How to Create Viewport in DraftSight?

Understanding Viewports in Draftsight

A viewport is a useful feature in Draftsight that allows users to display a specific part of their drawing at a designated scale within a layout. Creating and managing viewports is essential for presenting your design effectively.

Steps to Create a Viewport in Draftsight

1. Open the Drawing Area

• Launch Draftsight and open the drawing file where you want to create a viewport. Ensure that you’re in the layout tab where you plan to place your viewport.

2. Access the Viewport Tool

• Click on the ‘View’ menu at the top of the screen. From the dropdown options, select ‘Viewport’ and then choose ‘Create Viewport’ or type the command MV in the command line and hit Enter.

3. Specify the Viewport Shape

• You’ll be prompted to specify the shape of the viewport. Click to define the first corner of the viewport and then click again to set its opposite corner. Alternatively, you can create a rectangle by dragging the mouse.

4. Setting the Viewport Properties

• Once the viewport is created, you can adjust its properties. Right-click on the viewport border and select ‘Viewport Properties.’ This menu allows you to set the scale, layer, and other display options.

5. Locking the Viewport Scale

• To prevent accidental changes, it’s crucial to lock the viewport scale. Right-click on the viewport border, select ‘Display Locked,’ and choose ‘Yes.’ This action secures the current view and scale settings.

Adjusting the Viewport

1. Zooming Within a Viewport

• To zoom into the desired area in the viewport, double-click within the viewport itself. This action enables you to pan and zoom to the specific area you wish to focus on without affecting the overall layout.

2. Changing the Viewport Scale

• If you need to change the scale, right-click on the viewport and return to the ‘Viewport Properties.’ Here, adjust the standard scale or set the viewport to ‘Scale to Fit,’ which allows the drawing to automatically fit within the viewport limits.

3. Unlock if Necessary

• If you need to make adjustments to the viewport after locking, it can be unlocked. Right-click on the viewport and choose ‘Display Locked,’ which will allow you to select ‘No’ to unlock the viewport settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How do I switch between layouts while viewing different viewports?

• You can switch between different layouts by clicking on the tabs at the bottom of the Draftsight interface. Each layout can have its own viewports, allowing you to see various aspects of your drawing.

Q2: What should I do if my viewport is not displaying correctly?

• Ensure that the layer containing your viewport is visible and not frozen. Check the Layer Properties Manager to make sure all settings are correct. You can also try refreshing the view by zooming in and out.

Q3: Can I create multiple viewports within the same layout?

• Yes, you can create multiple viewports within a single layout. Simply repeat the process of selecting the viewport tool and defining the borders for additional viewports wherever required.