How to Change Scale in Draftsight?

Understanding Drawing Scale in Draftsight

Changing the drawing scale in Draftsight is essential for accurately representing designs in various sizes. This process ensures that the elements of your drawing are expressed correctly in relation to the drawing sheet or model space. Below are detailed steps to adjust the scale in Draftsight effectively.

Step-by-Step Guide to Change Drawing Scale

Accessing the Scale Options

1. Open Your Drawing: Launch Draftsight and open the DWG file where you wish to change the scale.

2. Select the ‘Model’ Space: Ensure you’re in model space if you want to adjust the scale of objects there, as the scale can have different implications in layout space.

3. Open the Properties Panel: Right-click on a blank area in the drawing or use the command line to type PROPERTIES and press Enter. This will help you modify properties related to the scale.

Scaling Objects in the Draftsight Space

1. Using the Transform Commands:

   • Access the Modify toolbar.
   • Select the ‘Scale’ tool, which can be found under the Modify menu or by typing SCALE in the command line and pressing Enter.

2. Select the Entities: Click and drag to select all objects you want to modify. Alternatively, you can select them individually by clicking on them.

3. Specify the Base Point: Once the objects are selected, you will need to choose a base point. This point serves as the anchor for scaling – the objects will stretch or shrink towards or away from this point.

4. Determine the Scale Factor:

   • Enter a numerical value to define how much you want to scale the objects. Numbers greater than 1 will enlarge the selection, while numbers between 0 and 1 will reduce it.
   • For example, entering “0.5” scales down the objects to half their original size, while entering “2” doubles their size.
5. Finalizing the Scale Adjustment: Press Enter once you have entered your scale factor. The objects should now be visible at the new scaled size based on the adjustments you made.

Adjusting Plot Scale

When preparing to print or plot a drawing, ensuring that the scale just fits the printer settings is crucial.

Setting Plot Scale:

1. Open the Print Settings Window: Go to the File menu, select Print, and then click on Print Setup to access the plot settings.

2. Select the Drawing Area: Choose either the layout or model space option based on where you are working.

3. Adjust the Plot Scale Settings:

   • Look for the scale option in the print setup dialog. Here, you can set a specific scale (e.g., 1:100 or 1:50).
   • Ensure that the "Fit to Page" option is deselected if you want to maintain accurate dimensions.
4. Preview the Print Layout: Always use the preview feature before finalizing the print to ensure your drawing appears at the desired scale.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the default scale in Draftsight?
The default scale in Draftsight may vary, but it is often set to 1:1, meaning the drawing’s dimensions in the digital file will match those on paper. Adjustments can be made as necessary for prints.

2. Can I scale multiple objects at once in Draftsight?
Yes, you can select multiple objects simultaneously using selection methods like window or crossing selections before applying the scale command.

3. How can I ensure my drawing fits correctly on paper?
Make use of the layout features and set an appropriate plot scale that matches your drawing’s intended size. Always preview before printing to check the layout.