How do I change the viewport window in AutoCAD?

To change the viewport window in AutoCAD, the process depends on whether you want to select a viewport within another viewport, or if you simply want to manipulate the size and scale of a single viewport. Here's a breakdown of the common scenarios and how to handle them:

1. Selecting a Viewport Nested Inside Another Viewport:

This situation occurs when you have a viewport that is completely contained within a larger viewport in a layout. To select the inner viewport:

• Double-click inside the larger (outer) viewport. This activates that viewport, making it the current workspace.
• Press CTRL+R repeatedly. Each press of CTRL+R will cycle through the active viewports until you select the viewport you need.
• Once your desired viewport is highlighted, you can modify it as needed.

2. Adjusting the Size and Scale of a Viewport:

If you want to change the size or scale of a viewport:

• Ensure you are in Layout (Paper Space).
• Select the viewport. Click on the viewport boundary. It will become highlighted.
• Resize the viewport: Use the grips (small squares) on the viewport boundary to drag and resize it. This will affect the area of the model space that is displayed in the viewport.
• Adjust the scale of the viewport:
  • Method 1 (Properties Palette): With the viewport selected, open the Properties palette (usually by typing PROPERTIES or Ctrl+1). Look for the "Standard Scale" or "Custom Scale" options. Choosing a standard scale will lock the scale to a predefined value (e.g., 1/4" = 1'-0"). Using a custom scale allows you to set a precise scale.
  • Method 2 (Zoom Command): Activate the viewport by double-clicking inside it. Then, use the Zoom command (ZOOM or Z) followed by the Scale option (S). Enter the desired scale factor as XP (e.g., 1/48XP for a scale of 1/4" = 1'-0", where 48 is 12 inches/foot * 4 feet). This sets the relative scale between paper space and model space. Afterwards lock the Viewport display by selecting the viewport border, and toggling Display Locked to Yes in the Properties palette.

3. Moving a Viewport:

• Ensure you are in Layout (Paper Space).
• Select the viewport. Click on the viewport boundary.
• Use the Move command (MOVE or M). Specify a base point and a destination point to relocate the viewport within the layout.

Example Scenario:

Imagine you have a large viewport showing the entire floor plan of a building, and inside it, you have a smaller viewport focused on a specific bathroom detail.

1. To modify the bathroom detail viewport: Double-click within the large floor plan viewport.
2. Press CTRL+R until the bathroom detail viewport is selected (highlighted).
3. Now, any modifications you make will affect only the bathroom detail viewport. You can adjust its scale or pan within it.

Important Considerations:

• Make sure your viewports are on a non-plotting layer if you don't want the viewport borders to print.
• Locking a viewport after setting its scale is generally a good practice to prevent accidental changes.
• You can adjust the display within a viewport by activating it (double-clicking) and using commands like Pan, Zoom, and Orbit, just as you would in the Model tab.