How to Change Default Units in AutoCAD 2018?

Understanding Default Units in AutoCAD

AutoCAD is a powerful drafting software widely used by architects, engineers, and designers. One of the fundamental aspects of working with this software is understanding and setting the correct units for your drawings. By default, AutoCAD operates in inches, but it is essential to customize these settings based on your specific project requirements.

Steps to Change Default Units in AutoCAD 2025

To alter the default units in AutoCAD 2025, follow these detailed instructions:

Access the Options Menu

1. Open AutoCAD and locate the application menu, typically found in the upper left corner of the screen.
2. Select the “Options” button from the drop-down menu to access the options dialog box.

Navigate to Document Settings

1. Once in the Options dialog, navigate to the “Document Settings” tab.
2. This section allows you to set various preferences for your current drawing.

Select the Units Tab

1. Within Document Settings, find and select the “Units” tab.
2. You will see various options that include imperial, metric, and other unit types.

Change Length Measurement

1. Click on the Length drop-down menu to view available unit types.
2. Select your desired unit of measure, such as inches, millimeters, centimeters, or meters.

Adjust Additional Settings

1. In addition to length, you may also want to modify settings for angle measurement, precision, and scale.
2. Once you’ve made your changes, click “OK” to apply these settings to the active drawing. All existing values will automatically convert to reflect the new unit choice.

Checking Your Current Unit Settings

To verify the units currently in use, you can utilize the following method:

1. Click on the Application menu and select “Drawing Utilities.”
2. Next, click on “Units.” This will open the Drawing Units dialog box, displaying the current settings and allowing for adjustments as needed.

Changing Units with Each Drawing

If you frequently switch between different unit systems, consider establishing specific templates for your projects:

1. When creating a new drawing, opt for a template that has the desired units predefined.
2. Alternatively, follow the steps from the “Change Default Units” section to adjust units as needed for individual drawings.

Exploring Unit Types in AutoCAD

AutoCAD offers a variety of unit types, including:

• Decimal: A straightforward numeric measurement, often used in metric drafting.
• Architectural: Primarily used in building design, this format includes feet and inches.
• Engineering: Designed for civil projects, using decimal feet.
• Fractional: Used to represent measurements as fractions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I change units after starting a drawing?

Yes, you can change the units at any point during your drawing session by following the steps outlined in the “Change Default Units” section.

2. How does changing the units affect existing drawings?

When you change the unit settings, AutoCAD automatically converts existing values to align with the new measures. This ensures that your design remains accurate without manual adjustments.

3. Are there any shortcuts for changing units quickly?

To streamline the unit change process, familiarize yourself with command line shortcuts such as typing “UN” for units or “LIMITS” for setting drawing limits.