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The Tutorials section provides over 100 original tutorials for AutoCAD, 3ds Max and other design applications such as Photoshop and Bryce. Michael’s Corner is a monthly article that brings you the best up-to-date AutoCAD tips and tricks. The Forums are a lively bulletin board where AutoCAD users can ask questions and get answers. The Download area provides free AutoCAD blocks, free AutoLISP routines and free digital images.

Image of the Week

14th to 20th May 2012

This week's image is by umair lodhi
Software used: AutoCAD 2009

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Michael’s Corner - May 2012

30 Years of CAD

Well I hope you're all having fun with AutoCAD 2013, synching with the cloud via Autodesk 360 and backing up your local settings to… exactly where is the cloud? Some of us will remember when AutoCAD went all "Internet". In fact, AutoCAD 2000i was the internet enabled version of AutoCAD 2000 — it was pretty sophisticated; hyperlinks could be added to drawing objects! Those were the days when a few hundred megabytes seemed lavish — these days, every AutoCAD subscriber gets 25GB of storage in the cloud — that's one BIG cloud.

So, this month, Michael takes a quick look at that cloud and investigates Autodesk 360. It is a really interesting development and I'm sure we'll be hearing a lot more about this in the future. Elsewhere (not in the cloud), Michael demonstrates how to import custom CUI elements from one AutoCAD install to another. He also considers the various option values for the PICKFIRST variable and explains what they do. Finally, this month's Basic article covers the creation of irregular-shaped viewports using Clip.

All this talk of meteorology reminded me that there is an excellent website dedicated to those white fluffy things. The Cloud Appreciation Society doesn't have much to say about online storage but they sure have some great pictures!

Video Tutorials - 14th August 2009

We've added a new Video Tutorials section to CADTutor! Some of our users have asked for video tutorials in addition to the text-based tutorials already on the site. Check them out and let us know what you think. Also, for those of you who prefer to watch your online video at YouTube, why not visit the CADTutor YouTube channel?

Tutorials of the Moment

The most recently viewed tutorials

Object Snap

Object Snap | AutoCADA tutorial giving an overview of all the AutoCAD object snaps (osnaps) with some worked examples. The tutorial also covers the use of temporary tracking points and object snap tracking.

 

Units and Scales

Units and Scales | AutoCADIf you're asking yourself "what scale do I draw in?" or "what units should I use?", you need this tutorial.

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Site Layout Exercise 1

Site Layout Exercise 1 | AutoCADThis exercise is designed to help you test out your basic AutoCAD skills. You'll need an understanding of the Draw and Modify tools and how to use co-ordinates.

 

Learning AutoCAD 2012

Learning AutoCAD 2012 | AutoCADIn this training video, Brian Benton introduces you to AutoCAD 2012 and takes you through this industry standard CAD program, and teaches you to use it effectively, whether you are a beginner, or long-time user of AutoCAD.

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Last visited: less than one minute ago

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Tip of the Day

Absolute and Relative Coordinates

Coordinate Interpretation
25,75 depends on context
@25,75 relative
#25,75 absolute

It used to be very simple. Enter a coordinate and AutoCAD interpreted it as an absolute coordinate. Enter a coordinate preceded by "@" (the at sign) and AutoCAD interpreted it as a relative coordinate. This simple rule changed when dynamic input was introduced and now the interpretation of coordinates is contextual. For example, when you draw a rectangle using RECTANG, the coordinate for the second point is interpreted as absolute with dynamic input turned off and as relative with dynamic input turned on. Really, try it and see.

Fortunately, there's a new coordinate prefix that forces an absolute coordinate, even when AutoCAD decides you want a relative one. Precede any coordinate with "#" (the hash sign) to force an absolute coordinate.

Today's tip is by dbroada

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