Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Creating and Using Templates
Most programs today include what are called templates. A
template
is a file that is already set up
for a specific application. For example, in your word processor, you might want to set up a docu-
ment with a logo, a return address, and a date so you don't have to add these elements each time
you create a letter. You might also want to create a template for invoices to maintain consistent
formatting. You can set up a different template for each type of document to meet its specific
needs. That way, you don't have to spend time reformatting each new document you create.
Similarly, AutoCAD offers templates, which are drawing files that contain custom settings
designed for a particular function. You can also create your own templates for your particular
style and method of drawing.
If you find that you use a particular drawing setup frequently, you can turn one or more of
your typical drawings into a template. For example, you might want to create a set of drawings
with the same scale and paper size as an existing drawing. By turning a frequently used draw-
ing into a template, you can save a lot of setup time for subsequent drawings.
Creating a Template
The following exercise guides you through creating and using a template drawing for your stu-
dio's kitchenette. Because the kitchenette will use the same layers, settings, scale, and paper size
as the bathroom drawing, you can use the Bath file as a prototype. Follow these steps:
1.
Start AutoCAD in the usual way.
2.
Choose File
Open from the menu bar, or press F-O to open the Select File dialog box.
3.
Locate the Bath file you created in the last chapter. You can also use the file 06-bath.
dwg, which is included on the companion website for this topic, www.sybex.com/go/
masteringautocadmac.
4.
Click the Erase tool on the Tool Sets palette, choose Modify
Erase from the menu bar,
or enter
E
↵; then type
ALL
↵↵. This erases all the objects that make up the bathroom, but
other elements, such as layers, linetypes, and stored blocks, remain in the drawing.
5.
Choose File
Save As from the menu bar, or type A-F-S to open the Save Drawing As dia-
log box. Open the File Format pop-up menu, and select AutoCAD Drawing Template (*.dwt).
The file list window changes to display the current template files in the \Template\ folder.
LOCATING THE
Template Folder
When you choose the AutoCAD Drawing Template option in the Save Drawing As dialog box,
AutoCAD automatically opens the folder containing the template files. The standard AutoCAD
installation creates the folder named Template to contain the template files. If you want to place
your templates in a different folder, you can change the default template location by using the
Application Preferences dialog box (right-click on the drawing area and choose Preferences, or
press F-,). Click the Application tab in the sidebar, and in the Files area, double-click to expand
Template Settings and then double-click Drawing Template File Location in the list. Double-click
the folder name that appears just below Draw ing Template File Location; then select a new loca-
tion from the Browse For Folder dialog box that appears.
