How to Create a Decent Title Block/Template

November 8, 2010

I have been learning AutoCAD on the fly at work over the past 6 months and have actually become quite proficient just by looking up online tutorials and forums.

The one thing I cannot seem to find good instructions on is how to make a professional looking title block...and with that how to save it and or create a template such that whenever I open a new drawing I can easily access this sheet.

If you can answer this on the forum or just direct me to a website or thread with a good explanation that would be very helpful.

Thanks!

November 8, 2010

You have identified two separate tasks:

Title Blocks - This is an AutoCAD entity that is inserted into your drawing (typically within paper space).
Drawing Template - This is aptly named, as this file type (*.DWT) is the 'template' for which all of your new drawings are based upon.

Here are some things to take into consideration, when creating your title block:

How many different title blocks will you require (Key sheet, Plan, Profile, Cross Section, etc.)?
- This should include thought given to what different sizes you will be printing, etc.
[*]Could this be accomplished with a single title block, and supplemental blocks (i.e., grids, etc.)?

[*]What information needs to be displayed for both print, and working purposes (remember not everything in CAD has to print)?
- Consider the use of Sheet Set Manager (SSM), and Custom Properties. These are very useful when changing information displayed on all sheets in one easy step. This requires attributes within your title block.
[*]Where will you store this title block, so that everyone on your network has access to use it, without overwriting the original (read/write)?

Here are some things to consider, when developing your Drawing Template(s):

What layer standards (if any) will I include within my template?
What environment settings, and system variables will be preset?
Should I include block definitions (instances without any actual entities inserted)?
Should I include a named page setup for each print size, and printer?

These are just a few of the things you should take into account, in order to save yourself a lot of work down the road.

Hope this helps!