Setting scale/ratio ?

[netman]

I am rebuilding the entire back porch.

I would like to set the scale so i can visually see where my joists , hangers , tiers, etc go.

How do i set an accurate scale for a drawing such as this?

Setting Scale .porch.dwg

THIS DRAFT is most certainly NOT TO SCALE.

As usual, i am NOT sure i am asking the right question.

I am trying to use the smallest of the squares in GRID to equal "X" amount of inches so the entire drawing will fit. I do NOT need to use grid if it there is an easier way. No contractor...I am the only one using this and its just to make my
initial materials list and get a picture of how things will go....

any help is appreciated....

[Organic]

There is an easier way. You do not need to use the grid at all.

Draw your proposed renovation at scale 1:1 in the modelspace (i.e. draw the side of your porch that you have labelled 25' actually 25' long). Then you can use one of the tabs next to the model tab labeled 'Layout 1' in your drawing to setup a window (called a viewport) that looks into your modelspace. The scale of the window can be changed (viw the properties pane) to present the plan at different scales (e.g. to provide a close up of joinery in the corner; this does not actually scale the model space 1:1 model though [which is good]).

[Dadgad]

Having used the -DWGUNITS command at the commandline,
the <1> response indicates that this drawing database uses INCHES, not FEET.

To change it to feet, just follow the prompts at the commandline.
It would probably help you understand what is going on, to expand
your commandline window so that you can read 6 or 8 lines at a time.

Open your drawing, upon which I have made a couple notes.

You may use DECIMAL for your dimensions, or ARCHITECTURAL, whichever makes the most sense to you.
And Dink is right on the mark, in Autocad we always draw full scale in modelspace.
Problem is, lots of folks don't really know what their drawing units are set to, which is what makes the -dwgunits command so helpful.

[netman]

DG,

When I type in DWGUNITS....... '12Lt says "unknown command"

[Dadgad]

Include the HYPHEN.
'-DWGUNITS'

Use F2 key to expand your commandline window.

[netman]

OK.

Making sense now. First time using the VIEW PORTS....works real well. I will practice with this tonight and tomorrow. I think i have it now.

Thank you all again...........

[Dadgad]

Once you have set the scale in your viewport to something that makes some sense, make sure you LOCK
the viewport, so that the view is not changed inadvertently while working in or viewing it.
Onward and upward.

[netman]

Silly question? where do I find the LOCK?

Thank you again.

[Dadgad]

Not silly at all.
First select the VIEWPORT, so that the line is highlighted like in the image.
You should see the PADLOCK icon in the lower right hand corner of your screen,
or you can LOCK it in your QUICK PROPERTIES or PROPERTIES.

You will see 2 padlocks there, the one you want is circled, next to the viewport scale display icon.
The other one is for locking your WORKSPACE elements.

In order to change the scale of a viewport, it must be UNLOCKED.
As long as it is locked, you know that the scale is how you set it, and want it to be.