{"id":1963,"date":"2021-03-14T16:18:40","date_gmt":"2021-03-14T20:18:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/autocad2d\/chapter\/designcenter\/"},"modified":"2021-11-03T16:47:40","modified_gmt":"2021-11-03T20:47:40","slug":"designcenter","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/autocad2d\/chapter\/designcenter\/","title":{"raw":"Module 39: DesignCenter\u00ae","rendered":"Module 39: DesignCenter\u00ae"},"content":{"raw":"
\n

Learning Outcomes<\/p>\n\n<\/header>\n

\n\nWhen you have completed this module, you will be able to:\n
    \n \t
  1. Describe how DesignCenter can be used to increase drawing productivity,<\/li>\n \t
  2. Apply the ADCENTER command.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    DesignCenter<\/h1>\nDesignCenter,<\/span> <\/em>Figure 39-1, organizes access to drawings, blocks, layers, and other drawing content. From DesignCenter, you can insert, copy, or drag and drop objects from open drawings, filed drawings, a network, or even the internet into your current drawing. Drag and drop <\/em><\/span>is the process of dragging an object, such as a block, from one drawing and dropping it into another.\n\nAnother important feature of DesignCenter is being able to copy and paste or drag and drop layer definitions, dimensioning styles, linetypes, layouts, text styles, and xrefs between drawings. A important feature of DesignCenter is that the drawings being copying from do not have to be open at the time, however, the drawing that the items are pasted into, must be open and the current drawing. DesignCenter can also be used to open drawing files.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1961\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"264\"]\"\" Figure 39-1
    DesignCenter[\/caption]\n\n
    \n

    AutoCAD Command: ADCENTER<\/p>\n\n<\/header>\n

    \n\nThe ADCENTER command is used to open the DesignCenter window.\n\nShortcut: ADC <\/strong>or CTRL+2<\/strong>\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1940\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"482\"]\"\" Standard Toolbar[\/caption]\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1940\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"398\"]\"\" Tools Pull-down[\/caption]\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1940\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"359\"]\"\" View Ribbon[\/caption]\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    WORKALONG: Using DesignCenter<\/h1>\n

    Step 1<\/h2>\nStart a new drawing using the template: 2D Layout English<\/span>.\n

    Step 2<\/h2>\nSave and name the drawing: AutoCAD 2D Workalong 39-1<\/span>.\n

    Step 3<\/h2>\nOpen the drawing: AutoCAD 2D Lab 33-1<\/span>. You now have two drawings open at the same time. To confirm that, click the Windows pull-down. (Figure Step 3)\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1961\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"279\"]\"\" Figure Step 3[\/caption]\n

    Step 4<\/h2>\nSet the drawing: AutoCAD 2D Lab 33-1<\/span> as the current drawing. (Figure Step 4)\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1961\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"384\"]\"\" Figure Step 4[\/caption]\n\n
    AUTHOR'S COMMENTS: <\/strong>The current drawing's name is preceded with the checkmark icon as shown in Figure Step 3. The drawing AutoCAD 2D Lab 33-1 should now display in the Graphic window.<\/div>\n

    Step 5<\/h2>\nEnter the PURGE command. In the Purge dialogue box, purge all blocks that can be purged in the current drawing.\n

    Step 6<\/h2>\nEnter the ADCENTER command. It will open the DesignCenter window. (Figure Step 6)\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1961\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"312\"]\"\" Figure Step 6[\/caption]\n\n
    AUTHOR'S COMMENTS:<\/strong> The folder structure will display differently on your computer than shown in Figure Step 6.<\/div>\n

    Step 7<\/h2>\nEnable the Open Drawings tab. It will display the two drawings that are currently open in your AutoCAD session. (Figure Step 7)\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1961\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"358\"]\"\" Figure Step 7[\/caption]\n

    Step 8<\/h2>\nClick the + sign beside the drawing: AutoCAD 2D Lab 33-1.dwg<\/span> to expand it as shown in the figure. It will now display the - sign preceding it to display the items in the drawing. (Figure Step 8)\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1961\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"358\"]\"\" Figure Step 8[\/caption]\n

    Step 9<\/h2>\nSelect the item Blocks to highlight it. Along the right side of the window the icons of the blocks that are currently defined in the drawing's block definition table will display. (Figure Step 9)\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1961\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"333\"]\"\" Figure Step 9[\/caption]\n

    Step 10<\/h2>\nExpand the window as shown in the figure. Click the Views icon and in the Pull-down list, enable Large Icons. (Figure Step 10)\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1961\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"584\"]\"\" Figure Step 10[\/caption]\n

    Step 11<\/h2>\nDisable the Description icon and enable the Preview icon. (Figure Step 11A and 11B)\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1961\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"422\"]\"\" Figure Step 11A[\/caption]\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1961\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"440\"]\"\" Figure Step 11B[\/caption]\n

    Step 12<\/h2>\nResize the window as shown in the figure. Click the Chair icon and it will display a preview of the Chair block in the lower right corner of the window. (Figure Step 12)\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1961\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"331\"]\"\" Figure Step 12[\/caption]\n

    Step 13<\/h2>\nSet the drawing AutoCAD 2D Workalong 39-1<\/span> as the current drawing.\n

    Step 14<\/h2>\nRight click the Chair icon. In the Right-click menu, click Insert Block. When the Insert dialogue box opens, set it as shown in the figure. Click the OK button. (Figure Step 14A and 14B)\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1961\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"400\"]\"\" Figure Step 14A[\/caption]\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1961\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"600\"]\"\" Figure Step 14B[\/caption]\n

    Step 15<\/h2>\nUsing the crosshairs, select any location on the drawing and press the pick button. (Figure Step 15)\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1961\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"546\"]\"\" Figure Step 15[\/caption]\n

    Step 16<\/h2>\nUse the drag and drop method of copying a block from one drawing to another. In DesignCenter, click the Desk icon and while holding down the left mouse button, drag the icon into the current drawing and release the button.\n

    Step 17<\/h2>\nUsing the methods you just learned, copy the eight additional blocks into your drawing. Copy four with each method. Your drawing should appear similar to the figure. (Figure Step 17)\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1961\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"600\"]\"\" Figure Step 17[\/caption]\n\n
    AUTHOR'S COMMENTS<\/strong>: Another way to work with DesignCenter is to work using drawings that are not open at the time.<\/div>\n

    Step 18<\/h2>\nEnable the Folders tab and then find the Lab Exercises folder as shown in the figure. (Figure Step 18)\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1961\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"423\"]\"\" Figure Step 18[\/caption]\n

    Step 19<\/h2>\nIn the folder, locate the drawing: AutoCAD 2D Lab 33-2.dwg<\/span>. Expand the drawing and expand Blocks as shown in the figure. (Figure Step 19)\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1961\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"359\"]\"\" Figure Step 19[\/caption]\n

    Step 20<\/h2>\nUsing the Insert block method, insert all of the blocks from the drawing:\n\nAutoCAD 2D Lab 30-2.dwg<\/span> into the current drawing. Insert them anywhere in the Model space at a scale of 100. (Figure Step 20A and 20B)\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1961\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"600\"]\"\" Figure Step 20A[\/caption]\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1961\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"600\"]\"\" Figure Step 20B[\/caption]\n

    Step 21<\/h2>\nDelete all blocks in the drawing but do not purge them. They are still in the block definition table. Your drawing should appear blank.\n

    Step 22<\/h2>\nEnable the Open Drawings tab and expand the drawing: AutoCAD 2D Workalong 39-1<\/span>. Right-click the View icon and in the right-click menu, select List. (Figure Step 22)\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1961\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"600\"]\"\" Figure Step 22[\/caption]\n

    Step 23<\/h2>\nSet the drawing: AutoCAD 2D Lab 33-1<\/span> as the current drawing.\n

    Step 24<\/h2>\nEnter the PURGE command. In the Purge dialogue box, purge all layers that can be purged from the drawing.\n

    Step 25<\/h2>\nIn the Open Drawings tab, expand the drawing: AutoCAD 2D Workalong 39-1<\/span> and the item Layers. (Figure Step 25)\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1961\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"372\"]\"\" Figure Step 25[\/caption]\n

    Step 26<\/h2>\nSelect all layers and using the drag and drop method drag method, drag them into the current drawing. (Figure Step 26)\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_1961\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"383\"]\"\" Figure Step 26[\/caption]\n\n
    AUTHOR'S COMMENTS:<\/strong> As you see, items from any of the 9 areas can be copied from one drawing to another.<\/div>\n

    Step 27<\/h2>\nSave and close the drawing.\n
    USER TIP:<\/strong> A good way to use the DesignCenter window is to dock it along the left side of the graphic window as shown below.\"\"<\/div>\n

    Key Principles<\/h1>\n
    \n

    Key Principles in Module 39<\/p>\n\n<\/header>\n

    \n
      \n \t
    1. The most powerful use of DesignCenter is being able to copy blocks, layers, dimensioning styles, linetypes, layouts, text styles and xrefs from one drawing to another. Using it will improve your overall drawing speed and production.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","rendered":"
      \n
      \n

      Learning Outcomes<\/p>\n<\/header>\n

      \n

      When you have completed this module, you will be able to:<\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Describe how DesignCenter can be used to increase drawing productivity,<\/li>\n
      2. Apply the ADCENTER command.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

        DesignCenter<\/h1>\n

        DesignCenter,<\/span> <\/em>Figure 39-1, organizes access to drawings, blocks, layers, and other drawing content. From DesignCenter, you can insert, copy, or drag and drop objects from open drawings, filed drawings, a network, or even the internet into your current drawing. Drag and drop <\/em><\/span>is the process of dragging an object, such as a block, from one drawing and dropping it into another.<\/p>\n

        Another important feature of DesignCenter is being able to copy and paste or drag and drop layer definitions, dimensioning styles, linetypes, layouts, text styles, and xrefs between drawings. A important feature of DesignCenter is that the drawings being copying from do not have to be open at the time, however, the drawing that the items are pasted into, must be open and the current drawing. DesignCenter can also be used to open drawing files.<\/p>\n

        \"\"
        Figure 39-1
        DesignCenter<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
        \n
        \n

        AutoCAD Command: ADCENTER<\/p>\n<\/header>\n

        \n

        The ADCENTER command is used to open the DesignCenter window.<\/p>\n

        Shortcut: ADC <\/strong>or CTRL+2<\/strong><\/p>\n

        \"\"
        Standard Toolbar<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
        \"\"
        Tools Pull-down<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
        \"\"
        View Ribbon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

        WORKALONG: Using DesignCenter<\/h1>\n

        Step 1<\/h2>\n

        Start a new drawing using the template: 2D Layout English<\/span>.<\/p>\n

        Step 2<\/h2>\n

        Save and name the drawing: AutoCAD 2D Workalong 39-1<\/span>.<\/p>\n

        Step 3<\/h2>\n

        Open the drawing: AutoCAD 2D Lab 33-1<\/span>. You now have two drawings open at the same time. To confirm that, click the Windows pull-down. (Figure Step 3)<\/p>\n

        \"\"
        Figure Step 3<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

        Step 4<\/h2>\n

        Set the drawing: AutoCAD 2D Lab 33-1<\/span> as the current drawing. (Figure Step 4)<\/p>\n

        \"\"
        Figure Step 4<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
        AUTHOR’S COMMENTS: <\/strong>The current drawing’s name is preceded with the checkmark icon as shown in Figure Step 3. The drawing AutoCAD 2D Lab 33-1 should now display in the Graphic window.<\/div>\n

        Step 5<\/h2>\n

        Enter the PURGE command. In the Purge dialogue box, purge all blocks that can be purged in the current drawing.<\/p>\n

        Step 6<\/h2>\n

        Enter the ADCENTER command. It will open the DesignCenter window. (Figure Step 6)<\/p>\n

        \"\"
        Figure Step 6<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
        AUTHOR’S COMMENTS:<\/strong> The folder structure will display differently on your computer than shown in Figure Step 6.<\/div>\n

        Step 7<\/h2>\n

        Enable the Open Drawings tab. It will display the two drawings that are currently open in your AutoCAD session. (Figure Step 7)<\/p>\n

        \"\"
        Figure Step 7<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

        Step 8<\/h2>\n

        Click the + sign beside the drawing: AutoCAD 2D Lab 33-1.dwg<\/span> to expand it as shown in the figure. It will now display the – sign preceding it to display the items in the drawing. (Figure Step 8)<\/p>\n

        \"\"
        Figure Step 8<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

        Step 9<\/h2>\n

        Select the item Blocks to highlight it. Along the right side of the window the icons of the blocks that are currently defined in the drawing’s block definition table will display. (Figure Step 9)<\/p>\n

        \"\"
        Figure Step 9<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

        Step 10<\/h2>\n

        Expand the window as shown in the figure. Click the Views icon and in the Pull-down list, enable Large Icons. (Figure Step 10)<\/p>\n

        \"\"
        Figure Step 10<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

        Step 11<\/h2>\n

        Disable the Description icon and enable the Preview icon. (Figure Step 11A and 11B)<\/p>\n

        \"\"
        Figure Step 11A<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
        \"\"
        Figure Step 11B<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

        Step 12<\/h2>\n

        Resize the window as shown in the figure. Click the Chair icon and it will display a preview of the Chair block in the lower right corner of the window. (Figure Step 12)<\/p>\n

        \"\"
        Figure Step 12<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

        Step 13<\/h2>\n

        Set the drawing AutoCAD 2D Workalong 39-1<\/span> as the current drawing.<\/p>\n

        Step 14<\/h2>\n

        Right click the Chair icon. In the Right-click menu, click Insert Block. When the Insert dialogue box opens, set it as shown in the figure. Click the OK button. (Figure Step 14A and 14B)<\/p>\n

        \"\"
        Figure Step 14A<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
        \"\"
        Figure Step 14B<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

        Step 15<\/h2>\n

        Using the crosshairs, select any location on the drawing and press the pick button. (Figure Step 15)<\/p>\n

        \"\"
        Figure Step 15<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

        Step 16<\/h2>\n

        Use the drag and drop method of copying a block from one drawing to another. In DesignCenter, click the Desk icon and while holding down the left mouse button, drag the icon into the current drawing and release the button.<\/p>\n

        Step 17<\/h2>\n

        Using the methods you just learned, copy the eight additional blocks into your drawing. Copy four with each method. Your drawing should appear similar to the figure. (Figure Step 17)<\/p>\n

        \"\"
        Figure Step 17<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
        AUTHOR’S COMMENTS<\/strong>: Another way to work with DesignCenter is to work using drawings that are not open at the time.<\/div>\n

        Step 18<\/h2>\n

        Enable the Folders tab and then find the Lab Exercises folder as shown in the figure. (Figure Step 18)<\/p>\n

        \"\"
        Figure Step 18<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

        Step 19<\/h2>\n

        In the folder, locate the drawing: AutoCAD 2D Lab 33-2.dwg<\/span>. Expand the drawing and expand Blocks as shown in the figure. (Figure Step 19)<\/p>\n

        \"\"
        Figure Step 19<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

        Step 20<\/h2>\n

        Using the Insert block method, insert all of the blocks from the drawing:<\/p>\n

        AutoCAD 2D Lab 30-2.dwg<\/span> into the current drawing. Insert them anywhere in the Model space at a scale of 100. (Figure Step 20A and 20B)<\/p>\n

        \"\"
        Figure Step 20A<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
        \"\"
        Figure Step 20B<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

        Step 21<\/h2>\n

        Delete all blocks in the drawing but do not purge them. They are still in the block definition table. Your drawing should appear blank.<\/p>\n

        Step 22<\/h2>\n

        Enable the Open Drawings tab and expand the drawing: AutoCAD 2D Workalong 39-1<\/span>. Right-click the View icon and in the right-click menu, select List. (Figure Step 22)<\/p>\n

        \"\"
        Figure Step 22<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

        Step 23<\/h2>\n

        Set the drawing: AutoCAD 2D Lab 33-1<\/span> as the current drawing.<\/p>\n

        Step 24<\/h2>\n

        Enter the PURGE command. In the Purge dialogue box, purge all layers that can be purged from the drawing.<\/p>\n

        Step 25<\/h2>\n

        In the Open Drawings tab, expand the drawing: AutoCAD 2D Workalong 39-1<\/span> and the item Layers. (Figure Step 25)<\/p>\n

        \"\"
        Figure Step 25<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

        Step 26<\/h2>\n

        Select all layers and using the drag and drop method drag method, drag them into the current drawing. (Figure Step 26)<\/p>\n

        \"\"
        Figure Step 26<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
        AUTHOR’S COMMENTS:<\/strong> As you see, items from any of the 9 areas can be copied from one drawing to another.<\/div>\n

        Step 27<\/h2>\n

        Save and close the drawing.<\/p>\n

        USER TIP:<\/strong> A good way to use the DesignCenter window is to dock it along the left side of the graphic window as shown below.\"\"<\/div>\n

        Key Principles<\/h1>\n
        \n
        \n

        Key Principles in Module 39<\/p>\n<\/header>\n

        \n
          \n
        1. The most powerful use of DesignCenter is being able to copy blocks, layers, dimensioning styles, linetypes, layouts, text styles and xrefs from one drawing to another. Using it will improve your overall drawing speed and production.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":90,"menu_order":3,"template":"","meta":{"pb_show_title":"on","pb_short_title":"","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":[],"pb_section_license":""},"chapter-type":[],"contributor":[],"license":[],"class_list":["post-1963","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry"],"part":1798,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/autocad2d\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/1963","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/autocad2d\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/autocad2d\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/autocad2d\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/90"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/autocad2d\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/1963\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1964,"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/autocad2d\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/1963\/revisions\/1964"}],"part":[{"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/autocad2d\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/parts\/1798"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/autocad2d\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/1963\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/autocad2d\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1963"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/autocad2d\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=1963"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/autocad2d\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=1963"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/autocad2d\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=1963"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}