6.1 Layout sheets creation

A layout sheet, also called a layout or paper space, is a virtual sheet of paper in CAD on which drawings are arranged for printing or publishing. While all geometry is drawn full size in model space, each layout represents one printed sheet of a set size, such as A1 or A3, holding a title block and one or more viewports that show parts of the model at chosen scales. Creating layout sheets correctly means setting up the paper size, the output device, the plot style and the viewports so that everything prints at the right size and scale. Example: for a youth centre's refurbishment, the designer creates an A1 layout for the ground floor plan at 1:50, another for the ceiling plan and an A3 layout for the details, all from the same model.

6.1.1 Model space and layouts compared

Model space and layouts serve different purposes, and understanding the difference prevents scaling and printing mistakes. Example: a pottery studio's designer draws the kiln room at full size in model space, then shows it at 1:20 on a layout sheet without changing any geometry.

6.1.2 Page setup

The page setup stores the printing settings of a layout, so the sheet prints the same way every time. Each layout can have its own page setup, and named page setups can be saved and reused. Example: a tea packers' office project saves page setups named A1-PDF and A3-PRINTER so any layout can be switched between full-size PDF and office printer output.

Page setup settings

Steps for creating a page setup

1. Open the Page Setup Manager: Right-click the layout tab and choose Page Setup Manager.
2. Create a new setup: Click New and name it clearly, such as A1-PDF.
3. Select the device: Choose the PDF driver or plotter.
4. Choose the paper size: Select the sheet size, such as ISO full bleed A1.
5. Set plot area and scale: Choose Layout and set the scale to 1:1.
6. Select the plot style table: Choose the office plot style that controls line weights.
7. Set orientation: Select landscape or portrait.
8. Save and apply: Click OK, then Set Current to apply it to the layout.

6.1.3 Creating layout sheets

New layouts can be created from scratch, copied from existing layouts or imported from a template that already contains the title block and page setup. Using a template is fastest and keeps sheets consistent. Example: a ferry terminal's waiting hall project imports its A1 layout from the office template, so every sheet starts with the correct title block and page setup.

Ways of creating layouts

• New layout: Creates an empty layout to which a page setup and title block are added.
• From template: Imports a ready layout from a template drawing, including its title block and settings.
• Copy or move: Duplicates an existing layout to create similar sheets quickly.
• Layout wizard: Guides the user through choosing the device, paper, title block and viewports.
• Sheet set manager: Creates numbered sheets from a sheet template as part of a managed drawing set.

Steps for creating a layout from a template

1. Right-click a layout tab: Choose From Template.
2. Select the template file: Browse to the office template containing the standard layouts.
3. Pick the layout: Choose the required layout, such as A1-Landscape.
4. Rename the layout: Rename the tab with the drawing number and title.
5. Check the page setup: Confirm the device, paper size and plot style.
6. Insert or check the title block: Make sure the title block sits correctly within the printable area.
7. Create the viewports: Add viewports for the drawings to appear on the sheet.
8. Save the drawing: Save the file so the new layout is kept.

6.1.4 Viewports

A viewport is a window in a layout that shows part of the model. Each viewport has its own scale and can show or hide layers independently, which allows several drawings at different scales to share one sheet. Example: a juakali workshop's design sheet has one viewport showing the whole workshop at 1:100 and another showing the welding bay at 1:50.

Viewport settings

• Viewport scale: Sets how large the model appears, such as 1:50 or 1:20.
• Locked display: Prevents accidental zooming that would change the scale.
• Viewport shape: Rectangular, polygonal or created from a closed object such as a circle.
• Layer settings per viewport: Freezes or changes colours of layers in one viewport only.
• Viewport on a non-printing layer: Keeps the viewport border from printing.
• Annotation scale: Matches the viewport scale so annotative text and dimensions display correctly.

Steps for creating and scaling a viewport

1. Make the viewport layer current: Select a non-printing layer for viewport borders.
2. Create the viewport: Type MV or MVIEW and pick two corners within the title block area.
3. Activate the viewport: Double-click inside it to work in model space through the viewport.
4. Set the scale: Choose the scale, such as 1:50, from the viewport scale list.
5. Position the drawing: Pan to centre the required part of the model without zooming.
6. Lock the viewport: Select the border and set Display Locked to Yes.
7. Return to paper space: Double-click outside the viewport.
8. Check the result: Confirm that the drawing fits, the scale is correct and annotations display properly.

Worked example: viewport size needed for a plan

Viewport size = model size ÷ scale factor

A bookbinding firm's workshop measures 18,000 mm by 9,500 mm and is to appear at 1:50.

Viewport width = 18,000 ÷ 50 = 360 mm

Viewport height = 9,500 ÷ 50 = 190 mm

A viewport of at least 360 mm by 190 mm, plus space for dimensions, is needed, which fits on an A2 or A1 sheet.

Worked example: largest scale that fits a sheet

Required scale factor = model size ÷ available sheet space

The same workshop must fit within an A3 drawing area of 380 mm by 250 mm.

Scale factor for width = 18,000 ÷ 380 ≈ 47.4

Scale factor for height = 9,500 ÷ 250 = 38

The larger factor, 47.4, controls, so the next standard scale, 1:50, is used.

6.1.5 Managing layout sheets

As a project grows, a drawing may contain many layouts, so they must be named, ordered and maintained. Example: a community library extension's file contains twelve layouts, ordered and named to match the drawing list.

Layout management tasks

• Renaming layouts: Name tabs with the drawing number and title for easy identification.
• Reordering layouts: Drag tabs into the order of the drawing list.
• Copying layouts: Duplicate layouts to create similar sheets with the same settings.
• Deleting unused layouts: Remove empty or obsolete layouts before issue.
• Applying page setups to several layouts: Use the Page Setup Manager or Publish to apply one setup to many sheets.
• Using sheet sets: Manage sheets across several drawing files from one panel.