Copy multiple, cumulatively?

[Jason in Atlana]

A task I often have to do (probably have done a couple hundred times), is to re-create from scratch a building floor plan off of a hard copy or pdf. The first step is to create the grid lines. I draw one, and then copy it by typing in the displacement with ortho on.

 

My issue is that there has to be a way to do this so that I don't have to restart the copy command every time between every grid line.

 

Here's what I'd like to be able to do:

 

(Given - from left to right, I've got vertical grid lines 1, 2, 3, & 4, 5'-6, 10'-2, 20'-3, and 5'-4 apart, respectively.)

 

Once I have drawn grid line 1, I'd like to hit copy (defaults to multiple), select my objects, select a start point, move my mouse to the right (with ortho on), type in "5'6 (enter) +10'2 (enter) +20'3 (enter) +5'4 (enter)"

 

Obviously that doesn't work.

 

Anyone got any ideas?

 

AutoCAD 2006.

 

And, yes, I misspelled Atlanta - couldn't edit it.

[ReMark]

Why Copy and not Offset?

[nestly]

So you want to do this... but it's not working?

 

[Dana W]

A task I often have to do (probably have done a couple hundred times), is to re-create from scratch a building floor plan off of a hard copy or pdf. The first step is to create the grid lines. I draw one, and then copy it by typing in the displacement with ortho on.

 

My issue is that there has to be a way to do this so that I don't have to restart the copy command every time between every grid line.

 

Here's what I'd like to be able to do:

 

(Given - from left to right, I've got vertical grid lines 1, 2, 3, & 4, 5'-6, 10'-2, 20'-3, and 5'-4 apart, respectively.)

 

Once I have drawn grid line 1, I'd like to hit copy (defaults to multiple), select my objects, select a start point, move my mouse to the right (with ortho on), type in "5'6 (enter) +10'2 (enter) +20'3 (enter) +5'4 (enter)"

 

Obviously that doesn't work.

 

Anyone got any ideas?

 

AutoCAD 2006.

 

And, yes, I misspelled Atlanta - couldn't edit it.

Change the value of the system variable Copymode from 1 to 0 (zero). The default is 0. Who's been messin' witcha stuff?

[Jason in Atlana]

This is what I want to accomplish *faster* (pictures being worth 1,000 words):

 

[RobDraw]

I'm not sure that is possible without a LISP. One would think it would be using Object Snap Tracking but I've never been able to get it to work. I don't have to do it very often so I either restart the copy command for each line, keep a running total, or repeat offset, depending on the mood I'm in.

[nestly]

You could draw a line or polyline using the described method, then copy the gridlines to the the endpoints/vertices.

[ReMark]

It can be accomplished using a custom lisp routine called Multiple Offset.

[RobDraw]

Ooo, ooo, ooo!!! I know, I know.

 

Copy with base point. Pick end point of line for base. Paste with object tracking, type in distance from same endpoint, repeat. I can't post screen shots from here anymore. Could someone do a couple to show what I'm talking about?

[ReMark]

Once the Multiple Offset lisp is loaded one only has to pick the object to offset, indicate the offset side then at the prompt (which repeats) type in the required distance followed by pressing Enter. No Object Tracking required. You can input distances as fast as you can type and hit Enter.

[RobDraw]

Is there something wrong with Object Tracking? Seriously though, I like to figure out how to do things without LISP mostly because I do not write code. Only then, if I feel it is too cumbersome and a LISP would be beneficial, do I use it.

[ReMark]

I'm not here to debate the relative merits or short comings of Object Tracking. The OP can use whatever works best for him. I was only suggesting an alternative that in my opinion was quick and easy. I was not advocating for the OP to learn to write code either.

[RobDraw]

You totally missed the point of my post. What I was saying that one should learn how to do it without code as well as knowing that it can be done with it. Alternative methods should not be discounted. Learning is good.

[ReMark]

I suggest the OP test any and all methods proposed and decide for himself what works best in his situation. And to make the test meaningful I further suggest that he copy or offset (using a series of non-repetitive distances) a single line a minimum of 25 times (100 would be even better) and see which method is the fastest. That's the method he should then use in the future given the frequency ("a couple of hundred times") he says he has to repeat this same task.

Edited August 20, 2013 by ReMark
changed a word - thanks Dana

[Dana W]

This is what I want to accomplish *faster* (pictures being worth 1,000 words):

 

[ATTACH=CONFIG]43550[/ATTACH]

OOPS, I read too fast. I had thought your copymode was not working the way it should. Yeah, the non-repetitive distance is difficult. The other guys seem to be going down a couple of decent pathways though.

[nestly]

Tracking does work as long as the tracking point doesn't share a vector with the basepoint. Not very efficient though because the tracking point has to be re-aquired each time. I'm sure lisps are already available, similar to multicopy by nyacad (Exchange App 2012 & newer...sorry)

[ReMark]

Is there a cost associated with that app?

[nestly]

Nope... its free.

There is a small issue with 2014 though. The app uses "CV" and the 2014 command line synonym search uses CV for control vertices, so a little manual editing of the synonym pgp is needed.

[Jason in Atlana]

Once the Multiple Offset lisp is loaded one only has to pick the object to offset, indicate the offset side then at the prompt (which repeats) type in the required distance followed by pressing Enter. No Object Tracking required. You can input distances as fast as you can type and hit Enter.

 

I didn't find the one you're talking about, but did find one that would accomplish something similar. http://cadtips.cadalyst.com/2d-operations/perform-multiple-offsets-with-one-command

 

I'll try it tomorrow and let you know how it goes.

 

Thanks everyone for the responses.

[ReMark]

You didn't find it because I did not post it nor did I tell you where to find it. I was waiting to see if you had any interest in it first.