AutoCAD MEP: Take advantage of architectural tools

One of the little known features of AutoCAD MEP is that it is built on AutoCAD Architecture and contains commands and content for architectural design.

I often show this feature when teaching AutoCAD MEP classes because while Autodesk shows how well a 3D model created in AutoCAD Architecture comes into AutoCAD MEP that is not often the way it works in the real world.

Unfortunately, even if an architect designs a 3D building in AutoCAD Architecture, that doesn't mean that is the file that will be sent to you. You could receive a .pdf file or a flattened drawing with all the objects exploded to 2D linework.

Some cases are due to liability to the architects and some are simply a means of sending a file in the least common denominator. In AutoCAD Architecture and AutoCAD MEP there is a command under the File pulldown menu to Export to AutoCAD.



If someone doesn't know that you have an Autodesk product that can take advantage of their 3D model, this Export to AutoCAD reduces their design to a plain AutoCAD 2D file that more people can use they figure.

Also, often General Contractors will request .pdf files from everyone involved in a project. They don't know or perhaps understand proper ways to share files and collaborate designs.

With any luck, you can contact the designing architect and request the 3D model so that when you add your 3D MEP objects you can view and interference check with the architectural objects. In some cases, architects are reluctant to provide their designs citing liability issues. In fewer cases, they may even request a fee to provide their designs in 3D.

Because of all of this, you may find it useful to create some quick 3D walls. You can do this by tracing over an xref of the 2D linework with the wall command.

One way to use the architectural tools is to change your workspace to Architectural.

This will provide you with the Architectural Tool Palette. The Design Palette will give you simple design tools. If you'd like to know more on how to create with these tools, I invite you to review my material from AU 2007.

You can also install AutoCAD MEP to have a shortcut for AutoCAD Architecture. The advantage of this is if you launch the AutoCAD Architecture shortcut, you have all the tools as if you only had AutoCAD Architecture. If you think you may use architectural tools more than an occasional wall or have a separate person that may take on some of those duties, this is the best option.

I recommend renaming the shortcuts though to MEP and Arch though since you have to expand each one with the default installation or you won't know which one is which.