Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Even if you work with drawings that are created to be plotted at a specific
scale, plotting with a Fit to Paper scale may be the most efficient way to make a
reduced-size check plot. For example, drafters in your office might create draw-
ings that get plotted on D-size sheets (24 x 36 inches), whereas you have access to
a laser printer with a B-size (11 x 17 inches) paper tray. By plotting the D-size
drawings scaled to fit on B-size paper, you end up with check plots that are
slightly smaller than half size. You won't be able to measure distances on the
check plots with a scale, but you
can
give them a visual check for overall correct-
ness.
Plotting the Layout of the Land
In the section “Plotting success in 16 steps,” earlier in this chapter, I show you how to
plot the model space representation of your drawing by making sure that the Model tab
is active when you open the Plot dialog box. In most industries, however, model space
plotting went the way of the dodo 20 years ago. Paper space gives you many additional
options for controlling the look of your output without having to modify the underlying
geometry. So most of the time, you will want to plot a paper space layout instead.
Paper space is the environment that's specifically designed for outputting
hard copy of your drawings. If you need a refresher on paper space or layouts,
have another look (or a first look!) at Chapter 5.
The path to paper space layout plotting success
As I explain in Chapter 5, AutoCAD gives you two alternative ways of switching between
full-screen model space and the paper space layouts stored in the drawing. If you
choose to display the Model and Layout tabs, you simply click the appropriate tab to se-
lect the one you want. If instead you hide the Model and Layout tabs, use the Model and
Layout buttons, plus Quick View Layouts, on the status bar. For the complete lowdown
on using Quick View Layouts, refer to Chapter 5. In this section, I explain using this fea-
ture to print your paper space layouts.
