How to Make a Viewport in AutoCAD 2020?

Introduction to Viewports in AutoCAD 2025

Understanding how to create and manage viewports is essential for effective drafting in AutoCAD. Viewports allow users to display different views of a 3D model within a 2D layout, providing flexibility in presenting design ideas.

Step-by-Step Guide: Creating a Viewport in AutoCAD 2025

1. Access the Viewport Tool

   • Navigate to the View tab on the ribbon.
   • Locate the Viewports panel and click on New to initiate the viewport creation process.

2. Choose the Type of Viewport

   • In the Viewports dialog box that appears, switch to the New Viewports tab.
   • Under the Standard Viewports section, opt for Single, which allows for the creation of one main viewing area.
3. Defining the Viewport Size
   • Click to place the first corner of your viewport where you want it to start. This can be done anywhere in the layout.
   • Next, click again to designate the opposite corner, thus finalizing the bounds of your new layout viewport. A new viewport object will be created, which initially displays a default view of your model space.

Converting an Object to a Viewport

1. Creating a Polygonal Viewport

   • Navigate to the View tab and select Viewports, then choose Polygonal Viewport.
   • Input the coordinates by specifying points to define the shape of your non-rectangular viewport.
2. Converting to a Layout Viewport
   • After defining your shape, again access the View tab.
   • Click on Viewports and select Object. Choose a closed shape, like a circle or polyline, to change it into a layout viewport.

Displaying the Viewport Frame

To make the viewport frame visible, follow these steps:

1. Open the Properties palette.
2. Click on the Quick Select button located in the upper right corner.
3. In the Quick Select dialog, set the Object Type to Viewport and click OK. This will highlight the viewport for easier access during modifications.

Locking and Unlocking a Viewport

1. Locking a Viewport

   • Verify that you are in paper space by checking the UCS icon.
   • Select the viewport you wish to lock.
   • Click on the Lock/Unlock Viewport button found on the status bar or in the Properties panel to protect the viewport from accidental changes.
2. Unlocking a Viewport
   • To unlock a locked viewport, select the viewport and navigate to the Properties panel.
   • Change the Display Locked setting to desired values, allowing you to modify the viewport again.

Maximizing a Viewport

To maximize the space of a viewport:

1. Simply double-click on the border of the layout viewport.
2. Alternatively, you can use the Maximize Viewport button located on the status bar.
3. Right-click on the viewport border and choose Maximize Viewport from the context menu.

Resizing a Viewport

1. Select the Viewport

   • Click on the viewport that needs resizing.

2. Access the Properties

   • Right-click and select Properties.
3. Modify the Display Settings
   • Ensure that the viewport is unlocked by checking the Display Locked option.
   • In the Properties palette, adjust the Standard Scale to set the desired scale, which will be reflected in the viewport.

Managing Viewports in AutoCAD 2025

1. Setting up the Layer

   • Switch to the appropriate layout tab where the viewport will be created.
   • Ensure the current layer is dedicated to layout elements for clarity.
2. Inserting the Viewport
   • On the Layout tab, find the Layout Viewports panel and click on Insert View.
   • Choose your desired scale from the displayed list, and place the viewport on your layout as required.

FAQ

1. How do I change the view within a viewport?
To change the view, activate the viewport by clicking inside it, then use navigation commands like PAN or ZOOM to reorient the model view.

2. Can I have multiple viewports on a single layout?
Yes, AutoCAD allows you to create multiple viewports on one layout, offering various perspectives of the model in a single drawing.

3. What if my viewport is not displaying correctly?
Check the Layer Properties Manager to ensure that the layer containing your viewport is turned on and not frozen. Additionally, confirm that no other objects are obscuring your viewport.