How to print to scale in AutoCAD

After setting the drawing scale, the next step is to create a print layout. The print layout defines the position and size of the drawing on the page to be printed.

Step 1: Create a new print layout

To create a new print layout, go to the "Layout" menu and select "New". A pop-up window will open where you can choose the page format and orientation options.

Step 2: Add a border to the print layout

To add a border to your print layout, select the "Border" tab in the layout properties window. Here you can set the line thickness, color, and style of the border.

Step 3: Add views to the print layout

To add drawing views to your print layout, select the "Views" tab in the layout properties window. Here you can choose which views to include in your print layout.

Step 4: Set page dimensions

To set page dimensions, select the "Dimensions" tab in the layout properties window. Here you can specify page dimensions and actual printing area.

Step 5: Add text and notes

To add text and notes to your print layout, select the "Text" tab in the layout properties window. Here you can enter desired text and customize formatting settings.

Step 6: Save the print layout

After completing your print layout, make sure to save it for future use. Go to the "Layout" menu and select "Save".

• Make sure you have selected correct scale for drawing before creating print layout.
• Include all necessary information in your print layout, such as legends, titles, and notes.
• Carefully review your print layout before printing to avoid errors or issues.

Configuring Print Settings

Before proceeding with scale printing on AutoCAD, it is necessary to properly configure the print settings. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Select the layout to be printed

Firstly, select the layout you want to print. You can do this by clicking on the "Layout" tab at the bottom of the drawing window.

Step 2: Access print settings

After selecting the layout, go to the "Output" tab and click on the "Plot" button. A pop-up window with print settings will open.

Step 3: Configure print options

In the print settings window, you can configure several options to get the desired printout. For example:

• Select the printer to use
• Select the paper format
• Set page orientation (horizontal or vertical)
• Set scale to use for printing
• Select whether you want to show or hide layout boxes during printing

Step 4: Check previews and print

After configuring the print settings, click on the "Preview" button to see how the print will look. If everything looks correct, you can proceed with the actual print by clicking on the "Print" button.

Remember that it is important to always check the previews before proceeding with the actual print, in order to avoid errors and paper waste.

Printing the drawing to scale

Once you have set the correct scale in the drawing, it is important to ensure that the printed drawing maintains the same scale. Here's how:

• Step 1: Click on "File" and select "Print" from the dropdown menu.
• Step 2: In the print dialog window, select the desired printer.
• Step 3: Click on the "Properties" button to open printer options.
• Step 4: In the "Layout" tab, find the "Scale" option. Select "Custom Scale" and enter the correct scale in either "X Scale" or "Y Scale" field.
• Step 5: Make sure that "Fits to Page" option is deselected.
• Step 6: Click on the "OK" button to save the print settings.

Now you can print the drawing with the correct scale. Make sure to carefully check the dimensions of the printed drawing to ensure that they are consistent with those of the original drawing.

If not, repeat the above steps to adjust the print scale again.

Conclusion

Printing to scale in AutoCAD is an essential function for producing accurate and high-quality drawings. By following the steps described in this article, you can properly set the scale of the drawing and ensure that the print maintains the same proportions. Always remember to carefully check the dimensions of the printed drawing and, if necessary, adjust the print scale again. This way you will achieve precise and satisfactory results.