How to Setup Paper Space in AutoCAD 2018?

Understanding Paper Space in AutoCAD

Setting up paper space in AutoCAD is essential for preparing your drawings for printing. Paper space allows for the creation of detailed layouts featuring title blocks, annotations, and multiple views of your model. Follow these steps to set up your paper space effectively in AutoCAD 2025.

Accessing Paper Space

1. Open Your Drawing: Launch AutoCAD and load the drawing where you wish to set up paper space.
2. Navigate to Layout Tabs: At the bottom of the AutoCAD window, locate the layout tabs. By default, you’ll find one labeled “Model” and others labeled “Layout1”, “Layout2”, etc. Click on any of the “Layout” tabs to enter paper space.
3. Switching Layouts: You can quickly navigate between various layout tabs by using keyboard shortcuts: press Ctrl + Page Up or Ctrl + Page Down.

Creating a New Layout

1. Select an Existing Layout: Pick any existing layout from the tabs.
2. Access Layout Tools: On the Ribbon, navigate to the “Layout” tab and find the “Page Setup” panel.
3. Add New Layout: Click “New” and enter a name for the new layout. This helps in identifying it later.
4. Configure Page Setup: In the dialog that opens, select the printer or plotter you intend to use. Choose the paper size that fits your requirements. Ensure the “Plot Area” dropdown remains set to “Layout” to capture the entire layout.

Arranging Viewports

1. Insert a Viewport: While in the layout space, you can add a viewport to display a specific view of your model space. To do this, go to the “Layout” tab and select “Viewport.”
2. Drag to Define Size: Click and drag on the layout area to define the dimension of the viewport.
3. Adjust the Viewport Scale: Once the viewport is created, select it, right-click, and then choose “Properties.” From the properties palette, find the “Standard Scale” option and choose an appropriate scale so that the model fits your layout correctly.

Managing Annotations and Title Blocks

1. Insert Title Blocks: You can import title blocks into your layout by using the “Insert” function or copying them from another drawing. This ensures that you maintain a consistent format across all your drawings.
2. Add Annotations: Utilize text, dimensions, and other annotation tools to include necessary information in your layout. Be sure that these elements are properly scaled to match your paper space settings.

Unlocking and Locking Viewports

1. Unlock a Viewport: Sometimes you may need to modify the view in a viewport. Select the viewport, right-click on it, and choose “Properties.” Change the “Display Locked” option to “No.” This enables you to pan or zoom within the viewport.
2. Locking: After adjustments, you can lock the viewport again to avoid accidental changes. Select the viewport, right-click, and set “Display Locked” to “Yes.”

Checking Your Setup

1. Review the Layout: Make sure all elements, including your model views, title blocks, and annotations, are correctly positioned within the paper space.
2. Preview the Layout: Use the “Print Preview” option from the file menu to visualize how your drawing will look when printed.

FAQ

What is the key difference between model space and paper space in AutoCAD?
Model space is where the actual design is drawn at real-world dimensions, while paper space is used for creating layouts that include presentation elements like title blocks and annotations.

Can I scale a viewport in AutoCAD?
Yes, you can adjust the scale of a viewport by selecting it, accessing the Properties panel, and choosing a new scale from the “Standard Scale” dropdown menu.

How can I ensure dimensions in paper space are accurate?
Use the Dimension Style Manager to set the appropriate scale for dimensions in paper space. Set the primary units and measurement scale to ensure accurate representation according to the layout’s scale.