How Do I Print to Scale in AutoCAD?

How Do I Print to Scale in AutoCAD?

AutoCAD is a powerful software used by professionals in various industries to create precise technical drawings and models. When it comes to printing these drawings, it is important to maintain accuracy and scale. In this tutorial, we will explore the steps involved in printing to scale in AutoCAD, ensuring that your printed output matches the intended dimensions of your drawing.

Setting the Drawing Scale

Before we dive into the printing process, let’s first ensure that our drawing is set to the correct scale. This step is crucial as it determines how the objects and measurements within your drawing will be represented on paper.

To set the drawing scale in AutoCAD, follow these steps:

  1. Select the Layout tab at the bottom of the AutoCAD window.
  2. Double-click on the viewport you wish to print (typically named “Layout1”).
  3. In the Properties panel on the right side of the screen, locate and expand the Standard Scale drop-down menu.
  4. Select a suitable scale from the list or choose Custom.. if your desired scale isn’t available.
  5. To specify a custom scale, enter a numerical value and select a unit of measurement.

Note: Ensure that you are using a recognized standard unit of measurement for your drawing, such as inches or millimeters.

The Print Dialog Box

To print your drawing to scale, you need to access AutoCAD’s print settings through its Print dialog box. Here’s how you can get there:

  1. Click on the File tab in the upper-left corner of the AutoCAD window.
  2. From the drop-down menu, select Print, or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + P.

The Print dialog box provides various options for customizing your printout. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key settings:

Paper Size and Orientation

Select a suitable paper size and orientation that matches your drawing requirements. Ensure that the paper size is large enough to accommodate your drawing without any loss of detail.

Plot Area

You have two options for defining the plot area:

  • Layout: Prints everything within the layout viewport, including any title blocks or borders.
  • Window: Allows you to define a specific rectangular area to print. This option is useful when you only need to print a portion of your drawing.

Scale

In the Scale section of the Print dialog box, ensure that the “Fit to Paper” option is unchecked. This ensures that your drawing will be printed at its intended scale as set in your layout viewport.

Previewing and Printing Your Drawing

Before sending your drawing to print, it’s always a good idea to preview it to ensure everything looks as expected. The preview feature allows you to confirm that all objects and annotations are properly positioned and scaled within the printable area.

To preview your drawing:

  1. In the Print dialog box, click on the Preview button located at the bottom-right corner.
  2. Review the previewed image and make any necessary adjustments.
  3. Once satisfied, click on the Print button to send your drawing to the printer.

Note: Depending on your printer settings, you may be prompted to select additional print options such as paper source, print quality, or color settings.

In Conclusion

Printing to scale in AutoCAD is a vital aspect of producing accurate technical drawings. By following the steps outlined in this tutorial, you can ensure that your printed output matches the intended dimensions of your drawing.

Remember to set the drawing scale correctly and customize the print settings according to your requirements. With these skills at your disposal, you are well-equipped to create professional-quality prints from your AutoCAD drawings.