How to Scale a Drawing in Vectorworks?

Understanding the Basics of Scaling in Vectorworks

Scaling a drawing in Vectorworks enhances your ability to present concepts accurately and effectively. This guide will walk you through various methods to scale different elements, including viewports, layers, and dimensions.

Scaling a Viewport in Vectorworks

1. Select the Viewport: Click on the viewport you wish to scale within your drawing.

2. Convert to Group: Navigate to the menu and select Modify, then choose Group. This action will convert the viewport into a group object.

3. Resize the Viewport: With the handles now available, click and drag one of the corners or sides of the viewport to adjust its size to your desired scale.

4. Revert Back to Viewport: After resizing, it’s essential to switch the object back to its original state. Go to Modify and select Ungroup to convert it back into a viewport.

Scaling DWG Files in Vectorworks

1. Open Layer Scale Dialog: Go to the Scale option to launch the Layer Scale dialog.

2. Set Your Scale: Choose your desired scale from the options provided. Remember that settings for ‘All Layers’ and ‘Scale Text’ don’t apply to DXF/DWG files.

3. Confirm Your Selection: Click OK to apply the selected scale, which will update accordingly in the Primary Settings tab.

Scaling Individual Objects

1. Select the Object: Click on the object you aim to resize.

2. Activate the Scale Tool: You can access the Scale tool quickly by pressing the S key on your keyboard.

3. Use Modifier Keys:
   • To scale horizontally or vertically, hold down the Shift key and resize the object.
   • To maintain the proportion while resizing, hold both the Shift and Option keys simultaneously, which will scale the object from the center.

Adjusting Dimensions on Your Drawing

1. Select the Dimension: Click on the dimension that requires scaling.

2. Modify Dimension Settings: Use the Object Info palette or relevant menu options to set a new scale for the dimension. This process ensures that the dimensions on the drawing accurately reflect the scaled size.

Adding a Scale Bar in Vectorworks

1. Edit the Viewport: Select the viewport and go to Modify, then click on Edit Viewport. This step allows you to make changes specific to that viewport.

2. Insert the Scale Bar: Select the Scale Bar tool from the Dims/Notes tool set, position it in your drawing, and set its rotation through another click.

Importing and Exporting Files in Vectorworks

Importing DWG Files

1. Prepare to Import: Start with a blank file or utilize an empty template with the appropriate drawing size.

2. Import the File: Go to File, then select Import, followed by Import DXF/DWG or DWF to bring the file into your workspace.

Exporting to AutoCAD

1. Select Export Options: Navigate to File, then Export, and choose either Export DXF/DWG or Export DWF.

2. Adjust Export Settings: The dialog box will prompt you to adjust file formatting as per your selection. Make the necessary adjustments, and confirm by clicking OK.

Finding and Changing the Scale of Layers

1. Open Organization Tool: Click on Tools, then select Organization.

2. Edit Layer Settings: From the Design Layer list, identify the layer you wish to modify, click on Edit, or simply double-click the layer name.

3. Adjust the Scale: Click on the Scale option, choose an existing scale from the list or input a custom value in the Paper Scale field, and finalize the changes.

FAQ Section

1. Can I scale multiple objects at the same time in Vectorworks?
Yes, you can select multiple objects and use the Scale tool to resize them simultaneously. Hold Shift while selecting the objects to ensure they are all highlighted before applying the scaling.

2. What is the result of scaling an object in Vectorworks?
Scaling an object will change its size uniformly based on the specified scale factor, while retaining its shape and proportions.

3. How can I easily return to the original scale after editing?
To revert a scaled object to its original size, utilize the undo function (Ctrl + Z or Command + Z on Mac), or manually adjust the scale back to its initial dimensions as noted in your original drawing settings.