Lesson 02 | Working with Files
This lesson describes how to open, create, and save drawings.
Objectives
After completing this lesson, you will be able to:
- Open drawings, create drawings, and save drawings.
Working with Files
Drawings are created and saved in the DWG drawing file format. To access this data, you must learn how to create a new drawing, save a drawing, and open these file types.
Use the Quick Access toolbar to create, open, and save new drawings.
Open a Drawing
To open a drawing, use the Open command and select the files that you want to open.
Command Access
Open File Dialog Box
Note
Use standard Windows CTRL+ and SHIFT+ selection methods to select and open multiple files at once.
Create a New Drawing
To create a new drawing, use the New command. Select a template or select Open with no Template (Imperial or Metric). Drawing Templates are drawings that are saved in template format (.dwt) and that can contain information such as a title block, layers, text styles, dimension styles, and settings relevant to your specific drawing needs.
Command Access
Select Template Dialog Box
Saving Your Drawings
Use the Save command to save your drawing. The first time you save a drawing, the Save Drawing As dialog box appears. Navigate to the folder where you want to store the drawing, enter a file name, and select Save. To save a drawing with a different name, select Save As.
Command Access
Save Drawing As Dialog Box
Note
As a new user, you should get in the habit of saving your drawing as soon as you create it and save often as you work on your drawings. This is a habit that can be easily learned and could prove to be very valuable in the event of unexpected system failures. A quick way to save your work is to use the shortcut keys: CTRL + S.