Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
the sheet layout in paper space, which I explain in this chapter. For the actual process of
outputting either model space or layouts to printer or plotter, see Chapter 16.
Chapter 2 introduces you to the two spaces — model and paper — and Chapter 4 ex-
plains how to configure model space for efficient drawing. Before you plunge into paper
space, a quick recap of model space is in order.
Model space
is the drawing environment that's current when the Model tab
(not the Model button) on the status bar is active. Model space is where you cre-
ate the “real” objects that you're drawing, so these objects are referred to as
mod-
el geometry
whether they're 2D or 3D entities. When the Model tab is active, you
see objects in model space only — anything in paper space is invisible.
In AutoCAD 2012, it's still possible to ignore paper space layouts entirely and
do all your drawing
and
plotting in model space. But you owe it to yourself to give
layouts a try. You'll probably find that they make plotting more consistent and
predictable. They'll give you more plotting flexibility when you need it. And you'll
certainly encounter drawings from other people that make extensive use of paper
space, so you need to understand it if you plan to exchange drawings with anyone
else.
Setting Up a Layout in Paper Space
A
paper space layout
is a representation of a drawing sheet. Although the model geo-
metry — the real stuff — goes in model space, the “not-real” drawing objects (for ex-
ample, a drawing border, title block, general notes, perhaps view labels, and symbols
like North arrows) all go in paper space on the layout. In essence, model space is like
the world, infinitely large and three-dimensional; paper space is finite — the size of a
drawing sheet, in fact — and two-dimensional, just like a drawing sheet.
Aside from just an arrangement of your drawing sheet, layouts also store plot informa-
tion. AutoCAD saves separate plot settings with each layout as well as model space so
that you can plot each one differently. In practice, you'll probably need to use only one
of the paper space layout tabs, especially when you're getting started with AutoCAD.
