For example, a line drawn from the coordinates 0,0 to 0,10 in Decimal Feet will be 10 'units' long.

Convert to Architectural Scale: Type 12, and press Enter.ĪutoCAD is technically a 'unitless' system.Convert to Engineering Scale: Type 1/12, and press Enter.The Command line will prompt you to Specify Scale Factor. The Command line will prompt you to Specify base point. Select the entirety of your drawing in Model space. The Command line will prompt you to Select objects. In Model Space, type SCALE in the Command line, and press Enter.

This step will apply your new scale to all objects that are currently in your drawing – from linework to plants, irrigation equipment, hatches – everything! Step 1: Resize All Objects in Your Drawing

Type InsUnits on the Command line and make the appropriate setting choice.You need to convert an existing drawing from Engineering Scale to Architectural Scale, or from Architectural Scale to Engineering Scale.įor example, you may have reached an advanced stage in your drawing, only to have a client, supervisor, or design committee request that you submit your plan in a different scale.įortunately, you can convert your scale quickly in just a few steps. Use the Insert command to insert the file as you would a block. If the third-party file that you need to insert into your file also has the appropriate setting set, AutoCAD will automatically scale the file for you. In the United States, architects work in inches for units, while civil engineers work in feet, and these two groups often have to share files. In addition to the tip above, another method is to use the InsUnits system variable, which tells AutoCAD which type of units you are using in your file. AutoCAD deals in units, but is indifferent as to what those units are - until it comes time to print or share files. Notes from Cadalyst Tip Reviewer Brian Benton: Different industries work in different types of units. Type scale, select object(s), pick a base point, type R for reference, then type12, press Enter, then type1 (for civil to architectural, type the reverse:1 then12).' (or multiply by12, if going from civil to architectural units). When I get an architectural-units plan to insert into a civil drawing, I convert the units using one of these two methods: Adjust Scaling between Metric and Imperial Drawings.Basic Drawing Settings for Mechanical Building Services.When architects and engineers share AutoCAD drawings, unit conversion is necessary.Related CAD Tips

Autocad change to architectural units