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The Tutorials section provides over 100 original tutorials for AutoCAD, 3ds Max and other design applications. Michael’s Corner is an archive of productivity articles that brings you the best AutoCAD tips and tricks. Our Forum is a lively community where AutoCAD users can ask questions and get answers. The Downloads area provides free AutoCAD blocks, free AutoLISP routines and free images.
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AutoCAD Productivity
Drawing Information
From: AutoCAD Productivity Articles #137
Originally published: December 2014
For billing purposes, it's nice to know how long you have spent working in a drawing. To that end, the Time command may be a helpful resource, especially given the elapsed time feature that can be toggled ON and OFF, and can also be Reset.
Command: TIME Current time: Sunday, November 23, 2014 3:44:54:790 PM Times for this drawing: Created: Wednesday, November 14, 2007 2:42:44:984 PM Last updated: Sunday, November 23, 2014 9:59:28:105 AM Total editing time: 0 days 04:45:06:399 Elapsed timer (off): 0 days 04:44:32:866 Next automatic save in: 0 days 00:07:30:395 Enter option [Display/ON/OFF/Reset]:
To keep track of your time in the drawing, launch the Time command, then begin the elapsed timer with the ON option. When finished, use the OFF option to display the total editing time. The above information indicates that I was editing the drawing for a little more than 30 seconds - 04:44:32 to 04:45:06.
DWGPROPS [ ] Another useful tool for quick information may be the Dwgprops command found in the ‘scarlet letter’. It's nice to have the Location and Size information immediately available, rather than going out to Save As.
See all the articles published in December 2014
Michael's Corner
Between 2003 and 2016, Michael Beall (and one or two guests) wrote almost 600 articles for CADTutor. The focus of these articles is AutoCAD productivity, and although some of them are now more than a few years old, most remain relevant to current versions of AutoCAD. The article above is just one example. Check out Michael's Corner for a full listing.
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Gallery of Work
Over the years, our forum members have contributed hundreds of images, showcasing their amazing work. The images above are just a small selection that demonstrate the wide range of project types our community is involved with. Take a look at our gallery to see all the images published in the last 12 months.
Tip of the Day
Take control of 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 tab.
Go down to .
Select .
Select the .dwt file you want to use.
Now when you open AutoCAD or hit the "New" button this .dwt will load every time.
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