Can autocad automatically create detail views?

[ammobake]

Usually what I do is this.

1. draw a circle around the area I want to show the detail of.
2. draw a larger circle for the detail view.
3. Convert the larger circle to a viewport.
4. locate the viewport over the area I want to show in the detail and scale the viewport to the standard scale i want.
5. draw a line to connect the 2 circles.
6. label the detail view how I want and add all applicable dimensions and callouts in paper space over the detailed content.

I always make sure that the smaller circle signifying the detailed area of the layout is directly proportional to the larger one and how it lines up with the rest of the drawing (so that it looks pretty).

But this is more or less a manual way of setting up a simple detail view.

Is there any way autocad can automatically create a detail view like the one I use so that I don't have to do it all manually each time? I've searched in the autocad help menu but there isn't anything coming up under "detail", "detail view", or "drawing detail". I don't think there is but I thought i would ask. Thanks!

-ChriS

[rkmcswain]

Nothing automatic in AutoCAD.

This is what I have done before. It looks pretty similar to what you are doing.
http://cadpanacea.com/node/10

I think we may have even automated this with lisp.

[CADMASTER1128]

Not details, But I am able to create wall sections in AutoCAD Architecture 2008

[JD Mather]

Is there any way autocad can automatically create a detail view like the one I use so that I don't have to do it all manually each time?

Autodesk Inventor

[Patrick Hughes]

Autodesk Inventor

LOL now that was funny.

[ReMark]

Autodesk Inventor

What's so funny?

Need detail.
Stop work.
Call authorized reseller.
Get price quote.
Go see boss.
Try to convince boss to spend $$$$ for Inventor.
Boss laughs then asks, "In this economy? What are you, nuts?"
Try again.
Boss snickers.
Try yet a third time.
Boss's ears start spouting steam. Face turns red.
Smile meeky. Shrugs. "Well?"
Boss's reply: "Get back to work or pack up your stuff."
One last try. "Can I get another $$$$ for training and the time off as well?"
Boss points at door. "OUT!"
One very last attempt. "Is that a definite no?"

[Patrick Hughes]

Anyone else notice that ammobake's avatar looks like the face of a mouse? (I'm not picking on you Chris)

Actually, I've got a lisp program that does essentially what you want but it does not create a circular viewport, just scaled objects in model space. I can share it if you like, however it might require a support file that I use.

[JoeC]

If you don't want to purchase Autodesk Inventor, Autocad Mechanical has a nice detail command...all automatic! Its ONLY money!

[MFish]

The new AutoCAD Mechanical 2010 has a new Automatic detail feature. It works very smoothly and easily. It might be cheaper than upgrading fully to Inventor

[RickAstoria]

I think Revit can do something on that end.