Changing the layout in AutoCAD can be a useful skill to have, as it allows you to present your designs in different ways. Whether you want to change the paper size, orientation, or add multiple viewports, AutoCAD provides various options to customize the layout according to your needs. In this tutorial, we will explore the steps to change the layout in AutoCAD.
Step 1: Accessing the Layout Tab
To begin with, you need to access the layout tab. In AutoCAD, layouts are organized using tabs located at the bottom of the drawing area.
Look for a tab that represents the layout you want to change. If no tabs are visible, click on the “+” symbol at the right end of the tab bar to display all available layouts.
Step 2: Modifying Layout Settings
Once you have identified and selected the desired layout tab, it’s time to modify its settings. Right-click on the layout tab and choose “Page Setup Manager” from the context menu that appears.
Note: You can also access “Page Setup Manager” by typing “PAGESETUP” in the command line.
Step 3: Selecting a Page Setup
The Page Setup Manager dialog box will open, displaying a list of available page setups. A page setup is a collection of settings that define how your drawing will be plotted or printed. Select an appropriate page setup from this list or create a new one by clicking on “New” and providing relevant details.
Step 4: Customizing Layout Options
Once you have selected or created a page setup, it’s time to customize specific options for your layout. Click on “Modify” next to your chosen page setup in the Page Setup Manager dialog box.
Paper Size and Orientation
In this section, you can define the paper size and orientation for your layout. Choose the desired options from the drop-down menus available. You can select standard paper sizes like A4, A3, Letter, or specify a custom size.
Plot Area
The plot area determines the portion of your drawing that will be plotted or printed. You can choose between “Layout” and “Window” options. Selecting “Layout” will plot/print everything within the layout viewport boundaries, while selecting “Window” allows you to specify a rectangular window to plot/print.
Scale
The scale option allows you to specify the scale at which your drawing will be plotted or printed. You can choose from predefined scales or enter a custom scale value.
Viewports
If you want to add multiple viewports to your layout, this is the section where you can control their arrangement and properties. Click on the “Viewport..” button to access the Viewport Configuration dialog box, where you can add, modify, or delete viewports as required.
Step 5: Applying Changes
Once you have customized all the necessary settings for your layout, click on “OK” in the Page Setup Manager dialog box to apply these changes. Your layout will now reflect the updated settings.
Note: If you have multiple layouts in your AutoCAD file and want to apply these changes to all layouts simultaneously, check the box that says “Apply to Layouts” before clicking on “OK”.
In conclusion, changing the layout in AutoCAD is a straightforward process that involves accessing the layout tab, modifying layout settings through Page Setup Manager, and customizing options such as paper size and orientation, plot area, scale, and viewports. By following these steps and incorporating your creativity into your layouts, you can present your designs in various ways and enhance their visual impact.