With your subscription to Autodesk AEC industry collection(s), you may have noticed Autodesk has provided each AEC industry collection subscription with an additional product in their lineup: Autodesk Docs.
What is Autodesk Docs?
Autodesk Docs is a cloud-based common data environment that streamlines your document review and management process, as well as approval workflows from design to construction. Autodesk collaboration solutions allow teams to be more connected and productive and Autodesk Docs is a great way to introduce collaboration into your workflow.
It is available in the AEC Collection, as well as is included with subscriptions to Autodesk BIM Collaborate and Autodesk BIM Collaborate Pro, Autodesk Takeoff and Autodesk Build.
The administrators of the Autodesk subscription may have recently received an email from Autodesk announcing that a new product offering, Autodesk Docs, has been automatically added at a 1:1 ratio for each of your Autodesk AEC industry collections.
All active new purchases and renewals of AEC industry collections as of February 9, 2021, are entitled to this Autodesk Docs subscription. Named users are currently receiving notifications, while multi-user licenses should be receiving this notification in April.
What is included in the Autodesk Docs subscription?
Autodesk Docs provides access to the following modules:
Docs
Insight
Account Administration
BIM 360 Document Management
How many seats of Autodesk Docs will current subscribers to the AEC Collection get?
If you have an Autodesk industry collection, expect to receive an email from Autodesk (do.not.reply@autodesk.com) alerting you of your new Autodesk Docs subscription that is now included with each AEC industry collection subscription at a 1:1 ratio.
Remember that all users will need a valid Autodesk Docs subscription. Those who don’t have one will be invited to purchase a subscription or start a trial.
Who uses Autodesk Docs?
Autodesk Docs is used across the project lifecycle by all members of a project team, including architects, designers, engineers, contractors, sub-contractors, drafters, detailers, BIM and VDC managers, project managers, owners, fabricators, and more.
You can learn more about Autodesk Docs and its features by visiting the Autodesk landing page which includes product overview videos and a Frequently Asked Questions section.
Layers are the basic method of organizing the position of objects in 2D and 3D graphics. Many architects implement AutoCAD layers to control the layer properties of their drawings on a page.
These layer properties include line weight, line type, color, and description. They are generally used to determine the appearance of objects on layers in AutoCAD.
Different forms of layers have their unique names. Interestingly, you may choose to group them alphabetically or numerically, depending on the requirements of your project.
In this article, we will discuss the definition, properties, creation, and management techniques of layers in AutoCAD.
In AutoCAD software, layers are drawing planes that help you to easily control the properties and visibilities of objects. Examples of these objects include:
Lines
Images
Blocks
Tables
Spreadsheets
You can use layers to manage or control the visibility of objects by activating the on/off command.
Similarly, you can also control the visibility of objects by using the freeze/thaw command.
Image source: https://www.nobledesktop.com
The only difference between the freeze and turn off command is that the freeze unloads the layer from its memory. The table below contains other possible basic layer commands in AutoCAD plot settings.
Basic Layer Commands
Function
Lock & unlock layers
It protects the file drainage and prevents accidental changes
Make current layer
It activates an existing layer to record the latest update in AutoCAD geometry
Match layer
It matches an object with the plot style created in AutoCAD
Change to current layer
It undoes the last changes in the layer settings by changing the layers list from layer 1 to layer 0 (i.e the current layer)
Copy object layer
It copies all the selected lines into a new layer button created in the layer properties manager
Layer walk
It displays objects on selected layers by showing all the hatches, lines, and blocks
Keep in mind that one drawing can have many layers, depending on the dimension, style, and complexity of the drawing. You can use each layer to draw a specific object type. For example, you can complete the drafting process by using:
Layer Properties are responsible for controlling the visibility of different objects within a drawing. Here is a list of the main layer properties in AutoCAD:
Name
Color
Linetype
Lineweight
Transparency
Each layer in AutoCAD has a specific name that makes it unique in the layer tab. For example, in the diagram below, the default layer is called ‘reference’, while the current layer is called ‘walls’.
These names make it quick and easy for architects and engineers to find a certain layer by using the layer properties button.
Image source: https://help.autodesk.com
To assist in visual distinction, all layers are created with different colors in the layer manager palette. For example in the above diagram, the reference layer is assigned a red color, while the current layer is given a blue color.
Layer color can also be useful for visual interpretation. This may look surprising, but in places like California, Texas, New York, Florida, and Illinois, people recognize blue color as an essential part of plumbing.
Therefore, AEC professionals use it as the appropriate color for plumbing fixtures, such as water pipes, sinks, and drainage pipes. Another important layer property is the linetype, which basically refers to the style of lines or geometry of the layer.
Some common examples of linetype include solid lines, dotted lines, and dashed lines. They play a crucial role in layer management and object selection, ensuring precise representation of graphics.
Furthermore, each line on a layer has a thickness that ranges from 0.10-1.50 mm, depending on the line weight of the specific layer. This means that the lines can only be plotted with a minimum thickness of 0.1 mm and a maximum thickness of 1.5 mm.
Creating & Managing Layers
You can create and manage layers in the layer manager palette. To carry out this process, you need to first open the home tab layer panel > Click on the layer properties button and select layer properties manager. Now, activate the layer manager by using “LA” as a shortcut.
In the layer manager, you can create new layers with the shortcut key, Alt + N. By default, the new layer will be named Layer 1. However, you can rename the layer with a name that best fits your project.
Image source: https://forums.autodesk.com
The next step is to select a suitable color, linetype, and lineweight for the new layers. To do this, simply navigate your system cursor to the column containing color, then select a unique color for each layer.
Now, move the cursor to the next two columns containing linetype and lineweight, then select the appropriate parameters that fit the rows in each column.
To effectively manage the newly created layers, you can use the basic layer commands, which we earlier discussed in the previous section of this article.
In addition, It is important to take note that the shortcut key to delete a layer is AIt + D, and the shortcut key to set a layer as the current layer is Alt + C. Therefore, the shortcut to most layers is simply Alt + the first letter of the layer’s name.
Image source: https://www.slideshare.net
Advanced Layer Techniques
Elements are separated into different layers through the help of the advanced layer techniques in AutoCAD. These techniques include:
Layer states: The primary role of the layer state is to assist you in managing many layer configurations at the same time. For example, when drawing a large building plan, layer states help you to easily hide the door layer while working on the wall layer.
Layer filters: To improve the visibility of relevant layers in AutoCAD, try using layer filters to first filter the layer properties before using the freeze/thaw command.
Layer transparency: This allows the lines and columns on a top layer to appear white or transparent, making the layer beneath more visible in 2D drawings.
One of the most significant hurdles for home design professionals in the construction industry is figuring out which software is the right choice for their projects. For compatibility, there are Microsoft and Mac software programs to choose from. These can range from basic, open-source design tools to advanced programs with add-ons and plugins. Some construction software can even be complemented with AI, getting new functionality and allowing for more streamlined processes. Then there is the cost to consider, which can be free to tens of thousands of dollars.
Another issue is that many of these computer-aided design software tools are designed to simulate different things. They work in different phases of the construction process, meaning you need to know how each phase evolves when making the best choice for your workflow. Either way, once you understand the general CAD software principles, it is easier to understand and pick up new CAD software.
There are many different types of construction design software, and they are generally categorized by which profession they are made for.
Top Software
Software for a civil engineer won’t work the same way when the chief architect uses it. You also need to understand building information modeling (BIM), which is the general category that most construction CAD software falls into. However, your choice for architectural design, interior design, and building design software in the industry will always start with your specific situation.
AutoCAD
Software for reliable 2D and 3D drafting
While not specifically built for construction, AutoCAD is the grandfather of professional CAD software. Over the years, it has set the trends in this industry and paved the way for other user-friendly programs such as SketchUp. It has toolkits for many industries, but its architecture toolset is notably quite advanced. With this tool, you can design 2D and 3D models. You can also do things like compare drawings and count objects. AutoCAD also makes it easy to do 2D floor plans, 3D floor plans, elevations, and 3D designs. It gives you all the tools you need to create a useful 3D model that represents what you are trying to create.
Rhino
An affordable entry-level CAD system
Rhino is used by architects and engineers to design, model, present, and analyze various projects. It has multiple editing modes, meaning you can utilize NURBS or traditional geometric tools to create blueprints. It also meshes with a whole host of CAM, engineering, and rendering suites. The best thing about this program is how affordable it is compared to its competition. It even has integration with various digital fabrication tools. For example, it can be utilized with 3D printing equipment.
Autodesk Navisworks Manage
Coordination software that includes clash detection and advanced collaboration
Autodesk Navisworks Manage is an industry leader in advanced collaboration and clash detection. It allows users to combine all design and construction data (architectural, civil, MEP, etc.) into a single model without the dreaded lag common with other programs. This function offers exploration of aggregate models in real-time for advanced visualization and clash detection—a tool that identifies and reports any cross-discipline interferences (clashes). Many users report these features being invaluable both in the early and finishing stages of the design process.
Autodesk Construction Cloud
A construction software bundle for budget-friendly collaboration
Autodesk Construction Cloud is a series of software that supercharges projects with cloud-based collaboration. This different software saves designers time and money by streamlining the entire construction from bid to build—gone are the days of manually tracking changes and managing model updates.
Get your project off to the right start with Autodesk Takeoff to create competitive bids and do in-depth material cost analysis.
Then, once your project is underway, manage construction and field execution with Autodesk Build.
Additionally, the Autodesk Construction Cloud solutions also offer Autodesk Assemble to query and connect BIM data to key workflows. Autodesk Construction Cloud solution is ideal for both large and small businesses—keeping all team members up-to-date throughout the project lifecycle.
Revit
The industry standard for BIM software
Revit is one of the most commonly used tools in the industry. It specifically offers BIM functionality that can be used by construction professionals, civil engineers, and architects. There are many tutorials and walkthroughs available that make it easy to learn, but there is a bit of a learning curve for people just getting started. However, this is mainly because this tool has everything a professional could ever need—meaning it will take many years to master.
There are also plenty of tools for collaboration, meaning you no longer need to be in the same place to work with other engineers and architects on design projects. Additionally, it offers the same simulation and building management functionality you would expect from traditional parametric CAD modelers. If you could only choose one tool to get, this would be the one needed to manage everything in the building lifecycle.
Autodesk BIM Collaborate Pro
Cloud-based collaboration between AEC teams across Autodesk products
Autodesk BIM Collaborate Pro focuses on connecting architectural, engineering, and construction teams. This cloud-based platform makes it easier for AEC teams to connect, collaborate, and create high-quality models in real time on a single platform. The main benefit of this software is that team members can implement changes at any time and from any place in AutoCAD Plant 3D, Civil 3D, Revit, and more.
CAD Pro
2D and 3D home design tools for remodeling and building
Cad Pro provides high-quality drawing tools for remodeling and building. You can even evaluate your designs quickly using built-in tools. This home design software is made for traditional homeowners looking for a powerful CAD solution to help them build or improve their current homes. It offers features that make drawing, visualizing, and collaborating easy. It is the perfect bridge between a powerful professional system and one that doesn’t have the features needed to do anything useful. Finally, it is also an excellent tool for creating landscapes, patios, and other outdoor designs.
Autodesk AEC Collection
A diverse collection of top AEC software
The Autodesk AEC Collection is designed to tackle all design aspects of projects—from design to construction. It bundles the top programs to ensure that designers, engineers, and construction professionals have cloud-based BIM and CAD tools at their fingertips. This collection includes Revit, AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Navisworks Manage, InfraWorks, and more. Beyond the cloud-based capabilities and robust tool set, a considerable benefit of this collection is that it saves you thousands of dollars compared to buying the included programs separately.
Conclusion
There are plenty of CAD modeling tools and software for design and construction. However, note that there is generally no need to have them all—a few should be enough for most projects. The key is to determine your needs as a designer and the needs of your project.
If you are looking for the best of the best, you won’t go wrong with Autodesk Revit. Then there is AutoCAD, which is excellent for working with everything from basic 2D designs to 3D renderings. However, beginners may find more value in the budget-friendly Rhino3D. Need to enhance collaboration ease? The Autodesk AEC Collection or Autodesk BIM Collaborate Pro are good choices.
With the diverse software available, there is truly an option for every design situation. Do you have any questions? Contact us.
Features the latest informative and technical content provided by our industry experts for designers, engineers, and construction firms and facility owners.
