Locked Viewports Zoom Out with Reference Template

January 12, 2026 Ryan Wunderlich

Applies to:
Civil 3D 2025 and 2026

Issue:
When you open a drawing or attach a reference template while active in a locked or unlocked viewport, the viewport zooms out.

Before attaching or opening (if it’s active):
 

After attaching (while active in a viewport) or after opening the file:
 

Causes:
This is a specific issue when the all of the following conditions apply:
1.    You are active in a locked or unlocked Model Space viewport in a layout tab
2.    The UCS is rotated
3.    You either attach a reference template while active in the model space viewport or reopen the drawing with that viewport still active.
It occurs in most drawings, but not every drawing that meets the criteria above.

It is currently under investigation by Autodesk and logged as defect CPR-922

Solution:
Currently the only solution is to make sure you are not active in a viewport before closing a drawing with a reference template or do not attach one while in an active viewport.  You can always unlock the viewport and reset the scale and relock.

About the Author

Ryan Wunderlich

Support Team Manager - AEC Team<br><br>An AutoCAD Certified Professional, Ryan is responsible for taking client cases and assisting with issues with the software - everything from regular glitches to software deployments and whatever else goes wrong. He's proficient in AutoCAD-based software, Revit, Navisworks, 3ds Max, customization of software and deployments, LISP and VBA Coding

Follow on Linkedin More Content by Ryan Wunderlich
Previous Article
Plotting Defect in AutoCAD-based 2026 Products
Plotting Defect in AutoCAD-based 2026 Products

There is a specific plotting behavior with the AutoCAD-based 2026 software when using anything but the stan...

Next Article
ACC:  Naming Standard - Mandatory vs. Optional Fields
ACC: Naming Standard - Mandatory vs. Optional Fields

×

Get Tips Delivered.

Subscribe to Email Updates.

First Name
Last Name
Country
Thank you!
Error - something went wrong!