Expert: Bill DeShawn - 3/13/2009

Question
I want to change the scale of a drawing I have been sent from a colleague from a scale factor of 3:2 to 1:1 so I can work with it.

Answer
Stuart.  I need more information here:

1. AutoCAD version
2. Are objects in Model Space (Model Tab) scaled to a size that is bigger than real life?

3. Is the zoom factor in a viewport set to something other than 1 to 1?  If so, do the objects within the viewport measure the correct distances?


If #2 is correct, the SCALE command will bring them back to 1:1.  

If #3 is correct, the objects within the viewport should still be 1:1 even though the viewport displays at a different scale.  You can change the scale of the viewport by making sure the viewport is unlocked (Properties or MVIEW), and then zooming the viewport to 1XP.  I don't recommend doing this because it would complicate other matters in the drawing.  Objects in Model Tab should always be drawn at 1:1, so it's best to work there.  You can also maximize the viewport with VPMAX if you want to work from a LAYOUT.  It's just like working in Model Tab when you do that, except there is a red border around what you see to remind you that you're working in a layout.

Let me know if you still have questions
Bill DeShawn
http://my.sterling.net/~bdeshawn