Their annotation is in paperspace when I get the titleblock setups. This was the problem. Modelspace doesn't matter because our base files are shaded back (as well as the annotation and and does not conflict with our work. (we work on top of the xref).
then i've totally lost the point you were trying to make about annotation being on top of linework
I pay attention that it isn't in the middle J/K. First process....setup sheets (matchlines), then work on plans. This way I know where I'm at when I'm working on the plans and nothing will conflict with my matchlines because can see them.
see our first process is build the model. settting up sheets and matchlines won't happen for another couple weeks. heck, i won't even be able guess at the number of sheets (layout tabs) i'm gonna need until the model is well on the way to completion. once the model is nearly done, we xref that into the annotation model and begin making views (if necessary). then we move to the layout tabs and begin making viewports and scaling them and annotating them. i still don't see what would conflict with my matchlines, i draw them at the ends of the viewport and i'm done with 'em.
I can see annotation in paperspace being useful for 3d since you probably have many different angled views for what you are trying to portray.
nearly everything we do is 3d, but we still have plan type drawings for civil work that are singular in their view direction. even these are just easier to annotate in PS.
Have you done it my way? If so, what are these tools I'm missing to improve my productivity?
lesee, 3D and annotation in ps to start with.
I deem myself a fairly efficient drafter but I'm always looking for a better way.
i've seen guys that were among the most efficient drafters in the world, certainly the most efficient i'd ever seen.... with a pencil. i mean these guys could really hammer out a drawing using their methods and skills. right now our least efficient CAD designer would beat 'em by about half the time.
being efficient with YOUR methods and tools is one thing, but being as efficient as possible by adapting/modifying any and all methods and tools is something else.