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Michael’s Corner

Michael BeallMichael's Corner is a monthly publication written by Michael E. Beall, Autodesk Authorized Author and peripatetic AutoCAD trainer. Michael travels all over the USA, bringing his fantastic experience and great understanding of AutoCAD to his clients. Michael's Corner brings together many of the tips, tricks and methods developed during these training sessions for the benefit of all users.

Michael's Corner provides something for every AutoCAD user. Every month, a number of articles cover a wide range of topics, suitable for users at all levels, including "The Basics" for those just starting out. Essentially, the aim of Michael's Corner is to help all AutoCAD users work smarter and faster.

This month…

October - One-derful!!!

It's a God-thing.

I had no idea that 14 years ago I would be given the opportunity to make an impact on the professional lives of so many. Only God knew what was ahead, and hopefully, the contributions I have made through Michael's Corner have equipped many of you to be more productive and a bit more savvy using AutoCAD. And apart from all the AutoCAD bashing that is going on, I'm sure it has a long life ahead.

So, in an effort to keep the AutoCAD fires burning, here's what I have for my final installment…

…A reminder on how to customize your hot keys
…Three Power Tools — one for Zoom, one for editing, and one for Layers
…Two Odd Spots — one for Layers and one for Hatching
…Buried text treasure
…And how to Search 14 years of the Archives

As for what's ahead for me, I will continue to present a variety of AutoCAD sessions — Fundamentals, Intermediate, Customizing, Updates, and 2D & 3D. I will also keep training CAP Designer, 20-20 Worksheet, Visual Impression (those three from 20-20 Technologies, Inc.), and some Revit Fundamentals. Next year I'm looking forward to being very involved in training CET (from Configura, Inc.) when Herman Miller joins the growing number of manufacturers embracing this software that is being touted as the ‘Future of Space Planning’. Personally, I'm looking forward to spending a bit more time with Donna, my lovely bride of 30 years. When this posts, we'll probably be within days of going on our 30th Anniversary vacation to the Tanque Verde Ranch in Tucson; Ee-Hah! We had such a good time when we went for our 20th, we figured we'd do it again!

Ah, and I'm hoping to have The AutoCAD Workbench, Final Edition out before snow flies.

And with that, Mike drop! …so to speak.

The LORD bless you and keep you;
The LORD make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The LORD lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26

This month's articles

Change F1 to ESC
Smoother Zoom
Stretch with Extension
Lock Layers with a Crossing Window
Layer Columns & Hatch Background Color
Text Frame on Mtext

From the Vault

Originally published December 2004

Gradient Hatch

One application of a Gradient hatch in A2004/A2005 is to accomplish a bit more depth in a rendered display without the use of 3D objects. Used in conjunction with the seemingly limitless colors from the color tables, the use of a gradient hatch can be quite effective.

Noteworthy Features of the Gradient tab
  1. You can choose two different colors for the hatch. The default is for one color with a slider for Tint and Shade.
  2. Click on one of the nine patterns to specify the one you want to apply (folks usually forget this part).
  3. By default the patterns are symmetrical (cylindrical patterns are across the top, the two spherical patterns are on the left, and the remaining four are parabolic… seriously). Uncheck the Centered check box for an asymmetrical pattern application.
  1. In the Angle drop-down listing you can choose from angles in 15 degree increments.
  2. In the Draw Order drop-down list, new in AutoCAD 2005 is the ability to Send Behind Boundary or Bring in Front of Boundary.

The map displays one of the parabolic gradient hatches, asymmetrically placed at 150 degrees and Sent to Back behind the text and north arrow "islands".

"Gold Star" feature in AutoCAD 2005: You can drag a gradient hatch from the drawing and drop it right onto a tool palette!

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