How To Adjust Viewport Shape In AutoCAD

Understanding Viewports in AutoCAD

Viewports in AutoCAD serve as windows into your drawing space, allowing you to present different views of your model within a layout. Adjusting the shape of a viewport can greatly enhance your presentations by allowing for custom views that fit the layout requirements.

Procedure to Change the Shape of a Viewport

1. Access the Layout Tab: Start by clicking on the layout tab where your viewport is situated.
2. Initiate the Clip Command: Navigate to the Layout tab, then find the Layout Viewports panel, and click on “Clip”.
3. Define the New Boundaries: You’ll have the option to either choose an existing object that will act as the new viewport boundary or manually specify points for a new setup.
4. Confirm the Action: After defining your new viewport shape, click “OK” to finalize the changes.

Creating Irregular-Shaped Viewports

1. Draw with Polylines: Use the polyline tool to sketch your desired irregular shape. Ensure the polyline is closed.
2. Activate the MView Command: Type “MV” into the command line, then hit Enter.
3. Choose Object for Viewport: When prompted, select “Object” from the options and then click on your closed polyline to convert it into a viewport.

Resizing a Viewport

1. Activate the Viewport: Click on the viewport you want to resize, which will display a border around it.
2. Adjust Using Handles: You can resize by dragging the light gray handles located around the viewport. For proportional resizing, hold down the Shift key while dragging.

Creating Non-Rectangular Viewports

1. Switch to Layout Space: Ensure you’re in the layout space and draw an initial shape (like a circle) to define the new viewport area.
2. Use the VPORTS Command: Type “-vports” into the command line, then press Enter.
3. Clip the Viewport: Type “O” for the object option and select the shape you just created. This will apply the new boundary to the viewport.

Unlocking a Viewport

1. Access the Viewport Lock Settings: To unlock a viewport, type “MV” followed by Enter.
2. Change Locking Status: Input “LOCK” followed by Enter. Choose “OFF” to unlock the viewport, allowing edits to be made.

Selecting a Viewport

1. Double-Click Technique: To select a viewport that lies entirely within another viewport, double-click inside the larger viewport. This will activate it.
2. Cycle Through Viewports: Use CTRL + R to toggle between activated viewports until the desired viewport is selected.

Drawing an Irregular-Shaped Viewport

1. Click the Clip Tool: Navigate to the Layout tab’s Layout Viewports panel and select the Clip tool.
2. Select the Viewport: When prompted, click on the border of the viewport you wish to adjust.
3. Define the Clipping Shape: Turn off Object Snap if necessary and outline the shape you want by specifying relevant points.
4. Confirm the Shape: After outlining, press Enter to apply the new shape.

Common FAQ

How can I create a polygonal viewport in AutoCAD?
To create a polygonal viewport, access the Layout tab, click on Layout Viewports, and then choose the Polygonal option. Follow the prompts to define the vertices of the polygon.

What should I do to reset a viewport to its original shape?
If you want to revert a modified viewport, use the clip or border command to restore it to a rectangular shape, or reselect the original boundaries.

Can I lock a viewport after modifying its shape?
Yes, once you have adjusted and are satisfied with the viewport shape, you can lock it by selecting the viewport, entering “MV”, then typing “LOCK” followed by selecting “ON” to maintain the current setup.