How to Plot a BricsCAD Layout at 1:1 Without Changing Viewport Scale
In a normal BricsCAD paper-space workflow, the Layout represents the real sheet and should be plotted at 1:1. The viewport controls the drawing scale inside that sheet.
Beginner takeaway: Keep the Layout at paper size and 1:1; change the viewport scale only when the model view itself needs a different drawing scale.
What you need to understand first
Beginners often shrink or enlarge the whole Layout because a drawing view looks wrong. That mixes two separate scales: paper output scale and viewport model scale.
- Paper Space is intended to represent the physical sheet.
- Viewport scale controls how Model Space appears on that sheet.
- Fit to Paper can hide a wrong paper size and destroy scale-critical output.
Related guides: BricsCAD Viewport Scale: Set and Verify CAD Scales in Layouts, Viewport Scale in AutoCAD & CAD, and CAD Plot Scale: Metric, Architectural & Engineering.
Step-by-step workflow
Step 1 — Open the Layout
Where: Layout tab
Do this: Confirm the title block is drawn at its real paper dimensions.
Check: A1, ARCH D or other sheet dimensions are correct in paper space.
Step 2 — Check the viewport
Where: Select viewport boundary > Properties
Do this: Set the intended viewport scale and lock it when correct.
Check: A known model dimension matches the intended drawing scale.
Step 3 — Open Page Setup
Where: PAGESETUP > Modify
Do this: Select the correct output device and matching paper size.
Check: The paper dimensions match the Layout/title block.
Step 4 — Set Layout output to 1:1
Where: Plot area = Layout; Plot scale = 1:1
Do this: Do not select Fit to Paper for the issued sheet.
Check: The title block remains real paper size.
Step 5 — Preview and measure
Where: Preview > PDF/hardcopy
Do this: Check the full border and measure one known paper-space dimension.
Check: Paper-space measurement is 1:1 and viewport content is at its intended scale.
What usually goes wrong
| What you see | Likely layer | First check |
|---|---|---|
| Title block prints small | Fit or wrong paper | Match paper and use 1:1. |
| Model view is wrong scale | Viewport scale | Correct viewport, not plot scale. |
| Viewport changes while panning | Unlocked viewport | Set and lock viewport scale. |
| PDF looks right but viewer prints wrong | PDF viewer scaling | Use Actual Size/100%. |
Practical example
A 1:100 viewport looks too small on an A1 Layout. If the A1 title block already fits the sheet, do not change Plot scale. Select the viewport and choose the correct view scale. The final Page Setup still plots the Layout at 1:1.
What not to do
- Do not set the Layout plot scale to 1:100 to create a 1:100 drawing.
- Do not resize the title block to match the printer.
- Do not leave production viewports unlocked after scale is verified.
Good office standard
Separate responsibilities: Layout = real paper, viewport = drawing scale, Page Setup = output device/paper/style. Document that rule in every BricsCAD template.
Quick verification before you move on
- Use one representative drawing or sheet, not a production batch.
- Verify page size, orientation and a known dimension.
- Compare Preview/PDF with the physical output when a printer is involved.
- Save the setting or set only after the result is repeatable.
Official references
Frequently asked questions
Why does a 1:100 drawing still plot at 1:1?
Because 1:100 belongs to the viewport/model view. The paper-space Layout itself is a real sheet and is output 1:1.
When would Fit to Paper be acceptable?
For a non-scale-critical reference print where exact measured scale is not required.
Should I lock BricsCAD viewports?
Yes for production sheets after the intended view and scale are verified.
Explore more in BricsCAD Printing & Plotting Guide.