How to Convert Feet Inches Drawing to Mm in AutoCAD?

Steps to Convert Feet and Inches to Millimeters in AutoCAD

Converting drawing units in AutoCAD can ensure precision and compatibility across different projects. Follow these detailed steps to change your drawing from feet and inches to millimeters.

1. Prepare a New Drawing

Begin by initiating a new blank drawing. Use a template that is configured for metric units, such as acadiso.dwt. This provides a suitable environment for your conversion.

2. Adjust Drawing Units

To set up the units, execute the UNITS command. This will open the Drawing Setup dialog:

• Select “Decimal” as the Type.
• Choose “Millimeters” for the Insertion scale.
• Consider checking the “Save as Default” option to retain these settings for future drawings.

3. Insert the Original Drawing

Utilize the INSERT command to incorporate your existing drawing that is in feet and inches:

• Locate and select the original DWG file in the dialog that appears.
• Be sure to check the “Explode” option to ensure the drawing elements convert correctly.
• Click OK and specify where you want the drawing to be placed within your new canvas.

4. Scale the Drawing

Since the drawing exists in feet and inches, it needs to be scaled to match the millimeter units:

• Determine the scale factor, which is 25.4 (as there are 25.4 mm in 1 inch).
• Use the SCALE command to resize the drawing accordingly.
• Select all the elements of the drawing when prompted and specify a base point for scaling.
• Enter the scale factor (25.4), and ensure the drawing resizes accurately to millimeters.

5. Verify Dimensions

Once the drawing is scaled, check its dimensions to confirm that the conversion was successful:

• Use the DIMLINEAR command to create dimension lines and verify key distances.
• Ensure all dimensions reflect measurements in millimeters.

6. Save Your Work

After confirming the conversion’s success, remember to save your drawing in a suitable format, ensuring its compatibility for future use or collaboration.

FAQ

What is the easiest way to convert units in AutoCAD?

The quickest method is to use the UNITS command to change the drawing units and then apply a scale factor to any existing drawings as needed.

Can I convert multiple drawings at once in AutoCAD?

AutoCAD does not support batch conversion natively, but you can open and scale each drawing individually using the steps outlined above.

Is there a way to ensure accuracy during conversion?

Double-check the scale factor and verify dimensions after completing the conversion to guarantee all measurements are accurate in millimeters.