In previous tutorial, we have prepared and set our default template. It might cross your mind, why would bother creating a template? We can use tool palettes to create our objects without having to creating any layers or styles.
One, templates can hold more information than palettes. And there are some objects you need to create without using palettes. Two, we can use it to define our CAD Standard.
When we created our template, basically it holds every common information we use in our company. So every body can use it without creating other layers or styles we have set. But when we are working in a large group, some of them might ‘violate’ the company standards. We can associate our files to cad standard file(s) to manage this. It will be easier if we have the same content in cad standard and in our template.
Create a new file using our template. You don’t need to create anything, save it as dws.
Alternatively, if you already have a drawing file that you consider as standard, you can open it and save it as dws. But remember, the best practice is having your template the same as your standard. Imagine if your dwt have different layers that’s not defined in dws. Every time you start your drawing, you will get a warning that your drawing violating your company standard!
OK, now we have define a file to be referenced as a standard. Now we can configure and tell AutoCAD to use it.
Cad standard configuration is file specific. It means when you have active drawing now, associate it to a dws file… When you create a new file, the new file is no longer associated to that dws. If we want every new file we created to be associated to that dws, what should we do? Correct! We can define it in our template!
Open your template (dwt) file. On AutoCAD ribbon> manage tab> Cad Standard section, select Configure.
Click on the + button, and add your dws file. Click OK.
Save your template. From now on, every time you create a new file using that template, it’s already associated to your dws file.
So how cad standard works? Try to create a new layer, give it a random name. You will see AutoCAD is showing a pop up on lower left of your screen. Warning you that you are violating standard.
Click on Run Check Standards. AutoCAD will open a check standards dialog box. It will show you what’s the problem. You can move that object to other layer that conform your standard. Simply select it from the list, and click Fix.
Until AutoCAD 2010, cad standard only able to check these following styles:
- Dimension styles
- Layers
- Line types
- Text Styles
I know it’s limited, but it’s a start. I expect we can see more in the future.
There are a lot of resources why we should use standard. I won’t discuss about it here. When you serious about productivity, you should have implement cad standard.
We are getting closer to use the AutoCAD magic. After this we will prepare our schedule template with data extraction. Then we will test our workflow. Be prepared!
After creating the standard file is there a way I can go back and edit it without the Standards Violation popping up?
I have learnt a lot from your tutorials except that I cant still use the stretch command in the dynamic block. Is there another way of drawing a dynamic door?
L.Chongo.
Try searching wikipedia for "CAD Standards". There's a selection.
Thanks a lot!
I'm a SMP designer in EPCM. I find my work to be very laborious due to my limited skill and understanding of Autocad. I like to develop my skills to work smarter instead. I can certainly see the potetial in your tips and tutorials to increase workflow and productivity. Thanks for sharing you knowledge, much appreciated.
Sir where can I find the standards? I mean what linetype should be used on a certain object.. Color.. layers… etc.? thanks