Understanding Resizing in DraftSight
Resizing objects in DraftSight is crucial for achieving the desired scale and proportion in your designs. This process allows you to modify the size of blocks, drawings, and dimensions easily. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to resize in DraftSight effectively.
Scaling Objects
Resizing objects typically involves scaling them up or down. Here are the steps to scale an object in DraftSight:
Access the Scale Tool: Click on the Home tab to find the Modify panel and select the Scale tool.
Choose the Object: Click on the object you wish to resize. Ensure it is correctly selected by reviewing the grips that appear.
Establish the Base Point: Click to specify a base point for scaling. This point acts as the anchor from which the scaling occurs.
Define the Scale Factor: You can either enter a numerical scale factor directly or click and drag to visually define the new size. If you input a scale factor, remember that:
- A value greater than 1 will enlarge the object.
- A value less than 1 will reduce the size.
- Finalize Your Selection: Press Enter to confirm your adjustments.
Resizing Dimensions
Changing the size of dimension text in DraftSight involves adjusting the text height to ensure visibility and clarity:
Select Your Dimension: Click on the dimension text that you want to resize. This highlights the selected dimension.
Open Properties Tab: Navigate to the properties section to view various dimension settings.
Modify Text Height: Look for the Text Height option. Input your desired height value. For instance, if you want larger text, increase the height, such as changing it to 10 units.
- Apply Changes: Hit Enter to implement the new text height adjustment.
Adjusting Page Size for Layouts
To resize the entire layout or create a custom page size in DraftSight, follow this procedure:
Initiate Custom Paper Setup: Type CustomPaperSize into the command prompt and press Enter.
Select Printer Type: Specify a built-in printer type (like PDF or PNG) in the following dialog.
Enter Custom Sizes: Choose the Custom Sizes option within the dialog box.
Add New Size: Click the Add button to introduce a new paper format.
- Name Your Custom Format: In the provided field, specify a unique name for this custom size, then save your changes.
Scaling Entire Blocks
To resize a block in DraftSight, follow these structured steps:
Select the Block: Use the Select Objects tool to click on the block you want to resize.
Open Object Properties: Click the option to edit the object, which opens the CAD Block Specification dialog.
Set Scale Factors: In the dialog, locate the Size section and adjust both the Height Factor and Width Factor as required. A typical starting point for these values is 1.
- Confirm Changes: Click OK to apply your new dimensions and exit the dialog.
FAQ
1. Can I resize multiple objects at once in DraftSight?
Yes, simply select all the objects you want to resize, and then follow the scaling steps. The scaling will be applied uniformly to all selected items.
2. What scale factor should I use for specific dimensions?
The choice of scale factor depends on how much you want to enlarge or reduce an object. A simple way to determine this is by using the formula: Scale Factor = New Dimension / Original Dimension.
3. Is it possible to revert changes after resizing?
DraftSight allows for undoing actions. You can press Ctrl + Z or use the undo command to revert changes made during the current session. If you’ve saved after resizing, however, reverting may not be possible unless you have backups.
