How Do I Change the Scale Bar in AutoCAD?

by

Are you looking to change the scale bar in AutoCAD? The scale bar is an essential element in any architectural or engineering drawing, as it helps viewers understand the size and proportions of the design. In this tutorial, we will explore how to change the scale bar in AutoCAD using simple steps.

Step 1: Understanding the Scale Bar

Before we begin, let’s have a basic understanding of what a scale bar is. In AutoCAD, a scale bar is a graphical representation that shows the relationship between distances on the drawing and their real-world dimensions. It typically consists of a line divided into equal segments, with each segment representing a specific unit of measurement.

Step 2: Accessing the Scale Bar Options

To change the scale bar in AutoCAD, you need to access the Scale Bar options. Here’s how:

  1. Open AutoCAD: Launch AutoCAD by double-clicking on its icon.
  2. Open or create a drawing: Open an existing drawing or create a new one to work with.
  3. Navigate to Layout: Switch to Layout view by clicking on the “Layout” tab at the bottom of the screen.
  4. Select a Viewport: If your layout contains multiple viewports, select the viewport where you want to change the scale bar.
  5. Access Page Setup Manager: Right-click anywhere within the viewport and choose “Page Setup Manager” from the context menu. Alternatively, you can type “PAGESETUP” in the command line and press Enter.

Step 3: Configuring Scale Bar Settings

Once you have accessed the Page Setup Manager, follow these steps to configure the scale bar settings:

  1. Select the desired Page Setup: In the Page Setup Manager dialog box, select the Page Setup that corresponds to the viewport you are working with.
  2. Click on Modify: Click on the “Modify” button next to the selected Page Setup.
  3. Navigate to Scale Tab: In the Modify Page Setup dialog box, navigate to the “Scale” tab.
  4. Enable Scale Bar: Check the “Display scale bar” option to enable it.
  5. Set Scale Bar Properties: Customize the scale bar properties according to your requirements. You can specify its position, length, height, style, and units of measurement.
  6. Apply Changes: Once you are satisfied with your settings, click on “OK” to apply the changes.

Step 4: Preview and Print

After configuring the scale bar settings, it’s essential to preview and print your drawing to ensure that the changes are correctly applied. Follow these steps:

  1. Navigate to Print Preview: Go back to Model view by clicking on the “Model” tab at the bottom of the screen.
  2. Select Print or Plot: Go to File > Print or type “PLOT” in the command line and press Enter.
  3. Select Printer/Plotter: Choose your desired printer or plotter from the list of available options.
  4. Preview Output: Click on “Preview” to see how your drawing will look when printed.
  5. Adjust as needed: If any adjustments are required, go back to the Page Setup Manager and modify the scale bar settings accordingly.
  6. Print: Once you are satisfied with the preview, click on “Print” to generate a hard copy of your drawing.

Congratulations! You have successfully changed the scale bar in AutoCAD.

Remember that you can always go back to the Page Setup Manager and modify the scale bar settings whenever necessary. Play around with different options to find the configuration that best suits your needs.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your architectural or engineering drawings provide accurate and easily understandable information about scale and proportions. Happy designing!