Side Elevation in AutoCAD

Now that we've successfully configured our A3.2 file, we're ready to tackle the side elevation—a critical component of our architectural drawing set. Let's begin by opening our foundation file: navigate to File > Open and select your elevation model file. This serves as our baseline elevation, containing the structural elements we'll adapt and refine for our side view.

Our first strategic move involves copying the existing content to the right side of our workspace with Ortho mode enabled. This positioning allows us to efficiently pull guideline references downward for our elevation work, while maintaining access to the existing components we'll repurpose throughout this process. Before proceeding, we need to address the hatch properties—select the first hatch pattern, right-click for Properties, and verify that this hatch is set to non-associative mode.

Confirming that the hatch shows as non-annotative and non-associative, we can safely delete this element. However, when we examine the second hatch and access its properties, we'll notice this one is set to associative. This requires a different approach to maintain drawing integrity.

Press Escape to exit the current command, then type "X" followed by Enter to access the Explode function. Select the associative hatch—this breaks it down into individual line segments while preserving the visual pattern. Notice that these exploded elements now reside on the "A Shake Heavy" layer, which gives us precise control over their management.

To maintain a clean working environment, let's remove any in-progress annotations that might obstruct our view. We'll employ AutoCAD's powerful filter function to streamline our selection process—a technique that significantly improves efficiency on complex drawings.

Execute the Erase command by typing "E" and pressing Enter, then input 'filter to access the selection filter dialog. The filter database allows us to create precise selection criteria. Add layer-based filtering by typing "L" for layer—you'll see the layer option highlighted with a prompt for your filtering preference.

With the selection set active, choose "Select" and specify "Shake Heavy" as your target layer, then click OK. This establishes our filter criteria, which we'll add to the active list for processing. To complete the filter setup: select the dropdown arrow, choose Layer, specify "Shake Heavy" as the layer name, confirm with OK, and Add to List.

When you apply the filter and execute a window selection, the system identifies 752 objects—all the individual line segments comprising our exploded hatch pattern. Press Enter twice to complete the deletion. This object filtering technique proves invaluable for managing complex drawing elements with precision.

Now we'll address the brick pattern using the same methodology. Notice how the erase operation removes only the hatch pattern while preserving surrounding geometry. Right-clicking to check Properties confirms this hatch is non-associative, meaning it exists independently of its boundary geometry. Associative hatches automatically adjust when their boundaries are modified, while non-associative hatches remain static—an important distinction for drawing management.

Since our side elevation has different requirements than the front elevation, we'll remove elements that don't apply to our current view. Delete the garage doors, front door, existing windows, and the light fixture near the garage area. While we may incorporate a similar light fixture later, the current windows are incorrectly sized for our side elevation requirements.

The existing shutters also need removal, though we'll add appropriately sized shutters from our component database later. With these elements cleared, we can focus on establishing our primary wall lines—the foundation of any successful elevation drawing.

Set "A Heavy" as your current layer, then draw vertical lines from each outline endpoint straight down. This creates the basic framework for our side elevation, though you'll notice some geometry requires modification or deletion as we adapt from the front elevation reference.

Type "layoff" to access the layer off command, then select a leader line to hide the symbols layer—this reduces visual clutter during our construction phase. Identify your exterior house line and ground line, then use the Trim command ("TR") to clean up lines extending to ground level.

The gutter system continues around the entire building perimeter, so we'll preserve those elements. Use the bottom of the fascia line as your trim boundary for lines extending above, maintaining proper hierarchy in your line work.

For clarity, draw a line from the roof edge straight down—this helps visualize the roof edge relationship in your side elevation geometry. Use the Move command to relocate the downspout and associated symbols from the old wall position to the new wall endpoint, ensuring proper alignment throughout your drawing.

After erasing the obsolete wall segment, extend the necessary lines to maintain gutter continuity. Use the Extend command ("EX") to bring lines to the fascia top, then move roof elements from their intersection points to the proper endpoints. This systematic approach ensures geometric accuracy.

Consider adding a colored rectangle (perhaps green for "complete") to mark finished sections—this visual tracking system helps manage progress on complex drawings. Once a section is verified complete, you can remove the construction lines and move to the next area.

Apply this same systematic approach to the remaining roof components. Draw vertical reference lines, use the Trim command to clean up unnecessary segments, and carefully manage the relationship between foreground and background elements using your established layer weights—heavier lines for forward elements, medium weights for receding features.

When working with collinear line segments, always use the Join command (found under Modify menu) to combine them into single entities. This practice improves drawing performance and reduces file complexity—professional standards that become increasingly important in collaborative environments.

As we begin to see the fireplace edge taking shape, use grip editing to position elements accurately. The systematic approach of establishing reference lines, trimming unnecessary segments, and joining related elements creates clean, professional drawings that meet current industry standards. Let's save our progress here before continuing with the remaining side elevation details.