Design Layer Scale

Layer scale is the ratio of the actual size of an object to its size in a drawing. For example, for VectorWorks’ default layer scale of 1:1, every inch in the drawing represents an inch in the “real world.” The best design layer scale to use obviously depends on what you are designing and whether it makes sense to work with a life-sized, reduced, or enlarged drawing.

VectorWorks can set one scale for all design layers in a drawing, or set a different scale for individual design layers.

Changing the Scale of the Drawing or the Active Design Layer

 

To change the scale of the active design layer or of the entire drawing:

1.	Right-click (Windows) or Ctrl-click (Macintosh) 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.

Changing the Scale of Selected Design Layers

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.