The arrow will also add to the length, which mimics that of the “stretch” command.
This helps when you are adding length to your run, making a radius turn, or connecting two different pieces of pipe, duct, or similar material. The plus sign will add material, matching the properties of what was just drawn. There is an arrow, a standard snap square, and a plus (+) sign (see Figure 1). At the end or beginning of your run, you will notice new unique symbols in addition to the snap points to which you are accustomed. It helps to have a good, solid knowledge of the terminology within your trade to start to understand the hierarchy of the palette tree.Īfter narrowing down the trade-specific tab and selecting a material, begin drawing your route or placing equipment. The palette descriptions are vague, but offer a lot of options.
These trade-specific tabs included every aspect of material I needed to lay out a job in 3D such as walls, floors, piping, plumbing, sprink, pumps, panels, and so on. I have worked with the Electrical, Plumbing, and Architectural tabs. When open, there are several tabs that allow you to pick a trade-specific system. It would be beneficial for you and your company to add exact size parts/equipment from submittals to a 3D part library for future project use.Įach trade or system is broken down within your tool palette (see Figure 3), which is located under the Tools drop-down menu. It also gives you the option to add job-specific material to a particular palette or library database. Hopefully this article will be a good place to start the easy, yet sometimes intimidating process of transitioning from vanilla AutoCAD to AutoCAD MEP.ĪutoCAD MEP offers libraries full of material in the form of Tool Palettes. Like most AutoCAD products, MEP has a seemingly unlimited number of complex ways to detail objects and a variety of different tools to use. In this article I will explain, based on my experience, the best way to begin using your new AutoCAD® MEP software. Although other software companies offer programs that detail equipment and trade-specific material, AutoCAD MEP is the easiest and probably most affordable program with which to make the transition. With the AEC industry pushing strongly toward 3D modeling, though, I think switching or upgrading to the MEP package will benefit your organization. Some are hesitant about switching to the MEP add-on because of possible complications in converting their existing files or the time needed to learn all of the new tools, commands, menus, and options. Many companies, regardless of trade, have used “vanilla” AutoCAD® for years. Back April 30th, 2012 Guide for Beginners: From AutoCAD to AutoCAD MEP
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