Draw a revision cloud around a PDF detail
The cloud identifies the area that needs attention. In the video it surrounds a bank of drawers on a cabinet elevation. Select Cloud in the toolbar or press C, then click and drag a box around the detail. Release the mouse to place the cloud.
Keep the cloud close enough to identify the affected cabinet without covering the dimensions or neighbouring details. A revision cloud on a shop drawing highlights a location; the accompanying note explains what the reader should check.
Change the cloud colour, line weight and arc size
Select the cloud to see its settings in the Properties panel on the right. The recording shows colour, line weight and arc size. Use these controls to make the markup readable against the drawing linework.
Arc size changes the appearance of the cloud's scalloped edge. Line weight changes how bold it looks. These are markup-style choices; they do not change the underlying cabinet geometry or dimensions.
Add an arrow callout and edit the text
Choose Callout or press Q. Begin the drag where the arrow should point, near the clouded detail, and finish where the note should sit. That order matters: the start of the drag locates the arrow tip.
Double-click the callout text box, select the placeholder text with Ctrl+A and type the review note. The example asks the shop to confirm pull spacing. Click outside the box to finish editing.
Cloud the location
Press C and drag around the drawer detail.
Point to the detail
Press Q and drag from the arrow target out to the note position.
Replace the placeholder
Double-click the callout text and type a specific short comment.
Check readability
Keep the note and leader clear of the printed dimensions.
Write a useful cabinet drawing review note
A note such as Confirm pull spacing gives the reader a particular detail to resolve. A cloud by itself does not say whether the question concerns hardware, a dimension or a finish. Pair the visible location with a short request that can be understood without a separate explanation.
For a cabinet hardware markup, point at the affected drawer bank rather than an unrelated corner of the sheet. Leave space around the note so the original drawing remains readable. The lesson adds annotations to the PDF; it does not alter the original CAD drawing.
Common questions
What are the revision cloud and callout keyboard shortcuts?
C selects Cloud and Q selects Callout in this LayrPDF lesson. Double-click the callout text box to edit its note.
Which way do I drag to place a callout arrow?
Start at the point the arrow should identify, then drag outward to where the note should sit. The video demonstrates this beside the clouded drawer bank.
How do I make a revision cloud easier to see?
With the cloud selected, adjust its colour, line weight and arc size in Properties. Choose a style that stays readable without hiding the drawing underneath.
Does a cloud change the original shop drawing?
The cloud is a PDF review annotation. It flags a detail for discussion; it does not redraw the cabinet in CAD or approve a design change.
Video transcript
Read the transcript
0:00Here's how to flag a detail with a cloud and a callout, in LayrPDF.
0:05We want to flag this drawer bank, so the shop confirms the pull spacing.
0:09Grab the Cloud tool from the toolbar. Or just press C.
0:13Click and drag a box around the detail. Let go, and the cloud wraps around it.
0:19With the cloud selected, the Properties panel on the right has its color,
0:22line weight and arc size. Tweak them there if you want.
0:26Next, the Callout tool. That's Q.
0:29Start the drag where you want the arrow to point,
0:31right at the edge of the cloud. Drag out to where the note should sit,
0:35and let go.
0:36Double-click the text box, select the placeholder with Control A,
0:40and type your note. Keep it short.
0:43Click anywhere outside to finish. And that's it, both markups are on the PDF.
0:48So: cloud the detail, then add a callout with a short note.
0:52See LayrPDF. The link's in the description.
Put it into practice
Try these steps on your next drawing.
Open a PDF in LayrPDF and follow along with the lesson.
