Convert AutoCAD units using -DWGUNITS

I posted about converting AutoCAD drawing unit from one unit to other unit. The method I use in that post was to create a new drawing, then insert your old drawing to that new drawing. Your drawing will adjusted and use the new settings.

There is another method that you can use: using command line.

The reason why I didn’t mention about it before is because it’s not documented. Some novice and occasional users probably not familiar with all the options.

However, converting the unit using command line is a popular method, so I thought I should share this with you.

Converting DWG units

The command to convert the unit is –DWGUNITS. Notice the –  prefix. You have to include it or AutoCAD will not recognize the command.

Now all you have to do is to set the new setups. Below is the questions sequence:

Command: -DWGUNITS

Drawing units:
1. Inches
2. Feet
3. Millimeters
4. Centimeters
5. Decimeters
6. Meters
Unit for length <3>: 1

Drawing unit display formats:
1. Scientific
2. Decimal
3. Engineering
4. Architectural
5. Fractional
Linear display format <4>:

Architectural linear display precision formats:
0. 1″
1. 1/2″
2. 1/4″
3. 1/8″
4. 1/16″
5. 1/32″
6. 1/64″
7. 1/128″
8. 1/256″
Linear display precision <4>:

Scale objects from other drawings upon insert? [Yes/No] <Yes>:

Match INSUNITS to drawing units? [Yes/No] <Yes>:

** WARNING: you have changed the unit for this drawing database.  **
** All new objects will be drawn according to the new unit, but   **
** existing objects will not change size unless you specifically  **
** ask to have automatic scaling occur.                           **

Scale objects in current drawing to reflect change in units? [Yes/No] <Yes>:

Include objects in Paper Space? [Yes/No] <Yes>:

Scaling the entire database…
Scaling AecDbObject(s)…
Scaling entities in Model Space…
Scaling entities in Paper Space…
Scaling entities in Paper Space…

So which one do you think is better? I prefer inserting the drawing, but you may find this is more convenient way for you.

About Edwin Prakoso

I work as a Sr. Technical Consultant in Tech Data Advanced Solutions 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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