The Problem…

When plotting drawings at reduced scale, say plotting a 22”x34” drawing at 11”x17” instead, the lineweights are too wide for the scale and the fine details blacken out. This is also a similar problem when going the other way (blowing up a drawing). The lineweights are too light in this case.

How do we correct this?

In this example we are using a layout for 22”x34” that we want to plot it at half scale. If you are concerned with plotting to a specific scale, the Plot Scale Custom settings are where you input the scale factor; otherwise you can just Scale to Fit the plot size. Remember that you are scaling the paperspace layout (paper drawing) and not the life size model space scale. For plotting a 22”x34” drawing at 11”x17”, 1 plotted inch = 2 drawing units. I find it easier to get all the borders when setting Plot Area = Extents, with the Plot Centered in the Plot Offset box. Make sure the “Scale lineweights” box is checked (circled below) and the lineweights will be adjusted automatically for your plot.

If this drawing is going out of the office, it should be noted that the scale in the title block is not correct for this plot. I have created a block to be inserted into paperspace before plotting. It is called “offscaleplot” and can be found in the Symbol Manager’s Lanc & Tully Details under “Misc”. Since the layer doesn’t exist in your drawing, you will have to specify “red” for color and “continuous” for linetype during the Symbol Manager insertion routine. The block may be exploded and the mtext can be resized to fit available space if necessary.

This block should be placed in a prominent spot on the drawing, preferably near the title block. Scale the block as required so that it is readable in it’s plotted state. It may be inserted in multiple areas if needed.

- SPECIAL NOTE -

THIS DRAWING IS FOR REFERENCE PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT PLOTTED TO THE SCALE SHOWN.

DO NOT SCALE DIMENSIONS OFF THIS DRAWING.

Please contact me if you have any questions concerning these procedures or need further clarification.

Thank You,

Tom Hanley