keeping the same command active without having to keep retyping it

[Brian]

Hey, I have another newbie question. How do I keep a command active? For instance, say I want to draw a line. First I pick line, or type "line" into the command window, then I pick the start point, then the end point of the line. Now I can continue to draw more lines, but the starting point of the second line has to be at the ending point of the first line, unless I hit "enter" and then retype "line" into the command window. What if I want to keep the line command active, but draw a second line that doesn't touch the first line at all? I know it sounds simple, but that kind of thing would save me a ton of time.

Also, I have the same problem using the "offset" command. Say I want to make a second line parallel to the first line by a certain distance. First I click the original line, then I type "offset", then I enter the distance (say 1.275), then I click which side I want to put the new parallel line on. It then creates a parallel line at 1.275 units away from the first line. That's the easy part. BUT, now say I want to make another parallel line, which is parallel to the first line, but at a distance of 1.850 units away. Right now I have to hit "esc", then redo the offset process.

I know these things seem minor, but sometimes I create drawings that uses the offset command over 100 times. If I could just keep the command open, and not have to keep retyping "offset" everytime, it would make things move much quicker. I was thinking that there may be some kind of hot button that does just what I'm looking for, but for all commands. I was just wondering if this was possible. Thanks in advance.

[lpseifert]

Try typing Multiple before your command, e.g. Multiple [enter] Line [enter]. Also, instead of typing Offset over again, just hit the spacebar [or enter] to start the command again.
You can use Aliasedit to edit your .pgp file to make an alias of MU to = Multiple, O = Offset etc. to cut down on the keyboard entry.

[GE13579]

Depending on your right click settings, you can make it so that you right click to enter, which ends the command, then you can right click again to reinstate the last command. This will work for offset and any other command if you have your right mouse button set up that way.

The other method is to press the up arrow cursor and it will scroll through all of your last used commands, starting with the most recent.

[Brian]

You guys are both geniouses!!! I tried the multiple command, and that did exactly what I was talking about.

Also, I didn't know that you could change the right mouse button settings. I'm going to have to set that up to my custom settings.

I appreciate it fellows. Thanks a lot.

[GE13579]

...Also, I didn't know that you could change the right mouse button settings...

For reference, Assist- Options- User Preferences- Right-click Customization...

[Brian]

How long have you been using AutoCAD for anyway?

I've been working with CAD for almost 3 years now, so I understand the basic concepts (trim, modify, drawing tools, layers, etc...), but I'm still having trouble doing exactly what i would do on CADkey in seconds without even thinking about it.

[GE13579]

Not too long... about 7 months in a work environment, but I taught myself for about 6 months prior to that on my Dad's PC. Most of what I've learned has come from this site to be honest- just reading all the questions and replies, although we have quite a few gurus at work too. :)

On that basis... My knowledge is nowhere near a lot of the members of the forum, but I like to try and help out where I can o:)

[Brian]

Ya, I hope to be in your boat too soon. I learn a lot from forums by reading and replying. I taught myself CADkey over the past couple years, but that was nothing compared to autoCAD '08.

[mahahaavaaha]

Hi,

maybe I'm simple (or rather oldfashioned) but as my left hand mostly just lies there, I use it to press the spacebar to end a command (ENTER) and again to get the same command to repeat (ENTER)...



Command: l [SPACE]
LINE Specify first point:
Specify next point or [Undo]:
Specify next point or [Undo]:[SPACE][SPACE]
Command: LINE Specify first point:
Specify next point or [Undo]:
Specify next point or [Undo]:
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]:[SPACE][SPACE]
Command: LINE Specify first point:
Specify next point or [Undo]:
Specify next point or [Undo]:[SPACE]
Command:
....and so on


/the CAD-Dinosaur

[ReMark]

With very little programming knowledge one can edit the CUI to make a command repeat continuously until it is actively cancelled.

[Alan Cullen]

C'mon ReMark,

We all know the CUI is a bit of a mine field. I'm still trying to come to grips with it after 3 years. But it is fun learning. :twisted:

I just keep hitting ENTER, RH mouse button, to repeat commands. :lol:

[SLW210]

You can also modify the button commands to repeat by placing an * at the beginning of the Macro. Right-click any toolbar and select "Customize" and scroll to the command to be modified and select. Expand the CUI to the right by clicking the arrow at the bottom right and under Command>Macro add the * to the front of the Macro. Example: *^C^C_line

[Brian]

You guys are scaring me here.

[phillion]

I guess I too am old fashioned.
I use 'Esc' to end and spacebar to repeat.
Actually I pound the Escape key many times, just to make sure.

[Brian]

Yup the space bar thing works too. It just gets easier and easier every time I read a new post.

[dumfatnhappy]

I recently took a new job and had to give up my tablet (remember those?) (although I'm not done with that fight) well I might as well have cut off one hand by losing those 16 buttons. Never realized how bad/slow a typist I am until now. (argg) (esc. esc. esc.)

[SLW210]

I recently took a new job and had to give up my tablet (remember those?) (although I'm not done with that fight) well I might as well have cut off one hand by losing those 16 buttons. Never realized how bad/slow a typist I am until now. (argg) (esc. esc. esc.)

Learn to create your own custom buttons and tool pallets, you will soon forget about that tablet. You can customize your right-click menus as well.

[jules_s]

I fear I may have worn out my space bar at work.....and my left thumb :roll:

IIRC doesn't grip editing make it real easy to draw multiple lines from a single point?

[dumfatnhappy]

Learn to create your own custom buttons and tool pallets, you will soon forget about that tablet. You can customize your right-click menus as well.

I like the idea of customizing the right click, it's still one more click (plus have to 'look' for the command) but I quess it's as close as I'll get to perfection (i.e. those 16 wonderfull buttons) 8) I'll tear into that next.

thanks!