Understanding Units in AutoCAD 2020
Changing units in AutoCAD is essential for ensuring that your drawings meet specific measurement standards. Whether you want to switch from inches to millimeters or centimeters, the process involves a few steps. Here’s how to effectively make these adjustments in AutoCAD 2020.
Step-by-Step Guide to Change Units in AutoCAD 2020
1. Create a New Drawing
Begin by launching AutoCAD and creating a new drawing. This can be done through the File menu by selecting “New” or using the shortcut option.
2. Access the Units Command
To begin the unit adjustment, type “UNITS” into the command line at the bottom of the screen and press Enter. This command opens the Drawing Units dialog box.
3. Select the Desired Unit Type
Within the Drawing Units dialog box, there will be options for different unit types, including architectural, decimal, engineering, fractional, and scientific. Choose the unit system that best fits your project requirements— for example, select “Decimal” for a metric measurement.
4. Set Insertion Scale
In the same dialog box, locate the “Insertion scale” section. Here, you can choose the appropriate unit for inserting drawings, such as “Millimeters” or “Centimeters,” depending on your preference.
5. Update Dimension Style (If Necessary)
If you are changing units from inches to millimeters, you should adjust the dimension style as well. Navigate to the Annotate tab, click on “Dimension Style,” and create a new style or modify an existing one. Set the Primary Units to millimeters and adjust the scale factor accordingly (25.4 for inches to mm).
6. Save Changes
Once you’ve made all necessary adjustments, ensure that you save your new settings. You can optionally choose to make your current settings the default for future drawings by checking a box typically located at the bottom of the dialog box.
Verifying Your Unit Settings
After completing the steps to change the units, it is important to verify that everything is accurate:
1. Check in the Drawing Setup
Open the Drawing Setup dialog again using the “UNITS” command to ensure that the settings reflect your changes.
2. Create Test Shapes
Draw basic shapes using standard dimensions to confirm that they appear as expected based on the new unit settings. Measure them and check the corresponding values in the Properties palette.
FAQs about Changing Units in AutoCAD
1. Can I change units in an existing drawing?
Yes, you can change units in an existing drawing by following the same steps mentioned above. However, remember that changing units may alter the presentation of previously drawn objects.
2. What if I forget to save my settings?
If you forget to save your settings, your current drawing will use the default unit settings. Always check the Drawing Units settings after making changes to confirm they are applied.
3. How can I convert measurements after changing units?
To convert measurements after changing units, use the basic conversion formulas, such as dividing millimeters by 25.4 to get inches. You can also use the calculation feature within AutoCAD to assist in conversions.
