324
AutoCAD and Its Applications—Basics
Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Enter a number to indicate the amount of enlargement or reduction. For example,
to make the objects twice the current size, type
2
at the
Specify scale factor or [Copy/
Reference]:
prompt. See Figure 11-33. Use fractions or decimal values to reduce scale.
For example, enter
3/4
or
.75
to scale objects three-quarters their original size or
1/2
or
.5
to scale objects half their original size. You can also use coordinate entry or drawing
aids to defi ne the scale factor. Preview the operation before completing the command.
Reference Option
The
Reference
option is an alternative to entering a scale factor that allows you to
specify a new size in relation to an existing dimension. For example, to change the size
of a part with an overall dimension of 2.50″ to an overall dimension of 3.00″ propor-
tionately, select the
Reference
option. Specify the current length,
2.5
in the example,
at the
Specify reference length current:
prompt. Next, specify the new length for the
dimension,
3
in the example. See Figure 11-34.
PROFESSIONAL TIP P R OFESSIONAL TIP
Specify the reference length and new length using specifi c values or select points on
existing objects. Picking points is especially effective when you do not know the exact
reference and new lengths.
Copying While Scaling
The
Copy
option of the
SCALE
command copies and scales the selected objects,
leaving the original objects unchanged. The copy is created at the specifi ed location.
NOTE NOTE
The
SCALE
command changes all dimensions of an object proportionately. Use the
STRETCH
or
LENGTHEN
command to change only the length, width, or height.
Figure 11-33.
Using the
SCALE
command to make
objects twice the
previous size. The
points associated
with the selected
objects adjust from
the location of the
base point.
Base point
(endpoint)
Before
After
Figure 11-34.
Using the
Reference
option of the
SCALE
command.
After Before
Base point
(midpoint)
Reference length
New length
3.00
2.50