AutoCAD

Sure! The title should be: How to Add Schematic Symbol in AutoCAD?

Steps to Add Schematic Symbols in AutoCAD

Adding schematic symbols in AutoCAD is a vital skill for electrical design. The process involves utilizing specific tools and menus within the software. Below is a detailed guide to help you efficiently insert schematic symbols.

Accessing the Icon Menu

  1. Open AutoCAD: Start the application and open your working drawing.
  2. Navigate to Icon Menu: Click on the “Schematic” tab located in the ribbon.
  3. Use the Insert Components Pane: Locate the "Insert Components" section on your Schematic tab to access various symbols.

Selecting Your Desired Symbol

  1. Open the Icon Menu: Click on the Icon Menu option to bring up a catalog of available schematic symbols.
  2. Locate Your Symbol: Browse through the tabs or categories within the Icon Menu to find the desired schematic symbol you wish to use.
  3. Select the Symbol: Click on the chosen symbol. This action will attach the symbol to your cursor, preparing it for placement.

Placing the Symbol in Your Drawing

  1. Position the Symbol: Move your cursor to the location within your drawing where you want the symbol to appear.
  2. Click to Place: When your cursor is positioned correctly, left-click to insert the symbol onto the drawing.
  3. Insert/Edit Dialog: Following placement, an Insert/Edit dialog box will open. Fill in any necessary attributes or settings as required for the symbol.

Incorporating New Symbols

If you’ve created new symbols and wish to add them to your drawing, follow these steps:

  1. Using AutoCAD Electrical Toolset: Employ the “Insert Component” command available in the AutoCAD Electrical toolset, which is designed for such tasks.
  2. Add to Icon Menu: You can incorporate your newly created symbols into the icon menu for future use.
  3. Select Custom Symbols: Utilize the "Type it" or "Browse" options found in the bottom left corner of the icon menu to find and select your custom symbols.

Using the Character Map

If you want to insert special symbols not included in the default icon menus:

  1. Open the Character Map: Search for "Character Map" in your computer’s search bar and open it.
  2. Choose a Font: In the Character Map, select a font that contains the symbol you need.
  3. Copy the Symbol: Click on the desired symbol and click the "Copy" button.
  4. Paste into AutoCAD: Go back to AutoCAD and paste the symbol where you need it in your drawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I add my own symbols to AutoCAD?
Yes, you can create your own custom symbols and add them to the icon menu for easier access in future projects.

2. Are electrical symbols included in AutoCAD 2025?
Yes, AutoCAD 2025 includes the Electrical toolset, which provides a wide array of electrical symbols for use in schematic designs.

3. Is there a shortcut to open the Properties palette in AutoCAD?
You can open the Properties palette by pressing Ctrl + 1, or you can type the command ‘PROPERTIES’ in the command window and press Enter.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.