AutoCAD

How to Resize in AutoCAD 2010?

Understanding Resizing in AutoCAD 2025

Resizing objects in AutoCAD is essential for achieving accurate drawings. Here’s how you can effectively resize objects in AutoCAD 2025, particularly focusing on specific steps and methods.

Method 1: Using the SCALE Command

  1. Select the Objects: Start by selecting the objects you wish to resize. You can click on them individually or use a window selection method by clicking and dragging a box around them.

  2. Initiate the SCALE Command: Type SCALE in the command line and hit Enter. This will activate the scaling function.

  3. Set the Base Point: You will be prompted to specify a base point. This is critical as it determines the anchor point for resizing. Click on a location in your drawing that will remain fixed during the scaling operation.

  4. Input the Scaling Factor: After establishing the base point, you will be asked for a scale factor. To enlarge the object, enter a number greater than 1 (e.g., 2 for doubling the size). For reducing the size, enter a number less than 1 (e.g., 0.5 for halving the size). Press Enter to confirm.

  5. Review the Resized Object: After executing the command, examine the resized object in your drawing area. Adjust if necessary by repeating the process.

Method 2: Adjusting Dimension Scale

Changing the scale of dimensions is equally crucial. Here are the steps:

  1. Open Dimension Style Manager: Navigate to the Home tab and locate the Annotation panel. Click on Dimension Style.

  2. Select a Style: In the Dimension Style Manager, find the dimension style you wish to modify and click on the Modify button.

  3. Access the Fit Tab: In the Modify Dimension Style dialog box, go to the Fit tab. Here, you’ll find options to adjust the scale for dimension features.

  4. Set the Scale Value: Enter your desired scale value. This could be a numeric value that reflects how you want the dimensions to be displayed in relation to your drawing scale.

  5. Confirm Changes: Click OK to apply the changes, then Close to exit the Dimension Style Manager.

Method 3: Changing the Drawing Scale

To change the scale at which your entire drawing is presented:

  1. Select the Drawing View: Hover your mouse over the drawing view to make the border visible. Click within the drawing view’s empty space.

  2. Access Grips: Once clicked, grips will appear indicating that the object can be manipulated. Click on the ‘lookup grip’ that shows up.

  3. Choose a New Scale: From the menu that appears, select the new scale you wish to apply to your drawing.

Method 4: Resizing Using Grips

Another intuitive way to resize objects involves using grips:

  1. Select the Object: Click on the object you want to resize to display its grips.

  2. Choose a Grip to Resize: Pick a corner or a mid-point grip, depending on how you want to scale the object.

  3. Hold Shift for Directions: If you wish to resize only in one direction (horizontally or vertically), hold down the Shift key while dragging. For proportional resizing from the center of the object, hold both Shift and Option during the resizing process.

FAQs

1. How can I check if the resizing is accurate?
After resizing, use the measuring tool. Measure the key dimensions of the object against the original or intended size to ensure they match your specifications.

2. What if the object does not resize proportionally?
Ensure you are using the correct scaling factor and that you are holding the appropriate keys (Shift and Option) if you wish to preserve proportions.

3. Can I undo a resizing operation?
Yes, AutoCAD allows you to undo actions. Simply type U or click the Undo button in the toolbar to revert to your previous state.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.