How to Scale in Paper Space AutoCAD 2017?

Understanding Scale in AutoCAD Paper Space

Scaling a drawing in AutoCAD’s paper space is crucial for ensuring that your designs are presented accurately at the intended size and proportion. Below are detailed steps and explanations on scaling within AutoCAD 2025.

Setting Annotation Scale for Model and Paper Space

1. Switch to Model Tab: Begin by navigating to the Model tab to adjust the annotation scale for objects you are working on in model space.
2. Select the Viewport: If you are in paper space, click on the viewport where you wish to set the annotation scale.
3. Change the Annotation Scale: On the status bar, look for the current annotation scale indicator. Click on it to reveal a dropdown menu, where you can choose the desired scale.

Scaling a Viewport

1. Access the Viewport: Click on the viewport you want to scale. The viewport border should become highlighted.
2. Modify the Properties: Open the Properties palette by right-clicking within the viewport and selecting Properties. Here, you can adjust settings related to scaling.
3. Select Scale: Look for the scale setting within the Properties palette and choose your preferred scale from the options provided. This will adjust the view within the viewport accordingly.

Transitioning from Model Space to Paper Space

1. Change to Paper Space: First, switch to your paper space layout tab.
2. Access the CHSPACE Command: Go to the Home tab, find the Modify panel, and initiate the CHSPACE command. This allows you to change space from model to paper.
3. Select Objects: Click on the objects you wish to transfer from model space. Once selected, press Enter to execute the command, moving the chosen items to paper space.

Adjusting Text in a Viewport

1. Insert Text or Dimensions: Begin by inserting the text or dimension you need in your drawing.
2. Set Annotative Properties: Open the Properties palette and set the Annotative setting to ‘Yes’. This indicates that the text will adjust size based on the scale of the viewport.
3. Configure Annotative Object Scale: Access the Annotative Object Scale dialog. Ensure your layout tab and viewports are set to the same or appropriate scale, allowing your annotative text to appear correctly.

Finding the Scale of a Drawing

1. Open Scale Monitor: Navigate to the View tab and select the Viewports panel, then click on Scale Monitor.
2. Examine the Drawing: Move your cursor over areas of the scale or viewport to see information about the current scale in the Scale Monitor dialog box that appears.
3. Exit the Command: Press ENTER to close the Scale Monitor once you have noted the information.

Scaling Objects Manually

1. Select Objects: Use a selection window to highlight the objects you wish to scale.
2. Initiate the Scale Command: Type ‘SCALE’ in the command line and hit Enter.
3. Specify the Scale Factor: Input a value less than 1 to scale down and press Enter for a reduction, or enter a value greater than 1 to enlarge the objects and hit Enter.

Zooming to Scale

1. Activate the Viewport: Double-click inside the boundaries of the viewport where you want to adjust the view.
2. Access the Zoom Command: Type ‘Zoom’ in the command line and hit Enter.
3. Enter Scale Value: Type the scale you wish to use and press Enter. This will zoom the viewport to the specified scale.

Switching Between Model and Paper Space

1. Open Options: Enter ‘OPTIONS’ in the command line.
2. Display Settings: In the Options dialog, navigate to the Display tab.
3. Enable Tabs: Check the box for ‘Display Layout and Model Tabs’ to make switching between spaces seamless.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What should I do if my text size appears too large in AutoCAD?

The text size issue often arises when the text style has a height set (rather than zero) or when the annotative scale is incorrect. Check and adjust both the text properties and the scale settings in your viewport to resolve this.

How can I quickly check if my viewport is set up correctly?

Using the Scale Monitor, you can hover over the viewport to see the currently set scale. This way, you can confirm that the scale matches your intended design specifications.

Is it necessary to maintain a 1:1 scale in model space?

While it is advisable to use a 1:1 scale in model space for consistency, it is not mandatory. You can work with different scales, but be aware that inconsistencies can lead to issues with linetypes and dimensions.