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 August 2015

The A2016 Variable Monitor

If we all worked in a vacuum—and didn't have to open anyone's drawings except our own—our AutoCAD life would be nearly hassle-free. But alas, we have to share with others.

There are two types of variables, those saved in the Registry, such as CURSORSIZE, and those saved in the Drawing, such as TEXTSIZE. It's that second group—Drawing variables—that can change, based on the drawing currently open.

Enter AutoCAD 2016's System Variable Monitor (emphasis on 'Monitor'; more on that later).

System Variable Monitor Insights

• If one of your favorite variables is different than your preference, you see the System Variable Monitor icon on the Status bar. If they're all OK, you won't.

• To open the System Variable Monitor so you can Edit the List, use the command, SYSVARMONITOR.

• If there's a Status alert icon for a variable, you'll see a Preferred value and the Current value. To update those variables to the Preferred value, click—I know, this is counter-intuitive—Reset All

  Note: That will take some getting used to since, to me, ‘reset’ means to go to my preferred setting, not take the current and make it preferred.

• After clicking Reset All, the variables that were reset display a green check… and can't be edited until you click OK out of the Monitor, then return.

• To modify a variable value, double-click anywhere on the line (unless it has displays a green check indicating a recent reset).

  Note: You can always type a variable in at the Command line to change it.

• To add variables that you want to keep an eye on, click Edit List where you can enter a few characters to find the variables with that string.

• To add—or subtract—variables from either side, highlight them first, then click the appropriate directional arrow.

  

• Click the ? beside any variable for its definition and function… or… open the System Variable Editor.

The System Variable EDITOR

The new System Variable Monitor presumes you know what the variable does.

The System Variable Editor, however [Express ToolsTools panelSystem Variables] has them all in one place, with their definition and function, and the ability to change them.

For more on the System Variables dialog box, see my articles from June 2004, and again in October 2006 when I covered wildcard searches.

Note: You can always adjust your Input Settings—including the searching of system variables—by clicking on the (very small) wrench at the left end of the Command line.

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