Chapter 11 Modifying Objects
321
Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Using the SCALE Command U s ing the SCALE Comm a nd
Access the
SCALE
command to proportionately enlarge or reduce the size of
objects. Select objects to scale and then proceed to the next prompt to specify the
base point from which the increase or decrease in size should occur. Scaling occurs
away from the base point for enlargement or toward the base point for reduction.
After you specify the base point, the scale icon appears next to the crosshairs and the
selected objects scale in size as you move the crosshairs. The next step is to specify
the scale factor. 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 11-31. 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 coor-
dinate 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 11-32.
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.
SCALE
Ribbon
Home
Modify
Scale
Type
SCALE
SC
Figure 11-31.
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 11-32.
Using the
Reference
option of the
SCALE
command.
After Before
Base point
(midpoint)
Reference length
New length
3.00
2.50