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Benefits to Keeping Drawing1.dwg Open
Tip# 3634 By Leonid Nemirovsky On 01-May-2011
3.75
 Rated By 4 users
Categories : File Creation
Software type : AutoCAD 2012
Rename File To : No Files to download.
Use this file for multiple purposes.

Frequent tipster Leonid Nemirovsky provides us with an AutoCAD tip that suggests several uses for the Drawing1.dwg feature.

"I noticed while working with other CAD users (both technicians and engineers) that about half of them don't use Drawing1.dwg. Moreover, they intentionally close it, or start a drawing by double-clicking in Windows Explorer (which causes AutoCAD to start without Drawing1.dwg).
 
"I personally prefer to have it open, as I use it extensively for various tasks. If I need to copy and paste parts of multiple drawings, especially if they are from different projects with different standards or layer naming, I copy and paste into this empty drawing, change layer names to the proper ones, and so on. Then I clean/purge, and then again copy and paste into my working drawing.
 
"I also use Drawing1.dwg when I need to create new linetypes or blocks for small items that are missed, such as markers, water levels, and other small things that can be used by others or added to project standards.
 
"Finally, because AutoCAD starts it as a totally empty blank drawing, Drawing1.dwg can be used to create project DWT files. Just insert the proper Title block with fields set (or you can do it while you are there), then add layers, blocks, etc."
 
Notes from Cadalyst Tip Patrol: Another reason to leave the Drawing1.dwg file open is so you can print drawings for the Sheet Set Manager. You must have a file open to use the Sheet Set Manager; in fact, there are several things that you can't do without a drawing open. I also like to use it as a "sketch area."

Users can determine which file is opened as Drawing1.dwg, by setting it in Options. Type OP on the Command line and click on the Files tab. Go to the Template Settings option and expand it. Expand the Default Template File Name for QNEW and browse to your company's DWT, or main template file. When AutoCAD starts, this DWT file will be opened as Drawing1.dwg. It will also function as the QNEW DWT file. This can help save some time by automatically starting your template file for you.
 
 

Average Rating:
3.75


User comments
Comment by millett,skipp
Posted on 2011-05-02 13:33:07
In my opinion, keeping an extra drawing open not only takes up RAM but also another spot on your taskbar you will have to look through when switching drawings. I do like the idea of a "sketch" type drawing though. Sometimes I find myself performing a WBLOCK of new block.dwg onto my desktop. To me this is just as quick as copy and paste and will maintain the settings of the drawing you are working on (like units, precision, etc.)
Comment by Elrod,Kent
Posted on 2011-05-02 15:43:34
This sounds a lot like tip 3464. :)
Comment by kiernan,Marcel
Posted on 2011-05-04 10:47:24
I totally agree with this tip since the extra memory consumed is almost irrelevant with nowaday's machines and I find two more advantages: - When I close a drawing, if the Drawing1 is still open I still have access to all the AutoCAD menus whereas if it's closed, only a small subset of menus are available and since the « option » (setting) menu is closed I can't configure AutoCAD without re-opening a drawing. - Also, I often click on close boxes a bit too quick, if Drawing1 is open I get prompted to save flle which prevents me from accidentaly closing AutoCAD good tip!