3D-Project Files can be can be inserted into other CAD drawings as Blocks, External References or simply by "Cut and Paste". The "Cut" (or "Copy") and "Paste" operation is similar in function to most non-CAD applications.
A block is a collection of objects you can associate together to form a single object, or block definition. You can insert, scale, and rotate a block in a drawing. You can explode a block into its component objects, modify them, and redefine the block. AutoCAD updates all current and future instances of that block based on the block definition.
Blocks make it possible to organize drawing tasks in a systematic way including the sorting of objects in drawings and the information associated with them. Information can be associated with blocks (i.e. part numbers and prices) by attaching attributes. By attaching attributes to blocks specification sheets or bills of materials can be created. A block is not updated if the original block drawing changes.
You can attach or overlay entire drawings in your current drawing by using AutoCAD external references, or xrefs. An xref links another drawing to the current drawing. When opening a drawing that contains an xref, any changes that have been made in the referenced drawing appear in the active drawing. When you insert a drawing as an xref, however, the xref is updated when the original drawing changes. A drawing containing xrefs always reflects the most current editing in each externally referenced file.
All the 3D-Project CAD drawings are formatted for 1 unit to equal 1 inch using architectural measurements. Whatever your insertion method the 3-D Project drawings can be inserted into CAD drawings that are metric (where 1 unit equals 1 centimeter) by using the scaling factor 2.54 (conversely from metric to inches scale with .3937).
Additional information on the 3D-Project drawings can be found in the windows properties box of all drawings. The Drawing Properties contains the drawing Subject that is the name of the 3D-Project Group the file is distributed in. There is also the name of the original file creator of the drawing. You can access the properties from the file Icon by right clicking on it and selecting "Properties" or by selecting the "Properties" option in the AutoCAD File menu.
3-D Project CAD files available for download are categorized by object type. Download from the Main FTP Page includes compressed files of all available CAD files and all CAD files available in particular object type groups. Single file FTP downloads are available on the separate object type group pages. The three letter abbreviation used in object type groups is listed below with a brief description of the group. This is the same three letter abbreviation that is used in the file naming convention.
3D Project FTP Directory:
Material Texture files were created from digital or digitized photographs of actual real-world items in order for rendered CAD drawings to as closely match what they actually depict as possible. From the digital photograph sample colours were harvested. These samples were then texturized (i.e. weave texture added to upholstery fabric) and made tileable. The finished product is saved as a JPEG file. The primary programs used to create the Material Texture files were Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Hi resolution files are 640 x 480 pixels. Low Resolution is 320 x 240 pixels. Files are categorized by the type of material represented and available for download by category.
Decal files were created from digital or digitized photographs of actual real-world items. Files were used for a variety of decal paste on applications when rendering CAD drawings such as on computer screens, equipment labeling, equipment faceplates and exterior view in windows. Files are various resolution and quality.
