CLDBGN-bgol (Cloud / Callout Outline)

Command Type: AutoLISP routine (works in AutoCAD, BricsCAD, ZWCAD and most AutoLISP-compatible CAD platforms)
Developed by: BGol Community, bgol.in

Inspired by the general concept of cloud/callout drawing utilities used for CAD markups and presentation drawings. This is an original, independently written routine, new file name, new command name, new source code, created so the CAD community has a free, editable, open-source alternative.

Overview

CLB draws a cloud-shaped callout outline through a series of points you pick, using uniform bulge-arc polyline segments sized by a radius you specify. It produces a clean, consistent cloud shape in far fewer steps than manually building one with PEDIT's arc option.

How to Use

1. Load CLDBGN-bgol.lsp into your CAD session (drag-and-drop the file onto the drawing window, or use the APPLOAD command).
2. Type CLB at the command line and press Enter.
3. At the Specify cloud arc radius: prompt, enter the radius to use for the cloud's bumps.
4. Pick points outlining the area you want to enclose (around a table, note, or region of interest). Press Enter when finished picking.
5. A single closed cloud-shaped LWPOLYLINE is created on a dedicated layer, BGOL-CLB (colour green), connecting your points with uniform bulge arcs.

Why Use It

• Fewer Steps, faster than manually using PEDIT's arc option to build a similar cloud/callout shape.
• Consistent Output, every bump is generated from the same radius, so the resulting outline looks clean and uniform rather than irregular.
• Improves Presentation, draws attention to important content in review markups or presentation-quality drawings.

Where to Use It

• Marking up or calling out important content (data tables, notes, key dimensions) in a presentation-quality drawing.
• Creating revision-cloud-style annotations to flag areas of a drawing that changed or need attention.
• Any drafting task needing a quick, visually consistent cloud/callout shape without the extra steps of the native PEDIT arc workflow.

Notes

• A minimum of 3 picked points is required to close the cloud outline.
• If the radius entered is too small for a particular chord, the routine falls back to a modest default bulge for that segment so the command never fails outright.
• Works as a single closed LWPOLYLINE, so it can be edited afterward (grip-edit, PEDIT, etc.) like any other polyline.
• Source code is fully open, feel free to study, modify, and redistribute it under the same open, free-for-all spirit.

Credits

Developed and shared for the CAD community by BGol Community. Website: https://bgol.in/ Free and open-source, use it, modify it, share it, for personal or commercial work alike.