How to Insert Furniture in AutoCAD 2018?

Understanding the Process of Inserting Furniture in AutoCAD 2018

Inserting furniture into your designs using AutoCAD can enhance the visualization of spaces in architectural projects. Here’s a detailed guide to help you through the steps of adding furniture in AutoCAD.

Step 1: Access the Design Center

Start by launching the Design Center. Navigate to the Insert tab in the ribbon at the top of AutoCAD. From there, locate the Content panel and click on the drop-down menu to select Design Center.

Step 2: Choose the AEC Content Tab

Once the Design Center is open, you will see various tabs on its toolbar. Click on the AEC Content tab to access architectural and engineering-related content that includes furniture blocks.

Step 3: Navigate Through Custom Applications

In the AEC Content window, scroll down to find Custom Applications. Here, you’ll need to expand the AutoCAD Architecture section. Depending on your measurement preferences, select either the Imperial or Metric option.

Step 4: Explore Design Layouts

Next, you will see additional folders categorized by design layouts. Expand one of these categories to access specific blocks of furniture that you may want to use in your project.

Step 5: Insert the Layout

After selecting a desired design layout containing the furniture block, double-click on it to open the Insert dialog box. This dialog allows you to set controls for the object’s placement within your drawing.

Step 6: Control Placement Settings

In the Insert dialog box, you can specify various parameters such as scale and rotation. You will likely want to leave the insertion point setting as is, allowing you to place the object manually on the screen.

Adding a Bed in AutoCAD 2018

For those looking to insert specific furniture types, such as a bed, the following steps will guide you:

1. Open the Design Center: If you haven’t done so already, revisit the Insert tab and select DesignCenter.

2. Toggle Tree View: To easily navigate through your available blocks, click on the Tree View Toggle icon in the DesignCenter toolbar.

3. Navigate to Block Definition: Access the tree view and locate the drawing file that contains the bed block definition you wish to insert.

Accessing the Furniture Library

To locate the furniture library:

1. Find the ArchBlocks Furniture Library: Head to the Add-ins tab and click the button for ArchBlocks Furniture Library.

2. Utilize Tool Palettes: Alternatively, you can access Tool Palettes from the View tab. Right-click in this palette area, choose the ArchBlocks Furniture Library, and proceed to insert the necessary blocks.

Inserting a Sink in AutoCAD 2018

To add a sink or other items:

1. Open the Insert Command: Go to the Home tab, find the Block panel, and click on Insert to start the command.

2. Select the Block: In the Insert dialog box, choose the appropriate block for the sink from the drop-down name list.

3. Set Insertion Point: It’s common to leave the default setting for insertion at on-screen, which allows you to place it where you want in your drawing.

Making 3D Furniture in AutoCAD

To create three-dimensional representations of furniture:

1. Initiate the Block Creation: Click on the Home tab, then navigate to the Section panel and choose Create Block.

2. Select Objects: Choose the section object you wish to convert into a block.

3. Choose Section Type: In the dialog box that appears, decide whether you want a 2D or 3D section by selecting the appropriate option.

4. Finalize Creation: Ensure Include All Objects is selected, then specify your block’s destination and click Create.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I insert furniture from different AutoCAD versions?
Yes, you can insert furniture blocks from various AutoCAD versions, but ensure compatibility for best results.

Q2: What if I can’t find a specific furniture block?
If a block is unavailable in the Design Center, consider downloading additional block libraries from trusted sources or creating your own.

Q3: Can I customize the furniture blocks after inserting them?
Absolutely. Once a furniture block is inserted, you can scale, rotate, and modify its properties to better fit your design needs.