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AutoCAD File Naming

Printed From: CAD Forum
Category: EN
Forum Name: AutoCAD
Forum Description: Discussion about AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT, viewers, DWG and DWF formats, Design Review, AutoCAD 360, add-ons
URL: https://www.cadforum.cz/forum_en/forum_posts.asp?TID=9542
Printed Date: 19.May.2026 at 08:37


Topic: AutoCAD File Naming
Posted By: mmaurigi
Subject: AutoCAD File Naming
Date Posted: 15.Aug.2013 at 22:25

I have a drawing (.dwg) file that consists of one model with two layout tabs. One layout tab is an assembly drawing (to the client), the other layout tab is the detail drawing (to fabrication shop). We create drawings in this manner using layers that are turned on or off in the layout viewports to be show graphics that might be needed in the detail drawing, but not in the assembly drawing and vise versa. The reason we create drawings this way is so if something changes, we change the model and it changes in both the assembly drawing and detail drawing. Each Layout tab has a unique number as follows:

Assembly: 12345-M-D-2004-001
Detail: 12345-M-D-2005-001
 
My problem is how do I create a file name for saving this file on our network that will clearing identify that this file contains the assembly and detail drawings? If they were individual drawings, it would be easy, 12345-M-D-2004-001.dwg and 12345-M-D-2005-001.dwg.
 
I'm looking for suggestions on a file naming convention for drawings with one model and multiple layouts that have unique numbers. Any advise or suggestions is appreciated.
 
Thanks in advance.


Replies:
Posted By: John Connor
Date Posted: 15.Aug.2013 at 23:39
Maybe you should have given that some thought when you first started naming your files.  Somehow I would have incorporated something that differentiates between an Assembly (Asbly) and a Detail (Dtl).


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"Humans have a strength that cannot be measured. This is John Connor. If you are reading this, you are the resistance."

<<AutoCAD 2015>>

Posted By: mmaurigi
Date Posted: 16.Aug.2013 at 02:28
I didn't have any part of the drawing number convention. Company had it in place when I was hired. I would have done something easier.

Posted By: John Connor
Date Posted: 16.Aug.2013 at 11:48
Then you'll just have to append an "A" or a "D" to the end of each name so you know which is which.


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"Humans have a strength that cannot be measured. This is John Connor. If you are reading this, you are the resistance."

<<AutoCAD 2015>>

Posted By: heinsite
Date Posted: 20.Aug.2013 at 09:46
It makes sense to have only one model drawing as it simplifies revisions.  If you split them you'd quickly run into all sorts of trouble trying to figure out which file has the revisions you want.  But when it comes time to keep track of whether a print is for a client or the fabrication shop you do need another system.

Have you thought about using the layout tabs themselves to help with print file naming?  I like to use the system variable "CTAB" as my Layout name.  This is then called somewhere in the title block and gets used whenever I print that sheet to either a PDF or DWF.  If you go with John's idea of appending a "D" or "A" to that name you'll always have a set of print files that will easily identify themselves.

As for the model filename itself... isn't that always going to be the base part number?  If so, simply save those files with nothing appended to them.  Let the separation happen with printing.  This way you can continue to use multiple layouts as you have in the past.

Dave.


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Dave Hein, P.E.
Hawaii District Engineer
Kona International Airport
AutoCAD Certified Professional
Autodesk Expert Elite


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