How to Add Custom Scales in AutoCAD with SCALELISTEDIT
Use SCALELISTEDIT when your office needs a legitimate scale that is not in the standard list. Add the scale once, name it clearly, then select it normally from the viewport scale list.
Start here — what you are going to do
Your goal: Add one custom scale to the drawing without relying on trial-and-error zooming.
Where to start: Open a copy of the DWG or office template where the scale should be available.
Beginner rule: Change one scale-related setting at a time. After setting a viewport or plot scale, use Preview and verify one known measurement before trusting the final sheet.
Step by step — follow this in AutoCAD
Step 1 — Open SCALELISTEDIT
Where: Command line > type SCALELISTEDIT.
Do this: Press Enter to open the Edit Scale List dialog.
Check: You see the current scale definitions.
Step 2 — Click Add
Where: Edit Scale List > Add.
Do this: Create a new scale rather than editing an unrelated standard scale.
Check: The Add Scale fields appear.
Step 3 — Enter a clear name
Where: Scale Name.
Do this: Use the office notation, for example 1:250 or 1″ = 30′.
Check: Users will recognize the scale later.
Step 4 — Enter the paper-to-drawing ratio
Where: Paper Units / Drawing Units fields.
Do this: Enter the ratio that matches your unit convention.
Check: The numeric relationship matches the intended scale.
Step 5 — Apply to a test viewport
Where: Layout > select viewport > Standard Scale.
Do this: Choose the new scale.
Check: The model view changes as expected.
Step 6 — Verify before standardizing
Where: Preview > test PDF > measurement.
Do this: Measure one known distance before adding the scale to office templates.
Check: The custom definition is proven.
Beginner example
A project requires 1:250, but it is not listed. Add a scale named 1:250 using the correct paper/drawing ratio for your drawing units, apply it to one viewport, and measure the PDF before deploying it.
Understand what AutoCAD is doing
The ratio depends on drawing units
A label such as 1:250 is not enough if your office uses an unusual model-unit convention. Verify what one drawing unit means first.
Use one naming convention
Duplicate names with different numeric values create confusion. Standardize both the visible name and the ratio.
Test before putting it in a DWT
A template can spread a bad custom scale to every future project. Verify on one known-good sheet first.
Useful next guides: AutoCAD Viewport Scale Missing or Not Showing · How to Reset the AutoCAD Scale List · Viewport Scale · Plot Scale
Common problems and what to check first
| What you see | What may be causing it | Check this first |
|---|---|---|
| New scale looks wildly wrong | Paper/drawing ratio does not match units | Recheck what one model unit represents. |
| Duplicate-looking scale names | Same label has different values | Inspect and clean the scale list before standardizing. |
| Scale cannot be edited | It is temporary or referenced | Create a new correct scale rather than forcing the old one. |
| Other drawings do not have it | Scale was added only to one DWG | Add it to the controlled template/default scale standard as appropriate. |
When you need a more repeatable workflow
For repeatable Layouts, use named standard scales, lock every approved production viewport, and keep one measured PDF as a reference. If several users work on the same templates, standardize the scale list and Page Setup so nobody has to rebuild the sheet by trial and error.
Official Autodesk references
Interface labels can vary slightly by AutoCAD release and workspace. These Autodesk pages are the primary references for the workflow above.
Frequently asked questions
Is SCALELISTEDIT only for viewports?
No. Autodesk uses the scale list for layout viewports, page layouts and plotting scale lists.
Should I add every imaginable scale?
No. Keep the list focused on scales your office actually uses.
What should I do before resetting a custom scale list?
Record any required office-specific scales so they can be recreated deliberately.
Explore more in Viewport Scale in AutoCAD & CAD.