Understanding Scale in AutoCAD
Scale is a crucial aspect of using AutoCAD effectively, especially when creating drawings for presentation or printing. It specifies the ratio of a drawing’s size to the actual size of the object it represents. By selecting and adjusting the scale, you ensure that your drawing accurately reflects real-world dimensions.
How to Select Scale in AutoCAD
Choosing the right scale in AutoCAD involves a series of steps that allow you to adjust your drawing dimensions for both model space and paper space. Here’s a detailed guide:
Step 1: Accessing the Drawing View
Begin by navigating to the drawing view that you wish to modify. Hover your cursor over the drawing area until the border of the view becomes visible.
Step 2: Selecting the Drawing View
Click within an empty area inside the drawing view. This action allows grips to appear, indicating that you can make adjustments to the selected view.
Step 3: Using the Lookup Grip
Identify and click on the lookup grip, which will present you with a menu containing various scale options. This menu provides a list of predefined scales that can be applied to your drawing.
Step 4: Choosing the Desired Scale
From the menu that appears after clicking the lookup grip, select your desired scale. The scale you pick will adjust the dimensions of your drawing to fit the chosen ratio.
Setting Up the Scale List
To customize the list of available scales in AutoCAD, you can utilize the SCALELISTEDIT command. By adding new scales directly to the default scale list through the registry, you can subsequently use the Reset button in the Edit Drawing Scales dialog box to include any new scales in your current drawing.
Determining the Scale Factor
To find the scale factor needed for your project, follow these steps:
- Select your existing scale, for example, 1/4” = 1”.
- Invert the fraction and multiply by 12 to determine the scale factor. Utilizing the previous example: 4/1 x 12 = 48.
- This calculation indicates that the scale factor is 48.
Understanding the Default Scale in AutoCAD
AutoCAD has a default scale that can toggle between Imperial and Metric settings. To adjust this, navigate to Options > User Preferences > Default Scale List. Be advised that changes here may revert back to the default setting upon restarting the application.
Applying Specific Scale Changes
In cases where you need to implement a specific scale, such as 1:100, employ the SCALE command to modify your drawing objects by a factor of 100. Surround the elements you intend to plot with a rectangle, then select Window plotting to specify the bounds and print accordingly.
Understanding Scale Ratio
A scale drawing expands or reduces the size of a real object while retaining proportionality. This proportional relationship is known as the scale ratio and is critical for ensuring accuracy in drawings.
Scale in Math Definitions
Mathematically, the scale factor is defined as the ratio of corresponding lengths between two figures. For example, if one figure measures 3 units and corresponds to another measuring 12 units, the scale factor is 4.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I reset the scale list in AutoCAD?
You can reset the scale list by using the SCALELISTEDIT command to access the scale list dialog box, where you can manage and reset the scales as needed.
2. What should I do if my drawing is not fitting on the paper at the selected scale?
If your drawing does not fit on the paper at the chosen scale, consider adjusting the scale to a smaller ratio, or modify your drawing size and try again using the scaling commands.
3. Can I create custom scales in AutoCAD?
Yes, AutoCAD allows users to create custom scales. Use the SCALELISTEDIT command to add and manage your custom scales directly in the scale list.
