Draftsight

How to Resize a Drawing in DraftSight?

Understanding the Resizing Process in Draftsight

Resizing a drawing in Draftsight can be a straightforward task when done correctly. Here’s a detailed guide on how to effectively change the size of your drawings using various methods.

Step-by-Step Guide to Resizing a Drawing

Method 1: Using the Scale Command

  1. Access Scale Tool: Open your Draftsight workspace, and navigate to the Home tab. Look for the Modify panel and click on the Scale option.
  2. Select the Object: Click on the drawing or the specific object that you want to resize. Ensure that you have selected the correct item for scaling.
  3. Choose a Base Point: After selecting the object, you’ll be prompted to specify a base point. This is the point around which your object will scale. Click on the preferred point in your drawing.
  4. Input Scale Factor: Enter the scale factor directly into the command line. For instance, if you wish to double the size, use 2. Conversely, a scale of 0.5 will reduce the size by half. Alternatively, you can click and drag to visually determine the desired size.

Method 2: Adjusting Object Size with Handles

  1. Activate Pointer Tool: Locate the Pointer tool in the Drawing toolbar and click on it to enable selection.
  2. Select the Drawing: Move your mouse over the object you wish to resize and click to select it.
  3. Interact with Resize Handles: Each corner and midpoint of the selected object will display small squares or handles. Hover over one of these handles, click, and hold the mouse button while dragging to adjust the size dynamically.
  4. Finalize Resizing: Release the mouse button once the object has reached your desired size.

Method 3: Using the Stretch Tool

  1. Open the Stretch Command: Go to the Modify menu and choose the Stretch function or type ‘Stretch’ in the command line.
  2. Select Entities: Create a selection by clicking and dragging to enclose the parts of the drawing you want to stretch.
  3. Confirm Selection: Press Enter on your keyboard to confirm the selection of entities.
  4. Define Stretch Points: Click to define a point from which you want to stretch, then specify the destination point by clicking again. The selected entities will stretch accordingly.

Tips for Accurate Resizing

  • Use a Scale Factor Calculator: If you’re unsure of the scale factor needed for a specific size, utilizing a calculator can help. For enlargement, multiply the original dimensions. For reduction, divide them.
  • Grid Approach: Drawing a grid over the drawing allows for easier adjustments and visual scaling. Ensure consistency by maintaining the proportions in your grid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I resize multiple objects at once in Draftsight?
Yes, you can select multiple objects at the same time using the selection tool. After selecting, follow the same scaling or stretching steps as for a single object.

Q2: Is it possible to undo a resizing action?
Absolutely. If you make an error during resizing, you can easily use the Undo command (Ctrl + Z) to revert back to the previous state.

Q3: What if I want to maintain the aspect ratio while resizing?
To maintain the aspect ratio during the scaling process, make sure to enter the same scale factor for both dimensions, or use a corner handle to stretch while holding down the Shift key to keep proportions consistent.

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.