An AutoCAD DST (sheet set) file is a special project file that organizes drawing files, layouts, and related metadata into a single managed collection so you can handle multiple sheets more efficiently than opening individual DWG files.
What is an AutoCAD DST file?
An AutoCAD DST file (also called a Sheet Set) is not a drawing itself but a database that references DWG layouts. It stores information such as sheet lists, sheet properties, title block fields, publishing settings, and subsets. The actual sheet content remains in the linked DWG files; the DST provides a structured, project-level view and tools to manage them.
Why use a Sheet Set (DST)?
- Centralized management of multiple drawings for a project.
- Consistent title block and automated sheet numbering through fields.
- Faster batch publishing/printing and Export to PDF/DWF.
- Easier navigation via the Sheet Set Manager (SSM) and creation of subsets (e.g., plans, elevations).
- Keeps project metadata (project name, client, revision info) in one place.
Key concepts and terminology (Explications)
- Sheet Set Manager (SSM): AutoCAD panel used to create, open, and manage DST files.
- Sheet: A link to a specific layout tab inside a DWG file.
- Subset: A grouping of sheets inside a DST (e.g., Architectural, Structural).
- Sheet Set Data (DST): The file that stores sheet metadata and settings.
- Sheet Set Template (DST template): A DST preconfigured with layouts, title block fields, and properties used to create new DST files.
- Fields: dynamic text in title blocks that populate from sheet/dst properties (sheet number, sheet title, project).
- Publish: batch plotting or exporting all/selected sheets to PDF/DWF/plotter.
Step-by-step: Create and use a DST file
Create a DST from a template (recommended for new projects)
- Open AutoCAD and show the Sheet Set Manager (command: SHEETSET).
- In SSM, click the menu and choose New Sheet Set.
- Select “Sheet Set template (DST)” or “Create from template” and click Next.
- Browse to a DST template (.dst) or select built-in template and give the sheet set a name and save location.
- Configure properties (project name, client, numbering scheme) and finish.
- Add sheets: right-click the sheet set > New Sheet. Either create a new layout or link to an existing DWG layout.
Create a DST from existing drawings
- Open SSM, choose New Sheet Set > From Existing Drawings.
- Point AutoCAD to the folders or DWG files that contain your layouts.
- Select the layouts to include; AutoCAD will create sheet records that reference the layouts in their DWG files.
- Save the DST in a project folder. Keep relative paths if you plan to move the project.
Add and organize sheets
- Create subsets (right-click Sheet Set > New Subset) to group related sheets.
- drag and drop sheets between subsets.
- Edit sheet properties (right-click sheet > Properties) to change sheet title, number, or custom properties.
Automate title blocks with Fields
- Insert a title block as a block in your layouts.
- Use Attributes or Fields that reference sheet set properties (SheetSetCategory, SheetNumber, SheetTitle).
- When you change properties in SSM, the fields update automatically (REGEN may be required).
Batch publish
- In SSM, select sheets (or subsets), right-click > Publish.
- Choose output (Plotter, PDF, DWF) and configure page setups.
- Click Publish to run batch plot/export.
Alternative methods to manage multiple sheets
- Use Xrefs and external references to assemble project drawings without a DST (less metadata automation).
- Use folder-and-file naming conventions and manual PDFs for simple projects.
- Use third-party project/CAD management tools (BIM 360, ProjectWise) to manage versions and collaboration at scale.
- Use template DWG title blocks with attribute definitions if you don’t need sheet set metadata.
Common errors and how to fix them
Missing or broken sheet links
- Cause: DWG files moved or renamed.
- Fix: Update sheet paths in SSM (right-click sheet > Edit Sheet) or relink DWG files; use relative paths when possible.
Fields not updating
- Cause: AutoCAD not regenerated or fields not set up correctly.
- Fix: Run REGEN or update fields manually (CTRL+F9). Ensure the title block fields reference the correct sheet set properties.
Cannot open DST
- Cause: File corrupted or incompatible AutoCAD version.
- Fix: Restore from backup. Try opening in the same or newer AutoCAD version. Use Autodesk DWG TrueView to check DWG compatibility.
Publish errors (missing plot style, page setup)
- Cause: Page setups or plotter configuration absent on target system.
- Fix: Export/Import page setups, ensure plot styles (.ctb/.stb) are available, or use named page setups stored in DWG.
Permissions and network lock issues
- Cause: DST or referenced DWGs on network with limited rights or locked by another user.
- Fix: Ensure correct network permissions, coordinate check-in/check-out procedures, and avoid multiple users editing the same layout simultaneously.
Version incompatibility
- Cause: DST created in newer AutoCAD with features unsupported in older releases.
- Fix: Use save as to a compatible format or upgrade the older AutoCAD version.
Best practices and tips
- Use consistent naming conventions for sheets and DWG files (projectcode-discipline-sheetnumber).
- Store the DST and associated DWG files in a single project folder and use relative paths for portability.
- Keep a DST template with predefined title blocks, fields, and subsets for company standards.
- Use custom properties at the sheet set level (client, project number) to populate title blocks and schedules.
- Regularly backup DST and DWG files; include them in your version control or cloud project storage.
- Use subset templates to separate disciplines (Architectural, Structural, MEP) for clearer collaboration.
- Before publishing, run a quick check list: missing references, correct page setups, and updated fields.
- If collaborating, decide on a single master DST or agreed workflow to avoid duplicate DSTs.
FAQ
What is the difference between a DST and a DWG?
A DST is a sheet set file that references layouts across multiple DWG files. A DWG contains drawing geometry and layouts. DST organizes and manages the layouts but does not store the sheet geometry itself.
Can I move a DST to another computer and keep links working?
Yes—if you use relative paths and keep the DST and referenced DWGs together. If absolute paths were used, you will need to update links in the Sheet Set Manager after moving files.
How do I update title blocks across all sheets?
Use fields in your title block that reference sheet set and sheet properties. Update properties in SSM and run REGEN to refresh fields across all linked sheets.
What happens if a referenced DWG is deleted?
The sheet in the DST will show a broken link. You must restore the DWG from backup, relink the sheet to a new DWG path, or remove the sheet from the DST.
Can multiple users work on the same DST simultaneously?
Multiple users can open and view a DST, but editing the same layout or DWG can cause conflicts. For team environments, use a clear workflow (check-out/check-in) or a CAD collaboration platform to avoid overwriting.
How do I convert a DST to a list of PDFs?
Use the Publish feature in the Sheet Set Manager: select sheets or subsets and publish to PDF with the desired page setup for batch export.
Is a DST compatible between different AutoCAD versions?
DST compatibility can be affected by version differences. DST files are generally forward-compatible, but using features specific to newer releases may cause problems in older AutoCAD versions. Save DWGs to a compatible version if needed.
Can I use DST for non-AutoCAD products?
Some Autodesk products that support AutoCAD sheet sets can read DSTs, but functionality varies. For non-Autodesk tools, DST may not be supported; export to standard formats (PDF/DWF) for sharing.