PURPOSE:

To maintain consistency across all Drawings, Sketches and

Information Documents produced throughout Company’s offices
For consistency the documents should:

• Be identified and legible.

• Contain accurate information.
• Have a uniform presentation and format.
• Meet any other requirements of the COMPANY QUALITY Management
System.
• Share Knowledge and Build Team.
SCOPE:

Standardisation of cad Drawings throughout COMPANY offices the following entity placement
within cad files are considered as best practices.
In Paper space Drawing Title block Frame (preferably as an xref)
Attributed Title block text (preferably as a single block)
Legend (preferably as an xref)
Notes (preferably as an xref)
Revision clouds / hold clouds and tags
Bar scales
In Model space All other entities
No entity is to be drawn on layer 0 (zero) except block inserts.
Xrefs shall be placed on the Layer XREF

It is also recommended that all elements in xrefs are drawn using the BYLAYER method. (i.e.. by
layer Colour and by layer Line type).
It is allowable for cad files that are not to be used as xrefs (eg. detail drawings) to be drawn by the
BYENTITY method.

The AutoCAD commands 'ucs' and 'ucsfollow' should be used to set the viewing angle/rotation of
the xref(s) in model space.

All xrefs shall have the 'basepoint' set to 0,0,0 and the ltscale set to 1.
 TEMPLATE
EXTERNAL REFERENCE USAGE (XREF)
DYNAMIC BLOCKS & USAGE (BLOCK EDITOR)
INCREASE DRAFTING FREQUENCY
INTRODUCTION TO AUTOLISP/VISUAL LISP
UNIQUE CAD ENVIRONMENT DESKTOP
LAYER CONTROL (MODEL & VIEWPORT)
INTERFACE WITH MS EXCEL
PROFILE CUTTING
EXCAVATION PLAN
AREA, EARTHWORK, BOQ CALCULATION
CHECK/UPDATE/MAINTAIN RECORD
 THE TEMPLATE

The drawing template is either client specified or as per company standards hence
cannot be exploded/distorted and only be externally referenced/attached to drawing,
because if after delivery of several drawings client or company requires to change
some fields mentioned in template (if any) then only user have to change in xref file
which results to each individual drawings without manual change.
Describing in brief Template has four major section among which first comes Title
Block where we define what the drawing document is about, so this can be revealed
through attribute block, the Title block is usual attribute Block containing variables so
that user can use single block with variable values described later, next section defines
the Revision Block, team members and date of each revision/submission likewise Title
Block this may also contain variables hence a Revision Block with variable attributes
will be suitable, In addition two new section has been introduced in Template and that
is File Location and Last Save time for easy query in Hard drive of Computer, These
fields are automatically updated with each save and upon alteration of path. So there
is no issue of memorizing the document.
 TEMPLATE OVERVIEW

Auto updated save time

Title Block Container

Revision Block Container

Auto updated location

TITLE BLOCK CONTAINER
FILLING OF ATTRIBUTES IN TITLE BLOCK
 FILLING OF ATTRIBUTES IN REVISION BLOCK

REVISION BLOCK CONTAINER WITH FILLED ATTRIBUTES

 AUTO UPDATED FIELDS

Auto update fields is an AutoCAD Diesel Expression continued with

Remote Text (Rtext AutoCAD command). Actually the field Contains
AutoCAD System Variable namely <<dwgprefix>> in conjunction with
<<dwgname>> There are various usage of system variableS, in fact
all environment settings are adjusted by varying its values,
Explanation of such variables is beyond scope at this time hence it
may be introduced that we can insert one of them according to use.
 Xrefs (External Reference Files in AutoCAD)
An X-ref is an ‘external reference' to another AutoCAD drawing file. One file can
reference many other files and display them as if they were one. These are used in
larger projects for many reasons:

• They keep the file sizes down.

• They allow many users to work on individual components of a
project.
• X-ref's can be updated, added, or unattached from the main
drawing at any time.
• You can X-ref drawings that they themselves X-ref other
drawings (nesting).

In these days of networks and the Internet, many projects are produced this way.
People from anywhere in the world can collaborate on a project in real time.
 The first thing to do is to ATTACH the X-
ref. This means that you are linking
another drawing to your current one.
Do this by starting the XREF (XR)
command. When you start the
command, you will see the palette
shown on the left.
To attach an Xref, click on the "Attach
DWG" button on the top left. (Note that
you can also Xref Image files and DWF's)

The "Select Reference File" window will open: select a file and press Open. When you
do this, you will see another dialog box appear.
Once you find the file, decide whether you want it to be an attachment or an overlay. An overlay will not
include any of the nested X-ref's that the file may contain. Below that section are the insertion
parameters. You have a choice of either defining them on-screen, or using standard defaults in the
dialog box. Once you make you decisions, press OK.
Finish the Attachment by following the prompts on the command. You'll see that it is similar to
inserting a block.
After inserting the Xref, you will see that the Xref Palette is updated with the new Xref.
Now that you have an X-ref, there are more options for you if you right-click the
filename of the Xref.
ATTACH – Attaches another X-ref.
DETATCH – Detaches the selected X-ref.
RELOAD – Updates the selected X-ref - use this if the Xref was changed.
UNLOAD – Removes the X-ref, but retains the reference for future use.
BIND – Permanently attaches a loaded X-ref, so that it is part of the drawing.
The insertion point is very important. Everyone on a project must be working on the same set of coordinates and
insert points..
When you attach and X-ref, you insert that file's layers and blocks. AutoCAD creates new layer names based on
the filename and layer name of the X-ref. In AutoCAD R14, you have a limit of 31 characters for these names. If
you exceed that number, your X-ref will not load.
When you print, AutoCAD will automatically reload the attached X-refs.
If a file is moved from a location that AutoCAD expects to find it, you can browse for a new path, without having
to re-attach the X-ref.
Recent versions have added more functionality to Xrefs. You can edit them in the drawing (as opposed to having
to open the original file). To do this, just select the Xref in the drawing and right-click.
As you can see, there are other options to Open the Xref, Clip it (crop it down) or open
the Xref Manager.
One problem in the past was the if a co-worker changed an Xref that was attached to
your drawing, you didn't know and could keep working on the wrong information. Later
versions of AutoCAD alert you when an Xref in your drawing has been modified by
someone else.

Keep in mind that Xref’s are important and used in any major project.
 DYNAMIC BLOCKS

• EASY TO MANIPULATE AS THEY ARE UNIFIED.

• PROVIDE CONSISTENCY FOR STANDARDS PARTS AND DETAILS.

• REDUCE DRAWING FILE SIZE AS EACH BLOCK IS A SINGLE DATA REFERENCE.

What Are Dynamic Blocks?
They are blocks that can have a variable appearance and placement using grip
constraints. Dynamic Blocks are flexible and intelligent. They can automatically align
themselves with existing geometry. They can have multiple insertion points. They can
change visibility, representing multiple versions in one block instead of inserting
multiple variations, and you can edit the geometry without exploding them. This
enables you to modify the appearance of individual block references rather than
searching for other block definitions to insert or redefining the existing ones.
Why Should I Use Dynamic Blocks?
Blocks, an essential part of nearly any drawing, are used to represent real-world
objects. Different variations of real-world objects can require you to define just as
many variations of blocks. Dynamic Blocks will reduce your block library size. They can
be locked and protected from being exploded. They can be placed on a Tool Palette for
greater organization and they will make you more productive by maintaining standards
and reducing your clicks and picks.
Block References Are Easier to Use
Introduced in AutoCAD 2006, Dynamic Block functionality enables you to edit the
appearance of block instances without having to explode them. You can even
manipulate a block instance during and after inserting it into a drawing.
Traditional Blocks
• Multiple steps to place and align
• Design changes require erasing and reinserting or exploding,
editing and redefining

Dynamic Blocks
• Automatically align to nearby geometry
• Cycle between multiple insertion points
• Change visibility of geometry to streamline design changes
• You can edit geometry within a block without exploding it
Once you insert a Dynamic Block you can edit it using the Parameter control
grip. Now you can grip edit blocks the way we have grip edited other types of
AutoCAD geometry. The shape of the grip determines the parameter type.
Use the Block Editor
The block editing environment is specifically designed for defining blocks. Make sure
that the BLOCKEDITLOCK system variable is set to 0. You can access the Block Editor
using any of the following methods:

BEDIT command
BE command alias
Standard toolbar
Tools menu
Right-click menu with a block selected
Block Definition dialog box
The block authoring palette includes three to four tabs. The first tab contains all
of the available parameters. The second tab contains all of the available actions.
Third tab contains sets of the most commonly used combinations of parameters
and actions. And the fourth in later version of AutoCAD Contains set of
Constraints
Adding parameters and actions to your existing block library allows you to
increase power and functionality with very little effort. you can rebuild your
block libraries or build new Dynamic Block libraries with actions associated
with parameters. You can also add chaining to link multiple parameters and
actions together so they can be controlled with just one parameter control
grip.
It’s all about the clicks and picks. If you learn to apply tool palettes for blocks,
you’ll never use the insert command again. If you add dynamic parameters to
your existing blocks, you’ll never need to use the explode command again. In
both cases you will be more productive because you will be able to do your
design work with fewer clicks and picks. Reducing repetitive steps and reducing
clicks and picks is how you become more productive working with AutoCAD,
period! Dynamic blocks will also ensure that you maintain your standards while
adding an entire new level of productivity to your design process.
 INCREASING DRAFTING FREQUENCY

YOUR DRAFTING SPEED DOES’NT DEPENDS UPON YEARS OF EXPERIENCE ALSO NOT
UPON GIVING EXTRA TIME TO PRODUCE DRAWING AND WORKING ON PRESSURE

BUT BY APPLYING SHORTCUTS AND DEVELOPING SKILLS BY DIGGING INTO CAD

COMMANDS.

FOR EXAMPLE REF A DWG GIVEN BELOW

DEMONSTRATE

OBJECTIVE IS TO DRAW A LINE THAT STARTS AT ANYWHERE BUT FROM MID OF

TWO LINES AND ENDS AT MID OF TWO LINES
 INCREASING DRAFTING FREQUENCY CONTD...

PREV. SHORTCUT USED IN VIDEO <<M2P OR MTP>> CAN BE FOUND HELPFUL WHILE
MIRRORING OBJECTS ETC.
SIMILARLY MULTIPLE OFFSET BY <<M>> AFTER EXECUTING OFFSET COMMAND AND
MORE IF WE WANT TO USE SAME COMMAND REPETITIVELY THEN ENTER
<<MULTIPLE>> BEFORE ACTUAL COMMAND TO REPEAT.
FURTHER MORE BY UNDERSTANDING SYSTEM VARIABLE.

NORTH MODEL TO SCALE

VIEWPORT VIEWPORTS

Some Custom Automated Commands (Click to view demo...)

Info: - Later in upcoming slides we will see some useful customised automated commands
 INTRODUCTION TO AUTOLISP

Auto LISP is a dialect of the LISP programming language engineered to enable

manipulation & customisation of AutoCAD and many of its derivative programs such as
Civil 3D, MEP, Architecture, Electrical etc. Auto LISP is restricted to running on full
versions of AutoCAD and cannot be run in any version of AutoCAD LT. Other
applications such as Bricscad and IntelliCAD also offer the ability to run Auto LISP
programs.
Visual LISP is an extension of Auto LISP introduced as an add-on to AutoCAD R14, and
subsequently fully incorporated into the release of AutoCAD 2000. Visual LISP provides
access to the ActiveX/COM and offers many advanced functions to aid with
customisation.

WANT TO HARNESS THE POWER OF CUSTOM PROGRAMMING TO SAVE

OUR COMPANY COUNTLESS HOURS OF REPETITIVE WORK
 LOADING OF AUTOLISP APPLICATION

At the AutoCAD command line, type AppLoad (alternatively go to Tools » Load Application).
Select the program file as previously saved and click Load to load the program into the current
drawing session. Click Close to close the Appload Dialog.
 CUSTOMISATION
 INTRODUCING UNIQUE CAD ENVIRONMENT SETTINGS W.R.T ENTERPRISE
MODULE
 CUSTOM AUTOLISP APPLICATIONS TO INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY
 ORGANISING LIBRARY OF STANDARDS AT DESKTOP
 MANAGE DRAWINGS
 CUSTOMISATION HAS BEEN DONE THROUGH PROFILE MANAGEMENT OF AUTOCAD
AND SHALL BE KEPT IN LOCAL SERVER AND LOADED TO AUTOCAD FOR UNIQUE
DESKTOP ENVIRONMENT

 CUSTOMISED LISP APPLICATION ARE ASSOCIATED WITH HELP FILES AND MANUALS

 CHANGES/UPGRADATION REFLECTS TO EACH WITHOUT INVOKING USER

 SAVES TIME, INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY

MENU TOOLBAR & TOOLPALETTE

LARSEN & TOUBRO

MENU & TOOLBAR

TOOL PALETTE

ARRANGEMENT OF UNIQUE CAD DESKTOP THROUGH LARSEN & TOUBRO PROFILE

TOOL PALETTE
 LAYER CONTROL
LAYERS PLAY THE LEAD ROLE IN AUTOCAD DRAWING AND GIVES ENHANCE
CONTROLS OVER DRAWING

COMPLETE USE OF LAYER ENHANCE THE CAPABILITY OF AUTOCAD

IMPORTANT ROLE OF LAYERS ARE TO MANAGE & FILTER ENTITY:

• COLOR
• LINETYPE
• LINEWIEGHT
• ON/OFF STATUS
• FREEZE

THE ABOVE CONTROLS ARE INDEPENDENT OF MODEL AND VIEWPORT, I.E WE CAN
MANAGE STATUS OF LAYER IN DIFFERENT VIEWPORT IN DIFFERENT WAY, A SINGLE
LAYER MAY HAVE DIFFERENT APPEARENCE IN INDIVIDUAL VIEWPORTS

DEMO
 AUTOMATING CAD TO FORCE ENTITY TO SPECIFIC LAYER

COMMON ENTITIES LIKE

1) HATCH
2) DIMENSION,LEADER
3) TEXT,MTEXT etc.
4) REVISION CLOUD
5) TABLE
6) WIPEOUTS

ARE UNIQUE ENTITIES AND MUST BE IN SPECIFIC LAYER, BUT MISTAKES

USUALLY OCURS AT LEAST ABOVE MENTIONED ENTITIES CAN BE SWITCHED TO
SPECIFIC LAYER EITHER BY MANUAL SWITCHING OR PROGRAMATICALLY.

DEMO OF SWITCHING LAYER

 SAVING AND RESTORING LAYER STATES
ONE OF THE IMPORTANT ISSUE IS TO MAINTAIN LAYER NAMING CONVENTION INCLUDING COLOR CODES
LINETYPES etc. FOR THIS WE CAN UTILISE THE AUTOCAD COMMAND <<LMAN>> i.e. LAYER MANAGER. THIS
POWERFUL COMMAND HELPS TO MAINTAIN AND RESTORE LAYER STATES IN ALL RELATED DRAWINGS UNIQUE,
ACTUALLY LAYER STATES IS STORED IN A FILE WITH extension *.las, USER MAY SAVE THIS FILE TO LOCAL DRIVE OR
DRIVE SPECIFIED BY MANAGEMENT. ONCE LAYER STATUS HAS BEEN VERIFIED BY CAD MANAGEMENT IT
BECOMES EASIER TO MAINTAIN CONSISTENCY IN DRAWINGS BY UNIQUE LAYER NAMING CONVENTION.

LAYERS IN WORKING DWG

OBJECTIVE IS TO SAVE THIS LAYER STATES SO THAT WE CAN IMPORT THESE SETTINGS TO A NEW DRAWING FILE
OF IN A EXISTING ONE, THIS CAN BE DONE BY EITHER USING COMMAND <<LMAN>> OR BY LAYER DIALOG BOX
LAYER MANAGER

DEMO
 INTERFACE WITH MICROSOFT EXCEL
AUTOCAD PROVIDES MICROSOFT EXCEL INTERFACE AS AN EXTENDED FUNCTIONALITY BY USING
IT WE CAN LINK EXCEL BASED TABLE DIRECTLY TO DRAWINGS, WE CAN EDIT AND UPDATE THIS
TABLE EITHER FROM AUTOCAD OR EXCEL VICE-VERSA.

DEMO
 EXTENDED APPLICATION OF EXCEL INTERFACE
THROUGH VISUAL LISP SUPPORT WE CAN EXTEND THIS ABILITY TO CREATE DRAWINGS
FROM EXCEL TABLE.

DEMO
 PROFILE CUTTING
In Civil Engineering Contour Plan is the basic requirement for any planning purposes, All excavation plans,
Civil Structures, Earthwork calculations are derived from contour plan, hence without contour plan it is
difficult to plan any mega civil project.

height = contour elev. – datum

P1 elev.
Distance = measured on curve
Datum line

P1

Demo video in Simple Cad

Figure shown above refers to contour plan with an Alignment on which profile is to be generated, Assuming
that alignment object intersect an contour whose elevation is 1000 at P1, Describing this point into Cartesian
coordinates gives (x1, y1, z1) and calculating distance on curve alignment by visual lisp function gives
distance from starting of curve hence plotting the same point on straight line of length equal to Axis Length
gives the same point. From this point by keeping suitable datum elevation, contour elevation can be shown
as (contour elevation – datum elevation), datum elevation is only for adequate space requirement to show
profile.
 EXCAVATION PLAN

Excavation Plan is the True picture of the excavation done on site, Minimum requirement for
drawing excavation plan are as follows: -
 Equal interval Contour Plan (Preferably 1m interval)
 Cut Slope
 Base Platform
 Bench Width
 Bench Height
Minimum Information to be provided
in Excavation Plan: -
 Excavation Points & Corresponding Table
 Finished Excavation Outline
 Bench Elevation
 Slopes & Direction
 Coordinate Grid
 North Symbol
Acad
THANK’S