Datasheet

Plot from Layouts in Paper Space
Read Chapter 6, “Plotting,” for the full story; but for now, follow these steps in sequence
when you create a new drawing file:
1. Create your geometry full size in Model Space, but don’t add dimensions, text, or
hatches.
2. Set up a layout with all views at the proper plot scale.
3. Add dimensions, text, hatches, and schematic symbols to your drawing from a layout
with a properly scaled viewport.
Draw Perfectly—Somebody Will Assume You Did
I’ve heard some horror stories about AutoCAD drawings that were done using the Etch-
A-Sketch® method and then reused later by someone who assumed they were done accu-
rately. Most of these stories involve hapless users stuck with their predecessors’ drawings,
but in some cases users run into trouble by relying on their own inaccurate drawings. In
one case, which involved a lawsuit and a lot of money, a bid was made on a structural
design based on the assurance that accurate AutoCAD drawings of the existing structure
would be provided by the client. Unfortunately, those drawings were facilities drawings—
done to show egress and general locations—and were unusable for the intended purpose.
How does this happen? Because most AutoCAD drawings look accurate even if they
aren’t, we forget that we created something quickly by sketching and then saved the file.
Set Text Height to 0
If you set the height to a fixed value when creating a new text style, the text can be used
only at that height no matter how you set the text height in your dimstyle. Setting a height
of 0 gives you control over text height every time you enter the height. If you can’t read a
dimension because the text is too small, but you can see the arrowheads, you’ve specified a
fixed height in your text style.
It’s quicker to use the accuracy tools built into AutoCAD than to draw by eye, so why not
use them?
Use the command CHSPACE (an Express Tool before AutoCAD 2007) to move objects
between Paper Space and Model Space. If you put something in the wrong spot, it’s easy to
change it and have it scaled automatically so it plots as you intend.
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