CAD Workflow and Productivity Flashcards

What is the purpose of using layers in a CAD drawing?

Answer: To organize geometry by type so elements can be shown, hidden, or locked independently

Layers group related geometry (e.g., dimensions, center lines, hatches) so drafters can control visibility and editability for different drawing elements.

In CAD software, what is a template file used for?

Answer: Predefining standard settings like units, layers, title blocks, and styles for new drawings

A template file (e.g., .dwt in AutoCAD) saves standardized settings so every new document starts with the correct drafting standards already applied.

What does the 'Purge' command accomplish in most CAD applications?

Answer: Removes unused definitions such as blocks, layers, and styles to reduce file size

Purge cleans up a drawing by removing unreferenced definitions that accumulate over time and unnecessarily inflate the file size.

What is the advantage of using a block (or symbol) library in CAD drafting?

Answer: Reusable block definitions reduce file size and ensure consistent symbol appearance across drawings

When a block is used multiple times, the geometry is stored once and referenced repeatedly, saving space and ensuring uniformity across the drawing set.

In parametric CAD, what is a design table (or configuration table) used for?

Answer: Driving multiple part configurations from a spreadsheet of dimension values

A design table links spreadsheet rows to named configurations, allowing one model file to represent multiple sizes or variants by changing parameter values.

What is the purpose of the 'Audit' command in CAD software?

Answer: To check the drawing database for errors and repair corrupted data

The Audit command scans the drawing file for database errors and, when prompted, attempts to fix them, helping recover corrupted drawings.