How to print a drawing at a specific scale in AutoCad

How to print a drawing at a specific scale in AutoCad

In this post, we will try to learn how to print a drawing at a specific scale in AutoCAD. We can draw something very easily in AutoCAD, but there are probably many of us who don't know how to print AutoCAD drawings to scale. 

If you also don't how to print a drawing at a specific scale in AutoCAD, then read this post carefully. After reading this post, you can easily print a drawing by using your desired scale.

First, we need to know what is the unit of drawing, if it's in meters or in millimeters. If the unit of the drawing is in meters then for the convenience of our calculation we have to convert it to millimeters in our mind, (but don't change the unit in the drawing) because the paper on which we will print the drawing is in millimeters.

Autocad scale setting

An example is given for your understanding. If your drawing is in meters and if you want to print it then you have to do the following calculations ---

First, convert Meter to MM

1 M.=1000 MM.

👉Calculation Rule=(millimeters in a drawing unit) x (scale)

If you want to print it on a 1:1000 scale then the calculation will be

=(1000) x (1/1000) =1

For, a 1:500 scale

(1000) x (1/500) =2

For, a 1:250 scale

(1000) x (1/250) =4

If your drawing is in Centimetres (Cm.) and if you want to print it on paper then you have to do the following calculations ---

Covert CMs into MM=1 X 10=10 MM

For, a 1:500 scale

(10) x (1/500) =0.02

For, an AutoCAD scale of 1:100 if your drawing is in Meter

Then, 1 M.=1000 MM

=(1000) x (1/100) =10

Here, look at the table for different scales 👇👇👇

If you have a plot scale of 1:5000 and your drawing is in meter, then you have to convert 1 meter to mm like that 1 m= 1000 mm. Now, divide it by the required plot scale value (which is 5000 in this example) =1000/5000=.02.

Similarly, if your drawing is in centimeters, then convert it to millimeters 1 CM=10 MM.

Now, similarly, divide it by the required plot scale value(which is 5000 in this example)  =10/5000=0.002

Similarly, the other ones are calculated below.

Here, You can see the procedures of calculation. One thing you must remember is that you always have to convert the units of your drawing to millimeters if you choose the paper size in mm.

 

Now, how do we input the scale value in AutoCAD--

1. We will input the scale value in paper space.

2. After going to the paper space tab next to the model space in AutoCAD Software, you need to right-click on the paper space tab, there you will have to click on the option "Page Set Up Manager".

3. This option will take you to the next option. Chose the printer available & after that choose the paper size. You can download and install a pdf creating software for a PC or Laptop named "CutePDF Writer" by clicking this link. There are differently sized of paper available. You can choose anyone according to your requirement & also the availability of a capable printer.

Suppose, you have chosen paper size A4. 

4. Now, click ok. After that, you will get an A4-sized space in your layout tab.

There will be a dotted line representing printable size. Resize your viewport accordingly or you can choose the "FIT" option from there.

5. Double click in the viewport and then type command 'Z' for zoom and after that your calculated scale value with 'xp'. For example, if you want to print a drawing on a 1:1000 scale, then your calculated scale value will be 1. Then You will have commands like "Z" enter and after that "1xp" enter. Then It will be scaled 1:1000. 

6. If the scaled drawing not showing in the middle of the page, then command "P" for Pane and adjust it accordingly. 

7. After that, lock the viewport. If you lock the viewport, then the scale will not be altered.

8. After that type Ctrl+P for print. Choose Printer & and plot style as Windows. After that select the total viewport and enter to print.

After printing the drawing in the required specific paper size, check the dimension physically in the printed paper by using any physical measuring scale. After that multiply the dimension which you got by measuring physically on the printed paper value with the scale value( take 1000 if the scale is 1: 1000). After multiplying if you get the same distance as is it drawn in AutoCAD then your scale setting is perfect. If it does not match the distance between the printed paper with your AutoCAD drawing, then repeat the process and check where you have mistaken.  If you follow the above steps carefully, then you will succeed.

Here, we have discussed some of the basic AutoCAD commands with photo examples that should be known to all who use AutoCAD. So, take a look by visiting the below link--

• AutoCAD commands and AutoCAD shortcut keys

For downloading & installing the AutoCAD 2022 full version click the below link -

• Download Autodesk AutoCAD 2022 full version

You can very easily able to create a contour map by going to this below link---

• How to create Contour Map