Expert: Bob - 10/26/2006

Question

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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
How do I convert a 1:1 drawing to a 3/4 scale to be printed. This was the part I was never very good at. I just started my job three days ago to find out I would be using AutoCADlt 2007. I have to convert the one to one drawings given to me and have it printed out at 3/4 scale. It is something we did not go over very much maybe an hours worth at school. I really need help. please.
Heather Wacker
-----Answer-----
Hi - well, I wonder what field you are in, that you need that scale -- your drawing can't be a building, lol.
AutoCAD 2007 is a great release. You should get a good book and learn it, or take a class. If they did not teach you how to set drawings up to plot at scale, you are at a VERY VERY basic level.
Unfortunately, you dont tell me exactly what you know. If you understand the plot dialog box, it helps a lot. Normally one makes layouts, which are pages that show the drawings to correct scale with title block, etc.

FYI -- you would NEVER "convert" a drawing to a different scale, you would set it up to plot at that scale. If you are working someplace where they allow drawings to not be at full scale, look for a new job.

If, for now, you just need to plot the item at 3/4" = 1'-0"  (NOT NOT NOT 3/4 SCALE, AN INACCURATE OLD FASHIONED NICKNAME, AS YOU ARE NOT PRINTING AT 75%) -- you can use the window feature in the plot dialog and set the scale of the plot.
AutoCAD help is not bad at explaining this, or buy a book, or be very specific about what you understand and what you do not, and write back.
Honestly, you should not be using AutoCAD for work if you don't know layouts, page setups, and plotting, so catch up as soon as you can. (This would be about 18-30 class hours)

BOB


I graduated ITT in June of this year. I know all about layout pages and viewports and plotting to scale. But when I started working there three days ago they gave me a drawing that was already worked on. The drawing was not right to begin with. It is kitchen detail I am working on right now.I know hot to scale working on a drafting board. They just really didn't go over in school how to do it on the computer.I know that you do your work 1:1 and then print out on the scale you need but that is not what this place is asking for. They want me to scale before I do anything else.

Answer
Hi -- There are places that change the scale of details, rather than using layouts-- OLD way.
Naturally, copy anything you are experimenting with to the  side of the drawing, and mess with the copy.
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SCALE is on the right-click menu, if you have objects selected, on the Modify toolbar, on the pulldown menu, and can be typed.
Logic will give your answer: if you need it to be at 3/4" = 1'-0", it needs to be reduced -- Since full size is 12"=1'-0", the object needs to be less than on twelfth the size -- in fact, three quarters of one-twelfth -- Make sense?
3/4 x 1/12 = 3/48 = 1/16
Highlight the detail, choose SCALE, select the center or one corner as the base point, type 1/16 ENTER.
IF YOU MEANT 3/4 OF THE ACTUAL SCALE, TYPE 3/4 NOT 1/16

Check HELP for SCALE AND SCALE FACTOR.

Write back if this is not it.

BOB