3.4Templates (.dwt), layer standards & drawing standardization
Recreating layers, text styles, dimension styles and a title block on every project would be a colossal waste of time. The template (a DWT file) solves this: it's a pre-configured model drawing used as the starting point for each new project. Everything then already starts standardized and consistent.
A good company template contains: the standardized layers (names, colors, linetypes), the styles (text, dimensions, leaders), one or more title blocks, the units and settings, sometimes ready-made layouts. The resulting standardization is a major gain: consistency across collaborators, easier file exchanges, fewer errors. It is one of the markers of a mature CAD organization.
Section vocabulary
- Template (DWT)
- Pre-configured model file (layers, styles, title block, units) used as the base for each new drawing.
- Standardization
- Unifying conventions (layers, styles, title blocks) within a team or company.
- Layer standard
- Naming and property convention for layers (often per a charter or an industry standard).
- Drawing settings
- Units, precision, styles and system variables saved in the template for a consistent start.
- Default template (QNEW)
- The template used by default when creating a new drawing (New button).
What is a template (DWT) used for?
In practice — Creating a company template
- Start from a clean drawing and create your standardized layers, text and dimension styles, and a title block.
- Set the units, precision and useful variables; optionally prepare a standard layout.
- Save everything as a DWT (Save As → AutoCAD Drawing Template).
- Set this template as the default template (QNEW/OPTIONS) so each new project starts from it.
Key points to remember
- A template (DWT) is a pre-configured model drawing.
- It contains standardized layers, styles, title block, units and settings.
- It makes every project start standardized and consistent.
- Standardization eases exchanges and reduces errors.
Frequently asked questions
Which layer standard should you adopt?
It depends on your industry and partners: some follow formal standards (AIA, ISO 13567, national building charters), others an internal charter. The key is consistency: clear, systematic layer names (by element type), conventional colors/weights. If you exchange files with engineering offices, align with their standard. A template locks in and spreads that standard throughout the team.
Do you need one template or several?
Often several, depending on needs: one per project type (building, mechanical…), per presentation format, or per client. But be careful not to multiply them needlessly, which recreates inconsistency. Many organizations maintain a small number of well-kept templates. What matters is that they are centralized, up to date and used by everyone — an obsolete or ignored template is useless.