Viewports are a mess

[JimJonesPELS]

I have created a single-family residential site with parcels, alignment, plan & profile, etc.  in model space.  When I open  viewport in paper space it's impossible to make anything out - it's a jumbled mess of overwritten lines and labels.

What's the protocol for keeping the scales correct?

[user181]

You need to zoom in close and then do a regenall. Civil labels change size based on the scale of the viewport, so if you're zoomed far out they will be huge. 

[JimJonesPELS]

I tried that and there was no effect.  I'd send the drawing but don't see how to attach.

[JimJonesPELS]

I figured out how to attach.  Here's the drawing.

[cadffm]

Open your attached file and run a ZOOM EXTENTS

and tell us your problem.

[JimJonesPELS]

I have opened the file, gone to Layout 1, tried zoomall and zoomextents in both model and paper and there is no response in the drawing whatsoever.  It just sits there.

[user181]

Your viewport is many times larger than your title block and border.  make it the size of the border and set the scale to some scale like 1"=40'.  I've included the dwg that I did this in. 

[JimJonesPELS]

Thanks.  I understand what you're saying on an intellectual level but have no idea on a practical or technical level how to get there.  

I don't see any scale anywhere on Layout 1.  How does one go about making the viewport border the appropriate size?

 Baby steps here.

[Valentin_CAD · Accepted solution]

@JimJonesPELS ,

See if this screen cast helps. Or consider the linked video below.

• Screen Cast: https://autode.sk/3tnOrXj
• Introduction to Layouts, Viewports, and Plotting in AutoCAD

[pendean]

@JimJonesPELS If I may ask, are you new to AutoCAD or just unfamiliar with the interface since moving from a much older version or just recently adopting Layouts?

>>>...I don't see any scale anywhere on Layout 1...<<<

First you need to create a viewport: MVIEW command. Looks like all you did was copy/paste content into a layout? yes? Again, goes back to are you inexperienced in AutoCAD or just new to Layouts and opted to dive in without studying the concept.

THEN... while a viewport is selected in a layout, or while inside a layout, the 'scale' of the layout is here 

>>>...How does one go about making the viewport border the appropriate size?...<<<

How much time do you have to learn? Another responder posted some videos for you to follow, see if that helps.

[JimJonesPELS · Accepted solution]

Thanks for your help.  I watched your video several times but wasn't able to un-mute so could only watch.  I suspect you were speaking throughout.  I will follow-up with the tutorials you suggested.

You've gotten right to the heart of my question - thanks again!