Confused about layout scale

[dch888]

Hi,

 

I've just spent a confusing hour trying to work out the scales for my layout/plot.

 

I think I've managed to frame the problem with a simple question, namely what is the expected scale of a fresh layout sheet, without a viewport? The reason for the question is as follows.

 

1) I create a new layout, and set it to A1 via the layout properties.

2) I insert an A1 titleblock and scale it down to fit the window (why should I need to scale it? - an aspect of the problem, I think).

3) I take the measure tool and measure the longest side of the block (which almost fills the page), and it reads 34.5...

4) Shouldn't the measurement be nearer 841 (to match in mm the longest side of an A1 sheet)?

 

In my model space, I'm working on the basis that 1 unit = 1 mm.

 

Thanks!

David.

[aspitanis]

Try this

[Dana W]

EDIT ADDED: I just looked at some of your prior posts. It seems you are working on a Mac. You need to update your forum profile to include your computer configuration. There is a chance my post here, will look a great deal different than the Mac version of your layout dialog. You should also add your location to your profile so we will know which part of the world you are in, and probably whether your program is defaulted to metric or imperial without having to ask.

 

Is 34.5 in inches? A1 is a metric paper size, isn't it.

 

You are correct, your A1 borderline/title "block" should not need to be scaled.

 

It should drop in so it fits just inside the dashed rectangle on your paperspace image. That dashed line represents the printable area of your paper.

 

You say you are working in mm in modelspace, yet the measure tool shows your borderline in inches, apparently.

 

Did you start off with the metric template, acadiso.dwt, or the imperial template, acad.dwt, or did you start off with an existing drawing? Did you start off with drawing1.dwg? That defaults to whatever you have set up as your default template, which will be one of the two that I mentioned above.

 

In modelspace, Hit F2 to get a large command window. Type this command in the command line -dwgunits. The dash needs to be there. Follow the prompts to check what your units really are. If you are actually drawing in mm, you're good to go on.

 

In paper space, units are full size just as in modelspace. However, in paperspace you work within the size of your paper.

 

look at the layout scale dropdown. It should be 1:1. Don't change that, it is not for scaling the "viewport". This scale is the relationship of your full size PAPER to how big you want it to print IF you print to a smaller or larger paper than the original layout was set up for.

 

Below the scale window is your units option, set it to mm. Now one paperspace mm = one drawing mm.

Here is a picture of what the page setup dialog should look like with these options selected, with the exception of the plotter/printer. I have it set up to plot to a A! pdf since I don't have a wide format plotter handy here at home.

 

If all is good to this point, you can move on to adding a viewport to your layout and giving the viewport itself a scale that will accommodate what you want to show on the paper.

Edited March 22, 2014 by Dana W

[dch888]

Dana W,

 

Thank you!!! -dwgunits showed me that the units were set in inches. I normally create a new drawing from an ISO template but in this case I either forgot, or I cloned an existing surveyors drawing which probably has inches for the units.

 

I'd like to set mm as the default.

 

Everything is working now.

 

I've updated my profile.

 

Regards,

David.

[Dana W]

Dana W,

 

Thank you!!! -dwgunits showed me that the units were set in inches. I normally create a new drawing from an ISO template but in this case I either forgot, or I cloned an existing surveyors drawing which probably has inches for the units.

 

I'd like to set mm as the default.

 

Everything is working now.

 

I've updated my profile.

 

Regards,

David.

That's cool. Glad we could help.