AutoCAD Paper Space : Layout environment for arranging views and performing print setups

This guide explains everything a beginner needs to use paper-space in AutoCAD: what it is, why and when to use it, step‑by‑step setup, editing techniques, common errors and fixes, alternative methods, practical tips and a FAQ.

What is paper‑space?

Paper‑space (also called Layout in newer AutoCAD versions) is the drawing environment used to arrange sheets for printing. In AutoCAD there are two main environments:

• Model‑space — where you create your geometry at real-world scale.
• Paper‑space — where you arrange views of the model, add title blocks, notes, dimensions and set up sheets for plotting/printing.

A paper‑space layout contains one or more viewports. Each viewport displays a view of model‑space at a specific scale and can have independent layer visibility and visual style.

Purpose and benefits of using paper‑space

• Create multiple print sheets (layouts) from a single model.
• Control plot scale per viewport without changing model geometry.
• Put title blocks, sheet notes and north arrows in paper‑space so they remain constant across viewports.
• Use Annotative objects or paper‑space annotations to ensure readable text and dimensions at plot scale.
• Produce consistent output using Page Setup and plot style Tables (CTB/STB).
• Manage complex projects with many sheets using sheet set Manager and layout templates.

Paper‑space vs Model‑space — main differences and workflow

• Draw in model-space at full/real scale. Use accurate units (mm, inch, etc.).
• Create layout tabs (paper-space) for each sheet size or drawing sheet.
• Insert the title block and create viewport(s) to frame parts of the model.
• Set each viewport to a specific scale (e.g., 1:50, 1:100) and add annotations in paper-space or use annotative objects in model-space.
• Plot from paper-space layouts (not directly from model-space), so you control final page size and settings.

Best practice: keep geometry and detailed drafting in model-space; keep final sheet text, logos and dimensions in paper-space (or use annotative styles where needed).

How to create and set up a layout (step‑by‑step)

1. Open the drawing and switch to a Layout tab (bottom of the AutoCAD window).
2. Right‑click the layout tab and choose Page Setup Manager → New (or Modify an existing setup).
   • Select a printer/plotter (or PDF), paper size, orientation.
   • Set Plot Area to Layout and choose Plot Scale (usually 1:1 when plotting from layout).
   • Assign a Plot Style Table (CTB/STB) if your office uses one.
3. Insert or draw your title block on the layout. Use blocks or attach a sheet template (DWT).
4. Create viewports:
   • Use the MVIEW command (or the Viewports panel → Rectangular).
   • Draw a rectangular (or polygonal) viewport in paper‑space where you want the model view.
5. Switch inside a viewport:
   • Double‑click inside the viewport or use MSPACE to enter model‑space within that viewport.
   • Zoom/pan to the desired model area.
   • Set the viewport scale using the scale list (status bar or viewport properties). Example: set scale to 1:50.
6. Lock the viewport:
   • With the viewport selected, set Display Locked = Yes in Properties to avoid accidental zooming.
7. Add annotations and dimensions:
   • Put sheet notes, revision clouds and title block text in paper‑space.
   • For dimensions that must scale with viewports, use annotative dimension/text styles in model‑space or create dimensions in paper‑space (preferred for sheet‑specific notes).
8. Set layer visibility per viewport:
   • Use VP Freeze in layer properties Manager to hide layers only inside a specific viewport.
9. Plot or Export:
   • Use Plot or Publish to print or Export to PDF. Use Plot Preview to verify output.

Editing paper‑space: common operations

• Move/resize a viewport: select the viewport frame and drag grips or change its boundary.
• Unlock a viewport: Properties → Display Locked = No to pan/zoom inside it.
• Change viewport scale: select viewport → Properties → Standard Scale or enter scale in viewport scale list.
• Freeze layers in a viewport: Layer Properties Manager → toggle VP Freeze for the viewport.
• Override viewport properties (color, linetype, lineweight): use Layer Overrides in the Layer Properties Manager for that viewport.
• Change visual style per viewport: while active in the viewport (MSPACE), set the visual style (2D Wireframe, Hidden, Realistic).
• Clip viewport to irregular shape: use VPCLIP to create non‑rectangular viewport boundaries.

Common errors and fixes

• Problem: Text or dimensions are too large/small when plotted.
  • Fix: Use annotative text/dimension styles or create annotations in paper‑space at actual plotted height.
  • Check the viewport scale is correct and the viewport is locked after setting.
• Problem: Viewport shows blank or missing objects.
  • Fix: Confirm layer is not turned off or VP Frozen. Check object is in the model in the visible area and try REGEN.
• Problem: Viewport scale resets after plotting.
  • Fix: Lock the viewport. Ensure you use the correct Standard Scale in Properties and avoid zooming inside unlocked viewport.
• Problem: Dashed/dotted lines look wrong in print.
  • Fix: Use a proper Linetype scale: set LTSCALE, PSLTSCALE and MSLTSCALE appropriately or use viewport‑specific linetype scale adjustments.
• Problem: Fonts change in PDF or text becomes geometry.
  • Fix: Embed fonts when plotting to PDF or use TrueType fonts supported by the plotting driver, or use the “shrink/merge text” settings in your PDF printer.
• Problem: Dimensions don’t update when scale changes.
  • Fix: Use annotative dimensions or recreate dimensions in paper‑space. Check DIMLFAC and dimension style settings.
• Problem: Plot style (lineweights/colors) not applied.
  • Fix: Verify correct CTB/STB is assigned in Page Setup and that Plot object lineweights is enabled.

Useful commands: MVIEW, MS/PSPACE, VPCLIP, REGEN, LAYER, LTSCALE, PSLTSCALE, ANNOMONITOR, SCALELISTEDIT, PLOT, PUBLISH.

Alternative methods and advanced tips

• Use annotative objects (text, dimensions, hatches) so a single model‑space object displays correctly at multiple scales in multiple viewports.
• Create named views in model‑space (VIEW command) and restore them inside viewports for consistent framing.
• Use Layout templates (DWT) to standardize title blocks, layers and page setups across projects.
• Combine multiple viewports on one sheet to show overall plan + detail views at different scales.
• Use Sheet Set Manager (SSM) to organize many layouts and publish sheets in batches.
• Use Viewports on a dedicated layer for easy show/hide and locking.
• For complex projects with Xrefs, use XREF overlays or attachments and control visibility per viewport.
• Batch export layouts to PDF: use PUBLISH and select all layouts with a preconfigured page setup.

Quick cheat‑sheet: prepare a single sheet in 10 steps

1. Set model units and drawing scale.
2. Open a Layout tab.
3. Apply or create a Page Setup (paper size, plotter, CTB).
4. Insert or draw title block.
5. Create viewport(s) using MVIEW.
6. Enter viewport (MSPACE), pan/zoom to area.
7. Set viewport scale and lock it.
8. Add paper‑space annotations and revision block.
9. Use VP Freeze to hide unwanted layers in the viewport.
10. Use Plot Preview → adjust and Plot or Publish to PDF.

Tips to increase productivity and avoid mistakes

• Start each project from a template (DWT) with preconfigured page setups, title blocks and annotative styles.
• Keep a Viewport layer that you can freeze to hide all viewport frames when plotting.
• Use Match Properties to copy annotation styles between objects.
• Use the Scale List to keep only the scales you need (SCALELISTEDIT).
• Lock viewports to prevent accidental zooming and wrecking scale.
• Use Publish for batch printing multiple sheets to a single PDF.
• Maintain consistent layer naming and plot style standards across your office.

How do I print two different scales on the same sheet?

You can place multiple viewports on the same layout. Set each viewport to its required standard scale (e.g., 1:100 and 1:50). Use annotative text or put sheet annotations in paper‑space to remain uniform.

Why do my dimensions change size when I change viewport scale?

If dimensions were created in model‑space without annotative property, they won’t scale automatically. Use annotative dimension styles or create dimensions in paper‑space at the final plotted size.

How can I export all layouts to a single PDF?

Use the PUBLISH command, select all layouts, choose a Page Setup for each (or use a named page setup), and select a PDF plotter. This will produce a single multi‑page PDF.

Can I draw everything in paper‑space instead of model‑space?

Technically yes, but it’s not recommended. Paper‑space is intended for sheet composition. Drawing in model‑space keeps geometry at real scale, is better for data exchange, and works more reliably with external references (XREFs).

Why is a layer visible in one viewport but not in another?

Layer visibility can be controlled per viewport using VP Freeze. Check the Layer Properties Manager for viewport‑specific freezing or if the layer is off/frozen globally.

How do I fix dashed linetypes that print as solid?

Adjust linetype scaling: set LTSCALE and PSLTSCALE (set PSLTSCALE = 1 for paper‑space scaling). You might also need to adjust the MSLTSCALE or create a viewport‑specific linetype scale.

How do I keep the title block from moving between sheets?

Place the title block in paper‑space (not inside a viewport). If you use title block blocks, insert them on a locked layer and avoid editing that layer in model‑space.

What is the best practice for dimension placement — model or paper space?

Use annotative dimensions in model‑space when you need dimensions tied to model geometry at multiple scales. Use paper‑space dimensions when dimensions are sheet specific and should always be plotted at a fixed size.