How to Scale by Percentage in AutoCAD?

Understanding Scaling in AutoCAD

Scaling an object in AutoCAD allows users to adjust the size of elements within their drawings effectively. This guide will focus specifically on how to scale objects by a percentage in AutoCAD, providing detailed steps for achieving accurate results.

Preparing for Scaling

Before scaling, it is essential to have your objects selected. You can use a variety of selection methods to highlight the objects you wish to scale:

1. Select Objects: Use the mouse to click and drag a window around the desired objects or hold the Shift key to select multiple items individually.
2. Ensure Visibility: Make sure the objects are visible in your viewport without any obstruction.

Steps to Scale Objects by Percentage

1. Initiate the Scale Command:

   • Type SCALE in the command line and press Enter. This will activate the scaling tool.

2. Select the Objects:

   • After entering the command, click on the highlighted objects to select them, then press Enter to confirm your selection.

3. Specify the Base Point:

   • Choose a point around which the scaling will occur. This point will act as the anchor for resizing. Click on the desired base point in your drawing.

4. Enter the Scale Factor:

   • To scale by percentage, you must enter the scale factor as a decimal. For example, if you want to scale an object to 150% of its current size, enter 1.5 when prompted. Conversely, to reduce an object’s size to 75%, input 0.75. Press Enter after entering your scale factor.
5. Verify the Result:
   • Check the dimensions of the scaled objects to confirm they have resized accurately according to your specified percentage. Use dimensions tools to compare the original size to the new size if necessary.

Changing the Scale in AutoCAD 2025

If you need to change the scale of a drawing or view in AutoCAD 2025, follow these steps:

1. Select the Drawing View:

   • Navigate over to the drawing view you want to modify. A border will appear around the drawing view, indicating it’s selectable.

2. Access Grips:

   • Click in an empty space inside the drawing view to reveal grips.

3. Select the Lookup Grip:

   • Click on the lookup grip within the drawing view. A contextual menu will emerge, displaying available scales.
4. Choose the New Scale:
   • From the menu, select your desired scale. This will adjust the drawing view according to the new scale parameters.

Additional Tips for Scaling in AutoCAD

• Using Reference Objects: Utilize existing dimensions or objects to accurately gauge what scaling is appropriate.
• Check Limits and Units: Before scaling, ensure that your limits and unit settings are appropriate for the project. Use the LIMITS command to set your workspace.
• Save Versions: Always work on a copy of your drawing before making large scaling changes to avoid accidental loss of original work.

FAQ

What does scaling an object mean in AutoCAD?
Scaling adjusts the size of an object or group of objects in your drawing, either enlarging or reducing them based on a specific factor.

Can I scale different objects at different percentages at the same time?
No, if you want to scale multiple objects by different percentages, you need to perform the scaling operation separately for each object or group of objects with the desired scaling factor.

How do I determine the appropriate scale factor for my project?
The scale factor should align with your project requirements, such as the final output size or size relationships to existing objects. Calculate the factor based on the proportion of the current size to the intended size.