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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.

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Michael’s Corner - February/March 2014

There He Is, Out Standing in His Field

Here in the UK, we're obsessed with the weather; our national pastime is talking about it. Usually, it's just a case of making conversation but not at the moment. We've just had the wettest January since records began, parts of southern England are under water and there seems to be no end in sight.

Fortunately, there's nothing wet about this month's Corner. Michael demonstrates a number of ways to keep you DRY (Don't Repeat Yourself). Need to run a script on a regular basis? Keep it simple and do so with a single click. Want to know how to write a script to avoid repetitive tasks? Michael's got that covered too. Do you find yourself repeating drawing setup tasks? Why not use ACADDOC.LSP? Yep, Michael gets seriously efficient this month.

In addition to all of this, there's also some neat tips and tricks for beginners (or anyone who has ever wondered what the Layer Previous command does).

And finally, I can't end this month's introduction without mentioning Michael Beall's fantastic achievement at Autodesk University in December. Many congratulations to him on receiving the AU Speaker award for the Hands-on Lab category. Once again proving that here at CADTutor, we only provide you with the best there is. Watch out for the next Corner at the beginning of April, when we hope the rain will have stopped.

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Tip of the Day

AutoCAD Alias Editor

If you're new to AutoCAD or even if you're not and you find it difficult to remember all the keyboard shortcuts to your favourite commands like L for Line and C for Circle or even 3DO for 3DOrbit, then you need to know about the AutoCAD Alias Editor.

Enter ALIASEDIT at the command line and AutoCAD will launch a tiny application window that lists all the shortcuts in alphabetical order. As this is a seperate application, you can keep it minimised on your taskbar until you need it for reference.

Essentially, this editor simply lists the contents of the acad.pgp file where all the command aliases are stored. Those of you who are a bit more adventurous, may even like to use the Alias Editor to create your own aliases or edit existing ones.

Today's tip is by Starkey

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