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Topics covered in this Lesson:

Creating and Using AutoCAD Template Files

Whether you know it not, you have already used templates to begin a new drawing. AutoCAD
uses a template every time it starts up. If you do not designate your own template, AutoCAD
will use a default one.

A template is a drawing file that includes some of the following settings:

Unit type and precision (DDRMODES)

Drawing limits (LIMITS)

Snap, Grid, and Ortho settings (Status Bar)

Layer organization (LA)

Title blocks (Tutorial (../level_2/title-block-with-attributes-in-autocad-tutorial.htm))

Dimension and text styles (DDIM, ST)

Linetypes (LT)

Common blocks (Tutorial (../level_2/blocks-in-autocad-2-2.htm))

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In most cases, you do not want to set these things every time you begin a drawing. By having a
template with all of these parameters pre-set, you can work more efficiently, faster and
consistently. There is no difference between a template file (DWT) and regular DWG other than
the extension.

Most CAD businesses use a company-wide template that is updated from time to time. This is
done to maintain CAD standards through the company. Imagine if 50 different designers each
used a different set of layers and blocks.

Occasionally, you will use a client's template. When you start a project, you will be told which
template you are to use.

Creating a Template
To create a template drawing, you first have to set up any parameters (listed above) that you
feel you would need in a regular drawing. Once you have this, you can save your drawing as a
template. Do to this, press CTRL+SHIFT+S to get the Save As' option.

You will see this dialog box:

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You have to change the Files of type' setting from a DWG file to a DWT (template) file.

Once you've changed this, make sure you save it in the folder where you can load it later. You'll
then be asked to add a description and other information in the next small dialog box.
Remember - you might not be the only using this file - so give as much information as you can.
It's a great habit to learn.

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You can also use the Saveas icon at the top of the AutoCAD window.

To use the template for a new drawing, type NEW or press CTRL+N to start a new file and
select the template you want.

Video: AutoCAD Template Files

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Take the Lesson 4-1 Quiz

What is the file extension for a template?

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DWT

DWG

TEM

(autocad-template-files-4-1.htm#quiz)

For Further Thought:

As you work through this level you'll learn a number of concepts that you will need to know
about in your daily drafting. These are subjects that didn't fit in with the 'flow' of the other levels,
so I have grouped them into a separate level.
This doesn't mean that they aren't as important as some of the other tools you've learned. In
fact, these last lessons are the ones that will give you a more rounded AutoCAD eduction. As
you work through them, try to think of the bigger picture of how they might fit into the type of
drafting you plan to do.

Do you like what you just learned?

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