Related Topics

Page Layout
Page Setup
Numeric Entry
Rulers

Drawing Scale


Each document may be drawn to a selected scale. This scale effects the size of objects as they are drawn on paper. The scale is specified as a pair of dimensionless numbers in the form " Np to Nd". A scale of "1 to 1" implies no scaling, graphics are drawn and printed their true size. A scale of "1 to 12" means that a graphic 1 foot across would appear 1 inch across on paper. The two numbers may be thought of as "Number-(on paper) to Number-(drawing graphic)"

The final size of objects on a printed page depends additionally on the "Scale" defined on the Page Setup parameter panel. The scale parameter defined here effects the drawn size of objects but not the size of the drawing. The scale parameter on the Page Setup panel effects the size of a page of paper and hence the size of the drawing which indirectly effects the size graphics when drawn on the paper.

The scale parameter applies to a drawing (document). Several drawings may be shown on the desk top with different scales. The scale shown on the panel applies to the drawing shown in EazyDraw's top window.

The pair of scaling numbers shown circled define the drawing scale for an entire drawing. The scale may be changed by changing either number with a new entry in the appropriate numeric text box. The scale is defined by a ratio, so either number may be changed to define a particular scale. The target drawing's scale will be changed upon entry of a new number, all graphics are redrawn their new size as defined by the scale.

The popup menu is provided as a convenience. It provides several standard scales that are useful for specific kinds of drawings, such as architectural. A selection made from the popup menu will cause the pair of scaling numbers to be set appropriately, and the drawing will be redrawn at the new scale.

If a newly entered scale corresponds to a standard scale found on the popup menu, the popup menu will be updated with the correct selection when the scale is changed.

The scale may be changed at any time. All graphics will be redrawn, their same dimension but in accordance with the new scale. For example a 1" square drawn when the scale is "1 to 1" will become tiny and appear in one corner of the drawing if the scale is changed to "1 to 120".

When working with the scale parameters it may be useful to show Rulers on the drawing. The rulers are drawn in accordance with the specified scale. They can provide valuable feedback concerning a drawing's size and the affect of scale changes.