What Is Draw Order in AutoCAD?

When working with AutoCAD, understanding the concept of draw order is crucial for creating accurate and visually appealing drawings. Draw order refers to the stacking or layering of objects on top of one another within a drawing. It determines which objects are visible and which are hidden or obscured by other objects.

Why is Draw Order Important?

The draw order of objects in AutoCAD affects how the drawing appears when it is printed or displayed. It ensures that the intended design and details are clearly visible and not obstructed by other elements. By controlling the draw order, you can prioritize certain objects over others, making your drawing more organized and easier to comprehend.

Controlling Draw Order

In AutoCAD, you have several options for controlling draw order:

Sending to Back: This option moves an object to the bottom of the draw order, making it appear behind all other objects. To send an object to back, select it and use the “Send to Back” command.
Bringing to Front: This option moves an object to the top of the draw order, making it appear in front of all other objects.
To bring an object to front, select it and use the “Bring to Front” command.
Layering: Objects on different layers have their own individual draw orders within their respective layers. You can control their visibility by adjusting the layer properties.
Draw Order Tools: AutoCAD provides additional tools like “Draworder” and “Draworder > Bring Above Objects” that allow you to easily manipulate the draw order of selected objects.

Tips for Managing Draw Order

Here are some useful tips to help you effectively manage draw order in AutoCAD:

Use Layers: Organize your objects into different layers based on their priority or visibility requirements. This allows you to control the draw order within each layer independently.
Plan Ahead: Consider the desired draw order before creating complex drawings.
This helps you avoid unnecessary rework and ensures a more efficient drawing process.
Check Draw Order Regularly: Periodically review the draw order of your objects as you work on your drawing. This will help you spot any issues or inconsistencies that may affect the final output.

In Conclusion

Understanding and controlling draw order in AutoCAD is essential for creating professional and visually appealing drawings. By utilizing the available tools and techniques, such as sending to back, bringing to front, layering, and draw order tools, you can effectively manage object visibility and ensure that your design intent is accurately conveyed in your drawings.

Remember to plan ahead and regularly check your draw order to maintain a well-organized drawing that clearly communicates your design.