How To Create Floor Plans In Autocad 2017

How to Create Floor Plans in AutoCAD 2017

Autodesk AutoCAD is a professional-grade software for creating 2D and 3D drawings. It is widely used by architects, engineers, and designers to create precise and detailed floor plans. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to create floor plans in AutoCAD 2017, covering the essential steps and techniques involved.

1. Create a New Drawing

Begin by launching AutoCAD 2017 and selecting the "New" option from the File menu. In the Create New Drawing dialog box, choose the AutoCAD Architectural template, which is specifically designed for architectural projects. This template provides a predefined set of layers and settings optimized for floor plan creation.

2. Set Up the Drawing Units

Before you start drawing, it is important to set the drawing units to the desired scale. Go to the Format menu and select "Units." In the Drawing Units dialog box, choose "Architectural" as the discipline and specify the desired units, such as inches or millimeters. This will ensure that your floor plan is drawn to the correct scale.

3. Define the Room Layout

The first step in creating a floor plan is to define the room layout. Use the "Line" command to draw the perimeter walls of each room. To ensure accuracy, use the "Ortho" mode to constrain the lines to horizontal or vertical directions. You can also use the "Rectangle" command to quickly draw rectangular rooms.

4. Add Windows and Doors

Once the room layout is defined, add windows and doors to the walls. Use the "Insert" menu to select the desired window or door type. Choose the insertion point and specify the size and orientation of the opening. You can also use the "Hatch" command to add patterns to windows and doors, such as glass or wood.

5. Draw Interior Features

The next step is to draw the interior features, such as furniture, appliances, and fixtures. Use a combination of lines, circles, and rectangles to represent different objects. For complex shapes, use the "Polyline" command to create custom shapes. You can also use the "Hatch" command to add textures or patterns to objects.

6. Add Dimensions and Annotations

Dimensions and annotations are essential for providing accurate information about the floor plan. Use the "Dimension" command to add dimensions to walls, windows, and doors. You can also use the "Text" command to add labels, notes, or other annotations to the drawing.

7. Create Layers

Layers help organize your drawing by separating different elements, such as walls, windows, and furniture, onto different layers. This makes it easier to manage and edit the drawing. To create a new layer, go to the Layer Properties Manager, which can be accessed from the Layers panel on the right side of the AutoCAD interface.

8. Set Up the Plotter

Once the floor plan is complete, you can plot it to paper or a PDF file. Go to the File menu and select "Plot." In the Plot dialog box, choose the desired printer or plotter. Set the plot scale and paper size, and click OK to print the floor plan.

Conclusion

Creating floor plans in AutoCAD 2017 is a straightforward process that involves defining the room layout, adding windows and doors, drawing interior features, adding dimensions and annotations, creating layers, and setting up the plotter. By following these steps and utilizing the powerful features of AutoCAD, you can create accurate and professional-looking floor plans that effectively convey design ideas and information.