AutoCAD is a powerful software that allows users to create and manipulate 2D and 3D designs. One of the key features of AutoCAD is the ability to work with viewports, which allow you to view and manipulate different parts of your design simultaneously. In this tutorial, we will explore how to turn on viewports in AutoCAD and make the most of this useful feature.
Step 1: Opening a Drawing
Before we can turn on viewports, we need to have a drawing open in AutoCAD. To do this, launch the AutoCAD software and open your desired drawing file.
Step 2: Accessing the Layout Tab
Once your drawing is open, click on the Layout tab located at the bottom-left corner of the AutoCAD window. This tab is where you can create multiple layouts for your drawing, each with its own set of viewports.
Step 3: Creating a New Layout
To turn on viewports, we first need to create a new layout. Right-click on any existing layout tab and select New Layout from the context menu that appears.
Step 4: Setting up Viewports
After creating a new layout, you will see an empty sheet where you can set up your viewports. To insert a viewport, click on the Create Viewport button located in the Viewports panel under the Panels & Palettes tab.
Note:
You can also use the MVIEW command in AutoCAD’s command line to create viewports.
Step 5: Adjusting Viewport Size and Scale
Once you have created a viewport, you can adjust its size and scale to suit your needs. To do this, select the viewport by clicking inside it, and then use the Grips to resize or reshape it as desired.
Note:
The Grips are small squares that appear on the edges of the viewport when you select it. You can click and drag these grips to adjust the size and shape of the viewport.
Step 6: Configuring Viewport Properties
To further customize your viewports, you can access their properties by right-clicking on a viewport and selecting Properties from the context menu. This allows you to adjust settings such as layer visibility, shading, and plot styles specific to each viewport.
Step 7: Adding Content to Viewports
Now that your viewports are set up, it’s time to add content to them. To do this, simply navigate to the desired area of your drawing in Model Space (the default workspace in AutoCAD), select the objects you wish to include in a viewport, and then right-click inside the viewport and choose Add Selected Objects. The selected objects will now appear within the viewport boundary.
Step 8: Arranging Multiple Viewports
If you have multiple viewports in a layout, you may want to arrange them in a specific way. AutoCAD provides various tools for arranging viewports, such as aligning them horizontally or vertically. To access these tools, right-click inside a layout tab and select Panels & Palettes > Viewports.
Step 9: Navigating through Viewports
Once you have set up and arranged your viewports, you can easily navigate between them. To switch to a different viewport, simply click inside it. You can also use the CTRL + R keyboard shortcut to cycle through the available viewports in a layout.
Step 10: Saving and Publishing Your Drawing
After turning on viewports and arranging them to your liking, it’s important to save your drawing. Click on the Save button or use the CTRL + S keyboard shortcut to save your changes. If you wish to share your drawing with others, consider publishing it as a PDF or other file format by using the Publish tool under the Publish & Share tab.
Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to turn on viewports in AutoCAD and use this powerful feature to enhance your design workflow. Experiment with different layouts and viewport configurations to find what works best for you!
Note:
- If you encounter any issues while working with viewports in AutoCAD, refer to the AutoCAD documentation or seek assistance from online forums or communities.
- This tutorial covers the basics of working with viewports in AutoCAD. Advanced techniques and features may require further exploration.
In summary,
- To turn on viewports in AutoCAD, access the Layout tab and create a new layout.
- Add viewports by using the Create Viewport button or the MVIEW command.
- Adjust viewport size and scale using the Grips.
- Customize viewport properties through the Properties menu.
- Add content to viewports by selecting objects in Model Space and using the Add Selected Objects option.
- Arrange multiple viewports using AutoCAD’s alignment tools.
- Navigate through viewports by clicking inside them or using the CTRL + R shortcut.
- Save your drawing and consider publishing it for sharing purposes.
Now that you have a solid understanding of how to turn on viewports in AutoCAD, you can take advantage of this feature to work more efficiently and effectively in your design projects. Happy designing!