How Do I Export AutoCAD Layout to Template?

You can export an AutoCAD layout to a template (.dwt) file by using the LAYOUT command and its Save As option, allowing you to preserve your page setup, viewports, and title block configurations for future projects. This process is crucial for maintaining design consistency and boosting efficiency across various drawing sets.

Understanding AutoCAD Layout Templates

An AutoCAD layout template is a specialized .dwt (drawing template) file that stores the complete configuration of one or more layouts. Unlike a standard drawing file, a template is designed to be the starting point for new projects, ensuring that all new drawings instantly adopt predefined settings. By exporting a well-configured layout as a template, you standardize crucial elements such as:

Page Setup: Paper size, plot scale, plot style table, and plotter settings.
Viewports: Pre-arranged and scaled viewports that display model space content.
Title Blocks and Borders: Essential for professional presentation and compliance with industry standards.
Annotations: Text styles, dimension styles, and multileader styles optimized for plotting.
Layer Properties: Specific layer visibility, color, and linetype settings for layouts.

Utilizing layout templates significantly streamlines workflows by eliminating the need to recreate these setups for every new drawing.

Step-by-Step Guide to Exporting an AutoCAD Layout as a Template

Exporting your current AutoCAD layout into a reusable template is a straightforward process. Follow these steps:

1. Prepare Your Layout

Before exporting, ensure your current layout is perfectly configured. This includes:

Setting up the desired paper size and orientation.
Configuring the plot style table (CTB or STB).
Arranging and scaling all viewports.
Inserting and populating your title block.
Applying any specific layer overrides for the layout.

2. Initiate the Export Process

Once your layout is ready, you can begin the export:

Access the LAYOUT Command: At the AutoCAD Command prompt, type LAYOUT and press Enter. This command provides various options for managing layouts.
Choose the Save As Option: At the subsequent prompt, type SA (for Save As) and press Enter. This tells AutoCAD you want to save the current layout's configuration.
Specify the Layout Name: Enter the name of the layout you are currently working on and wish to save as a template. For instance, if your layout tab is named "A1 Landscape," type A1 Landscape and press Enter.
Name Your Template File: The Create Drawing File dialog box will appear. Navigate to your desired saving location, and in the File name field, enter a descriptive name for your new drawing template file (e.g., MyCompany_A1Landscape.dwt). Ensure the "Files of type" is set to AutoCAD Drawing Template (*.dwt). Click Save.

Your layout is now saved as a .dwt template file, ready for use in new drawings.

Example: Exporting an A3 Landscape Layout

Let's say you have a layout named "A3 Plan Sheet" with a specific page setup, a title block, and two viewports for a floor plan and a detail.

Type LAYOUT and press Enter.
Type SA and press Enter.
Type A3 Plan Sheet and press Enter.
In the Create Drawing File dialog, name it Project_A3PlanTemplate.dwt and click Save.

What to Include in Your Layout Template

An effective layout template goes beyond basic page setup. Consider incorporating these elements for maximum utility:

Comprehensive Page Setup: Define standard paper sizes (e.g., A4, A3, A1, ANSI B, D), plot scales, and preferred plotters.
Standardized Title Blocks: Include your company logo, project information fields (which can be linked to custom drawing properties), and revision tables.
Pre-configured Viewports: Set up viewports with appropriate layers frozen/thawed, display locked, and scaled correctly (e.g., 1:100 for plans, 1:20 for details).
Annotation Styles: Preload text styles, dimension styles, multileader styles, and table styles that meet your drafting standards.
Layer States: Define specific layer states for layout views to ensure consistent object visibility.
Non-Plotting Layers: Create layers for construction lines or notes that should not appear in the final plot.

Best Practices for Layout Template Creation

To ensure your layout templates are robust and easy to use, follow these best practices:

Descriptive Naming: Use clear and consistent naming conventions for your template files (e.g., Company_SheetSize_Purpose.dwt).
Purge and Audit: Before saving, run PURGE and AUDIT commands on your drawing to remove unused items and correct errors, keeping your template clean and efficient.
Multiple Layouts: If a drawing often requires several different sheet sizes or configurations, consider saving a .dwt that contains multiple pre-configured layouts.
Test Thoroughly: Always test your new template by creating a new drawing from it and verifying all settings work as intended.
Centralized Storage: Store your templates in a designated, easily accessible network location for all team members. Learn more about configuring template file locations in AutoCAD.

Benefits of Using Layout Templates

Benefit	Description
Consistency	Ensures all drawings maintain uniform appearance and adhere to standards.
Efficiency	Saves significant time by eliminating repetitive setup tasks for each project.
Reduced Errors	Minimizes manual input errors by automating common settings.
Collaboration	Provides a shared foundation for teams, improving project coordination.
Professionalism	Delivers polished and consistent output, enhancing client perception.

By leveraging AutoCAD layout templates, you create a powerful foundation for efficient and standardized drafting practices within your organization.