CAD Standards – Layout Tabs

Layout Tabs were added to AutoCAD in version 2000 or maybe 2000i.   It allows multiple

Layout tabs are created in Paper Space.  In Paper Space, you can place your title block, create layout viewports to display views, dimension your drawing, and add notes.

In paper space, one unit represents the paper display of a plotted sheet. The units will be in either millimeters or inches, depending on the plot setup for your plotter.

On a layout tab, you can view and edit paper space objects, such as layout viewports and title blocks. You can also move an object (such as a leader or a title block) from model space to paper space (or vice versa).

When creating your CAD Standard you should include the following related to Layouts:

• Do you have standard layout names?  Can you name them any way you want?

Including the standard naming of Layouts so that everyone creates them the same.  Even if you decide to use the default out of the box names – state that.  Prevent people from getting creating with Layout names.

• Can you combine multiple Sheet on one file?  Can you make as many as you want?

Do you allow multiple Layout tabs on a single file – or restrict it to one Layout?

• Do you have them in a specific order?

If you allow multiple Layouts do they need to be in a certain order.  Full size first, Enlarged plans next, etc.

• Do you have one defined for plotting?

Do you have one specific Layout for plotting – at a specific scale – with a specific name? – include that in the CAD standard

All of these items should be defined and documented.  It keeps a unified look to the files and allows custom routines for productivity.

Check out more on using Layout Tabs for Sheet file creation…