24 AutoCAD bad practices you should avoid

The AutoCAD bad practices mentioned in this list are some of the very common ones that are often seen in drawing offices.

The list is compiled based on responses from SourceCAD blog subscribers and LinkedIn connections, a big thanks to all of them for sharing their pick on this topic.

So, here is our list of AutoCAD bad practices that you should avoid.

Putting objects on the Defpoints layer

It doesn’t make any sense to put an object on the Defpoint layer that you don’t want to plot, let me tell you why.

The Defpoint layer is created automatically when you add dimension and it is always a no-plot layer, you can’t make it a “plot” layer.

So, putting objects that you don’t want to plot on this layer may seem like a good thing but what about rare instances where you may want to plot objects of the Defpoints layer?

In that case, you can’t turn the plot option ON for the Defpoints layer.

So, it makes more sense to create a new layer, call it “no-plot” or something similar and put your objects there.

Now you can turn off the plot for this layer and when required you can turn it on as well.

Besides you can create unlimited layers in AutoCAD so there is no point in trying to squeeze the maximum output from your existing list of layers.

Not assigning object properties by layer

I am sure you must have received drawings with blocks and other objects assigned to a particular layer but these objects are still using their custom properties not as per layer.

When you change layer properties these objects just stand out and don’t inherit properties from layers and their properties remain unchanged which may not always be good.

Now in some instances, you may want to add custom properties that are different from the layer, and that’s totally fine but try to assign properties by layer for as many objects as possible using.

Making all objects on layer 0

Why would you do that?

AutoCAD offers a great way of managing drawing objects using layers which also helps in controlling the properties of multiple objects directly using layer properties.

This is simply a bad practice which is seen in a novice or a lazy drafter and it should also be avoided wherever possible.

Not using layering standards

As far as possible try to use layering standards such as AIA or your company standard.

This ensures consistency when the drawing is transferred to other contractors.

If consistent standards are not followed, then you might end up with drawings having different naming standards that need to be translated before they can be used properly thus killing extra work hours.