SCALING FROM MODEL SPACE

[Anonymous]

I have a plan in model space 1:100 - The same is set up in Layout View with a scale of 1:50.

My issue is this; how do I scale down the electrical symbols on plan to fit with the text in the electric-lighting legend?

[pendean]

Your plan in modelspace is supposed to be at 1:1 scale: fix it first.

Are your symbols your own custom creations? What's wrong with them, do they not size correctly? What size did you make them? How to they compare in size to the free basic symbols AutoCAD throws in for free in the Toolpalettes samples?

[dbroad]

If you want to view the same plan information in the same project at multiple scales, you should be using annotative scaling and should design your electrical symbols to be annotative.  Then just adding the annotation scale to the objects will adjust the size correctly.

[Anonymous]

Hi Dean,

This is what the symbols look like on plan. I did start with a scale of 1:1 then changed it to 1:100. Should everything remain to 1:1 scale in model space and then changed in layout view, always? Is this good practice?

I am quite new to AC and therefore, I had no idea there were free basic symbols. Where can I get these from?

I thought I had created blocks for my symbols, it turns out I didn't... they look okay on plan, but I honestly have no idea what scale they are....

[Anonymous]

Thank you.

Please advise, do I do this by using 'Annotative Object Scale'?

[pendean]

CAD drafting rule: 1:1 scale all the time, always. Paper drafting techniques are dead now, forget all that drawing to paper-scale stuff you used to do.

In your image, your blocks are proportionally correct visually: I see no problems with them. Why do you think they are too big? Do you have a printer? Print a portion and look at the results, what is odd to you about them?

[Anonymous]

Thank you, I appreciate your advise!

I don't have access to a printer unfortunately! What is odd about them is
they do not fit onto my electrical - light legend. I have tried scaling
them to fit onto 'layout view' at a scale of 1:50 but they were simply
enormous. My layout view is scaled to 1:50, just fyi.

If I were to make the annotative, would that mean I need to start at the
beginning again by drawing the symbols... making them blocks then
annotating them?

[Patchy]

Example, if the receptacle is 1/8" when you plot, then draw it 1/8" diam. then make an annotative block.

Change the plot scale and you'll see it changes.

[pendean]

Show us your DWG file, plan, symbols, legend and all, let's see what you are actuall working with.

[Anonymous]

Thank you.

I'm working in millimeters.. I drafted the receptables real time (if that
makes sense). I'm not sure how to make an annotative block, I am very new
to AC.

[Anonymous]

Please see attached file.

[GrantsPirate]

Learning annotative functions will make things easier but for now simply scale the symbols by 1/25.4 or 10/254 = .03937.  You can type that once and copy it so you can paste it into the insert dialog.  AutoCAD won't accept 1/25.4 but will accept 10/254, so that is the reason for using that form.

[john.vellek]

Hi @Anonymous,

I took one of your blocks and rebuilt it so it was a bit more accurate. I took the chance to also add an attribute in case you need it in the future. I exploded the block, moved everything to layer 0, and made a new block and assigned the style to be Romans (non-annotative) and selected to make the block Annotative when I re-defined it.

Now, when you insert it at 1:1 it sill show up exatly as defined so you might actually have to redefine ti to make it smaller.

At any rate, I attached it here for you to examine. When you insert it, you have the option of editing the attribute. If you click on the block you can also add scales (in Properties) so that it displays scaled appropriately to your scaled view.

Let me know if this gets you started or if you need more help or resources with this process.

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

[Anonymous]

Thank you, I'll try your suggestion.

[Anonymous]

Hi John,

Thank you so much, I appreciate your time! 

I do understand what you have done however, I am quite new to AC and trying to teach myself this program (slow process).

I will need to break down each process of what you actually did in order for me fully understand what you have done; then I can follow on doing the same and hopefully all will be well....

Kind Regards,

Katharine 🙂

[john.vellek]

Hi Katharine,

I made a quick video that might help. You will notice that I put everything on layer 0. This means that the block will acquire the properties of any layer it is placed upon.

Please let me know if you have additional questions on the process.

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

[dbroad · Accepted solution]

Others have already demonstrate the process.  I typically work in imperial units.  Here is a link to a screencast I did for my class on duplex outlets.  The block is annotative and automatically rotates to the wall it is placed on.  Your block should be about 25 times larger.  http://autode.sk/1FDu7Fk

[Anonymous]

Thank you John. Can you tell me what dimensions you used to make the duplex please? You move so fast on your screen I can't catch any numbers.

Thank you,

Katharine 🙂

[Anonymous]

Hi Doug,

Thank you, this is perfect. I guess I can convert your imperial measurements to metric to get what I need, correct?

I love your accent!!

Kind Regards,

Katharine

[dbroad]

Thanks Katharine.  Yes, as I wrote, your symbol will be approximately 25 times larger.  Typical diameters for circular symbols are 3 to 5 mm according to taste.