Autocad 2013 AIA layers standards

[Anonymous]

Dummy questions time.

I've recently begun working with a firm that uses clients cad files as base files for designs.  (Most of our projects are not new construction from the ground up) As per usual, none of the layers are standard and it's taking far longer than I want to change their layers to ones we would use.  To complicate matters we do not have a layers standard for the office so I'd like to set up a template using the AIA standard layers.  How do I:

a) easily set up the layers to be used throughout the office and all projects

b) convert client layers to the office standard.

Most other offices I've worked in were much larger and had CAD managers that handled these problems.

[pendean]

Ground up standards change? Is that your "job"? and you have your own management's backing to enforce it? You'll not be producing any billable work for quite some time otherwise.

First thing: ensure what you want to change can be changed: most clients and those that pay the bills (clients) have cad standards that you must comply with contractually.

AutoCAD's own STANDARDS command can help you get started and help you enforce it. Start reading now https://knowledge.autodesk.com/search-result/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2016/ENU/AutoCAD-Customization...

[leothebuilder]

What is your line of work?

Do you do MP&E design with architect's base files?

You can certainly adopt AIA layer standards but if you're doing something like MP&E design over base files

I would not worry too much about their layers.......just set the base layers to screened and do what you need to do

with your own layers.

[dgorsman]

In addtion to the costs of set-up, modifying the entire drawing content like that can take some time (not just for the actual task but for QA/QC as well).  If you aren't careful it can blow the entire budget.

[jackshield]

set up a drawing template file (dwt) with required layers

autocad rolled out a standards converter some time ago, i remember using it briefly, but you have to set up templates based on customer files layer system, ex: customer file layer 1 = your file layer 10.

i dont know if these features are still around, i see "standards" and "check standards" listed, but have not played with the tools

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

Thanks for all the suggestions and replies!
It's a small firm and they haven't had anyone handling CAD in quite some time. There were some discussions I became part of by simply making a comment or two and I've suddenly found myself in the position of creating a company standard.
I was directed to a lisp file that contained the AIA standard layers which worked beautifully. Once added and applied it did what I needed automatically without needing the converter. We'll be tweaking the layers to suit our needs and I'm in the process of setting up a dwg template to be used across the board.

[Anonymous]

Where did you find this LISP routine to set them up for you? Is it a fairly recent version of the AIA layer standards?

I could sure use some help. It seems like this is something that would be readily available to everyone, anytime. I've spent hours searching for a way to integrate current CAD layer standards into a template file. 

[art.a.tecture]

Can you please be more specific on what you did?  What LISP file did you use?  Etc.

I am in the same boat as you.  

[john.vellek]

Hi @art.a.tecture,

The AIA layering standards offer a framework for layer naming conventions but also allows some flexibility.  I would suggest that if you are trying to convert client files to the AIA standards, you should try using LAYTRANS.  This utility allows you to map layer name changes so you can apply it to different drawings.

Once you have gone through the tedious process of mapping the conversion you should be able to resuse the map for future conversions as well.

You might also consider setting up a template file with the AIA layers (and your colors and linetypes and lineweights) so you can use Design Center to bring them into a drawing file. Then you can merge layers to the AIA ones if that is easier for your workflow than using Laytrans.

Please select the Accept as Solution button if my post solves your issue or answers your question.

[john.vellek]

Hi @Anonymous,

Here is a drawing that might be helpful in setting up your AIA layering.

[john.vellek]

Hi @Anonymous,

I am checking back to see if my post or others helped you with your problem.
Please add a post with how you decide to proceed and your results so other Community members may benefit.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the AIA drawing

Jim

[art.a.tecture]

Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Do you have a DWG that has all of the layer standards in it, not just Architectural?  I work for an MEP firm and we could use all of those related to our disciplines. We also do Architectural, Civil, Structural, Technology, etc... Thank you!!

Alex...

[john.vellek]

Hi @Anonymous,

I don't have a file with MEP and too many Civil layers. The important thing to understand is that the AIA standard sets guidelines for layer naming  and doesn't necessarily dictate the exact layer name.  If you have a layer list  that you use I can take a look and help you to get it into the AIA format.