How Do I Resize a Viewport in AutoCAD?

AutoCAD is a powerful software tool used by architects, engineers, and designers to create precise drawings and models. One common task in AutoCAD is resizing the viewport, which allows you to control the size and scale of your drawing within the workspace. In this tutorial, we will explore different methods to resize a viewport in AutoCAD.

Method 1: Using the Properties Palette

The Properties palette is a versatile tool that provides access to various properties of objects in AutoCAD. To resize a viewport using the Properties palette:

  1. Select the viewport you want to resize by clicking on it.
  2. Open the Properties palette by typing PROPERTIES in the command line or by clicking on the Properties button in the Home tab of the ribbon.
  3. In the Properties palette, locate the Scale Factor property under the Viewport category.
  4. Change the value of the Scale Factor property to define how much you want to scale your viewport. A higher value will make it larger, while a lower value will make it smaller.

Method 2: Using Grips

Grips are small squares that appear when you select an object in AutoCAD. They allow you to manipulate and modify objects directly without using specific commands. To resize a viewport using grips:

  1. Select the viewport by clicking on its boundary.
  2. You will notice four grips at each corner of the viewport.
  3. To resize it uniformly, click and drag one of these corner grips inward or outward.
  4. To resize it non-uniformly, click and drag one of the side grips.

Method 3: Using the Viewport Scale Command

The Viewport Scale command in AutoCAD allows you to change the scale of a viewport directly. Here’s how:

  1. Type VPS in the command line and press Enter.
  2. Select the viewport you want to resize.
  3. Specify a new scale for the viewport by entering a value or selecting from a list of standard scales.

Conclusion

Resizing viewports in AutoCAD is an essential skill that helps you control the display of your drawings accurately. Whether you prefer using the Properties palette, grips, or commands like Viewport Scale, these methods provide flexibility and precision in adjusting your viewports. Practice these techniques to enhance your productivity and efficiency in AutoCAD.