Commands

3DSCALE command in AutoCAD : In a 3D view, displays the 3D Scale gizmo to aid in resizing 3D objects

If you need to resize objects in a 3D AutoCAD drawing, the 3DSCALE command is the specialized tool that displays a 3D scale gizmo and lets you scale objects uniformly or non‑uniformly along the X, Y and Z axes. This guide explains what 3DSCALE does, how to use it step‑by‑step, common reasons it may fail and practical alternatives and tips for reliable results.

What is the 3DSCALE command?

3DSCALE (or 3dscale) is an AutoCAD command that displays a 3D Scale gizmo in a 3D view to help resize 3D objects and block references. The gizmo provides handles to scale uniformly from a base point or to scale independently along each axis (X, Y, Z). Use 3DSCALE when you want more control than the 2D SCALE command offers for objects with 3D geometry.

When to use 3DSCALE

  • To resize 3D solids, surfaces or meshes in Model space.
  • To scale a block reference in 3D (note block behavior differences below).
  • To apply non‑uniform scaling along one or more axes.
  • When you prefer interactive gizmo handles for visual control.

How to use 3DSCALE — Step by step

Prepare the drawing

  1. Switch to a 3D visual (e.g., SE Isometric or an orbited perspective) so the gizmo is visible.
  2. If necessary, set a convenient UCS so the gizmo axes align with the direction you want to scale.
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Basic interactive method

  1. Type 3DSCALE at the command line and press Enter (or choose Home > Modify > 3D Scale from the ribbon).
  2. Select the object(s) you want to scale and press Enter.
  3. Specify a base point (the fixed point about which scaling occurs).
  4. The 3D Scale gizmo appears:
    • Drag the central cube/handle to perform a uniform scale.
    • Drag an axis handle to scale along that axis (X, Y or Z).
    • Drag a face handle (when available) for combined axis scaling.
  5. Optionally, while dragging you can type a numeric scale factor (for example, 2 for double size, 0.5 for half) and press Enter to set an exact scale.

Numeric / precise scaling

  1. After selecting objects and specifying base point, instead of dragging, type a scale factor and press Enter for uniform scaling.
  2. For more precise axis control, align the UCS with the intended axis and use the axis handle or use the Properties palette for exact X/Y/Z scale factors (see Alternatives).

Shortcut

  • Type 3DSCALE in the command line. (Command names are not case sensitive.)

Examples

  • Uniform scale by 2:
    • 3DSCALE → select object → base point → type 2 → Enter.
  • Scale only in Z by 1.5:
    • Align UCS so Z is vertical → 3DSCALE → select object → base point → drag Z handle upward and type 1.5 → Enter (or use Properties to set Z scale = 1.5).

Common reasons 3DSCALE doesn’t work and fixes

  1. Object is on a locked or frozen layer

    • Fix: Unlock or thaw the layer, or move the object to an editable layer.

  2. Object is an XREF (External reference)

    • Fix: Bind the XREF or open and edit the source drawing; you cannot scale an attached XREF directly in the host drawing unless it’s nested as a block reference you can edit.

  3. Object is a block reference with constraints or annotative settings

    • Fix: Use REFEDIT or BEDIT to edit the block definition, or explode the block (if appropriate). Be careful: exploding may lose block behavior.

  4. Gizmo does not appear

    • Fixes:
      • Ensure you are in a 3D view (the gizmo appears only in 3D contexts).
      • Verify the UCS orientation and that you have selected an appropriate object type.
      • If grips are disabled, set system variables like GRIPMODE or check grip settings in Options → Selection.

  5. Non‑uniform scaling causes unwanted geometry distortion

    • Explanation: Some parametric solids, constraints or associative geometry can behave unexpectedly under non‑uniform scaling.
    • Fix: Consider recreating geometry, use SOLIDEDIT or modeling tools instead, or apply uniform scaling only.

  6. Annotative objects or dimensions do not scale as expected

    • Fix: Annotative objects use annotation scale—adjust annotation settings instead of visually scaling. Dimensions should be updated using dimension style or scale settings.

  7. selection filter or clashes with selection modes

    • Fix: Clear selection filters, ensure you are selecting the correct object type, and toggle selection modes (e.g., pickbox).
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Alternatives to 3DSCALE and when to use them

  • SCALE (2D): Use for planar objects and when you need simple uniform scaling in the current UCS. Good for 2D drawings and objects lying on a plane.
  • ALIGN: Use when you want to reposition and scale objects by matching two or three pairs of points. ALIGN can perform a uniform scale based on reference points.
  • Properties palette: For block references and many objects you can set exact Scale X / Scale Y / Scale Z values directly in the Properties window for precise numeric control.
  • REFEDIT / BEDIT: edit block definitions if you need to scale the block geometry itself (keeps the block reference behavior).
  • STRETCH or MOVE: Use for targeted geometry changes rather than global scaling.
  • SOLIDEDIT (for solids): Use solid Editing tools when scaling specific faces or performing modeling edits instead of global scale — better for parametric control.
  • Explode + SCALE: If a block prevents desired scaling, explode it (with caution) and scale the resulting entities.

Tips for reliable scaling in 3D

  • Before scaling, set the UCS to align the gizmo with the desired real‑world axes.
  • Use a clear base point: pick a meaningful anchor point so the resized object remains correctly positioned.
  • For precise numeric results, use the Properties palette or type exact scale factors rather than only dragging handles.
  • When scaling assemblies or groups, select all related parts to keep proportions between elements.
  • Keep a copy or use the COPY option (or do the operation on a duplicate) when experimenting to avoid irreversible changes.
  • If scaling a block you need to preserve, prefer editing the block definition rather than scaling the reference.
  • Check annotative objects and dimensions after scaling; update annotation scale or styles if needed.
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FAQ

Can I use 3DSCALE to scale blocks?

Yes — 3DSCALE can scale block references. However, block behavior may complicate results: annotative or parametric blocks and blocks with constraints might not scale as expected. To change the block’s internal geometry for all references, use BEDIT or edit the block definition instead.

How do I scale non‑uniformly along only one axis (e.g., Z)?

Align the UCS so that the axis you want to scale corresponds to an axis of the gizmo, then use 3DSCALE, pick the base point and drag or type the scale factor on the axis handle. Alternatively, use the Properties palette to set the object’s Scale Z value numerically.

Why doesn’t the 3D scale gizmo appear?

Common reasons: you’re not in a 3D view, the selected object type is incompatible, grips are disabled, or the UCS is misaligned. Switch to a 3D visual, enable grips, check UCS, and reselect the object.

Will scaling affect dimensions and annotation text?

Scaling geometry directly does not automatically update annotative objects or dimension text. Annotation in AutoCAD is controlled by annotation scale and styles. After scaling, check and adjust dimension styles or annotation settings rather than relying on geometric scaling.

Can I scale an XREF with 3DSCALE?

No — you cannot directly scale an attached XREF in the host drawing. To change an XREF’s scale: scale the source drawing, bind it as a block, or use an alternative workflow such as editing the source file and reloading.

Is 3DSCALE the same as SCALE?

No. SCALE is a 2D/3D command for uniform scaling and includes a Reference option; 3DSCALE provides a visual 3D gizmo and better control for scaling along individual axes in a 3D view.

My 3D solid becomes distorted after non‑uniform scaling. What should I do?

Non‑uniform scaling can distort parametric geometry and constraints. Consider using modeling tools (like SOLIDEDIT) to modify faces, or recreate the geometry with the desired proportions. Always keep a backup copy before applying non‑uniform scale.

How can I scale an object to a specific dimension (reference scaling)?

Use SCALE with the Reference option for precise scaling from a known length to a desired length, or use ALIGN with corresponding points and enable scaling when prompted. For 3D reference scaling, pick two points that represent the current dimension and provide the target dimension.

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