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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.

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This month…

July - 2009 Ready or Not

This month, Michael is taking a break (don't worry fans, he'll be back next month) so you'll have to put up with me. To be honest, I've quite enjoyed putting together this month's Corner. Hope you like it and maybe learn something new.

I've been putting off the move to AutoCAD 2009. Well, I have a couple of long-running projects and the transition will disrupt my workflow. On the other hand, what productivity gains am I missing out on? Also, come September, I have to begin teaching AutoCAD 2009 to CAD newbies; I really ought to take a look. This month, I'm bringing you my thoughts (good and bad) on the dreaded ribbon.

I'm also taking a look at Autodesk Freewheel. Never heard of it? You will - it's probably the most exciting development in interactive web-based drawings since… well, you know - the web. In the Odd Spot, I've got some news for people with Quadro FX graphics cards and in The Basics this month I'm telling you how to get your hands on free copies of AutoCAD (no, really).

This month's articles

Don't Fear the Ribbon
Autodesk Freewheel
AutoCAD Performance Driver
Free AutoCAD

From the Vault

Originally published May 2007

Exporting a Tool Palette

Export…If you want to share palettes with others, here are a few things to remember:

First, of the four object types you can add to a palette… blocks, hatches, commands, or macros… only blocks require maintaining the integrity of the Source file from which the block is accessed (see March 2006).

Next, there are only two players in the blocks-on-a-palette game: The source file and the palette itself. Breaking it down, if the source file is on your company's network (optimum) then anyone else that has access to that network will be able to use a block from the palette you will export.

Instructions to Export a Tool Palette

  1. On the tool palette window, right-click on the title bar or between tool palette items, then click Customize Palettes to open the Customize dialog box.
  2. On the left side, right-click on the palette to be exported, then click Export.
  3. Navigate to the desired folder (maybe on your company's network), then name the .XTP file.

At this point, any one of your co-workers can then go to the Customize dialog box, then right-click in the list of palette names and click Import and navigate to the location of the .XTP file.

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