understanding model tab vs. layout tab

As I understand it, you draw your drawing to scale in model space. So, if I
draw a desk top that is 20" x 16" in size, I use those exact units in model
space. Then, what happens when I click on the layout tab? If I am printing
on an 8 1/2" x 11" piece of paper, when I go to page setup my scale should
be about 1:2 or 1:4, right? If my scale was 1:2, my drawing should just
barely fit in the viewport, which should just barely fit in the drawing
space. Is this correct so far?

 

Yes, except you haven't made much of an allowance for margins on the paper.
But 20"x16" is a pretty small desk.
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But, if I open a new drawing with a Title block automatically inserted in
the first layout, I have a problem. When I scale in the layout view, it
scales the title block and everything in paper space. All I want scaled is
the drawing in model space. It does not matter if I choose page setup (to
scale it) in paper space or model space. It still scales everything, not
just the drawing in model space. Is there a way to scale just what's in
model space so the title block remains filling out the whole 8 1/2 x 11
sheet?

Brian White

 

You don't scale the Title Block. You scale *only* the **contents** of your
viewport(s). To do so, open the viewport (MS command, or click inside the
viewport), then ZOOM using the XP option, or the built-in sheet setup
routines. Details may be found in HELP.
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Well, once you zoom, how do you know what your scale is to put in the title
block when you're finished?
Brian

 

You TELL it what scale to use. Then you put that scale in the title block.
Please, just look up ZOOM in HELP and study the XP option.
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Sorry to add to the problem guys,
I have been pulling my hair out trying to get a handle on making my own
title block with text that is easy to change i.e. date etc, I heard of
x-refs and block etc, what I was hoping for was a reasonable tutorial
that I could work thru at my own pace without bothering ng members every
other day. Any suggestions? Autocad 2004

 

Only the one I've offered before. It worked for me, and it can work for you
if you give it a chance. USE THE HELP SYSTEM. That's why it's there.

Failing that, find a good "beginner" level book on AutoCAD (a Google search
will find a wide selection to choose from), or even better take a course at
a local community college. Probably 80% of AutoCAD users are self-taught,
and learn by doing, reading, and doing again. If you expect someone on these
NGs to spoon-feed you with every detail, you'll never become half-way
proficient.
___

 

For a title block with easily changeable text you will need to learn how to
make blocks with editable ATTRIBUTES

 

I've read the string and here are my comments for whatever their worth.

I draw in model space and don't worry about scale. The image is full size.
Then on the layout tab, I use the change property dialog box. There is a
place to
set the scale for the viewport. After the viewport scale is set, I lock the
view port in the same dialog box.
It is much easier than doing a zoom xp for most people. The layout is paper
space and is plotted 1:1.
If I want to change the scale of the viewport, I do it in the change
properties dialog box.
This is for acad 2000 and later.

Release 14 requires the procedure you were talking about in earlier posts.
Of course, rel 14 does not
have layout tabs.

 

How exactly do you get to the change property dialog box to set the scale
for the viewport? What pull down menu do you use?

 

I figured it out! Thanks for the suggestion. That's definitely the best
way to do it. You click on the viewport, click on properties, and then in
the properties dialog box change scale. it works out w/ my printer too.
The scale was exactly correct when I printed it out.
Brian