing the Sincpac-C3D.
You are right sinc, sorry my poor use of terminology.
I guess I was hoping that since was still an option for creating points it would be an option for labels as well. Guess not.
We are currently using the method you describe but find ourselves getting boxed in. For example a conceptual layout drawing for a subdivision containing multiple layouts. Used to be you could drop all that in one drawing and label away on unique annotation layers to coincide with each seperate design.
If you did that in Civil3D you would need to either:
1) create a unique style for each design that assigns the labels to a unique layer (3 possible designs, 3 new styles)
2) create a unique drawing for each design and labeling scenario
3) label each design then explode the labels (losing dynamic) and put onto unique layers
I guess option 2 is probably the easiest. Finally we are being pushed away from managing all of our data in one drawing (the wrong way, so I am told); while being pushed towards a multiple drawing, dref, xref scenario typical of an architect or mechanical engineers drawing set.
I understand the bonus of dynamic abilities for design, but I think until clients really start demanding 3D models as deliverables most surveyor's won't care and will resist using Civil3D. In my opinion Civil3D is cumbersome. Civil3D is clearly focused on dynamic figures, but I still care mostly about points.
Simplicity is beautiful, efficient and profitable. Still dreaming of that "perfect" software package I guess.