ADS cheat sheet

Drawing templates use the .dwt extension; QNEW creates a new drawing from the default template named in Options > Files > Template Settings > Default Template File Name for QNEW.

A template stores layers, linetypes, text and dimension styles, layouts, and named objects; only content in model space and paper space is inherited unless the template is saved with content.

Layer 0 cannot be deleted or renamed; it can be turned off, frozen, locked, or plotted/non-plotted, and objects on it inherit block insertion-layer behavior.

Frozen layers are excluded from regeneration and object snaps; off layers are still regenerated and can still be snapped to unless OSNAP ignores them.

LAYMRG merges a source layer into a target layer and deletes the source; LAYWALK isolates layers without changing their on/off state.

The current layer cannot be frozen, and the current layer's color, linetype, and lineweight are set to ByLayer by default for new objects.

LAYISO hides all layers except those of selected objects; LAYUNISO restores the previous layer state, and LAYERP reverses the last layer command.

Layer states saved with LAYERSTATE store on/off, freeze/thaw, lock, plot, color, linetype, and lineweight settings and can be restored per viewport when VPLAYER overrides are saved.

MTEXT supports inline formatting codes and paragraph wrapping inside a defined width; DTEXT/TEXT creates single-line or multiline text without an embedded width boundary.

Fields (inserted with FIELD) update on regen, plot, or open depending on the field category, e.g., date fields, sheet set fields, and object properties.

Multileaders (MLEADER) combine a leader with text or a block; MLEADERSTYLE controls arrowhead, landing, and text attachment.

Hatch patterns can be associative; if the boundary is edited, an associative hatch updates, and non-associative hatches do not.

A polyline is a single object with vertices and optional arc segments; EXPLODE converts it to individual line and arc segments, losing width and global width properties.

Spline-fit polylines and splines differ: a spline is a NURBS curve with control vertices and fit points, while a polyline approximates curves with arc segments.

Tables (TABLE) are inserted as table objects with cells, formulas, and linked data; they can be broken across columns and linked to Excel data.

Annotative objects scale automatically according to the annotation scale assigned to the model space view or viewport.

The block definition table stores block definitions; INSERT places a block reference, and a block reference has a single insertion point, scale, and rotation.

Dynamic blocks use parameters and actions (e.g., stretch, visibility, lookup); visibility states control which geometry is displayed per state.

Attribute definitions (ATTDEF) inside a block become attributes on insertion; ATTDIA controls whether the attribute dialog appears, and ATTREQ controls whether prompts are suppressed.

ATTSYNC updates all block references after attribute definitions are edited in the block definition; BATTMAN manages attribute order and visibility.

XREFs are referenced, not inserted; the external file remains separate, and changes to the source appear on reload or open.

An xref's layers are prefixed with the xref name and a vertical bar (e.g., XREF|WALLS); VISRETAIN controls whether changes to xref layer settings persist across reloads.

Binding an xref with XREF BIND converts it to a block definition; the Insert option binds with the xref name prefix, and the Bind option removes the prefix.

Overlay xrefs are not carried forward into a host drawing when that drawing is itself attached as an xref; attach xrefs are nested.

A layout is a paper space environment with a defined plot configuration; each layout has its own page setup, plot style table, and paper size.

Model space viewports (VPORTS) tile the model space display; paper space viewports (MVIEW) are windows into model space placed on a layout.

A viewport's scale is set with the standard scale list or by entering a ratio; VPSCALE reports the current viewport scale when a viewport is selected.

Viewport overrides (VPLAYER) change layer properties per viewport without affecting other viewports or model space.

PSLTSCALE controls whether linetype scaling is based on paper space units (1) or model space units (0) in viewports.

Plot styles are either color-dependent (CTB) or named (STB); a drawing uses one type at a time, set in the Plot dialog or by the PSTYLEMODE system variable.

The plot scale is a ratio of plotted units to drawing units; 1:1 plots at full size, and fit-to-paper overrides the scale to fill the printable area.

Publish (PUBLISH) creates a DWF, PDF, or plot file from multiple sheets; sheet sets (SSM) organize sheets and can publish the entire set.

Dimension styles (DIMSTYLE) store arrowheads, text placement, extension line offsets, primary and alternate units, tolerances, and scale settings.

DIMSCALE sets the overall dimension scale factor; annotative dimension styles instead use the annotation scale and do not require DIMSCALE adjustment.

Associative dimensions update when the measured geometry changes; DIMASSOC controls associativity (0 = none, 1 = non-associative, 2 = associative).

Tolerance types include symmetric, deviation, limits, and basic; the tolerance tab in DIMSTYLE sets upper and lower values and precision.

Geometric tolerances (TOLERANCE) use feature control frames with symbols for form, orientation, location, and runout per ASME Y14.5 or ISO conventions.

DIMLFAC multiplies the measured value for dimensions in layouts or for scaled geometry; DIMLFAC of 0.5 halves the displayed measurement.

Annotation scale is assigned per model space view or viewport; annotative objects display at the scale of the current annotation scale and can have multiple scales.

DIMREGEN regenerates associative dimensions after changes to referenced geometry or xrefs.

Selection methods include window (left-to-right, selects fully enclosed objects), crossing (right-to-left, selects touched objects), and fence, lasso, and polygon options.

Quick Select (QSELECT) filters by object type and property; FILTER creates a saved property filter that can be applied to selection sets.

Grips appear at object-specific points; a cold grip (unselected) and hot grip (selected) behave differently, and Ctrl+click cycles through grip options.

The Properties palette (PROPERTIES) edits common and object-specific properties; MATCHPROP copies properties from a source object to selected objects.

PEDIT joins polylines and adjusts width, while JOIN joins lines, arcs, and polylines into a single polyline when endpoints are coincident.

OVERKILL removes duplicate and overlapping objects and can merge collinear segments; it operates on the selection set and reports deleted objects.

The BYLAYER property makes an object inherit color, linetype, and lineweight from its layer; setting an explicit value overrides the layer setting.

Object isolation (ISOLATEOBJECTS, HIDEOBJECTS) temporarily hides unselected objects; UNISOLATEOBJECTS restores them.

Drawing standards files (.dws) store layers, dimension styles, linetypes, and text styles; CHECKSTANDARDS reports violations and can fix them.

A CAD Standards plug-in can be associated with a drawing so standards are checked on open or save, and notification is controlled by STANDARDSVIOLATION.

Sheet sets (.dst) organize drawings into subsets and sheets; sheet properties and custom properties can be used in title block fields.

The eTransmit feature packages a drawing with dependent files (xrefs, fonts, plot styles) and can create a transmittal report.

Drawing comparison (DWGCOMPARE) highlights differences between two revisions of a drawing, and the comparison can be saved or exported.

Digital signatures (SECURITYOPTIONS) attach a signature to a drawing; any modification after signing invalidates the signature.

The drawing recovery manager lists drawings that were open when a session ended abnormally and allows recovery of autosave and backup files.

Layer and drawing standards should be enforced by templates and .dws files rather than by manual checking to keep drawings consistent.

The CUI editor customizes menus, toolbars, ribbon panels, keyboard shortcuts, and mouse buttons; the main customization file is the .cuix file.

Command aliases are stored in the .pgp file (acad.pgp); REINIT reloads the .pgp file after edits without restarting the program.

Action macros (ACTIONS) record command sequences and can be played back, edited, and assigned to a toolbar button.

Script files (.scr) run a sequence of commands; SCRIPT runs a script, and a script can be used for batch plotting or repetitive edits.

AutoLISP routines load with APPLOAD and are stored in .lsp files; the Startup Suite loads selected routines on every session.

System variables can be set in a profile or startup script; a profile (.arg) stores support paths, template locations, and plotting settings.

Purge (PURGE) removes unused named objects such as layers, blocks, and styles; -PURGE with the All option purges all unused items in one pass.

Best practice for reusable content is to store blocks in a shared library and reference them with a tool palette or DesignCenter rather than copying between drawings.

Use named page setups saved in templates so every layout plots with the same device, paper size, and plot style.

Keep model space geometry at 1:1 and apply scale only in viewports; this preserves dimension and annotation accuracy.

Name layers by discipline and content (e.g., A-WALL-FULL) so layer filters and standards checks work predictably.

Set annotation scale before placing annotative text and dimensions so objects are created at the correct display size.

Use xrefs for shared base files and bind only for archival or delivery copies, since binding increases file size and duplicates content.

Audit (AUDIT) and recover (RECOVER) drawings before delivery to fix structural errors and reduce file size.

Save drawings with the same release format required by the recipient; SAVEAS controls the DWG version, and older formats may lose newer object types.

Record system variable changes in a startup script or profile so a workstation can be restored to a known configuration.

Keyboard shortcuts and command aliases reduce mouse travel; the .pgp alias file is the standard place to define them.

Tool palettes group blocks, hatches, and commands and can be shared by exporting and importing .xtp files.

A template with predefined layers, styles, and layouts eliminates repetitive setup and enforces standards at drawing creation.

Incremental save and autosave intervals are controlled by SAVETIME; set a value that balances data protection against performance.

Layer filters and layer states let you switch between working configurations without manually toggling many layers.

Use fields for title block data linked to sheet set properties so revisions propagate without retyping.

Batch plotting with PUBLISH and a saved sheet list is faster and less error-prone than plotting each layout individually.

Regularly purge and audit drawings; unused named objects accumulate and slow opening, saving, and plotting.

Store company standards in a .dws file and attach it to templates so CHECKSTANDARDS can compare new drawings automatically.

Use a shared support path for menus, fonts, plot styles, and templates so all workstations resolve the same files.

Name and version drawings consistently; a clear revision scheme makes comparison and transmittal reliable.

Lock xref layers that should not be edited and use VISRETAIN to keep xref layer settings across reloads.

Save named views and layer states for recurring detail areas to avoid repeated navigation and layer setup.

Use the .arg profile to transfer plotting, support path, and template settings between workstations.

Keep a block library and reference it with DesignCenter or tool palettes instead of copying blocks between drawings.

Test templates and customization files on a copy before deploying them to a production environment.

Command line input accepts command names, aliases, and coordinate entry; dynamic input can be toggled with the F12 key.

Object snaps (OSNAP) and polar tracking (F10) improve precision; ortho mode (F8) constrains movement to horizontal and vertical.

Selection cycling (Ctrl+W or the status bar) helps select overlapping objects by presenting a list.

The Quick Access toolbar and ribbon can be customized in the CUI editor; workspace settings are saved in the .cuix and profile.

Express Tools provide commands such as OVERKILL, BURST, and TEXTFIT that extend standard editing.

Autosave files use the .sv$ extension and are stored in the path set in Options > Files > Automatic Save File Location.

Backup files use the .bak extension and are created on save when the option is enabled.

A drawing opened read-only can be saved under a new name; the original remains unchanged.

Use a consistent layer standard such as the AIA or ISO 13567 naming convention so filters and standards checks work.

Place dimensions in paper space only when the measured geometry is in a viewport with a known scale; otherwise dimension in model space.

Set PSLTSCALE and LTSCALE together so linetypes display consistently in model space and in viewports.

Use named plot styles (STB) for standards-based lineweight control, or color-dependent (CTB) for legacy color-based plotting.

Keep title block data in attributes or fields linked to sheet set properties so revisions propagate.

Use eTransmit for delivery so xrefs, fonts, and plot styles travel with the drawing.

Purge and audit before archiving; archive the DWG plus any xrefs or bind them into a single deliverable copy.

Document system variable settings and customization files so a workstation can be rebuilt from a known configuration.

The Options dialog (OP) controls support file search paths, template settings, autosave, and plotting defaults.

Profiles (.arg) export and import these settings, allowing a standard configuration to be deployed across workstations.

The Startup Suite in APPLOAD loads AutoLISP routines automatically at each session.

Action recorder macros can be saved and assigned to a command or toolbar button for repeated tasks.

Script files run without user interaction and are useful for batch processing multiple drawings.

Tool palettes can be exported as .xtp files and shared; they reference blocks and commands by source path.

The CUI editor stores menu and ribbon customization in a .cuix file that can be transferred between installations.

System variable settings can be captured in a script or profile so a workstation can be restored after a reset.

Use a project template with predefined layers, styles, layouts, and page setups to start every drawing consistently.

Set annotation scale before creating annotative objects; changing it later rescales display but not the underlying geometry.

Keep model space at 1:1 and apply scale only in viewports to preserve measurement accuracy.

Use xrefs for shared base files and bind only for delivery or archival copies.

Purge and audit drawings before delivery to remove unused objects and correct structural errors.

Save in the release format required by the recipient; older formats may not support newer object types.

Record system variable and customization changes in a script or profile for repeatable workstation setup.

Use fields and sheet set properties for title block data so revisions propagate automatically.

Command aliases are defined in the .pgp file; REINIT reloads it after edits.

The CUI editor customizes menus, toolbars, ribbon panels, and keyboard shortcuts and saves to a .cuix file.

Action macros record command sequences for playback and can be assigned to toolbar buttons.

Script files (.scr) run command sequences without user interaction for batch tasks.

AutoLISP routines load with APPLOAD and can be added to the Startup Suite for automatic loading.

Profiles (.arg) store support paths, template locations, and plotting settings for deployment.

PURGE removes unused named objects; -PURGE with All purges all unused items in one pass.

Store reusable blocks in a shared library referenced by tool palettes or DesignCenter rather than copying between drawings.

Use named page setups in templates so every layout plots with the same device, paper size, and plot style.

Keep model space geometry at 1:1 and apply scale only in viewports to preserve dimension and annotation accuracy.

Name layers by discipline and content (e.g., A-WALL-FULL) so layer filters and standards checks work predictably.

Set annotation scale before placing annotative text and dimensions so objects are created at the correct display size.

Use xrefs for shared base files and bind only for archival or delivery copies.

Audit and recover drawings before delivery to fix structural errors and reduce file size.

Save drawings in the release format required by the recipient; older formats may lose newer object types.

Record system variable changes in a startup script or profile so a workstation can be restored to a known configuration.

Keyboard shortcuts and command aliases reduce mouse travel; the .pgp alias file is the standard place to define them.

Tool palettes group blocks, hatches, and commands and can be shared by exporting and importing .xtp files.

A template with predefined layers, styles, and layouts eliminates repetitive setup and enforces standards at drawing creation.

Autosave interval is controlled by SAVETIME; set a value that balances data protection against performance.

Layer filters and layer states let you switch between working configurations without manually toggling many layers.

Use fields for title block data linked to sheet set properties so revisions propagate without retyping.

Batch plotting with PUBLISH and a saved sheet list is faster and less error-prone than plotting each layout individually.

Regularly purge and audit drawings; unused named objects accumulate and slow opening, saving, and plotting.

Store company standards in a .dws file and attach it to templates so CHECKSTANDARDS can compare new drawings automatically.

Use a shared support path for menus, fonts, plot styles, and templates so all workstations resolve the same files.

Name and version drawings consistently; a clear revision scheme makes comparison and transmittal reliable.

Lock xref layers that should not be edited and use VISRETAIN to keep xref layer settings across reloads.

Save named views and layer states for recurring detail areas to avoid repeated navigation and layer setup.

Use the .arg profile to transfer plotting, support path, and template settings between workstations.

Keep a block library and reference it with DesignCenter or tool palettes instead of copying blocks between drawings.

Test templates and customization files on a copy before deploying them to a production environment.

Command line input accepts command names, aliases, and coordinate entry; dynamic input can be toggled with the F12 key.

Object snaps (OSNAP) and polar tracking (F10) improve precision; ortho mode (F8) constrains movement to horizontal and vertical.

Selection cycling (Ctrl+W or the status bar) helps select overlapping objects by presenting a list.

The Quick Access toolbar and ribbon can be customized in the CUI editor; workspace settings are saved in the .cuix and profile.

Express Tools provide commands such as OVERKILL, BURST, and TEXTFIT that extend standard editing.

Autosave files use the .sv$ extension and are stored in the path set in Options > Files > Automatic Save File Location.

Backup files use the .bak extension and are created on save when the option is enabled.

A drawing opened read-only can be saved under a new name; the original remains unchanged.

Use a consistent layer standard such as the AIA or ISO 13567 naming convention so filters and standards checks work.

Place dimensions in paper space only when the measured geometry is in a viewport with a known scale; otherwise dimension in model space.

Set PSLTSCALE and LTSCALE together so linetypes display consistently in model space and in viewports.

Use named plot styles (STB) for standards-based lineweight control, or color-dependent (CTB) for legacy color-based plotting.

Keep title block data in attributes or fields linked to sheet set properties so revisions propagate.

Use eTransmit for delivery so xrefs, fonts, and plot styles travel with the drawing.

Purge and audit before archiving; archive the DWG plus any xrefs or bind them into a single deliverable copy.

Document system variable settings and customization files so a workstation can be rebuilt from a known configuration.

The Options dialog (OP) controls support file search paths, template settings, autosave, and plotting defaults.

Profiles (.arg) export and import these settings, allowing a standard configuration to be deployed across workstations.

The Startup Suite in APPLOAD loads AutoLISP routines automatically at each session.

Action recorder macros can be saved and assigned to a command or toolbar button for repeated tasks.

Script files run without user interaction and are useful for batch processing multiple drawings.

Tool palettes can be exported as .xtp files and shared; they reference blocks and commands by source path.

The CUI editor stores menu and ribbon customization in a .cuix file that can be transferred between installations.

System variable settings can be captured in a script or profile so a workstation can be restored after a reset.

Use a project template with predefined layers, styles, layouts, and page setups to start every drawing consistently.

Set annotation scale before creating annotative objects; changing it later rescales display but not the underlying geometry.

Keep model space at 1:1 and apply scale only in viewports to preserve measurement accuracy.

Use xrefs for shared base files and bind only for delivery or archival copies.

Purge and audit drawings before delivery to remove unused objects and correct structural errors.

Save in the release format required by the recipient; older formats may not support newer object types.

Record system variable and customization changes in a script or profile for repeatable workstation setup.

Use fields and sheet set properties for title block data so revisions propagate automatically.

Command aliases are defined in the .pgp file; REINIT reloads it after edits.

The CUI editor customizes menus, toolbars, ribbon panels, and keyboard shortcuts and saves to a .cuix file.

Action macros record command sequences for playback and can be assigned to toolbar buttons.

Script files (.scr) run command sequences without user interaction for batch tasks.

AutoLISP routines load with APPLOAD and can be added to the Startup Suite for automatic loading.

Profiles (.arg) store support paths, template locations, and plotting settings for deployment.

PURGE removes unused named objects; -PURGE with All purges all unused items in one pass.

Store reusable blocks in a shared library referenced by tool palettes or DesignCenter rather than copying between drawings.