Marking a Ratio Using a Measurement, Parameter, or Calculation

Marking a Scale Factor Using a Measurement, Parameter, or Calculation

1. Select a measurement, parameter, or calculation to be the scale factor. This value must be a pure number with no units (such as inches or degrees) associated with it.

2. Choose Mark Scale Factor from the Transform menu.

You can also mark a scale factor after choosing Dilate. With the Dilate dialog box open, click on a measurement, parameter, or calculation that has no units.

The selection will flash briefly to confirm that your measurement, parameter, or calculation has been marked.

If the magnitude of the value you marked as a scale factor is less than 1, the dilation will shrink objects toward the marked center. If the value’s magnitude is greater than 1, the dilation will expand objects away from the marked center. If the scale factor is less than 0, image objects will be dilated “through the center,” appearing on the opposite side of the center as their pre-images.