quick newbie question on dimensions/scaling

[Glenstr]

Greetings all, new to the board.

I have never used a CAD program, but was looking for one so I can modify a simple drawing and came upon DoubleCAD.

I build model planes, and I have a vector PDF drawing of a fuselage that is done to scale, I opened the file in FOXit pdf creator and their measurement tool confirmed the dimensions were correct (there is a 1" reference line). What I want to do is take a very simple drawing for a fuselage, and make some minor modifications to it, then use the drawing so I can use a laser cutter (someone I know has access to one) to cut out the new design.

I converted the file from pdf to dwg with an online converter, opened the file in DoubleCAD and managed to make the changes I wanted, which was lengthen the bottom line, change an angle and raise the motor mount etc.  Then I checked the dimensions with the Tools-Inquiry-Distance tool, and the one inch reference point on the drawing shows up as 25.4 inches.  How do I change this so that when I measure the 1 inch reference line it shows the correct distance? 

thanks

[Marek]

Check what settings you have for the import of DWG files. (see snap 3). Set as the snap 3 and then open your converted from  pdf to dwg drawing and then check the dimensions.

[Glenstr]

Thanks - tried that, and get the same result (see attachment) When I opened the file it was on drawing already. I thought I would make a few changes, then save it, convert to pdf with doubleCAD conversion and measure again with Foxit - but the pdf showed all lines except new ones as very faded, and distances were now much smaller - perhaps this is the wrong program for what I want to do?

[Marek]

Foxit can adjust the size of the drawing to size of printing page. Best to install yourself a free virtual printer (for example PDF Creator or PDFill PDF & Image Writer or ...) and  use it to print to PDF. You do everything as for normal prints and  only select virtual printer as a present. You set then print scale, paper size and so on and all should be  OK. If you want, you can attach a dwg file with which you are in trouble.

[caddguru]

Glenstr,

Please look into the SCALE command. You can find detailed information in the turbocadltepro.pdf documentation in page 799 under 16.2.6 Scaling Objects in Select Edit. Use uniform scaling and a factor of 1/25.4

Please ask follow up questions if you require more detailed instructions. Warm regards from Los Angeles,

Emmanuel