Scale modifies geometry size along coordinate axes using scaling factors. Use Scale for proportional resizing, asymmetric stretching, rapid design iteration, and adapting reference geometry to new dimensional requirements.
Options
Objects
Select what you want to resize.
X, Y, Z Scale Factors
Multiplier for each axis:
- 1.0 - No change
- > 1.0 - Bigger (2.0 doubles the size)
- < 1.0 - Smaller (0.5 halves the size)
- Negative - Mirrors and scales
Uniform Scale Factor
Use this to scale everything equally in all directions. When set, this overrides the individual X, Y, Z values:
- 2.0 - Doubles everything
- 0.5 - Halves everything
- 25.4 - Convert inches to millimeters
Global Coordinates
Enable (default) to scale from the world origin. Disable to scale from the object's own center.
Scaling Modes
Uniform Scaling
Use factor parameter to scale proportionally in all directions. Preserves shape, only changes overall size. Ideal for:
- Unit conversion (e.g., inches to millimeters: factor = 25.4)
- Creating similar parts at different scales
- Adapting catalog components to project scale
Non-Uniform Scaling
Specify different x, y, z factors to stretch geometry asymmetrically. Use for:
- Adapting oval profiles from circular references
- Stretching components to fit specific envelopes
- Creating families of related parts with varying aspect ratios
Design Applications
Unit Conversion
Convert imported geometry between unit systems:
- Import STEP file in inches, scale by 25.4 to millimeters
- Convert centimeter models to millimeters (factor = 10)
Design Variations
Rapidly create size variants:
- Generate small/medium/large versions (factors: 0.8, 1.0, 1.2)
- Create conforming parts at different scales
- Test dimensional sensitivity in assemblies
Reference Adaptation
Modify catalog or standard components:
- Stretch standard profiles to custom proportions
- Adapt reference geometry from different industries
- Create custom sizes from standard parts