Category Archives: Drafting & CAD Tutorials

The Complete Guide to Calculating and Drafting Stairs with AutoCAD and NanoCAD

Designing stairs is a fundamental skill in architecture, construction, and engineering. Precise calculation and drafting are essential to ensure safety, compliance with building codes, and functionality. This guide will take you through the entire process of calculating and drafting stairs using AutoCAD and NanoCAD, step by step. Understanding Stair Terminology Before diving into calculations, it’s… Read More »

How to Create a Door and Window Schedule in AutoCAD and NanoCAD

Creating a door and window schedule is essential for documenting the specifications of these elements in your CAD project. This guide walks you through the step-by-step process in both AutoCAD and NanoCAD, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. Why Create a Door and Window Schedule? A door and window schedule provides a clear and organized way to… Read More »

How to Save Your CAD Setup in a Template File (.DWT) or Block Library in AutoCAD and NanoCAD

Saving your CAD settings and frequently used elements in a template file (.DWT) or a block library can significantly streamline your workflow. This guide walks you through the process of creating and using templates and block libraries in both AutoCAD and NanoCAD. Why Use a Template File or Block Library? Templates and block libraries help… Read More »

How to Use the Array Command in AutoCAD and NanoCAD

The Array command is a powerful tool in CAD software that lets you create multiple copies of objects in a defined pattern. Whether you need to create rows, circular patterns, or other arrangements, this guide will show you how to use the Array command in both AutoCAD and NanoCAD step-by-step. Why Use the Array Command?… Read More »

How to Create and Configure a New Layer Called ELEC in AutoCAD and NanoCAD

Layers play an essential role in organizing and managing your drawings in CAD software. This guide will walk you through the process of creating a new layer named “ELEC,” setting its line type to a hidden line, assigning it a red color (or another unused color), and making it your current working layer. Follow these… Read More »

How to Define and Select Text Fonts in AutoCAD and NanoCAD: A Step-by-Step Guide

Text plays a vital role in conveying information in technical drawings. Choosing the right font ensures that your drawings are not only functional but also visually appealing. This guide will walk you through the process of defining and selecting text fonts in AutoCAD and NanoCAD, providing easy-to-follow steps for both software platforms. Why Choose the… Read More »

Setting Your Dimension Text Height to 4 Inches in AutoCAD and NanoCAD: A Step-by-Step Guide

In drafting, maintaining clear and consistent dimensions is crucial for readability and professionalism. Adjusting the text height for dimensions ensures that they are easily legible in your drawing. This guide will walk you through setting your dimension text height to 4 inches in both AutoCAD and NanoCAD, providing step-by-step instructions for each software. Why Adjust… Read More »

Setting Up a DIMS Layer in AutoCAD or NanoCAD: A Step-by-Step Guide

When working on drafting projects in AutoCAD or NanoCAD, organizing your work with layers is essential. One of the most common layers is a “DIMS” layer used for dimensioning. This guide will walk you through creating a DIMS layer, making it your current layer, and setting its color to blue. Whether you’re using AutoCAD or… Read More »

How to Set Text Height in Dimensions and Leaders in AutoCAD

AutoCAD is a powerful tool for drafting and design, allowing for precise control over your drawings. One key aspect of making your drawings clear and readable is ensuring that the text height in your dimensions and leaders is set correctly. This article will walk you through the process of adjusting text height in AutoCAD for… Read More »

Top 10 Mistakes New Drafters Make in AutoCAD

AutoCAD is an incredibly powerful tool, but new drafters often encounter pitfalls that can slow down their workflow or lead to errors. Here are ten common mistakes beginners make and tips on how to avoid them. Not Setting Up Units Properly One of the most common mistakes is forgetting to set the correct units at… Read More »