How to Change Scale in Vectorworks?

Understanding Scale in Vectorworks

Changing the scale of objects in Vectorworks is a fundamental task that allows users to present accurate and proportionate designs. This guide will walk you through different methods to adjust the scale of your drawings, viewports, and layers efficiently.

Adjusting the Scale of a Viewport

1. Select the Viewport: Click on the viewport you want to modify within your drawing.
2. Group the Viewport: Navigate to the menu and choose Modify > Group. This action transforms the viewport into a group object, enabling modifications.
3. Resize Using Handles: Once you’ve successfully grouped the viewport, you will notice handles at its corners. Click and drag these handles to change the viewport dimensions. This will also affect the scale.
4. Revert to Viewport: After resizing, go back to Modify > Ungroup to return the object from a group to its original viewport format.

Modifying the Scale of Drawing Layers

1. Open the Organization Tool: From the top menu, find Tools > Organization. This action brings up the layer management options.
2. Select Layer for Scaling: Identify the layer you wish to adjust from the Design Layer list and click on the ‘Edit’ button next to its name.
3. Access Scaling Options: In the layer settings dialog, locate the Scale option.
4. Choose or Enter Scale: You can either pick a predefined scale from the list or type in a custom value under the Paper Scale section. This allows for a tailored scaling approach suited to your project needs.

Scaling Objects Directly

1. Activate the Selection Tool: Use the Selection tool from the toolbar to choose the object you wish to resize.
2. Select Interactive Scaling: Access Single Object Interactive Scaling mode by choosing the corresponding option in the toolbar. This mode permits on-the-fly adjustments to the selected object.
3. Set Scaling Preferences: In the Object Info palette, you have the option for either Symmetric or Asymmetric scaling. Select your preference.
4. Input Scaling Factor: For Symmetric scaling, enter a specific scale factor. In Asymmetric scaling, you can adjust the width and height independently, allowing for customized transformations.

Adding Scale Bars to Your Design

1. Access the Scale Bar Tool: On the tool palette, locate the Scale Bar tool within the Dims/Notes toolset.
2. Place the Scale Bar: Click on the drawing area to position the scale bar. This is usually done in a corner or at an edge where it can be easily referenced.
3. Set the Orientation: After placing the scale bar, click again to determine its rotation. This ensures it aligns well with your drawing.

FAQs

1. How do I ensure that scaling maintains the integrity of my objects?
When scaling objects, use Symmetric Scaling to maintain proportional dimensions. This option ensures that the height and width adjust uniformly.

2. Why might a viewport not resize correctly?
If a viewport is not resizing as expected, ensure that it has been properly grouped first. If it is still problematic, check for any locked settings or constraints that might be affecting the scaling.

3. Can I scale multiple objects at once in Vectorworks?
Yes, multiple objects can be selected simultaneously using the Selection tool. Once selected, apply the scale adjustments using the same methods described for individual objects, ensuring that you maintain the desired proportions throughout.