Browse CADPlotting articles about drawing scale, viewport scale and output verification. This category collects metric, architectural and engineering scale workflows together with viewport setup and scale-checking references. Use the main Scale & Viewports hub for the broader learning path.
Fit to Paper makes the selected drawing area as large as possible on the chosen sheet. Exact Plot Scale preserves a known measurement relationship. Use Fit for drafts; use an exact scale when someone must measure the drawing.
1/4″ = 1′-0″ is an architectural scale. In a Layout, select the viewport and choose 1/4″ = 1′-0″ from the standard scale list when available, then lock the viewport and verify the final PDF at Actual Size.
For a typical millimetre-based AutoCAD model, the safest Layout workflow for 1:1 is simple: keep the model full size, set the viewport to 1:1, keep the Layout output at 1:1, then verify the PDF at 100%.
3/8″ = 1′-0″ is an architectural scale. In a Layout, select the viewport and choose 3/8″ = 1′-0″ from the standard scale list when available, then lock the viewport and verify the final PDF at Actual Size.
For a typical millimetre-based AutoCAD model, the safest Layout workflow for 1:2 is simple: keep the model full size, set the viewport to 1:2, keep the Layout output at 1:1, then verify the PDF at 100%.
1/2″ = 1′-0″ is an architectural scale. In a Layout, select the viewport and choose 1/2″ = 1′-0″ from the standard scale list when available, then lock the viewport and verify the final PDF at Actual Size.
To set a viewport scale, select the viewport border on a Layout and choose the required scale from the Viewport Scale control or the Properties palette. Lock the viewport after the view is correct.
For a typical millimetre-based AutoCAD model, the safest Layout workflow for 1:5 is simple: keep the model full size, set the viewport to 1:5, keep the Layout output at 1:1, then verify the PDF at 100%.
Engineering scales express paper inches against model feet, for example 1″=20′ or 1″=50′. They are common in civil and site work. Set the scale on the viewport, not by shrinking the model.