Creating a CAD Title Block

Overview

This lecture covers creating a title block in CAD using a standard 8.5 x 11 paper, customizing layers, and saving your setup as a reusable drawing template.

Drawing the Title Block

• Draw a rectangle from (0,0) to (11,8.5) to represent standard letter-size paper.
• Use the offset command to create a drawing area inset by 0.3 inches from the border.
• Explode the rectangle to separate its lines, allowing individual line manipulation.
• Offset the bottom line up by 1 inch, and then offset again by 0.375 inches for additional rows.
• Use the line command and snapping tools to find and mark the center and divide sections for text.

Adding and Formatting Text

• Use the MText (multi-line text) command to insert fields like drawing name, units, your name, class/company name, date, and scale.
• Set text height (e.g., 0.1875"), justification (e.g., middle center), and use upper-case letters for drafting standards.
• Copy and edit text boxes for consistency across fields.

Setting Up Paper Space and Layouts

• Switch to layout (paper space) to format what prints.
• Delete viewports and use the Page Setup Manager to ensure correct paper size (e.g., ANSI A for 8.5x11 or ANSI B for 11x17).
• Copy the title block from model space and paste it in the layout, aligning corners precisely.
• Use the stretch command to resize the title block for different paper sizes.

Creating and Managing Layers

• Add construction, hidden, and center line layers, assigning distinct colors for clarity.
• Set appropriate line types for each layer, such as dashed for hidden lines and long-short-long for center lines.
• Rename layers to describe their function for easy organization.

Saving as a Drawing Template

• Save your setup as a drawing template (.dwt) so future drawings retain the title block and layers.
• Name the template descriptively and include a brief description.
• Access templates from the Start menu and double-click text to update for new projects.

Key Terms & Definitions

• Offset Command — Creates parallel lines at a specified distance from the original.
• Explode Command — Breaks a connected object into its component lines.
• MText Command — Adds and formats multi-line text in CAD drawings.
• Paper Space/Layout — Area representing the printable drawing sheet.
• Layer — Organizational tool for managing different types of lines or content in a drawing.
• Drawing Template (.dwt) — File that stores pre-set drawing settings for reuse.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Save your customized title block and layers as a drawing template for future projects.
• Practice editing template text fields for new drawings.
• Set up essential layers with appropriate colors and line types.