AutoCAD - Use A Different Scale For X, Y & Z

AutoCAD provides a SCALE command that can be useful when we want to scale a drawing by a constant factor. On some occasions, we may want to use a different factor for each axis. A typical example is when we have a model where the dimensions in the plan are in millimetres but the elevations are specified in metres, and we want to convert it to metres for all three axes.

The following simple workflow will help us achieve that goal:

  • Select the entities that you want to scale and type BLOCK in the command line to convert them into a block.
  • Give it a name and select all the relevant options, making sure that Scale uniformly remains un-ticked.

  • Press Ctrl + 1 if the AutoCAD PROPERTIES palette is not showing, and select the newly created block.
  • In the Geometry section of the block properties, change the fields Scale X, Scale Y and Scale Z to the values you require:

The block will automatically update to the scale factors that have been selected. If you don’t want it to stay as a block, you can just select it and type X in the command line. That will explode the block and the original entities will come back to the drawing, now scaled with the factors previously selected.

We hope you found this tip useful. Check back on our blog for more tips & tricks to keep you productive.

We offer a number of different AutoCAD training courses aimed at different levels and skillsets.

If you want to find out more about this topic, please call us on 0345 370 1500 and ask for the CAD Support Team.


What’s New in AutoCAD 2027: A Guide to the Latest Features

25 March 2026

AutoCAD 2027 introduces new tools to improve collaboration, drawing accuracy, and productivity, including Autodesk Forma data management integration, Geometry Cleanup, and the AI‑powered Autodesk Assistant. In this guide, we highlight the key AutoCAD 2027 updates and explain how they support more efficient, connected workflows for design teams.

What’s New in Revit Structure 2027: A Guide to the Latest Features

25 March 2026

Autodesk's 2027 release continues its focus on deepening Revit's structural capabilities, with meaningful updates across reinforced concrete, analytical modelling, and steel detailing. Here's a technical breakdown of what's changed and what it means for your workflows and productivity.