Template Setup & Base Drawing Creation

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The Power of Templates in Civil 3D

Templates (.dwt files) are the foundation of consistency in Civil 3D. A properly configured template contains all the styles, settings, layers, and standards your project needs—configured once and reused forever.

What Templates Provide:

• Object Styles: Surface, alignment, profile, corridor styles
• Label Styles: Consistent labeling across all objects
• Drawing Settings: Units, coordinate system, precision
• Layer Standards: Pre-configured layer structure
• Blocks: Standard symbols and title blocks

Creating Your Template

Step 1: Start with Autodesk Template

1. Go to File > New
2. Select Civil 3D (Imperial) NCS.dwt
3. This provides clean starting point with basic Civil 3D styles

Step 2: Configure Drawing Settings

• Type SETTINGS
• Set coordinate system for your region
• Configure units (US Survey Feet vs International Feet)
• Set precision and display options

Step 3: Set Up Layer Standards

• C-PROP - Property lines
• C-ROW - Right-of-way
• C-BLDG-EXST - Existing buildings
• C-ROAD-CNTR - Alignment centerlines
• Follow AIA CAD Layer Guidelines or firm standards

Step 4: Configure Styles

• Surface Styles: Contours, border, triangulation
• Alignment Styles: Proposed vs existing
• Label Styles: Surface contours, stations, elevations
• Configure once, use forever

Step 5: Save as Template

1. File > Save As
2. Change type to .dwt
3. Name: YourFirm_Civil3D_2024.dwt
4. Store in standards folder and user template directory

Creating BASE-XREF.dwg

BASE-XREF.dwg is your foundational drawing containing non-Civil 3D reference elements that are common to all views: property boundaries, ROW, buildings, etc.

What Goes IN BASE-XREF:

• Property boundaries and lot lines
• Right-of-way and easements
• Existing building footprints
• Reference linework
• North arrow and project info block

What Does NOT Go in BASE-XREF:

• NO Civil 3D Objects: No surfaces, alignments, corridors
• NO Annotations: Labels stay out
• NO Design Elements: Proposed features belong elsewhere

Creating BASE-XREF:

1. Start from template
2. Save as BASE-XREF.dwg in 04_Design/Base/
3. Draw property lines on C-PROP layer
4. Add ROW on C-ROW layer
5. Add existing features
6. Add project information block
7. Run AUDIT and PURGE
8. Keep file size under 500 KB

Best Practices

• Version templates with dates
• Store master templates on network drive
• Document template contents
• Keep BASE-XREF lightweight
• Never put Civil 3D objects in BASE-XREF

Case Study: Template Overhaul Saves Time

A 15-person firm created master template, saving 2-3 hours per project on formatting. Investment paid for itself in 4 months across 20 projects.

Quick Reference: Template Creation

Cheat Sheet: Template Commands

Video Script: Templates Power

A 6-minute overview of template creation and BASE-XREF setup.