Understanding Scale in Vectorworks
Scaling is an essential aspect of using Vectorworks, particularly for adjusting designs to fit their intended contexts. This process involves modifying the size of objects, drawings, or imported files without distorting their proportions. Mastering these techniques can enhance your workflow and allow for accurate representations in your projects.
Steps to Change the Scale of Objects in Vectorworks
1. Selecting the Object
Begin by selecting the object or objects you wish to resize. This can be done using the Selection tool, found in the Basic palette.
2. Accessing the Scale Tool
To modify the scale, you can utilize the Scale tool. Access it quickly by pressing the ‘S’ key on your keyboard. This tool will allow you to make changes to the size of the selected object directly.
3. Modifying Size Parameters
While using the Scale tool, hold down the Shift key if you want to maintain the aspect ratio while resizing. This ensures that the object expands or contracts uniformly. If you want to scale the object from its center, hold both the Shift and Option (Mac) or Alt (Windows) keys.
4. Using Fixed Point Resize Tool
For more precise scaling, click on the Fixed Point Resize tool. Select a point in your design that will act as the fulcrum for scaling. Click and drag around the edges of the object to adjust its size while maintaining control over its shape.
Changing the Scale of Imported PDF Files
1. Selecting the PDF
When you import a PDF into Vectorworks, it is essential to manage its scale appropriately. Start by selecting the PDF object in your workspace.
2. Accessing the Scale Objects Command
Go to the Modify menu and select Scale Objects. This action will open the Scale Objects dialog box, allowing you to adjust the scale settings.
3. Entering Scale Factors
Inside the Scale Objects dialog, choose the Symmetric by Distance option. Input the specific distance that you want to maintain in the drawing to ensure your PDF is scaled accurately. Confirm your changes to apply the new scale.
Scaling Symbols in Vectorworks
1. Selecting a Symbol Instance
To resize symbols, click on the Selection tool and ensure you activate Single Object Interactive Scaling mode.
2. Configuring Scaling Options
Select the symbol you wish to resize, then navigate to the Object Info palette. Here, you can choose between Symmetric or Asymmetric Scaling, depending on your needs.
3. Inputting Scale Factor
For Symmetric scaling, enter the desired scale factor. As you do this, observe the symbol resizing in real time.
Adjusting Scale for Drawings and Layouts
1. Modifying Drawing Scale
To alter the scale of an entire drawing, manually adjust the layer scale in the Layers dialog. Ensure that the layers affected by your changes are clearly defined.
2. Adjusting Print Settings
You can also change the scaling percentage when printing. Access the Page Setup or Print Setup dialog box and adjust the scale parameters according to your layout needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I resize multiple objects simultaneously in Vectorworks?
Yes, you can select multiple objects at once and use the Scale tool or Fixed Point Resize tool to adjust them all together. Make sure to maintain consistent scaling options for uniformity.
2. Is there a way to revert scale changes in Vectorworks?
If you wish to revert any scaling changes, you can use the Undo function (Ctrl + Z on Windows or Command + Z on Mac) immediately after making the change.
3. Does scaling affect the quality of the object in Vectorworks?
Scaling objects in Vectorworks, when done properly, should not affect their quality or resolution. However, be cautious with extreme scaling, as it could lead to visual distortions, especially with raster images.
