Need Help Setting up Dimensions and Scaling

[Anonymous]

So I am on a MacBook Pro, using AutoCAD 2015. I am having problems setting up the dimensions and scaling. Could someone tell me the steps to do the following? Or a link to a video that shows how to do this?

1. I would like the scaling to be a 1:2 scale, or each of the smallest boxes possible to represent 6 inches by 6 inches. 

2. When I measure a line, I want it to show in feet and inches.

3. Is there a way to save these settings so it applies to every new project I make?

[pendean]

You draw at 1:1 scale in modelspace in AutoCAD: are you doing that? If yes, post your DWG file, let's see what you have going on.

[john.vellek]

Hi @Anonymous,

Without seeing what you have in your drawing this is a bit tricky to answer.

I suggest that first you set your dwg units with the UNITS command. It sounds like you want to set it to architectural

Then, as a means to help, I draw a 6x6 inch square in modelspace.

Now, I switch to Layout 1. I am going to apply a Page Setup that is using a Letter size piece of paper (8.5x11)

Next, I can resize my viewport by clicking on it and then using the grips to make it bigger

If I double-click in it I can enter the model. I can now set my scale for the view of the model by selecting 1:2 from the Scale List.

Now for the dimensions.

I like to apply a linear dimension to the square in modelspace so i can see what the current dimension settings look like.

The extension lines, arrow heads and text height can all be a bit bigger in my opinion so I use DIMSTYLE to modify the dimension style being used.

I go to the Arrow size  (in the Symbols and Arrows tab) I will change to 1/4"

I will change my text size to 1/4" as well (Text tab)

I then move to the Primary Units tab abd select the Units Format and set it to Architectural

I like the way these changes look so I am going to keep this dimension style for later use.  I can copy this one dimension and place it into my acad.dwt template file. Every time I start a new drawing based upon acad.dwt, this definition for dimensions should be present. Of course, it is a good idea to check the font being used and to give the Dimstyle a unique name before putting it into the template.

Let me know if this helps. If you can attach a sample of your drawing I am happy to look at it to help with these steps.

Please select the Accept as Solution button if my post solves your issue or answers your question.

[Anonymous]

So I start with opening the acad.dwt template. 

Zoomed into the smallest blocks and drew a random rectangle. 

I then measure it with the measuring tool and I get a number. However, I am not sure what unit this is in. I don't know how to get it to show that. And I don't know what to do after this. 

[john.vellek · Accepted solution]

Hi @jfrench788,

If you could provide me with one of your drawings I am happy to help set up a dimstyle for you.  I am limited to one computer today but let me see if I can switch to a Mac so I can make a video for you that might help.

[EDIT] I have attached a video that shows how I can make a new dimstyle.  I go through similar steps to those I mentioned in my previous post. Please let me know if that helps. I will create another post with another video that shows how to set the scale in your viewport.

Please select the Accept as Solution button if my post solves your issue or answers your question.

[john.vellek · Accepted solution]

Hi @jfrench788,

Here is the second video. This one shows how to switch to a paperspace layout, create a page setup and finally how to set the scale of the view for your model in the viewport.

Please select the Accept as Solution button if my post solves your issue or answers your question.

[Anonymous]

So my theatre teacher sent me his layout of the stage, and I believe it is in the correct format, so I may turn that into a square also to use for other projects. Thanks though!