CAD Dictionary

What is an AutoCAD DWS file?

Introduction

An AutoCAD DWS file is a Drawing Standards file that defines the accepted layers, text styles, dimension styles, linetypes, blocks and other named objects used to check and enforce consistency across drawings. Using a .dws lets teams automatically check drawings for deviations from company or industry standards and apply or import the approved definitions when appropriate.

Explanations

  • What a DWS does: a DWS contains a snapshot of the named objects that represent your standards. When attached to a drawing, AutoCAD compares the drawing’s named objects to the definitions in the DWS and reports violations.
  • What a DWS does not do automatically: by default, a DWS detects violations and offers fixes; it does not silently overwrite your drawing unless you accept or apply the fix.
  • Typical items stored in a DWS: layer names, colors, linetypes, text styles, dimension styles, multileader styles, and block definitions.
  • Where DWS fits in your workflow: use DWS alongside DWT templates, DesignCenter, or LISP/scripts to create, distribute and enforce standards across a project or organization.

Step-by-step: Create and use a DWS file

Create a standards drawing (the source)

  1. Open or create a drawing that already follows your desired standards (correct layers, text styles, dim styles, linetypes, and representative blocks).
  2. Clean the file: run PURGE and AUDIT to remove unused items and fix corrupt objects.
  3. Save the drawing as your standards source (e.g., StandardsMaster.dwg).

Export the DWS from the standards drawing

  1. Type the command STANDARDS and press Enter to open the Standards palette.
  2. In the palette, choose the option to Create or Save Standards to File (icon/menu—this exports the standard definitions).
  3. Save the file with a .dws extension (for example, CompanyStandards.dws).

Attach and check a drawing against the DWS

  1. Open the drawing you want to check.
  2. Run STANDARDS to open the Standards palette.
  3. Attach the .dws file (Use the Add/Attach option and select your .dws).
  4. AutoCAD will automatically check the drawing and list violations in the Standards palette.
  5. For each violation you can:
    • Import the missing/standard definition into the drawing (e.g., import a layer or style).
    • Apply Fix or Global Update where provided to correct multiple violations.
    • Ignore or report violations if they are acceptable.

Save and distribute

  • Save the corrected drawing.
  • Keep the CompanyStandards.dws in a shared network location or in a version-controlled folder so everyone uses the same file.

Alternative methods to enforce standards

  • Use a DWT (template) with correct layers and styles already defined — good for new drawings but does not check existing drawings.
  • Use DesignCenter (ADCENTER) to import layers, styles and blocks from a standard drawing (.dwg) into target drawings.
  • Use AutoLISP, scripts, or third-party tools to batch-apply standards or run automated checks across multiple files.
  • Use Autodesk cloud tools or CAD management software that supports batch standard checking and reporting for project-wide compliance.

Common errors and how to fix them

  • Error: Linetype not found (dash patterns appear as continuous lines)

    • Fix: Use the LINETYPE command to Load the missing linetype or ensure the folder containing .lin files is in AutoCAD’s Support File Search Path.

  • Error: Text style mismatch or missing fonts

    • Fix: Import the missing text style from the standards drawing or install the required font on users’ machines. Use the STYLE command to recreate styles if necessary.

  • Error: Dimension styles differ

    • Fix: Use DIMSTYLE to import the correct dimension style from the standards file, then apply it to the affected dimensions or run the Standards palette fix.

  • Error: Layers are locked or frozen and cannot be updated

    • Fix: Unlock or thaw layers using the LAYER command before applying standards; consider using scripts to batch-unlock layers prior to importing standards.

  • Error: Xrefs not checked or bound

    • Fix: Bind or detach Xrefs as needed or check that referenced drawings also have the DWS attached. Standards are applied to the current drawing only.

  • Error: Standards palette shows many false positives

    • Fix: Verify that the standards DWS includes the exact names you intend (standards matching is name-based). Adjust the DWS or rename objects in the drawing to match the standard names.

Practical tips and best practices

  • Store the .dws file in a centralized, network-accessible location and control access to it (single source of truth).
  • Pair a DWS with a named DWT template: templates handle new files, DWS enforces existing files.
  • Use clear naming conventions for layers and styles (e.g., discipline_prefix-layer_function) and document them in a standards manual.
  • Keep a change log inside or alongside the DWS: record what changed and why, plus date and author.
  • Test changes on copies of drawings before applying a new standard across a project.
  • Train team members to understand how the Standards palette works—especially how and when to import versus overwrite.
  • Combine DWS checks with periodic manual reviews and AutoCAD’s AUDIT and PURGE routines.
  • For large projects, consider automating standards checks with scripts, AutoLISP, or third-party batch tools.

FAQ

What is the difference between a DWS and a DWT?

A DWS is a standards-checking file used to compare and enforce named object definitions. A DWT is a drawing template used to create new drawings that start with predefined layers and styles. Use DWT for new files and DWS to check or fix existing files.

Will attaching a DWS automatically change my drawing?

No — attaching a DWS detects violations and offers fixes. You must accept or apply the suggested fixes (import/overwrite) for the drawing to be changed.

Can a DWS include custom blocks or only layers and styles?

A DWS can include named objects such as layers, linetypes, text styles, dimension styles, multileader styles and block definitions. However, for blocks it checks names and definitions; importing blocks may require manual review.

How do I update the standards file when the company changes naming rules?

Edit your standards source drawing (the DWG used to create the DWS), update layers/styles/blocks there, and then export a new .dws (using the STANDARDS palette). Notify the team and use version control to track changes.

Can I run standards checks on many drawings at once?

AutoCAD does not include a built-in multi-file batch standards checker in the basic UI, but you can use scripts, AutoLISP, third-party tools, or Autodesk management tools to automate attaching a DWS and running checks across multiple files.

My team uses different AutoCAD versions — will the DWS still work?

A DWS is generally compatible across versions, but some newer object types or properties introduced in later AutoCAD releases may not be recognized by older versions. Keep standards and AutoCAD versions aligned where possible.

What do I do if the Standards palette shows items I want to ignore?

You can ignore specific violations, adjust the DWS to remove those definitions, or change naming conventions in your drawings. Make sure the choice to ignore is documented and accepted by project leads.

Is it better to import standards or to manually correct each violation?

For consistent enforcement, importing standard definitions is faster and safer (reduces manual errors). However, review major changes—automatic imports can change object properties in ways that affect drawing appearance or annotations.

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