What Is An AutoCAD DWT File?

Table of Contents

Introduction

An AutoCAD DWT (drawing template) file is a special type of AutoCAD template used to store drawing settings, styles, and standards so you can create new drawings with a consistent look and predefined rules. Using a DWT saves time, enforces company standards, and reduces errors by starting each drawing from the same controlled environment.

What is a DWT and why use it?

A DWT (Drawing Template) contains items such as:

Layer configurations and layer properties
Text styles, dimension styles, and multileader styles
Title blocks, layout viewports, and plot settings
Blocks and attributes commonly used in your projects
Optional standards, scripts, and default drawing units

Benefits:

Consistency across all drawings
Faster setup for new projects
Enforced company standards, reducing rework and review time
Easier onboarding for new team members

Key concepts explained

Template vs Drawing (.dwt vs .dwg): A DWT is a template file used as a starting point; when you save a New drawing from a template, AutoCAD creates a DWG file based on it.
Blocks and Attributes: Reusable drawing components (blocks) can include attributes (metadata fields) that prompt users to enter project-specific information.
Styles and Standards: Put all text, dimension, and table styles in the template so every drawing follows the same rules.
Layouts and Viewports: Predefine paper layouts and viewport scales to streamline plotting.

How to create a DWT file in AutoCAD — Step-by-step

Step 1 — Start with a base drawing

Open AutoCAD and create or open a drawing that contains the settings you want to standardize (layers, blocks, title block, styles).
Clean the drawing: remove unnecessary entities, purge unused layers and blocks (use the PURGE command), and run AUDIT to fix errors.

Step 2 — Configure drawing settings

Set the Units (UNITS command) to the correct measurement system.
Set up Layers with names, colors, linetypes, and plot styles.
Create or import Text styles, Dimension styles (DIMSTYLE), Multileader styles, and Table styles.
Insert and position the title block in the paper space layout(s). Add Block attributes for dynamic project fields (project name, drawing number, revision).
Configure Page Setup and Plot Settings for each layout (paper size, plotter, plot scale, plot style table).

Step 3 — save as a template

Clean and save your drawing (optional: WBLOCK any reusable content or external references).
Use Save As and choose the *AutoCAD Drawing Template (.dwt)** format.
Give a clear filename (e.g., CompanyName_Architectural_A1.dwt) and add a version remark in the description if desired.

Step 4 — Distribute and use

Place the DWT in a shared templates folder or a location referenced by your users.
When creating a new drawing, choose “New” and select the template to create a DWG that inherits the template’s settings.

How to create a new drawing from a DWT

File > New (or type NEW) in AutoCAD.
Select an existing template from the list or browse to your DWT file.
The new DWG file opens with all predefined layers, styles, and layouts. Save immediately as a DWG and start drafting.

Alternative methods and workflows

Use the sheet set Manager (SSM) for managing multi-sheet projects; templates can be associated with sheet set properties.
Build a template library with multiple DWTs for different disciplines (architectural, electrical, mechanical).
Create a DWT from an existing DWG: open the DWG, clean it, and save as DWT.
Use standards checking with DWS files and the STANDARDS command to verify that drawings comply with company rules.
Automate template creation with scripts or LISP routines for large-scale deployments.

Common errors and how to fix them

Problem: Template opens but missing layers or styles.
- Fix: Ensure the original drawing had the layers/styles saved; use the STYLE or DIMSTYLE commands to export/import styles or insert the original DWG as a block to recover resources.
Problem: Plot settings don’t apply when plotting from new drawings.
- Fix: Verify the Page Setup for each layout in the template and ensure the correct plotter/plot style (.ctb or .plt) is available on users’ machines.
Problem: Block attribute prompts do not appear when inserting title block.
- Fix: Save the title block as a block with attributes in the template. If attributes aren’t prompting, use the ATTDIA system variable (set to 1) to display attribute dialogs.
Problem: Users accidentally overwrite the DWT file.
- Fix: Store DWT files in a read-only or version-controlled shared folder, or adjust file permissions.
Problem: A template created in newer AutoCAD version doesn’t open correctly in older versions.
- Fix: Save a copy of the template in a backward-compatible format or maintain separate templates per AutoCAD major version.

Tips and best practices

Give templates clear, descriptive filenames and include version or discipline codes.
Keep a master template and derive specialized templates from it to maintain consistency.
Regularly audit and purge template files to remove unused resources (PURGE, -PURGE, AUDIT).
Use attribute tags in title blocks for automated title block population and consistent metadata.
Store templates in a centralized location (network drive or CAD standards server) and document the folder path for all users.
Include a CHANGELOG block or text in your template showing revision history and author contact.
Train users on the correct workflow: always create a new DWG from the template, never edit the template directly unless updating the master.

FAQ

What is the default storage location for AutoCAD templates on my computer?

Default locations vary by AutoCAD version and OS, but you can check or change the default template folder in Options > Files > Template Settings > Drawing Template File Location.

Can I use a template across different AutoCAD versions?

You can, but compatibility issues may occur. Save a backward-compatible copy or maintain separate templates for each major AutoCAD version.

How do I make sure everyone uses the company template?

Use centralized network folders, set the default template path via company CAD standards, and educate users. You can also deploy templates via login scripts or a CAD management tool.

Can templates include custom menus, Tool Palettes, or linetypes?

Yes. Templates can include many customizable resources, but external support files (linetype .lin, Hatch patterns, plot styles) may need to be available on each user’s machine or referenced via support paths.

Is it possible to password-protect a DWT file to prevent changes?

AutoCAD does not provide native password protection for DWTs. Use OS-level file permissions, version control systems, or third-party encryption if necessary.

How do I update an existing template across multiple users?

Update the master template in a shared location, document changes, and have users replace their local copies or reference the centralized template path. Consider versioning and rollback options.

Can I convert a DWG into a template automatically?

Yes. Open the DWG, clean it up, and use Save As > AutoCAD Drawing Template (*.dwt). Ensure you remove any drawing-specific data before saving.

Will using templates increase file size of new drawings?

Templates can add resources (blocks, styles) that increase initial file size. Keep templates optimized by purging unused content and using external references when appropriate.