How to Create a Furniture Library Using CAD

CAD furniture blocks can be stored in a library for organization and quick access.

When using Computer Aided Drafting software (CAD), it is often useful to organize often-used and repeatedly drawn elements into libraries. A furniture library can store drawings of furniture elements that can later be inserted as blocks in plans, elevations or even three-dimensional CAD projects.

Things You'll Need

• A computer with CAD software
• CAD drawing files of furniture elements

Instructions

1. Use your CAD software to check your furniture drawing files. Ensure that each file has only the intended object or view, is drawn to a consistent scale, and is free from stray drawing elements.

2. Create a new folder on your computer that will hold the files for the furniture library. It is helpful to name this folder in an easily identifiable manner and to place it in a directory where CAD drawings or CAD support files are located.

3. Use the "wblock" command in your CAD software to save each cleaned furniture drawing file into the new furniture library folder. This command will save the file as a drawing file, plus it gives you the option to also select and save an insertion point to keep future block placement consistent.

4. Apply a consistent naming procedure for each drawing block saved in the furniture library folder for indexing and searching purposes. A chair file may be named "chair," "kitchen_chair," or "chair-plan" depending on how large your library will be and how you intend to identify the blocks for use.

5. Use the folder with the cleaned drawing files as your furniture library. Each furniture drawing can be browsed and inserted as a block into future CAD projects by navigating to the directory path of the folder. Many software programs also allow methods for a shortcut access to such library folders and thumbnail browsing of contained blocks.

Tips & Warnings

• Check your software for ease-of-use interface options. Many programs allow library folders to be linked and kept on your drafting workspace. For instance, a "palette" can be defined in Autodesk's AutoCAD software to keep block thumbnails visible and to allow drag and drop insertion.

• All of your blocks should be drawn to scale to ensure your future drawing plans will be accurate once you have inserted the blocks.

References

• CADinfo: Block Libraries in AutoCAD
• Autodesk: Best way to manage a block library?