Chapter 4 Drawing Essentials; Drawing Preferences; About Layout Preferences - Autodesk 235B1-05A761-1301 - AutoCAD MEP 2010 User Manual

Drawing Essentials
Default preferences, such as part catalogs and system layout settings, can be specified once and used repeatedly. Using
one set of preferences for multiple drawings can help to maintain conformity to project standards, but designers can also
draw systems without having to configure preferences first.

Drawing Preferences

Drawing preferences control the form and function of your designs. There are 2 general types:
Layout preferences
Initialization preferences
You can specify preferences for a single drawing, or save them in a template to be shared by a design team.
The AutoCAD MEP sample templates include default preferences, so you can begin designing immediately.
As you become more familiar with the software, you can experiment with different settings until you create
the drawing environment that best suits your needs.

About Layout Preferences

Layout preferences are based on specific drafting or design requirements. Typically, you apply them to a
specific mechanical/electrical system and change them as needed to achieve the desired design. Examples
include settings for the default parts and the connections to use during layout. For more information, see
Configuring Duct Layout Preferences
Configuring Pipe Layout Preferences
Configuring Layout Preferences for Cable Tray or Conduit
NOTE You can specify additional preferences for electrical and plumbing drawings. For more information, see
Configuring Electrical Preferences
on page 484.
on page 174
on page 293
on page 365 and Specifying Plumbing Preferences for Labels and Flow Arrows
4
on page 376
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