How to Create Layout in AutoCAD: Step-by-Step Guide

To create a layout in AutoCAD, switch to the Layout tab, then use Page Setup Manager to configure paper size and plot settings. Add Viewports to display different parts of your drawing and arrange them as needed for printing.

Syntax

Creating a layout in AutoCAD involves these main steps:

• Switch to Layout Tab: Click on a layout tab at the bottom (e.g., Layout1).
• Page Setup Manager: Use PAGESETUP command to set paper size, plotter, and plot scale.
• Create Viewports: Use MV or MVSETUP commands to add viewports showing parts of your model.
• Arrange and Scale: Move and scale viewports to fit your layout.

autocad

PAGESETUP
MV
MVSETUP

Example

This example shows how to create a layout with one viewport displaying your model at a 1:100 scale.

autocad

1. Click on the <code>Layout1</code> tab at the bottom.<br>2. Type <code>PAGESETUP</code> and press Enter.<br>3. In Page Setup Manager, click <code>New</code>, name your setup, and select paper size (e.g., A3).<br>4. Choose your printer/plotter and set plot scale to 1:100.<br>5. Click OK and close the manager.<br>6. Type <code>MV</code> and press Enter.<br>7. Draw a rectangular viewport on the layout.<br>8. Double-click inside the viewport to activate it.<br>9. Zoom and pan your model to fit the viewport.<br>10. Double-click outside the viewport to lock it.

Output

A layout tab named Layout1 with a rectangular viewport showing the model at 1:100 scale, ready for printing.

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when creating layouts include:

• Not setting the correct paper size in Page Setup, causing printouts to be cut off.
• Forgetting to lock the viewport after scaling, which can accidentally change the view.
• Using model space units directly without adjusting plot scale, resulting in incorrect print sizes.
• Creating multiple overlapping viewports without clear borders, making the layout confusing.

autocad

Wrong approach:
1. Create viewport but forget to set plot scale.
2. Print layout and get wrong size.

Right approach:
1. Set plot scale in Page Setup (e.g., 1:100).
2. Lock viewport after adjusting view.

Quick Reference

Step	Command/Action	Purpose
1	Click Layout Tab	Switch from model space to layout space
2	PAGESETUP	Configure paper size, plotter, and scale
3	MV or MVSETUP	Create one or more viewports
4	Double-click viewport	Activate viewport to adjust view
5	Lock viewport	Prevent accidental changes
6	Plot/Print	Generate final drawing output

Key Takeaways

Always start by switching to a layout tab to create your printable sheet.

Use PAGESETUP to set paper size and plot scale before adding viewports.

Create and scale viewports carefully to show the right part of your drawing.

Lock viewports after adjusting to avoid accidental changes.

Check your layout with a preview before printing to avoid errors.