NCS File Naming System (PDF)

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Architectural Drafting Using AutoCAD NCS File Naming System The United States National CAD Standard (NCS) provides a system for assigning names to drawing files. The system uses a project code, discipline designator, model file type, and user definable code. The project code is used if desired, and can contain as many as 20 custom characters. For example, a company or individual may use a project code of SR10 to abbreviate the Smith Residence project of 2010. Next, a discipline designator is added followed by a hyphen (-). See Figure 1A. The model file type code follows the discipline designator and identifies the drawing type. See Figure 1B. Up to four user definable characters are then added to complete the file name. If four distinct characters are not appropriate, Xs are used as placeholders. For example, 1XXX could be used to describe the first floor plan. A complete file name using this system, an Architectural discipline designator, and the examples provided in Figure 1 could be SR10A-FP1XXX.

Figure 1.

The National CAD Standard (NCS) file naming system provides conventions for naming drawing files. The system uses a project code, discipline designator, model file type, and user definable code. A—Discipline designators used in the system. B—Model file type codes.

Discipline Architectural Civil Civil works Electrical Contractor/Shop drawings Equipment Fire protection General Geotechnical Hazardous materials Interiors Landscape Mechanical Operations Other disciplines Plumbing Process Resources Structural Survey/Mapping Telecommunications A Copyright by Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.

Designator ACWEZQFGBHILMOXPDRSVT-

Code (Architectural) Type 3D Isometric/3D AC Area calculations/ Occupancy plan Reflected ceiling plan Detail Elevation Floor plan Equipment plan Roof plan Section Schedule Existing/ Demolition plan Type Border sheet Keyplan

CP DT EL FP QP RP SC SH XD Code (General) BS KP B

NCS File Naming System