2004

Draw to Scale | 105
In AutoCAD, this process is reversed. You draw with a unit type you specify
(architectural, decimal, and so on) or with the default unit type (decimal).
Each unit on the screen represents whatever you want it to be: an inch, a
millimeter, a kilometer. Therefore, if you are drawing a motor part, one unit
might equal a millimeter. If you are drawing a map, one unit might equal one
kilometer.
When you print or plot, you can set different scales for different sections of
a drawing. You don't need to think about setting a scale until you're ready to
print or plot your drawing.
Although you do not specify the scale of your drawing until you plot, you
can enter in advance the scaled size for
■ Text (if drawn in model space)
■ Dimensions (if drawn in model space)
■ Noncontinuous linetypes
■ Hatch patterns
■ Views (in layout viewports only)
Scaling these elements ensures that they are at the correct size in the final
drawing.
Specify the Scale Factor in Model Space
If you plan to plot your drawing from the Model tab, you should calculate
the exact scale factor by converting the drawing scale to a ratio of 1:n. This
ratio compares plotted units to drawing units that represent the actual size
of the objects you are drawing.
For example, if you draw at a scale of 1/4 inch = 1 foot, you would calculate
the scale factor 48 as follows:
1/4” = 12"
1 = 12 x 4
1 (plotted unit) = 48 (drawing units)
Using the same calculation, the scale factor for 1/8 inch = 1 foot is 96, and
the scale factor for 1 inch = 20 feet is 240.