Imperial Virgin Needs Advice

I understand all the scale issues with imperial drawings but have never actually drawn one myself. Normally we would just convert the imperial dimension to an exact metric equivalent, and draw it to that metric size. If we ever needed to add an imperial dimensions we would either type it in manually or create a dimension style with the necessary scale correction factor (10/254). The advantage is that all our existing metric block symbols are the right size.

But now we have a job for an American client and it would be sensible to work purely in imperial, so that the drawings are the correct 1:1 size for them when we transfer them. I'd appreciate a bit of advice on how to set up AutoCAD to avoid any pitfalls.

Also, I'm unclear on the follwing:

How do you actually enter imperial lengths/offsets in the command line (eg 15'-7-11/16")? Do you have to convert everything to decimal inches first?

If I created an imperial template would it automatically reset the units when selected, or do you need to reset these manually everytime you change from working in metric?

Boro Nut

Start with the acad.dwt template. Change your units to architectural. Set your precision to 1/8 or 1/4. To enter dimensions at the command line type:

@2'6-1/2"

Notice there is NO dash after the symbol but there is one between the whole number and the fraction.

You could also use decimal equivalents but not many people I know do it that way. Maybe civil/surveyors just because they are used to it. In that case you just have to remember that 0.0833 = 1".

Clear as mud, mate?

this would all depend on how you view 1 CAD unit in your drawing. it can be set using the INSUNITS. set to 1 for inches (meaning 1 CAD unit in model space is equal to 1 inch), 2 for feet, 6 for meters, etc. check help for the others.

I work wiht both the systems on regular bases.

for a start make sure insunits value are set in your drawing as said by nocturn. & Use template file mentioned by mark or start a new drawing with option 'open with no template - imperial'

if you want to bring in your metirck blocks at correct size in imperial drawings your blocks should never be unitless. so go to each block file & set insunits value - inwhichever unit it is drawn mm or meter.

so when you bring in thru insert command in imperial drawing it will come at correct size. if it is unitless acad wil assume the same units as the host drawing that is inches. so you will have to fiddle with scale later on.

To enter lengths at comnad line you can type 1'6 enter or 18 enter whatever you like. for feet you have to use ' but for inches no need to use " and even if you use it is ok. for fraction of inches like '1.5 inch' type 1 1/2 or 1.5 & enter. it is very easy once u get used to it. for entering (eg 15'-7-11/16")? type 15'7(space)11/16 and eneter.

this should be good enough for a start. Let us know of specific problems u encountered as u go along & we will help u.

Thanks - that makes sense. And a good tip about block scaling Dipali.

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Boro Nut

. it is very easy once u get used to it. for entering (eg 15'-7-11/16")? type 15'7(space)11/16 and eneter.

The (space) will not work, you have to use the dash,

15'7-11/16 and not 15'7(space)11/16.

Oops

Thanks For Correcting That Rkent

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Lets just say in CAD knowledge, being regularly online here gives you "the" cutting edge in CAD. no problem here has ever been uncut.

thats my humble opinion.

I haven't done it for a while. I can't remember how to do it. But I do remember I used decimal inches.

I would input 67.25 instead on 5'7-1/4"

I would set up my dimension style to read 5' 7 1/4" and not 67.25

Why would you input decimal feet/inches but label your dimensions in architectural units?