CAD Intentions

New Video is up now!

Do you ever get frustrated with XREFS? Or Are you still learning exactly how External References can be a game changer?


It’s time to finally master XREFs — one of the most powerful (and misunderstood) tools in AutoCAD.

In today’s new video, I’m breaking down:
🔹 What XREFs actually are (and why you should use them)
🔹 The difference between Attach vs Overlay (and which you should be using)
🔹 Pro tips to prevent layer chaos, broken references, and lost hours

Whether you're working on multi-sheet plans or collaborating with a team, these tips will save you so much time.

Watch the new video here:
https://youtu.be/RoYBkOyGINo

Let me know in the comments — do you usually use Attach or Overlay?

5 hours ago | [YT] | 1

CAD Intentions

Stop Fighting AutoCAD. Start Mastering It.
— My journey from frustration to freedom (and how you can shortcut the process)

I’ll never forget my first “real” AutoCAD job.

When I first started using AutoCAD, like many of us my only experience was from schooling and self learning. But back then, youtube didn't exist and there were no real resources to learn the type of skills we needed on the job.

You had to get lucky and be hired at a company with good mentors and training for all of the more technical and real world issues we run into in CAD.

I remember running into issues simply changing colors/stylesof drawings on my first project. We were never really taugh how .ctb files worked and it didn't help that my new job didn't have much for onboarding to learn the company standards.


That was just the first wake up call.

School projects are nothing like large scale professional drawing sets.
Multiple sheets. Client-provided base files. Title blocks in chaos.


I realized pretty quickly that "book/school" knowledge wasn’t getting me anywhere.

It felt like death by a thousand clicks:

I was manually turning off the same layers in every viewport.

Copy-pasting notes from one layout to another.

Praying my lineweights and annotations didn’t go haywire when plotting.

Losing hours hunting down a missing XREF or wondering why something wasn’t showing up in a layout.

Starting every project from scratch—every time—because I didn’t have a good template.

And worst of all?

No one around me had time to explain any of it.

Just “figure it out” they said.


So I did what everyone does, I turned to Google, help files and a ton of trial and error!

Over the next few years I became obsessive over learning the ins and outs of not only Civil Design and Engineering but also as much as I could about the software. Any time savers, tricks, workflows, etc.. that could make things more efficient and faster I was quick to memorize and implement.


I realize then, the problem wasn’t AutoCAD. The problem was not having a system and the disconnect between typical training/tutorials and the real-world use of AutoCAD.

I've spent years (about 20 now!) building my CAD knowledge, workflow by workflow, template by template—learning from senior designers, CAD managers, and making plenty of painful mistakes along the way.

Now I’ve bundled all those years of lessons into one place.

👇 Introducing: AutoCAD Fundamentals & Workflows 👇
Built for engineers, designers, architects, and career-changers who are tired of struggling with the same old CAD headaches.

Whether you’ve been using AutoCAD for a month or 10 years, this course will save you hundreds of hours and help you finally feel in control of your CAD work.

This Course Solves Problems Like These:

“Why does every drawing I open feel different?”
→ Learn clean setup workflows & DWG standards that make every file predictable.

“How do I scale and setup Annotative Text?”
→ Learn how viewports, text and scaling all work together to create professional looking drawings.

“Why do I keep losing layers, text, or viewports when I copy files?”
→ Understand XREFs, layouts, fields & title block automation the right way.

“Why is my drawing so slow and messy?”
→ Use built-in cleanup routines and templates to keep files lean and fast.

“How do I get consistent print results?”
→ Learn layout creation, plotting tricks, and batch print workflows step-by-step.

“I feel like I’m constantly redoing the same work.”
→ Reusable templates, title blocks, and productivity shortcuts to the rescue.


✅ What You’ll Learn (Just the Highlights):

Real-world drawing setup + template creation

XREF workflows that won’t break your files

Layouts, plotting, scaling, and field automation

Dimensioning, annotation, and drawing packaging

Pro productivity tricks from 20+ years of daily CAD use

Bonus: DWG examples, downloadable templates, and my AutoCAD Productivity Handbook (PDF)


⭐️ What Students Are Saying:

🗣️ "As a 47-year-old plumber/installer transitioning to CAD, this course gave me a second career."
🗣️ "I’ve used AutoCAD for years… and still learned so much!"
🗣️ "Clear, fast, and practical. I went from zero to confident in a weekend."


AutoCAD can be overwhelming.
But you don’t need to master every button, you just need a workflow that works.
This course will give you that.

Ready to stop fighting with AutoCAD and start owning your workflow?
👉 Click here to enroll now: cadintentions.com/hurry
and learn AutoCAD the Intentional Way™

2 days ago | [YT] | 34

CAD Intentions

Mastering XREFs in #AutoCAD (The Right Way)


Tired of bloated files or broken references in your drawings?
It’s time to master XREFs, one of the most powerful (and misunderstood) features in AutoCAD.

Whether you're collaborating on a team or managing multiple plan sheets, understanding how XREFs work will save you hours of frustration.

Here’s a crash course to get you using them like a pro:

What is an XREF?

XREF = External Reference
It lets you attach another DWG (or image, PDF, etc.) into your current drawing without copying everything into the file. Think of it like a live link to another drawing.


ATTACH vs OVERLAY – What’s the Difference?

When adding an xref to a drawing you'll have the option to choose between two types:

ATTACH
✅ XREF will appear in the host file
✅ AND will be included in any future files that XREF your file (nested XREFs)
Great when you want to build stacked references or include backgrounds through multiple levels.

OVERLAY
✅ XREF shows up in the current file
🚫 But does not carry through into future XREFs (not nested)
Use this when you don’t want to pass references down the chain. (this Should be your default!)

Pro Tip: Use OVERLAY when collaborating to avoid circular references and layer chaos!


More XREF Power Tips:

✅ Use relative paths to avoid broken links when files move
✅ Bind XREFs only when you’re sending out final versions
✅ Layer isolate XREFs using layer filters or freezing in viewports
✅ Use XOPEN to quickly open an XREF for editing
✅ Turn on “XREF Fade” in Options to reduce visual clutter


If you’re still inserting drawings manually or copying and pasting between files, it’s time to learn XREFs.
Mastering them will make you faster, cleaner, and easier to collaborate with.

Learn Xrefs and all the must know AutoCAD workflows and tools in my AutoCAD Fundamentals & Workflows Course now: Https://cadintentions.com/hurry


👉 What’s your biggest pain point with XREFs? Drop it below and let’s fix it together 👇

1 week ago | [YT] | 69

CAD Intentions

Still using "Save As" on old #AutoCAD drawings?
Stop!
Here's why…

If you’re copying and pasting between drawings manually, or worse, reusing messy files from old jobs, you’re probably bringing a ton of bloat, broken layers, and outdated standards with you.

In my latest video, I cover the right way to reuse content between projects in #AutoCAD without making a mess of your drawings.

Here's what you'll learn:
✅ How to use CTRL+SHIFT+C for precise Copy with Base Point
✅ How to maintain layer standards using LAYTRANS
✅ Why you should Paste as Block
✅ How to clean up with PURGE
✅ And the underrated powerhouse: Design Center (ADC)

Whether you're working with XREFs, title blocks, or just need to bring in a viewport from another layout, these tips will save time and keep your files clean.

Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/D85C8ASDPUM


Drop your favorite copy/paste trick in the comments!

#AutoCADTips #CADProductivity #DraftingWorkflow #CADIntentions

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 9

CAD Intentions

20 Must-Know AutoCAD Commands for Beginners
#AutoCAD #CADTips #BeginnerFriendly

Just getting started with #AutoCAD?


It can feel overwhelming at first, but learning and understanding these 20 essential commands will get you up and running fast.

Whether you're in architecture, civil, mechanical, or just exploring CAD for the first time, this cheat sheet has you covered:

📐 Basic Drawing Commands

LINE (L) – Draw straight line segments

CIRCLE (C) – Create circles by center and radius

RECTANGLE (REC) – Quick way to draw rectangular shapes

POLYLINE (PL) – More advanced, connected lines/shapes

HATCH (H) – Fill closed areas with patterns (great for materials and visuals)



✂️ Editing Commands

MOVE (M) – Move objects easily

COPY (CO) – Duplicate objects

ROTATE (RO) – Spin things around a base point

TRIM (TR) – Cut away unwanted parts of objects

EXTEND (EX) – Grow objects to meet another edge



🧰 Power Tools

OFFSET (O) – Create parallel lines or curves

MIRROR (MI) – Flip objects over an axis

ARRAY (AR) – Create multiple copies in a pattern

FILLET (F) – Round the corner between two lines

CHAMFER (CHA) – Create a beveled edge



🗂️ Layers + Layout Essentials

LAYER – Open Layer Manager to organize your drawing

PROPERTIES (ctrl+1) – View and change object details

MV (MVIEW) – Create viewports in Layouts for plotting

ZOOM / PAN – Use the Mouse scroll wheel Navigate your drawing smoothly

QDIM / MTEXT – Add dimensions and notes to explain your designs fast



Bonus Tip:
If you’re brand new to AutoCAD, start learning model space vs. layout space early, it’ll save you tons of frustration when you go to plot/print!


Mastering these core commands is the first step to becoming a confident CAD drafter.
Practice them daily and you’ll be flying through your drawings in no time!

Save this post and share with someone starting out!

Want a deeper walkthrough of these commands + real project workflows?
Check out my AutoCAD Fundamentals & Workflows course to really up you ACAD Skills:
cadintentions.com/hurry

Let me know which command you're learning this week! Or drop your favorite beginner tip in the comments 👇

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 29

CAD Intentions

Quick Cleanup Tools You Should Be Using in #AutoCAD
#AutoCAD #DraftingTips #CleanDrawings

Bloated drawings? Sluggish performance? Mysterious layer issues?

Before you blame your computer… try these AutoCAD cleanup tools first.

I run them every time I run into a problematci .dwg, especially when working with client or legacy files that may not be the most organized.

Here’s your 5-command cleanup checklist:

OVERKILL
Combines duplicate or overlapping lines, arcs, and polylines.
Bonus: It also removes unnecessary vertices from polylines.

PURGE
Deletes unused blocks, layers, linetypes, and other clutter.
Pro Tip: Use the “Purge nested items” option to go deeper.

AUDIT
Checks for (and fixes) database errors in your drawing.
Always click "Yes" when it asks to fix them!

QSELECT
Quick Select helps you isolate and fix problem objects like stray hatches, large images, or wrong layer types.
Use it to bulk-edit, delete, or relocate.

LAYDEL
Removes stubborn or unused layers permanently (even if objects are on them).
⚠️ Be cautious—this one deletes all objects on the layer too.


Pro Tip:
Make this your go-to routine before sending drawings, xrefing, or archiving. Clean files = faster performance and fewer surprises later.



Got a favorite cleanup tip? Share it below 👇
Or save this post so you never forget the commands again.

Want more workflow upgrades that will save you time/headaches?

My AutoCAD Fundamentals course walks through real-world projects where we use these tips and so much more.

Learn more here: cadintentions.com/hurry

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 46

CAD Intentions

The Secret Power of Sheet Sets (Even for Small Teams) in #AutoCAD

Most drafters ignore Sheet Sets…
Until they waste hours renaming layouts one-by-one or hunting for the right file and realize there's a simple tool for that built right in to AutoCAD

Don’t be that drafter.

Here’s why Sheet Sets are a game-changer (even if you work solo):

Organize Your Entire Project in One File
Use a .DST file to manage every sheet in your set,think of it as your project's command center or index.

Auto-Fill Title Block Info Across All Sheets
No more copy-pasting project names, numbers, or dates. Use fields to update everything at once. Massive time-saver.

Batch Plot Like a Boss
Plot your entire drawing package in just a few clicks, no manual sheet flipping or printing one-by-one, you don't even need to open or know where the dwgs are!

Hyperlink Callouts Across Sheets
Need to jump from a section cut to a detail view? Sheet Sets let you link callouts between drawings for better navigation (especially in PDFs).

Perfect for Remote Teams or Review Workflows
Everyone sees the same sheet order, naming conventions, and data. No surprises when it’s time to submit.

Pro Tip:
Set up your Sheet Set once, and reuse it as a template for future projects.


I resisted using Sheet Sets for years, thought they were overkill.
Now?
I use them on practically every project, big or small.
Total game-changer.

Want a walkthrough?
I cover getting started with Sheet Sets in my course add-on here:
cadintentions.com/hurry

💬 Drop a comment if you’ve been burned by messy layout setups, or if Sheet Sets have saved you too.

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 15

CAD Intentions

Layer States Will Save Your Sanity in #AutoCAD

Tired of hiding the same layers over and over… only to do it again tomorrow? 😤

Layer States are one of the most underrated tools in AutoCAD, and once you try them, you’ll never go back.

Here’s why they’re a must-use for any busy drafter/designer:

Save Layer Visibility + Properties
Turn off hatches, dims, or XREFs? Freeze annotation layers? Save it all in one click.

Switch Between Drawing Views/Modes Instantly
Toggle between Design, Presentation, or Review layer setups with ease.
No more manual toggling or remembering what to hide.

Use in Layouts + Viewports
Layer States + Viewports = Major Time Savings
Display just the right info per sheet without duplicating files or models.

Export/Import Between Files
Working on multiple projects? Bring your saved Layer States into any DWG file.

Enforce Team Standards
Make sure everyone on your team is looking at the same thing—every time.



Pro Tip:
Access Layer States Manager with LAYERSTATE or the dropdown in the Layer Properties panel.
Create a few standard setups now and thank yourself later.


Have you used Layer States before?
If not—try them this week and see how much cleaner (and faster) your plotting and sheet setup becomes.

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 26

CAD Intentions

Copy From Previous Drawings/Projects the Right Way (#AutoCAD Tips)

Still copying and pasting between drawings manually, or simply using saveas on old projects?

Here’s how to do it the right way, without going off standard layers, blocks, or cluttering things up.


Use CTRL + SHIFT + C to Copy objects between drawings
"Copy with Base Point" allows us to take objects, xrefs, titleblocks, viewports and more from one drawing to another with still retaining insertion precision/location by pasting to Original Coordinates → Especially useful when copying between XREFs or matchlines between drawings.

Maintain Layer Standards → Use LAYTRANS to map/change layer naming/assignments between drawings, very useful when transitioning old or client drawings to your own current standards and layer properties.

Insert as Block → Paste as block to avoid layer/style contamination, then explode if needed.

Purge Unused Objects and Layers after pastes to clean your drawing up and prevent excess clutter.


Use ADC (Design Center) to quickly and easily copy styles, layers, linetypes, entire layouts and more from old drawings into your current drawing! This one is a Game changer!!


Want more workflow upgrades? My AutoCAD Fundamentals course walks through real-world projects where we use these tips and so much more.

cadintentions.com/hurry

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 24

CAD Intentions

Master Viewports in #AutoCAD in 5 Minutes (or Less!)

If you're still plotting from model space or constantly fighting with viewports, this post is for you.

Here are the essential tips to master viewports fast:

✅ Create Viewports with MV (MVIEW)
Switch to a Layout tab and use MV to draw your viewport. You can also use a closed polyline as a custom shape with VPCLIP.

✅ Set the Scale Properly
After selecting your viewport, use the scale menu (bottom-right of the screen) or Properties to set a standard scale (like 1:100 or 1/4”=1’). Then LOCK it with the 🔒 icon to prevent accidental zooming.

✅ Use LAYFRZ in Viewports
Freeze specific layers in one viewport without affecting others. This is a game-changer for showing different info on different layouts.

✅ Use CHSPACE to Move Notes/Objects
Easily move text from model space to paper space (or vice versa) with automatic scaling using CHSPACE.

✅ Activate Viewports Like a Pro
Double-click inside a viewport to activate it. Use CTRL + R to cycle between multiple viewports!

💡 Bonus Tip: Use annotative text and dimensions for consistent scaling across multiple viewports.


Learn these tricks and many more in my AutoCAD Workflows Course!

Built from 2 decades of AutoCAD experience and packed with must-know and helpful tips, tricks, and workflows for designers, you will instantly be saving time and drafting smarter!



Check it out here now: cadintentions.com/hurry

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 30