Michael’s Corner

Michael'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…

From the Vault

Originally published September 2007

Copy with Basepoint

This has been around for awhile, but just in case anyone missed it, here's how to copy objects easily from Drawing A into Drawing B… and specify a basepoint on the objects being copied.

Before You Begin… This procedure requires that the variable PICKFIRST be set to 1. Every now and then when folks try this and can't make it work, I find that their Pickfirst variable was set to 0.

Also… If you are in the habit of clicking the Minimize button for a drawing, the "tiling" of the drawings cannot take place. Maximize the drawing, then try WindowTile Vertically again. Then stop using that Minimize button and try that handy process of CTRL + TAB to cycle between open drawings!

And Finally… Your Right-click Customization, OptionsUser Preferences needs to have the right-click setting for the Edit Mode set to Shortcut Menu.

Instructions to Use the Copy with Basepoint Feature

1. First, you will need to have two drawings open. Now to up to the Window menu, then click Tile Vertically so you can see the two drawings side-by-side.
2. In Drawing A, select the objects to be copied. If there are less than 100 grips, you will see them. If there are more than 100 grips, you won't. The maximum number of grips setting can be adjusted in OptionsSelection tab.
3. Right-click in that drawing where you selected the objects, then click Copy With Base Point. If the grips are displayed you can specify one as the base point, or you can use your object snap method of choice.
4. Now click in Drawing B, then you can either click Paste on the Standard toolbar or use CTRL+V to paste the selected objects into the target drawing… and you will see that your cursor is attached to the specified base point.

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