AutoCAD Drawing Template Setup

Introduction

• Overview of setting up a drawing template in AutoCAD.
• Steps involved in the setup process.

Initial Setup

• Open the file in AutoCAD:
  • Use 'New' or 'Browse Templates' to select the template.
  • Choose 'AutoCAD Name Plot Styles', avoid 'ACAD'.
• Save the file:
  • Change the format to DWT.
  • Save location: either back in the template folder or on the desktop.
  • Basic information setup: leave it as is.

Layer Setup

• Access the layer dialog box in AutoCAD.
• Keep the 'zero' layer.
• Add new layers:
  • Hidden Layer:
    • Color: Yellow.
    • Line Type: Hidden 2.
    • Line Weight: 0.3.
  • Loading and selecting line types:
    • Load 'Hidden 2'; ensure it's selected.
• Def Points Layer: Automatically created with the first dimension.
• Viewport Layer:
  • Color: Light Gray.
  • Set to 'Do Not Print'.

Plot Style

• After creating layers, select them:
  • Change plot style to 'monochrome' and select 'style 1'.
  • Ensures black and white printing regardless of screen color.

Layout Configuration

• Access layout settings:
  • Use Ctrl+P or print icon for settings.
  • Set to 'AutoCAD PDF General'.
  • Paper Size: 11 x 8.5, Landscape.
  • Print layout: 1 to 1 scale.
  • Set to monochrome.
  • Apply settings to layout without printing.

Viewport Management

• Dotted line indicates print area.
• Manage viewport:
  • Turn off in viewport layer or delete it.
• Rename layout:
  • Slow double-click or right-click to rename to 'Layout A'.

Text and Dimensions

• Text sizes:
  • 0.06 for general text.
  • 0.12 for names, revs, scales.
  • 0.25 for titles, company names.
• Text formatting:
  • Middle justified between two points.
  • Adjust width factor to 0.9.

Additional Features

• Fields for date, time, and save location:
  • Optional but useful for tracking.

Layout 2 Configuration

• Create a copy:
  • Right-click tab, 'Move and Copy', create a copy.
• Changes for Layout 2:
  • Change name to 'NCB'.
  • Stretch file dimensions:
    • Add 5 inches horizontally.
    • Add 2.5 inches vertically.
  • Ensure correct size and centering.

Conclusion

• Submit screenshots of both layouts.
• Reflect on learning outcomes and any remaining questions.

Final Notes

• Reach out for questions or issues.
• Good luck with the setup process.