Expert: Amy - 3/30/2004

Question
I'm new to adobe...have worked with corel for years...my question, is there a way to work with a scaled page...example...1/4" scale. I know how in corel, but, can't seem to find anything in Illustrator 10. I'm working with 48 ft drawings. please help me.
Thanks, Stephen

Answer
Hi Stephen,

There are a couple of features that might help you.

First, the grid option.  You can set the divisions for a grid under Edit > Preferences > Guides and Grid.  Then you must turn the grid display on by selecting View > Show grid. You can then work with the grid any way you want... one square = one foot, etc. You can also snap to it.

The way I work with scale as you described is to draw one inch to one foot and then, when completely done, select everything and reduce to 25%.

You'll probably also want to become familiar with:

Transform palette (Window>Show Transform)
Using this tool, you can select any object and give it the dimensions you require by entering measurements.

Scale tool (S).  
Click on your object to be scaled, then double click on the scale tool and you'll be prompted with the scale dialog where you can enter exact percentages.

Rectangle and circle drawing tools.
If you choose the rectangle tool and click only once on your artboard, you'll be prompted with the dimensions dialog. This is also handy for drawing to scale.

There are CAD plug-ins available for AI through some third party vendors, but they are not free.

I hope this is somewhat helpful.  It will take some getting used to after using Corel, because Illustrator is still mainly geared at Illustrators, not technical designers.

-Amy