AutoCAD Course – Setup & Template Integration

Preparing Course Resources

  • Download course files

    • Locate the “CAD 101101 File Downloads” folder in the Resources section of the Learning Hub.
    • Download and extract the folder before starting any drafting work.

  • Choose a storage location

    • Instructor example: saved to local C:\ drive.
    • Acceptable alternatives: Desktop or My Documents (any place you can easily remember).
    • Action item: Keep track of the exact path to this folder; you will open and save files here throughout the entire course.

  • Folder contents overview

    • “Reference Files” sub-folder (to be used later).
    • VDCIFundamentalsTemplate (crucial for setting up new drawings).

  • PDF handouts

    • Located in the same download package.
    • Include:
    • All project sheets.
    • Graded hands-on quizzes.
    • Midterm documents.
    • Recommended workflow:
    • Print or keep open digitally while working.
    • Will be referenced for symbols (drafting, electrical, etc.) and during projects.

Loading & Using the VDCI Fundamentals Template in AutoCAD

  • Trigger the New Drawing command

    • Three equivalent methods:
    • File → New.
    • Click the New button on the toolbar.
    • AutoCAD Application button → New.

  • Select Template dialog box

    • Opens automatically when creating a new drawing.
    • Displays the default Template folder linked to your AutoCAD installation.
    • Goal: add the VDCI template into this folder for future one-click access.

  • Copying the template into AutoCAD’s Template folder

    1. Keep Select Template window open in AutoCAD.
    2. Open a second File Explorer window.
    3. Navigate to: .../CAD 101 File Downloads/.
    4. Right-click VDCIFundamentalsTemplate → Copy.
    5. Switch back to the Select Template dialog.
    6. Right-click inside that window → Paste.

  • Outcome: VDCIFundamentalsTemplate now appears alongside default AutoCAD templates.

  • Creating a drawing with course standards

    • In the Select Template dialog, highlight VDCIFundamentalsTemplate and click Open.
    • AutoCAD generates a new drawing that automatically loads:
    • Pre-configured dimension styles.
    • Multileader styles.
    • Two ready-made paper-space layouts:
      • 8.5×118.5 \times 11 in (Letter).
      • 11×1711 \times 17 in (Tabloid).

  • Next step: Switch back to Model Space and begin drafting (covered in the subsequent video).

Practical / Exam Relevance

  • Mastery of these setup steps ensures:
    • Consistent formatting and standards across all assignments, quizzes, and the midterm.
    • Faster workflow—no need to recreate dimension and layout settings.
    • Accurate submission sheets that match grading rubrics tied to the provided template.

Quick Reference Cheat-Sheet

  • File path to remember: location of extracted “CAD 101101 File Downloads” folder.
  • Key file to copy: VDCIFundamentalsTemplate.
  • Typical sheet sizes loaded: 8.5×118.5 \times 11, 11×1711 \times 17.
  • Primary AutoCAD action: File → New → Select Template → Open.