Scale things by size in units?

Kit Flemons

Hello,

When scaling, you can precisely type in the X,Y % scale you want - but is it possible to set a unit size for the object?

For example, I have a symbol of a desk. I want to make it 1.5 units by 2m. Can I scale it and type '1', '2.5', or do I have to work out the % value compared to its current size and type that?

Thanks!

Monsen

Not directly, it want a relative change.

But, you can get the desired result by just typing in the new size divided by the old size on the command line, as in, just type the actual calculation, no spaces. So if the old size is 3.7 units and you want it to be 2 units, when it asks for scale factor, just type

2/3.7

on the command line when it asks for the scale factor.

You do need to know the old size though, which can be found using the distance tool in the info menu.

This is commonly used when inserting an existing map to trace by for example, just insert the image, measure the distance of the scale bar in the inserted image, and use that as the basis for scaling.

Kit Flemons

Brilliant, thanks! That calculation tip is excellent.