topic Re: AutoCAD Best Practice: Model View Workflow in AEC Projects in AutoCAD Forum

AutoCAD Best Practice: Model View Workflow in AEC Projects

Jake_CAD — Thu, 22 May 2025 13:41:05 GMT

Query: I am looking for advice on working with Model Views in AEC projects - where certain views require multiple x-refs to be displayed.

Context: As I work within the AEC industry, my current work flow uses Individual X-refs for each storey (eg. Site Plan, Ground Floor) & a single Sheet File which combines the x-refs (of all storeys) and contains all of the project sheets.

At present, I can see 3 options listed below, so I welcome comments on these and/or proposals for alternatives;

Set up Model Views in Sheet file (with all required x-ref objects displaying). The issue with this is that when these Model Views are placed through the Sheet Set Manager (SSM) onto sheets within the same file (& become listed in the 'Layout Views' of the View Manager & 'Sheet Views' tab of the Sheet Set Manager), they are suffixed with a (2) because it is seen as a duplicate of the model view within the same file - and as such requires each view name to be edited.
Set up Model Views in X-ref file(s), nesting other X-refs to create the desired object display. The issue with this is that when each Model View is placed, a separate version of each x-ref is placed in the Sheet file.
Create a dedicated Model Views file for combining X-refs and creating Model Views. The issue with this is that is it introduced a 3rd layer into the tree (Sheet File > Model View File > X-ref(s)), increasing workflow complexity.

*CLARIFICATION UPDATE: We have a single Sheet file that contains all project sheets.*

Re: AutoCAD Best Practice: Model View Workflow in AEC Projects

Simon_Weel — Wed, 21 May 2025 11:53:36 GMT

We use the 'plot file' approach, like option 3. I.e. a host file for all xrefs. And a layout for each drawing you need. Don't create layouts in the x-refs.

Not sure what you mean by introduced a 3rd layer into the tree? You have one host dwg for each storey, and that has all the necessary files x-reffed into it. And then Layouts for the parts you want as a sheet.

Re: AutoCAD Best Practice: Model View Workflow in AEC Projects

Jake_CAD — Wed, 21 May 2025 12:59:14 GMT

*OP UPDATE: For clarify, I have changed the term '~~Host file~~' to 'Sheet file' - I have clarified this in the OP and will be using it going forward.*

I do not create layouts in x-refs but the 'Sheet file' contains ALL of the project sheets (ie. I do not have separate 'Sheet files' for each storey).

The 3rd layer/file (Model View File) would be introduced between X-ref(s) & 'Sheet file' to avoid AutoCAD from identifying the placed Model Views as duplicates & subsequently suffixing with a (2).

Re: AutoCAD Best Practice: Model View Workflow in AEC Projects

Simon_Weel — Thu, 22 May 2025 08:05:29 GMT

If I'm correct, you have a lineup of all drawings linked in a single dwg file. Then you create a layout for each sheet and create a viewport on that sheet for that particular drawing.

This I don't get:

to avoid AutoCAD from identifying the placed Model Views as duplicates & subsequently suffixing with a (2).

I guess you duplicate a layout to create a new sheet? That would indeed add a number to the name of the layout. Just change the name of the layout?

Re: AutoCAD Best Practice: Model View Workflow in AEC Projects

Jake_CAD — Thu, 22 May 2025 13:42:05 GMT

'Sheet File' & associated Sheet Set Manager attached.

Screenshot embedded within OP & video demonstration below;

(view in My Videos)