GEN10227, GEN13980 (repeat)

AutoCAD Secrets Exposed! Jeanne Aarhus President - Aarhus Associates, LLC [email protected]

Learning Objectives 

Learn tips and tricks from other AutoCAD users



Learn to use the newer tools for greater productivity



Learn about hidden tips that might take you years to discover



Get exposed to tips that apply to many versions of AutoCAD ranging from 2012 to 2016

Description This class is filled with timesaving tips and tricks that you can use to increase productivity immediately, no matter what version you currently live in. If you’ve attended previous offerings of this class, you know there is always something you didn’t know you could do, so don’t miss out this year. I have many tips to expose, including a few tips from the new and exciting AutoCAD 2016 software. Some of the best and most production-enhancing tools have been introduced in recent upgrades. To take advantage of them, attend this class and discover what might take you years to discover on our own. Leave this class with the knowledge to dazzle your co-workers back home—a great way to ensure yourself a ticket to attend next year!

Your AU Expert Jeanne Aarhus Jeanne is known for keeping her training sessions fast moving and fun. She is a nationally known speaker and expert in CAD and presents seminars and workshops on CAD productivity for managers and users in both corporate and academic settings. She has over 30+ years’ experience involving production drafting, user support, standards coordination, programming, and training in various CAD applications. She is an independent consultant offering training and implementation services and is certified in several Autodesk and Bentley products. She continues to be actively involved in international, national, and local CAD user groups and received the much coveted Top Ten Speaker award for her presentations at AU. She has been a popular speaker at AU for several years.

GEN10227, GEN13980 - AutoCAD Secrets Exposed!

Table of Contents Annotation ........................................................................................................................... 4 1

Multi-Column MTEXT ............................................................................................................................... 4

2

Text FRAMES ............................................................................................................................................ 5

3

More Text FRAMES .................................................................................................................................. 6

4

Easy Super/Sub-Script Text ...................................................................................................................... 7

5

Clear Attribute Values .............................................................................................................................. 8

6

Automatic Coordinate Labels ................................................................................................................... 8

7

Trim and Extend Dimensions.................................................................................................................... 9

8

Smarter DIM Text ..................................................................................................................................... 9

9

New DIM Command ............................................................................................................................... 10

10 Double Your Dimensions ........................................................................................................................ 11 11 Split Dimensions .................................................................................................................................... 12 12 Quicker Multi-Leader Editing ................................................................................................................. 13 13 Forgotten Dimension Command ............................................................................................................ 14 14 Reset Dimensions “Globally”.................................................................................................................. 14 15 Convert Dimensions ............................................................................................................................... 15 16 Smarter DIMSCALE ................................................................................................................................. 16 17 Angle > 180?........................................................................................................................................... 16

Manipulation .................................................................................................................... 17 18 Delete a Segment of Polyline ................................................................................................................. 17 19 Buried in the Express Offset ................................................................................................................... 18 20 On-the-Fly Block Basepoints................................................................................................................... 20 21 Cycle Basepoints .................................................................................................................................... 20 22 Dynamic Clipboard ................................................................................................................................. 21 23 A Quicker JOIN ....................................................................................................................................... 21 24 Rotating the WORLD .............................................................................................................................. 22 25 The CHANGE Command? ........................................................................................................................ 24 26 NUDGE Objects ...................................................................................................................................... 24 27 Using the CAL command ........................................................................................................................ 25 28 Easier CORNERs ...................................................................................................................................... 25 29 Fillet What?............................................................................................................................................ 26 30 Groups ................................................................................................................................................... 26

Interface ............................................................................................................................. 27 31 Fewer Tool Tips ...................................................................................................................................... 27 32 Quick Access Toolbar ............................................................................................................................. 27 33 Improved Interface?............................................................................................................................... 28

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34 Customize Your Quick Properties ........................................................................................................... 28 35 MDI Management .................................................................................................................................. 29 36 Shortcuts................................................................................................................................................ 30 37 Convert Your Toolbars to a Ribbon ........................................................................................................ 32 38 CUI Magic ............................................................................................................................................... 33 39 How to Set the Table…on a Palette ........................................................................................................ 34 40 Selection Cycling .................................................................................................................................... 35 41 Angle of viewport................................................................................................................................... 36 42 Revised REVISION CLOUD....................................................................................................................... 37

Hatches ............................................................................................................................... 38 43 Controlling Hatch Origin ......................................................................................................................... 38 44 Control Snapping to HATCH and DIMS ................................................................................................... 39

System Variables ............................................................................................................ 40 46 Convert to POLYLINE? YES Already! ....................................................................................................... 40 47 Take the EDGE out of TRIM and EXTEND ................................................................................................ 40

3D .......................................................................................................................................... 41 48 Using 3DOSNAPS .................................................................................................................................... 41 49 Simple FlatShot? .................................................................................................................................... 41 50 Generate 3D Solid from 2D Linework ..................................................................................................... 42

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GEN10227, GEN13980 - AutoCAD Secrets Exposed!

ANNOTATION 1 Multi-Column MTEXT 2008-2016 Beginning in AutoCAD 2008 was the addition of multi-column MTEXT. This improves the overall appearance of large amounts of notes needed in the drawing file and the pagination is dynamic.

STEP 1:

on an existing text object to edit

STEP 2:

in the MTEXT dialog to access the Columns  Dynamic Columns  Auto Height command

STEP 3:

Dynamically modify the column width using the new grip provided.

Use the

icon to modify the distance between the dynamic columns.

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Text FRAMES 2016

This new feature only works if you use MTEXT, so you DTEXT users need to update your text habits! Once you have placed an MTEXT object, use the PROPERTIES palette to turn on the new TEXT FRAME setting.

The OFFSET SIZE of the TEXT FRAME is determined by the size of the “background mask offset factor”.

If you are not in AutoCAD 2016 yet, you can still do this using my old tip in the next SECRET!

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More Text FRAMES 2006-2016

You want to have frame around your text that is smart enough to grow when edited? I have seen many suggestions that tell you to use a table with 1 column and 1 row; but try this out instead. I think this works much easier!

A Leader with NO LEADER? Use the LEADER STYLES to create a leader with no leader line. Yes, it is possible. STEP 1:

Using the Leader Style dialog, create a new style called Standard-BOXED

STEP 2:

Using the LEADER FORMAT tab and set the TYPE to NONE.

STEP 3:

Using the LEADER STRUCTURE tab: Turn OFF all CONSTRAINTS Turn OFF all LANDING SETTINGS

STEP 4:

Using the CONTENT tab turn ON the FRAME TEXT setting.

STEP 5:

Pick OK to save the new leader style.

Place a new leader using the style Standard-BOXED. Edit the text and see how easy it is to keep the box automatically growing around the text note.

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Easy Super/Sub-Script Text 2002-2016

You can use the stacked fractions to get quick and easy superscript or subscript text without the dialog box.

SuperScript Text STEP 1:

Key in 2 32^ and highlight the 32^

STEP 2:

Select the Stacked Fraction button

Subscript Text STEP 1:

Key in 2 ^a and highlight the ^a

STEP 2:

Select the Stacked Fraction button

More Examples Key in TOP/BOTTOM and highlight the entire string

Key in TOP#BOTTOM and highlight the entire string

Key in TOP^BOTTOM and highlight the entire string

Key in TOP^BOTTOM and highlight the ^BOTTOM

Key in TOPBOTTOM^ and highlight the BOTTOM^

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Clear Attribute Values 2006-2016

When using attribute text, especially in titleblocks that contain attribute values that need to be overwritten or removed. You can easily do this with the following command. Use the ATTWIPE command to select and remove any attribute text value. This command can be found at the following website: www.autocadtips1.com

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Thanks to Chuck Chauvin!

Automatic Coordinate Labels 2009-2015

Many users ask me how to label a drawing coordinate automatically in AutoCAD. Have you figured it out yet? You can use an ordinate dimension but there is a better way if you make a “smarter” dynamic block to label points in your drawing. Use a simple dynamic block using FIELDS that display the INSERTION POINT of the block.

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Trim and Extend Dimensions 2006-2016

I learned of this one a long time ago, but I keep passing it on. It is such a handy feature and it seems that most users don’t even know they can do this. Use either the TRIM or EXTEND command to modify dimensions as well as lines, arcs, etc.

8

Smarter DIM Text 2016

The text in dimension objects now supports MTEXT editing and wrapping. Another WISH LIST item granted by Autodesk!

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New DIM Command 2016 Use the new DIM command in 2016 to automatically determine the dimension command type during placement. Just “hover” over an existing object to determine which dimension type should be placed using the following options:     

Linear Aligned Angular Diameter Radial

Aligned Linear

Diameter Angular

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Radial

GEN10227, GEN13980 - AutoCAD Secrets Exposed!

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Double Your Dimensions 2002-2016

You can get a second line of text on your dimensions by using the "\X" format code in the SUFFIX or PREFIX field of your dimension style. This example shows how to use commonly used dimension requirements easily using this shortcut

Look how easy they are to use!

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Split Dimensions 2016

You can automatically split an existing dimension using the new command option BREAK UP available when hovering on the existing dimension. Just line up the new dimension line with the existing dimension line. Select that dimension line and you are prompted to do one of the following command options:    

MOVE AWAY BREAK UP REPLACE NONE

These command options are only available using the new DIM command. All other individual dimension commands do not offer this functionality.

Use DYNAMIC INPUT to make these new command options more useable, but you can use these options from the command line too.

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Quicker Multi-Leader Editing 2006-2016

Everyone knows how to use the new MLEADER command to ADD and REMOVE leaders from the new multi-leader objects. Right? Well, here is a “quicker” way to remove leaders from an existing multi-leader object. Use the key to select the leader you want to remove and pick the key on the keyboard; or use the ERASE command; whichever you prefer.

Customize Multi-Leader Object Did you know you can override the arrowhead symbol using the same key to select the individual arrowheads?

Use the key to select the multileader line. Use the PROPERTIES palette to modify the LEADER TYPE setting.

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Forgotten Dimension Command 2009-2016

Have you ever had problems dimensioning objects that are staggered? Using the DIMALIGNED command doesn’t dimension exactly the way you want to, so what do you do? Use the old DIMROTATED command to get exactly the dimension you want.

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Reset Dimensions “Globally” 2006-2016

Select all dimensions and using the PROPERTIES dialog, reset the text value to .

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Convert Dimensions 2010-2016

You can convert associated dimensions to constrained dimensions using the new DCCONVERT command. This is a great way to “smarten” up those dimensions in legacy drawings. STEP 1:

Select the PARAMETRIC TAB on the ribbon, and locate the CONVERT tool on the DIMENSIONAL PANEL.

STEP 2:

Select all dimensions to be converted to parametric dimensions.

You can modify the parametric dimensions to display like “normal” dimensions using the following property settings.

Control the annotational format using the following system variable.

CONSTRAINTNAMEFORMAT Controls the text format for dimensional constraints. Saved in:

Registry

0

Name (d2)

1

Value (100.00)

2 (default)

Expression (d2 = 100.00)

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Smarter DIMSCALE 2006-2016

Do you struggle with multiple scales on a single layout and need to modify your dimensions? Well here is a great way to customize the necessary dimensions on a per viewport basis. Did you know that if you set your DIMSCALE system variable to “0” you can place dimensions in paperspace viewports and the dimensions will calculate their correct dimscale automatically? Yep, this one is great!

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Angle > 180? 2006-2016

Do you need to create an angular dimensions with angles larger than 180 degrees. If you just select two lines you are not able to get the larger angles to display. Just use the command differently. Use the command option:

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GEN10227, GEN13980 - AutoCAD Secrets Exposed!

MANIPULATION 18 Delete a Segment of Polyline 2009-2015 A new enhancement in AutoCAD 2013 was the ability to select sub-objects, primarily for working in 3D. However, I discovered some good uses of this new technology in the 2D world!

Polyline You have a polyline and you need to delete a line in the middle of it. I used to use the DELETE VERTEX command option if I wanted to keep it as a polyline; or I would EXPLODE the polyline and then DELETE the separated line. Check this option out! You can EXPLODE and DELETE in a single step! STEP 1:

Use the key to select the line to remove.

STEP 2:

Use the key to remove the selected line.

LEGACYCTRLPICK Specifies the Ctrl key behavior for selection cycling and sub-object selection. Initial value:

2

0

is used to select sub-objects (faces, edges, and vertices) on 3D solids, surfaces, and meshes.

1

is used to cycle through overlapping objects. Disallows using to select sub-objects on 3D solids, surfaces, and meshes.

2

is used to select sub-objects (faces, edges, and vertices) on 3D solids, surfaces, and meshes when SUBOBJSELECTIONMODE is set to 0.If SUBOBJSELECTIONMODE is set to 1, 2, 3,4, or 5, it is not necessary to hold down the Ctrl key to select sub-objects. If you hold down the Ctrl key when SUBOBJSELECTIONMODE is set to 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, the sub-object filter is turned off until the Ctrl key is released.

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Buried in the Express Offset 2002-2016

There are couple of very handy options buried in the new OFFSET commands. The first option allows you offset objects to the CURRENT LAYER instead of the same layer as the original object; and the second allows you to perform a multiple offset so you don’t have to continuously pick that first object.

OFFSET to CURRENT Layer STEP 1:

Key-in OFFSET to start the command

STEP 2:

Key-in L for LAYER

STEP 3:

Key-in C for CURRENT and hit ENTER one more time.

STEP 4:

Key-in the offset distance

STEP 5:

Select the object to offset and the direction

You can put this on a button and make it a lot easier to use! ^C^C_offset;l;c;;

OFFSET MULTIPLE times STEP 1:

Key-in OFFSET to start the command

STEP 2:

Key-in offset distance

STEP 3:

Select the object to offset

STEP 4:

Key-in M for MULTIPLE

STEP 5:

Select the direction for the offset

You can put this on a button and make it a lot easier to use! ^C^C_offset;\\m;

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GEN10227, GEN13980 - AutoCAD Secrets Exposed!

AutoCAD 2004, 2005 If you are using this version you must access these options using Express Tool – EXTENDED OFFSET. There are more steps with these versions but it works basically the same.

OFFSET to CURRENT Layers STEP 1:

Key-in EXOFFSET or select EXTENDED OFFSET from Express  Modify  Extended Offset

STEP 2:

Key-in offset distance

STEP 3:

Key-in O for OPTIONS

STEP 4:

Key-in L for LAYER

STEP 5:

Key-in C for CURRENT and hit ENTER one more time

STEP 6:

Select the object to offset and the direction.

You can put this on a button and make it a lot easier to use! ^C^C_exoffset;\o;l;c;;\m;

OFFSET MULTIPLE times STEP 1:

Key-in EXOFFSET or select EXTENDED OFFSET from Express  Modify  Extended Offset

STEP 2:

Key-in offset distance

STEP 3:

Select the object to offset and the direction.

STEP 4:

Key-in M for MULTIPLE and hit one more time

STEP 5:

Select the object to offset and the direction.

You can put this on a button and make it a lot easier to use! ^C^C_exoffset;\o;l;s;;\m;

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On-the-Fly Block Basepoints 2004-2016

You can modify the block insertion base point using the BASEPOINT option during insertion. STEP 1:

Run the INSERT command.

STEP 2:

Key in B to define a new BASEPOINT on the block.

STEP 3:

Snap to the new basepoint and place the block.

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Cycle Basepoints 2004-2016

You can provide alternate block insertion points for use with the INSERT command using point parameter objects in a dynamic block definition. STEP 1:

Select the block you want to have alternate insertion points.

STEP 2:

and select the BLOCK EDITOR command

STEP 3:

Place POINT parameter at the alternate insertion point locations.

STEP 4:

For once, you can ignore those “exclamation points” that normally indicate you haven’t completed the parameter definition.,

STEP 5:

Close the Block Editor and SAVE the changes to the block.

STEP 6:

Insert the block again and use the CTRL key to toggle between the new “alternate” insertion points.

Sure would be nice if this worked with the ADD SELECTED command too!

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GEN10227, GEN13980 - AutoCAD Secrets Exposed!

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Dynamic Clipboard 2004-2016

Did you know that you can type “R” when using “Paste” from the clipboard to pre-select the rotation angle of the objects to be pasted?

Use to control the basepoint of the clipboard object.

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A Quicker JOIN 2012-2016

Are you still using the PEDIT command to “join” lines together? If so, that takes 6 steps to complete. Try using the JOIN command instead, it only takes 4!

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Rotating the WORLD 2002-2016

No, you can’t control how the world spins; but you can control how it rotates! Do you ever need to draw at an angle for an extended period of time? Maybe that road or floor plan isn’t at zero? First, let’s turn on the UCS panel in the VIEW ribbon. The UCS panel is turned off by default!

Rotate the CURSOR STEP 1:

Use the UCS by OBJECT command.

STEP 2:

Select an object in the drawing that you need to align with. Your cursor is now aligned with that object.

If you use POLAR SNAP settings you can still have other angles at your disposal.

STEP 3:

Use the UCS by WORLD command to return the cursor to the WORLD alignment.

You can avoid getting that “crick” in your neck by adding in this idea. Modify the system variable UCSFOLLOW so that your screen follows the cursor, rather than the other way around.

UCSFOLLOW Generates a plan view whenever you change from one UCS to another. The UCSFOLLOW setting is saved separately for each viewport. If UCSFOLLOW is turned on for a viewport, a plan view is generated in that viewport whenever you change to a different user coordinate system. Saved in:

Drawing

0 (default)

Changing the UCS does not affect the current view

1

Changing the UCS results in generating a plan view of the new UCS in the current viewport

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GEN10227, GEN13980 - AutoCAD Secrets Exposed!

Rotate the SCREEN STEP 1: STEP 2:

Key in UCSFOLLOW and change the value to 1 Use the UCS by OBJECT command

STEP 3:

Select an object in the drawing that you need to align with. Your screen is now aligned with that object.

STEP 4:

Use the UCS by WORLD command to return the screen to the WORLD alignment.

You should also notice that the UCSICON appears differently when you are not aligned to the “world” alignment.

If you don’t like the ZOOM EXTENTS results from the UCSFOLLOW; it actually performs the last zoom factor prior to modifying the UCS. Try setting a zoom prior to changing the UCS and you can avoid the ZOOM EXTENTS results.

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The CHANGE Command? 2006-2016

The real power of this command is in the “change point” options. The capabilities of this option varies based on the type of objects selected.

STEP 1:

Select linear objects and using ORTHO, force the lines to be perpendicular to each other by selecting a point on any of the linear objects.

STEP 2:

Select linear objects, and select a single point in the drawing to force all endpoints to a single location.

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NUDGE Objects 2010-2016

This new command allows you to move objects very small amounts without using the MOVE command. To access the NUDGE command, first, select the objects and use the to move the object in any of the four arrow directions. This movement is orthogonal only.

Use the SNAP distance setting to control the distance an object moves during the NUDGE command.

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Using the CAL command 2002-2016

In 2006, they added my most common use for the CAL command, MID BETWEEN 2 PTS. I use this to locate the “center” of objects, for example, the center of a wall or road, or the center of a room. Today you can find the MID BETWEEN 2 PTS command using the menu. But think of other uses for this “oldie but goodie” command to perform similar tasks not covered by the MID BETWEEN 2 PTS.

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‘CAL

DIST(END+END)/2

‘CAL

DIST(END+END)/2

DEE

‘CAL

DIST(INT+INT)/2

Calculate the distance between two intersections divided by 2

= MID BETWEEN 2 PTS (Shortcut Key)

Easier CORNERs 2006-2016

When using the FILLET or CHAMFER commands you no longer have to set the radius to “0” to get clean corners. Just use the new SHIFT key override to temporarily set the radius to “0”.

ZERO Radius – Just Once! STEP 1:

Select the FILLET command and change the radius to “1”

STEP 2:

Fillet the lines with the 1” radius.

STEP 3:

Re-start the FILLET command and fillet the second set of lines with a “0” radius using the key override when picking the objects. You didn’t have to reset the radius back to “0”!

Want to use the FILLET command quicker than before? Did you know that you can use a crossing to select objects simultaneously? STEP 1:

Select the FILLET command

STEP 2:

When asked to select objects key in C for CROSSING

STEP 3:

Use a crossing window to select the objects.

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Fillet What? 2002-2016

Sometimes the most common commands have hidden capabilities that are easily overlooked!

Parallel Lines Use the FILLET command to fillet between PARALLEL LINES?

Circles Use the FILLET command to fillet between two circles?

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Groups 2006-2016

The GROUP command is generally overlooked by many AutoCAD users. But if you ever need to make several manipulations to a “group” of objects, this is the command you need. STEP 1:

Key in the command GROUP and select the objects to manipulate.

STEP 2:

Select the objects, and they now all highlight as a single “group”. They are now an “unnamed” block.

Use the NAME or DESCRIPTION command options to give the group logical names and descriptions.

Use the shortcut keys to toggle group recognition on and off.

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GEN10227, GEN13980 - AutoCAD Secrets Exposed!

INTERFACE 31 Fewer Tool Tips 2009-2016 You can change how your tool tips look in AutoCAD 2006 and 2007. Use the system variable TOOLTIPMERGE to merge all the tool tips together into a single tool tip.

Merged Tooltips

Individual Tooltips

TOOLTIPMERGE Combines drafting tooltips into a single tooltip. 0 (default)

Drafting tooltips are separate.

1

Drafting tooltips are merged.

OOPS…this is not working correctly in AutoCAD 2016!

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Quick Access Toolbar 2010-2016

Use the new Quick Access Toolbar to add those common tools you want “quick access” to!

-Original QAT

Customized QAT

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Improved Interface?

2015-2016 Status Bar Using 2015 or 2016, you can control which icons display in the status bar.

However, the auto-wrapping can be distracting if you use the coordinates display in the status bar. To change this behavior you have two options:

Option 1: Turn OFF the display of the coordinates in the status using the CUSTOMIZATION button on the status bar.

Option 2: Force the LAYOUT TABS to display above the status bar using the menu to access the DOCK ABOVE STATUS BAR command.

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Customize Your Quick Properties 2006-2015

Users are always asking me how to improve the availability of properties for those objects that need to be edited on a regular basis. I ask if they are using QUICK PROPERTIES and many don’t even know what I am talking about. Here are a couple of quick examples demonstrating how you can use QUICK PROPERTIES to simplify your daily drafting life.

Tolerance Dimensions You need to edit the tolerance value in an existing dimension. If you on the dimension text and the entire text value highlights not allowing you to just edit the tolerance value. Add the TOLERANCE LIMITS and TOLERANCE PRECISION to QUICK PROPERTIES.

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MDI Management 2014-2016

Do you find yourself having multiple drawings open after a few hours of work? Me too! Why I can’t close a drawing before opening another is beyond my comprehension; but reality is what it is! Use the following commands to quickly “recover” from this bad habit.

SAVEALL (Express Tool) SAVEALL will attempt to save all open drawings, leaving the drawings open for continued editing. If a drawing has not been named yet, SAVEALL will prompt for a file name.

CLOSEALL All open drawings are closed. A message box is displayed for each unsaved drawing, in which you can save any changes to the drawing before closing it.

CLOSEALLOTHER All open drawings are closed, except the current drawing. A message box is displayed for each unsaved drawing, in which you can save any changes made to the drawing before closing it.

on any FILE TAB to access the SAVEALL, CLOSEALL, CLOSEALLOTHER commands.

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Shortcuts 2009-2016

Using the SPACEBAR Key Simulate ENTER Use the to simulate the key and to recall commands quickly. The one exception to this functionality is when you are using a TEXT command.

Cycle Objects When you have overlapping objects you can use the to cycle between overlapping objects. Just “hover” on an overlapping object and use the combination + to cycle between them. Hold down the key and press the quickly until the correct object highlights for selection.

Cycle Grip commands When using grip editing in AutoCAD you can select any grip and use the to cycle between the following commands. The selected grip becomes the basepoint for the selected modification. Stretch, Move, Copy, Scale, Mirror

Cycle Faces When working with 3D objects you can use the combination of + to cycle between object faces. Hold down the key and press the quickly until the correct face (or sub-object) for selection.

Cycle Gizmos When working in a 3D environment you can uses the to cycle between three available gizmos, the 3D MOVE, 3D ROTATE and 3D SCALE gizmos. These new gizmos are available when using the following commands.

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GEN10227, GEN13980 - AutoCAD Secrets Exposed!

Using the SHIFT Key ORTHO Override Use the to access the ORTHO temporary override key while executing a command. Just start the line command and hold down the key to toggle to ORTHO rather than POLAR.

OSNAP Override Use the + to access the OSNAP pop-up menu to select a single-shot OSNAP command.

Object Selection Use the key to modify a selection set. Using the key will allow you to ADD and REMOVE an object from the selection set without requiring a key-in option (A or R).

FILLET and CHAMFER Override Use the key to override the current radius value to 0 (zero).

TRIM and EXTEND Override Use the key to switch between a TRIM or EXTEND operation when in either the TRIM or EXTEND commands. Saves having to use both commands to perform each operation.

Cycle Object Selection Use the + key combination to cycle between overlapping objects for better control when selecting objects.

Using the CTRL Key Sub-Object Selection Use the key to select sub-objects, even in 2D! For example, if you have a rectangle object, you can use the key to select a single edge for manipulation, without exploding it first

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Convert Your Toolbars to a Ribbon 2010-2016

Use the CUI to identify your custom toolbars and to access the COPY TO RIBBON PANEL command.

STEP 1:

Using the CUI dialog, navigate and select the custom toolbar and to access the COPY TO RIBBON PANELS command.

STEP 2:

Drag-n-Drop the new RIBBON PANEL into an existing or custom RIBBON TAB.

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CUI Magic 2009-2016

There are so many cool things you can do with the new interface, that I don’t know where to start and stop, but I wanted to introduce you to a few of my favorites!

Double Click Actions Using the new Double Click Actions you can modify how AutoCAD behaves when the user issues a on an object type.

Automatic Polyline For the first example, I want to on a LINE object and have it automatically convert to a polyline. Yep, you can do that! I will add the following macro to my LINE  Double Click Action ^C^C_PEDIT;Y;;

Flip Arrow on Dimension The next example will allow the user to on a dimension arrow to “flip” its direction. ^C^C_^C^C_aidimfliparrow

Restore Dimension Value The next example will allow the user to on a dimension text value to restore the default “true length” value. ^C^C_dimedit;home;cmddia;0;_dimedit;new;;previous;;

Another Automatic Polyline The last example will allow the user to on a set of closed lines and convert them to a closed polyline. ^C^C$M=$(if,$(=,$(getvar,peditaccept),1),_pedit;close;,_pedit;;close;)

What others ideas to you have? Enjoy!

Unfortunately, you can only define one Double Click Action per object type; so you have to decide which dimension action you prefer. You can’t define them both! Can you say WISH LIST?

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How to Set the Table…on a Palette 2010-2016

Have you ever tried to add a table to one of your palettes? Can’t seem to get this to work? Try this quick shortcut. While dragging the table on to the palette, just drag it using the mouse button and then you can drop it onto the tool palette.

This has been fixed in AutoCAD 2014 and newer. You can drag tables on to a palette just like any other object type!

Re-Use Tables with Data and Style If you need some of the data to remain in the table for re-use, make the table into a block and then place the block containing the table on the tool palette. TIP: Modify the properties on the tool palette block to auto-explode when inserting into a drawing file.

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Selection Cycling 2010-2016

Overlapping objects has always been an issue when trying to select a specific object. Over the years there have been many methods used to solve this problem; and AutoCAD 2011-2012 is no exception. In fact, AutoCAD 2011-2012 offer a new, more obvious method for selecting overlapping objects. Use the status bar to activate the new SELECTION CYCLING tool. When you “hover” on multiple objects, an icon appears to indicate that more than one object exists at that location.

Use the menu on the new tool in the status bar to access the SELECTION CYCLING settings.

SELECTIONCYCLING Turns selection cycling on and off. Saved in: Registry 0

Off

1

On (the list dialog does not display)

2 (default)

On (the list dialog displays the selected objects that you can cycle through)

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GEN10227, GEN13980 - AutoCAD Secrets Exposed!

SUBOBJSELECTIONMODE Filters whether faces, edges, vertices or solid history sub-objects are highlighted when you roll over them. In busy 3D environments with many objects, it can be helpful to filter certain sub-objects out of the selection highlighting. Saved in:

NOT SAVED

0

When sub-object filtering is off, press Ctrl+ to select a face, edge, vertex or a history sub-object.(Shift+F1)

1

Only vertices are available for selection (Shift+F2)

2 (default)

Only edges are available for selection. (Shift+F3)

3

Only faces are available for selection. (Shift+F4)

4

Only history sub-objects of compound objects are available for selection. (Shift+F5)

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Angle of viewport 2010-2016

Do you need to know the rotation angle of an existing Viewport? Regardless if it has a custom UCS setting or not, simply enter the command VIEWTWIST, and the angle will display in the command line.

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GEN10227, GEN13980 - AutoCAD Secrets Exposed!

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Revised REVISION CLOUD 2016

The REVISION CLOUD has been over-hauled and improved in AutoCAD 2016.

Modify Cloud Cloud Segments A new command option, MODIFY provides the ability to modify and remove portions of an existing revision cloud.

Cloud Vertices Use grip editing to ADD and REMOVE VERTICES in an existing revision cloud.

Cloud Preferences Set your preferred default settings using the system variable REVCLOUDCREATEMODE.

REVCLOUDCREATEMODE Specifies the default input for creation of revision clouds. Saved in:

Registry

0

Freehand

1 (default)

Rectangular

2

Polygon

You can still convert an OBJECT to a REVISION CLOUD using the command line option OBJECT. You can still select the STYLE of the REVISION CLOUD using the command line option STYLE  NORMAL or CALLIGRAPHY

Wouldn’t it be nice if these were ANNOTATIVE? Then I wouldn’t have to keep changing my ARC LENGTH! AutoCAD 2017?

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GEN10227, GEN13980 - AutoCAD Secrets Exposed!

HATCHES 43 Controlling Hatch Origin 2002-2016 You can modify the origin of a hatch easily in 2006. There is a new specify Hatch Origin option in the Hatch Edit dialog.

AutoCAD 2010-2016 STEP 1:

on the existing hatch to edit the hatch.

STEP 2:

Select the SET ORIGIN button and pick the new origin point on the hatch object.

AutoCAD 2006, 2007 STEP 3:

on the existing hatch to edit the hatch.

STEP 4:

Select the Click to set new origin button and pick the origin point in the drawing.

STEP 5:

Pick OK to complete the command.

AutoCAD 2004, 2005 In the previous releases, you cannot modify the hatch origin of existing hatches, but you can set the hatch origin prior to placement using the SNAPBASE command. STEP 1:

Key in the SNAPBASE command and pick the desired hatch origin.

STEP 2:

Hatch as needed.

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Control Snapping to HATCH and DIMS 2010-2016

Controls whether object snaps are suppressed on hatch objects, geometry with negative Z values, or dimension extension lines.

OSOPTIONS The setting is stored as a bitcode using the sum of the following values. Saved in: Registry 0

Object snaps operate on hatch objects, and on geometry with negative Z values when using a dynamic UCS.

1

Object snaps ignore hatch objects.

2

Object snaps ignore geometry with negative Z values during use of a dynamic UCS. (Not available in AutoCAD LT)

4

Object snaps ignore endpoints of dimension extension lines.

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GEN10227, GEN13980 - AutoCAD Secrets Exposed!

SYSTEM VARIABLES 46 Convert to POLYLINE? YES Already! 2006-2016 Use the system variable PEDITACCEPT to simplify your polyline editing. After all, have you ever answered NO to the PEDIT question stating that the object you selected is not a polyline – would you like to convert it to one? Me neither…what a silly question! To NEVER see this question again change this system variable.

PEDITACCEPT Suppresses the prompt “Do you want it to turn into one?” When the prompt is suppressed, the selected object is automatically converted to a polyline. Saved in: Registry 0 (default)

The prompt is displayed

1

The prompt is suppressed

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Take the EDGE out of TRIM and EXTEND 2002-2005

Using the system variable EDGEMODE can simplify your trim and extend functionality. Did you know that you can TRIM and EXTEND to non-existent edges?

EDGEMODE Controls how the TRIM and EXTEND commands determine cutting and boundary edges Saved in: Registry 0 (default)

Uses the selected edge without an extension

1

Extends or trims the selected object to an imaginary extension of the cutting or boundary edge

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3D 48

Using 3DOSNAPS 2011-2016

The new 3DOSNAPS enable you to snap to specific points on a 3D object without having to use the old point filters.

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Simple FlatShot? 2007-2016

This command creates a 2D representation of all 3D objects based on the current view. You can choose whether to place the block in the current file or in an external file. You have an option whether to display any of the following items. 

Foreground Lines



Obscure Lines



Include Tangential Edges

Earlier Versions? How do you control the insertion point of the new “flatshot” block? The insertion point is generated from the current view, so if you create a named view with a “close-up” view of the 3D object and then generate the “flatshot” block, you will see that the insertion point is the bottom left origin of the named view display.

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Generate 3D Solid from 2D Linework 2002-2016

You can also generate a 3D solid from the existing flat linework. STEP 1:

Use the EXTRUDE command to extrude the flat 2D drawing through all other parts as needed.

STEP 2:

Use the INTERSECT command to keep only the intersecting portion of the 3 extrusions created.

To extrude a set of 2D objects quickly, press CTRL+SHIFT+E, and hover over the area.

That's probably more than I have time for….but hopefully not more that you wanted to know!

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GEN10227, GEN13980 - AutoCAD Secrets Exposed!

Thank you for your time! Hope you enjoyed the session!

aarhus ASSOCIATES

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Copyright © 2015 Aarhus Associates, LLC. Aarhus Associates and the Aarhus Associates Logo are registered trademarks of Aarhus Associates. All other product names are trademarks of their respective owners. Aarhus Associates believes the information in this docume nt is accurate as of its publication date. Such information is subject to change without notice and is subject to applicable technical product descriptions. Aarhus Associates is not responsible for inadvertent errors.

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