Graphic Design CoursesScaling occurs in two contexts in the Autocad 2d workflow, when modifying objects in Model space, and when scaling viewports in Paper space. We look at both functions in our Autocad 2d courses. 
Scaling objects
In the first instance a drawn object may be too large or too small. First select the object then select the Scale tool, or type SC > Enter. Or vice versa: you can choose the tool first then the object. The Command line will then ask you to pick a scale origin point and a scale factor. So if you wish to scale to twice the size, the scale factor will be 2; if half the size the scale factor will be 0.5, etc.
If you need to calculate a scale factor you need two measurements: the size as is and the proposed size. Measure the object as is with the Measure tool. Then to scale upwards you divide the large number by the small number, and this gives you the scale factor. And vice versa: to scale downwards you divide the small number by the larger number.
Scaling a viewport
The scale at which the objects are printed depends on the Zoom factor of Model space relative to Paper space: while in Paper Space select the Viewport boundary > then right-click > choose Properties > click on Standard Scale and set a scale from the drop-down list, eg.1:1, 1:5, 1:10, 1:500, etc. You can also click on the Custom Scale field and enter any scale as a decimal number. Click the Calculator icon if necessary and Apply. Note you can also lock the viewport scaling.
Alternatively, you can right-click on any toolbar and select Viewports. The scaling options will then appear as a drop-down list. Custom scaling is not available here though. If the drawing is not centred, double-click inside the viewport border, right-click and choose the Pan tool, then click and drag it to centre it.
We explore these features in full in our Autocad 2d classes. You can see many examples of our clients’ work on our Facebook page.
Other related Autocad 2d Blog Posts:
Autocad 2d scale
Mar28
