Draftsight

How to Change Units on DraftSight?

Understanding Units in Draftsight

Adjusting units in Draftsight is essential for ensuring accuracy in your technical drawings. The process of changing units can influence how measurements are interpreted and displayed. Below, a detailed guide outlines the steps needed to modify units in Draftsight effectively.

Changing Units in Draftsight

  1. Open the Utilities Menu
    Navigate to the top menu and click on the Utilities option. This can usually be found in the main navigation bar.

  2. Access Drawing Setup
    From the dropdown menu, select Drawing Setup. This will open a dialog box dedicated to modifying various settings associated with your current drawing.

  3. Navigate to the Units Tab
    Within the Drawing Setup dialog box, locate and select the Units tab. This area allows you to specify the units used for your drawing.

  4. Select Desired Unit Type
    Here, you will find a list of unit options under the Drawing Units section. Pick the unit that best fits your needs, such as metric or imperial units. For example, you may select millimeters or inches based on your project requirements.

  5. Adjust Scaling Options
    If your drawing incorporates elements from other drawings with different unit settings, consider checking the box labeled Scale Objects Inserted from Other Drawings. This ensures that any objects you bring in will automatically be resized to match your current units.

  6. Set Length and Precision
    In the Length section, specify the unit type and the desired precision level for your measurements. This guarantees that dimensions are displayed accurately according to your preferences.

  7. Confirm the Changes
    Once all selections have been made, confirm your changes by clicking OK or Apply. This action finalizes the adjustments and updates the drawing accordingly.

Checking Unit Settings for Accuracy

To ensure everything is set up correctly, verify the unit changes by measuring a known entity within your drawing. Utilize the Get Distance tool to confirm that measurements align with the units you have defined.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I change the units of an existing drawing, or does it need to be new?
You can modify the units of an existing drawing using the steps outlined above. Adjustments are applied immediately, so all measurements will use the new unit settings.

2. What happens to the dimensions when I change the units?
When you change units, dimensions will automatically adjust to reflect the new unit settings. Ensure that you recheck any important measurements after making changes.

3. How do I revert to previous units if I make a mistake?
To revert to the original units, simply follow the steps to access the Drawing Setup and select the previous unit configuration. Once confirmed, the dimensions will accordingly reflect the original unit settings.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.