Command
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
ATCREATE_PROJECT |
Open the Project Creation Wizard to create a new FireCAD project |
Ribbon: FireCAD > File > Create Project
Prerequisites
- FireCAD plugin must be loaded in AutoCAD
- Access to a FireCAD master database
Overview
The Project Creation Wizard guides you through setting up a new FireCAD project in two steps: Project Setup (required) and Project Properties (optional). The wizard creates your project folder, copies drawing files, connects to the database, and imports selected device templates.
Page 1: Project Setup
Project Name
Enter a name for your project. This is a required field and cannot contain invalid file path characters.
Project Directory
Click Browse to select the folder where your project will be stored. The wizard remembers your last-used directory.
Settings Template (Optional)
Click Browse to select an XML settings template file (circuitsettings.xml). This pre-populates circuit and label formatting settings for the new project.
Project Drawings (Optional)
Click Browse to select one or more .dwg or .dwt drawing files to include in the project. Selected files appear as removable tags — click the x on any tag to remove it. You can browse multiple times to add more drawings.
Database Connection
The wizard automatically tests the database connection on load. The status indicator shows:
- Green checkmark — Connected successfully
- Red X — Not connected
Click Configure to open the database connection settings. A valid database connection is required before you can proceed.
Device and Template Selection
This section becomes available after a successful database connection.
Selected Devices — Click Add Devices to open a searchable list of available device parts. Check the devices you want to include and click Add Selected. Each device appears as a removable tag showing its part number.
Project Templates — Click Add Templates to open a searchable list of available circuit templates. Check the templates to include and click Add Selected. Each template appears as a removable tag showing its name.
At least one device or template must be selected to proceed.
Navigation
Click Next to validate your entries and move to Page 2.
Page 2: Project Properties
Project Information
| Field | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Project Type | Yes | Type of project (New Construction, Retrofit, Tenant Improvement, etc.) |
| Industry Type | Yes | Building industry category (Healthcare, Education, Commercial, etc.) |
| Construction Type | Yes | IBC construction type (Type I through Type V) |
| Occupancy Classification | Yes | IBC occupancy group (Group A through Group U) |
| Project Number | No | Your internal project number |
| Contract Number | No | Contract reference number |
Project Address
Type in the Search Address field to use Google Maps autocomplete. Select an address from the dropdown to auto-fill the street, city, state, and zip fields. You can also enter the address manually.
| Field | Required |
|---|---|
| Project Address | No |
| City | Yes |
| State | Yes |
| Zip | Yes |
Scope of Work
Enter a description of the project scope (up to 2,000 characters). A character counter shows your remaining space.
Codes and Standards
Select the applicable code editions for your project:
| Field | Options |
|---|---|
| NFPA | N/A, NFPA 2013 through NFPA 2025 |
| IFC | N/A, IFC 2009 through IFC 2024 |
| IBC | N/A, IBC 2009 through IBC 2024 |
| NEC | N/A, NEC 2008 through NEC 2023 |
Owner/Occupant Information
Optional fields for the building owner or occupant: Name, Phone, Email, and Address (with Google Maps autocomplete).
Contractor Information
Optional fields for the installing contractor: Company Title, Company Name, Address, Phone, License Number, Contact Name, and Contact Phone.
Engineer Information
Optional fields for the engineer of record: Company, and Address.
Navigation
- Click Create Project to validate all fields and create the project
- Click Skip for Now to create the project without filling in properties (you can edit them later with
ATUPDATE_PROJECT) - Click Back to return to Page 1
What Happens During Project Creation
- The wizard checks for file conflicts in the target directory
- Creates the project folder and
.atpxproject file - Copies drawing files and settings template (if provided)
- Creates the working database and imports selected templates and devices
- Opens the new project in AutoCAD
Tips
- Use the Skip for Now button on Page 2 if you want to fill in project properties later
- Google Maps address autocomplete requires an API key configured in your FireCAD settings
- The wizard remembers your last-used project directory and settings template path
- If a project already exists in the selected directory, the wizard will warn you about file conflicts
Related Commands
-
Opening a Project —
ATOPEN_PROJECT -
Updating a Project —
ATUPDATE_PROJECT -
Editing Project Properties —
ATEDIT_PROJECT_PROPERTIES
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