AutoCAD

How to Set Drawing Limits in AutoCAD 2021?

Setting drawing limits in AutoCAD 2025 involves defining a working area that helps to organize and manage your drawing space effectively. These limits create an invisible boundary to assist you in drawing and visualizing your designs. Follow these detailed steps to establish drawing limits in AutoCAD 2025.

Step 1: Access the Command Line

Start by bringing up the command line in AutoCAD. You can find it at the bottom of your interface. This is where you will input commands to change your drawing settings.

Step 2: Enter the Limits Command

Type LIMITS into the command line and press Enter. This command allows you to define the rectangular limits for your drawing area.

Step 3: Specify the Lower-Left Corner

After entering the LIMITS command, you will be prompted to set the coordinates for the lower-left corner of your drawing limits. Enter the x and y coordinates (for example, 0,0) and press Enter. This defines one corner of the rectangular area.

Step 4: Define the Upper-Right Corner

Next, you need to specify the coordinates for the upper-right corner of your limits. For example, if you want a drawing area that spans 24 units wide and 36 units high, you would enter 24,36 and press Enter. This completes the rectangular limit setup.

Step 5: Configure Grid Display Settings (Optional)

To improve visibility and enhance navigation within your drawing space, you can set your grid display. Type GRIDDISPLAY into the command line and hit Enter. When prompted, enter a value of 0 to turn off the grid display or 1 to turn it on, depending on your preference.

Step 6: Zoom to Fit

After setting the drawing limits, it’s essential to view your entire working area. Type Z and press Enter, then enter A and hit Enter again. This command zooms the display to encompass the entire area defined by your limits, ensuring you can see your complete drawing space.

FAQ

How can I check my current drawing limits in AutoCAD 2025?
You can check your current drawing limits by entering the LIMITS command. After that, the command line will display the current limits. You can also use the DVIEW command to get a visual overview of your limits.

What happens if I draw outside the defined limits?
While you can technically draw outside the set limits, any objects placed outside will not be visible on the screen unless you adjust your view settings. It’s generally best practice to keep your work within your defined limits to maintain organization.

Can I change the limits after I have set them?
Yes, you can change your drawing limits at any time by repeating the steps above with the new coordinates. Make sure to input the new lower-left and upper-right corner coordinates to redefine your working area.

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.