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Michael’s Corner

Michael BeallMichael'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…

October - One-derful!!!

It's a God-thing.

I had no idea that 14 years ago I would be given the opportunity to make an impact on the professional lives of so many. Only God knew what was ahead, and hopefully, the contributions I have made through Michael's Corner have equipped many of you to be more productive and a bit more savvy using AutoCAD. And apart from all the AutoCAD bashing that is going on, I'm sure it has a long life ahead.

So, in an effort to keep the AutoCAD fires burning, here's what I have for my final installment…

…A reminder on how to customize your hot keys
…Three Power Tools — one for Zoom, one for editing, and one for Layers
…Two Odd Spots — one for Layers and one for Hatching
…Buried text treasure
…And how to Search 14 years of the Archives

As for what's ahead for me, I will continue to present a variety of AutoCAD sessions — Fundamentals, Intermediate, Customizing, Updates, and 2D & 3D. I will also keep training CAP Designer, 20-20 Worksheet, Visual Impression (those three from 20-20 Technologies, Inc.), and some Revit Fundamentals. Next year I'm looking forward to being very involved in training CET (from Configura, Inc.) when Herman Miller joins the growing number of manufacturers embracing this software that is being touted as the ‘Future of Space Planning’. Personally, I'm looking forward to spending a bit more time with Donna, my lovely bride of 30 years. When this posts, we'll probably be within days of going on our 30th Anniversary vacation to the Tanque Verde Ranch in Tucson; Ee-Hah! We had such a good time when we went for our 20th, we figured we'd do it again!

Ah, and I'm hoping to have The AutoCAD Workbench, Final Edition out before snow flies.

And with that, Mike drop! …so to speak.

The LORD bless you and keep you;
The LORD make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The LORD lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26

This month's articles

Change F1 to ESC
Smoother Zoom
Stretch with Extension
Lock Layers with a Crossing Window
Layer Columns & Hatch Background Color
Text Frame on Mtext

From the Vault

Originally published November 2012

Create a QAT Button to Zoom / .9X

Why back in the DOS days (that would be before wheel mice), you could launch the Zoom command, then enter .9X to reduce the display to 90% of the current view.

Some of you may have noticed that AutoCAD 2013 doesn't allow you to do that trick anymore of going back and forth with your wheel mouse to accomplish this same subtle reduction in the view (right, Juul?).

Similar to the procedures we've seen in previous articles this year (specifically March and September this year) here's yet another button idea for your Quick Access Toolbar.

How to Add Zoom/.9x to the QAT

  1. PropertiesOpen the CUI. Under Command List, click Create a New Command to create Command1.

  2. Click your new Command1 to open the Properties panel on the right side of the CUI.

  3. Add the values similar to those shown in this figure for Name, some type of Description, and Command Display Name. Your button will now be alphabetized in the Command list.

  4. Edit the Macro field to read as follows:

    'ZOOM;0.9X

    Note: The apostrophe runs the ZOOM command transparently, which means you can click this button while a command is still running.

  5. To add a button top to your command, under the Command list, click your new Zoom command to display the Properties.

  6. In the Properties grouping, under Images, click the open field for Small Image.

  7. New ButtonNow, up in the collection of Button Images, click on an image that looks appropriate for this command; something in the magnifying glass/Zoom collection.

  8. Click OK to save your edits and close the CUI… then check out your new button!

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