topic AutoCAD - print scaled drawings / ruler to use in AutoCAD Forum

AutoCAD - print scaled drawings / ruler to use

roversimone.uk — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 11:24:11 GMT

Hi everyone,

I have a particular question...when I receive DWGs from the Architects, I need to do my mechanical layouts (see attached as an example).

Ok, the problem is the following:

once I finished my work on the model view, I obviously have to set up the layout view.

I am not able to print my drawings in order to have a proper correct scale. It is always randomly scaled (so I have to put NTS as a scale description).

How do I print my drawing 1:50@A1, for example?

I cannot get it right!!!

If you need more info for answering, please let me know

Thanks in advance guys

Simone

[ The subject line of this post has been edited to include the product name by @handjonathan ]

Re: AutoCAD - print scaled drawings / ruler to use

tim_crouse — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 11:55:57 GMT

1. Is your border on a layout tab? May seem like an odd question but many folks still do all their work in model space.

YES - Setup a viewport, "VIEWPORT"

Select Single

Double click and pan and zoom to get the view close to what you want

type "PS" to go back to paperspace

select the viewport and gotto the properties or status bar and set the viewport scale OR

while inside the viewport type"ZOOM", S, 1/96xp" this will setup a scaled viewport too. of 1/8 : 1'

That's the basic concept. There are many other tricks, Look up Polygon viewports if you need an odd-shaped viewport. You can also make circular viewports. When you run the viewport command you can pick OBJECT and it will turn the selected object into a viewport.

Type "SCALELISTEDIT" add or delete standard scales you expect to use >> these scales will be available to the automated portions of the drawing (viewport, attribute fields ).

Once you get your viewport set up gotto your border and double click the scale attribute >> Right Click inside the attribute editor and select field. SELECT OBJECT >> pick the viewport >> middle pane select standard scale. Now that scale will be linked to that attribute. If the scale changes the attribute value will change.

That should be enough to confuse you for now 🙂

If you are working completely in model space reply back and I will add those steps (you basically grab ALL objects and scale them down to fit inside the border. Most construction drawing are done in Paperspace these days.

You will want to become familiar with sheetsets if you are doing construction drawings. Sheetsets will save you a lot of time as they automate many maintenance editing tasks and reduce errors from propagating through the entire package.

Best Regards

-Tim C.,

Re: AutoCAD - print scaled drawings / ruler to use

Kent1Cooper — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 13:01:52 GMT

In Paper Space, select a Viewport's boundary [don't get into Model Space through it]. In the Properties palette, there is a Standard scale slot -- choose the scale there.

Right-click on the Layout's tab along the bottom, and select Page Setup Manager... to set the sheet size, etc.

Re: AutoCAD - print scaled drawings / ruler to use

dmfrazier — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 14:02:01 GMT

"...you basically grab ALL objects and scale them down to fit inside the border."

Isn't it a lot more sensible to scale the border UP to fit around the objects which are drawn at their correct size?

Re: AutoCAD - print scaled drawings / ruler to use

dany_rochefort — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 17:31:43 GMT

@roversimone.uk

Here is a quick A1 1:50 setup. If you can replicate all of these settings you will be good to go.