AutoCAD

How to Change Units in AutoCAD 2016?

by Wei Zhang
4 min read

Changing Units in AutoCAD 2016

Adjusting the unit settings in AutoCAD is essential for ensuring that your drawings are accurate and fit specific design needs. This guide provides detailed steps for altering units in AutoCAD 2016, including switching between units and setting default configurations.

Modifying Dimension Settings to Meters

  1. Access the Dimension Menu: Locate the Dimension menu and select “Style.”
  2. Create a New Style: Within the Dimension Style Manager, hit the “New” button to initiate a new dimension style.
  3. Define the New Style: In the dialog box that appears, provide a name for your style. Choose an existing style to start from, and ensure you set “Use For” to “All Dimensions.”
  4. Set Up Primary Units: Navigate to the “Primary Units” tab. In the Suffix box, input “mm” to denote millimeters, and set the Scale Factor to 25.4, as there are 25.4 millimeters per inch.

Switching from Inches to Centimeters

  1. Select the Scale Tool: Click on the Home tab, then choose the Modify panel and find the “Scale” tool.
  2. Choose Objects: At the prompt that appears, input “all” to select all objects in your drawing.
  3. Define a Base Point: Enter the coordinates for the base point, typically *0,0, to center your scaling.
  4. Input the Scale Factor: Specify the scale factor needed for conversion from inches to centimeters (2.54).

Changing Units to Meters

  1. Start a New Drawing: Open AutoCAD Architecture or AutoCAD MEP and kick off a new blank drawing.
  2. Access Unit Configuration: Type the command “UNITS” into the command line to display the Drawing Setup dialog box.
  3. Select Desired Units: Change the unit type to either “Millimeters” or “Meters” according to your preference.
  4. Make Default Settings: Ensure you check the box labeled “Save as Default” to retain this unit setting for future drawings.

Adjusting Dimension Style

  1. Navigate to Dimension Style: Click on the Annotation panel under the Home tab and select “Dimension Style.”
  2. Choose the Style to Modify: In the Dimension Style Manager, identify and select the style you wish to adjust, then click “Modify.”
  3. Set Scale for Features: Within the Modify Dimension Style dialog, head to the “Fit” tab. Here, you can input a value in the Scale for Dimension Features section to adjust overall dimensions.
  4. Finalizing Changes: After making all desired modifications, click “OK,” then select “Close” to exit the Dimension Style Manager.

Establishing Default Units in AutoCAD

  1. Initiate Drawing Setup: Type “AECDWGSETUP” into the command line and hit Enter.
  2. Configure Unit Settings: In the Drawing Setup dialog, click on the “Units” tab. Adjust the Drawing Units, Precision, and Angle settings as per your requirements.
  3. Customizing Scale Options: Navigate to the “Scale” tab and select “Edit Scale List” to tailor your scaling options. You can add a new scale list and define its properties.

Changing the Drawing Units to Inches

  1. Start a New Drawing: Launch a new drawing using the acad template.
  2. Set Units: Execute the “UNITS” command.
  3. Choose Type and Scale: Within the dialog, opt for “Decimal” for the Type and “Feet” for Insertion Scale.
  4. Insert Commands: Use the “INSERT” command (CLASSICINSERT for newer versions) and choose the inch-based drawing from your files.

Identifying Current Unit Settings in AutoCAD

To check which units AutoCAD is currently set to, navigate to the Application menu in the top left corner. From there, select “Drawing Utilities” followed by “Units” to open the Drawing Units window. Alternatively, you can enter “UN” in the command line for quick access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How can I reset the drawing limits in AutoCAD?
To reset the drawing limits, enter the “LIMITS” command, specify coordinates for the lower-left corner, followed by the upper-right corner. Disable grid display with “GRIDDISPLAY” set to 0 if necessary.

Q2: What if I accidentally change the units?
You can revert to your preferred units by again using the “UNITS” command and selecting the correct type and scale settings, ensuring to save them as default if needed.

Q3: Are there different unit types available in AutoCAD?
Yes, AutoCAD supports various unit types, including architectural (feet and inches), decimals, engineering, fractional, and scientific format.

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.

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