Template file creation (.dwt) in AutoCAD - Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Creating a template file (.dwt) in AutoCAD helps you save standard settings and layouts. This saves time by reusing common drawing setups without starting from scratch each time.

When you want to start new drawings with the same title block and layers

When your team needs consistent drawing standards across projects

When you want to save default dimension styles and text styles

When you want to include standard blocks or annotations in every drawing

When you want to speed up drawing setup by reusing saved settings

Steps

Step 1: Open

- AutoCAD main window

A new blank drawing opens

💡 Start with a clean drawing or open an existing drawing to modify

Step 2: Set up layers, dimension styles, text styles, and title blocks

- Layer Properties Manager and other style dialogs

Your drawing has all standard settings and elements configured

💡 Customize everything you want to reuse in new drawings

Step 3: Click File menu and select Save As

- File menu

Save As dialog opens

💡 Use Save As to create a template file

Step 4: Choose AutoCAD Drawing Template (*.dwt) as file type

- Save As dialog

File type changes to template format

💡 This saves your drawing as a reusable template

Step 5: Enter a file name and click Save

- Save As dialog

Template file (.dwt) is created and saved

💡 Save templates in a shared folder for team access

Before vs After

Before

A new drawing with default blank settings and no layers or styles

After

A saved template file (.dwt) with standard layers, styles, and title block ready for new drawings

Settings Reference

File Type

📍 Save As dialog

Choose .dwt to save as a template file

Default: AutoCAD Drawing (*.dwg)

Layer Properties

📍 Layer Properties Manager

Set standard layers for consistent drawings

Default: No layers

Dimension Style

📍 Dimension Style Manager

Save dimension formatting for reuse

Default: Standard

Text Style

📍 Text Style Manager

Save text formatting for reuse

Default: Standard

Common Mistakes

Saving the file as a regular drawing (.dwg) instead of a template (.dwt)

The file won't be reusable as a template and won't load standard settings automatically

Always select 'AutoCAD Drawing Template (*.dwt)' in the Save As dialog

Not setting up layers and styles before saving the template

New drawings from the template will lack standard formatting and require manual setup

Configure all layers, styles, and blocks before saving the template

Summary

Template files (.dwt) save standard drawing settings for reuse

Set up layers, styles, and title blocks before saving as a template

Always save with the .dwt file type to create a proper template

Practice

1. What is the main purpose of creating a .dwt file in AutoCAD?

easy

A. To convert a drawing into a 3D model

B. To export a drawing as a PDF file

C. To save a drawing setup for reuse in future projects

D. To share drawings directly via email

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand what a template file is

   A .dwt file is a template that saves drawing settings like layers, styles, and units.

2. Step 2: Identify the purpose of templates

   Templates help reuse these settings to keep drawings consistent and save time.

3. Final Answer:

   To save a drawing setup for reuse in future projects -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   Template = Save setup for reuse [OK]

Hint: Templates save your setup to reuse easily [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing templates with export formats
• Thinking templates create 3D models
• Assuming templates are for sharing files

2. Which of the following is the correct way to save a drawing as a template file in AutoCAD?

easy

A. Use 'Save As' and select .dwg format

B. Use 'Save' without changing the file type

C. Use 'Export' and choose .pdf format

D. Use 'Save As' and select .dwt format

Solution

1. Step 1: Locate the save options in AutoCAD

   AutoCAD allows saving drawings in different formats via 'Save As'.

2. Step 2: Choose the template file format

   To create a template, you must save the file with the .dwt extension.

3. Final Answer:

   Use 'Save As' and select .dwt format -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   Save As .dwt = Template file [OK]

Hint: Save As and pick .dwt for templates [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Saving as .dwg instead of .dwt
• Using Export instead of Save As
• Not changing the file type when saving

3. You created a drawing with specific layers and text styles, then saved it as MyTemplate.dwt. What happens when you start a new drawing using this template?

medium

A. The new drawing will include the layers and text styles from the template

B. The new drawing will be empty without any layers or styles

C. The new drawing will have default AutoCAD settings only

D. The new drawing will be saved automatically as a .dwt file

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand template content

   A template file stores drawing settings like layers and text styles.

2. Step 2: Apply template to new drawing

   When starting a new drawing from the template, these settings are loaded automatically.

3. Final Answer:

   The new drawing will include the layers and text styles from the template -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Template loads saved settings [OK]

Hint: New drawing from template keeps your setup [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Thinking new drawing resets to defaults
• Assuming template creates empty drawing
• Believing new drawing auto-saves as template

4. You tried to save your drawing as a template but accidentally saved it as .dwg. What issue will you face when using this file as a template?

medium

A. The file will not open at all in AutoCAD

B. The file will open normally but won't load template settings automatically

C. The file will convert automatically to a template when opened

D. The file will cause AutoCAD to crash

Solution

1. Step 1: Recognize file extensions and behavior

   A .dwg file is a normal drawing file, not a template.

2. Step 2: Understand impact on template usage

   Opening a .dwg file won't load it as a template, so settings won't auto-apply.

3. Final Answer:

   The file will open normally but won't load template settings automatically -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   Wrong extension = no template behavior [OK]

Hint: Save as .dwt to enable template features [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Expecting .dwg to act like a template
• Thinking AutoCAD crashes on wrong save
• Assuming automatic conversion to template

5. You want to create a template that includes specific layers, dimension styles, and a company logo block. Which steps should you follow to create this .dwt template correctly?

hard

A. Set up layers, styles, insert logo block, then use 'Save As' and choose .dwt

B. Create layers and styles, save as .dwg, then rename file extension to .dwt

C. Insert logo block only, then export drawing as .dwt from the Export menu

D. Open a blank drawing and save it as .dwt without any setup

Solution

1. Step 1: Prepare drawing with all required settings

   Create layers, dimension styles, and insert the logo block as needed.

2. Step 2: Save the drawing as a template file

   Use 'Save As' and select the .dwt format to save the setup as a reusable template.

3. Final Answer:

   Set up layers, styles, insert logo block, then use 'Save As' and choose .dwt -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Setup + Save As .dwt = Correct template [OK]

Hint: Setup fully then Save As .dwt for templates [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Renaming .dwg to .dwt without saving properly
• Using Export instead of Save As
• Saving blank drawing as template without setup