What Is a Field in AutoCAD?

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In AutoCAD, a field is a special type of text that automatically updates to display information from different sources within a drawing or external references. Fields are dynamic and can be used to show data such as object properties, drawing properties, or even custom text.

Why Use Fields?

Fields are incredibly useful in AutoCAD because they eliminate the need for manual updates when information changes. They ensure that your drawings are always up-to-date, saving time and reducing errors.

Fields can be used in a variety of ways:

  • To display the current date and time
  • To show the drawing title or file name
  • To reference object properties like length, area, or volume
  • To display custom text such as project information or revision numbers

Inserting Fields in AutoCAD

To insert a field in AutoCAD, follow these steps:

  1. Select the text object or create new text by using the TEXT command.
  2. Type “%%” (two percent symbols) followed by an opening and closing curly bracket “{}“. This indicates that you are inserting a field.
  3. Type the desired field code inside the curly brackets. Field codes are specific keywords that represent different types of information.

Note: You can also use the Field dialog box (DDBLCLICK) to insert fields more easily by selecting from a list of available field codes.

Examples of Field Codes:

Date:

{\@ "MM/dd/yyyy"}

File Name:

{\f "%fn"}

Object Area:

{\a }

Custom Text:

{\C "Project ABC - Revision 2"}

Updating Fields

Fields in AutoCAD are not updated automatically by default. To update fields, use the REFRESHALL command or right-click on a field and select “Update Field”. Alternatively, you can enable automatic updates by setting the system variable FIELDEVAL to 1.

Tips for Using Fields Effectively

  • Be mindful of the field code syntax and formatting requirements.
  • Avoid using fields in blocks or xrefs as they may not update properly.
  • Use different layers for text and fields to control their visibility.
  • Consider creating custom scripts or macros to automate field updates on multiple drawings.

In conclusion, fields in AutoCAD are a powerful tool for displaying dynamic information within your drawings. By utilizing fields, you can save time, reduce errors, and ensure that your drawings always reflect the most up-to-date information. Experiment with different field codes and explore the possibilities of this versatile feature to enhance your drafting workflow.