Contribute a tip, become famous

[CADTutor]

Hello boys and girls. I'm going to be launching the new CADTutor site homepage this week and here's your chance to see your own name up there on the busiest page of the site.

"OK, what do I have to do?"

Well, I'm putting a new section on the homepage called "Tip of the Day" (original eh?). Each day, a new AutoCAD tip will be published and the author will be credited. So, all you have to do is reply to this thread with your favourite AutoCAD tip or trick and I'll add it to the database.

"OK, what information do you need?"

Your tip needs a title, a paragraph or so describing what it is and how it works and attach any images that need to be included. You should also include the name you'd like to see your tip credited to if it's anything other than your forum name.

That's it. 8)

You may enter as many tips as you like but each one must be in a new post.

[CADTutor]

Hmm, OK, so no one wants to be famous :(

Well, you can at least see the new "Tip of the Day" feature live on the homepage now: http://www.cadtutor.net/#tip

If anyone does have a tip to contribute, please do - not that I'm desperate or anything :geek:

[yedan]

ok a tip that has helped me a few times,

The midway point osnap command,

Drawing a line or circle that starts midway between two points is easy enough if the midway point falls on a line or other object but what if it falls in the space between two other objects like say a circle in between two squares like this

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n311/yedan/tuta.jpg

there is an osnap that for some reason is not included on the osnap tool bar, its is called Midway 2 points or m2p for short to use this command start the circle command and before choosing anything else type m2p in the command line you will be asked for the first mid point in my example i use two squares and select the mid point of one side

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n311/yedan/tutb.jpg

you will then be asked for the second mid point select the mid point of the other squares side

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n311/yedan/tutc.jpg

all that is left to do is give your circle a dia or radius

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n311/yedan/tutd.jpg

there you have it, a circle exactly midway between two objects floating in the space between without the need for any construction lines,

happy drawing
andy "yedan" perry

[CADTutor]

Excellent tip Yedan - that one is definately going onto the database - thank you :)

[CromCruithne]

Here's another along those lines that I found whilst customizing toolbars.
Although it's not on the draw menu or even part of the circle sub-menu there is a Tan, Tan, Tan option for circles. I'm not sure what the command line command is, but you can add it to the Draw toolbar easily enough through the CUI interface.

-Crom

[yedan]

crom, wouldn't that be the same as using a 3p circle and tangent osnaps?

[dbroada]

Expanding on this subject, mid between 2 points is now included as one of the standard snaps on 2006.

It appears from watching others work in this office that not everybody knows that shift-right click pops up a temporary OSNAP setting box - ideal for this sort of work!

[yedan]

yes it does indeed and i was one of those that didnt know about the right click box, or at least had forgotten about it, i have now added the snap to my tool bar as i don't use alot of the right hand click menus :)

[CADTutor]

It appears from watching others work in this office that not everybody knows that shift-right click pops up a temporary OSNAP setting box - ideal for this sort of work!

Good one - it's in the database. Thanks

[CromCruithne]

crom, wouldn't that be the same as using a 3p circle and tangent osnaps?
Yes and no. It's essentially the same thing, but when doing machine drafting, a circle tangent to 3 points is fairly common and it's handy to have it right there. Also, I tend to work with barebones Osnap setttings to avoid accidentally snapping to the wrong point. I know folks who keep every Osnap on, but I can't work that. The tan,tan,tan circle might not be revolutionary, but it makes my life easier.:)

=-Crom

[CADTutor]

Here's another along those lines that I found whilst customizing toolbars.
Although it's not on the draw menu or even part of the circle sub-menu there is a Tan, Tan, Tan option for circles. I'm not sure what the command line command is, but you can add it to the Draw toolbar easily enough through the CUI interface.

-Crom

This is a bit weird. I found the Tan Tan Tan option in the CUI editor and even got the macro:

^C^C_circle _3p _tan \_tan \_tan \
But I can't work out how to implement this on the command line.

[WagglyFawn]

Are you trying to keep these tips of the day within a certain skill level?? I've got a few 3D tips that have come in very handy.

[CADTutor]

Are you trying to keep these tips of the day within a certain skill level?? I've got a few 3D tips that have come in very handy.

No, we have users at all levels, so tips could be beginner stuff, intermediate or advanced.

[StykFacE]

Here's my "tip":

AutoCAD 2007 - Where's my old XREF Manager??

To bring up the "old" XREF Manager, you have to type CLASSICXREF at the command line. well, if you want things back the way they were and use the classic XREF Manager as the default, a few adjustments will get you there.

1st go to Tools > Customize > Edit Program Parameters to locate the ACAD.PGP file.
http://www.stuntkingz.com/cad/tutorials/classicxref/01.jpg


Next, scroll down until you see XR, then change it from *XREF to *CLASSICXREF and save. Return to AutoCAD, type REINIT, check the PGP File checkbox and click okay.
http://www.stuntkingz.com/cad/tutorials/classicxref/02.jpg


To change your Menu, type CUI at the command line, go to Menus > Insert > External References... and click on it once.
http://www.stuntkingz.com/cad/tutorials/classicxref/03.jpg


Now under Properties, change the Macro setting to ^C^C_classicxref and you're done. 8)
http://www.stuntkingz.com/cad/tutorials/classicxref/04.jpg

[CromCruithne]

This is a bit weird. I found the Tan Tan Tan option in the CUI editor and even got the macro:

^C^C_circle _3p _tan \_tan \_tan \ But I can't work out how to implement this on the command line.


I had the same problem. I tried any number of ways to use it from the command line and got nowhere. I can only make it work as a toolbar button.
I had been compressing toolbars into short bars with flyouts and added that one on a whim.

-Crom

[hendie]

I had the same problem. I tried any number of ways to use it from the command line and got nowhere. I can only make it work as a toolbar button.
-Crom


Command: c
CIRCLE Specify center point for circle or [3P/2P/Ttr (tan tan radius)]: 3p
Specify first point on circle: _tan to
Specify second point on circle: _tan to
Specify third point on circle: _tan to
just choose the 3 point option for the circle, when asked for each point specify Tangent snap

[Seann]

I like the new front page by the way! Mostly because my name is on it as a top poster for the week! I rule! And thanks for your email for my Birthday today (2/15) got here the day before due to time difference but it was still nice. Any way to my tip:

QNEW:
Have you ever wanted to change your QNEW command or your new button to open a certain .dwt file? Here's how:
-Go to the options menu and select the Files Tab
-Go down to Template Settings
-Select Default Template File Name for QNEW
-Select your .dwt file you want to use
Now when you open AutoCAD or hit the new button this .dwt will load every time.

I got a few more but time to get to work.

[SEANT]

Imprint to Sub-divide Face

The “Imprint” command (Modify-Solids Editing-Imprint) gives the first impression of nothing more than adding graffiti to solids. Upon closer investigation, however, we find that it actually modifies the face on which it is placed.

Here, I’ve created a “Sub-Divide Face” procedure. A line is drawn at the seam and imprinted on the solid.
853
This new face subdivision is then “Extrude Face”ed (Modify-Solids Editing-Extrude Faces) to generate the addition feature.
854
855
To generate this modified part with Boolean operations would not be difficult but, as we all know, speed and accuracy are the name of the game. The procedure describe above can be auto-executed with the command macro:

^C^C_line;\\;_solidedit;b;i;\last;y;;;f;E;\;\\;;

The UI could benefit from some advanced programming, but if one pays attention to the Command Prompts it’s not so bad.

[CADTutor]

Thanks Syk, Seann and Seant; all those tips will go into the database.

Really good tips guys. Keep 'em coming.

[Seann]

AutoCAD Expert:
Are you an expert in AutoCAD? Well according to Autodesk you aren't, well not unless you tell the program otherwise. The EXPERT system variable (default 0) can be changed so that annoying "Are you sure?" commands will go away. Here is the list and what they do: (CADTutor-copied this below from help so I didn't have to re-type it)
0- Issues all prompts normally.

1- Suppresses “About to regen, proceed?” and “Really want to turn the current layer off?”

2- Suppresses the preceding prompts and “Block already defined. Redefine it?” (BLOCK) and “A drawing with this name already exists. Overwrite it?” (SAVE or WBLOCK).

3- Suppresses the preceding prompts and those issued by the LINETYPE command if you try to load a linetype that’s already loaded or create a new linetype in a file that already defines that linetype.

4- Suppresses the preceding prompts and those issued by UCS Save and VPORTS Save if the name you supply already exists.

5- Suppresses the prompt, “That name is already in Use, redefine it?” issued by the -DIMSTYLE Save option when you supply the name of an existing dimension style.

[fuccaro]

This works begining with AutoCAD 2006:
Enter in the command line the first letter of the command you wish to start. Begin to press TAB and watch the commands proposed by AutoCAD. When the right command appears in the command line -press ENTER to start it.
I don't work in this way but I use to play with this from time to time; try it yourself and you will discover that AutoCAD has a lot of commands...
Also you can press SHIFT+TAB to walk back in the list.

[Seann]

Oh yeah I like that one. It is nice when you remember part of the command but not the rest.
By the way, if our tip gets used one day are we going to get told "Hey you tip is getting used today". Just wondering

[fuccaro]

It is nice when you remember part of the command but not the rest.
Yes, but it must be the first part the one you remember. You can enter LI and press TAB until the LINE command comes in the command line, but *INE wil never start the same command

[CADTutor]

By the way, if our tip gets used one day are we going to get told "Hey you tip is getting used today". Just wondering

Good idea. I just re-wrote the script so that the tip author gets an email when the tip is published.

o:)

[CADTutor]

Hey, we've got some great tips so far but we need more to keep things fresh, so post your tip here and see your name in lights... well, y'know what I mean. :wink:

[WagglyFawn]

(Let me know if there's actually a different way of doing this in new versions or if it's at all necessary. I'd hate to post the world's most pointless tip.)

For those of us who choose to keep our 3D modeling to ONE viewport (we may be a rare breed), here is an easy tip to speed things along. On the "UCS" toolbar open up the macro scripts for the X,Y, and Z rotate buttons. Do this by right-clicking any toolbar, selecting customize, and right-clicking the button you want to edit the macro for.

The macros should look like this... "^C^C_ucs _x ".
At the end of this command, add one extra space and save the change. Do this for each of the three UCS rotate buttons. Now whenever you need your UCS to match the plane you wish to work on next, all you do is click!

[dbroada]

I've posted this before and people appeared impressed so lets give it another airing.....

Do you get fed up having to set your fillet alternately to a value then 0 to get a right angle?

You don't have to! Just fillet your lines while holding down SHIFT and the fillet radius value will be ignored.

[AMANDALEE]

Thanks Dave.....Im always amazed at how these simple tips can add up to a smoother flow at work. Now all I have to do is remember them !!
Amanda.........

[CromCruithne]

Very Nice dbroada, I use fillet constantly, so that's extremely useful.

-Crom

[CADTutor]

Thanks for all the tips so far guys. They're in a database and will be rotated. You'll receive an email when yours is published but...

We need more. Let's have your favourite AutoCAD tips - simple or complex, it doesn't matter and you can see by the reaction to the Shift+Fillet tip that we all have lots to learn. :)

[dbroada]

all fresh from being yesterdays "tip of the day" :roll: here's something simple again.

This one is down to our graduate finding something and asking me why I hadn't told him - because I didn't know! If I'm the only one who doesn't know this, I'm sorry - and I haven't really found a use for it yet but

Grips

once you have a grip selected the normal mode is to stretch the grip. Did you know that by hitting enter you can cycle through the modes - stretch, move, rotate, scale & mirror?

I didn't. - and credit for that should go to Georgios Voulgaris :D

[craigp]

My tip to contribute is all about the MVSETUP command.

Basically this command will enable you to print off any drawing to an exact scale on a specified paper size.
If you have a look at the image you will see how to select your image to scale. Below is the steps to get you drawing to scale ready for plotting.


Switch to paper space as shown on the image.
Right click on the paper tab and set up your required paper size / plotter.
Now type in the MVSETUP command into the command line.
Now type S (as circled in red), press enter.
Select the box around your drawing (as shown with the arrow), right click.
Enter your first scale digit (eg For 1 : 100, type 1), then enter.
Now enter your second scale digit (eg For 1 : 100, type 100), then enter.

You will now notice your drawing has changed size, this is because your drawing is now set to that exact scale on the specified paper size. So as long as you print on that size paper your plan will be to scale.

Hope this is useful to someone out there :)

[fuccaro]

Grips again

I use the grip edit alot. Did you know that you can move more than one grip at a time? Select the oblect to make the grips to appear. Hold down the shift key and select as many grips as you wish. Relase the shift, click again one of the highlighted grip and click it's new position. All the selected grips will follow.

CADTutor
This thread is growing up. I would put it in a separate forum.

[fuccaro]

When it comes to dimension a drawing there are a lot of repetitive tasks. For example: I need to put center marks to all the circles and arcs, a lot of linear dimensions to be placed and so on.
If all the centers can be marked at once using a Lisp routine –the placement of the dimensions needs the operators hand touch though.
I changed the button macro for the linear dimension by adding a * before the existing text. Now I start the command and I place as many dimensions as I wish –until I press Escape.
Other commands can be customized in the same way.

[CADTutor]

Thanks to all of you who've supplied tips so far - we've got some good ones... But we need even more. Tips can be very simple - basic stuff that beginners should know about or they could be more complex - useful macros or LISP routines etc.

[StykFacE]

Tip: Extend/Trim commands

While in the middle of either of the Trim or Extend command, you don't have to exit out of one to start another. they're virtually the same command. So if you're in Trim, and need to Extend, simply hold the Shift key and it will convert to the Extend command, and vice-versa.

[Starkey]

Trick for newbies:

Part 1:

Type in aliasedit in the command line to bring up the dialog box that lists the shorthand versions of all the commands in AutoCAD. It's nice for learning/remembering your shorthand commands for imrpoved efficiency.

Part 2:

If you want to create your own shorthand for a command you use frequently that may not have one, then do this;

Go into your AutoCAD support folder. Find the file labeled acad.pgp
Open that (should open into a text editor) scroll all the way to the bottom and under "USER DEFINED COMMAND ALIASES" put in something like this

AE, *ALIASEDIT

Where AE=Your new shorthand command and *ALIASEDIT is the original command function (You'll see similar for the existing shorthand commands above).

[CADTutor]

Great tips Styk & Starkey - that's exactly the kind of thing we need - expect to see those appearing sometime next week.

[hotrodz0321]

Pretty simple tip here....for those of us who keep most of our osnaps on all the time...

Toggle between OSNAPS by pressing the TAB key. For Example: If you have a ‘T’ intersection there is a end point, an intersection and sometimes a mid point. Toggle between the three types by pressing the TAB key.

[CADTutor]

Pretty simple tip here....for those of us who keep most of our osnaps on all the time...

Toggle between OSNAPS by pressing the TAB key. For Example: If you have a ‘T’ intersection there is a end point, an intersection and sometimes a mid point. Toggle between the three types by pressing the TAB key.

Good tip but we already have that one - try again :)

[hotrodz0321]

Instead of selecting objects individually or with a window you can use the Fence option. Try it with the MOVE command. type F then draw the fence line and anything that touches it will be moved...same goes for ERASE, etc......not something i use all the time but it comes in handy every once in a while.

[StykFacE]

Tip: Recieve a drawing that's dimensioned in Paperspace but need it in Modelspace?

Anytime you recieve a file that has been dimensioned in Paperspace over a layout, don't wish death upon the author just yet. use the command CHSPACE to select anything in paperspace and move it to modelspace, while sustaining the correct scale.

[StykFacE]

Tip: Keep your viewport scaled automatically.

Tired of always editing the Scale Text to a specific viewport? Control this by using a FIELD. 1st, scale your viewport. 2nd, create your text. 3rd, within the text box, hold Ctrl+F to bring up the Field dialog box. Select Objects -> Object. Use the 'Select Object' button to select the viewport, when the list pops up use either "Custom Scale" or "Standard Scale". Under 'Preview' select how you want it displayed. Now every time you rescale, do a REGEN and your text will link to the scale of the viewport.

http://www.stuntkingz.com/cad/images/field_scale.png

[StykFacE]

Tip: Looking for a spellchecker in AutoCAD?

Some of you might not know, but there's a spell checker within AutoCAD. just type SPELL at the command line.

[JBullseye74]

TIP - Shortcut to copy an object with a basepoint press and hold CTRL + SHIFT + C. :D

[JBullseye74]

TIP - Sick of your 2 line quick leader? Type LEADER for an unlimited number of lines to your text. :D

[JBullseye74]

TIP - You want to offset onto a different layer? Type OFFSET - LAYER - CURRENT (and make sure your on the layer you want the offset to be) :D

[hotrodz0321]

Probably nothing new to some but might be handy to some noobs here..

You can copy or move objects without being in the command itself.
-To move an object select it once, then grab it (not the grips) and move it to wherever you want.
-To copy an object, select it once, then hold down the CTRL key and grab the object and it will be copied to wherever you want.

[CADTutor]

Great tips guys - thank you. I'll be adding those to the database.

Interestingly, I've learned a few new tricks looking through these tips - what a great idea. :)

[Mr T]

In AutoCAD - Trim

Very simple, yet very powerful

Type Trim, select clicking form bottom right to top left across
all the objects then left click any lines/parts and they will be trimmed
away between any intersections/overlaps.

See Below

[Mr T]

In AutoCAD - STATUS Command

PC running sluggish ? Files loading slowly ? Display going wonky ?

Type STATUS and see what's going on in the machine.



Model space limits are X: 0.0000 Y: 0.0000 (Off)
X: 420.0000 Y: 297.0000
Model space uses X: 265.1952 Y: 106.1651
X: 1592.1646 Y: 814.5939 **Over
Display shows X: 0.0000 Y: 0.0000
X: 1889.1435 Y: 944.5718
Insertion base is X: 0.0000 Y: 0.0000 Z: 0.0000
Snap resolution is X: 10.0000 Y: 10.0000
Grid spacing is X: 10.0000 Y: 10.0000

Current space: Model space
Current layout: Model
Current layer: "0"
Current color: BYLAYER -- 7 (white)
Current linetype: BYLAYER -- "Continuous"
Current lineweight: BYLAYER
Current elevation: 0.0000 thickness: 0.0000
Fill on Grid off Ortho off Qtext off Snap off Tablet off
Object snap modes: Center, Endpoint, Insert, Intersection, Midpoint,
Nearest, Node, Perpendicular, Quadrant, Tangent,
Appint, Extension, Parallel
Free dwg disk (C:) space: 1015.7 MBytes
Free temp disk (C:) space: 1015.7 MBytes
Free physical memory: 161.3 Mbytes (out of 511.5M).
Free swap file space: 685.3 Mbytes (out of 1247.2M).

[Cad64]

Did you know that Layer States can be saved and used to control visibility of layers per viewport? If you create and save a couple of layer states within an active viewport, you can then toggle them back and forth without affecting any other viewports, or model space. The changes only occur within the active viewport.

Try this:
Create a bunch of random objects in model space on different layers. Now switch to paper space and create two viewports so that you can see all the model space objects in both viewports. Now activate one of the viewports and open the Express Tools LMAN layer states manager. Create and save a new layer state. Now close LMAN and freeze some of the objects within the viewport. Open LMAN back up and create another new layer state. All of this must be done within the active viewport. You can now toggle back and forth between the two layer states within the active viewport without affecting model space or any other viewports. You can also switch to another viewport and use the same layer states on it, or create new ones.

[StykFacE]

Tip: Want to maximize your work area as much as possible?

You can use Ctrl+0, or go to Tools -> Clean Screen, or click the faint blue square icon at the very bottom right of the AutoCAD program window to maximize your entire work area. The only thing that will show is your top Pulldown Menu, your Command Line, and/or your Layout Tabs, maximizing the drawing area as much as possible.

If you are a customized keyboard command type of person, the command is CLEANSCREENON and CLEANSCREENOFF so you can easily add it into your ACAD.PGP file complete with your personal Command Alias.

[StykFacE]

Tip: Want an easier way to set properties to blocks in your Tool Palettes?

Lots of people think when you have blocks saved in a Tool Palette, that you have to Right-click -> Properties each individual block to apply custom settings. What if you have 20 blocks you all want on the same setting? just hold Ctrl and highlight the blocks you want within the Tool Palette, then right click on any of the selected blocks to apply global setting(s).

Also, you can hold the Ctrl button to select your 1st block, then hold the Shift button to select the last block, then right click on any of the selected blocks to apply a global setting(s). Makes things much easier than one at a time.

[RFRUSSO]

You know when you have Mtext in your drawing and you want to change it from being justified from the top left to middle center, and when you do so it jumps and you then have to reposition it.

Try right clicking on the body of text and look for the option "Justify". Select that then look at the command line to see what options you now have.

Of course if you change your text from left to right the body of text will shift in that direction but overall text box will not move.

[dbroada]

I don't seem to know any complicated tips but as this comes up from time to time.......

when specifying displacements (move, copy) preceeding your coordinates with a # will go to that coordinate and using an @ will displace by that amount. The default (without symbols) changed between 2004 & 2006.

[CromCruithne]

At the urging of StykFacE, I'm posting a feature that most folks don't know about. New to 2007, I think, is a command called FLATSHOT. It creates a 2D block of a 3d object by projecting the lines of your current view, not UCS, onto a plane. This is a little more versatile than FLATTEN an so far, has never skewed the dimension of the object, which FLATTEN is notorious for. It also has the advantage of leaving the original object as is.

-Crom

[fuccaro]

I use a short lisp to find the mass of the solids. I just select the solid(s) and I press a button I created to start the program. The densities for the materials I most use are hard-coded. The program returns a list -the user must select the value.
Hard to explain; if someone wish to play, here is the lisp:

(defun SumVolume ( / getvolume volume ss i )
(defun getvolume ( object / area )
(vl-catch-all-apply
'(lambda ()
(setq volume
(vla-get-volume
object
)
)
)
)
(if volume volume 0.0)
)
(if (setq volume 0.0 ss (ssget))
(repeat (setq i (sslength ss))
(setq volume
(+ volume
(getvolume
(vlax-ename->vla-object
(ssname ss
(setq i (1- i))
)
)
)
)
)
)
)

(if volume volume 0.0)
(princ
(strcat "\nMAT. DENS. Kg \n--------------------"
"\n" "OL (7.85): " (rtos (* volume 785e-8))
"\n" "Cu (8.96): " (rtos (* volume 896e-8))
"\n" "Al (2.70): " (rtos (* volume 270e-8))
"\n" "CuSn (8.15): " (rtos (* volume 815e-8))
"\n" "CuZn (8.35): " (rtos (* volume 835e-8))
"\n--------------------\n"
)
)
(textscr)
(princ)
)
Oh, and OL means steel
For other materials (or measuring units) -just edit the list at the end of the program. It is not hard at all.

[dbroada]

the 11th already and no new tips this month. :cry:

not really a tip as most regulars already know it BUT it is asked often:-

how do I get my file dialogue box back?

either
set FILEDIA to 1
or
type ~ at the command line

[RFRUSSO]

The command is:

CREATEHLR

What it does:
Enter "CREATEHLR" at the command line. You will be promoted to select an object, after you select your object(s), select an insertion point, and then you will be asked if you would like to insert it into plan view, say yes. and now you have a block.

Other things that this command is good for:
if you want to explode text and you do not have express tools, use this to make a block out of your text and then explode it.:twisted:

try rotating your UCS by 30 deg. on the z and then 30 deg on the y use CREATEHLR to create a block and then you have a block that works as the "front" side of an isometric drawing.

This is not a command that I use often, but the few times I have, it has been gold. Practice it and then stick it in your back pocket for the right time to use it.

[fuccaro]

That CREATEHLR thing sounds interesting but my problem is that AutoCAD 2006 doesn't recognize it. It must be a new command in 2007 or 2008 or most likely an ADT thing:-(
I would suggest to all of us posting tips: let's mention the relaise the tip is applicable for.

[RFRUSSO]

That CREATEHLR thing sounds interesting but my problem is that AutoCAD 2006 doesn't recognize it. It must be a new command in 2007 or 2008 or most likely an ADT thing:-(
I would suggest to all of us posting tips: let's mention the relaise the tip is applicable for.


Sorry about that. Now that you mention it, I haven't tried that command on anything other then ADT 2006. I just learned that one a couple of month ago.

[Cad64]

Right, CREATEHLR does not work in Autocad2007 either.

[fuccaro]

Sorry about that. Now that you mention it, I haven't tried that command on anything other then ADT 2006. I just learned that one a couple of month ago.It's OK, for sure the ADT users will find it usefull

[Gary_W]

To calculate a floor area I used to draw a polyline around the perimeter, then check its properties. I now use the BPOLY command. It works like a hatch and creates an instant polyline! and when used the LIST command you get an instant area and perimeter.

[fuccaro]

The command BPOLY is here from the AutoCAD R12 so probably everybody can use this tip.

[StykFacE]

Tip: Layer Name changes with binding XREF's

Ever wonder why when you bind your XREF's it puts a "xref_name$0$" at the beginning of each layer? try the BINDTYPE variable to change the way this binds your XREF's. the control factors include:

0 - Traditional binding behavior ("xref1|one" becomes "xref$0$one")

1 - Insert-like behavior ("xref1|one" becomes "one")

[StykFacE]

Tip: Edit your scale list to your own personal preference.

type SCALELISTEDIT at the command line to delete or add your very own custom scales for greater convenience when in Paperspace dealing with Viewports. No more searching through tons of scales from AutoCAD default anymore.... and if you need a default scale list - the Reset button is to the rescue. :)

http://www.stuntkingz.com/cad/images/scalelistedit.jpg

[jdkriek]

TIP: Right Click Customizing

Want to display a shortcut menu AND perform an Enter sololy with your right mouse button? A short click for enter while a longer click displays the shortcut menu(s).

Type OP (OPTIONS) and go to the User Preferences tab. Then click on Right-Click Customization (See below)


http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n28/jdkriek/right.jpg

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n28/jdkriek/right2.jpg

[RFRUSSO]

Have you ever wanted to add a light fixture to your ceiling grid hatch? Wish that you could just snap your object to your hatch pattern? Well you can. Set your OSNAPHATCH variable to "1" rather then the default "0"

[StykFacE]

Have you ever wanted to add a light fixture to your ceiling grid hatch? Wish that you could just snap your object to your hatch pattern? Well you can. Set your OSNAPHATCH variable to "1" rather then the default "0"
DUDE.... you are the man... i've always wondered why my OSNAP never did to hatches for when I lay my Ceiling Diffusers down.... lol, awesome. :thumbsup:

[Strix]

To calculate a floor area I used to draw a polyline around the perimeter, then check its properties. I now use the BPOLY command. It works like a hatch and creates an instant polyline! and when used the LIST command you get an instant area and perimeter.Doesn't the AREA command calculate areas for you?

[Exorcist]

I don't know how many of you guys know this one, but I'm pretty sure there are a lot of noobs out there that could learn something from this tip.. :thumbsup:
http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/5884/matchpropicondk2.jpg
Well.. with the Match Properties command - or matchprop you can copy the properties of one object to another. It's a very usefull command, I use it every dat.But you already knew that..
What you probably didn't know is that you can even match properties between you drawings. When asked for destination object, simply press "Ctrl + Tab" or select a differnet drawing from the Window menu, and select an object in an other drawing and... Voila! You have "painted" the object with new properties.. :whistle:

[SLW210]

I don't know how many of you guys know this one, but I'm pretty sure there are a lot of noobs out there that could learn something from this tip.. :thumbsup:
http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/5884/matchpropicondk2.jpg
Well.. with the Match Properties command - or matchprop you can copy the properties of one object to another. It's a very usefull command, I use it every dat.But you already knew that..
What you probably didn't know is that you can even match properties between you drawings. When asked for destination object, simply press "Ctrl + Tab" or select a differnet drawing from the Window menu, and select an object in an other drawing and... Voila! You have "painted" the object with new properties.. :whistle:

You can also select which properties you will match. Once you select the object type in S or right-click and select settings to bring up the Property Settings Dialog box.

[Lazer]

Nice beginner tip when using trim and extend type ex(for extend) and tap the spacebar 2 times, the line will extend to the next line in its way.

[vinod]

Nice beginner tip when using trim and extend type ex(for extend) and tap the spacebar 2 times, the line will extend to the next line in its way.

Also.. type TR and hit the space bar two times..
U can use it for fast trimmming..:shock:

[vinod]

If you want to bring in only the definition of a block,
you can use this...
After the insert command and selecting the file, at specify insertion point prompt, press the ESC key.
You will have the definition in the current drawing. You can use it latter.:roll:

[DavidB]

Are 3ds max/viz Rendering tips accepted too or only ACAD?

[StykFacE]

Are 3ds max/viz Rendering tips accepted too or only ACAD?
By all means, post what you got. It doesn't have to be just AutoCAD, it can be CAD related as well. :)

[CADTutor]

That's right, most people here use a range of software - the more tips the better.

[Lazer]

Hit ENTER to repeat last command.

[Lazer]

New for Inventor 2008 hit SPACEBAR to repeat last command.

[Lazer]

Lots of drawings open, hold CTRL and tap TAB to cycle then.

[CADTutor]

Hit ENTER to repeat last command.

Ah! It's always the simplest ones that are the best. :)

[DavidB]

Using the right-click bring the quad menu but by combining R-click with SHIFT CTRL and ALT you can access different menu

R-Click + ALT = Animation quad.
Coordinate
transform
setR-Click + Shift = Snap option

R-Click + CTRL = similar to the defaul with Primitive Creation

R-Click +Shift +ALT = Reactor Menu

R-Click + CTRL +ALT = Rendering Menu

[DavidB]

3Ds Max -- Quad Menu

Clicking the Title part (darker grey) in the quad menu ( right-Click) repeat the last action

[DavidB]

If you used layer color in your drawing and want to distribute material fast

Use the select by Color Function
when selecting for propagate material.

edit > select by > color

or type in the listener ( the pink window in the bottom) without the quote

"Max select by color "

The cursor will change, then select an object , all object sharing the same wirecolor will be selected.

[DavidB]

Shift + Q quick render 'useful if your screen is too small and you have to scroll the main toolbar everytime)

ALT + Q = Isolate selection . This i use a LOT

[PS_Port]

This is a very simple one

All my standard layers start with "_" eg. "_S-Slab-txt" this way all my
layers come first in the layer manager and the drop down list.
I know there are filters you can set, but this way I dont have to worry.
That is until some else starts doing this...:)

[CADgirl]

In 3D AutoCAD:
If you select an object and then go into the orbit command it will orbit around that one object. When you end the command everything just goes back to normal.

I don't use this that often but it's kind of cool and comes in handy sometimes.

[fuccaro]

Nice one CADgirl!
This is especially usefull when working on assemblies with a lot of components. Select one or a few objects before to start the 3DORBIT command and AutoCAD will hide the other ones during the orbit. It helps to see better the hidden parts.
Also there is a command called 3DORBITCTR. It provides the same functionality as the "regular" 3DORBIT but in adition you specify the center of the rotation.

[dtkell]

Maybe as a reminder to most, AutoCAD does not allow the following characters to be used in layer names;

< (less than)
> (greater than)
/ (forward slash)
\ (back slash)
" (double quotation mark)
: (colon)
? (question mark)
* (asterisk)
| (vertical bar)
, (comma)
+ (plus sign)
` (single quotation mark)

[dtkell]

BURST
Burst is used to Explodes blocks, converting attribute values to text objects.
More over this command will not explode the polylines to lines, mtext to text.
This command will not damage any objects even if you select by ALL.

[CADgirl]

I don't know if I was the only one who didn't know this, probably, but I was pretty excited when I figured this out-
Whenever I'm using MText and I want to end the command I always hit enter but it just moves to the next line. But I figured out that if you hit Ctrl + Enter it ends the command.

[dtkell]

I don't know if I was the only one who didn't know this, probably, but I was pretty excited when I figured this out-
Whenever I'm using MText and I want to end the command I always hit enter but it just moves to the next line. But I figured out that if you hit Ctrl + Enter it ends the command.

Or use TAB to go to the next button which happens to be the enter button.

[CADgirl]

Ya, I don't know why I didn't figure any of this out sooner! I guess it was too easy.

[RFRUSSO]

yOU CAN ALSO CLICK ANY WHERE OUT SIDE OF THE TEXT BOX

[kimkat_tkl]

Tip: Read what is written in the command line.

[Lazer]

In Inventor, use Volt or Design assistant when making a copy of large assembly, you will have options allowing you to control what will be updated and what will say the same.

[ReMark]

AutoCAD: Salvage a corrupted drawing.

So, you opened a drawing only to find it has been corrupted. You've tried Recover but to no avail. Now what?

As a last rsort, open a new drawing and then insert the corrupted drawing into the new one. The insertion will only bring in the main components of the corrupted drawing. Note that this trick does not bring in paper space objects. Hey, I didn't promise a miracle but it sure beats losing the drawing altogether now, doesn't it?

[fuccaro]

Sometimes it helps to do a PARTIAL OPEN from the open file dialog window.

[GE13579]

Not sure if it's been listed before, but a handy one I find is to use the "up" arrow to scroll through recently used commands.

[CADgirl]

I just found this-
hpgaptol
It's really annoying when you are trying to hatch something but it's not a closed shape. With hpgaptol you set a number and if the gap is the same size or smaller than that number it will ignore the gap and hatch anyway.

[Biscuits]

I'm using Acad2008 and just discovered that if I hold down the delete button on my keyboard I can select objects and they will erase as they are selected. Kind of a multiple erase.

[dumfatnhappy]

I'm using Acad2008 and just discovered that if I hold down the delete button on my keyboard I can select objects and they will erase as they are selected. Kind of a multiple erase.


wow...I'm in 2006 and didn't know I could do that as well

thanks!

[Lazer]

In Inventor: just like autocad, read the bottom left of the screen as you sketch or use feature commands, it tells you what to do to carry out the command.

[GhostRider]

Might not fit the topic but I didn't learn this till recently.
Start a macro with "*^C^C" to repeat the comand until you esc manually.

[RFRUSSO]

Have you ever needed to convert Meters to feet? AutoCAD has a built in coverter. At the command line type quickcalc this brings up the calculator. look down twards the bottom and you will see some options, one is Units Conversion

3422

[OCD]

Use point filters to GET or LOCK a coordinate:

GET a coordinate point: Shift+right click--point filters--choose a coordinate point you wish to get.
Example:
1) invoke line command, pick first point.
2) choose point filter .x (or type ".x" at prompt) and pick an x coordinate you desire.
3) pick Y &/or Z coordinate.
* - line should be drawn from your first point to the x coordinate you picked from point filter and a y/z coordinate you chosen.
Command: l LINE Specify first point:
Specify next point or [Undo]: .x of (need YZ):
Specify next point or [Undo]:

LOCK a coordinate point: Shift+right click--point filters--choose a coordinate point you wish to get--@.
Example:
1) invoke line command, pick first point.
2) choose point filter .x (or type ".x" at prompt) and pick an x coordinate you desire.
3) At command prompt type "@".
4) pick Y &/or Z coordinate.
* - line should be drawn from your first point to the x coordinate of your first point and a y/z coordinate you chosen.
Command: l LINE Specify first point:
Specify next point or [Undo]: .x of @ (need YZ):
Specify next point or [Undo]:

Works on move, copy..I mainly use these commands on move or initializing my start point. Would recommend making tool bar, especially for the lock point filter.

[i_try]

select entities to be included in new block definition hit
(ctrl+shift+C) [to copybase] pick apropriate insertion point hit "E" then "space bar" to erase the selection then paste as block (ctrl+shift+V) hit "0" then "spacebar" to reposition the selection back to there original position.

you now have a block with a relevent insertion point exacly were it was.

[RFRUSSO]

If you are pasting some thing into your drawing, you can past it as a block with Ctrl+Shift+V. The block name will be odd to say the least but some times it's worth it.

[OCD]

If you are pasting some thing into your drawing, you can past it as a block with Ctrl+Shift+V. The block name will be odd to say the least but some times it's worth it.

Use the "rename" command to fix block name.

Rename command will work for:
Blocks
Dimension Styles
Layers
Linetypes
Materials
Table Styles
Text Styles
UCSs
Viewports
Views

[i_try]

Use the "rename" command to fix block name.

Rename command will work for:
Blocks
Dimension Styles
Layers
Linetypes
Materials
Table Styles
Text Styles
UCSs
Viewports
Views

A easier way to rename a block is to edit the contetual menu associated with blocks and with attribute blocks.

to do so go in tools pulldown menu select customize-->interface...
then go in Shortcut Menus you will see
---Attribute Block Objects Menu
and the list of commands accesible from it

now you go in command list bellow and clic the new button to add a command for renaming blocks

-for command line type
RenameBlk

-for description line type
Allows user to Rename the selected block.

-for macro paste the following
^C^C(setvar "USERS1" (cdr (assoc 2 (entget (ssname (cadr (ssgetfirst)) 0)))));_-RENAME;BL;(getvar "USERS1")

-for element id type
ID_RenameBlk

you can add an image if you want.

now you need to associate the new command RenameBlk to the contextual menu to do so...

clic the new command RenameBlk and drag it the Attribute Block Objects Menu
do the some for the Block Reference Objects Menu

hit apply

now when you select a block and right clic your pull donw menu has rename block for the selected block
just type the new name in the command line

[CADTutor]

If you're thinking of upgrading your graphics card or buying a new workstation, make sure you check the Autodesk Graphics Hardware List (http://www.autodesk.com/autocad-graphicscard) for supported graphics cards. I recently bought a card that wasn't supported and although it works fine with every other application, AutoCAD just doesn't play ball when things get complicated in 3D. I'll be checking this list in future...

[Geoffers]

3573



Part screen shot of three simple buttons that I have found useful:
set layer 0
^C^C-layer set 0;;



turn viewport off
^C^C-layer off vport;;



turn viewport on
^C^C-layer on vport;;
I would send the button bmps but can't see how to do it...:oops:

[RFRUSSO]

On rear occasions I need to add text to a block attribute that is messed up and wont let me add text that has a space in it. Does this only happen to me?:oops: Now I couuuuld use burst and then just modify the text but rather then that I...

select the block. Right click and select properties. Go down to the attributes section and just put the text you want in the appropriate box. It wont reject the text even if there is a space in it.

[Tiger]

Have you ever used Purge and had to click the Purge All button over and over and over again??

Use the -purge instead and get the command line version - enter A for All - and hit enter when asked for what to purge (the * means everything) and N for No on wheter or not you want to verify everything. And presto! Everything is purged!!

[i_try]

Have you ever used Purge and had to click the Purge All button over and over and over again??

Use the -purge instead and get the command line version - enter A for All - and hit enter when asked for what to purge (the * means everything) and N for No on wheter or not you want to verify everything. And presto! Everything is purged!!

You can use the dialogue box to do the same.

-Just select Purge nested items
and
-Unselect Confirm each item to be purged

or

-keep confirm each item to be purged selected
and
hold "a" button until it ends then hit "esc" to leave dialogue... that's all

[Tiger]

You can use the dialogue box to do the same just select Purge nested items and unselect Confirm each item to be purged

or keep confirm each item to be purged selected and hold "a" button until it ends then hit "esc" to leave dialogue... Voil�*

oh....didn't know that....:oops:

[ChrisRose]

Controls whether to use an additional processor to improve the speed of operations such as ZOOM that redraw or regenerate the drawing. WHIPTHREAD has no effect on single processor machines.

0-No multithreaded processing; restricts regeneration and redraw processing to a single processor. This setting restores the behavior of AutoCAD 2000 and previous releases.

1-Regeneration multithreaded processing only; regeneration processing is distributed across two processors on a multiprocessor machine.

2-Redraw multithreaded processing only; redraw processing is distributed across two processors on a multiprocessor machine.

3-Regeneration and redraw multithreaded processing; regeneration and redraw processing is distributed across two processors on a multiprocessor machine.

[ReMark]

Tip: BSCALE

"Scales a block insert from its insertion point.

Allows independent scaling of X, Y and Z. You can specify final values or apply scale factors."

Found this one under Express Tools (2007), Command Line Only along with a few other gems.

[SLW210]

Tip: BSCALE

"Scales a block insert from its insertion point.

Allows independent scaling of X, Y and Z. You can specify final values or apply scale factors."

Found this one under Express Tools (2007), Command Line Only along with a few other gems.

Here are the rest of the command line only Express Tools.

ACADINFO
BCOUNT
BLOCK?
BSCALE
CDORDER
DWGLOG
EDITTIME
EXPRESSMENU
EXPRESSTOOLS
EXTRIM
FLATTEN
GATTE
JULIAN
LSP
LSPSURF
MPEDIT
OVERKILL
REDIRMODE
SSX
TFRAMES

[StykFacE]

Tip: MSLTSCALE

This is a new feature in 2008+ that allows you to view your linetypes scaled to whatever you Annotation Scale is set to in Model Space. This will keep you from having to change your LTSCALE when switching from MSPACE to PSPACE. Initial value is 0, set it to 1 to activate this command. :)

[LElkins]

EDGEMODE

To Trim/Extend to a non crossing object you must turn on the EDGEMODE variable. To turn this on, type EDGEMODE at the command line and press enter. Then type 1 and press enter. To turn EDGEMODE off type 0 rather than 1.
In the image below, if EDGEMODE is turned off, then when trimming the dashed line from the right, it will trim back to point B. If EDGEMODE is turned on, then when trimming the dashed line from the right, it will trim in line with point A.

[LElkins]

Set new viewport scale

To define the scale of new viewports type PSVPSCALE in the command line and press enter. Then enter the desired scale as a decimal and press enter. Example scales below.

1:100 - 0.01
1:200 - 0.005
1:10 - 0.1
1:50 - 0.02
2:1 - 2.0

Please note that this command is drawing specific.

[LElkins]

Default xref as Overlay

To set OVERLAY as the default xref method, type XREFTYPE in the command line and press enter. Then type 1 and press enter.

[LElkins]

Do you want to turn it into one? <Y>

When using PEDIT and select an object which is not a polyline you will get this message you will be asked if you want to turn it into a polyline. To stop getting this message, type PEDITACCEPT and press enter. Then type 1 and press enter. This will automatically answer yes to the question in future.

[LElkins]

Text is 'fatter'

If your text appears to be 'fatter' on screen, or when printing, than another element of text which has the same properties, then check the Z value for the text. Even if it says 0, it may have a positive Z value, change it to a larger number, say 50 or so, then change it back to 0.

[LElkins]

Unable to open drawing (you have it open)

If you get the message that you can only open a drawing as read-only because you have it open, but in reality you do not, then check in the file that the drawing is, click on Tools>Folder Options>View and check Show Hidden Files and Folders. Then delete any .dwl and .dwl2 files that have the same file name as the drawing. If it will not let you delete them then check with the system administrator because the folder has probably been set to read only, which will need to be changed.

[LElkins]

Unable to open drawing (only Read-only available)

If you are unable to open a drawing because it is in use, and want to find out who has it open, then start a new drawing, or go to a drawing you have open and type WHOHAS at the command line and then browse to the drawing file.

[LElkins]

Items unselectable

If you have items in your drawing that are unselectable, yet you can select other items, then check that layer 0 is not turned off.

If you place items on Defpoints, and then turn off layer 0, the items will be locked and unselectable.

[LElkins]

SCALELISTEDIT

To create additional 'standard scales' in AutoCAD, type SCALELISTEDIT. You will then see the Edit Scale List dialog, as below.

Click on the ADD button, then enter the name of the scale,ie, 1:1250 and enter the drawing units as desired. Note: Drawing Units refers to the modelspace units.

[DavidB]

when you import a DWG in 3ds max using the File Link Manager and your curve aren't curved anymore, load the File Link Manager in the FILES Tab, Click RELOAD;I will Bring the option panel ( make sure you have "show Reload Options" Checked.
Go to the "Maximum Surfaces Deviation for 3D Solids" Spinner.
The lower the threshold will be the more smooth the curve will be.

[dbroada]

I don't seem to know any complicated tips but as this comes up from time to time.......

when specifying displacements (move, copy) preceeding your coordinates with a # will go to that coordinate and using an @ will displace by that amount. The default (without symbols) changed between 2004 & 2006.I'll drag this one up from almost a year ago as I discovered (thanks Cad64) something yesterday. The # prefix only works with dynamic input. With command line input the @ remains a relative and no prefix remains an absolute.

[dacoba]

Does not work for acad LT:(


ok a tip that has helped me a few times,

The midway point osnap command,

Drawing a line or circle that starts midway between two points is easy enough if the midway point falls on a line or other object but what if it falls in the space between two other objects like say a circle in between two squares like this

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n311/yedan/tuta.jpg

there is an osnap that for some reason is not included on the osnap tool bar, its is called Midway 2 points or m2p for short to use this command start the circle command and before choosing anything else type m2p in the command line you will be asked for the first mid point in my example i use two squares and select the mid point of one side

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n311/yedan/tutb.jpg

you will then be asked for the second mid point select the mid point of the other squares side

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n311/yedan/tutc.jpg

all that is left to do is give your circle a dia or radius

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n311/yedan/tutd.jpg

there you have it, a circle exactly midway between two objects floating in the space between without the need for any construction lines,

happy drawing
andy "yedan" perry

[Dipali]

I had posted this as reply to a thread few days back. http://www.cadtutor.net/forum/showthread.php?t=21391
Today when I saw someone's comment on another thread is how people do not post tips any more. so I thought of this one. I will try & post whenever I can think of something.

USE TRUE COLOR TO PLOT COLORED OBJECTS WITHOUT CHANGING YOUR CTB

Say when you click on color setings in hatch or in layer manager, dialoguebox 'SELECT COLOR' will appear. It has 3 options at the top, index color, true color & color book> click on true color, use it for hatch color or for layer color & it will print as it appers on screen with your current plot style eventhough you have set to print all clors as black. the reason is that true color uses cobination of 3 colors & so it doesn't get converted to black in pen assignment based plot style.

[NBC]

true color (sp?) does not apply to LT based products (until version 2009 that is)

[Dipali]

Here is another one. It may not be as useful but anyways.

USE LAYER FILTER when using x-ref
CreatE layer filters for similar layers. for example you may have more than 1 unit plan x-refed into floor plan & all of them contains layer named 'A-WALL' So fif you creat layer filter using *wall* as filter defiantion. you can select all the layers containg wall & change the color. or u may need to freeze them incase of furniture & such things. that way even if you add any x-ref drawing to your file later on you can apply the same settings using filters.
I use it often in site plan & floor plan drawing where I chnage color of some layers to print light. so I creat layer filters for them. and whenever I add any new unit & building to it. I just go to layer manager & select those layers with filter & chnage them the way I want easily everytime.

[Dipali]

true color (sp?) does not apply to LT based products (until version 2009 that is)

:?
I am using LT2008. And it does have true color option.

[NBC]

:?
I am using LT2008. And it does have true color option.
Fair enough.
I'm just going off the blurb that Autode$k has released.

[chrisdarmanin]

dont know if it has been mentioned before but here goes.

double clicking on the mouse wheel to zoom extents

[Dipali]

Here is another one. This has also been posted in reply to one of the threads by me.


MAKE OBJECT LAYER CURRENT

I normally use button "make object's layer current" located next to layer toolbar as shown in image file.
so what you need to do it click that button & than select the object on the layer you want to switch to.:)

[Julie@Integra]

(Okay, I've gone back through the last 12 pages of this thread and haven't seen this one yet. Since it threw me for a loop before I finally figured it out a couple years ago, I think it's worth sharing.)

If you've ever created several viewports on one drawing and get to a point where your latest viewport appears to be turned off (though it's not), and you can't get the contents to display -- unless you delete a previous one on that same drawing -- you've hit your maximum allowed for that drawing.

Increase that maximum using "MAXACTVP". Just type in a higher value than what you'll require for the drawing and the contents of your viewport will suddenly be visible!

[NOTE: I use AutoCAD 2008 but I know that this works AT LEAST as far back as 2000.]

[Julie@Integra]

(Here's another that stumped me for a while... once upon a time) :

Problem:
Can't open more than one drawing for editing at a time (in one session)...

Solution:
Type SDI into command line
Hit ENTER
Type in 0
Hit ENTER

(System variable SDI = Single Drawing Interface) When value is set to ONE, only one drawing can be opened for editing in any given session. When set to ZERO, multiple drawings can be opened at once.

[Julie@Integra]

When I use MTEXT, sometimes the individual lines don't appear to be spaced the same. There's a setting that controls this behavior:

(1) After selecting an MTEXT object, right-click and choose "Properties" from the shortcut menu to open the Properties dialog box.
(2) Find the "Line Space Style" option under the Text heading, and click on "At Least" to scroll/change it to "Exactly".

This makes the distance between all lines equal!

[Julie@Integra]

Ever erase a hatch object, and any other object associated with the hatch gets erased, too?

Erasing a hatch object when the PICKSTYLE system variable is set to 3 causes objects associated with the hatch to be erased as well. This occurs because AutoCAD is instructed to treat the hatch and any associated objects as a single entity. (I call this "Assembly Mode", which is Group Selection).

If you don't want associated objects to be deleted when erasing hatch objects, set PICKSTYLE to 0 or 1 so that AutoCAD treats the hatch and any associated object as separate entities.

Here are the PICKSTYLE options:

0 = No group selection; no associative hatch selection
1 = Group selection only
2 = Associative hatch selection only
3 = Group selection AND associative hatch selection

Also, to toggle quickly in and out of Group Selection Mode (between PICKSTYLES 2 & 3), type CTRL + H at the command line.

[Julie@Integra]

While on the subject of hatches...

Do you want to control the start point of a hatch?

For example: when you're working specifically with brick patterns, you usually want the pattern to start at the bottom so that the full height of the first brick coursing appears, instead of just part of a brick. To achieve this, you can use the SNAPBASE and HATCHEDIT commands to pick a new origin point.

To begin, create your associative* hatch and then enter SNAPBASE on the command line. Press ENTER and select the desired origin point
(e.g., bottom-left corner of selection area for brick patterns).

Next, enter HATCHEDIT on the command line and select the associative hatch pattern you want to redefine (*the hatch pattern must be associative for the HATCHEDIT command to work). When the HATCHEDIT dialog box is displayed, simply click the OK button and the associative hatch re-hatches itself based on the new origin point!

[Julie@Integra]

When I'm really focused on my work, my hands can get FLYING (left hand on the keyboard; right hand on the mouse)! There's been more than one occasion when I suddenly realize my command line has disappeared.

Quick Fix = CTRL + 9

(That's a simple one but, if you don't have it happen very often, it's easy to forget.) :wink:

[Julie@Integra]

Have your favorite OSNAP settings suddenly and apparently randomly "reset themselves"? (There are theories that certain lisp routines can cause this... but I've never looked into it.)

You can quickly get your favorite OSNAP settings back if you create a toolbar button to do so! ("Creating Toolbar Buttons" is a tutorial in itself that I may come back with later... but if you know how, here's what to do with it) :

Once your favorite OSNAP settings are activated, type OSMODE at the command line. The number returned is the sum of your OSNAP values. Remember it and create a button with the macro


^C^C_osmode;<osnap#>;


For example, my favorite OSNAPS yield a sum of 2607...
so my macro is


^C^C_osmode;2607;


Now, whenever my OSNAP settings get inexplicably reset, I simply click this button and I'm baaaaaaaack! :wink:

[ReMark]

In AutoCAD 2009, pressing < Shift > + < W > will toggle the Navigation Wheel.

[ReMark]

In AutoCAD 2009, the eTransmit command Transmittal Setup has a new option for purging drawings. Use this option to make the transmittal smaller when sending via email.

[LCE]

In AutoCAD 2009, to use the Navigation Cube/View Cube, you must be in a 3d shademode, ie. anything but 2dWireframe.

[LCE]

Time Sensitive Right-Click (secondary-button click)

Using time sensitive right-click allows you to set a time delay on your right click.
As an example, I have this turned on with the time delay set to 250 milliseconds.
This means that the action for default mode (no objects selected) and command mode (when a command is active) can be both Repeat Last Command/Enter and Shortcut Menu.
To use your right (or secondary) click for enter/repeat you just do a quick click, to get the shortcut menus you hold the mouse button for the time delay that you have enter (250 in my example).

The only mode that this does not affect is Edit mode (when entities are select with no active command) which I have set to Shortcut menu, as you can access the last command before selecting entities (or press Spacebar/Return/Enter) when you have entities selected. Hopefully this will be added in future releases, but given the time savings from the other modes, this option isn't really a problem.

Access to these settings can be found in Options, on the User Preferences tab, and then click on Right-Click Customization.

This ability, I believe, was added to the 2007 product range.

[CADgirl]

I don't think this one has been said- It takes a while to read 16 pages, alot to forget in that time period! :oops:

To deselect(or is it unselect?) an object:

If you are selecting multiple objects to erase, move, copy, etc and you accidentally select one you didn't want, you can hold down the shift key and click on the object again and it will be deselected.

I use it a whole bunch! :wink:

[razik]

not only m2p, mtp also- this is included in 2006 version

[nemo]

Time Sensitive Right-Click (secondary-button click)

Using time sensitive right-click allows you to set a time delay on your right click.
As an example, I have this turned on with the time delay set to 250 milliseconds.
This means that the action for default mode (no objects selected) and command mode (when a command is active) can be both Repeat Last Command/Enter and Shortcut Menu.
To use your right (or secondary) click for enter/repeat you just do a quick click, to get the shortcut menus you hold the mouse button for the time delay that you have enter (250 in my example).

The only mode that this does not affect is Edit mode (when entities are select with no active command) which I have set to Shortcut menu, as you can access the last command before selecting entities (or press Spacebar/Return/Enter) when you have entities selected. Hopefully this will be added in future releases, but given the time savings from the other modes, this option isn't really a problem.

Access to these settings can be found in Options, on the User Preferences tab, and then click on Right-Click Customization.

This ability, I believe, was added to the 2007 product range.

Great tip. It's in 2005, as well.

[razik]

If u dont know this before, TRY..............:star:
Editing group of MText....
Grip MTexts u want to edit one by one in an order, then go properties, in text pallete, contents u can see one butten right side of contents, click......
U can see what will happen......:shock:

[LCE]

Great tip. It's in 2005, as well.
Thanks. I could not remember when it was introduced, but have noticed a lot of guys, even now running 2009 still do not know about it. I wonder how many other features go unnoticed for years?

[nagesh]

Dear Sir,

I want to add one my autocad tip.
Using copy or move with drag
1. select the object what we want to move.
2. drag that object and press ctrl key.
3. then we can observe that there is + mark at mouse point.
4. we can paste that objet where we want to keep that object.

Thanks,
B.CH.S.R.Nagesh

[LukeCAD]

Hopefully this helps someone, ive been using this site for a while and am very pleased at the chance to give something back after all the help i have received.
I see many people copy things from one drawing to another by using copy by basepoint 0,0 then paste at 0,0 so the objects appear at the same co-ordinates in the secondry drawing, but there is an AutoCad command _pasteorig that does exactly the same thing - paste's copied objects (using the ctrl+c button) to their original co-ordinates, i have this option added as an extra button next to the normal paste.

[LukeCAD]

When using the trim or extend buttons if you right click (press enter) before selecting any objects then all objects are selected and you can trim (or extend) to your hearts content without having to chose the boundaries or re-doing the command. Simple but I found it effective.

[LukeCAD]

If you have loads of lisp as i do then you wont have buttons for every one or at least not every toolbar open so you can load them easily then you will use the appload command (load application) which can be slow. Did you know you can simply drag and drop lisps to get them to load (especially useful if you are duel monitor) i have one explorer window open with all the lisps visable then just drag and drop to load. This also works with blocks, .txt files (which enter as mtext and are editable, perhaps another tip in itself), drawings (same as blocks i suppose) .csv files, .xls files and probably many other things but alas not image files.

[GE13579]

Note: The following is copied and pasted from a newsletter from www.excitech.co.uk (http://www.excitech.co.uk) and I thought it might be of some interest... the link takes you through to an Autodesk site which has utilities available for the clean up...

When a file contains excess scales within the scale list, performance may be negatively affected. Eventually, the file may become unusable. To use the file, some scales must be removed.

Step 1: Prevent this from happening on further files. Nested external references (xrefs) may produce excess scales. To ensure that this problem does not recur, ensure that Service Pack 1 is installed on all 2008 AutoCAD-based products.

Step 2: Repairing already affected files. There is a utility which repairs affected files by removing excess scales from the scale list. It can also be used on multiple files.




Click through for further information (http://www.excitech.co.uk/Refer.asp?R_id=248&cc=em080613c&vj=617099)

[NBC]

Did you know there is more than one way to 'explode' something ?
There are at least three, - EXPLODE, XPLODE, and BURST.

EXPLODE breaks a compound object (e.g. PLINE, HATCH, BLOCK) into its component objects.

XPLODE is similar in a way to EXPLODE, but has the function of the user being able to change the properties of objects whilst 'exploding' them.

BURST is primarily for 'exploding' blocks, and converting the constituent attributes to text objects.

[nagesh]

If we want export bunch of layers from one project drawing to another, then need not to copy entire all objects from project drawing to another project.

Here I given names for orginal drawing is - DWG-01
and another working drawing name is - DWG-02

open layers properites manager from DWG-01 and select layer state manager at top left corner (3rd option) or Alt+S, select NEW button give layer state name as DWG-01 (this name was our wish), then close layer manager window ans press ok button on layers manager. After that save the DWG-01 drawing.

Open the DWG-02 and open layer properities manager, select layer state manager and press import option and select the DWG-01 drawing from our local path and open that drawing, then "select layer states" pupup menu, press ok and close that window.

Now we can obser that the layers are export from DWG-01 to DWG-02.

This tip is by B.CH.S.R.Nagesh

[luther4000]

Here is a little list from my own blog:

How to customize the Break Command to prompt for the first point first. (http://www.cad-addict.com/2008/06/autocad-customizing-break-command.html)

Getting rid of the blue and green selection boxes (http://www.cad-addict.com/2008/06/autocad-avoid-blue-and-green-selection.html)

Copying entities from Blocks or Xrefs (http://www.cad-addict.com/2008/06/autocad-express-tools-ncopy.html)

How many maximum elements show on lists like layer manager? (http://www.cad-addict.com/2008/06/autocad-maxsort-command-or-how-many.html)

How to bring back a dialog box that is out of the screen? (http://www.cad-addict.com/2008/06/autocad-missing-dialog-boxes.html)

Using all the power of the Grips on AEC polygons (AutoCAD Architecture) (http://www.cad-addict.com/2008/06/autocad-working-with-aec-polygons.html)

Disabling selection preview for Hatches (http://www.cad-addict.com/2008/06/autocad-working-with-aec-polygons.html)

Crating inverted XClips (AutoCAD 2008 and later) (http://www.cad-addict.com/2008/03/autocad-2008-inverted-xclips.html)

Shortcut to 3d Orbit (http://www.cad-addict.com/2008/02/autocad-3d-shortcut-to-3d-orbit.html)

Adjusting the maximum Hatch density (http://www.cad-addict.com/2007/11/autocad-adjusting-hatch-density.html)

Sorry to just write links, but I thought that explaining all this again would take me forever

[luther4000]

Note: The following is copied and pasted from a newsletter from www.excitech.co.uk (http://www.excitech.co.uk) and I thought it might be of some interest... the link takes you through to an Autodesk site which has utilities available for the clean up...

When a file contains excess scales within the scale list, performance may be negatively affected. Eventually, the file may become unusable. To use the file, some scales must be removed.

Step 1: Prevent this from happening on further files. Nested external references (xrefs) may produce excess scales. To ensure that this problem does not recur, ensure that Service Pack 1 is installed on all 2008 AutoCAD-based products.

Step 2: Repairing already affected files. There is a utility which repairs affected files by removing excess scales from the scale list. It can also be used on multiple files.




Click through for further information (http://www.excitech.co.uk/Refer.asp?R_id=248&cc=em080613c&vj=617099)

I think running the script SCALELISTEDIT will allow you to get rid of the excessive list of sclaes. Also you can create a Script containing the following
(COMMAND "-SCALELISTEDIT""R""Y""E")
and run it with ScriptPro on a Batch of files.
I Use AutoCAD Architecture 2009 at work and this issue has been solved by adding an option of "Hide Xref Scales"

[chulse]

Ever get bitten by a rougue system variable in a file?
To help me remember what some critical system variables are set to, I added an MTEXT object to my template file. In it I added all the system variables I need to check on as FIELDS. I have the Mtext object on a "noplot" layer.
Now I can easily see (and remember to check) what VISRETAIN and several other critical varibles are set to!

[alanjt]

if you want to make quick blocks of something, move or copy, you can select the desired objects, hold right click and drag, when you let go you will be prompted with a little popup with the options of "move here copy here paste as block cancel" (no commands required to execute).
i use this regularly to quickly make a block out of a set of entities when i'm trying to take a certain object i've created (building, custom shape, etc.) and copy & rotate around in a drawing (then i can just explode all the blocks with the desired filtering option)

[alanjt]

i know someone already touched lightly on the use of -layer in some buttons. however, if you were to type -layer at the command line, you can have all the options that you are given with the gui layer manager and so many more. i always edit my pgp file so la is -layer and since i rarely every use the layer manager, i have it as lay. you can create layers, change color and/or linetype of layers, freeze, thaw, turn on/off (all using wildcards - oh so nice). i have separate routines for these, but if i'm on a users computer that doesn't, it's so easy to turn off all the storm layers by simply typeing "-layer" "of" "*storm*" and entering twice.

here are all the options you have from the command line, i know the gui manager is so much prettier, but the command line is truely the fastest way to go.


Command: la
-LAYER
Current layer: "0"
Enter an option
[?/Make/Set/New/ON/OFF/Color/Ltype/LWeight/MATerial/Plot/Freeze/Thaw/LOck/Unlock
/stAte]:

i despise the slowness of the gui manager, i can make a layer (color, linetype, etc.) at the command line before the manager can even open.

[alanjt]

if for some reason you want to make a copy of something that will overlay itself, you can select your object(s), execute copy (or vise-versa) and right click twice. it will use displacement and 0,0,0 0,0,0 as the basepoint. this also works for move, but it will only move it to the exact same place.

[alanjt]

i'm sure most know these, but they are far too useful not to mention.
if you are in the middle of a command (erase, move, copy, etc.) and you want to select the last object created, or the previous object(s) selected, you can type "L" for last and "p" for previous and it will select them.
i type "e" "l" at least once a day. the "p" is especially nice if you were to move several objects to a spot, then need to rotate them (i know express tools has move/copy/rotate, but it won't rotate by reference), you can then execute "rotate" and type "p" and it will select what you just moved/copied. then you can begin rotating.

[alanjt]

last one, i promise.

if you want to make the most out of your function keys (the especially easy way), you can create a mnu or mns file to load into autocad editing the accelerator keys.
here's is an example cut from my custom mnu file from 2005, i've warmed up to the cui editor, but this is still so much easier with a little understanding.

save a file like this as "name.mnu" and load it into autocad with "menuload".



//
// AutoCAD menu file - C:\Documents and Settings\athompson\Application Data\Autodesk\Autodesk Land Desktop 2005\R16.1\enu\support\custom.mnu
//

***MENUGROUP=ALAN-CUSTOM

***ACCELERATORS
["F1"]^C^CEXCHPROP
["F5"]^C^CPEDIT
["F6"]^C^CDIV

//
// End of AutoCAD menu file - C:\Documents and Settings\athompson\Application Data\Autodesk\Autodesk Land Desktop 2005\R16.1\enu\support\custom.mnu
//

the only function keys i actually use are f2, f3 and f8. the rest are, as far as i'm concerned, open to become whatever i want them to be.

this combined with using the numbers (0-9), the tilda (`), the -, the =, +, comma (,), etc. as shortcuts to functions will increase your productivity 10 fold (easiest thing to do is just edit them in the pgp file) "start" "acad.pgp" will open your pgp file.

as example, here are the numbers from my pgp file:


`, *QLEADER
1, *LC - changes objects to current layer
2, *LS - set current layer based on picked object or typed in name
3, *LF - turn off layer of selected object or by typed name
4, *LZ - freeze layer of selected object or by typed name
5, *EXTRIM - amazing bonus tool
6, *civilpointmodlist - LDD point visibility option
7, *LIST - "li" for me is layer isolate
8, *LayerP
9, *LX - erase all objects on layer of selected object or by type name
0, *MATH - command line calculator

[alanjt]

ok, i lied, but this one is too good not to include

"qlattach" it's an express tool that will allow you to select an unassociated leader and a piece of mtext and it will associate them together taking on all current qleader settings.

[alanjt]

i couldn't resist: "imageframe" if you set it to "2" you will still be able to see the frames of your image, be able to move it around/ erase it, but when you plot, the frames will not plot with it. (the variable is only included in newer version (can't remember when i started) i'm pretty sure i found out about it in 2005 or 2006.


actually, here's the exact wording straight from help:


0 Setting
Image frames are not displayed and not plotted.
1 Setting
Image frames are both displayed and plotted. This setting is the default.
2 Setting
Image frames are displayed but not plotted.




on an additional note, if you are in an active command and hit f1 (or ctrl f1) it will open help and if the active command is documented, it will open the the help options of the active command.

ok, not i'm really done. i have reading to do for class.
later guys.

[LCE]

This may or may not be useful, depending on how people work. Just an interesting 1 that is RARELY mentioned.

Don't you hate it when you need and image, and all you have is a dwf, what do you do?
Well, you could 'print' it as an image, etc, etc, etc.
Alternatively, you can rename the *.dwf file to a .zip and then open with you favourite zip program. You will see 2 folders and a single xml file.
The folders should be called something similar to com.autodesk.dwf.ePlot_etc etc etc and com.autodesk.dwf.ePlotGlobal (although these may vary depending on the dwf printer used).
In this example, the com.autodesk.dwf.ePlot_etc etc etc folder contains a PNG file. Open this file and you will see image that you seen when viewing the dwf.

NOTE: The quality can vary.

[luther4000]

Fast creation of blocks.
If we don't care about the block name, we can select the objects we want click Ctrl + C, then Ctrl+Shift+V and we will paste the objects as a block.

[ReMark]

Under the heading "Dumb Stuff from Old Coots" have you ever used the RENAME command? Did you even know there was such a command? It can be found under the Format pull-down menu in 2007 or invoked one of two ways at the command line by typing either RENAME (brings up a dialog box) or -RENAME (command line entry only).

The user can Rename: Blocks, Dimension Styles, Layers, Linetypes, Table and Text Styles, UCS's, Viewports and Views.

Example: If you wish to rename a block, using the dialog box, just highlight the word Blocks under Named Objects. Look to the right, under the heading Items, and you'll see a list of all blocks in your current drawing. Look near the bottom of the dialog box and you'll see entry boxes for Old Name and Rename To. Pretty self-explanatory at this point. Good luck and better CADDing.

[alanjt]

Under the heading "Dumb Stuff from Old Coots" have you ever used the RENAME command? Did you even know there was such a command? It can be found under the Format pull-down menu in 2007 or invoked one of two ways at the command line by typing either RENAME (brings up a dialog box) or -RENAME (command line entry only).

The user can Rename: Blocks, Dimension Styles, Layers, Linetypes, Table and Text Styles, UCS's, Viewports and Views.

Example: If you wish to rename a block, using the dialog box, just highlight the word Blocks under Named Objects. Look to the right, under the heading Items, and you'll see a list of all blocks in your current drawing. Look near the bottom of the dialog box and you'll see entry boxes for Old Name and Rename To. Pretty self-explanatory at this point. Good luck and better CADDing.

i use rename to change the prefix of layers. S-* (survey) or E-* (existing) to D-* (demo)
great acad option.

[rookie37]

This looks like an EXCELLENT thread. In fact it is so good I wish there was an easy way to print it out.

Can I view all 18 pages on one page in a simple format?

I probably will copy and paste but it will be a bit of mucking around to;
open each page
copy
paste into notebook (to erase all to graphics)
copy for notebook
paste into word
publish my new book of great Autocad tips (just kidding)

[OCD]

In fact it is so good I wish there was an easy way to print it out...Can I view all 18 pages on one page in a simple format?

Show 40 post(s) from this thread on one page (http://www.cadtutor.net/forum/printthread.php?t=11722&pp=40) (THREAD TOOLS - SHOW PRINTABLE VERSION)...still have a little work to do, but graphics are gone and less pages to copy/paste.

[fuccaro]

In your User Control Panel you can set how many posts you wish to have displayed on each page. Set it to 180 and you will have all them in one page.
But after dealing with the copy, I would change that number back to 10 or so!

[GE13579]

This is probably going to get a bit confusing, I also have no idea if anyone already knows this, but...

I just happened upon an instance where I was holding shift and panning with my middle mouse button. This forced my panning to be locked in Ortho mode. I then thought I'd try it with a line- start the command, hold shift and again I get only vertical or horizontal tracking. I have also tried this with Ortho set on, and if drawing a line it will override to give any angle line. I have no idea if this will be of use to anyone, just thought I'd mention it anyway...

[alanjt]

This is probably going to get a bit confusing, I also have no idea if anyone already knows this, but...

I just happened upon an instance where I was holding shift and panning with my middle mouse button. This forced my panning to be locked in Ortho mode. I then thought I'd try it with a line- start the command, hold shift and again I get only vertical or horizontal tracking. I have also tried this with Ortho set on, and if drawing a line it will override to give any angle line. I have no idea if this will be of use to anyone, just thought I'd mention it anyway...

oh man, i love shift pan for getting that viewport just right. holding the shift key down to remove a selected object or to override the fillet radius back to zero are two i use quite frequently.

[russell84]

A great command when designing or drafting is VPORTS in modelspace. Lets you set up multiple views.
You can use this when you are designing or simply drafting. Can have one view to world ucs system and another to a custom ucs etc.

Really speeds up time when you are designing, or when you are drafting in 2 different ucs systems

[SKUI_BREAKER]

1. inputhistorymode = 14
so u can use the arrows to input the previous input instead of the last coords. Back to the way it use to be in autocad 2000

OR TRY THIS (IN MY OPINION THE BEST ADVICE I CAN GIVE)


2. ADD XOPEN TO YOUR PGP

xe, *xopen

xopen will allow you to select xref's and open it for you, even if it is on a locked layer.


3. um.. think about changing 85% of all the command aliases so to the left side of the keyboard so you never have to take your hand-off the mouse (RIGHT HANDED) and never have to look at the keyboard.

ff, *dimlinear
v, *line
vv, *xline
qq, *qleader
aa, *match
tt, *trim and so forth.
a, *laymcur

4. you can now put the command laymcur in your pgp and it actually work unlike 2007 or 06 can't remember.

5. try to assign all your keyboard temporary overrides to require the use of only the left hand and print it out and try to remember them

I use them all the time!!! mainly (shift+S)

OH AND IF YOU DO REASSIGN THEM
MAKE DAMN SURE THE CAPSLOCK IS OFF WHEN U DO
BECAUSE IT WON'T RETAIN THE VALUE when you exit the cui editor. (TRUST ME I GOT PISSED)

Object Snap Override : Apparent Intersection SHIFT+V
Object Snap Override : Nearest SHIFT+S
Object Snap Override : Quadrant SHIFT+Q
Object Snap Override : Parallel SHIFT+F
Object Snap Override : Insertion SHIFT+R
Object Snap Override : Intersection SHIFT+W
Object Snap Override : Node SHIFT+D
Object Snap Override : Perpendicular SHIFT+E
Object Snap Override : Tangent SHIFT+T
Object Snap Override : Extension SHIFT+X
etc........


6. reassign all you ctrl, shift and ctrl+shift right clicks and middle clicks to a command that you can not change on the keyboard but want to have quick access to.

i personally think its best to assign those to snap commands like snap from, and m2p (mid point between two pints)

7. after issuing the fillet command type "C" to make the process of selecting lines faster. just like using window for the trim command

i actually made a lisp to for the fillet command so i always fillet with a window
AND i use ctrl+shift+right click to get to the actual fillet command.
Because even with stock autocad typing the alias "F" has different options from typing in "FILLET" on the command line.
Hense the reason i put the "FILLET" COMMAND ON THE MOUSE, so i don't have to type it all the way out.

8. try using just polar tracking at 45% rather than ortho mode
because it is faster. than tunr off ortho mode

9. change the increment angle to 30 if you draw alot of isometric's
because once again that is way faster than toggling between the axis while in isometric snap mode

i know i have some more stuff to jabb about but i got to run.

10. goto dgcad.com or cadclips.com and download the free tutorials on how to create dynamic blocks. last i remmber they were 5 vids in all. They are not long and trust me they are worth watching. yes the guy has an irretating voice and seems to always say the same things over and over like "the black background" duh i can see the backgound is black .... but anyways it is alot better than buying a book on it or taking a class on it.

11. i want TO talk about fields but i don't want to confuse anybody, but here it goes .
when you create a field you will see the code at the bottom looks something like this.... %<\AcObjProp Object"%lu4">%
well you can highlight that and copy and paste it into a formula (type of field) paste it into the white area of course
and then you can get another field code and paste that into the formula and create a formula that does calculations without the use of a table. i think its cool don't ask me how i figured that out but it works nonetheless.

11.1 which BRINGS me to the point of tables tables

"alt+enter" is the equivilant of "enter" when typing in a tbale took me a while to get that.

are cool although they are hard to work with and take time to make so if you do make one try to make it like a template that you delte from instead of add stuff too.

12. try to stay open minded, and willing to accept change even if it seems more difficult. challenge yourself to learn something new about autocad every day or even change a command alias on your keyboard, try not to settle on any one way to do something, because when something new comes along you will be unwilling to change.

[BOB'27T]

In 2009, there is a new spell check feature. If a word is misspelled, the computer automatically underlines it. All you need to do is right click and it gives a list of words to replace it.

[papagyi]

It is a simple tip to change text to upper case
Select all and Ctrl+Shift+U.

[NBC]

further to SKUI_BREAKER's post above; I wish to clarify a couple of things.
Inputhistorymode; this can be set to a value of 15 if you use Dynamic Inputs.
Typing C after a command has been issued instigates a Crossing, not Window, as was inferred.
There is no difference in the options encountered when typing either F or FILLET at the command line.

[SKUI_BREAKER]

i forgot my fillet command has been using a fillet continuos lisp this whole time (past tense) and that was the reason f and fillet were showing up different on the command line.... my bad!!!

and yes now i realize that pressing "c" is different than pressing "w"

although pressing "c" for crossing polygon while in the command is very differnet than most. In that its is clicked and dragged over an area exactly like the "w" for most commands.

and that makes it is easier to fillet with "c" (crossing polygon) than "W" (window).

fillet continuously works great but it doesn't work well with polylines.

no crossing or window does not work int this lisp
and yes i wish i new how to get it to work on polylines.

; Fillet continuously
(defun c:f()
(setq ln1 0)
(setq ln1 (entsel))
(while (/= ln1 nil)
(setq ln2 (entsel))
(command "fillet" ln1 ln2)
(setq LN1 LN2) ) (princ))

ps. yes i realize that i may have mispelled some word ex. continuous

[luther4000]

i'm sure most know these, but they are far too useful not to mention.
if you are in the middle of a command (erase, move, copy, etc.) and you want to select the last object created, or the previous object(s) selected, you can type "L" for last and "p" for previous and it will select them.
i type "e" "l" at least once a day. the "p" is especially nice if you were to move several objects to a spot, then need to rotate them (i know express tools has move/copy/rotate, but it won't rotate by reference), you can then execute "rotate" and type "p" and it will select what you just moved/copied. then you can begin rotating.
The trick is good, I use it often" but using previous works only after moving, if you type "p" for previous after copying it will select the original objects, not the copied ones.

[luther4000]

XATTACH,
I have it configured with an alias as XA. It allows you to directly go to select the XREF you want to attach, skipping the XREF manager.

[neekcotrack]

You ever get sick of manual switching between windows by going to Windows and picking which one you like to open. Good news, this can be done faster by using the Ctrl + Tab. Hope everyone enjoys.

[neekcotrack]

Have you ever tried to open a drawing, and someone was in it? Well you can type WHOHAS on the command line and it will tell you who has it and when they opened it.

[fuccaro]

You ever get sick of manual switching between windows by going to Windows and picking which one you like to open. Good news, this can be done faster by using the Ctrl + Tab. Hope everyone enjoys.
... and Ctr+Shift+Tab should cycle backward. Usefull to return to the drawing you just left.

[aqther]

I don't know whether this tip gonna be helpful to you guys. but i found it interesting and also faster to create a 3d model.

just after drafting a 2d plan. press ctrl+alt and move ur mouse within the area u want to extrude. it creates a 'region' by itself and then can be extruded. This way u don't have to convert lines to polylines before extruding.

i know i am not clear enough to explain this here... but if u did not get my point pls feel free to ask me again. i will try my best to explain it better.

[antant]

I had the same problem. I tried any number of ways to use it from the command line and got nowhere. I can only make it work as a toolbar button.
I had been compressing toolbars into short bars with flyouts and added that one on a whim.

-Crom

omg, you type "c" for a circle tool to start, then you look at the bottom of the screen and see the "ttr" option amongst others, so you type "ttr" and voila, you are creating a circle using the tan/tan/radius method

[GE13579]

omg, you type "c" for a circle tool to start, then you look at the bottom of the screen and see the "ttr" option amongst others, so you type "ttr" and voila, you are creating a circle using the tan/tan/radius method

I think the original was looking for "tan, tan, tan"... not "tan, tan, radius"... :wink:

[antant]

sorry then)

[succu8us]

ive got all my object snap modes on, what im doing after a command is executed is to hold shift and right click so i can point it exactly to the snapping point. ex. if u make a line and it will snap to the midpoint of another line, just hold shift or control and then right click and the search for midpoint.

[antant]

if you use any kind of snaps alot, just make them always active.
type SE->enter to go to the snap settings and enable all the snaps you use.

[succu8us]

typing also OS to open the snap setting will do

[Attila The Gel]

You ever get sick of manual switching between windows by going to Windows and picking which one you like to open. Good news, this can be done faster by using the Ctrl + Tab. Hope everyone enjoys.

There is a tool for this that makes it easier since Ctr-TAB switches in a specific order?
This tool creates tabs for each opened file! pretty handy if you have more than 3 drawings opened.

Found this on cadTutor don't know where exatctly.

[antant]

shift+space to select between multiple layered objects

[Rooster]

When needing to extend a line in both directions, if you select the line using a crossing box that crosses over the midpoint of the line, it will extend both ways in one go, rather than extending one end and then the other.

[luther4000]

There is a tool for this that makes it easier since Ctr-TAB switches in a specific order?
This tool creates tabs for each opened file! pretty handy if you have more than 3 drawings opened.

Found this on cadTutor don't know where exatctly.

FOr that you just need to adjust the TASKBAR system variable between 1 and 0. One value will keep all drawings in one TAB the other will keep each one on a separate one iin the taskbar.

[antant]

you can non-uniformly scale objects in autocad. just select what you need to scale, block it, go to properties, and enter x/y/z scale values you desire. explode the block and ur done.

[JBullseye74]

Found this little peach....


MTJIGSTRING

Use to customize the MTEXT sample string
(defaults to ABC). Set it to your favorite
Sports Team, pet, etc.

[ykl]

step1:-select the object by using the mouse.
step2:- Right click the mouse button and drag it to required location.
step3:- Release the right button
Option prompts:
copy
move
paste as block
cancel

:)

[wannabe]

Found this little peach....


MTJIGSTRING
Use to customize the MTEXT sample string
(defaults to ABC). Set it to your favorite
Sports Team, pet, etc.


Someone mentioned this but forgot the actual command.

Great for playing tricks apparently :D :D :D

[Attila The Gel]

I accedently found out that you can also multi-copy this way:

Click on a grab point then hold your ctrl-key and click somewhere els! now you can let go of your crtl-key and still continiue to copy.

If you select an endpoint of a line you can stretch-copy this way!

This works better for me.

[Attila The Gel]

FOr that you just need to adjust the TASKBAR system variable between 1 and 0. One value will keep all drawings in one TAB the other will keep each one on a separate one iin the taskbar.

- I hide my taskbar and set it to background so when I go to the bottom of my screen with my mouse the taskbar doesn't pop up. this way i can use my hole sreen.(Taskbar pops up when you press the windows key on you keybord.)
- 4 vertual desktop with Dexpot:

Outlook
Autocad
Internet (CadTutor :-)
Filebrowser- The cl-DWGman helps me out with tabs for each drawind I open.

[RFRUSSO]

If you right click in the mtext window there is an option on that pop up window to set your mtext to "auto-caps"

[AlinOz]

Seeing that Tool Palettes seem to be the flavour (flavor for my US friends) of the month, here's one that can save a lot of setup time.
Problem: I've just dragged in 20 blocks from a drawing in DesignCenter to my tool Palette. Perfect... But I want to automatically insert them on a particular layer, allow them to rotate or carry out any of the other 'attributes' available from the Tool Properties Dialogue. I've just got bored adjusting the first 5 and questioning is it really worth the hassle. Using the left mouse button just wants to insert the Block so I cant use the Shift or control keys to select multiple Tools for editing.

Solution: Right Click on the first tool that you want to select - yes the pull-down appears, but don't worry about that for now. Hit the Shift or the CTRL Key as neccessary (I'll assume you all know the difference between the Shift and the CTRL keys and what they do during selections) and then using the Left hand button you can choose multiple Tools. When you have selected the Tools you want to apply the settings to, Right Mouse click on any of the selected Tools, choose Properties, make the appropriate adjustments in the dialogue an they're applied to all the chosen tools.

Try it, it's a great time saver and ensures consistency between the insertions8)

[AlinOz]

Just been cruising the Tips and Tricks and it's great to see people getting excited about using the Selection Set Tools (C for Crossing, W for Window, L for Last, P for Previous, etc.). Back in my days (oh, I sound like my father), before the introduction of Implied Windowing if you didn't know these, you were up the proverbial creek without a paddle.

Unfortunately, the new crop of up and comers are somewhat nobbled by this new fangled interface with them there icons and dialog Boxes. But, rejoice - Autodesk has managed to maintain a stack of Golden oldies hiding in the background because they couldn't work them into a Dialogue Box (and I think to keep us Old Farts happy too). Here's one you can't do in the new versions of AutoCAD - Edit multiple Attributes in one go.

Here's how: use the -ATTEDIT command (yes, many of the 'old' command prompt based commands start with the '-' in front of the usual command). Its first prompt is "Edit Attributes one at a time" - tell it N and answer the following prompts according to your needs and whallah, you can change all your (for example) acronyms to their full description.

So, there you go, you can be lazy and type in CPU in your attributes all over the place and expand it out to 'Central Processing Unit' in one go.

OK, you guys got me - You can now use the Find Replace and tell it to do the Attributes too! Well, mine was just an example: the -Attedit does a LOT more than that... Have you ever tried to make a script or Lisp trying to use the new fangled version? Guess what it won't work the way you'd like. I have an Item numbering Lisp that automatically increments the Item No in Attributes and it can only work on the old command... It even allows you to change colours, angles, styles... for individual Attributes (think about the opportunity here)!!!

Bonus Tip: Talk to us old farts (we still have a place in the AutoCAD society) and learn by 'playing' with it:oops:

By the way, there's a number of other 'special' things you can do with multiple selected Tools - Delete them, Cut and paste them into another Palette, etc.

[antant]

speaking of using 'my hole screen'


my windows taskbar is hidden and is vertical on the right of the screen, my autocad window is in 'clean screen' mode (ctrl+0) and my saved workspace is enabled, providing the custom monobar with the 6 controls i need, and the 8 buttons that i dont want to map a hotkey to. besides standard hotkeys (e.g. ctrl+x) i use combinations like alt->f->x for 'file exit' or alt->d->u for a 'revision cloud' etc. i also use DYN so that i can hide the console (ctrl+9)

tell me if you manage to free more than that =)

p.s.: this is a fullscreen grab, not a window grab or smthing. this is actually what's displayed on my monitor

[Came]

did you now, well you now but

in autocad you dont have to tipe 0.5 you can tipe .5


i didnt now that

now that you can't use that idea in lips







am learning basic

[abuiman]

thx a bunch indeed

[Biscuits]

In using Acad2008, I've assigned "Midpoint between 2 Points" (M2P)
to my F1 key.

Great time saver and no more annoying "Help" screen pop-ups

[comcu]

A easier way to rename a block is to edit the contetual menu associated with blocks and with attribute blocks.

to do so go in tools pulldown menu select customize-->interface...
then go in Shortcut Menus you will see
---Attribute Block Objects Menu
and the list of commands accesible from it

now you go in command list bellow and clic the new button to add a command for renaming blocks

-for command line type
RenameBlk

-for description line type
Allows user to Rename the selected block.

-for macro paste the following
^C^C(setvar "USERS1" (cdr (assoc 2 (entget (ssname (cadr (ssgetfirst)) 0)))));_-RENAME;BL;(getvar "USERS1")

-for element id type
ID_RenameBlk

you can add an image if you want.

now you need to associate the new command RenameBlk to the contextual menu to do so...

clic the new command RenameBlk and drag it the Attribute Block Objects Menu
do the some for the Block Reference Objects Menu

hit apply

now when you select a block and right clic your pull donw menu has rename block for the selected block
just type the new name in the command line


Hi,

Just to take the above a little further, paste the code into a button or hot key and you will be able to select the items you want as a block, hit enter, select the point you want to insert the new block, you then select the newly created block via a crossing window and then you are asked to rename the block to a new, understandable name. the whole process takes about 2 - 3 secs.



^C^C_select;\_copybase;\P;;_pasteblock;\\\^C^C(set var "USERS1" (cdr (assoc 2 (entget (ssname (cadr (ssgetfirst)) 0)))));_-RENAME;BL;(getvar "USERS1")


i tried to stream line it by using the select, last command but could get the thing to work!

cheers

Col.

[ReMark]

Sometimes you have to pull out the big guns. Troubleshoot problems with AutoCAD by starting it in Windows diagnostic mode. This works for later releases 2005 - 2009 including LT. This link, from the AutoDesk website, will tell you how to do it.

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/item?siteID=123112&id=6453117&linkID=9240817

[bdsmoot]

I may be an AutoCAD newbie, but I recently discovered something useful that I wanted to share:

I recently upgraded to AutoCAD LT 2010. Upon using it, I discovered that dwg files I've attached to a drawing through "xattach" were suddenly very dark, as if they were under the lock status. I did some digging, and discovered the XDWGFADECTL variable.

You can set that variable from -90 to 90. 90 makes your attachments incredibly dark. -90 through 0 eliminates any fading on your attachments.

[Zorg]

I may be an AutoCAD newbie, but I recently discovered something useful that I wanted to share:

I recently upgraded to AutoCAD LT 2010. Upon using it, I discovered that dwg files I've attached to a drawing through "xattach" were suddenly very dark, as if they were under the lock status. I did some digging, and discovered the XDWGFADECTL variable.

You can set that variable from -90 to 90. 90 makes your attachments incredibly dark. -90 through 0 eliminates any fading on your attachments.


Been using CAD properly for 3 years and didn't know this ^^

Cheers dude :lol:

Z

[Ryder76]

Don't know about yal, but I got really tired of right clicking and selecting multiple when I use chamfer or fillet. So in the cui change the command to look like this...

^C^C_chamfer;u;
^C^C_fillet;u;

[dusko]

if you select object and then select one of the objects node (node become red), every time you hit SPACE BAR it will change command in this order: MOVE, ROTATE, SCALE, MIRROR, STRETCH.
it is mucho faster to use this to modify object!

[AlinOz]

Just for some terminology clarification (so that we CADdies can understand what you're trying to say), those 'Objects Node's you refer to are technically called 'Grips'...

[dusko]

yes!
thank you for "correction" :)

(user of AC 2006)

[Lee Mac]

Fun Tip: Want to personalise the MTEXT insertor?

Change the setting of the MTJIGSTRING sys var :P

[Pioneer_00]

you can use this command to cut everything that is related with something.
First of all Pick a POLYLINE, LINE, CIRCLE, ARC, ELLIPSE, IMAGE or TEXT for cutting edge then pick on the place you don't need the objects.

http://h.imagehost.org/0477/EXTRIM.gif

You will have all the objects cut.

[DVDM]

Ok, this is a Windows tip, but looking at most screenshots posted on this forum, I think many would find it useful:

We all know how the PrtScrn button takes a screenshot of your whole screen including taskbar to your clipboard.
Now try Alt + PrtScrn; this takes a screenshot of just the active window (your application, an error message, dialogue box). No cropping or messing about required in Paint/Word!

[Lee Mac]

On that subject, - when screenshotting from ACAD, the shots will look clearer if saved as either GIF or PNG over JPG, due to the sharp pixel contrast that ACAD pictures normally have. :thumbsup:

[KnoJa31]

Might be useful!!

I made the mistake of showing Datalinks to management and they loved it.
I found that inserting a table with a lot of information and formatting the system freezes when trying to browse for the file.
What i do is open a windows explorer where the file resides (ensuring not to open the file), Then i start to browse for the file through the Datalink window, when the program hangs go to the window explorer where the file is and double-click. For some reason it frees up AutoCAD and the file can be added.
Also, when the datalink is large i turn all of the previews off (ensuring i know what ranges or sheets i need).
This has made my life a lot easier and it actually works!!

[alanjt]

If you hold the control key down and double-click on an attribute, it will open a single line editor, for just that one attribute.

[bjenk8100]

Well,

I learned there is a free way to send dwg's to people over email for free and all but this is a valuable resource for all file types.

If you dont know you can go to cutepdf.com and download it. It makes itself a printer but it does not print it reads as a print only file and creates a file for you in pdf version for free. Very easy and universal in the all industries.

[ReMark]

Show or hide the Menu Bar in AutoCAD 2010 by clicking on the arrowhead at the end of the Quick Access Toolbar (QAT) in the upper left-hand corner of your screen. Show Menu Bar is the second item up from the bottom of the drop-down list. No more typing MENUBAR=1 (or "0").

[todouble22]

Here's a handy tip if some of you are like me and don't like a cluttered desktop. You can define shortcut keys to start programs by right clicking on the icon and assign shortcut keys to them. I've assigned mine for programs that I always use so I can start them anytime without having to go back to my desktop. Here is an example for Autocad.

18126

[todouble22]

Besides modifying command aliases in your pgp file you can add external commands to start programs within Autocad. Follow the same format used for the default ACAD.PGP commands. You can even go directly to this CADTutor site. Here is an example:

CT, start iexplore www.cadtutor.net/ct (http://www.cadtutor.net/ct) 1, ,

*then you will be able to launch the CADTutor website directly from within Autocad.

[Fire_col]

I've found this useful in the past. If your drawing is running slow when switching between layouts then run the command '-scalelistedit' type r, enter, and then exit, also turn 'off' all unneccessary viewports and you'll find it cycles through much quicker as there is less information for CAD to process.

[alanjt]

I've found this useful in the past. If your drawing is running slow when switching between layouts then run the command '-scalelistedit' type r, enter, and then exit, also turn 'off' all unneccessary viewports and you'll find it cycles through much quicker as there is less information for CAD to process.
You should put the following in your acaddoc.lsp file.

(command "_.-scalelistedit" "_r" "_y" "_e")

[Fire_col]

Cheers Alan I already have that set-up, was just posting the long hand command for those who didn't already know.

[alanjt]

Cheers Alan I already have that set-up, was just posting the long hand command for those who didn't already know.

Good deal. Just making sure. :)

[erratic]

Or use TAB to go to the next button which happens to be the enter button.

OR.... simply "click" anywhere that is outside of the MTEXT dialogue box to end the command
:D

[alanjt]

OR.... simply "click" anywhere that is outside of the MTEXT dialogue box to end the command
:D
or Control+Enter.

[erratic]

on the topic of using the @ or # symbol for displacement when moving, copying, etc - just drag your cursor in the direction that you want to go and enter the distance value - its mostly useful if you have ortho set or polar turned on as it will move at whatever angle you are dragging your cursor... try it out - I find it very handy as I used to go with the old "move" "@12,0" now its just "move" [slide cursor] and enter your distance... very handy, hope you all find it as useful as I have.

[erratic]

here's another little tid bit... for those of you who actually take the time to manage the visability of your viewports with a layer - regarding plotting - just place them on layer defpoints (it doesn't plot remember) pretty simple - it doesn't really make sense to have a specific layer for viewports that you have to toggle the visibility for when you want it on to size it and off for plotting... no?

[alanjt]

here's another little tid bit... for those of you who actually take the time to manage the visability of your viewports with a layer - regarding plotting - just place them on layer defpoints (it doesn't plot remember) pretty simple - it doesn't really make sense to have a specific layer for viewports that you have to toggle the visibility for when you want it on to size it and off for plotting... no?
http://www.cadapult-software.com/article_info.php/articles_id/28

[erratic]

http://www.cadapult-software.com/article_info.php/articles_id/28

well I must say that that just isn't true... I've been freezing layer defpoints and doing regens for years and have never experienced a crash related to what that article speaks of... not to mention - the whole point of what I was referring to was to have a layer that you did not have to toggle (or create) - just leave it on... why bother turning something off/ freeze it when its not going to plot anyway??? simply a wasted step... and yes I realize how to make a non-plot layer, but eliminating steps and reducing the number of keystrokes per day to accomplish your usual tasks should always be your goal for improving your CAD skills... IMHO
8)

[MikeScott]

3d Rendering Tip (works in AutoCAD version 2004, maybe earlier)

Hate not knowing how your materials (especially tiled materials) are going to display on a rendering, and not knowing if you remembered to attach materials to all the objects, BEFORE waiting for a 2-hour render?

If you want to view your materials applied onto your 3d shapes in REAL TIME, and you have at least a decent video card by today's standards, you can turn them on with the shade command. Go to "View" --> "shade" and select either "Flat shaded" or "Gouraud shaded" (with or without edges) from the menu.

If at that point you don't see your materials on your surfaces, you either haven't attached them yet, or you're still using software rendering, which is the default.

To fix that, you need to go to
"Tools" --> "Options"
Then Select the "System" tab from the tabs across the top.

In the upper left, you'll see an entry for "Current 3d Graphics Display" Choose the "Properties" button right next to it.

On the righthand side, you want to put a check into the following boxes:
"Render Options"
"Enable Lights"
"Enable Materials"
"Enable Textures"

In the Acceleration section, choose "Hardware" and the driver should be wopengl8.hdi

I would also check
"Use geometry acceleration (single precision)"


No more checking every surface with SETUV to see how the renderer is going to apply your materials relative to the World UCS.

No more starting the rendering as you leave work, only to come-in the next day to find that the render you need to send-out that morning doesn't have everything textured.

Discovering this has saved me literally hours of render time. Any modifying you do to the material maps will take affect as soon as you close the materials box.

[alanjt]

well I must say that that just isn't true... I've been freezing layer defpoints and doing regens for years and have never experienced a crash related to what that article speaks of... not to mention - the whole point of what I was referring to was to have a layer that you did not have to toggle (or create) - just leave it on... why bother turning something off/ freeze it when its not going to plot anyway??? simply a wasted step... and yes I realize how to make a non-plot layer, but eliminating steps and reducing the number of keystrokes per day to accomplish your usual tasks should always be your goal for improving your CAD skills... IMHO
8)
I understand what you were trying to convey. I used to put my viewports on the Defpoints layer until I read something about avoiding it in newer versions, as it would/could cause problems. It's no real difference, I have our template setup with the layer and it is non-plottable. Hell, I even wrote a reactor for us to automatically place created viewports on our 0-VIEWPORT layer, just to avoid having to worrying with setting a different layer before/after creating them. If you haven't had any problems then that's great. We made the switch just as a precaution. It wasn't any big change-over, so it was a simple task of a change.

[Ryder76]

Found this little peach....


MTJIGSTRING
Use to customize the MTEXT sample string
(defaults to ABC). Set it to your favorite
Sports Team, pet, etc.


There is a ten letter & space limit, but fun nonetheless. Found it that by trying to make mine show "Random Crap" and all I got was "Random Cra" :lol: