AutoCAD

How to Insert a Viewport in AutoCAD?

Steps to Insert a Viewport in AutoCAD 2025

Inserting a viewport in AutoCAD is essential for effectively managing different views of your drawings. This process allows you to display areas of your model space in paper space. Here’s a detailed guide on how to accomplish this:

Step 1: Open a Layout Tab

To begin, navigate to your layout tabs. If you haven’t already created a layout, you can do so by clicking the plus (+) icon next to the existing tabs to add a new one.

Step 2: Set the Current Layer

Before inserting a viewport, ensure that your current layer is set to one designated for layout viewports. This practice helps maintain organization within your drawing, making it easier to manage various elements.

Step 3: Access the Viewport Tools

Locate the Layout tab in the menu. Within this tab, navigate to the Layout Viewports panel. There, you’ll find the option labeled “Insert View.” Click on it to initiate the viewport creation process.

Step 4: Choose Your Viewport Type

After clicking “Insert View,” you’ll have options for the viewport configuration. You can either:

  1. Right-click to open a drop-down menu of available scale options. Choose a scale that suits your current drawing needs.
  2. Directly place the viewport in your layout by clicking on the desired location on your layout space.

Step 5: Adjust the Viewport

Once you’ve placed the viewport, you might want to adjust its size or scale. To do this, select the viewport border. You can drag the corners to resize it or access the Properties palette for more precise adjustments, including changing the scale or locking the display to prevent accidental alterations.

Step 6: Fine-tune Display Settings

If necessary, adjust additional settings such as visibility of the viewport border through the Properties palette. This helps in ensuring your viewport looks the way you intend.

Step 7: Lock the Viewport

After positioning your viewport and adjusting the display settings, it’s advisable to lock it. Right-click on the viewport, go to Properties, and under the Display Locked option, select “Yes.” This prevents unintentional changes while working on other aspects of your drawing.

FAQs

1. What should I do if my viewport is not showing any content?
Ensure that the layer the viewport is on is neither off nor frozen. Check that the objects within the model space are on a layer that is not frozen or turned off as well.

2. Can I have multiple viewports on one layout?
Yes, multiple viewports can be created on a single layout. Each viewport can display a different view or section of your model space, allowing for comprehensive representation of your design.

3. How do I change the scale of an existing viewport?
Select the viewport you want to modify, then right-click and choose Properties. From the Properties palette, locate the Standard Scale option and select a new scale from the list provided. This will adjust the view in that specific viewport accordingly.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.