ADT – Converting DWG to Construct

Converting an Existing Drawing to a Construct

There are times when you will have a drawing file that you need to turn into a
construct to make it part of the project. It is a fairly simple matter to convert the drawing to a construct.

1. Verify that the project you want to pull it into is current, and open the file that you want to convert.

2. In Project Navigator on the Constructs tab right-click on the
category to which you want the construct attached and select Save
current Dwg as Construct…

3. In the Add Construct dialog box select the appropriate level and
division for the construct.

4. Click OK. A copy of the file will be created in the Constructs folder of
the project in the category you specified.

I had a little time this weekend to update the web site. Check out the Journals, Training and CAD News areas.

It mostly is just updating links and such, but it also got rid of some outdated stuff.

I hope to some day do a major face lift to the site, but time often works against me.

Check it out at www.caddmanager.com

Interactive Overview from the Autodesk web site.

Experience the features and benefits of Autodesk Architectural Desktop with a Flash enabled presentation with audio.

This is really cool and has a ton of information for those who are thinking about ADT in the future.

Click here to open the page.

Wait thru the marketing intro to get to the good stuff.

Most firms start with the basics when training in ADT. The basics are typically defined as Doors, Walls and Windows. So the first area of focus usually is pointed at those features. Once you want to go beyond that there are differing areas that may be looked into. Here is my list of baseline tools that I would like all of my team to know and be well versed in.

1. Project Navigator
–2. Column Grids & Structural Design
–3. Walls and Curtain Walls
–4. Doors, Windows, Assemblies and Openings
–5. Spaces
–6. Reflected Ceiling Plans
–7. Stairs and Railings
–8. AEC Dimensions and Annotations
–9. Tags and Schedules
–10. Creating Details, Elevation and Section Views
–11. Creating and Keynoting Details
–12. Floors and Roofs

The above list was created after reviewing internal work flow, user needs and project interaction between offices. Some start in areas that provide higher return on training by reducing manhours spent on CAD efforts which may include the Detail Component Manager, the detailer, Design Center and automatic sections and elevations

Constructs are the unique building blocks of your building. Usually a complete floor.

Elements are objects or groups of objects that are repeated over and over in a drawing set such as a typical bathroom layout.

There are times when you have created something as a construct and then you need to use it several different places.

You can convert it to an element. You can also convert elements to constructs.

• To convert an element to a construct, drag the element into the construct category. The Add Construct dialog box will pop up where you can specify the level and division.
• To convert a construct to an element, drag the construct to the element category. The Add Element dialog box will come up where you can change the name and description if needed.

NOTE: You cannot convert an element to a construct if the element is already used in a construct.

• Project Navigator automatically sets up Xrefs. When used correctly all things work well. But you do NOT want to use the Xref Attach commands apart from PNav.
• The Manage Xrefs button on the Drawing Status Bar will alert you if a change is made to one of the Xrefs you are using and you can reload the file.
• Be careful how many project drawings you open at one time. System performance can slow down dramatically when you have multiple large drawings open even when using Xrefs.
• Autodesk suggest that you DO NOT use windows explorer or the AutoCAD open command to open drawings associated with a project. It does actually open the files, but I have noticed that some items do not function properly.
• For every drawing file (DWG) in a project, a corresponding XML file is created that holds project information. They are just text files, but this is how PNav coordinates the complete set of files. Do not delete the XML files.
• To move a project from one directory to another, close the project, right-click it and select Move Project. You can select the new location from a browse window. ADT will automatically repath all the files. Do Not just drag the files from Explorer.

Most offices sub out portions of the work to others. Working with other firms that are developing CAD files can be a challenge. They may have differing standards and methods for production.

I have found that I need to keep them in mind when I develop my CAD Standard. I want them to be effective and productive and deliver the files the way I need them. I may not be able to dictate how they do their work, not may I even want too.

Here are a couple of concepts that I put into play as I review my standard to keep a balanced approach toward my subs.

Don’t make their job harder.

I need to have my files created in such a way that I can work with them and they blend into me set, but I do not want to make their job harder. I want to measure the effect of my dictates so that I eliminate their pain points that are not really important. They still need to realize that I do have a standard that I want followed, but I need to be flexible on some items while maintaining a hard line on the critical issues. Out of the 27 areas that my standard covers I have deemed 10 of them critical.

It is not my job to make their job easier.

I need to keep them focused on complying with my standard. I want the files to be delivered in a specific format. It is their job to achieve that goal. If they want to work with me – they need to strive to comply. I have to comply when my client demands a specific standard. My subs need to realize that I am the client.

Agree on the file delivery format and stick to it.

If you are working in ADT and they only have AutoCAD, then define what you will provide to them and what they will provide to you. I like to define what I am going to give them. If they cannot work with it (after we agree) then it is their problem, not mine. I also want them to deliver consistently in the format I need.

All of this does not mean that I become a CAD Tyrant. I need to be cordial and flexible and get the job done. What I don’t want to do is take on extra work that does not pay the bills. All of us are familiar with the hours that are wasted trying to exchange files.

What are you using?

There are many features that have been introduced over the years. Many of these have become common tools for the everyday user. But some have not caught on yet.

Tell us what you use.

Wow – It has been a long time since I last posted. I have been very busy with work and AUGI and vacation and more.

Time Management is always a big issue with me and trying to squeeze it all in is often very tough.

Here are a few tips to get you to maximize your effectiveness against the backdrop of the ticking clock.

1. Delegate the small stuff and the big stuff. You do not have to be hands on with everything. Get some help. Pass on as much as you can. I know that it means that you have to organize things before you can pass them on, but it is worth it.

2. Keep in mind your job description. Whatever is on yours is a priority. Place those things first or get them taken off your job duties. Unattentive managers will review you based on your job description. Get that done.

3. Don’t get bogged down in the little stuff. Stringing together a ton of small tasks equals big time losses. Push off the small stuff and get to the big stuff.

4. Break down the big things into small bites. Do the small bites in the small time windows that your day provides you.

5. Keep a log of what you do and review it to see if you are focused. If you are not, rethink what you are doing.