AutoCAD • Workflow

Building Drawing Templates (DWT) in AutoCAD for Mac

by Rachid Khouri
7 min read

Creating standardized, efficient workflows is essential in architectural and engineering design—and one of the most powerful tools to achieve this in AutoCAD for Mac is the use of Drawing Template files (.DWT). A well-structured template ensures consistency across projects, saves time, and reduces errors by predefining layers, text styles, dimension styles, layouts, and other essential settings. This guide walks you through the process of creating and using Building Drawing Templates specifically in AutoCAD for Mac.

What Is a DWT File?

A Drawing Template (.DWT) file is a preconfigured AutoCAD drawing that serves as a starting point for new projects. Unlike regular .DWG files, templates contain no actual geometry but include standardized settings tailored to your workflow or company standards. When you start a new drawing from a template, AutoCAD creates a new .DWG file based on those settings.

Why Use Building Drawing Templates?

  • Consistency: Ensures all drawings follow the same layer naming conventions, text sizes, and annotation styles.
  • Efficiency: Eliminates repetitive setup tasks for every new project.
  • Compliance: Helps meet industry or office CAD standards (e.g., AIA, ISO, or internal guidelines).
  • Error Reduction: Minimizes mistakes caused by inconsistent settings or missing layers.
See also  Adding Custom Linetypes and PAT Files in AutoCAD for Mac

Step-by-Step: Creating a Building Drawing Template in AutoCAD for Mac

1. Start with a Clean Drawing

Open AutoCAD for Mac and begin with a new blank drawing:

  • Go to File > New Drawing.
  • Choose acad.dwt (Imperial) or acadiso.dwt (Metric) as your base template.

Tip: Avoid starting from an existing project file—this can carry over unwanted objects or settings.

2. Configure Units and Precision

Set your drawing units to match your typical building projects:

  • Go to Format > Units.
  • Choose Architectural (for feet/inches) or Decimal (for metric).
  • Set Insertion scale to match your units (e.g., Inches, Millimeters).
  • Adjust Precision as needed (e.g., 0’–0 1/8″ for architectural drawings).

3. Define Layers

Create a standardized layer structure commonly used in building drawings:

  • Open the Layer Properties Manager (Format > Layer).
  • Add layers such as:
    • A-WALLS (for walls)
    • A-DOORS (for doors)
    • A-WINDOWS
    • A-ROOF
    • A-ANNO-DIMS (for dimensions)
    • A-ANNO-TEXT (for annotations)
    • DEFPOINTS (for dimension reference points—do not plot)

Assign consistent colors, linetypes, and lineweights per your office standard.

4. Set Up Text and Dimension Styles

Text Styles:

  • Go to Format > Text Style.
  • Create styles like “Standard”, “Annotation”, or “Title”.
  • Use fonts commonly accepted in construction documents (e.g., Romans.shx, Arial, or ISOCP).
  • Set height to 0 for scalable text (so it adjusts in layouts).

Dimension Styles:

  • Go to Format > Dimension Style.
  • Create a style such as “Architectural”.
  • Configure:
    • Arrow size
    • Text height (e.g., 3/32″ or 2.5mm)
    • Extension and dimension lines
    • Units format (e.g., architectural with fractions)

5. Configure Layouts (Paper Space)

Switch to Layout1 (click the Layout1 tab at the bottom).

  • Delete Layout2 if not needed.
  • Rename Layout1 to something descriptive like “Sheet – 24×36”.
  • Set the page size:
    • Right-click the layout tab > Page Setup Manager.
    • Click Modify, then choose your printer/plotter and paper size (e.g., ANSI C – 17×22″, ARCH D – 24×36″, or A1 – 594x841mm).
  • Insert a title block (optional but recommended):
    • Draw or insert a standard title block that matches your sheet size.
    • Use Viewports to display model space content.

Best Practice: Create multiple layout tabs for common sheet sizes (e.g., “11×17”, “24×36”, “A1”).

6. Set Plot Styles (Optional but Recommended)

If your office uses named plot styles (.STB) instead of color-dependent (.CTB):

  • Go to File > Plot Style Manager.
  • Assign a standard plot style table to your layout(s).
  • Ensure layers are configured to use the correct plot styles.
See also  Navigating Palettes & Panels in AutoCAD for Mac

7. Save as a Template (.DWT)

Once everything is configured:

  • Go to File > Save As.
  • In the Format dropdown, select AutoCAD Drawing Template (.dwt).
  • Name your file (e.g., “Arch_Building_Template.dwt”).
  • Choose a location—ideally in AutoCAD’s default template folder:
    • ~/Library/Application Support/Autodesk/AutoCAD 20XX/Rxx/enu/Template/

AutoCAD for Mac Tip: You can access the Library folder by holding the Option key while clicking Go in Finder.

Using Your Template

To start a new drawing from your custom template:

  1. Open AutoCAD for Mac.
  2. Go to File > New Drawing.
  3. In the Select Template dialog, choose your Arch_Building_Template.dwt.
  4. Click Open—a new .DWG file will be created with all your settings preloaded.

Template Maintenance Tips

  • Version Control: Update your template annually or when office standards change.
  • Backup: Keep a backup of your .DWT file in a shared network location or cloud storage.
  • Team Sharing: Distribute the template to all team members to ensure uniformity.
  • Test Thoroughly: Before rolling out a new template, test it on a sample project.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use Windows AutoCAD (.DWT) templates on AutoCAD for Mac?

A: Yes, in most cases. AutoCAD drawing and template files (.DWG and .DWT) are cross-platform compatible between Windows and Mac versions. However, be cautious with:

  • Font substitutions (Windows-specific SHX fonts like romans.shx may render differently if missing on Mac).
  • Plotter/printer configurations (these are system-specific and may need reconfiguration). Always test the template on your Mac before deploying it in production.

Q2: Where does AutoCAD for Mac store default templates?

A: The default template folder is located at:
~/Library/Application Support/Autodesk/AutoCAD 20XX/Rxx/enu/Template/
(Replace “20XX” and “Rxx” with your actual version number, e.g., AutoCAD 2025/R25.0.)
To access this folder in Finder:

  1. Open Finder.
  2. Hold the Option key and click Go in the menu bar.
  3. Select Library, then navigate to the path above.
See also  AutoCAD Mac Won’t Start After Installation – What to Do

Q3: Why doesn’t my custom template appear in the “New Drawing” dialog?

A: AutoCAD for Mac only displays templates stored in the designated Template folder (see Q2). If your .DWT file is saved elsewhere, it won’t show up. Move your template to the correct folder, then restart AutoCAD if necessary. Also ensure the file extension is .dwt (not .dwg).

Q4: Can I include blocks or title blocks directly in my DWT file?

A: Yes—and it’s recommended! You can insert standard title blocks, north arrows, symbols, or annotation blocks into Paper Space within your template’s layout tabs. Just avoid placing geometry in Model Space, as that may confuse users starting a new project. Blocks saved in the template will be available in all drawings created from it.

Q5: How do I update an existing template without recreating it from scratch?

A: Open the .DWT file directly in AutoCAD for Mac (use File > Open and select the template). Make your changes (e.g., add new layers, update text styles), then Save (not “Save As”) to overwrite the original. All future drawings created from this template will reflect the updates. Note: Existing .DWG files won’t inherit these changes—they only apply to new drawings.

Q6: Does AutoCAD for Mac support both CTB and STB plot style tables in templates?

A: Yes, but the default behavior depends on your base template.

  • acad.dwt uses CTB (color-dependent plot styles).
  • acadiso.dwt also defaults to CTB.
    To switch to STB (named plot styles), use the CONVERTPSTYLES command in your template before saving it as a .DWT. Remember that once a drawing is created from a template, its plot style type is locked and cannot be changed without conversion.

Q7: Can I create multiple layout tabs with different sheet sizes in one template?

A: Absolutely. A single .DWT file can contain multiple layout tabs (e.g., “11×17”, “24×36”, “A1”). Configure each layout with its own page setup and title block. This gives users flexibility to choose the appropriate sheet size when starting a new project—without needing separate templates for each format.

Conclusion

Building Drawing Templates (.DWT) are foundational to professional, efficient drafting in AutoCAD for Mac. By investing time upfront to create a robust template tailored to architectural workflows, you streamline your design process, enhance drawing quality, and ensure compliance with industry standards. Whether you’re working solo or as part of a team, a well-crafted DWT file is an indispensable asset in your CAD toolkit.

Ready to standardize your workflow? Start building your template today—and never start a drawing from scratch again!

About the author

Rachid Khouri

Rachid Khouri

I’m Rachid Khouri, a CAD engineer, developer, and Autodesk Authorized Author with more than 30 years of experience using and teaching AutoCAD.
I’ve worked as a draftsman, CAD manager, and trainer for design offices and companies in Canada, and since 1999, I’ve been sharing my knowledge through in-person and online training.

View all posts

You may also like