To properly scale an image or PDF after inserting into AutoCAD

Autodesk Support

Oct 25, 2024

Products and versions covered

Issue:

After inserting an image or importing a PDF file in AutoCAD, the objects and dimensions do not show "true length". The image is not at a 1:1 scale with the actual drawing units, or needs to be resized.

Solution:

Try one or more of the following to attempt to properly scale the image to the appropriate dimension:

Using the ALIGN (Command)

  1. Draw a line that is at the proper length.
    • Ex : If the dimension shows 25', draw a line at that length.
  2. Type ALIGN into the command line and press Enter.
    • Alternatively one can find this command on the 'Modify' panel on the 'Home' tab in the ribbon.
  3. Select the image to be scaled and press Enter.
  4. Specify the first source point, and then click the corresponding destination point.
  5. Specify the second source point, and then click the corresponding destination point.
  6. Press Enter to continue.
  7. ​​​​​​​Select Y for 'Yes' to scale the objects based on the alignment points.
 

​​​​​​​Using the SCALE (Command)

  1. Type LINE on the command line and press Enter.
  2. Draw a line that is the desired length the image reference length should be then press Enter.
    •  Ex : a door would be 3'0", so draw a line that is 3'0". This will be scaled reference line.
  3. Select the object to be scaled and type SCALE into the command line and press Enter.
    • Alternatively one can find this command on the 'Modify' panel on the 'Home' tab in the ribbon.
  4. Click at the basepoint, then type R for 'Reference'.
  5. Click at the first point again then the second point of the existing image to be sized and type P for 'Point'.
  6. Click the first point of the referenced line drawn then click the new endpoint then Enter.
  7. Measure the image and it should be the correct desired length.
Note: The above suggestions work best when you can snap to actual endpoints, intersections, midpoints, and etc. within the image JPG or PDF.

Products:

AutoCAD for Mac; AutoCAD Products;

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