How Do I Scale an AutoCAD Drawing?

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In this tutorial, we will learn how to scale an AutoCAD drawing. Scaling a drawing is essential when you need to change its size without altering its proportions.

Whether you want to enlarge or reduce your drawing, AutoCAD provides several methods to achieve this. Let’s explore them.

Method 1: Scaling using the SCALE command

The first method is using the SCALE command. Follow the steps below:

  1. Select the objects that you want to scale. You can use various selection methods like selecting individual objects, using a window selection, or using a crossing selection.
  2. Type “SCALE” in the command line and press Enter.
  3. Specify the base point for scaling.

    This point remains fixed while the rest of the drawing scales around it. You can either pick a point or enter its coordinates manually.

  4. Enter the scale factor by which you want to scale the drawing. For example, if you enter “2”, it will double in size; if you enter “0.5”, it will reduce by half.

Note: Keep in mind that if you select multiple objects with different base points, they will all scale around their respective base points.

Method 2: Scaling using reference objects

If you have a reference object with known dimensions, you can use it to scale your drawing accurately. Follow these steps:

  1. Create a line or any other simple object with known dimensions that correspond to your desired scaling factor.
  2. Select both your drawing and the reference object.
  3. Specify the reference length by selecting the two endpoints of the reference object.
  4. Specify the new length by selecting the corresponding endpoints of your drawing.

This method is particularly useful when you have a specific scaling factor in mind. It ensures precise scaling while maintaining proportions.

Method 3: Scaling using the SCALE LIST command

The SCALE LIST command allows you to scale multiple objects simultaneously. Here’s how:

  1. Type “SCALELISTEDIT” in the command line and press Enter.
  2. Select “Add” to create a new scale list.
  3. Name your scale list and specify its description if needed.
  4. In the “Scale Factors” section, enter all the scale factors you want to use, separating each with a comma. For example, you can enter “0.5,1,1.5” to create three different scaled versions of your drawing.
  5. Select “Add to List” and choose the objects you want to scale.
  6. Select “Exit” to save your scale list changes.
  7. Type “-SCALELISTEDIT” in the command line and press Enter again to apply your scale list to selected objects.

This method is ideal when you need to create multiple scaled versions of an object or drawing quickly.

Conclusion

Scaling an AutoCAD drawing is an essential skill for any CAD designer. With these methods at your disposal, you can confidently resize your drawings while maintaining their integrity and proportionality. Experiment with different scaling techniques based on your requirements, and don’t forget to save a backup of your original drawing before making any modifications.