About the AutoCAD MEP Drawing Domain

The AutoCAD MEP user interface provides access to the commands and controls that enable the production of intricate M/E/P designs. Later sections describe this workspace in detail. By way of introduction, here are the highlights:

Ribbon

Using the Microsoft Office 2007 model, AutoCAD MEP now uses the ribbon as the central access point for commands. The ribbon contains a number of tabs on which commands are grouped according to conceptual task types or selected objects.

The ribbon replaces the menu bar and the toolbars as the primary command access point.

Application Menu

The application menu contains basic commands pertaining to the drawing as a whole: Open, Save, Print, Export, and so on. Like the menu browser it replaces, the application menu is accessed by clicking in the upper-left corner of the workspace.

Workspaces

AutoCAD MEP is equipped with six workspaces (HVAC, Piping, Electrical, Plumbing, Schematic, and Architecture). The default workspace after initial installation is HVAC, but can be user-defined.

Note: The tool palette groups associated with all the workspaces are available from the context menu of the tool palettes set.

Drawing Status Bar Menu

The drawing status bar menu has been removed from AutoCAD MEP. Commands formerly found there can now be accessed from the application menu.

Commands on the old menu

Help Access

With the removal of the menu bars, the commands to access Help features have been moved into the InfoCenter at the top right of the application window. Here, you can find the online resources of InfoCenter and the Help menu, which lets you access Help and other interactive resources.

Toolbars

Toolbars have been removed from AutoCAD MEP. Commands formerly found on toolbars can now be accessed from the ribbon.

Autodesk Seek

You can use Autodesk Seek to find product design information. Many content providers, both corporate partners and individual contributors, publish to Autodesk Seek. Content includes 3D models, 2D drawings, specifications, brochures, and other descriptions of products or components.

Import design content into AutoCAD MEP

You can also share your own content with others using Autodesk Seek. Upload drawings or blocks to Autodesk Seek to give your partners and customers ready access to your content.