About Model Space and Layout (AutoCAD Mechanical Toolset)

AutoCAD distinguishes between two levels of drawing representation. Model space (construction plane) and layout (display-, or plotting plane). This functionality enables the construction drawing, or parts of it, to appear in different scale factors within the drawing.

Working in Model Space

Model space is like a drawing sheet. A model-like image of the producing parts appears on this sheet.

Working in Layout

From the status bar you, can switch to the second level, which lies in front of the model space. This is the layout level. You can recognize it with the triangle symbol. It covers the model space like a sheet of paper.

To see the model space, cut windows (viewports) into the paper. You can assign attributes (like a scale factor or layer attributes) to these windows.

The dimensioning inside the viewports adjusts automatically to the selected scale factor. Text, symbols, and arrow sizes correspond to the standard. You can create detail views of parts of the drawing . In contrast to the detail in model space, the zoomed display of the detail is not a copied element; it is the original part.