Chapter 7

Templates and Plotting

Learning Objectives:
Set up the AutoCAD Plot Style option.
Create a Template file.
Use the MIRROR command.
Create Multiple Copies of objects.
Set up Layouts in Paper Space.
Create Viewports in Paper Space.
Use the PROPERTIES command.
Adjust the Text Scale for Plotting.

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Introduction
One of the main advantages of using CAD systems is that we can
easily reuse information that is already in the system. For
example, many of the system settings, such as setting up layers,
colors, linetypes and grids, are typically performed in all AutoCAD
files. In AutoCAD 2009, we can set up template files to eliminate
these repetitive steps and make our work much more efficient.
Using template files also helps us maintain consistent design and
drafting standards.

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Symmetry is an important characteristic that is often seen in

designs. Symmetrical features can be easily accomplished by the
assortments of tools that are available in modern CAD systems,
such as AutoCAD. For example, we can easily create multiple
identical copies of geometry with the Copy command or the Array
command, or create mirror images of objects using the Mirror
command. In this chapter, we will examine the use of these more
advanced construction features and techniques in AutoCAD 2009.

AutoCAD Plot Style Mode

Using AutoCAD 2009 plot styles and plot style tables allow us to
control the way drawings look at plot time. We can reassign object
properties, such as color, linetype, and lineweight, and plot the
same drawing differently. The default AutoCAD 2009 Plot Style
Mode is set to use the Color-Dependent plot style, which controls
the plotting of objects based on the object colors and is the
traditional method of adjusting the plotted hardcopy in AutoCAD.
The new plot method in AutoCAD is to use the Named plot style
table that works independently of color. In this chapter, we will
learn to plot with the new AutoCAD Named plot style, which
provides a very flexible and fast way to control the plotting of our
designs.

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AutoCAD Layout Mode

AutoCAD 2009 allows us to create plots to any exact scale on the
paper. Until now, we have been working in model space to create
our design in full size. When we are ready to plot, we can arrange
our design on a two-dimensional sheet of paper so that the plotted
hardcopy is exactly what we wanted. This two-dimensional sheet
of paper is known as the paper space in AutoCAD. We can place
borders and title blocks on paper space, the objects that are less
critical to our design.

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The Use a Template Option

Use a Template

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The GenevaCam Design

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AutoCAD Mirror command

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AutoCAD Array command

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SDC

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