Overview

This checklist is a customer-facing, step-by-step guide for preparing files for Dusty. Each section aligns with common workflows in the Dusty Portal and links to relevant Dusty Academy training, so teams know where to go if questions arise.

Use this as a pre-publish check to ensure files are easy to print, easy to understand in the field, and aligned across trades.

General / Multi-Trade Coordination

• Use a shared coordinate system
  • All trades should work from the same origin, e.g., (0,0,0) and orientation.
  • Grid lines should run their full extent and remain untrimmed.
  • This helps ensure all trades align correctly in the Dusty Portal.
• Confirm file units early
  • Verify AutoCAD units are explicitly set (Architectural / Inches).
  • If you work in mm or feet scale, adjust the units accordingly.
• Prioritize the Scope intent for Printing ( Communicate more with less )
  • Include only the linework and information the field needs to build.
  • Removing extra detail improves Portal performance and print efficiency.

Related Dusty Academy: VDC Training Series

Revit Preparation

• Duplicate your view
  • Always create a dedicated Dusty view (example: DR_Level_01).
  • This keeps construction documentation separate from layout prep.
• Set the view scale
  • Set view scale to 12" = 1'-0".
  • This scale helps ensure precision for text heights supported by Dusty that are included for the print and gives you a real-world preview of what will be printed on site ona  1:1 scale.
• Text and tag setup
  • Create text using the text tool or command in AutoCAD and Revit (not linework or model text).
  • Most customers default to 1" text height for readability.
  • 2" text is supported, but it prints in two passes, which can affect overall print time on larger layouts.
• Examples of Simplifying Layout
  • Simplify to the minimum number of lines needed to convey the same intent VS multiple lines.
  • Eg: Many customers use Dusty Door and Window Tags without borders keep layouts clean.
  • Use points ( csv files ) instead of linework to indicate cross-hair locations/hanger points/ lift and brace inserts.

Repeating elements

• Elements such as arrays, attributes, and dimensions in AutoCAD don’t integrate with the AutoCAD Plugin currently and need to be exploded into linework before exporting.

• Converting them to individual elements helps ensure they export and print as expected.

   

Export: Revit → AutoCAD

• Apply Dusty View Templates or Dynamo cleanup scripts where available when making edits in Revit, and Export one floor plan per DWG. 
• Avoid linked models unless they’ve been reviewed and tested.
• After export, take a quick look to confirm orientation and scale.

AutoCAD Cleanup

( Always save a copy of your file before making edits for Dusty )

• Run Optimize / Cleanup
  • Use the Dusty AutoCAD Plugin’s Preprocess tab to simplify geometry.
• Handle blocks and arrays
  • Explode arrays and blocks used for layout-critical elements.
• Layer organization
  • Use clear, descriptive layers by trade or purpose.
  • Turning off unused layers helps keep Portal views easy to navigate.
• Linework quality
  • Continuous polylines print more efficiently than segmented lines.
  • Removing duplicate or overlapping lines reduces confusion in the field.
• Text check
  • Combine multiple line texts intoa single line text object.

Trade-Specific Guidance

Framing

• Keep linework simple and intentional.
• Using different linestyles to indicate different types of finishes/fire ratings instead of multiple lines.

Mechanical / Plumbing

• Many teams prefer centerlines for ducts and pipes to reduce print time.
• Printing full outlines is supported, but can take longer on dense layouts.
• Hangers are commonly represented as points (CSV).
• Label size transitions to help the field quickly identify changes.

Electrical

• Simplify receptacle symbols where possible. This increases print time and most cusotmer using tags instead to communicate the same by using prefixes and suffixes within the family tag label . Eg: ____OUTLET @ 16" AFF
• Use concise text with leaders for device type and mounting height.

CSV Files (Points and Control)

• Naming
  • Short point names work best (example: 1, X1, AB).
• Point count
  • For best performance, keep CSVs under 5,000 points.
  • Larger sets can be split into multiple files.
• Required format
  • Five columns only:
    1. Point Name
    2. X
    3. Y
    4. Z
    5. Description
  • Extra columns can prevent uploads in the Portal.
• Control files
  • Include Control in the file name.
  • The Portal automatically recognizes control point CSVs.
• Avoid duplication
  • If points were imported into AutoCAD for reference, turn off that layer before exporting the Dusty file.

AutoCAD Dusty Plugin Export

• Export the DWG using the Dusty AutoCAD Plugin.
• If revisions are needed, update the DWG and re-export.
• Avoid editing Dusty files directly after export.

Dusty Portal Setup

• Upload order
  1. DWG
  2. CSVs (Control first, then other points)
• Pre-publish review
  • Units display correctly
  • Control points align with the layout
  • No duplicate control sets
  • Trade, floor, and revision names are clear
• Publish with confidence
  • If the file looks clear and readable in the Portal, it’s ready for the field.

Best Practices

• More control points generally improve alignment and confidence.
• Cleaner files are easier for field teams to trust and follow.
• If something feels unclear in the Portal, it’s worth cleaning up before printing.