How do you use AutoCAD?

[rkent]

rwhitt0724 - I agree with you, I don't use it as there are better ways to get around in 3D.

[Patrick Hughes]

Alex,

I have a similar approach where I like as much screen area as possible. Here's a couple of things I do.

I auto hide windows task bar.
I reduce the command line to 1 line and simply F2 when I need more info.
I use a dual monitor with AutoCAD on my left (main) monitor. On the second monitor I have the aerial view always on which allows for super fast zooming.
My graphics card allows for easy switching to multiple desktops so I have several set up and open "outside" programs on other sesktops. This eliminates the need to minimize/maximize windows.

[StykFacE]

rwhitt0724 - I agree with you, I don't use it as there are better ways to get around in 3D.

Rkent, this comes as a surprise to be honest. I figure you would be one who utilizes and loves the Navigation Cube. Simply out of curiosity, what are some of your ways you find better than the Nav Cube?

[rkent]

I keep the ribbon on and minimized as I find more and more uses for it.
I have several toolbars at the bottom and along the sides for customized
macros, etc. I keep some toolbars and palettes on the second monitor
along with the command line window. If I need a bigger screen I will
use my custom clean screen work space as the built-in one eliminates too
many tools for my use. With a work space I can have a few toolbars that
are needed all the time.

I have an ACADDOC.lsp file that loads my needed programs, (many through
the Autoload function, this also loads a lisp file I call Qkeys.lsp and
Settings.lsp. The Qkeys.lsp loads any alias commands I need and I don't
modify the acad.pgp file as it seems redundant and a waste of time to
maintain two files when one will do, and you can do a lot more in the
lisp file compared to the PGP. The Settings file has lots of sysvars
that I like to have set with each session.

I have a folder C:\ACAD and I keep all my lisp files in this location.
Under this folder I have C:\ACAD\LLL\XXXXX, with XXXXX being different
named folders like TEXT, PLINES, MODIFY, DRAW, etc. holding lisp routines
for those functions, making them easier to find when I am looking for one.

I use Design Center quite a bit so I keep it on the second monitor and
have my template defined for the home icon. I can quickly go there to
pull layers, multileader styles, etc. into any drawing that doesn't have
those already in it.

[StykFacE]

If I need a bigger screen I will use my custom clean screen work space as the built-in one eliminates too many tools for my use. With a work space I can have a few toolbars that are needed all the time.

Never thought of this. Great tip!!!

[rkent]

Hi Tanner,

I use a combination of quick keys for the various views, SE for SouthEast, TV for top view, RV for right, etc. I use 33 for 3dforbit (free orbit) which I like a lot for arranging a model off of the assigned views. Finally I have the view tool bar set up to let me quickly pick one of the assigned views, see attached.

For me I find the Navvcube gets in the way, is slower to use and requires more accurate picks which takes my focus off of the design and onto the function of making the program work.

To each their own.

[alanjt]

Man, am I the only user left that still uses/displays the commandline?

[rkent]

Man, am I the only user left that still uses/displays the commandline?

I still use it, it is on the second monitor, although I am trying to use Dynamic Input more and more.

[BlackBox]

Man, am I the only user left that still uses/displays the commandline?

Nope... I keep mine undocked, five lines shown + Command:, hovering the title block logo (which is populated by Fields + SSM Properties), +/-40% transparency. F2 when I want full view, and (textpage) is built-in to my "dump" functions for when I query Object Properties, Entity Data, etc.

[StykFacE]

Hi Tanner,

I use a combination of quick keys for the various views, SE for SouthEast, TV for top view, RV for right, etc. I use 33 for 3dforbit (free orbit) which I like a lot for arranging a model off of the assigned views. Finally I have the view tool bar set up to let me quickly pick one of the assigned views, see attached.

For me I find the Navvcube gets in the way, is slower to use and requires more accurate picks which takes my focus off of the design and onto the function of making the program work.

To each their own.

Ah, I see. I used to use the View toolbar, granted not in the same orientation you have (which I love BTW). I will definitely agree that your way can be a much quicker way, but the Nav Cube is something I personally adopted immediately. I'm usually not like that which is kinda funny.