How Do I Resize a Layout in AutoCAD?

by

AutoCAD is a powerful software used for creating 2D and 3D designs. Resizing a layout in AutoCAD can be a useful skill to have, especially when you want to adjust the dimensions of your drawing or change the scale. In this tutorial, we will explore different methods to resize a layout in AutoCAD.

Method 1: Using the Scale Command

To resize a layout using the Scale command, follow these steps:

  1. Step 1: Open the layout you want to resize by clicking on the “Layout” tab at the bottom of the AutoCAD window.
  2. Step 2: Type “SCALE” in the command line and press Enter.
  3. Step 3: Select the objects you want to resize by clicking and dragging your mouse over them. You can also use a window selection by typing “W” and pressing Enter.
  4. Step 4: Specify a base point by clicking on an endpoint or typing coordinates.
  5. Step 5: Enter a scale factor or specify a reference length to determine the new size of your objects. For example, if you want to double their size, enter “2” as the scale factor.

This method allows you to resize your layout while maintaining its proportions. However, keep in mind that it will affect all selected objects uniformly.

Method 2: Modifying Paper Size

If you want to change the paper size of your layout without altering its content, follow these steps:

  1. Step 1: Open the layout you want to resize.
  2. Step 2: Type “PAGESETUP” in the command line and press Enter.
  3. Step 3: In the Page Setup Manager dialog box, select the layout you want to modify from the list.
  4. Step 4: Click on the “Modify” button.
  5. Step 5: In the Page Setup dialog box, select a new paper size from the available options. You can also customize the paper size by clicking on the “Custom Paper Sizes..” button.
  6. Step 6: Click “OK” to apply the changes and resize your layout.

This method allows you to resize your layout by changing its paper size. It is useful when you want to print your drawing on a specific paper size or adjust it according to your project requirements.

Method 3: Adjusting Viewports

If you are working with multiple viewports in your layout and want to resize them individually, follow these steps:

  1. Step 1: Open the layout containing viewports that you want to resize.
  2. Step 2: Type “PSPACE” in the command line and press Enter to switch to paper space.
  3. Step 3: Double-click inside a viewport to activate it.
  4. Step 4: Type “VSCALE” in the command line and press Enter. Specify a new scale factor to resize the viewport. For example, if you want to double its size, enter “2”.
  5. Step 5: Repeat steps 3 and 4 for each viewport you want to resize.
  6. Step 6: Type “MSPACE” in the command line and press Enter to switch back to model space.

This method allows you to resize individual viewports within your layout. It is helpful when you want to emphasize specific areas of your drawing or create different scales for different views.

Conclusion

Resizing a layout in AutoCAD can be done using various methods such as the Scale command, modifying paper size, or adjusting viewports. Each method has its own advantages and is suitable for different situations. By mastering these techniques, you can effectively resize your layouts and optimize them according to your project requirements.

Now that you have learned how to resize a layout in AutoCAD, go ahead and start exploring these methods in your own projects. Experiment with different scales, paper sizes, and viewport configurations to achieve the desired results. Happy resizing!