Printing to scale

[Anonymous]

I've searched through the reference book, the ArchiCAD help site and the history in ArchiCAD-talk. I need to print my documents to scale. When I print my floorplan at 1/8" scale on 11 1/2 by 17 paper and take a ruler to it it's not even close. It doesn't match any of the scales on my Architects ruler.

Any suggestions on how to print a floorplan with a true scale?

[Thomas Holm]

Chris wrote:
edit - as far as changing scales, you would have to go back and change the source view settings to the new scale you want

No. You can simply select the view in question on the layout, right (ctrl) click on it and go to "Drawing Selection settings" and change the scale there. The whole view will re-scale, if you go from 1/8" to 1/4" it will double (linear) in size.

As Rick put it: Time to pull out the manual. You've got all the docs with the default instalation. It's readily available in the Help menu!

[Thomas Holm]

Seraphim wrote:
It figures.....according to the help menu the print dialog menu seems to be specific to MacOS. Anybody know what it would be called for windows? (The help even mentions the ArchiCAD pane. Wish I could find it in windows.)

It's here: http://archicad-talk.graphisoft.com/viewtopic.php?p=107508#107508

[Anonymous]

Thomas wrote:

Chris wrote:
edit - as far as changing scales, you would have to go back and change the source view settings to the new scale you want

No. You can simply select the view in question on the layout, right (ctrl) click on it and go to "Drawing Selection settings" and change the scale there. The whole view will re-scale, if you go from 1/8" to 1/4" it will double (linear) in size.

You can, but I would recommend changing the original view scale. Only change the drawing scale on the layout as a last resort.

[James Murray]

s2art wrote:
You can, but I would recommend changing the original view scale. Only change the drawing scale on the layout as a last resort.

I agree and raise.

If you change the scale of the drawing rather than the view, all the "fixed size" items will be the wrong size, including text elements. If you change 1/8" to 1/4", your 6pt text will be 12pt.

In our office it's essentially forbidden to change the scale this way. Always fix the view; it's no harder and gives consistent results. IMHO.

[Anonymous]

The various ideas and contradictions are providing WAY more real life application than the help menu ever does! I really appreciate all the clarification and examples being given!

[Thomas Holm]

James wrote:
I agree and raise.

OK. Punch it in, guys. I thought at this level of experience, I could give him the simple way. There are so many options and ways to do things in this program, and of course consistency and manageability are primary in a project where several people are involved. But ease of use - and of learning - are also worth considering, especially when you take your first steps.

[Anonymous]

Thomas wrote:

James wrote:
I agree and raise.

OK. Punch it in, guys. I thought at this level of experience, I could give him the simple way. There are so many options and ways to do things in this program, and of course consistency and manageability are primary in a project where several people are involved. But ease of use - and of learning - are also worth considering, especially when you take your first steps.

It's good to direct those first steps in the right direction though, don't you think?

[Thomas Holm]

Yes of course, James. I think multiple voices gives the best information.

Seraphim wrote:
The various ideas and contradictions are providing WAY more real life application than the help menu ever does!

[Djordje]

Thomas wrote:

Chris wrote:
edit - as far as changing scales, you would have to go back and change the source view settings to the new scale you want

No. You can simply select the view in question on the layout, right (ctrl) click on it and go to "Drawing Selection settings" and change the scale there. The whole view will re-scale, if you go from 1/8" to 1/4" it will double (linear) in size.

As Rick put it: Time to pull out the manual. You've got all the docs with the default instalation. It's readily available in the Help menu!

This should be done only if you have 2,5 seconds to print.

Always, and I mean ALWAYS define a new view with a new scale. That should come as naturally as breathing.

[Djordje]

Thomas wrote:

James wrote:
I agree and raise.

OK. Punch it in, guys. I thought at this level of experience, I could give him the simple way. There are so many options and ways to do things in this program, and of course consistency and manageability are primary in a project where several people are involved. But ease of use - and of learning - are also worth considering, especially when you take your first steps.

Sorry, have to disagree. You should NEVER point out a way that is fundamentally wrong. The fact that the option exists is not the reason to use it. New users have to be taught correct ways from the start. The quick and dirty methods are for crunch moments, and more often than not, they will come back to haunt you ...

Been there, done that ... 😉