Resizing a Layout Title Block and Border in Home Designer Pro


Reference Number: KB-01829
Last Modified: June 1, 2022

The information in this article applies to:

Home Designer Professional



QUESTION

I have a layout that meets my needs, but would like to make a copy using a different page size. I don't want to have to redraw the entire title block and border from scratch - is there an easier way?


ANSWER

You can quickly and easily resize a layout title block and border by selecting and resizing it.


To resize a title block and border

  1. Open  the layout file that you would like to assign a different page size.

    Layout drawing sheet with a title block and border


  2. Select File> Save As  from the menu and choose a location and a short, descriptive name for the new layout file.


  3. Select File> Print> Drawing Sheet Setup from the menu to open the Drawing Sheet Setup dialog for the current layout file.

    Drawing Sheet Setup dialog where the Drawing Sheet Size can be changed
                   
    • Specify the desired Drawing Sheet Orientation and Size.

      In this example, the Size is changed to ANSI A (8.5" x 11") or letter size.

    • Make sure the Drawing Scale is set to 1 = 1.

    • Click OK.

    • If you do not see a white rectangle surrounded by a grey background when you zoom out, select View> Drawing Sheet  from the menu.

      Note: For best results, make sure that the Printer Paper and Drawing Sheet have the same Size and Orientation. This will result in one printed page per sheet, as noted under the preview diagram on the right side of the dialog. The Printer paper size and orientation is specified on the Print View/Layout dialog. Select File> Print> Print to view this dialog.


  4. Starting with Home Designer Pro 2023, layout files consisting of up to 5 pages can be created. With multi-page layouts, it's ideal to modify the title block and border on Page 0 of the layout, as this is considered a layout template page. Everything that is generated on a layout template page will be replicated on each additional page of the layout. Navigate to Page 0 by clicking on the Page Down  tool on the toolbar until the current page is 0, or navigate to Tools> Layout> Change Layout Page, enter 0, then click OK.

    Go To Layout Page dialog



    In Home Designer 2022 and prior versions, layouts only consisted of a single page.


  5. Using the Select Objects tool, click and drag a selection box around the title block area. This will group select the title block and border, which is made up of CAD and text.

    Group selecting the title block and border


  6. At the top of the selected area is a small, round resize handle. Grab and drag this handle to scale the entire selection up or down in order to fit within the designated Drawing Sheet area.

    Use the Resize edit handle at the top of the group selection and move it up or down

    • If the rotate handle obscures the resize handle, zoom in or out until it becomes visible.

    • If you experience difficulty with the layout border snapping to the edge of the Drawing Sheet, hold the Ctrl or Command key on your keyboard to temporarily disable snapping while positioning.


  7. If necessary, use the move handle in the center to re-position the selection on the Drawing Sheet, or use File> Print> Center Sheet  to ensure it centers properly on the Drawing Sheet.

    Title block and border resized to fit a letter sized sheet of paper

    The blue border represents the printer margins that are specified in the Drawing Sheet Setup dialog. Anything located outside of the blue border will not be printed.