Understanding Layouts in Draftsight
Creating layouts in Draftsight is a fundamental skill for efficiently preparing your drawings for presentation and printing. A layout allows you to control the appearance of your model by arranging viewports, setting paper sizes, and adjusting scale settings. Here’s a clear guide on how to create and manage layouts in Draftsight.
Steps to Create a New Layout
Follow these instructions to create a new layout that suits your needs:
1. Open the Project Window
Begin by launching Draftsight and opening the project where you intend to add a new layout. Navigate to the Project window where all your current drawings are listed.
2. Access Layout Options
Right-click on an existing layout tab at the bottom of the interface or use the “New Layout” option under the layout context menu. This will allow you to create a space specifically designed for layout adjustments.
3. Set Up the Layout Parameters
Once the layout tab is active, you can begin setting up the layout parameters. Go to the Output tab and select the “Page Setup Manager.” Here, you can create a new page setup that defines the paper size, orientation, and other settings.
4. Define Paper Size and Orientation
In the Page Setup Manager, click on “Add” or modify an existing setup. Choose your desired paper size from the list provided (such as A4, A3, etc.) and opt for landscape or portrait orientation based on your design requirements.
Inserting Viewports
Viewports are critical for displaying your model in the layout. Here’s how to add them:
5. Insert a Viewport
With your layout configured, go to the “Viewports” option in the Output tab. Select “Create Viewports” and then specify the area of the layout where you want the viewport to reside. You can click and drag to define the size and position of the viewport.
6. Set the Viewport Scale
After placing the viewport, right-click on the viewport boundary. From the context menu, select “Properties.” In the properties window, you can adjust the scale to ensure the model displays accurately within the viewport. Choose a standard scale from the dropdown list for precision.
Controlling the Layout
Effective layout management ensures clarity and professionalism in your drawings.
7. Add Dimensions and Annotations
To enhance your layout, consider adding dimensions, notes, and other annotations. Use the Dimensions toolbar for multileaders, text boxes, and other annotation tools to provide context and detail.
8. Lock the Viewport
To prevent accidental alterations, you can lock the viewport. Right-click within the viewport, go to “Properties,” and select the option to lock the display. This ensures that your view remains consistent while making adjustments to annotations and other layout elements.
Adjusting Layout Size and Style
Further customize your layout to ensure it fits your specific requirements.
9. Modify Layout Size
If adjustments to the layout size are necessary after setting it up, return to the Page Setup Manager. Select the layout you wish to resize and click on “Modify.” Here, you can alter paper size settings and other layout parameters as required.
FAQs
1. How do I switch between paper space and model space in Draftsight?
To switch from model space to paper space, simply click on the desired layout tab at the bottom of the interface. Double-clicking within a viewport also allows you to cycle through multiple viewports, while clicking outside any viewport returns you to paper space.
2. What is the benefit of using multiple layouts in Draftsight?
Using multiple layouts allows you to create different presentation formats for the same drawing. This flexibility is useful for varying print sizes or orientations and helps in organizing multiple views or details of a project.
3. Can I save a layout as a template for future projects?
Yes, you can save a layout as a template by going to the File menu, selecting “Save As Template,” and following the prompts to name and save your layout for reuse in future projects.
