A Better Way to Draw in AutoCAD (Change this Setting)

[@30by40]

So many questions about this setting, thought I'd make a video. Download my templates here: thirtybyforty.com/digital-drawing-templates

[@zodsinclair8500]

AuotCAD been in 'Night Mode' for years, & Nobody bothered to do a anything about it, tks for the info! By the way, can a 64bit Laptop run AutoCAD 2019-20 or is there a free program, that can transfer files into Autocad format?

[@seanbrittain4542]

@@zodsinclair8500 Yeah but "Dark Mode" is trendy now a days and that means AutoCAD was "OG" for "Dark Mode". ;)

[@kzakrzewski1]

Hi Eric. To get better performance for true type fonts in viewport on MAC - change DTTEXT (System Variable). This prevent text shaking while you use pan. Greetings from Poland.

[@nickmcgarvey6463]

If you're drafting professionally, that dark bckground is a real eye saver.

[@marcofaedda3118]

exactly, use the white background just in the final stages

[@30by40]

For sure...after all these years I still dislike the default drafting settings (colored lines)

[@marcofaedda3118]

@@30by40 I use it with the same colors that will be in the layout except that the background is black and the black lines are white

[@30by40]

@@marcofaedda3118 You mean like, 02:33 ?

[@pemekd6369]

@@marcofaedda3118 or outdoors, it's better to use white in sunlight. There is a lisp 'COLORX' that changes all the colors to B/W

[@kiodour]

I admire how you always attempt to keep things simple without sacrificing looks.

[@julianalejandro1741]

I used to hate drawing in CAD. It felt very unnatural compared to drawing on paper. The colored lines entangled everything and I couldn't visualize my projects when I was drawing. I felt like I was playing the role of more of a technical draftsman rather than an architect. I discovered a few years ago an architect who also recommend the same as you. From the moment I changed to black and white, that hatred towards CAD disappeared. I was able to appreciate my projects more easily and even my drawing times were drastically reduced. It is true that sometimes one gets confused with the thickness of the lines, but to fix them when the plans are ready, it will not take you more than an hour. Perhaps it is not for everyone, many people do not like or complain about the white background. Honestly it doesn't bother me, when it's night, I just use the night mode on the pc, which makes the colors warmer and doesn't bother me. Anyway, I guess it's personal taste. Good video :)

[@janseb]

Colors are used to distinguish items. We have to work in color but think in black and white. Since Autocad 2000, lineweights don't need to be hooked with colors. Lineweights can be specified at the layer level which gives much more flexibility. Layer states is another feature allowing to temporarily view our drawings in different ways.

[@NathanEllery]

Depends on whether the office is still using the original ctb standards or have moved to the newer STB plot styles.

[@DavidFerguson62]

I use 254 as a model space background. I find gray is much easier on the eyes than white or black.

[@paulcatarino2209]

I started doing this in school and the lab teacher actually took marks off once because he wanted everyone to use a black background in model space and white in paper space.

[@nestoreleuteriopaivabendo5415]

@@paulcatarino2209 Obnoxious bloke is obnoxious.

[@n1o1designstudio4]

@@paulcatarino2209 I ve been doing that as well. People assumed I am working Revit.

[@mikhailkh8560]

252 for me)

[@DavidFerguson62]

Same here.

[@nikouer]

there are two ways to control the weight of the lines. One is lightweight which in my opinion is more appropriate because it's automatically adjusted to the print scale. You use polyline weight which is a value in real unis, like a wall width. With that, you must compute manually the width depending on how you want to be your plot width.

[@sedesdis]

I work in Cad since 1996 and I'd like to say it's very nicely presented tutorial with valuable tricks, thumbs up.

[@schemeinggeneral]

I'd just like to point out that for those who find pure white hard to look at, you can use an off white to take the brightness off it. Also, if you use off-white, it'll show where you're using a 'white' colour to mask things. I typically use that in blocks to mask out lines behind the blocks, and it's nice to be able to see exactly which blocks have a mask at a glance.

[@sayedsohail8942]

I'm an Architectural draftsman and I addict to see your works and improve my drawings.👍👍👍

[@slikktalk552]

How did you get into it? And do you enjoy it? I’m looking at different careers but going back to school for 5+ years to be an architect sounds daunting.

[@garyspeed8961]

one downside to polylines is when the DWG is imported into 3d software such as Sketchup the import is a closed outline with no fill... so if importing suggest you select all polylines and set thickness to zero

[@ghoulman51]

Rather than having to use poly lines, wouldn't it just be easier to assign a lineweight and linetype to each layer in the template, then you can have proper circles, arcs, regular lines etc with a natural width to them? Rather than what I saw in the video which was grid bubbles that aren't actual circles. Then you can just turn on/off the show lineweight setting and it would display the thicker lines. One of the (many) things I hate about Revit is the white background, sticking with the darker background makes drafting so much easier when working for long periods.

[@vincecerna14]

I'm also wondering about this.

[@sleeth11]

yeah - Theres a reason we have modelspace and layoutspace. I understand turning on/off a modelspace display filter, but sometimes you need to differentiate between more layers than how many colors you have in your print settings. Sometimes I draw in layoutspace, sometimes I draw in modelspace.

[@KP0p1437]

You can change the background to any colour in Revit too. Go to File > Options > Graphics > Colors

[@viniciusbraga5846]

I changed my CAD to white and I’m really happy about it. It’s nice to see how exactly your dwgs will look like when it’s plotted

[@ramiy8676]

For thicknesses you can switch LWdisplay on, and place the thicknesses in the layers no need to use polylines only

[@30by40]

For sure...one thing to note, if you have more than one LW on a layer, you must use Plines to control...

[@davidbehrens4732]

@@30by40 I agree. Use the plot style line weights. I could using poly lines for walls or something’s, like walls. There 256 colors. 256 lineweights. Get creative and let AutoCAD LW do the work.

[@30by40]

More complex...but who am I to say...? use whatever creates the best finished result, I'm really happy with my setup...but you should make a video about yours!

[@NathanEllery]

@@30by40 not if you set a particular heavy line by object and that depends on whether your plot style will allow it.

[@paulcatarino2209]

Early in my drafting career I found that a gray background mutes the other colours where as the black or white brightens (makes them look neon or fluorescent)...I don't use a yellow highlighter for he same reason.

[@alexandradickson1995]

Watching the video, it occured to me that these settings would be very useful in remote meetings with the client or team during the design process. Sharing a screen with our typical setup can be very confusing/ overwhelming for anyone not familiar with the layer colors. Thanks!

[@jjjarod1]

Anyone else feel like this is such lifechanging advice? Thank you so much Eric!

[@creationslandscapedesigns]

Personally I prefer my backgrounds to be black. But I like seeing how other people set up their pages.

[@tokyotrashbby]

yessssss i've been doing this for years, the white background changed everything for me

[@TimeFrost]

I just got recommended this, thanks for the trick, I'm in school for architecture rn. Subscribed

[@30by40]

So glad! A few more videos to help you here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnbSYYGnjtWoqrM kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5y3l4ecnbx8d7s and, kzbin.info/www/bejne/pmW2p56FbaxmgZo

[@aguythatsrandom]

Curious, are you only using this setting for presentation drawings or for construction sets as well? I would imagine the contractors don't need the poche and the render, but also more measurements Or do you mix?

[@njsanna9709]

Autocad 101. 🤟 But, man those dialog boxes are way nicer in Mac than PC.

[@keremayan452]

For me that was one of the most helpful video you've done. Thanks

[@matthewtaylor923]

I personally don't think that having a white background is that straining on the eyes. It USED to be, but for whatever reason monitors these days are pretty awesome. I switched to white backgrounds and ditched colors years ago for structural drafting, and it's been so much better. Still need the black background and colors for things like civil plans with all the information layered on top of each other, but the eye strain seems to be a thing of the past. I've also found that drafting exactly how you print makes for better looking plans in general. You can also write a quick LISP routine, or find one online, and add yourself a button or a command to switch between background colors and lineweight display. REALLY helpful to have this stuff.

[@30by40]

Good tip about the LISP routine...I use LT so I'm not sure if DIESEL supports similar functionality.

[@librairiealamal3495]

I admire how you always attempt to keep things simple

[@micahg196]

Which version of Autocad is that? I'm on 2021 and it doesn't look like that.

[@lucaviglierchioarchitettur8944]

Thank you Eric, I really appreciate your videos and tips. The Lineweight visible in real time would simplify the drawing process and surely improves the quality but i can not be precise...

[@BFitz1976]

Love to see more of your great iPad content

[@30by40]

Working on more of this, let me know if you have any specific questions/challenges/requests!

[@jayar98]

Hey Eric, I've bought your template about a year ago and I got to say it's been pretty helpful to me. I'm a structural engineer who absolutely loves architecture and I'm always for the idea that engineering drawings should be just as pleasing to the eyes like the architectural ones. You're template and use of lineweights has truly up my game. Thanks a lot!

[@30by40]

Nice, so glad to hear!

[@zippydoo9773]

Hi there, thx for your content I have found it very encouraging! Question for you, (tho it may have been asked already) why do you prefer polyamines over using preset line weights?

[@30by40]

I explain it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5y3l4ecnbx8d7s and here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqTFd4SIlNBlm7s

[@trowawayacc]

To Ctb or stb? That is the question.

[@stephendavies3852]

It's your preference. Both have advantages and disadvantages.

[@ArisHDi]

ive been designing 35apt buildings and white drawing board gets me burning eyes, well i am an exception though because i sketch for over 80+hours per week and get payed like you work for 20 hours in a normal country (thanks Greece)

Imagine this guy applying all this knowledge, commitment and care to BIM

[@amw4736]

I was an architectural draftsman for over 10 years. I stopped using AutoCAD on a daily basis in 2000. I have a small project I've been asked to draw and I will be using LT as the project does not warrant the additional cost of full blown AutoCAD. I was wondering if you could help me as I need a template drawing that will include basic line weights for architectural drawings. LT comes with nothing for architecture that I'm aware of. I'm used to Full blown AutoCAD and back in the day when I was drafting full time the firm I worked for had everything setup with our CAD standards. We had our line styles load automatically and we had add-ons for doors, windows, hatch patterns everything. Anything you could offer that will make my setup easier for drawing architectural plans in LT would be much appreciated. You have a great channel! keep up the good work. I have nothing so a template with page borders, title area, and an included line type style with line weights for architectural would be great.

[@30by40]

Cheers, glad you found the channel...! You might check out our AutoCAD template bundle here to see if it fits your needs: architect-entrepreneur.teachable.com/p/30x40-s-autocad-template-bundle

[@steinbakke]

Is this the Apple version of Autocad ?

[@kgboperative]

thanks for the tip about rendering model space with the pen settings, id completely forgot that was an option. regarding lineweights, tho, using plines and global width is useful for very fat lines or the occasional fine tuning, but ive found that having a number of defined pens and associated layers is more flexible when working with other objects like circles/ellipses or blocks and helps maintain visual coherence across the various drawings and scales associated with a project. when sharing DWGs back and forth with subs like structural and civil engineers ime the process goes much smoother when hewing closer to industry standards

[@30by40]

Simplicity is the reason I do this, but I know collab'ing with many other consultants this can get tricky! IME the sheer volume of layers can get out of control if not managed from the outset. I work with one Civil Engineer that consistently employs 60 layers...it's madness! With my method, one layer can have infinite line weights rather than a new layer for each line weight or object type.

[@kgboperative]

@@30by40 oh, lord, yeah... the commercial work we sometimes do can dip into full AIA layer management territory that's just bonkers tbh. I think we have a pretty good system with only a few (about 18ish) standard layers and a dozen or so combinations of lineweight/screening. i'll definitely be checking out in more detail how your system works on my side work, tho.

[@nodink5170]

Use LW command.. select Display line weight

[@shoppster300]

I draft directly in black and screened lines, and for me there is no need for plot styles. I also draft on a 60% grey background rather than black so my 'white' lines actually display black and I can clearly differentiate between screened grey lines. I'm so used to seeing PDF output that I know exactly what it will look like printed on a white background. I don't remember the last time I saw, or used paper drawings. Its all digital now.

[@user-uv8yp5or8y]

hi Eric Can you share how the panels on both sides of the CAD interface are set up? Thank you very much❤❤

[@JigsHidalgoMusic]

Wow this trick makes CAD model space look like Revit. I just want to ask, do you always have your lineweight (LWDISPLAY) set to OFF? The linetypes shown in the model space are mostly your custom widths through PEDIT right? and these widths you set up overrides the CTB? Really curious since I'm trying to develop my own template. Watching your guides were so helpful. Thanks Eric!

[@wabalaka1565]

How come this is the first time someone mention this option 🙉😬

[@bassamkhan3749]

Hi which Fonts you use in design its looking so cool can you drop the link for purchase to download thank you :

[@30by40]

Fonts, styles, and everything to replicate this look are included with the template here: thirtybyforty.com/digital-drawing-templates

[@rbasket8]

Futura is great, i use it

[@user1user2]

How would I replicate this on Autocad on windows? Already have your templates but this would be so nice to try out.

[@30by40]

Options > Display Tab > Colors Button > Set MS uniform background > White...Page Setup Manager steps are the same...

[@Anon221BC]

How did you setup your AutoCAD workspace. It looks really smooth and easy to work with.

[@TriAngles3D]

Went from pen and paper to RoboCAD...and then from AutoCAD went back to pen and paper. A dream that was cad...

[@30by40]

Full circle...not a bad place to land!

[@XYZ-zs9zj]

Thank Eric, You are solving AutoCAD problems in easy way but most of setting exist only on Mac OS, but what about windows users. For my own working flow as an architect I moved from AutoCAD to Vectorwors for drafting which give all this setting by default. Color of background, line weight display on working model.

[@architectuk]

All these options are available in Windows too

[@KiranKumar-jg9no]

thanks for reminding whats taught in my class

[@eastudio-K]

Thanks for all your content! I know you have a mac and I get it. Just my two cents, I have been enjoying building in 3d using revit, was a big autocad user, and have never looked back. And yes you can detail just as good in revit as you can in cad.

[@secre2061]

setting for Autocad on Windows Version?

[@Satronaut-pw3ij]

When I first started using computers for my design work I saw people using Auto cad in the black with the neon lines and I though to myself, hell no I can't deal with that shit. I had to make it look like I was drawing on a sheet of paper to feel comfortable changing over to the new tech. It just feels right for me as an old man having studied pre computer age lol.

[@JTNix43]

In your drawings when drawing a pline your line end caps are square when drawing a larger line weight. When I draw these lines they have rounded end caps. I can not figure out a way other than in plot styles to change this. It will plot correctly but does not show correctly in model space. Any advice on this?

[@gaiuskabigting8996]

try fillet command

[@bigiron5508]

This drives me nuts,I still haven't figured it out yet..lol

[@And_Rec]

Why plot styles tho ? It's not easier to set the layer directly as you want them to appear? What am I missing?

[@seanbrittain4542]

I've done this for years but only on Paper Space. The white background in MS just hurts my eyes.

[@firsthandpractice2665]

Great tip & really helpful. Can't find the second setting in AutoCAD 2018 Windows version though. :(

[@velicedesignstudio4420]

Thank you Eric 🤙

[@jayveevillanueva9754]

Hi I just wanna know if your AutoCAD template contains dynamic blocks? Thank you!

[@30by40]

Yes, you can see everything that's included here: architect-entrepreneur.teachable.com/p/30x40-design-workshop-autocad-template/ and, here: architect-entrepreneur.teachable.com/p/30x40-s-autocad-template-bundle

[@jayveevillanueva9754]

@@30by40 Thank you.

[@zacknicholson9731]

Hey Eric, big fan of the template - been using it for a couple few years now. I agree working in these settings is much better to see what the final product will look like. Personally if I’m staring at the screen for hours on end I find the black background is easier on the eyes. Do you know if it’s possible to quickly toggle between the two settings with maybe a hot key or something? Thanks for all you do for the arch community. -Zack

[@-galazanugrah]

so for construction, this drawing is still need a remake?

[@charlieo.6888]

Any resources for learning AutoCAD LT? I'm a graphic designer (proficient in illustrator) and I would like to learn. I mostly design electrical signs and monument signs. Im looking into switching into retail buildouts. Sketuchup, Illustrator and Photoshop are my goto. Want to add AutoCAD for my 2D. Thank you and love your content.

[@mikearthur8993]

Your videos have been very inspirational for me, thanks for that!. Im just learning Autocad LT for self employed professional use, and will probably buy your template, i just wonder if i should wait to attain a certain level of proficiency before getting it, or do you see any harm in just plugging it in right from the get go?

[@30by40]

Cheers, glad you've found the videos helpful! Starting off with a template will save you time and ensure you're working with a good set of base standards as you develop your own. Now is a great time to start! architect-entrepreneur.teachable.com/p/30x40-s-autocad-template-bundle

[@mikearthur8993]

@@30by40 awesome. thanks for the feedback. seriously though, I'm a carpenter/builder with an art background and the way you present info and show your process has REALLY helped me kind of bridge the mental gap between sketching and what I hope will be an effective digital design process for myself and help me feel more confident investing more time in my hand drawing skills in addition to CAD. Every time I drew something by hand I felt like a dinosaur that was just wasting time I could be spending learning CAD. Its nice to see there's still an effective place for hand drawing in architectural design

[@baluu1083]

Hi there, love the channel and informative work you do. I was considering purchasing your AUTOCAD bundle and residential specifications schedules - I assume being American this works for the American building codes, but would it be applicable for the UK building regulations?

[@30by40]

Hi there, and thanks for the kind words! |The AutoCAD drawings are agnostic...RE: the specifications the FAQ section on this page addresses your question: architect-entrepreneur.teachable.com/p/30x40-design-workshop-spec Hope that helps you decide!

[@rickcas15rc]

are these settings also available on the windows version of autocad?

[@50shadesofblue92]

Used to use the white background with displayed plot styles when I was still in school but the white glare of the computer screen started messing with my eyesight I went back to the dark background.

[@rachaelkunda4631]

when i turn on display plot style my line weighs disappear why

[@franckmelendez6751]

Does this works in windows? I know you can change the bg color but not sure about the display of line weight

[@mohitx_o]

Please upload the toolbar setup

[@findingretreat]

white back grund is osum !!!i used it for a while. but its hard on the eye!!!then i changed back to balck

[@theotishahall1519]

Hi, I'm new to the Mac OS , how Cani download autocad on my MacBook Air m3

[@joashha]

Move to Archicad Eric :) you’ll love it.

[@gerardofaustin8156]

I would like to hear your point view on ArchiCAD.

[@30by40]

Here it is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nHSog4FulK-ArK8

[@spartafxrs5]

hi. what linetype did you use for the trees?

[@MlleVB]

My line weight is apply to my model workspace but with the 1:1 real life thickness. Not as thick as yours on the video How can i solve this

[@krishnachoudhary1158]

Can we work under interior design firm before going into education for some practical knowledge ?

[@ValeriaSanchez-nz3vi]

What's the best computer for architecture?

[@ShihabdeentheCyclist]

how to get preferences setting windows

[@rogalewskip]

Is there any way to achieve this viewport zoom smoothness on a windows version? It has always bothered me that it's not smooth. There is this setting for it. Zoomfactor command but this is not the same.

[@Manoarc]

Is this a new template? Do we get grandfathered again for those of us who have the original with just the shed studio?

[@30by40]

New templates here: architect-entrepreneur.teachable.com/courses/category/Digital%20drawing

[@RIDDLE0MASTER]

As a self employed person, do you find the Mac version + iMac of sorts or the Windows version + a desktop PC better?

[@30by40]

Having used both, I'm partial to the Mac ecosystem...more about how I use it in practice here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6CYl4OAh5isr7M

[@pedroalonsosuarezvivas3135]

cool!!! Thanks so much! 👍

[@MinhTran-nc9rj]

Does this templates drawing have Millimeter unit , Sir ? because in my country , we use millimeter for measurement in both architecture and interior , I really concearn about your bundle template !!!!

[@30by40]

Yes, it does...all the details and FAQs are here: architect-entrepreneur.teachable.com/p/30x40-design-workshop-autocad-template/

[@MeyYou123]

Hey odd question but do you only take one project at a time or do you end up taking multiple

[@30by40]

I talk more about what I do here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZoSVhWmZp9qle6c

[@hunohuno4193]

Do you think your template could work on Rhino?

[@Her01panda]

I can not find the corner where I have to click to get to the preferences part

[@30by40]

type "dsettings" then you should see preferences in the lower left

[@Her01panda]

@@30by40 crazy thankful

[@duttique]

Best way to draw in autocad is using Revit))

[@giannisdimitros7776]

hi just one question: why using different polyline weights instead of using different layers with different lineweights? i am asking for your professional opinion. thank you!

[@30by40]

Simplicity, that's all! One layer can have infinite line weights...rather than a new layer for each lineweight.

[@Kepointekniksipil]

@@30by40 ya saya setuju dengan pendapat anda. penggunaan polyline memungkinkan untuk mengubah ketebalan garis seolah olah menggunakan dua garis.

[@Stray..]

I wouldn’t be able to stare at that white page all day. My eyes would be dead

[@30by40]

2:33

[@bigiron5508]

Is windows version pretty much the same ? Noticed you run Mac.

[@30by40]

Comments here notes the few (minor) differences...

[@cydrictepace534]

How do you set up it using AutoCAD 2017 version?

[@30by40]

Should be the same: Page Setup Manager...

[@AqoussRec]

Hi, have a good day :)

[@luiz4baby]

do you have any for ARCHICAD..

[@ZOULUYANG]

I found that the TLS commond will result in different line style in model and paper space, e.g. hidden layer shows solid line in model space, but in paper space it shows dotted line as intend. Is this normal or there is something wrong with my setting?

[@30by40]

I think you mean LTS (linetype scale)? Yes, LTSCALE in paper space should always be set to 1, when working in model space it should be set to your drawing scale (i.e. 48 for 1/4" drawing, 24 for 1/2", etc.) to display the line types correctly scaled. When changing between PS/MS you occasionally have to regen to display the correct line scales or go to floating model and regen in PS. Hopefully that makes sense...!

[@ZOULUYANG]

@@30by40 Yeah, I tried those settings and it makes perfect sense! However, I found that by set PSLTSCALE to 0, and then set LTS to 48 or whatever the drawing scales are, both model and paper space will display the line types exacelty the same as intended, will this be better in the long term compare with changing LTS when working in different spaces?

[@joostdene]

Where do I find this setting on the windows version?

[@stephendavies3852]

Type Options or click Autocad icon and select options

[@manaraslespaul]

Please help! Is there a way to have the layer dropdown menu permanently open so i dont have to scroll to change a layer of an object? Thanks

[@stephendavies3852]

use properties and dock it to the left or right.

[@manaraslespaul]

@@stephendavies3852 but i dont want to dock the layer properties manager. I want the drop down menu to stay open so i dont have to scroll through layers

[@zyx8322]

@@manaraslespaul CUI里自定义

[@m.slinger4606]

Why are the annotations in red?

[@30by40]

Personal stylistic choice of mine...I like how they read as secondary to the line work on the page.

[@Frank.ArcDir]

Can you give me the file to install the autocad interface like you?

[@30by40]

thirtybyforty.com/drawing-templates

[@blakehelms8367]

FYI Thickened polylines in AutoCAD have mitered corners, while typical line corners are rounded when they come together. I forget if AutoCAD had a setting where normal lines could have the mitered corners like the polylines -- anyone know? Personally I prefer the mitered corner look, but it would be nice if normal lines could achieve the same thing.

[@blakehelms8367]

To answer my own question I came across the following that lets you change line corners to a mitered appearance. I also tested it--it does not look rounded on the screen, but when it plots, it does miter the corners of normal lines. Might be another option to consider in addition to polylines with thicknesses. At the command line type STYLESMANAGER Choose the style you plot with. Click on FORM VIEW Select ALL the objects in PLOT STYLES Now look for LINE END STYLE and change it to what you want.

[@stephendavies3852]

You can change the line end types in the ctb/stb.

[@jesssssie76]

i dont know why this was in my recommended, but i watched the whole thing.

[@Mark-ry3ij]

Is this just for the Mac version?

[@30by40]

Works on Mac and pc

[@Mark-ry3ij]

@@30by40 cool thanks!

[@earllll]

OWW MY EYES

[@ronallara2406]

Hold my beer. I will refill my radiograph..