AutoCAD Tip – Using Tables for drawing keys/legends

By Dennis Collin

A common question when training AutoCAD is how to be more efficient when working. A typical answer that I provide is a well-considered and planned template file. This often spawns a secondary question as to what should be contained in this template?

I have made a list of items to consider for an AutoCAD template here, but a bare minimum would be a set of layers, annotation styles, title sheets and plotting configurations.

As well as title sheets, items such as keys and legends should also be devised especially when producing mechanical or electrical plans as those drawings usually contain many symbols and it is vital that these are easily identified.

Fig 1. Table styles can be saved to a template to save time and standardise appearance.

Whilst some users create these legends manually, with lines, copied elements and text a better approach may be to contain a drawing key or legend inside an AutoCAD table.

Fig 2. Configuring a table style inside an AutoCAD Template File.

Tables have been a feature in both Full and LT AutoCAD for some years and in many ways work like a very basic Excel spreadsheet.

A table style contains several Cell Styles for the Title of the Table (if required), Column Headers and Data. Each cell style can have difference text styles, sizes and background fills.

Users can also decide if the table is top-down (if a key or legend) or bottom-up in appearance in the case of a drawing revisions register.

Fig 3. Tables are very versatile

To populate the cells users can either double click inside each cell, where the default Mtext content wraps and fills the defined space. If additional rows and columns are required, right clicking provides options for inserting additional rows and columns.

Fig 4. Locating a block from the current drawing

Right clicking also allows users to specify a block within the drawing. The block can then be centred and sized providing the beginnings of a key legend.

Fig 5. Inserting the Block name as a field in an AutoCAD table.

To name the block manual text can be entered or a field added linking the adjoining text to the actual block name.

A table can also be derived from an Excel link I have covered that function here:

Fig 6. Typically, users place the key, on the title sheet in the paper space layout.

Tables, Fields, Blocks and Templates are just some of the more advanced AutoCAD concepts that are covered on our Bespoke and follow-on AutoCAD courses. For more details on a range of our courses these please visit https://arkance.world/gb-en/training/