Where is the scale command number stored?

[mpa-la]

I can't believe I can't find this, but all the search words are so common I'm not having any luck.  If you scale an object, whether you enter a number or use scale reference, autocad saves that number and uses it for subsequent scale commands until you change it.  What system variable saves that number so I can look it up after I've used scale reference?

[john.vellek]

Hi @mpa-la,

I am going to test this as I don't think I have experienced this before or maybe I just haven't been paying attention. In the mean time, could you make a quick Screencast of what you are describing? I want to make sure that I am following your steps so I can do proper research for you.

[beyoungjr · Accepted solution]

Pretty sure that value is only "cached" in the current drawing session and remains as new default until another value is used.  Once you close ACAD the value returns to initial default.

You would only be able to see, in default, the number you as scale factor in subsequent uses of SCALE if you have not used another value.

The object scaled has no record of initial scale vs. altered unless it's a block.  If using blocks you can easily compare the current sized block to the root block object.

You can always look at the command line history "F2" but that could be an extremely long list of activity.  If you right-click in the command line you can select copy history and paste it into a text editor (MSWord, notepad, etc...) and you could "find" the word scale.  As long as it's in the current drawing session you'll find all uses of the command and you will see values you used.

Good luck,

Blaine

[mpa-la]

You are right, it is only for the current drawing, I thought it would be saved as a variable somewhere though.  Good idea to scale a block inserted at 1 then see what it is after. Good workaround if there isn't a way to extract the value directly.  I'm trying to get the value after using scale reference by picking points, so I would have never entered a number to go back and get from the command line.  Thanks!

[mpa-la]

Blyoung below got it and explained it in more detail than me.  You'll see what I mean if you try it.  If you scale something in a drawing, then enter instead of putting in a number after you pick the base point the next time you issue the command, it will use the same scale you previously entered.

[imadHabash]

Hi,

>> autocad saves that number and uses it for subsequent scale commands until you change it. <<

Yes that's right and you will not get rid of the store number till you close the current drawing.

Regards,

[rkmcswain]

mail wrote:

If you scale an object, whether you enter a number or use scale reference, autocad saves that number and uses it for subsequent scale commands until you change it.  

I'm not seeing this.

[john.vellek]

Hi @rkmcswain,

I'm with you as I don't see this either which is why I asked for a quick video. It must be a special order of steps or something that I don't use.

[mpa-la]

In your video, you never hit enter at the end.  It doesn't show the number on the command line, it just does it. If it showed it, that would solve my problem.

[mpa-la]

dont know how to screencast, no time to figure it out, sorry.

[rkmcswain]

mail wrote:

In your video, you never hit enter at the end.  It doesn't show the number on the command line, it just does it. If it showed it, that would solve my problem.

As @beyoungjr said in post #3, there is no sysvar. It's just storing this value and using it again.

Quite frankly, I feel like this is a bug (take note @john.vellek ) - because in other commands where the last value is remembered, and used, it is shown to the user so that the user can choose to accept it, or change it.  For example: LENGTHEN>TOTAL ...... when you run this command a second time, it shows you your last used value, and you have the opportunity to change it. With the SCALE command, you don't know what the last value was. FILLET>RAD is another example where the last uses value is shown to you.

[mpa-la]

---

With the SCALE command, you don't know what the last value was. FILLET>RAD is another example where the last uses value is shown to you.

---

Typical Autocad where similar commands work different ways or do the same thing in a different order.  It has grown like a living thing over the years, can't expect it to be logical!  🙂

[john.vellek]

Hi @rkmcswain,

I will log this with the QA team. It is nice to strive for consistency across features. As I indicated previously, I have never noticed this before so it is a bit surprising to me.

[rkmcswain]

@john.vellek - same here. Been using this app longer than I care to admit, and I've never run across this either.

Never saw a reason to press ENTER at the scale prompt, when there is no <default> value.

[mpa-la]

I noticed it worked this way many years ago, and have taught lots of people to use it that way.  It's handy if you have to scale a quantity of objects one at a time using some snap point on them.  Makes it quick.