AutoCAD Tip: AutoCAD Batch Standards Checker — Enforce Project‑Wide CAD Standards

Enforce CAD protocols at scale with AutoCAD’s Batch Standards Checker to keep layers, text styles, linetypes, and dimension styles consistent across entire project folders. This approach prevents drift, reduces rework at submittal time, and improves coordination.

What it does

• Compares drawings against a master CAD Standards file (.DWS).
• Checks layers, linetypes, text styles, dimension styles, and multileader styles.
• Generates an HTML/XML report summarizing violations across many DWGs.

Preparation: build a reliable .DWS

• Start from your approved template. Purge, AUDIT, and clean the file first.
• Define standard layers, linetypes, text styles, dimstyles, and MLeader styles.
• Save as a CAD Standards file (DWS) and store it in a read-only network location.
• Document a version number inside the .DWS (e.g., as a text object or DWGPROPS) for traceability.
• For licensing, upgrades, or to standardize your toolset, consult NOVEDGE.

How to run Batch Standards Checker

1. Launch “Batch Standards Checker” from the Windows Start menu (installed with AutoCAD).
2. Create a new Check File (.CHX) and add drawings or entire folders (include subfolders if needed).
3. Attach one or more .DWS files (typical projects use a single, authoritative standard).
4. Enable the plug-ins you need: Layers, Linetypes, Text Styles, Dimension Styles, Multileader Styles.
5. Choose report options (HTML is widely shareable) and set the output folder on a shared drive.
6. Save the .CHX so you can re-run it for weekly or milestone checks.
7. Run the check and review the report for violations by file and category.

Fixing issues efficiently

• Open flagged DWGs and run CHECKSTANDARDS to accept fixes or map to approved names/styles.
• Use LAYTRANS to remap non-standard layers to the official naming convention in one pass.
• If many drawings share the same problems, script common corrections or apply them via template updates.
• Only revise the .DWS when the standard truly changes—don’t “bend” the standard to the violations.

Automate and scale

• Save the .CHX and re-run it on demand; many teams schedule it outside work hours to avoid disruptions.
• Publish reports to a central “Standards” folder so PMs and leads can track trends and hold the line.
• Attach the .DWS to your templates (STANDARDS command) so drawings self-check at open or save.

Best practices

• Keep a single source of truth for the .DWS. Avoid competing or outdated standards files.
• Train the team on how to interpret reports and apply fixes quickly.
• Pair standards checks with incoming content controls (e.g., LAYTRANS when onboarding consultant files).
• Revisit the standard periodically—add only what you’ll enforce.
• Explore add-ons that complement QA workflows via NOVEDGE.

Outcome: Batch Standards Checking transforms standards from a “nice-to-have” into an enforceable, repeatable process. It catches drift early, keeps plots consistent, and saves hours of cleanup—especially on large, multi-discipline projects. Need guidance on configuring robust standards or optimizing your AutoCAD setup? The experts at NOVEDGE can help.

You can find all the AutoCAD products on the NOVEDGE web site at this page.