QCAD.org Forum

Mac OS Monterey Version 12.7.6
QCAD Professional Version: 3.32.3.0 (3.32.3)

I'm a newbie to QCAD. Had MiniCAD years ago, and it is similar. I've drawn a multi-layer house plan and elevations but the only way I can get a white drawing background is to click the toolbar button "Auto fit drawing to page." If I change the drawing scale to fit the page, dimensions don't work. Is Auto fit drawing to page the best way to get a white background?

Outside of the page the background remains gray, even though the background color here: "Edit > Application Preferences > Graphics View > Colors > Graphics View > Background", is set to White. Choosing any other background color makes no difference either.

There is probably some tutorial detail I missed. I still need to learn Viewports. Any suggestions appreciated.
Thanks,
Alan

Hi,

We typically design on a darker background what is more gentle for your eyes in the long run.
White paper reflects all ambient light, a monitor emits hard white light.
The on-screen contrast with the line-art is much better on a darker background.
QCAD automatically prevents 'White on White and Black on Black' by preference.

The preference you show is the background color in design mode, the background of Model_Space and all regular Blocks.
'There is no arguing about colors and tastes' but you already use a darker theme for the same reasons.
Also remark that the background of this forum is not white (Except when composing)


Model_space is about endless in all 4 directions.
How that is presented on a page with a limited size is a whole other story.
Please refer to Printing and PDF Export
You may also explore Working with Layout Blocks and Viewports

When switching to Print Preview mode or automatically when editing a Layout Block a limited size page is involved.
The GUI then shows the layout on paper.
What is on the gray area is outside the page and what is on white is on the page.
This is not really limited to white paper sheets, see menu Edit .. Drawing Preferences .. Printing .. Colors .. Background

"Auto fit drawing to page(s)" does the following:
- Calculates an upright rectangular box around all visible drawing content.
- Figures out a best matching paper scale so that all content within the box is on the page(s) withing the paper borders.
- It does not adapt for Portrait or Landscape automatically.

The current paper scale or 'Drawing scale' is displayed in the Scale option on the Options Toolbar when in Print Preview mode.
Also stored as Viewport scale in the Drawing Preferences together with the coordinate of the lower left corner.

That may not be a nice rounded value or the intended paper scale like 1:100 or so.
Then set the desired (exact) paper scale and use "Auto Center" for example.
It may then not all fit on one page ...

When scaled down to fit on a page remark that it is essentially the page size that is virtually scaled up.

Regards,
CVH

Concerning: 'dimensions inaccurate' and 'If I change the drawing scale to fit the page, dimensions don't work'

Please attach the drawing file so we can help you more efficiently.

If considered too confidential for a public forum then attaching it to a Private Message is an option.
The easiest way is to click on a username and take it from there.

Regards,
CVH

Hi Alan,

It appears that you missed the reply sent by PM during your visit on Fri Aug 22 2025 14:46.
The reply is still in my outbox since Mon Aug 18, 2025 12:54 pm.

Please see top right, click on Private messages and take it from there.

Perhaps of interest is configuring your account to mail a notification on receiving a PM.

Regards,
CVH