Setting drawing limits in AutoCAD helps define the working area of your project. It acts as a boundary for your design and ensures your work stays neat and organized, especially when preparing for printing. In this guide, we’ll keep things simple while showing you how to set limits and prepare for a 24" x 36" border with a custom scale of 1'4" = 1'-0".
What Are Drawing Limits?
Limits in AutoCAD define the rectangular workspace where you create your design. While limits don’t restrict your drawing, they’re helpful for zooming, organizing, and printing purposes.
Step-by-Step: Setting Your Limits
1. Start the Limits Command
- Type
LIMITSin the command line and press Enter. - AutoCAD will prompt you to set the lower-left corner of the drawing area.
2. Set the Lower-Left Corner
- Type
0,0(x, y coordinates) and press Enter. - This sets the starting point for your workspace.
3. Set the Upper-Right Corner
- To accommodate a 24" x 36" border and your scale of 1'4" = 1'-0", you’ll need to calculate the limits.
- Convert Inches to Feet: Multiply the border size by the scale.
- 24 inches = 2 feet, and at 1'/4" = 1'-0", this scales to 96 feet.
- 36 inches = 3 feet, and at 1'/4" = 1'-0", this scales to 144 feet.
- Enter
96',144'for the upper-right corner and press Enter.
- Convert Inches to Feet: Multiply the border size by the scale.
4. Zoom to the Limits
- Type
Zin the command line and press Enter. - Type
A(for All) and press Enter to adjust the view to the limits.
Quick Tips for Limits
- Changing Limits Later: You can modify your limits anytime by repeating the
LIMITScommand. - Use a Template: Save your scaled limits as a template for future projects to save time.
- Match the Border: If using a border template, ensure it aligns with the limits you set.
By setting your drawing limits and adjusting them for specific scales, like the 1'/4" = 1'-0" in this example, you’ll create a well-organized workspace that’s ready for accurate printing. Once your limits are set, you can focus on your design without worrying about fitting it to the page later!