Understanding Viewport Scale in AutoCAD 2018
Setting the viewport scale is a crucial task when preparing drawings for presentation or printing in AutoCAD. Here, the process will be broken down into clear and manageable steps.
1. Preparing Your Layout
- Open your drawing in AutoCAD and navigate to the layout tab where you would like to adjust the viewport scale. Ensure that you are not in model space, but in paper space instead. Selecting the correct layout is key for proper scaling.
2. Accessing the Viewport
- Once you are on the desired layout tab, create or select an existing layout viewport. A viewport is a framed area that displays a view of the model space. If you need to create a new viewport, use the "Viewport" command from the "Layout" tab to specify the area you want to view.
3. Modifying Viewport Properties
- Right-click on the selected viewport and choose the "Properties" option from the context menu. This will open the Properties palette, where you can make adjustments to the viewport.
4. Unlocking the Viewport (if necessary)
- If the viewport is currently locked, you will not be able to change its scale. In the Properties palette, locate the "Display Locked" option and set it to “No”. This allows modifications to be made.
5. Selecting the Scale
- In the Properties palette, scroll to find the "Standard Scale" option. Here, you will see a dropdown menu featuring various scales (like 1:1, 1:10, 1:100, etc.). Choose the desired scale that fits your specific requirements.
6. Finalizing the Changes
- After selecting the scale, close the Properties palette. The viewport will now reflect the new scale you have set. You can further adjust the viewport’s position and size if necessary.
7. Printing/Plotting Considerations
- Before printing, ensure that your layout is configured correctly for output. Double-check that the viewport scale is set as intended, and use the plot preview function to confirm that everything appears as meant. This can help avoid issues when generating final prints.
FAQs
1. How do I check if my viewport scale is set correctly?
You can check the scale by selecting the viewport and looking in the Properties palette. The "Standard Scale" field will indicate what scale is currently active.
2. Can I create a custom scale in AutoCAD 2018?
Yes, you can add a custom scale. Access the Options dialog from the Application menu, navigate to the User Preferences tab, and click on "Default Scale List." There you can add new scales to fit specialized needs.
3. What should I do if my viewport isn’t displaying the model correctly?
If the viewport isn’t displaying your model as expected, check to ensure that the correct scale is set, and that the viewport’s display is unlocked. You might also need to adjust the viewport’s boundaries or refresh the view.
