Hello, i got a quick question-scaling dimensions

[Alejandro]

I am a first smester design student and i got a little problem with this HW i have to turn in tomorrow. I have to use the scale tool on some things that have dimensions in them. I need to make them bigger and smaller without changing the value on the dimension. I tried modifying the scale on the dimension properties, but since theya re all on the same document, it changes the values on all the shapes. I also tried exploding before using the scale tool, but it doesnt help. Any help will be appreciated, thanks for your time. I am familiar with forums and asking questions, and i have been in some where asking stupid questions is looked down because i did not "search" for it. Please be patient, because i am new to autocad i do not know the exact terms to use when searching for an answer thus delaying my search hours that i do not have.

[PS_Port]

I would create viewports in the Layout tabs (Paperspace) scale up these views to the required scale. This way you dont have to duplicate the model.
see pic. (yellow lines are the viewports)

[Cad64]

Alejandro, I have resized your image. In the future, when attaching images to your posts, please limit the image size to 800x600 max.

[ReMark]

One of the benefits of doing all your dimensioning in layouts versus model space (although AutoDesK came up with a way around that problem).

[Alan Cullen]

Yes they did. Unfortunately it didn't come in until 2008.

But still, I can't see why dimensioning over a viewport would not work in 2007.

This has been debated here at great length, Alejandro. I would suggest a search back on those threads to get a clue on what various members had to say on this issue.

[GE13579]

Not sure viewports is what he's after? Use of the scale tool was specified, therefore I guess he's referring to scaling in MS?

Anyway, it is possible by simply scaling the object, then using PROPERTIES to adjust text height, arrow size etc to suit scale and then in the text override field just put in the distance it should read...

[PS_Port]

If the lesson is to scale objects, and overide dimensions, then just explode them, scale them, then shoot the teacher.

[GE13579]

Well I certainly agree with what you're saying, but I'm not sure how far along they are... it's mentioned it's just first semester, so it could just be a kind of familiarisation exercise???

Remember, with learning, the question is not necessarily requiring the answer, but the method...

[PS_Port]

Point taken, each to their own, but if they start drawing hatches with individual lines I'm going to have to say something.

Side note gary, where was your avatar photo taken, brighton by any chance.?

[GE13579]

Sure is... you have a keen eye I must say!!! I lived down there for 4 years before moving back up north... I guess you must have been recently? It was taken in the middle of a blazing summer, which doesn't happen much over here