AutoCAD

Accessing AutoCAD Sheets in Sheet Set Manager – AutoCAD Blog

Accessing AutoCAD Sheets in Sheet Set Manager – AutoCAD Blog
Wei Zhang
Written by Wei Zhang

Understanding the Sheet Set Manager in AutoCAD

Utilizing the Sheet Set Manager (SSM) within AutoCAD can significantly streamline the way you manage your drawing sheets. This powerful feature allows for better organization and easy access to all project sheets from a single interface. Here’s a comprehensive guide on creating and accessing a sheet list table in AutoCAD 2025.

Opening the Target Sheet

To begin, it is essential to open the specific sheet where you want to include the sheet list table.

  1. Open AutoCAD.
  2. Double-click on the sheet, typically the title or cover sheet intended for the addition of the sheet list table.

Adding a Sheet List Table

Once you’ve selected your target sheet, the next step is to insert a sheet list table.

  1. Navigate to the Sheet Set Manager: In the SSM, locate your sheet set title.
  2. Insert Sheet List Table:
    • Right-click on the title of your sheet set.
    • Select the option labeled “Insert Sheet List Table.”
  3. Choose Table Style:
    • In the dialog box that appears, select an existing table style from the options available. If none are suitable, consider creating a new table style.
    • A recommended practice is to set up a table style specifically for sheet lists, ensuring the font, size, and colors meet your project’s standards. This consistency aids in saving time and maintaining quality across different projects.
  4. Configure Table Data Settings:
    • The default settings typically display the Sheet Number and Sheet Title. Use the “Add” or “Remove” buttons to adjust which columns are included in your table.
    • Adjust the order of data displayed by using the Move Up and Move Down buttons as necessary.
  5. Finalize the Table:
    • Click “OK” to insert the table into your selected sheet.
    • Position the inserted table where desired on the sheet. Keep in mind that modifications made directly to the table will not persist after an update, so avoid editing it directly unless changing the table style or settings.

Editing Sheet List Table Settings

After you have inserted the sheet list table, there’s flexibility to customize its attributes:

  1. Select the Table: Click on the sheet list table within your drawing.
  2. Access Editing Options:
    • Right-click the selected table.
    • Choose “Edit Sheet List Table Settings.”
  3. Make Adjustments: Here, you can modify the table style, title, and column settings. Notably, any changes made via this method will be retained through updates.

Updating the Sheet List Table

The relationship between the SSM and the inserted table is not automatic; you must manually refresh the table to ensure it displays the latest data:

  1. Make necessary changes to your sheets in the SSM, such as adding or renaming sheets.
  2. Update the Table:
    • Click on the sheet list table in your drawing.
    • Right-click and select “Update Sheet List Table” to refresh the data automatically.

Accessing Sheets Easily

Utilizing the sheet list table is straightforward for navigating your drawing sheets:

  • Hold the CTRL key on your keyboard and click on the desired sheet name or number to open it directly.

FAQs

1. Can I customize the appearance of the sheet list table?
Yes, the sheet list table can be customized by creating or modifying table styles. Changes made to the table’s style will apply to future instances of the table, maintaining consistency across your project.

2. Is it necessary to update the sheet list table every time I make changes?
Yes, since the table does not automatically synchronize with the SSM, you need to manually update it after making changes to ensure that the table reflects the most current information.

3. What happens if I edit the sheet list table directly?
Editing the table directly will only be a temporary change; any modifications will be lost the next time you update the sheet list table. Instead, adjustments should be made to the styles or settings through the appropriate editing options.

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.