How to Create a Structural Framing Plan in AutoCAD LT

Learn how to set up a second-floor framing plan using Xrefs, configure clipping boundaries, and draft structural joists and headers in AutoCAD LT.

May 22, 2026 By Cameron Etienne

This guide outlines how to set up a structural framing plan in AutoCAD LT by utilizing architectural background external references (Xrefs). You will learn to properly overlay background files, configure clipping boundaries, place scaled structural annotations (like wood joists and headers), and duplicate the layout for additional foundation plans.

This workflow is designed for structural drafters and engineers detailing framing plans from architectural models. It is typically performed during the initial schematic layout phase of a structural drafting project.

Configuring Background Xrefs

Begin by bringing the architectural CAD files into your engineering drawing.

Type xref and press Enter to open the External References palette.

Step #2: Select your architectural background file from the list. — Select your architectural background file from the list.

Step #3: Set the reference type to Overlay. — Set the reference type to **Overlay**.

It is highly recommended (good file hygiene) to insert architectural reference files as an Overlay rather than an Attachment. This prevents un-needed xref list bulk.

To focus solely on the first-floor perimeter walls that interact with the second-floor framing, you will need to clip out unnecessary areas.

Step #4: Click Create Clipping Boundary in the External Reference ribbon tab. — Click **Create Clipping Boundary** in the External Reference ribbon tab.

Step #5: Select Rectangular for your boundary type. — Select **Rectangular** for your boundary type.

Step #6: Click and drag a boundary box entirely around the first-floor plan. — Click and drag a boundary box entirely around the first-floor plan.

To clean up the drawing layout, hide the boundary line so it doesn't plot.

Type XCLIPFRAME and press Enter.

Type 0 and press Enter to make the clipping frame invisible.

Placing and Scaling Structural Annotations

Ensure your view properly accommodates the structural blocks and text needed for the plan.

Step #9: Select the correct scale this project used 1/4" = 1'-0" from the scale menu to set the viewport's annotation scale. Match the Architect's scale. — Select the correct scale this project used **1/4" = 1'-0"** from the scale menu to set the viewport's annotation scale. Match the Architect's scale.

Now, define the specific joists needed for the decking.

Step #10: Double-click a generic joist block (e.g., J1) to edit its properties. — Double-click a generic joist block (e.g., J1) to edit its properties.

Type the correct sizing label, such as J212, and press Tab/Enter to apply the change.

Drafting Headers Over Openings

You must note the location of structural headers across applicable window and door openings.

Only place headers in structural exterior or bearing walls. Do not place headers on interior, non-structural openings.

Step #12: Click the Layer dropdown and select S-WOOD-BEAM to make it the active layer. — Click the Layer dropdown and select **S-WOOD-BEAM** to make it the active layer.

Type L and press Enter to initiate the Line command.

Step #14: Draw lines spanning the width of the structural openings, leaving a small amount of gap (relief) from the edges. — Draw lines spanning the width of the structural openings, leaving a small amount of gap (relief) from the edges.

Next, assign text callouts to your drawn header lines based on your beam schedule.

Step #15: Select an existing TEXT block from your legend or schedule to copy. — Select an existing **TEXT** block from your legend or schedule to copy.

Type HDR into the text field to label a typical header.

The standard HDR callout safely covers typical window and door spans up to 10 feet.

Type M to move the text directly adjacent to your newly drafted line.

Type C and select both the HDR text and the line to copy the group.

Step #19: Click to paste the copied header assembly over the remaining window and door openings across the structural walls. — Click to paste the copied header assembly over the remaining window and door openings across the structural walls.

Preparing Additional Plans

Once the second-floor framing plan is schematically laid out, you can duplicate it to serve as the baseline for the foundation plan.

Type C to copy the main title block text (e.g., "SECOND FLOOR FRAMING PLAN").

Select the copied text and use Backspace to remove unnecessary subtext (like "w/ 1ST FLOOR WALLS BELOW").

Type C to copy the entire architectural background Xref into the open space next to your current drawing, providing a fresh footprint for the foundation layout.

FAQ

Q: Why do we set the architectural background to "Overlay" instead of "Attach"?

A: Setting Xrefs to "Overlay" is standard file hygiene. It ensures that if the current drawing is ever referenced into a third drawing, the background architectural file doesn't pull through, thereby preventing file bloating and circular references.

Q: Do I need to place headers over every door in the building?

A: No. Headers are structural elements and should only be placed in structural or load-bearing walls. Interior, non-structural openings do not require header annotations on the framing plan.

Q: When can I use the standard "HDR" callout?

A: In this workflow, the typical "HDR" schedule callout can safely cover opening spans up to 10 feet long.

Glossary

Term	Definition
Xref	External Reference; a file linked to the current AutoCAD drawing rather than being permanently embedded.
XCLIP	An AutoCAD command used to hide parts of a block or external reference outside a specified rectangular or polygonal boundary.
Header	A horizontal structural beam positioned over door or window openings to distribute weight away from the gap.