This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
1-6 Naming a Drawing
You can use any combination of letters and numbers as a file name. Either uppercase or lowercase letters can be used, since AutoCAD file names are not case sensitive. The symbols $, -, and _ (underscore) can also be used. Other symbols, such as % and *, cannot be used (Figure 1-12).
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All AutoCAD drawing files will automatically have the extension .dwg added to the given file name by default. If you name a drawing FIRST, it will appear in the files as FIRST.dwg. (A default setting is one that AutoCAD will use unless specifically told to use some other value.)
If you want to locate a file on another drive, specify the drive letter followed by a colon in front of the drawing name. For example, in Figure 1-12 C:FIRST will locate the drawing file FIRST on the C: drive.
Creating a New Drawing
There are three ways to access the Create New Drawing dialog box that is used to name a new drawing:
Select New from the Application menu (Figure 1-13).
Type the word new at a command prompt.
Hold down the Ctrl key and press N.
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Any of these methods will open the Select Template dialog box (Figure 1-14). The acad template will set up a drawing with inch values and ANSI style dimensions. The acadiso template will set up a drawing with millimeter values and ISO-style dimensions.
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Saving a New Drawing File
The first time you use one of the Save tools to save your drawing, you must give your drawing a name (Figure 1-15). When you click Save for the first time in a new drawing, the Save Drawing As dialog box appears (Figure 1-16). Select a folder in which to save your work and enter a file name in the text box.
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It’s a good idea to save your work frequently. AutoCAD can be configured to save your drawings automatically, but it’s a much better process to actively save your work. After you’ve created your drawing file in the Save Drawing As dialog box, using the Save command creates a backup version (filename.bak) and updates your saved file.
To save your work after you’ve given it a name, click the Save button in the Quick Access Toolbar at the top of the screen, or you can use the standard Windows shortcut: Ctrl+S.
Click the large Application Menu button in the upper-left corner of the screen.
Click Save.
Since you have not yet named and saved this drawing file, the Save Drawing As dialog box appears (Figure 1-16).
The Save Drawing As dialog box lists all existing drawings. Click on the thumbnail option to change the list to thumbnail drawings.
Enter the drawing name.
In this example, the drawing name FIRST was used.
Click Save.
The name of the drawing appears at the top of the screen.