Paper Space in AutoCAD is a powerful feature that allows you to create scaled layouts and print or plot drawings accurately. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
1. Switch to Paper Space
- Open your drawing in AutoCAD.
- Switch to the Layout tab: You can do this by clicking on the Layout tab at the bottom of the workspace.
2. Set Up Page Setup
- Open the Page Setup Manager: Type
PAGESETUP
in the command line and press Enter.
- Customize Printer and Paper Size: Choose your printer and paper size. You can also set the plot area, plot style, and other options.
3. Create a Layout
- Delete the Default Viewport: Select the default viewport and delete it.
- Create a New Viewport: Type
MV
(for “Make Viewport”) and draw a rectangle to create a new viewport.
4. Set the Scale
- Double-click inside the Viewport: This will activate the viewport.
- Set the Scale: Go to the Viewports panel or the status bar and set the desired scale.
5. Add a Title Block
- Copy a Title Block: Copy a title block from another drawing or use a predefined title block.
- Paste and Fill Out Information: Paste the title block into the layout and fill out the necessary information.
6. Adjust the View
- Zoom and Pan: Use the zoom and pan tools to adjust the view of the model space within the viewport.
- Lock the Viewport: Lock the viewport to prevent accidental changes.
7. Print or Plot the Layout
- Type Plot or Click the Print Icon: This will open the plot dialog box.
- Preview and Plot: Preview the layout and make any necessary adjustments before plotting to a PDF or printing the layout.
8. Save Your Work
- Save the Layout: Save your layout to ensure all changes are preserved.
- Save the Drawing: Save the entire drawing to keep everything up to date.
Additional Tips
- Use Layers: Use layers to organize your viewports and other elements.
- Check Units: Ensure that your drawings are in the correct units for accurate scaling.
- Regular Maintenance: Regularly update your title blocks and check for any errors in your layouts.
By following these steps, you can effectively use Paper Space in AutoCAD to create professional and accurate layouts for printing or plotting. If you have any specific questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!