Michael’s Corner

Michael's Corner is a monthly publication written by Michael E. Beall, Autodesk Authorized Author and peripatetic AutoCAD trainer. Michael travels all over the USA, bringing his fantastic experience and great understanding of AutoCAD to his clients. Michael's Corner brings together many of the tips, tricks and methods developed during these training sessions for the benefit of all users.

Michael's Corner provides something for every AutoCAD user. Every month, a number of articles cover a wide range of topics, suitable for users at all levels, including "The Basics" for those just starting out. Essentially, the aim of Michael's Corner is to help all AutoCAD users work smarter and faster.

This month…

From the Vault

Originally published October 2011

Load Linetypes from the QAT

Once upon a version, all the Linetypes were loaded into each drawing. Now if you want 'em you have to Load 'em. Of course you can put the ones you want in your template, but here's another way of going about it. The following macro can be put onto a button for the Quick Access Toolbar – as shown below – a palette button, or on your customized Panel.

How to Load Linetypes from a Custom Button on the QAT

1. Open the CUI.

2. In the Command list, drag the Linetype… command up into the list of your QAT content.

3. Click on the Linetype… command in the QAT, and the Properties for the command are displayed on the right side of the CUI.

4. For the Macro, enter the following:

   '-LINETYPE;LOAD;HIDDEN,PHANTOM;;;

   Note: Notice there's a comma between the names of the linetypes being loaded.

5. Now modify the other Properties to something like you see in the image shown.

   

6. To assign a button top image, click the Linetype item in the list of QAT commands to make it current.

7. In the collection of images, click anything (seriously), just so you can enable the Edit button.

8. Click Edit to open the Button Editor, then check the box for Grid.

9. Click one of the default colors, then draw a couple lines similar to the ones shown here.

10. Click Save and enter HIDDEN_PHANTOM in the dialog box as the image name.

    The problem I have with that step, is that I have no idea where it's going (I do, but it's generally an uneditable location), so…

11. Click Export, then navigate to the ..\Sample folder of AutoCAD. Basically, you will want to save your custom image to a location that won't be deleted when you get a new version of AutoCAD or need to reinstall your current version.

12. After saving and exporting your work of art, click Close to close the Button Editor. You will notice, under the Command List, that your image is now assigned to Load Hidden & Phantom!

13. Click OK to apply your changes and close the CUI and you should be good to go!

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