Autodesk 00128-051462-9310 User Guide - Page 572

General Content Standards and Conventions It is important to understand the various types of content, where they are stored and how they are made accessible to users. Additionally, AutoCAD Architecture includes support for the National CAD Standard version 3.1. Understanding how this is applied will assist you in creating your own customized content that works with the existing standards and conventions. Content Types AutoCAD Architecture content can come in several forms and be stored in a variety of locations. ■ Drawing templates: The drawing template file is perhaps the most critical of content items in AutoCAD Architecture. In addition to standard AutoCAD items such as layers, dimension styles, etc., templates contain critical drawing and display settings. All AutoCAD Architecture model and sheet drawings should start with a template. Drawing templates are usually stored in the folder established in the AutoCAD "Options" dialog box for template file storage. Additionally a default template can be specified to be used whenever the QNEW command is invoked. Finally, a default plot sheet template is usually specified as one of the sheet set properties for an AutoCAD Architecture project. ■ Styles: Most AutoCAD Architecture objects, whether they are geometric objects or annotation and documentation objects, are based on styles. Any successful AutoCAD Architecture implementation will most likely consist of several custom styles and definitions. Most styles should be stored in one or more style library drawings, in a location that is accessible by all users. Usually, styles can be easily accessed by users from a tool on a palette or in a tool catalog. NOTE Some styles may be stored in the drawing template, however this should be kept to a minimum and limited to those styles and definitions that are required for other content in the template. ■ Design and General Documentation Symbols: Best stored as AEC Content, which is created using the AEC Content Wizard. The symbol can also be accessed by a palette-based tool. NOTE Some symbol-based content, such as multi-view blocks used for column grid bubbles, can be stored in the template, but as with styles this should be kept to a minimum. Once a symbol is stored as AEC Content access can be gained through the AutoCAD Design Center. ■ Callout Symbols: These are special symbols that use attributes with field values to automate drawing coordination when placing keys for elevations, sections and details. The blocks that define callouts are stored in a library drawing. Access is gained through a palette based tool that "points to" the callout symbol. ■ Schedule Tags: Based on multi-view block definitions, schedule tags are created with the "Define Schedule Tag" command found on the "Format" pull-down menu. Like callout symbols, schedule tags are stored in a library drawing and accessed from a palette-based tool. ■ Layer Key Styles: While they can be stored in the drawing template, it is better to keep Layer Key Styles in a central library drawing. The "Drawing Setup" command on the "Format" tool bar can be used to make sure that a specific layer key style automatically loads each time a drawing is opened. This way if a layer key style is updated, a drawing that is already in progress will always be using the latest version. ■ Layer Standards: Defined in the Layer Manager and typically associated with a Layer Key Style, Layer Standards are stored in the same library drawing as the Layer Key Style that they are associated with. When the Layer Key Style is imported into a drawing, the Layer Standard on which it is based will import also. ■ Display Configurations: Display configurations are stored in the drawing template. TIP Most content types have associated naming conventions which are documented in this chapter. As a global convention, it is acceptable to prefix any name with a company or organization name to differentiate your custom content from that which is supplied with AutoCAD Architecture by default. National CAD Standard Compliance The National CAD Standard version 3.1 is a consensus standard compiled from three existing standards and guidelines by NIBS (The National Institute of Building Sciences). These consist of the AIA Layer Guidelines version 3.0, the CSI Uniform Drawing System (UDS) and the Tri-Services Plotting Guidelines. The National CAD Standard v. 3.1 is supported where possible in AutoCAD Architecture through the use of pre-configured Layer Standards, Layer Key Styles, plot style 532 | Chapter 13 Content Creation Guidelines