Resizing a Layout Title Block and Border


Reference Number: KB-02862
Last Modified: July 18, 2025

QUESTION

I have a layout template file that I would like to customize the page size for, but I don't want to have to redraw the title block and border. Is there a quick or easy method to resize this information? 


ANSWER

The title block and border consist of CAD objects and text, and they can easily be group selected and resized.


To resize a title block and border

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

    In this example, the default layout template layout is used. For U.S. Units (Imperial), the default layout template is ArchD 24x36 Layout Template.layout, while for Metric Units, the default layout template is ISO1A 594x841 Layout Template.layout. 

    Layout showing a title block and border


  2. From the menu, select File> Print> Drawing Sheet Setup .

    Setting up the layout drawing sheet
                   
    • Specify the desired Drawing Sheet Orientation and Size.

      In this example, the size was changed to ANSI B (11" x 17").

    • Make sure Show Drawing Sheet in View is checked.

    • Make sure the Drawing Scale is 1 in = 1 in.

    • Click OK to close the dialog and apply your changes.


  3. Navigate to Page 0 and use the Fill Window , and/or Zoom  tools as needed so that you can see title block and border, along with the white, rectangular Drawing Sheet Boundary in its entirety.


  4. With the Select Objects  arrow selected, click and drag a selection box around the title block area. Be sure not to include the Drawing Sheet in the selection.

    Note: If you're unable to select the entire title block, open your Preferences and browse to the Edit panel. Here, you'll want to ensure that under Marquee Selection, Select Intersected Objects is selected. 

    Selecting the title block and border


  5. With the title block contents and the title border selected, use the topmost edit handle and drag inwards to scale the entire selection to fit within the designated Drawing Sheet area.

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


    Resizing the title block and border


  6. If necessary, adjust the title block and border further, or use File> Print> Center Sheet  to ensure that everything is centered properly on the Drawing Sheet.

    Layout showing a title block and border


  7. To save the customized layout file as a layout template, select File> Save As Template  or within the Project Browser , right-click on your layout file, and choose Save as Template from the contextual menu when you're using Project Management.

    In X16 and prior, select File> Templates> Save As Template 

    Note: On a Mac, hold down the Control key while clicking to initiate a right-click command. More information about right-click commands on Apple input devices can be found in the following Apple resource: Right-click on Mac.

  8. In the Save as Template dialog that displays:

    Save as Layout Template dialog where objects can be deleted

    • Check the box beside each category of object or data that you want to delete from the current file.

    • Check Set Template as Default for U.S. Units/Metric Layouts to use the new template as your default template whenever a new layout is created. 

    • Check Open New Layout After Saving Template if you'd like to create a new layout right away.

    • Click OK.


  9. Give the new layout template a short, descriptive name, as well as a location, if given the option, then click OK or Save

When using Project Management in X17, the template will be located in your Plan and Layout Templates folder within the Project Browser.

In X16 and prior, or when using Traditional File Management in X17, the program will automatically save the template to the program's Templates directory on your computer unless a different location is chosen. 

To learn more about templates, please see the Related Articles section below.