Drawing File Organization
Folder Structure
All project CAD files are stored in the “Drawing” folder as shown below:
00-Base Folder
Base drawings contain the linework representing existing and proposed site features. The base drawings are x-referenced into the plan drawings to be used as a background upon which the plan annotations will be added.
File Name Format
Base drawing file names are formatted: Project# _ Name _ Description. The Name conforms to one of the standard base file names listed above. The Description is optional and can be used as needed if the plans contain multiple base drawings of the same type.
Current Version Only
The Base folder is reserved exclusively for the most current version of each drawing. Do not keep multiple versions of the same drawing in this folder; if a base drawing needs to be copied, save it in the Draft folder.
Multiple Plan sets
If a project has multiple plan sets, create sub-folders corresponding to each plan set. Separate the base files depending on the scope of the individual plan sets. Refer to the example below:
01- Plan Folder
Plan drawings combine x-referenced base files, annotations, sheet notes, and a sheet border into a single drawing to be printed on a standard engineering sheet and included in the plan set.
Plan drawings are for annotation objects only and should not contain base level line work.
File Name Format
Plan drawing file names are formatted as follows:
Project# _ Series# _Sheet Name.
Refer to the example below:
Multiple Sheets
If a site is too large to fit on a single sheet and needs to be split it into multiple sheets, it will still be contained in a single drawing file with each sheet being shown on a separate layout tab. When splitting a site amongst multiple sheets, include an overall sheet that shows the overall site with references to the individual sheets. Refer to the example below showing a grading plan being split amongst 2 sheets:
Current Version Only
The Plan folder is reserved exclusively for the most current version of each drawing. Do not keep multiple versions of the same drawing in this folder; if a plan drawing needs to be copied, save it in the Draft folder.
Multiple Plan Sets
If a project has multiple plan sets, create sub-folders corresponding to each plan set. Separate the plan drawing files depending on the scope of the individual plan sets. Refer to the example below:
02 - Exhibit Folder
Exhibits are presentation drawings created to demonstrate an idea to a client or governing agency, but are not part of the project plan set.
Exhibits are similar to plan sheets in that they x-reference the base drawings and include annotations, notes, and a border.
Exhibit Sub-Folders
Create separate sub folders for each exhibit named as follows:
Name of Exhibit_Entity for whom the exhibit is prepared.
Prefix each exhibit drawing with the drawing date to arrange the files in chronological order.
Refer to the example below:
03 - Draft Folder
The Draft folder contains drawings that are “works in progress”. These are alternative concept drawings that may or may not become part of the project. It is very common for engineers to explore alternative designs. This is best done in a draft drawing without committing to the changes in the current project design.
Draft Sub-Folders
As with exhibit drawings, create a separate sub folder for each design concept. Save each drawing iteration using a simple description of the draft. Refer the example below:
04 - Backup Folder
As the project design reaches various milestones, save a backup copy of all drawings to create a snapshot of the project at that moment. This is useful if you need to revert back to a previous design element, if your files are corrupted, or if a forensic investigation of your design is required.
Typical backup events are: client progress plan sets, agency submittals, or major plan revisions.
Backup Sub-Folders
Create a separate sub folder for each backup event and name the folder with the date and the a simple description of the backup event. Refer the example below:
