Layer scale is the ratio of the actual size of an object to its size in a drawing. Layer scale exists to allow graphic properties of the drawing or model to be represented properly, as though you were drawing at a particular scale on a piece of paper. For example, for the default layer scale of 1:1, every inch in the drawing represents an inch in the “real world.” The scaling value allows the proper representation of attributes such as line thickness, line type, marker size, text size, and hatches.
In “What You See Is What You Get” (WYSIWYG) drawing, an intended output scale is needed to properly display these attributes; this allows you to see how the drawing will look at that intended format. For practical use, set the layer scale to be the same as that of the predominant output scale of the project. This will necessitate the least amount of attribute scaling in viewports.
Vectorworks can set one scale for all design layers in a drawing, or set a different scale for individual design layers.
To change the scale of the active design layer or of the entire drawing:
1. Right-click (Windows) or Ctrl-click (Mac) in the drawing area to access the document context menu, and then select Active Layer Scale. Alternatively, if the layer scale is displayed on the View bar, click the Layer Scale button.
The Layer Scale dialog box opens.
2. Either select a scale, or enter a custom value in Paper Scale.
3. To simultaneously change the scale of all existing design layers in the entire drawing, select All Layers.
4. To scale text proportionally to the rest of the design layer, select Scale Text. Deselect Scale Text to keep the text at its current size even if the scale changes.
5. Click OK to return to the drawing.
To change the scale of one or more selected design layers:
1. Select Tools > Organization.
The Organization dialog box opens. Click on the Design Layers tab.
2. Select the layer(s) to change from the Design Layer list and click Edit (or double-click a single layer name).
The Edit Design Layers dialog box opens (see Setting Design Layer Properties).
3. Click Scale.
The Layer Scale dialog box opens.
4. Either select one of the scales, or enter a custom value in Paper Scale.
5. To scale text proportionally to the rest of the design layer, select Scale Text. Deselect Scale Text to keep the text at its current size even if the scale changes.
6. Make sure that All Layers is not selected.
7. Click OK.
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