In AutoCAD, the viewport scale is an important factor to consider when working on a drawing. It determines the proportion between the objects in the drawing and their representation on the screen or in print. Finding the viewport scale in AutoCAD is a simple process that can be done using a few steps.
Step 1: Accessing the Properties Palette
To find the viewport scale, first, you need to access the Properties palette. You can do this by either clicking on an object within the viewport or by selecting it from the ribbon at the top of the AutoCAD window. Once you have done this, you should see the Properties palette appear on your screen.
Step 2: Locating the Viewport Scale Property
Next, locate the Viewport Scale property within the Properties palette. This property determines how much of your drawing will fit inside each viewport.
Look for a field or value labeled “Viewport Scale” or “VPSCALE”. You may need to scroll down within the Properties palette to find it.
Note:
If you are unable to find this property within your Properties palette, it may be because it is not currently displayed. In such cases, you can right-click anywhere within the palette and select “Customize” from the context menu. From there, you can choose which properties are displayed in your palette.
Step 3: Reading and Changing Viewport Scale
Once you have located the Viewport Scale property, you can read its current value. The value represents a ratio that determines how much your drawing will be scaled when viewed or printed. For example, if your Viewport Scale is set to 1:50, it means that objects in your drawing will be represented at 1/50th of their actual size on the screen or in print.
If you need to change the Viewport Scale, you can simply click on the value field and enter a new ratio. AutoCAD allows you to enter both architectural and engineering scales, such as 1:50, 1/50, or 1=50. After entering the new scale, press Enter to apply the changes.
Note:
Keep in mind that changing the Viewport Scale will affect all objects within the viewport. If you want to have different scales for different objects within your drawing, you will need to create multiple viewports and adjust their scales individually.
Step 4: Checking Your Changes
After changing the Viewport Scale, it is always a good idea to double-check your changes. You can do this by zooming in or out within the viewport and observing how objects are displayed. Additionally, you can print a test page to see how your drawing will appear on paper.
Conclusion
The viewport scale in AutoCAD is an essential parameter that determines how your drawing will be represented on the screen or in print. By following these simple steps, you can easily find and adjust the viewport scale to ensure accurate representation of your design.