Previewing the layout in AutoCAD is an essential step in the design process. It allows you to get a visual representation of how your drawing will look when it’s finally printed or plotted. In this article, we will explore different methods to preview the layout in AutoCAD and ensure that your design meets your requirements.
Method 1: Using the Layout tab
The easiest way to preview the layout in AutoCAD is by using the Layout tab. This tab provides a dedicated space for designing and previewing your drawing layouts. To access it, simply click on the “Layout” tab located at the bottom of the drawing window.
Once you are on the Layout tab, you will notice that it resembles a sheet of paper. This represents the physical layout that will be printed or plotted. You can switch between different layouts by clicking on their respective tabs within this space.
Step 1: Create a new layout
If you haven’t created a new layout yet, you can do so by right-clicking on an existing layout tab and selecting “New Layout.” Alternatively, you can use the “Layout” dropdown menu located on the bottom-right corner of the window and select “New Layout.” Give your new layout a name and set its properties according to your requirements.
Step 2: Set up viewport(s)
A viewport is an area within a layout where you can display different parts of your drawing at various scales. By default, when you create a new layout, AutoCAD automatically adds one viewport for you.
To resize or modify this viewport, click on it to select it. You can then use grips to adjust its size and position as needed.
You can also add additional viewports by right-clicking within the layout space and selecting “Viewport” > “New Viewport. “
Step 3: Preview the layout
With the layout and viewport(s) set up, it’s time to preview your drawing. Ensure that you are on the desired layout tab, and then navigate to the “Plot” tab located on the ribbon at the top of the window. Click on the “Preview” button to generate a preview of your drawing.
The preview will be displayed in a separate window, allowing you to see how your drawing will look when printed or plotted. You can zoom in/out, pan, or navigate through multiple pages if your drawing spans across multiple sheets.
Method 2: Using the PLOT command
An alternative method to previewing layouts is by using AutoCAD’s PLOT command. This method provides more control over the plotting process and allows you to customize various settings before generating a preview.
Step 1: Access the PLOT command
To access the PLOT command, simply type “PLOT” in the command line or navigate to “File” > “Plot” from AutoCAD’s menu bar.
Step 2: Set up plot settings
In the Plot dialog box that appears, you can specify various plot settings such as paper size, plot area, scale, plot style table (pen settings), and more. Customize these settings according to your requirements.
Step 3: Generate a preview
Once you have set up your plot settings, click on the “Preview” button located at the bottom-left corner of the Plot dialog box. This will generate a preview of your drawing based on the specified settings.
The preview will be displayed within the Plot dialog box itself. You can zoom in/out, pan, or navigate through multiple pages similar to the Layout tab method. Additionally, you can make further adjustments to the plot settings and regenerate the preview as needed.
Conclusion
Previewing the layout in AutoCAD is crucial to ensure that your drawing meets your design requirements before printing or plotting. Whether you choose to use the Layout tab or the PLOT command, both methods provide a convenient way to visualize your design and make any necessary adjustments. Remember to utilize these previewing techniques in your AutoCAD workflow for a more efficient and accurate design process.