3 AutoCAD LT design features interior designers can not live without

Are you using these features to the fullest?

As someone who has been using CAD software for nearly 10 years, I’m always looking for new ways to do things quicker, faster, and more efficiently. When it comes to professional interior design software you want something that’s easy and intuitive to use, which is why I want to introduce you to the 3 key features I don’t think anyone can live without.

1. Sheet set manager (PC users)

Sheet Set is ideal when you want to manage multiple different sheets and subsections of a project in a single PDF file. That way you’re not forever searching around on your desktop for that key bit of information that you wished you had ready and waiting at your fingertips. Instead, you can plot a complete set of drawings with just a few clicks.

Before I knew about Sheet Set I used to save each file manually which took up a lot of time. Then I tried the batch plot feature, but I wouldn’t recommend this route because you can’t use the “AutoCAD PDF High Quality Print.pc3” print preset.

And because the AutoCAD LT 2022 status bar has been updated and now comes with room to visualize up to 30 tabs, you can have automatic access without having to press a button to look for a different tab. A big improvement on the 16 tabs you’d have available in the older AutoCAD versions.

2. Hatches

The “Hatch” feature is a command for detailing 2D drawings in AutoCAD. It is a highly customizable tool, as the user is able to change patterns, scaling, and spacing as well as other attributes. You can have your own hatch library with your most used tile sizes and custom patterns for marble, wood veneer, wall coverings and tile patterns. Here are some of the main uses I have found for it over the years:

I use it for drawing elevations to show a backsplash pattern for a kitchen or bathroom drawing or a feature wall material. It is worth noting how important it is to notate drawings to show the backsplash material and the direction of the vein.

1. On floor finish plans to show the location of the tile, grout lines, orientation, and starting reference point.

2. I also use it for decoration projects to show wall covering locations, orientation and location of the seams.

3. I use it for elevations. It’s worth noting how important it is to notate drawings to show the backsplash material and the direction of the vein.

4. And lastly, for permitting drawings and remodeling projects to show new proposed walls in floor plans.

When I don’t have a hatch created I also use blocks to create a pattern, duplicate the block, and use the XCLIP command to mark the clipping boundary of the specific area. In the full version of AutoCAD you are also able to use the SUPERHATCH command tool to create custom hatches, this command is not supported in the AutoCAD LT version. 

You can have access to our exclusive hatch library by going to this link.

3. CAD Blocks

You can download CAD Blocks for free from a number of reputable sources and then use it as part of your design process. Here are a few of the advantages I have enjoyed with it since I started using BLOCKS.

•      Exactness: once you download them, I always make sure the dimensions of the blocks are correct. You can use it and duplicate it as many times as you like without area or accumulated inaccuracy. This makes it ideal for complex projects where you want to get everything precise the first time.

•      Block attributes: Data can be connected to an Excel database and extracted for reports, bills of material, and schedules formation. This allows you to use AutoCAD LT for interior design in a smart way that saves you time in the long run.

I have my blocks organized in one file for construction projects and a second file for decorating projects. For construction projects I store everything related to architectural details, such as: doors, windows, light fixtures, plumbing fixtures and appliances blocks. Personally I like to organize them by manufacturer’s name for ease of viewing. In the decorating projects I store all the furniture blocks, accessories, and equipment items, with everything organized by room type.

Final thoughts

Remember, drawing workflows is different for each industry, so try to establish the optimum workflow for you. By learning new features and seeing how they can help, you will build your AutoCAD LT skills in no time at all.

Stay tuned for more AutoCAD tips to help you streamline your AutoCAD LT drawings and enjoy getting more done!