Lesson 2 is essentially two lessons tied into one-creating a title block template applying AutoCAD Fields to traditional methods, as well as creating a Sheet Set Template to utilize the Fields in the title block. Needless to say, be prepared for a long, but extremely useful lesson. There are many tasks that need to be undertaken for all of this to work, but I’ll break it down and work through it in a logical order.
Using AutoCAD Fields within your title blocks and in coordination with the Sheet Set Manager, is arguably one of their best uses. You probably already know how much time is saved on a project using title blocks that you’ve already set up and using Fields within those setups will push that even further. First, we need to be on common ground in regard to how to set up a title block template. Typically, a drawing border and plot stamp are incorporated with the title block, which is then externally referenced into a drawing with the project-level information already filled in. The sheet-level information is then inserted into the drawing as a block containing attributes to be entered or edited. The use of Fields in the title block will be much the same, with the exception that Fields will be inserted into the attributes contained within the blocks.
Now that that is taken care of, it is best to start out this technique by using a preexisting title block template that you have. If you don’t have one developed yet, that’s perfectly fine, but I would speculate that creating a brand new title block using Fields would be much easier after you have a better understanding of how they can be implemented.
There is one more thing before jumping into everything. Start separating the information within the title block into project-level and sheet-level categories. This will need to be determined to decide which information goes in the x-ref or the block. You’ll need to keep in mind during this process attributes can’t be edited through an x-ref. Likewise, a Field inserted into an attribute cannot acquire information about the current sheet through an x-ref. The image above displays the information most typically found in a title block.
We are now going to define our title block information in attributes. It is quite possible to make all of the project-level information in the title block attribute definitions for ease of use in the future. However I am going to focus on sheet-level information in this lesson, as simply defining an attribute should be pretty basic once you have completed this tutorial.
Let’s start by defining an attribute for the sheet number. Defining the sheet number attribute with the desired layer and text style current is the best place to start out, but all of this is editable from the properties palette afterward, so it isn’t a must. Enter “ATTDEF” at the command line. Once in the Attribute Definition dialog box, begin entering the tag and prompt you wish to display on the block that will be created later. These areas aren’t that important, but defining them as something easy to communicate and making sure they fit in the title block are key. Also, don’t use any spaces within the “Tag” area, as AutoCAD will not allow it. Now either click the button to the right of the “Default” area or right-click and select “Insert Field” from the short-cut menu in order to open the Field dialog box as shown below.
In the Field dialog box, select “CurrentSheetNumber” from the Field names box and the format you would like it to appear. Pick “OK” to return to the Attribute Definition dialog box.
You’ll now see “####” in the “Default” area, as that is AutoCAD’s placeholder for Field data. Continue through the rest of the dialog box defining the size, orientation, style, and mode of your attribute. Select “OK.” You should now see something similar to the image below on your screen.
You’ll notice that I chose a tag that would fit into the space provided in the title block. This is just an extra touch for better usability and communication. Other attributes in the title block that can be defined in the very same way are “CurrentSheetTitle”, “CurrentSheetDescription”, “Date”, “TimeStamp”, and “FileName”. The rest of the information will take slightly different steps throughout the way.
Well, this seems like a good stopping point for today. We need to finish defining the attributes for our sheet-level information, w-block out that information into its own file to be inserted later as a block, create a Sheet Set Manager .dst template incorporating the special features we’ll have in our Fields, and finally create a drawing within the sheet set to reference the title block border and text into. I told you this one is a doozey, but it pays off dividends once you have it mastered.
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George Flowers on 05.22.2009
Good tip, but does it work if your sheet borders are referenced into the drawing?
Admin on 05.22.2009
Simple answer, no. They work in the same way as attributes in blocks. At the company I work for, we also reference our borders, but our sheet-level information is inserted as a block into individual drawings. Using AutoCAD fields work in the same way because you will insert them into attributes as well for them to work in this way.
I agree that referencing fields would be a huge improvement on the current method. I actually submitted a wishlist item to AUGI for getting the ability to xref fields and them still operate properly. It didnt get voted through to the top ten, but I’m going to resubmit it during the next voting cycle.
Admin on 05.27.2009
In addition to my previous comment, I’d like to add a request to any of the readers to please get involved with AUGI. Whether your involvement is simply being a registered member or a contributing ATP class instructor or someone that votes in the polls, please get involved. AUGI is a great organization and voting on things such as the Wish Lists, the annual Salary Survey, Board of Directors elections, etc. you are helping yourself as well as all drafters and designers. Thanks, now I’ll step off my soap box.
Elvis J on 02.03.2010
Hi , Im having problems working with sheet set manager. i was wondering if you can shed some light on the subject. Im trying to organize a 70 sheet drawing plan, but i don’t know how to keep a drawing on a template.
eg. how to separate the :
architecture
elevation
structure
detail etc ………. on seprate sheets according to their file.
Can you please get back to me on this subject. Thank you EJV