How to Use Sheet Set Manager in AutoCAD

Utilizing the Sheet Set Manager in AutoCAD

Overview of the Sheet Set Manager

The Sheet Set Manager (SSM) in AutoCAD simplifies the management of multiple layouts and drawings, allowing users to organize their designs efficiently. By using this tool, users can create, maintain, and publish drawings as cohesive units, streamlining large projects.

Steps for Using Sheet Set Manager

1. Creating Your Model

   • Begin by developing your model’s geometry in a separate drawing file (with a .DWG extension).
   • Ensure that your design is finalized before proceeding to the next step.

2. Initiate a New Sheet in SSM

   • Open the Sheet Set Manager by navigating to the View tab, then selecting the Palettes panel and choosing Sheet Set Manager.
   • Within the SSM, click on the option to create a new sheet. This will help you establish a new drawing layout for your project.

3. Accessing the Sheet

   • Once the sheet is created, double-click on it to open the layout. This action directs you to the specific drawing file with that sheet layout activated.

4. Adding Drawing Views

   • To populate your sheet layout with visuals, insert resource drawing views. You can do this by selecting the desired views and placing them on the active sheet.

5. Incorporating Sheet Information

   • It is essential to include relevant information about the sheet. This might encompass details such as the title, drawing number, and any other pertinent annotations.

Understanding the Functionality of Sheet Sets

• Definition of a Sheet

  • A sheet corresponds to a chosen layout extracted from a drawing file. You can easily import layouts from various drawings into the sheet set, numbering them sequentially.

• Characteristics of Sheet Sets

  • A sheet set comprises a well-organized collection of sheets from different drawing files. This structure allows for efficient management, including the ability to transfer, publish, and archive sheets collectively.

Adding Drawings to the Sheet Set Manager

1. Navigating to Model Views Tab

   • Within Sheet Set Manager, select the Model Views tab; this will reveal the available locations.

2. Adding New Locations

   • Locate the option labeled “Add New Location,” and double-click it. A file dialog will appear.

3. Select Your Resource Subfolder

   • Navigate to the Resource subfolder and select it to add to your SSM.

Inserting a Sheet List Table

1. Accessing the Table Option

   • Click on the View tab, select the Palettes panel, and then choose the Sheet Set Manager.

2. Open an Existing Sheet Set

   • Ensure you have an active sheet set to work with and open it in the Sheet Set Manager.

3. Inserting the Table

   • Right-click on the name of the sheet set, its subsets, or select multiple sheets and then click on ‘Insert Sheet List Table.’ This brings up a dialog for table insertion.

4. Configuring the Table

   • Follow the prompts in the Insert Sheet List Table dialog to customize how the table will be displayed in your drawing.

Addressing Common Issues with the Sheet Set Manager

• Locked Sheet Set Manager
  • If you encounter a lock icon next to your sheet set, it may indicate that the associated DST file is opened in a restricted mode, such as Read-Only. Check your file properties and ensure no other instances of the file are open.

Creating Layouts in AutoCAD

1. Access Layout Tab

   • Click on the tab dedicated to layouts within your AutoCAD interface.

2. Using the Ribbon Menu

   • Go to the Layout tab visible on the Ribbon menu and find the Page Setup option.

3. Create a New Layout

   • Click on ‘New’, assign a suitable name to the layout, and confirm.

4. Setting Printer and Paper Size

   • Choose the desired printer and configure its paper size, making sure to keep the Plot Area set to Layout.

5. Finalize Setup

   • Confirm your selections by clicking OK.

Saving a Sheet Set

1. Open the Sheet Set Manager

   • Access the Sheet Set Manager from the View tab once more.

2. Select Sheets for Inclusion

   • Navigate to the Sheet List tab and select the sheets and subsets to include in your sheet selection.

3. Utilize Sheet Selection Button

   • Click the Sheet Selections button located in the upper right corner of the Sheet List Manager.

FAQs

1. How can I rename a sheet in AutoCAD Sheets Manager?

   • Right-click the sheet name in the Sheet Set Manager and select Rename. Enter the new name and confirm your changes.

2. What should I do if the table list does not update?

   • Click on the sheet list table in your drawing, right-click, and select Update Sheet List Table to refresh it with the latest information.

3. Is it possible to unlock a locked sheet set?

   • Open a drawing from the affected sheet set. Ensure no other users have it open and check the properties of the DST file to make sure it is not set to Read-Only.