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The single drawing file

For this example we are going to assume that we have previously created a plan file that contains all the information for a foundation plan, a floor plan, a power plan, and a roof framing plan. All of this information is stacked so that we can share many of the layers between drawing types.

The benefits of stacking various drawings in the same file are numerous, but one of the most obvious is that layers (and consequently objects) can be used again (not duplicated) in other drawing types. The same wall lines show up in the floor plan as in the electrical, reflected ceiling, roof framing plans, etc. That way, if a wall changes in one plan it changes in them all. (Also see Using Common Layer Names.)

There are many different ways to stack information in drawings but for this example we will assume that all the information has been drawn in a single drawing and is separated using layers.

Steps to setting up a plot sheet to display multiple plan views from the single drawing file

1. Open a new blank file. This file will be our plot sheet, go ahead and name it if it isn't already.

2. Draw, Insert or Xref the plan file mentioned above. If you are inserting or XREF'ing the plan, make sure it is inserted/XREF'ed on layer "0" (zero) or you can change it to layer "0". If your drawings disappear later when using the "VPFL" command, it is because the block/XREF is not on layer "0" (zero).

Don't Sweat it too much if you get this. It will update as soon as you configure "Page Setup" or after the first time you plot.

3. (R2000+) Switch to a Layout view. Use the appropriate plotter and page size in the "Page Setup" or your drawing will look like the one above-right when you set up the title block (or worse).

(R14) Switch to Paper Space. Your screen will be blank.

4. Set up your title block. (See DWGSETUP) Whether or not you do this at the scale of your plans or at 1"=1" is up to you. Remember the scale that you use, you will need it later.

5. Now we will lay out the viewports. Layout depends on the type and size of drawings being used. For this example we will need (4) equally sized viewports. We will first divide the plot sheet in to four equal sized areas with lines so that we will have something to snap to when we draw our viewports. Making them exactly the same size will save us some time later when scaling the viewports. Leave the guidelines (shown in red) long so that they will be easy to erase after the viewports have been drawn.

6. We will now draw the viewports. If you have a viewport already drawn (R2000+), stretch it so that it fills one of the areas outlined by the red lines. You may "STRETCH" viewports, or you can use grips. Now we will create viewports to fill the remaining areas. Type "MVIEW" at the command prompt and select one of the corners of one of the areas for the viewport. Then select the opposite (diagonal) corner. Do this until all four areas have a viewport in them. Remember, if they are exactly the same size it will make scaling them quicker.

7. Erase any layout lines (the red lines sticking out above)

8. We now have four viewports that show the same plan. Now we must ensure that the scale of the drawings are what they should be for when we plot this sheet. Switch to Model Space (dbl click or type "MSPACE"). One of the viewports will show as being current. (top left as shown below) Now we must compare the scale factor that the title block was inserted to the scale of the plan drawings. This ratio must be entered to allow the plans to be correctly sized in the viewport so they will be to scale when plotted.

For this example we will assume that the title block was set up at 1"=1" or full size. This means that the title block has a scale factor of 1. The floor plans were drawn at 1/4"=1'-0" or a scale factor of 48. (see How to calculate a scale factor) We divide the title scale factor by the drawing scale factor to get 1/48. This is the value that we will use for the zoom command. (Don't bother getting out the calculator, the zoom command will accept "1/48" so you don't have to figure out the decimal equivalent)

At the command prompt type "ZOOM". You will see the following prompt:

Specify corner of window, enter a scale factor (nX or nXP), or
[All/Center/Dynamic/Extents/Previous/Scale/Window] <real time>:

We will be entering the scale factor for a viewport (nXP). Substitute the fraction we calculated above for the "n" and enter "1/48XP". This will correctly size the image of the plan in the viewport.

9. Correctly scale the other viewports. Repeat step 8 for the other three viewports OR if all four viewports are exactly the same size you may save a "VIEW" in the correctly sized viewport and restore it in the other three to make them correctly scaled.

It is a good idea to switch to Paper Space now (dbl click or type "PSPACE") to prevent you from inadvertently zooming one of the viewports and messing up the scale. (You may also set the "Display locked" property of the viewport to "yes" to prevent inadvertent zooming)

The plot sheet is now set up.

Go to the VPFL command to see how to freeze the layers in each of the viewports so that they show only the plan type needed.
 

Note: This tutorial, as with most, shows one way to do a task. This is certainly not the only way, nor is this necessarily the best way. This tutorial is meant only to be a learning tool. Once the information and/or intent is understood, it is your responsibility to apply this knowledge in a fashion to fit your own unique situation or needs.