CAD Tips and Technique

Tips to help you produce a better AutoCAD drawing.

• Draw everything to full (actual) scale in model space.
• Draw accurately, and use Object Snaps and Ortho toggle.
• Use Associative Hatching and Dimensioning.
• Use the Spell Checker before printing.
• Do regular Saves and always save your drawing before printing. Set your ‘savetime’ to under 1 min.
• Place entities on its own layer. Do not draw on layer 0.
• Use colour to represent line weight and adjust the widths of pens in the plotter. You can also use the Lineweight options to accomplish the same result. The trick is to be consistant throughout the drawing, project or even the office.
• DO NOT Explode Attributes or Dimensions. Use the appropriate editing tool to make changes. In 2000i and above, just double-click on the object you want to edit, AutoCAD will open the correct editor for the selected object.
• When using layouts (paper space), keep it simple. Use model space for everything that has a scale and relates to these objects like dimensions, notes, etc.
  Use layouts and paper space (PS) for setting up your sheets to plot. The only objects placed in PS, are the title block, title block information, notes not related to the object, and viewports. Set the scale and layer visibility in the viewports, and plot everything 1 to 1. Remember, Keep it simple. You may have to pass the drawing on to your boss.
• Never open a drawing from a floppy. You will crash AutoCAD.
• Defragment your computer's harddrive once a week to keep AutoCAD and windows running smoothly.
• Keep your boss away from your computer. (Just joking.)

Links

AutoCAD 2008 Tips and Tricks

Tips & Tricks for AutoCAD LT 2008 - by Lynn Allen

Tips & Tricks Online - AutoCAD2008 - by Lynn Allen

Cadd Digest

Autodesk DWF

Blue beam