How to: fix my AutoCAD drawing to correct drawing unit

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We covered how you can convert an AutoCAD drawing’s unit to other unit. Let’s say you receive a metric drawing and want to convert it to imperial. But that works only if you create the drawing with correct template and unit.

If you are not aware with the drawing unit, you may create a metric drawing using imperial template. The default acad.dwt is imperial. There will be a lot of mess if you are working in metric but using imperial template.

Working with correct unit will make it easy for configuring your drawing. For example, controlling linetype scale is just as easy as 1,2,3!

How can I fix my drawing to correct unit?

Let’s see how you can fix this in a few easy steps.

Change your drawing unit

You must define unit in your drawing to correct measurement. You can change drawing units from application menu (the big red A on top left corner) > Drawing Utilities > Units. Or simply type UNITS then press ENTER.

In drawing units dialog, change insertion scale to correct unit. Use millimeter if you use metric and inches if you use imperial.

Create a new file with correct drawing unit

You can change more variables to fix the unit. However, it will be easier if you just insert your drawing to a correct drawing. Now create a new drawing. Use acad.dwt for imperial drawing or acadiso.dwt for metric drawing. If you have your own template, you may use it too. Make sure your template has correct unit.

Now insert previous drawing using insert block tool.

In insert block dialog, browse for your file. Uncheck ‘specify on-screen’ option for insertion point. Make sure the X, Y, and Z value is 0. This will insert your drawing to the same origin.

And check explode option. If you don’t check it, AutoCAD will make your drawing as a block. Optionally you can explode the block later.

One last thing. If you set the target drawing and destination drawing correctly, you should see the conversion factor is 1.

Alternative method

You can also change or fix the drawing units using -DWGUNITS. This is probably preferred if you like to use command line and an experienced user. Read about -DWGUNITS here.

Why we do this?

AutoCAD doesn’t work with real world measurement. You need to tell what unit you are working with. There are many users who work in metric unit but using imperial drawing. Yes, there are many settings you might need to change, but it can work just fine.

However, I would strongly suggest you to work with the correct template. Especially for beginners. There will be less things to care about.

About Edwin Prakoso

I work as an Application Engineer in Jakarta, Indonesia. I've been using AutoCAD since R14 and Revit since Revit Building 9. I occasionally write for AUGIWorld magazine and also active in Autodesk discussion forum.
I'm an Autodesk Certified Professional (ACP) for Revit Architecture and AutoCAD. I'm also a member of Autodesk Expert Elite, appreciation for individuals who give contribution to Autodesk community.
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