Best way to Import model drawings to layout space as sheets (using ssm) ?

[paulmartin_]

I am going to play around with design center and sheet set manager for this task, but wondered if, inside sheet set manager (ssm), there was a way to import model drawings or even layouts as drawings with the same template (including title block and page setup) as creating a new sheet would?

Background: I have just created my first sheet set using layouts and sheet set manager. My next attempt is to modify existing drawings, which are drawn in model space only, to create a sheet set with layout space template. I just wondered while using ssm if there was a way to simply import the drawings into layout space and for them to automatically have the same template and layout set up and title block (from template) as creating a new sheet in sheet set manager. Should I also consider creating new sheets and then just dragging the models, from model view tab inside ssm, to the layout space?

I am asking a lot of questions here, but simply trying to weight out the best option to automatically import model drawings into a template layout space and into a sheet set. 

[pendean]

SHEET in AutoCAD lingo means layouts.
Sheet Set means a bunch of layouts.
SSM is not designed to do much of anything with non-layouts.
Hope that helps explain what all SSM does.

>>>...if there was a way to simply import the drawings into layout space ...<<<
Do you understand how to start a layout? Do you have a template file with ready-made layouts? I think you are missing a step or two that are worth learning first if not. let us know more about your experience with the program. Thanks.

[paulmartin_]

Yes I am using layouts/sheets with sheet set manager and understand this is the only way to create a sheet set (bunch of layouts) for a project. I am creating electrical schematics so scaling isn't a huge issues explaining why in the past my coworkers created all their drawings in model space and didn't realize the power of layouts or need it. 

I have thus implemented a sheet set using layouts. I just simply copy/pasted model drawings into a layout tab and used that to create new drawings as layouts. I am using a layout template with a title block (that is set up as an 11x17 layout in page setup manager) to import layouts using this as a template. The drawings I am importing are the ones I speak of when I said I copy/pasted drawings from model space into the layout tab. 

I know in sheet set manager there is also a model view tab where one can open, copy and paste or even drag/drop ( I believe) into layout space even though I haven't explored with it very much.

My question was wondering what the best way to import model tabs (drawings) into a layout using a template was? Or if there was a way to automate this. I can't seem to get it right or have the layout tab show the model drawing when I am trying to import these drawings inside ssm. It seems like I only know how to copy/paste from the model space into layout space and that's it. Is there another way? SSM is a great tool for creating a new set of layouts, but not good for editing old drawings that currently reside inside model space. For your information all drawings are separate where I DON'T have multiple drawings on different layouts or model tabs. Each drawings has one model view of its drawing.  

[john.vellek]

HI @paulmartin_,

I suggest that you leave the geometry in modelspace. Then, create a layout with a viewport or viewports that show views to your model. These views can be scaled, have layer overrides and a variety of other features.

In paperspace layouts is where I suggest you place your titleblocks, notes, schedules, etc.

If you would like to attach a sample drawing to a post I am happy to take a closer look.

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

[john.vellek]

Hi @paulmartin_

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

Please hit the Accept as Solution button if a post or posts solves your issue or answers your question.

[paulmartin_]

I haven't had a chance to proceed yet, but will update once I have.

Thank you for your reply and I agree that I probably should leave the drawing in model space. I kind of forgot about this. I am unfamiliar with creating a viewport, but I know there are several resources online showing how to do this. My concern, with inexperience, is that I want the drawing to be in the same exact location each time. So for example, I want my model space drawing (Electrical schematic) to have some lines and objects in the same location in the layout viewport from drawing to drawing. The reason being, when I copy from drawing to drawing I use 0,0 as a base/insertion point for copying/pasting objects for aesthetics. Is there a way to create the viewport where it will pull in the model space drawing from 0,0 and its dimensions be exactly 11x17 ? Does this also mean that I have to have the objects in model space in the same location from drawing to drawing ? My understanding of this process would look like:

- Make sure objects in model space are in same location (using 0,0 as reference point) from drawing to drawing

- Create 11 x 17 viewport starting at 0,0

I still need to understand more the capabilities of layouts in terms of scaling and other features you mentioned. I could be way off in all my assumptions here, but hopefully you understand my thought process and issues. I will attach a reference drawing when I get the chance. Right now I am out of the office and don't have access to a drawing, but will do it as soon as possible this week sometime.

Another concern or issue, which might be a completely different topic yet similarly related, is I am trying to create a sheet set with drawings with all objects currently in model space and no layout defined or viewport created. I am searching for an automated way, best way or easier way to create a sheet set and set up layouts with viewports on these existing drawings in order to edit them and use a title block with fields linked to sheet set manager properties. It was fine (yet still time consuming) when creating a new drawing package, because I simply created a new sheet where sheet set manager used a predefined template to create a layout (not sure how it creates a viewport yet but can ask that question later after some research). I then copied and pasted objects from one drawing into my new drawings (sheets).

Let me work around in AutoCAD for a bit and I will get back to this post when I do.  

[john.vellek · Accepted solution]

Hi @paulmartin_,

If you want to attach a sample drawing(s) with a titleblock I am happy to help you work through all of this.

First, with current features and standard CAD practice, I suggest that titleblocks ALWAYS reside in a layout (paperspace). The titleblock should be designed and inserted at 1:1 for a tabloid (11x17) piece of paper if that is the desired output size.

Next, on a unique, non-plotting layer, use MVIEW to create a viewport within the confines of your titleblock. This will give you a view of your model. Now, if you doubleclick in the viewport, zoom to the approximate area of the model that you want to show and then go to the bottom bar and select a scale for the viewport. You might even want to lock the viewport so that it's orientation does not change.

Next, I suggest typing PAGESETUP to create a standard page setup and plot configuration for the layout. This can later be applied to other layouts in your drawing or even imported into other drawings or into the PUBLISH command.

For the Elements of the titleblock that you want to update automatically  with the Sheetset of with drawing properties, I suggest that you explore FIELDS. Here is a link that shows some of the possibilities for your titleblock.

Again, if you want to attach some files I am happy to help get you started with all of this if you need the help.

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

[paulmartin_]

Hi John,

I really appreciate your offer to help. Thank you! I am actually working through this and slowly figuring this out. I don't mind and enjoy figuring it out anyways since I learn better that way and will remember it longer to teach other coworkers to do this also.

I have attached 2 drawings (AutoCAD LT 2013 version) here for Part 1 and Part 2. I was able to include fields and automatically populate the titleblock information so that is solid. I am sorry that this thread has changed direction a few times as I am working through all of this. It is all related though I feel so hopefully other users can benefit from it.

PART 1:

My new issue is that I need objects in model space to appear in the same location in a layout so that I can repeat this process from drawing to drawing. Typically I understand most people don't find this necessary, but I feel as though in my case it is important as I am particular about details and visuals. I haven't figured out how to tell the viewport (with mview command) to start at 0,0 (lower left corner of model space) and end at a certain point. I don't see where it specifies what to display inside the viewport or how it relates to the model display. I have played around with it and looked at the properties, but still can't figure out how it knows what to display from the model tab as it only asks me to specify the viewport starting point and end point inside layout space. The reason I need to know this is to ensure that the object is displayed in the same location from drawing to drawing (For example, if I am trying to display the same model object). I would also like to figure out how to move the object around on my layout drawing if need be.

I create Electrical drawing schematics as I may have mentioned before. I don't need to worry about scaling most of the time or any fancy layer features although I will explore them in the future as I am sure this could prove useful. My intention is to have a standard and keep the drawings and objects in the same location from drawing to drawing which is why I am simply copying/pasting them in layouts right now to have them appear in the same location in every drawing. For electrical lines and schematics there is nothing wrong with copying and pasting them into a layout (that I know of). This being said, the drawing I attached shows an electrical box (operator box or junction box) that I need scaled (1:2) to appear properly inside the titleblock (in layout space). It would be great if you could show me how to set up a viewport so that the viewport uses 0,0 as its origin and have 0,0 be the lower left corner of the viewport so I could copy/paste the box from drawing to drawing using 0,0 in model space as a base point having it appear in the same location in each drawing.

Part 2:

This may pose another issue if I say, want to include my drawing schematic also in model space along with the operator box that needs to be scaled. I have included another drawing with basic lines and objects/schematic symbols to hopefully have you show me how to set up each viewport so that I can not scale the lines and schematics, yet scale the operator box. Would I still just keep the electrical lines inside layout space while the operator box resides inside model space? Or if both were in model space this include 2 viewports I presume. I imagine both can be scaled differently. But then implementing two viewports how would I chose an origin for the viewports to keep them similar from drawing to drawing? Once I figure out how to set up the origin of a viewport or figure out how it chooses to display objects from the model space then I am sure I can figure out how to work out Part 2.

Side note / Extra questions:

Does scaling 1:2 mean that the object inside the drawing is half of its actual/original size ? So you would have to multiply the dimensions by 2 to get its actual size?   

What does annotation scaling include and exclude? 

[john.vellek · Accepted solution]

Hi @paulmartin_,

Getting your viewports to start in a fixed location is not too tricky. I like to create a box or outline in the model that is on a non-plot layer such as defpoints. it's size should relate to the size of your paperspace viewport (this is why scaling the viewport is a good idea - consitency). Once you have the frame place, switch back to paperspace and use the Align Space command from the Express Tools. This will let you align up the model exactly.

In fact, when possible, you can create a template for the frame to be lined up and the viewport locked. Then you simply draw your new work inside the frame and everything will be scaled the same as well as located properly.

As far as the scaling goes, it is always a good idea to scale your modelview in your viewport. This is true even if you label it as NTS.  This is true because when you start applying notes, leaders, dimensions and such you always want it to look uniform. Annotative dimensions and such can most easily be applied through the viewport rather than drawing them in the modelspace.

I suggest that you your explore these ideas and then come back if you have additional questions on any of the steps. 

I have attached a sample of what I am suggesting to this post.

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