Prepare AutoCAD Files for SHARK: PDF, SCALE & Reference

The key distinction: geometry scale versus print scale

SCALE changes the size of selected objects. A viewport scale changes how the model is shown on a sheet. Do not shrink a correctly drawn building merely to make it fit an A1 page. For a conventional layout workflow, keep model geometry at real size, set the viewport scale, and plot the paper-space layout at 1:1.

1. Establish the unit convention

Make a backup copy. Check a known length with DIST and confirm what one drawing unit represents. A length of 10 could represent 10 millimetres, 10 centimetres or 10 metres depending on how the file was created. Changing the displayed units does not by itself prove that existing geometry is now the intended size. Inspect a second known dimension before modifying an imported drawing.

2. SCALE with a factor

Use this when you know the required proportional change.

1. Type SCALE and press Enter.
2. Select the objects that must change, then press Enter.
3. Select a sensible base point; that point remains fixed.
4. Enter the factor and press Enter.
5. Use DIST again to verify the result.

Factor = required length ÷ current length
Current length: 250 units
Required length: 500 units
Factor: 500 ÷ 250 = 2

2 doubles the geometry.
0.5 halves the geometry.
1 leaves its size unchanged.

Select related geometry consistently so some objects are not corrected while others remain at the old size. Review dimensions, annotations, blocks and references afterwards; not every object type responds like a simple line.

3. SCALE using Reference

Use Reference when you can identify a known length on the drawing but do not want to calculate the scale factor yourself.

1. Type SCALE, select the objects and press Enter.
2. Choose a base point.
3. Type R for Reference and press Enter.
4. Use accurate object snaps to pick the two ends of the known current length.
5. At the new-length prompt, enter the required length in the drawing's intended units.
6. Verify the corrected distance and another known dimension.

Example: a line measures 950 but must be 1000.
SCALE → select → Enter → base point
R → Enter → pick first endpoint → pick second endpoint
1000 → Enter
DIST → check the same endpoints again

A uniformly scaled reference cannot repair a scan that is stretched differently horizontally and vertically. Where several known lengths disagree, stop and investigate rather than forcing the file to match only one measurement.

4. Set the plotting scale in the layout

1. Open the intended Layout and Page Setup.
2. Select the PDF output device, sheet size and orientation.
3. Place or check the viewport and set the required model-to-paper scale.
4. Lock the viewport to avoid accidentally changing it while navigating.
5. Select the required CTB/STB plot style and inspect lineweights.
6. Plot the layout at 1:1 with Fit to paper disabled.

Units matter: when model and paper both use millimetres, the scale relationship is straightforward. A model using metres with a millimetre layout needs the unit conversion as well. Verify a known paper length instead of trusting a scale-menu label alone.

5. Check the PDF and the editable package

Open the PDF separately, verify page dimensions and inspect linework, fonts, images and every layout. When editing is requested, use an organised drawing package, preferably eTransmit where available, and verify that needed external references, images and plot styles are present. Font availability and licensing must be checked; do not assume every dependency was included automatically.

What to send SHARK

Send the final PDF, paper size, drawing scale, quantities, colour choice and finishing instructions. Add an editable package only for requested adjustments. State explicitly whether geometry was rescaled and whether the final PDF must remain at 100%.

See the A0, A1 and A2 printing guide and SHARK printing services.