Hello,
I know this is very basic, but because it encompasses several questions, I figured this is the best place to ask.
I have a drawing template which I use for proposal drawings for my company. The template consists of the model tab with (5) layouts used to highlight various aspects of the design. There is a plan layout, three mechanical layouts and an electrical layout. In an actual set of proposal drawings, I may copy one or more of these layouts as needed or add another type altogether.
I would like to achieve the following;
1. Upon creation of the drawing file from the template, a dialogue box is presented asking for the client name, project name, engineers name, etc...
2. Values which are common to every layout are shared between them and still controlled by a 'central' dialogue. However, some of these may need to overridden. An example may be using this same client name across every layout in the same 'location' on each.
3. Values which vary are somewhat 'smart'; i.e. the first layout from the left after the model is layout '1 of N' where N is the total number of layouts in the drawing file.
4. Values which are system based are filled in automatically; e.g. the creation date, the file location with path, etc...
5. Utiliize the most 'vanilla' functionallity built into AutoCAD that I can use vs. VB or AutoLISP code. I am not totally uncomfortable with these systems, but I don't want to reinvent the wheel.
6. Implement revisions 'properly' with inbuilt AutoCAD mechanisms vs. my method of copying the last revision level with borders, placing it atop the last and then editing it. I am sure something better must exist.
I am using some attributes in the existing attached drawing, but none are linked between sheets.
I am hoping folks on these forums can respond to the items above (referring to which # question they are answering) so that I can re-do my template the way an AutoCAD expert or AutoDesk employee would do it vs. my 'learn as you go' method which has produced a workable but inelegant solution.
As a side note, I just noticed that I can accomplish some of this with 'find/replace' functionality but I can't imagine this is at all the preferred means.
I am looking forward to having my mind blown!
Thank you,
John