AutoCAD Questions and Answers

Can you add pictures into Autocad, and control the scale properties? 
Basically, I was told that you can take a picture of lets say, a piece of drilling equipment. Upload it into Autocad , scale it to whatever you wish, edit ...

compatibility between different versions of LT 
Can I take dwgs from Autocad 2012 LT back into the previous version of LT to work on them and if so how?

Plotting Text 
I would like to find out if there is a way to plot text in a filled or "colored in" method as shown on the "Plot Preview" screen.

DIMENSIONS SIZE 
Basically I am a beginner to AutoCAD however I am starting to do drawings for my company.

However I can do all the 2D stuff, but when I put them in ...

Inserting PDF Files Into drawings 
I am trying to insert a PDF file onto a drawing.

I have a very detailed submittable I want to insert into one of my drawings, the vendor will not send ...

Adding attributes to existing blocks. 
Is it possible to add attributes to existing blocks? I tried to do it within block editor but it doesn't seem to work.

Point Dimension Autocad 2004 
In standard Autocad, can you have a dimension box or something that would give me the X & Y dimension of a point. Almost similar if you were to do a LIST?...

Window selection method very slow 
I am using Autocad 2000. Was working in a certain drawing and all of a sudden when I want to make a selection by "window" method, I have to sit and wait ...

Furniture Blocks 
I'm trying to insert furniture into my AutoCAD drawing. However, once I insert it it asks for an insertion point than another opposite corner insertion ...

Missing Map Dropdown Menu 
I have AutoCAD 3D Map 2012. When I switch to Map Classic Workspace the Map dropdown menu is missing. All the other dropdown menus are there e.g., File,...

Layer Properties Manager Overrides 
Is it possible to change a layer color in sheet file, so that it always updates when background files are updated?

I am having an issue where the layer ...

AutoCAD Right Click Menu 
I was working on a drawing and I held the shift key down for to long.

A notice appeared about filter keys. I clicked on cancel.

Now when I right ...

Viewport border not shown in paper space. 
I am working with AutoCAD 2009 with Carlson Survey software addon.

When working in paper space with one viewport (on defpoints layer) the viewport border ...

Importing pc3 plot styles created in 2008 into 2012. 
I have upgraded to Auto Cad 2012 from 2008 and the plot styles that were working in 2008 are listed as missing in 2012. How do I import pc3 files?

XRef Transparency 
I am just starting to use AutoCAD 2011 after spending years using 2006. When I insert an XRef into my model space it shows up "grayed out". I am not ...

Missing Blocks in Drawing 
I received a drawing from our contractor and proceeded to open the drawing on AutoCAD 2009 and as I opened the drawing several items were missing.

So ...

Converting from Newer Addition to Older 
I currently have 2009 and having troubles opening file because they are done in a newer version, how do I convert them?

DWG to JPG 
I am trying to save a DWG file as a jpg file so I can upload it to the internet. What process would I have to do to make this happen. I am trying to upload ...

AutoCAD and LT Layer Manager Compatibility 
I use AutoCAD LT 2011 and am working on files from an office that has full AutoCAD. There are several XREF's to my main drawing. I set up my sheets in ...

Line Won't Color by Layer 
A new line drawn will always be yellow. I can't get it to use the default "bylayer" color.

I can manually change to bylayer in properties box, but I ...

Freezing VS. Turning Off Layers 
This question is related to drawing HVAC, piping and plumbing.

What is the difference between freezing a layer and turning it off?

Is there a benefit ...

Drawing in scale, PDF printing & measuring scale with ruler  
I'm drawing a plot plan 1' = 20' on 17" x 11", saving in PDF on 17" x 11" and emailing.

When printed they measure using a ruler and the scale is off....

Problem Copying Objects 
I am trying to copy a piping layout, along with structural, in same the drawing outside the drawing space, or anywhere.

Only the structural part copied....

AutoCAD Compatibility 
I was interested in purchasing an AutoCAD program but I am not sure of what program I need.

I am getting drawings of sites that we are installing EVCS ...

Broken or Dotted Lines Display as Solid Lines 
I've tried to assign several different line types to my hidden line layer, but they all, except one, display as solid lines.

The one that doesn't (Dot)...

Changing Associative Dimensions to Nonassociative  
I am working on an older existing AutoCAD drawing, now in AutoCAD Mechanical 2011.

When I erase one dimension in the middle of a row/stack of dimensions,...

Absolute to Relative Coordinates 
When drawing a line with absolute coordinates the second and following points always default to Relative coordinates by automatically adding the@ sign ...

Layer Isolate in AutoCAD 
How do I isolate my layers in AutoCAD without screening all the others back?

Example... When I turn on layer isolate you can still layers in the background,...

Creating Custom Linetypes 
I am trying to create custom linetypes that will allow CAD (AutoCAD 2008) to prompt me for a number when I choose a specific linetype.

In other words:...

W-BLOCK verses PURGING 
Q. A drawing has 2000, 3000, or more bytes.

You've purged it all you can and it still has over a 1000.

I w-block it to make it smaller.

What ...

Merging AutoCAD Layers Question 
Hello, I have been trying for a long time to figure out this problem. I have a big layout for our company's plant in AutoCAD, which I inherited from someone ...

Plot and Drawings 
Hello. I am an admin assistant for a company here in the states, with an Interior Design degree, and I am helping the Planning group update the company'...

Text On a Fill Color 
I cannot get text to sit on a fill color and not have the fill color be blocked out by the text block.

I want the text to look as if it is sitting directly ...

Automatically Update BOM in CAD? 
I'm in the a specialized aluminum and glass industry
and we trying to streamline the process of production drawings.

I would like to know if there ...

Scaling in AutoCAD 
I am trying to scale an object using the Viewport.

I am trying to set the standard scale.

I am getting the error message "invalid argument scale ...

Can an XREF Be Locked? 
I'd like to stop someone else from making changes to my XREF.

Change XREF Path Globally 
Can I change the path of a group of xref drawings, or do I have to do this individually?

Our IT Dept moved the files to a new physical server and all ...

AutoCAD Polyline Lineweight Display Problem 
When I give a polyline a lineweight of .80mm, it will plot as a bold line, but I cannot view it as a bold line.

It looks the same as the default line....

Scaled Dimensions 
I often import other drawings in model space, but use the Scale command to size them as needed in my drawing.

If the drawings have been dimensioned ...

Automobile Body CAD Design 
Aloha,

I would like to find a CAD program that will allow me to 3D CAD design a rear quarter panel Scoop / duct-work for my 8 series BMW.

My intention ...

AutoCAD Freezing Problem 
I have a site plan with various services drawings (waste, electrical, etc.) XREF'd into it.

It opens just fine in AutoCAD 2011, but 2010 and 2009 can'...

I Can't Save in AutoCAD 
The following message pops up when trying to save in AutoCAD:

“Unable to save to drawing H:\MAIN Project Files\AAA ACITVE PROJECTS\Koaxis (10.1108.00)...

Hidden Objects When Exploding in AutoCAD 
I have an AutoCAD drawing which shows part of building section. See figure above.

When I explode it, the full building section shows. How can I do ...

Highlighting Lines in AutoCAD 
I did something to my preferences.

I am no longer able to highlight more than one line at a time.

If I click on a line to highlight and than attempt ...

Remove XREF Path in AutoCAD 
I'm not sure why some firms add an XREF path to their drawings, when they know the drawings will be sent to another firm, but it'S driving me crazy.

I ...

Changing Title Blocks Globally in AutoCAD 
To anybody who can help:

I am working on a project in AutoCAD 2008, that includes many drawings, and I need to edit the title block that applies to ...

Printed AutoCAD Drawings Are Different Sizes 
I have very little knowledge of AutoCAD 2000 and I have been given a project to put our product drawings into a catalog.

I convert drawings to PDF and ...

Preventing Viewports from Plotting in AutoCAD 
In AutoCAD 2008 my viewports are showing up when I plot a drawing.

How do I turn this off or stop them from plotting?

AutoCAD Plotting Problem 
I am trying to plot from AutoCAD 2008 with a PC running Windows XP SP2.

The Windows operating system is being run from a partitioned MAC HD on my laptop....

CAD Drawing of a Shopping Mall 
I would like to find a web site that would give us the information necessary to build a mall with info on parking lot, handicap parking, building plans,...

Disappearing Font/Text in autoCAD 
Created a file and copied some text boxes from an existing drawing.

Now when I attempt to open the new file I am ask to choose a replacement font before ...

AutoCAD Text Over Hatch Disappears 
I've created my (solid pattern) hatch in model space.

When I'm in paper space and drag text over the hatch pattern, the text disappears.

I've tried ...

Current Space Problem in AutoCAD 
I received a .dwg from a PCSurvey user.

I opened the file I can see all of the layers and none of the drawing.

I try to list the data in the drawing ...

Global Font Change in AutoCAD 
Is there a way to globally change the font in a drawing?

How to Turn OFF Layers in AutoCAD When Plotting to PDF? 
When I plot to a PDF file, the layers from my AutoCAD drawing also show up on the left hand side.

I need my PDF's to NOT show the layers.

How can ...

CAD Drawing Management 
I work for a medium sized engineering firm and have been given the task of organizing a CAD drawing management system. Our current drawing organization ...

Question Regarding AutoCAD Layers 
Q. Hello, I am a rather new user of Autocad, and I am having a problem.

Is it possible to merge the different layers in Autocad into a single layer,...

Missing Images After DWF to DWG Conversion 
Q. Hello, I am a self taught CAD beginner.

I am trying to modify someone's electronic drawing that uses lots of pictures of equipment.

After converting ...

Allow Exploding Blocks in AutoCAD? 
Is it possible to copy and explode a block if the block was created with the “Allow Exploding” box unchecked?

Back story:

We have a checker/scrubber ...

Current Layer VS Selected Layer 
I have one question about the CAD program.

The layer control box in the drawing shows the current layer.

But if we click one object in the drawing,...

Paperspace Problems in AutoCAD 2008 
I am trying to insert a border sheet in paper-space, however I originally had a border inserted and I also had scaled the tab to be 1" = 1'-0"

Now when ...

AutoCAD Viewports 
how do i make a view port have a 90deg view while the drawing in model space remains the same?

Can AutoCAD be used for Marine Drafting? 
I've been looking up Marine Drafting for about 2 months.

I'm pretty interested about it.

I don't think AutoCAD is used for Marine Drafting, Do any ...

How Do I Get Rid of an XREF? 
I have some acad 2000 drawings that contain an XREF inside an XREF.

This may sound confusing, but I need the main XREF to remain in the drawing, but ...

convert GIS map to AutoCAD 
I am using AutoCAD 2009 LT, I have a map that is in GIS and I need to figure it out how to convert it to a dwg so that I can use this map in AutoCAD.

AutoCAD XREF problem 
I have a base plan drawing (1) that is XREF'd to another drawing (2).

I need to XREF drawing (2) to another drawing (3) but I don't want drawing (1)...

AutoCAD LT to JPEG 
I need to convert drawings in AutoCAD LT to JPEG. Is there an easy way to do it, or do I need additional software?

Answer

It's been a while since ...

Reduce the number of verticies in a polyline 
How do you reduce the number of verticies in a polyline.

How to get started as a CAD Operator 
This is not a technical question, but more of a professional question. I'm looking at changing careers and getting in something I love to do, drawing/...

AutoCAD Scales Question 
Boss says text size should plot at 3/32" on my A1 sheet but the scale of the drawing needs to be 3/16"=1'-0".
It's been a while since I've run the CAD ...

Zoom Extents Mystery 
I have a 2d drawing in model space, and when I hit Zoom Extents, everything disappears,
as if the entities all changed to background color.

The only ...

Isometric Dimension Text in AutoCAD 
Hi,

My Name is Muhammed hussain.j,

My question is:

I've created an isometric view of a box in AutoCAD.

I am trying to mark its dimensions as ...

AutoCAD for Mac? 
Q. Hello, I am interested in becoming a CAD designer (field yet to be determined) and I was wondering if it's possible to run AutoCAD on a Mac computer?...

I cannot see polylines on my drawing 
I have drawn polylines on a floor plan (width 50) however I cannot see them until I hover over them or highlight them. I have checked draw order and 'brought ...

Heidi Driver Problem in AutoCAD MEP 
When I start my AutoCAD MEP 2011 I'm always on, I get the error that in my computer the Heidi Driver is not loaded.

How can I load the Heidi driver?...

AutoCAD Purge Command 
When I open the "purge" dialog box in AutoCAD, to clean up my dwg, there is an obnoxious tip box that is popping up throughout the process can this be ...

How to make a exact measurement 
How do you make a exact measurement in AutoCAD?

AutoCAD Line Properties Question 
When chamfering two different types of lines the become the same linetype and change to a polyline.

Plotting in AutoCAD 14 
I just got a different computer and installed AutoCAD 14, which is what we use here.

When I plot, red and magenta lines print as black lines but all ...

Chord stationing along road centerline 
We do roadway plans for State Highway department and typically you use the arc definition curves but we are required for this plan to use the chord definition....

Custom linetypes will not plot when batch plotting (publish) 
I created a custom linetype using a shape (.shp) file I created.

It appears when plotting individually, but not when trying to publish.

No error ...

isolate and unisolate   Not rated yet
when working in paper space, I'd isolate a layer to change some settings then when i unisolate the layers located in the view port shows back up but turns ...

AutoCAD Scale Mix Up   Not rated yet
Hi,

I'm in a bit of a bind and am wondering if you could help!

It has been quite a while since I did AutoCAD drawings (couple of years) and cannot ...

Wood Grain Pattern on Soild Objects  Not rated yet
I am using AutoCAD 2004. I am making 3D objects that are going to be made out of wood. I would like the shade or color of the object to have a natural ...

LOCKED X-REF  Not rated yet
How do I lock my x-ref drawing in my sheet without having it fade out? My "fade control" is already set at a -90. Thanks

Re-Ordering AutoCAD Entities  Not rated yet
Dear Sir,

I am in trouble with re-ordering the entities within a selection (for example by ssget function). I have tried to denote an exact serial number ...

1:1 Paper Error  Not rated yet
Why does the paper cut off before the full dwg is printed when printing 1:1? I have input a custom paper size of 594x8800 however the paper is cutting ...

Unwanted X marking in Plotting  Not rated yet
Good day!

My name is Joey working as Autocad operator. I have a problem with plotting my drawing using Autocad 2007. X marking is shown in paper space,...

Editing an Older Drawing and Adding New Blocks  Not rated yet
I can open the original file and draw lines, shapes. etc., but as soon as I import a new block into the design, my problems start. Although their not apparent ...

Auto Cad for a fabrication business  Not rated yet
I am running a metal fabrication business and would like to know if I can input the weight of the sheet of material I am cutting from and draw the designs,...

When Changing Color of Lines AutoCAD Shuts Down  Not rated yet
I have a Vista 64 bit home premium gateway running AutoCAD 2009.

When I try to change the color of the line from the the properties panel in the home ...

Unit related  Not rated yet
I want to type 0.75 for an offset and have it measure on my screen as 19.05mm(because 0.75inches = 19.05mm) can this be done? please help

Screening of Layers in AutoCAD  Not rated yet
I want to know how to do screening for individual layers in AutoCAD. I want to set each layer to a different screening percentage. When I use layers this ...

Dimensions Disappear Under Viewport.  Not rated yet
The model is in 3D. The viewport must be 3dhidden with a pot shade of hidden legacy.

When changing this, all the dimensions that were in paperspace ...

How do I plot a 24x36 drawing to an 11x17 sheet?  Not rated yet
I receive drawings that are 24x36 and my employer does his changes on them and would like them plotted to 11x17. If I change my paper size a good part ...

How Do You Rotate a View in a Viewport?  Not rated yet
Q I can't get the vprotateassoc to work as the help gives directions to do so.

I set vprotateassoc to 1, choose a tab and view, enter R for rotate....

Line Types in Paper Space  Not rated yet
I am working in ACAD 2011.

When I make more than one paper space view, only the first will show the line types.

Such as hidden or center lines.

All ...

Cross-Linking Block Attributes  Not rated yet
At the company I'm employed with, we have separate blocks for section markers and section titles.

A section marker has an attribute for the section ...

Text Over Photos Disappears  Not rated yet
The Problem: When I place text in layout space (scaled to the desired plot size) over viewports of photos drawn in model space the text goes behind the ...

XREF Overlay VS Attachment  Not rated yet
Q. What is difference between an XREF attachment and overlay?


A. We have talked about external references as attachments VS overlays in a previous ...

Ploting in AutoCAD 2011 Trial Version  Not rated yet
Q. Is there any problem with AutoCAD 2011 trial version for plotting?

A. The trial version of AutoCAD 2011 is still the real deal.

You shouldn'...

How to Create an XREF?  Not rated yet
Q. It has been years since I have created an XREF.

A. An XREF (external reference) is created like any other drawing file. In fact, it is a drawing ...

Plotting Multiple Viewports in AutoCAD  Not rated yet
Q. I made 20 separate pages (A4 size) in model and I want plot these pages all at once.

How please tell me process.


A. Sami,

Which version ...

Insert JPEG Image in AutoCAD LT  Not rated yet
Q. How do you insert a JPEG into Autocad LT?

I know in full Autocad you use the raster image insert, but LT doesn't have that function and I need ...

Storage Shed Design Plans  Not rated yet
Q. I'm looking for a set of storage shed design plans for a 10' X 10' tool shed.

I have some basic sketches of how I would like the shed to look and ...

Manipulating an AutoCAD lite drawing in AutoCAD  Not rated yet
Q. If a drawing was created in AutoCAD Lite, can you open it in full AutoCAD and manipulate it?

A. Yes you can.

AutoCAD LT uses the .DWG format ...

Easiest Way to Change Attributes in AutoCAD?  Not rated yet
Q. Is there any Easiest way to change attributes?

We have so many attributes in our drawing, it takes too much time to change those all.

Burst ...

Reversing the direction of a custom line  Not rated yet
When using custom line types, I've noticed that the "display" of the text in the line type (mainly in curvilinear lines)is controlled more by the length ...

Excel to AutoCAD  Not rated yet
Q. How can I convert an Excel sheet to an AutoCAD file?

A. Hightlight the Excel cells, copy them, then EDIT>PASTE in AutoCAD.

AutoCAD Isolate Layer / Linetype  Not rated yet
Q. I some times get drawings were there is only two or three layers, but the drawing has many colors and many line types.

Is there a way I could isolate ...

Cannot Specify Insertion Point in AutoCAD  Not rated yet
Q. I've worked with AutoCAD for 20 years and am on mechanical 09.

Ever since I had to shut my computer down manually yesterday I've not been able ...

How Do You Make a Gear in AutoCAD?  Not rated yet
Q. Hello I am making a bike in my AutoCAD class and I was wondering how you make a gear. Do you use the array command?

A. Using the Array command ...

AutoCAD Filled Objects  Not rated yet
I am working on a 2005 trial version of AutoCAD and cannot figure out how to create (draw) a filled object. I know how to turn on/off the filled display,...

AutoCAD Spell Check Dictionary  Not rated yet
Q. How do you set a dictionary for spell check from the start.

A. Your question is kind of vague.

Did you setup your dictionary in Options?

Try ...

AutoCAD Dimension leader  Not rated yet
I am a relative newbie to Auto Cad software but have been trying to create a dimension arrow following a line.

It is not straight but made up of straight ...

Pulldown menu suffix (VP)  Not rated yet
Dear sir or madam: An older drawing that was opened up the other day had (VP) suffixes added to the pulldowns.

The usual "ByLayer" pulldowns now say ...

How can i create my own custom hatch?  Not rated yet
Hi!

My name is Muhammed Hussain.

I want to know about creating custom hatches in Auto CAD. Am try to do this for that I create some design in AutoCAD....

Complex Spiral Gear Model Creation!  Not rated yet
Dear Friend: I am a professional CAD user specializing in mechanical engineering design models for feasibility analysis

I have recently created a Reduction ...