How Do I Set Defpoints in AutoCAD?

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Are you new to AutoCAD and wondering how to set defpoints? Look no further!

In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of setting defpoints in AutoCAD. So let’s dive right in!

What are Defpoints?

Defpoints is a special layer in AutoCAD that is automatically generated when you create dimensions, leaders, and other similar objects. It stands for “Definition Points” and is used to store the definition geometry of these objects. The defpoints layer is set to be non-printable by default, ensuring that it doesn’t appear when you plot or print your drawings.

Setting Defpoints

To set defpoints in AutoCAD, follow these simple steps:

  1. Open the Layer Properties Manager – You can access the Layer Properties Manager by typing “layer” in the command line or by clicking on the “Layer Properties” button on the Home tab of the ribbon.
  2. Create a New Layer – In the Layer Properties Manager, click on the “New Layer” button (represented by a plus icon). This will open a new dialog box.
  3. Name your New Layer – In the New Layer dialog box, enter a name for your new layer. You can call it anything you like, but it’s best practice to use a descriptive name like “Defpoints”.
  4. Set Color and Linetype – You can choose a color and linetype for your new layer. It’s common to keep them as default since they won’t affect your drawing appearance.
  5. Make the Layer non-printable – To ensure that this layer doesn’t appear when plotting or printing your drawing, uncheck the “Plot” option for this layer.
  6. Set Defpoints as Current – Once you have created the new layer, make it the current layer. To do this, simply click on the empty space in the “Current” column next to your new layer.
  7. Click OK – Finally, click on the “OK” button in the New Layer dialog box to save your changes and exit.

Using Defpoints

Now that you have set defpoints as your current layer, any objects you create such as dimensions or leaders will automatically be placed on this layer. It’s important to note that you cannot manually place objects on the defpoints layer; it is solely for AutoCAD’s internal use.

Additional Tips:

– It’s recommended to keep the defpoints layer locked to avoid accidentally moving or modifying its content.
– If you accidentally delete or modify the defpoints layer, don’t worry! AutoCAD will automatically recreate it when needed.
– Remember that objects on the defpoints layer won’t show up when plotting or printing your drawing, so ensure that you have another visible layer for these purposes.

And there you have it! Setting defpoints in AutoCAD is a simple yet essential step to ensure proper organization and management of your drawings.

Now you can confidently create dimensions and leaders without cluttering your visible layers. Happy drafting!