AutoCAD 2025 Best Practices, Tips, and Techniques E-Book

Jeanne Aarhus

• Herausgeber: Packt Publishing
• Kategorie: Fachliteratur
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 449

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024

Beschreibung

Learning AutoCAD can be overwhelming, and even years of experience might not uncover all that it has to offer. Internationally renowned CAD expert Jeanne Aarhus condenses her extensive experience of over 35 years into many manageable AutoCAD tips and techniques in this guide. Through engaging, easy-to-follow exercise illustrated with real-world examples, you’ll uncover insider knowledge to master AutoCAD’s features.
This book provides insights into interface navigation, keyboard shortcuts, blocks, layers, annotation, dimensions, tables, and hidden commands that can significantly streamline your workflow. No matter your experience level, you’ll learn how to make AutoCAD work for you, not the other way around. You’ll also be able to leverage system variables that can affect how your AutoCAD responds. Aarhus guides you through specific commands and best practices to improve your understanding of AutoCAD’s features, helping you standardize your environment, with practical suggestions and customizations.
By the end of this book, you’ll have transformed your daily use of AutoCAD with practical advice to apply new methods to improve your productivity.

Leseprobe

AutoCAD 2025 Best Practices, Tips, and Techniques

Boost productivity with interface tips, dynamic blocks, annotations, customizations, and more

Jeanne Aarhus

AutoCAD 2025 Best Practices, Tips, and Techniques

Copyright © 2024 Packt Publishing

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embedded in critical articles or reviews.

Every effort has been made in the preparation of this book to ensure the accuracy of the information presented. However, the information contained in this book is sold without warranty, either express or implied. Neither the author, nor Packt Publishing or its dealers and distributors, will be held liable for any damages caused or alleged to have been caused directly or indirectly by this book.

Packt Publishing has endeavored to provide trademark information about all of the companies and products mentioned in this book by the appropriate use of capitals. However, Packt Publishing cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information.

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First published: October 2024

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Published by Packt Publishing Ltd.

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ISBN 978-1-83763-672-3

www.packtpub.com

I dedicate this book to my husband, Steve, who has provided me with unwavering support and patience while I spent many hours putting my thoughts to paper over the past year. I have spent the last several years traveling around the world, training and consulting with companies and users, and presenting at conferences while you held down the fort at home. Many Thanks!

– Jeanne Aarhus

Contributors

About the author

Jeanne Aarhus has been involved in computer-aided design for more than 40 years. During this time she has been a designer, trainer, administrator, programmer, and consultant using both Autodesk and Bentley products. She is known for keeping her presentations fast-moving and fun, while providing a thorough understanding of the topic. Her specialty is in providing users with the necessary tools for increasing productivity and getting the job done as efficiently as possible, and she continues to focus on maximizing the user’s time and efficiency. Jeanne is a graduate of the University of Nebraska and has been certified in all levels of MicroStation and AutoCAD, which enables her to assist users in moving from one CAD environment to another easily and proficiently. She has worked in both the private and government sectors, and she currently is self-employed and works as a consultant using both Autodesk and Bentley products.

It is easy to overlook the many people who contributed to this writing project, but I would like to thank all of the individuals who contributed ideas, unending support, and technical expertise over the years. Without their contributions, I could not have written this book. I would specifically like to thank the many Autodesk contacts who provided support and answered those endless support questions with professional expertise and a cheerful smile. Many thanks to Jerry Berns and Michael Madrid for their direct help and technical support – I couldn’t have done this without your help!

Then there are the folks from Packt Publishing. Without their help, this book would still be a collection of scattered ideas and unorganized thoughts just waiting to be put down on paper.

About the reviewers

Olanrewaju Sulaimon Damilola was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria. He studied mechanical engineering at Yaba College of Technology and obtained a National Diploma. In 2017, He came across AutoCAD during his internship period and developed a flair for design. He is currently studying the same course at the University of Lagos, Nigeria. With many years of experience, he has used the AutoCAD software to design several 2D and 3D projects that were later brought to life. Also, he has taught and continues to share his CAD knowledge in the use of the software with colleagues and interested learners. He has technically reviewed two other splendid CAD books. He is also very proficient with Autodesk Inventor and Fusion360 and is an expert in SolidWorks.

This book is an all-encompassing material that will give any reader a broad comprehension of the AutoCAD software. It reveals countless commands and processes that will be beneficial to anyone who wants to improve their proficiency in the field. I can proudly say that I am a beneficiary of this collection of CAD guides. A hat-tip to the author for discussing overlooked and less-used features and explaining things in simple terms to facilitate easy assimilation.

Grace Ofunu Ameh is a design engineer with a degree in mechanical engineering, specializing in applied mechanics and design from Federal University of Technology Minna. She has significant experience in manufacturing, project management, and CAD tools such as SolidWorks and AutoCAD. Grace has contributed to various engineering projects and publications, bringing a strong technical background to her work as a reviewer.

Table of Contents

Preface

1

Using All of the AutoCAD Interface

Technical requirements

Formatting found in this document

Command locations

System Variables

To get the most out of this book

Using the Exercise Files

Taking advantage of the new features

Floating Drawing Windows

Pin and Restore

Controlling the Command Line

Lost Command Line?

Does your Command Line keep moving?

Control the Command Line Search Options

Useful Dynamic Input

Know your Dynamic Input rules

Using the Clipboard efficiently

Copy with a base point

Paste and rotate from the Clipboard

Paste as a block from the Clipboard

Using Temporary Overrides

Shift for ORTHO

Shift + A for OSNAPS

Cycling in AutoCAD

Object Cycling “the Legacy way”

Object Cycling “the New way”

OSNAP Cycling

File Cycling

Viewport Cycling

Hidden in the ViewCube

Zoom to Selected Objects

Save View as Home

ViewCube Settings

Tailoring your Options

Colors and Sizes

Polar tracking and auto-tracking lines color

Using File Tabs

Close All and Close All Other Drawings

Save All

Open File Location

Copy Full Path

File Tab menu

Using Layout Tabs

Dock above Status Bar

Dock Inline with Status Bar

Bonus commands

Blinky Status Bar?

Quick Properties

Dynamic tooltips

Summary

2

Using More of the AutoCAD Interface

Drag-and-drop

Open a file

Insert a file with various results

Insert a text file

Insert a PDF file

Working with selections

Control the Lasso

Adding and removing objects

Select SubObjects

Glowing selection effect

Fast Select (Express Tool)

Using object isolation

Using Grips efficiently

Using Common Grip commands

Using Common Grips

Using Multi-Functional OBJECT Grips

Selecting multiple GRIPS

Customize the GRIP appearance

Show Grips in blocks

Grip display limit

Bonus commands

The GROUP command

Group Bounding Box

The UNGROUP command

Group edit

Using the Group Manager

Using shortcut keys to Group and Ungroup

Summary

3

Taking Advantage of Annotation

Working smarter in the Text Editor

Navigating in the Text Editor

Selecting text in the Text Editor

Deleting words in the Text Editor

Control paragraph width

Paragraph styles

Remove all formatting

Hiding graphics with text

Smarter MTEXT

Dynamic Columns

Smarter text spacing

Using framed text

Smart text frames

Using superscript and subscript

Quick superscript text

Subscript text

More examples

Controlling MTEXT center justification

Using smart fields

Automatic coordinate labels

Bonus commands

TEXTTOFRONT

Rotate text (TORIENT)

Justify Text (TJUST)

Text Align (TEXTALIGN)

TEXTLAYER

Summary

4

Making the Most of Dimensions

Leader power commands

Adding a leader to MTEXT

Quickly remove a leader

Quickly modify a leader

Adding multiple vertices to your leader

Making leaders parallel and evenly spaced

Linear dimensions

All-in-One Dimension command

Trimming and extending dimensions

Multi-text dimensions

Resetting all dimension values to true values

Forgotten DIMROTATED command

DIMSPACE

Angular dimensions

Using smart centerlines

Associated centerlines

Associated Center Marks

Bonus commands

DIMLAYER

DIMBREAK

Summary

5

Making Tables Work for You

Working with Tables And Cells

Using Table Grips

Copying and Incrementing Cell Data

Locking a Table Cell

Unlocking a Table Cell

Using a Total Formula

Using a Total Equation

Creating Smarter Tables

Creating a Table Using Fields

Creating a Legend Table

Using Table Links

Linking a Table to Excel

Fitting a Table on the Page

Breaking a Table into Parts

Updating a Table Link

Removing a Link to an External Spreadsheet

Linking a Table to Another Table

Using Table Styles

Table Settings

Cell Styles

Creating a Table Style From an Existing Table

Sharing Table Styles

Using Cell Styles

Creating Cell Styles from Scratch

Creating Cell Styles from an Existing Cell

Using Tables and Tool Palettes

Placing Tables on a Tool Palette

Reusing Tables with Data

Bonus Table Commands

How do you redefine a minimum row height?

How do you save a new table style over an existing table style?

How do you turn off the display of the “hidden” lines in a table?

Summary

6

Discover More About Blocks

Working efficiently with blocks

Why Layer 0

BYLAYER versus BYBLOCK

Make Non-Explodable Blocks

On-the-Fly Basepoints

Use Temporary Tracking with Insert Block

Defining Alternate Basepoints

Quickly Access Recent and Frequently Used Blocks

Favorite Blocks

Working with Attributes

Multi-Line Attributes

Controlling the Order of Block Attributes

Quick Exit the Block Editor

Annotative Attribute Blocks

Sync Attribute Changes

Globally Control Attribute Scales

Globally Control Attribute Scale Locations

Bonus Block Commands

Using the ATTREQ Command

Using the ATTDISP Command

Using the ATTIN and ATTOUT Commands

Using the ATTIPEDIT Command

Using the ATTWIPE Command

Summary

7

Discover the New Block Tools

Using Block Libraries

Creating block libraries

Populating the Block | Libraries Tab

Block Library palette vs. Tool Palette

Placing blocks using the BLOCKS | LIBRARIES Tab

Removing a Block Library

Local or Cloud-based

Working with the new smart blocks

Auto-Align smart blocks

Replace block

Using the new COUNT COMMAND

Using the new BCONVERT command

Convert to Block

Summary

8

Learn to Automate with Dynamic Blocks

The parts of a dynamic block

Parameters

Actions

Parameter sets

Constraints

Block Properties table

Using examples to improve your blocks

Improving the XYZ Coordinates block

Improving the REVISION NOTE block

Improving the MATCHLINE block

How to apply the chaining feature to parameters

How to CHAIN Stretch the window width

How to Chain Stretch the window height

How to Chain Stretch the middle frame

Summary

9

Taking Layers to the Next Level

Using the Layer Properties Manager dialog

Printing the layer List

Create quick layers

Displaying longer layer names

Other layer tools

Using overlooked layer commands

QAT layer drop-down-list

Make Current

Change to Current Layer

Match Layer

Copy Objects to New Layer

Undo layer changes only

Layer Merge

Layer Delete

Using bonus commands

+LAYER

SETBYLAYER

LAYEREVAL

Summary

10

Enhance Your Knowledge of Reference Files

Working with reference files

Attach or Overlay?

Using XLIST

Copying from a Reference

Duplicating References

Working with Reference Paths

Removing Reference Paths

Finding References

Reference Balloon Notifications

Converting a reference file to a Block

Converting a Block to a reference file

Improving Reference Performance

Working with PDFs

PDF Clipboard Copy

Importing a PDF

Converting Linework Text to Mtext

Recognition Settings

Using Bonus Commands

Remote Text (Express Tools)

Remote Text Diesel Expression

Summary

11

Enforcing Your CAD Standards

Setting up CAD Standard resources

Working with CAD Standards files

Adding additional CAD Standard resources

Restoring Layer Standards

Batch Standards Checker

Using the Layer Translator

Summary

12

Making the Most of Common Commands

Using object commands

TRIM Objects

Using WIPEOUT

More POLYLINE Edits

The Hidden Features of an Array

The MULTIPLE Command

Arc Direction Change

Using the Hidden Commands

SuperHatch

Drawing a Breakline

More object snaps (OSNAPS)

From

Temporary Tracking

Midpoint Between 2 Points

Using the Calculators

Using the CAL Command

Quick Calculator (QuickCalc)

Quick Calc from Properties

More Bonus Commands

Using Select Similar

OOPS

NUDGE

The Reverse Command

Rotating by Direction

Open to Named View

Summary

13

Using Commands to Improve Performance

Drawing utilities

Drawing performance

Repairing damaged files

Using system variables

More about system variables

PICKADD

System Variable Monitor

Using linetype scales

LTSCALE

PSLTSCALE

MSLTSCALE

CELTSCALE

LTGAPSELECTION

Advanced viewport options

Merge layout viewports

Viewport Clip

Change space

TRIM or EXTEND to TEXT objects

Rotated viewports

Viewport angle

UCSFOLLOW

More bonus commands

DIVIDE

BLEND CURVE

Summary

Index

Other Books You May Enjoy

Preface

Learning AutoCAD can be a complex and time-consuming task, and every version brings with it new twists to existing features along with new capabilities. This book contains detailed step-by-step instructions making it possible for any AutoCAD user to get value from this content. Whether you are a new user or an experienced CAD Manager, this book will introduce and clarify many new methods that can be applied to your daily workflows.

Who this book is for

This book was written primarily for the experienced AutoCAD user but can be used by all AutoCAD users as long as you have some experience with the basics. The book includes detailed step-by-step instructions for each tip or technique included. My goal in writing this book was to introduce concepts and commands that are not widely known and often overlooked by many AutoCAD users. During my years of training and consulting on Autodesk products, I have discovered many commands that users tend to overlook or have never discovered, so I wanted to fill this gap using the contents of this book. While no book can be all-inclusive, I predict that many of you will pick up several tips while reading this book. I cannot tell you how many times I have heard the comment “How long has that been there?” or “Why haven’t I heard of this before?” when training a group of AutoCAD users. So enjoy the tips and techniques shared in this book, and I will continue to collect new tips and techniques to share in the future!

What this book covers

Chapter 1, Using All of the AutoCAD Interface, lets you learn to use the new interface components of AutoCAD to optimize your working environment.

Chapter 2, Using More of the AutoCAD Interface, lets you learn to use the new and old interface features using different techniques to control the display and functionality of grips, selection sets, and objects.

Chapter 3, Taking Advantage of Annotation, lets you learn to use the full capabilities of the Text Editor and how to create special annotation objects in your drawings.

Chapter 4, Making the Most of Dimensions, lets you learn to improve your efficiency in using the dimension tools using standards and various settings that can help you annotate your drawing more quickly.

Chapter 5, Making Tables Work for You, lets you learn to use the new TABLE objects to collect and generate schedules from the data in your drawing files and from external files using other Windows applications.

Chapter 6, Discover More About Blocks, lets you learn to improve your use of blocks through automation by using lesser-known block commands.

Chapter 7, Discover the New Block Tools, lets you learn how to add the ability to control and automate daily tasks when using both new and old block commands.

Chapter 8, Learn to Automate with Dynamic Blocks, lets you learn to add intelligent and flexible automation to those old blocks using dynamic blocks.

Chapter 9, Taking Layers to the Next Level, lets you learn to manage and use some of the hidden layer commands. Managing your layers is critical to standardizing and simplifying some of the most used commands in AutoCAD.

Chapter 10, Enhance your Knowledge of Reference Files, lets you learn to fully understand what capabilities are available and how they can improve your use of reference files and PDFs.

Chapter 11, Enforcing your CAD Standards, lets you learn to define and enforce your CAD Standards. Standardization can only be achieved through good planning.

Chapter 12, Making the Most of Common Commands, lets you learn how to use some of the most commonly used commands differently. Do you know everything about TRIM, PEDIT, ARRAY, and other commands? This chapter covers these commands in detail.

Chapter 13, Using Commands to Improve Performance, lets you learn how to use the utilities provided in AutoCAD to help you clean up your drawing files and how to repair and audit them when needed.

To get the most out of this book

We assume you are reading this book chronologically. If a topic is explained early in an exercise, it might not be repeated later.

Software/hardware covered in the book

Operating system requirements

AutoCAD 2025 (any other version of AutoCAD will also work)

Windows or macOS

You can refer to the following link to confirm your hardware requirements:

https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/System-requirements-for-AutoCAD.html?us_oa=dotcom-us&us_si=9b630dac-e4eb-4e94-b32d-01c1026e2a72&us_st=system%20requirements%20for%20autocad.

I will be using a Windows environment for these examples.

Download the exercise files

You can download the complete profile, resources, and exercises for this book from GitHub at https://github.com/PacktPublishing/AutoCAD-2025-Best-Practices-Tips-and-Techniques. If there’s an update to the code, it will be updated in the GitHub repository.

We also have other code bundles from our rich catalog of books and videos available at https://github.com/PacktPublishing/. Check them out!

Conventions used

There are a number of text conventions used throughout this book.

Tips or important notes

Appear like this.

This book uses some additional conventions that you should know that will help you understand and follow the steps provided. Here is the formatting found in this document:

COMMAND NAME: such as LINE, POLYLINE, and ERASEMouse Controls: such as right-click, left-click, and left-click and dragKeyboard Shortcuts: such as Ctrl + F, Shift, and EscKey-in Commands: such as COMMANDS and COMMAND OPTIONSCommand locations: This table displays the various locations where you can find the command discussed. You should select the command location that best suits your method of using AutoCAD.

Example:

COMMAND NAME

Command Locations

Ribbon

Ribbon Tab Name | Ribbon Group Name | Command Name

Right-click Menu

QAT

DDL | COMMAND NAME

Command Line

COMMAND (COMMAND ABBREVIATION)

System Variables: This table will display each system variable as it is used throughout the book. It includes the description, settings, and all the available variable options.

Example:

VARIABLE NAME

Description

Type:       Variable Type

Saved in: Saved Location

Value 1

Setting description

Value 2

Setting description

Value 3 (default)

Setting description

Get in touch

Feedback from our readers is always welcome.

General feedback: If you have questions about any aspect of this book, email us at [email protected] and mention the book title in the subject of your message.

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1

Using All of the AutoCAD Interface

The out-of-the-box AutoCAD interface is a generic compilation of the most commonly used features, which may or may not be the right combination for you. Whether you are a novice or an experienced user, it is important that you learn the different methods for using this interface.

In this chapter, you will learn how to modify the default interface components and how to expose some hidden interface features to better match your use of the software. You will start by learning how to modify the display and functionality of the default windows. Then, you will see how to optimize your coordinate input to match your use of AutoCAD. Next, you will move on to learn about the usage of hidden shortcut keys. Then, you will see how to control object selections and the associated display options. Finally, you will customize the default Status Bar.

In this chapter, you will cover the following topics:

Taking advantage of the new featuresControlling the Command LineUseful Dynamic InputUsing the Clipboard efficientlyUsing Temporary OverridesCycling in AutoCADHidden in the ViewCubeTailoring your OptionsUsing File and Layout tabs

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to optimize the interface to work more efficiently within your own work environment.

Technical requirements

You will need a computer with either Windows or macOS to complete this chapter’s exercises. I will be using a Windows environment for these examples. Any version of AutoCAD will work, but it is recommended that you use the latest version so your software matches the examples as closely as possible. I will be using AutoCAD 2025 throughout this book, and you can refer to the following link to confirm your hardware requirements: https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/System-requirements-for-AutoCAD.html?us_oa=dotcom-us&us_si=9b630dac-e4eb-4e94-b32d-01c1026e2a72&us_st=system%20requirements%20for%20autocad.

Formatting found in this document

COMMAND NAME: such as LINE, POLYLINE, and ERASE

Mouse Controls: such as right-click, left-click, and left-click and drag

Keyboard Shortcuts: such as Ctrl + F, Shift, and Esc

Key-in Commands: such as COMMANDS and COMMAND OPTIONS

Command locations

This table displays the various locations where you can find the command discussed. You should select the command location that best suits your method of using AutoCAD.

Example:

COMMAND NAME

Command Locations

Ribbon

Ribbon Tab Name | Ribbon Group Name | Command Name

Right-click Menu

QAT

DDL | COMMAND NAME

Command Line

COMMAND (COMMAND ABBREVIATION)

MATCHPROP

Command Locations

Ribbon

Home | Properties | Match Properties

QAT

Drop-Down-List | Match Properties

Command Line

MATCHPROP (MA)

System Variables

This table will display each system variable as it is used throughout the book. It includes the description, settings, and all the available variable options.

Example:

VARIABLE NAME

Description

Type:       Variable Type

Saved in: Saved Location

Value 1

Setting description

Value 2

Setting description

Value 3 (default)

Setting description

SELECTIONPREVIEW

Controls the display of objects and how they are highlighted when the cursor hovers over them. This highlighting indicates that the object can be selected if you Left-Click on it. This setting is stored as a BITCODE that uses the sum of any or all of the following values:

Type:       Bitcode

Saved in: Registry

0

OFF (will improve the performance of AutoCAD)

1

ON when no commands are active (the list dialog is not displayed)

2

ON when a command prompts for object selection (the list dialog displays the selected objects that you can cycle through)

3 (default)

ON when you “hover” over an object

To get the most out of this book

We assume you are reading this book chronologically. If a topic is explained early in an exercise, it might not be repeated later.

This book uses some conventions that you should know that will help you understand and follow the steps provided.

You can download the complete profile and exercises on GitHub at the following URL: https://github.com/PacktPublishing/AutoCAD-2025-Best-Practices-Tips-and-Techniques.

Using the Exercise Files

The exercise files for this book are located in the ACAD_TipsTechniques\Exercise_Files folder. I recommend placing the ACAD_TipsTechniques folder on your desktop to simplify this installation. You can place them anywhere you want in your system; however, you will need to edit the profile AutoCAD_TipsTechniques.ARG file and import it to use when working with the files for this course.

First, locate the delivered AutoCAD_TipsTechniques.ARG file, a customized profile that directs AutoCAD to use the resources required for this book. This file should be imported to prevent any interference with your working AutoCAD profiles.

Download the ACAD_TipsTechniques\Exercise_Files folder for this book and place it on your desktop.Start up the AutoCAD application and open any DWG file. Place the cursor in the middle of the view window and right-click to access the Options command. Select the Profiles tab, and click the Import button. Navigate to the delivered profile (.ARG) file located at: ..ACAD_TipsTechniques\Exercise_Files\CompanyXYZ\support\ACAD_TipsTechniques.ARGIn the Import Profile dialog, leave the name as delivered and select the Apply and Close buttons.

This will add the ACAD_TipsTechniques profile to the Available Profiles list.

Select the new profile, ACAD_TipsTechniques, and click the Set Current button to make it the active profile for working with the files used throughout this book.

Note

Again, using the ACAD_TipsTechniques.arg profile will prevent any interference with your personal or corporate AutoCAD environment.

Click OK to close the Options dialog and save these changes.

Using this profile directs AutoCAD to the correct locations for the various resources used throughout this book.

Taking advantage of the new features

In this section, we will learn how to use the new interface features found in the most recent versions of AutoCAD. Using the newest features can improve your overall use of the software.

First, let’s examine the new “floating” or “undocked” drawing windows to take advantage of large and multiple monitor configurations.

Floating Drawing Windows

In this exercise, we will discuss how to take advantage of using more than one monitor. With multiple monitors, you might prefer to “float” your drawing windows to take advantage of that second monitor. The benefit of a “floating” drawing window may not be immediately apparent, so let me demonstrate how it can help you with your workflow:

You can take advantage of multiple monitors by placing separate drawing windows on each monitor. This is more efficient than just stretching a single drawing window across multiple monitors.You can use floating windows to run commands between two drawing files.

Each of the floating windows has its own Command Line dialog. To demonstrate this feature, we need to have two drawings open and follow these steps:

Open the 1-1_Floating Windows 1.dwg and 1-1_Floating Windows 2.dwg files. Both files are now visible in the File Tabs area.Using the File Tabs area, left-click and drag the 1-1_Floating Windows 1.dwg File tab into the view window and release the mouse button.

Figure 1.1: Floating Windows or Tabs

This file is now a “floating” drawing window that can be moved to either monitor and maximized or tiled as needed.

Note

This is a great feature for those familiar with other applications that take advantage of multiple monitors.

In the next exercise, we will examine how to PIN and RESTORE the “floating” view windows.

Pin and Restore

Once the file window is “floating,” you can control the display order of the window using one of the following methods:

Pin the windows to control the display orderTile the windows side by side

In this exercise, we will discover how to PIN and TILE the “floating” drawing view windows:

First, use the PIN icon found in the floating file’s Title Bar to force that file on TOP of the AutoCAD application. The PIN icon will change to a blue-colored icon when activated. Resize the “floating” file window to one-half of the screen display. This prevents you from using the Ctrl + Tab shortcut key to toggle between open drawing files.

Figure 1.2: Floating drawing window in TILE mode

Next, left-click and drag the file to the RIGHT side of the screen until you see it lock in place in TILE mode.Left-click and drag the 1-1_Floating Windows 2.dwg file to the LEFT side of the screen until you see it lock in place in TILE mode.

Figure 1.3: Floating drawing windows resized for ribbon display

Resize both files to see the AutoCAD application ribbon bar.Use the PIN icon on both files to force the drawing view windows to remain above the application window.

MATCHPROP

Command Locations

Ribbon

Home | Properties | Match Properties

QAT

Drop-Down List | Match Properties

Command Line

MATCHPROP (MA)

6. Using the Quick Access Toolbar (QAT), turn ON the icon for the Match Properties command.

7. Use the QATdrop-down list to add a checkmark to the Match Properties command.

`

Figure 1.4: Quick Access Toolbar | Match Properties

8. Select the 1-1_Floating Windows 1.dwg file and select the Match Properties command from the QAT. Left-click on a ROOM NAME (LAUNDRY) object to match the properties of the text object in this file.

9. Select the 1-1 Floating Windows 2.dwg file and select a ROOM NAME (BEDROOM) text object in this view. The text object in this file will change to match the text object properties from the first file.

Figure 1.5: QAT Match Properties

You can re-dock a “floating” drawing window using left-click and drag to drop the file’s Title Bar back into the File Tabs area and then release the mouse button.

Note

Did you notice that each file has its own Command Line when working with “floating” view windows?

You can control this new feature using the SYSFLOATING system variable:

SYSFLOATING

Controls the dock state of the drawing File Tabs.

Type:        Integer

Saved in: Registry

0 (default)

Drawing File Tabs are docked.

1

Drawing File Tabs are floating.

-1

The floating drawing File Tab feature is disabled.

On completion of this exercise, you should now be able to control the display of the drawing to take advantage of your hardware configuration and customize your QAT to include the MATCH PROPERTIES command.

Controlling the Command Line

In this exercise, we will learn how to control where your Command Line dialog “lives” and how to find it when it goes missing.

Lost Command Line?

Have you ever lost the Command Line window? I guess you have, since it occasionally disappears while working in the interface. You can use the following two options to recover the Command Line from its hiding place.

Option 1 – Using a Keyboard Shortcut

The first option is to use the built-in Ctrl + 9 shortcut key to toggle the command window ON and OFF. This will bring the Command Line dialog to the front of the application window from wherever it is hiding.

Option 2 – Using the CUI Dialog

The second option is to use the Customize User Interface (CUI) command to turn the command window ON or OFF.

The CUI command is available at the following locations:

CUI

Command Locations

Ribbon

Manage | Customization | User Interface

Command Line

CUI (CUI)

Using the following steps, you can gain control of your Command Line dialog. To demonstrate this functionality, you need to be in a drawing file:

Open the 1-0_Blank.DWG file.Start the CUI command and, using the Customize User Interface dialog, select the (current) workspace.Click the Customize Workspace button at the TOP of the RIGHT panel. This will turn all the menu items blue.Expand the Palettes item and select the Command Line palette.Using the Properties panel in this dialog, modify the Orientation setting to a different orientation using the Floating, Top, Bottom, Left, Right, or Do Not Change options. Click the Apply button and close the dialog.

Figure 1.6: CUI dialog results

The Command Line should appear at your selected location. I selected the LEFT command-line location.

On completing this exercise, you can control the location and display properties of your Command Line to improve your overall use of your screen real estate.

Does your Command Line keep moving?

Are you having problems with your Command Line not “sticking” at your preferred location? Me too, and it can be very annoying!

Locate and size your Command Line as needed and use the Ctrl key when dragging it to the desired location. Holding the Ctrl key while moving the Command Line dialog disables the “magnet” or “docking” capability for the positioning of the Command Line dialog and forces the location to be memorized.

Use the following steps to prevent the Command Line dialog from moving around in the interface:

Continue using the 1-0_Blank.dwg file.Select the Command Line using the “dotted” end of the title bar, then left-click and drag it to a new location while holding the Ctrl key. If you drag the dialog down into the Status Bar area of the interface, you will see that it no longer forces the “docking” functionality.Drag the Command Line dialog to your preferred location and re-size it to one line to minimize the required screen real estate. As an experienced AutoCAD user, you probably don’t need to see more than one line of the Command Line dialog, and you can always use the F2 key to review additional lines when needed.

Control the Command Line Search Options

You can control what commands appear in the Command Line suggestion list using the INPUTSEARCHOPTIONS system variable. This variable allows you to control the following options.

AutoComplete

Controls if the commands are automatically completed as you type. You can determine if a MID-STRING KEY-IN is allowed or if you wish to have the suggestion list sorted based on the FREQUENCY OF COMMAND USAGE or ALPHABETICALLY.

AutoCorrect

This enables spellchecking on the commands as you type.

System Variables

This controls whether system variables are included in the suggestion list. When they are, you need to press Tab key to expand the list.

List Time Delay

This controls how long the delay is before the suggestion list is displayed as you type. This time is entered in milliseconds.

Filter Named Objects

This controls whether named objects, such as blocks, layers, hatches, and styles, are displayed in the suggestion list. You can determine which types are included and control their priority by using the arrow buttons to change the order of the list.

In this exercise, we will learn how to customize the Command Line location and features.

Continue using the 1-0_Blank.dwg file.Using the Command Line, left-click on the WRENCH icon to access the Input Search Options… command.Using the Insert Search Options dialog, review the settings and make any desired changes.Click OK to close the dialog and save your changes.

Figure 1.7: INPUTSEARCHOPTIONS settings

After completing this exercise, you will be able to control the location of your Command Line with more precision and disable the “docking” functionality when needed to make the most of your screen real estate. Using these skills, you can customize what content is displayed in your Command Line using the suggestion list options.

Useful Dynamic Input

In this exercise, we will learn how to use Dynamic Input and clipboard shortcuts to improve your productivity using precision input and Dynamic Input. First, you need to know your dynamic input rules.

Know your Dynamic Input rules

Have you ever wanted to input Absolute coordinates using the new Dynamic Input feature? First, let’s verify that you have Dynamic Input enabled:

Open the 1-2_Know Your Coordinates.dwg file.Using the Status Bar, left-click on the “hamburger” icon, , and select Dynamic Input from the list to turn it ON in the Status Bar.This will turn ON the Dynamic inputicon, .

First, let’s review the basics of AutoCAD coordinate input:

Relative Coordinates: 2,20 is relative to the previous coordinate locationAbsolute Coordinates: #2,20 is an absolute coordinate location in the current UCS (User Coordinate System),World Coordinates: *2,20 is a world coordinate location

Once you understand these rules, you can input them using two methods.

Method 1

For the first example, we want to add an object vertex at the absolute coordinate of 0,0 using Dynamic Input. When using Dynamic Input, if you key in 0,0 the coordinate is interpreted as a “relative” coordinate from the current cursor location. If you key in #0,0 it is interpreted as an “absolute” coordinate.

Use this override setting when inputting the coordinate values by typing in a # character before the coordinate:

Select the Line command and left-click inside the SQUARE object to start the line.Drag the cursor to the LEFT side of the SQUARE object, key in #0,0 and press Enter to complete the command. Notice the LINE is not continued using this key in is interpreted as the ABSOLUTE coordinate 0,0.Drag the cursor to the TOP edge of the SQUARE object, key in 0,0 and press Enter to complete the command. Notice that the line is not continued using this key-in, as it is interpreted as X=0 and Y=0 from the current location.Press the Esc to cancel the current command and Ctrl + Z shortcut key to UNDO the previous lines.

Next, let’s look at another method to input coordinates.

Method 2

If you key in ABSOLUTE coordinates more than RELATIVE coordinates, you will want to change your input settings when using Dynamic Input to avoid using all the # characters during input.

Let’s change our default input settings before we draw the next line. Follow these steps:

Continue using the 1-2_Know Your Coordinates.dwg file.To access the Dynamic Input Settings, right-click on the Dynamic Input icon in the Status Bar and select the Dynamic Input Settings command.Using the Enable Pointer Input, select the Settings button.Using the Pointer Input Settings dialog, select the Absolute coordinates format for our X,Y,Z key-ins.

Figure 1.8: Absolute Pointer Input Settings

Click OK to save your selection and click OK again to close the Dynamic Input Settings dialog.Select the LINE command and left-click inside the SQUARE object to start the line.Drag the cursor to the LEFT side of the SQUARE, key in 0,0 and press Enter to complete the command. This time, the LINE is drawn to the ABSOLUTE X,Y coordinate without using the # prefix.

After completing this section, you can use these rules and settings for your coordinate input. You can control and simplify your coordinates more easily and still take advantage of Dynamic Input.

Using the Clipboard efficiently

Everyone knows you can use the Ctrl + C Windows shortcut keys to copy objects to the clipboard and Ctrl + V to paste them back into a drawing. These are wonderful shortcuts, but they have a “flaw” in our AutoCAD workflow. These methods don’t allow you to define a base point to control the insertion point for the paste portion of these actions. Instead of using the typical Windows shortcuts, use the COPY WITH BASE POINT clipboard command to control your base point.

CLIPBOARD

Command Locations

Ribbon

Home | Clipboard | Copy | Copy with Base Point

Command Line

COPYBASE (COPYB)

Right-Click Menu

Clipboard | Copy with Base Point

Copy with a base point

In this exercise, we will use the Ctrl + Shift + C shortcut to define a base point and copy objects to the clipboard, which is quicker than using the right-click menu to access this command:

Open the 1-3_Smarter Clipboard.dwg file.Select the ARROW object and right-click to access the Clipboard | Copy With Base Point command, or use the Ctrl + Shift + C.Using the ENDPOINT OSNAP, left-click at the tip of the arrowhead to define the base point.Next, use the Ctrl + V shortcut to PASTE the clipboard contents into the drawing using the newly definedbase point.

Note

You can also use the Ctrl + Shift + X shortcut to CUT objects from a drawing to the clipboard and define a base point.

Paste and rotate from the Clipboard

Another clipboard option that is “hidden” from many users is the ability to rotate the clipboard contents during PASTE operation:

Continue using the 1-3_Smarter Clipboard.dwg file.Use the Ctrl + V shortcut to PASTE the ARROW graphics again, and key in R to pre-define the desired angle of the ARROW graphics.

Note

The “R” command option is “hidden” and is NOT displayed in the Command Line but is available to use.

Key in 90 to rotate the new ARROW graphics 90 degrees and left-click in the drawing view to place the new rotated graphics.

Figure 1.9: Paste and rotate

Paste as a block from the Clipboard

In this exercise, we will continue to use PASTE from the clipboard contents and convert all graphics as a BLOCK object during the PASTE process:

Continue using the 1-3_Smarter Clipboard.dwg file.Use the Ctrl + Shift + V shortcut to PASTE the clipboard graphics as a BLOCK.The resulting BLOCK object will be an ANONYMOUS BLOCK with an A$C….block name.Using the Command Line, key in RENAME to give this new block a logical name.

RENAME

Command Locations

Command Line

RENAME (REN)

Figure 1.10: Renaming the block

Upon completing this section, you should be able to use the clipboard more efficiently to copy and paste drawing objects and place them correctly during the clipboard commands.

Using Temporary Overrides

In this section, we will use several keyboard overrides to override command functionality on the fly to help control the placement and editing of objects in the drawing file.

Shift for ORTHO

In this first exercise, we will learn to use the Shift key to automatically apply the ORTHOGONAL (ORTHO) angle lock without using the F8 function key. The Shift key will apply ORTHO as a temporary override while executing a command:

Open the 1-4_Shortcuts.dwg file.Select the Line command and left-click in the view window to start the LINE object.Drag the cursor to the RIGHT and UP at approximately 45 degrees. By default, POLAR is turned ON, and you can draw the line at any angle.Hold down the Shift key to force ORTHO to be applied, limiting your angle options to “0” or “90” degree angles.Release the Shift key to return to the previous POLAR angle options.

Shift + A for OSNAPS

In this second exercise, we will learn to use the Shift + A keys to temporarily disable OSNAPS without using the F9 function key. The Shift + A key will disable the OSNAPS as a temporary override while executing a command:

Continue using the 1-4_Shortcuts.dwg file.Select the Line command and left-click in the view window to start the LINE object.Drag the cursor to the UPPER-LEFT corner of the shape.Hold down the Shift + A keys to disable OSNAP, allowing you to avoid accidentally snapping to the shape object.Release the Shift + A keys to enable OSNAPS again when needed.

OSMODE

Defines what OSNAPS are set in running mode. For example, setting OSMODE to 7 enables the Endpoint (bitcode 1), Midpoint (bitcode 2), and Center (bitcode 4) OSNAPS. You ADD the values to define the final bitcode.

Type:               Bitmode

Saved in:         Registry

Initial Value: 4133 (Endpoint, Center, Intersection, and Extension)

0

None

1

Endpoint

2

Midpoint

4

Center

8

Node

16

Quadrant

32

Intersection

64

Insertion

128

Perpendicular

256

Tangent

512

Nearest

1024

Geometric Center

2048

Apparent Intersection

4096

Extension

8192

Parallel

16384

Suppresses the current running OSNAPS

Cycling in AutoCAD

For several years now, the ability to perform object cycling between objects using the mouse and keyboard shortcuts has been available to assist in selecting specific overlapping objects. In the newer versions of AutoCAD, you can use the new SELECTION CYCLING tool available in the Status Bar. In the next example, let’s look at both methods for object cycling.

Object Cycling “the Legacy way”

When you hover over overlapping objects, you can use the Shift + Spacebar shortcut to cycle between all the overlapping objects. Once the object you need is highlighted, you can left-click to select the Selection Cycling command.

By default, the SELECTIONPREVIEW system variable is set to 3, which allows a preview of the object under the cursor location. Other settings are available, as shown in the following table:

SELECTIONPREVIEW

Controls the display of objects and how they are highlighted when the cursor hovers over them. This highlighting indicates that the object can be selected if you Left-Click on it. This setting is stored as a BITCODE that uses the sum of any or all of the following values:

Type:       Bitcode

Saved in: Registry

0

OFF (will improve the performance of AutoCAD)

1

ON when no commands are active (the list dialog does not display)

2

ON when a command prompts for object selection (the list dialog displays the selected objects that you can cycle through)

3 (default)

ON when you “hover” over an object

Use the following steps to use the “legacy” method for cycling betweenoverlapping objects:

Open the 1-5_Object Cycling.dwg file.Hover the mouse over the overlapping objects at P1 and use Shift + Spacebar to cycle between the objects at that location. You will find that there are four objects at this location:

LINE, LINE, POLYLINE, POLYLINE

Continue to use the Shift + Spacebar to toggle the highlight between all four objects. When the object you want to select is highlighted, release Shift + Spacebar and left-click to select that object.Press the Esc key to clear the active selection set.

Next, let’s learn how to use the new method for controlling the selection of overlapping objects.

Object Cycling “the New way”

In this exercise, we will look at the dialog option provided by newer versions of AutoCAD to assist with selecting overlapping objects using the SELECTION CYCLING tool in the Status Bar. Use this method if you struggle to see the highlighted objects demonstrated in the previous method:

Continue using the 1-5_Object Cycling.dwg file.By default, the Selection Cycling tool is turned OFF. Using the Status Bar, left-click on the “hamburger” icon to turn on Selection Cycling in the Status Bar. Hover the mouse over the overlapping objects at P1 and make note of the Cursor Badgethat informs you of the overlapping objects at this point.Select the overlapping objects at P1, and a Selection dialog opens to display all objects at that location.

Note

You can turn OFF the display of the cursor badges using the CURSORBADGE system variable.

CURSORBADGE

Determines which cursor badges are displayed in the drawing area when hovering on an object.

Type:        Integer

Saved in: Registry

1

Turns OFF cursor badges used in the following commands: AREA, COPY, DIST, ERASE, ID, LIST, MASSPROP, MEASUREGEOM, MOVE, ROTATE, SCALE, TRIM, and ZOOM

2 (default)

Turns ON all cursor badges

Selection Cycling Settings

You can control how the selection cycling dialog appears and what it contains using the Selection Cycling Settings:

Using the Status Bar, right-click on the Selection Cycling button to access the Selection Cycling Settings.Using the Drafting Settings dialog, use the Quadrant and Distance settings to define where and how far away the dialog appears from your cursor. You can also choose the Static location, and the dialog will appear at the same location regardless of your cursor location.You may also prefer to turn OFF the Title Bar, as it is unnecessary.

Figure 1.11: Selection Cycling settings

In this exercise, we learned how to better control the selection of overlapping objects using both legacy and new methods.

Next, let’s learn how to control OSNAP Cycling.

OSNAP Cycling

In this exercise, let’s investigate how to control the use of our running OSNAPS to better control which OSNAP method is applied. Do you know all the shortcuts available to simplify your daily use of OSNAPS?

Before we begin these next few examples, we need to verify which OSNAPs are currently running.

Open the 1-6_OSNAP Cycling.dwg file.Using the Status Bar, left-click on the OSNAP icon drop-down-list and verify that you have the following OSNAPS turned ON:

Figure 1.12 Running OSNAPS

For this example, we must turn OFF the DYNAMIC INPUT setting in the Status Bar. The DYNAMIC INPUT functionality prevents this method from working.Select the Line command and hover the mouse over the Center point of the circle.Use the Tab key to toggle between the various running OSNAPS. Each object and OSNAP mode will display and highlight to confirm which snappable point is identified. Issue a left-click when the correct snappable point and object are displayed.

In this exercise, you learned how to control your OBJECT and OSNAP Cycling to gain more control over your drawing and editing processes.

File Cycling

In this exercise, let’s look at the options for switching between open files in an AutoCAD session. If screen real estate is a problem, you can turn OFF the File Tabs and use the Ctrl + Tab shortcut to cycle between open files.

First, how do you turn OFF File Tabs? Use the following FILETABCLOSE and FILETAB commands to control the display of File Tabs.

FILETABCLOSE, FILETAB

Command Locations

Ribbon

View | Interface | File Tabs

Command Line

FILETABCLOSE, FILETAB

Open the 1-7_File Cycling 1.dwg and 1-7_File Cycling 2.dwg files.

You can use the Ctrl + Tab, Ctrl + Shift + Tab, and Ctrl + Home shortcuts to navigate through the File Tabs. Let’s look at these commands in detail:

Ctrl + Tab: Use these shortcut keys to cycle to the next open File Tab.Ctrl + Shift + Tab: Use these shortcut keys to cycle to the previous open File Tab.

Note

Use the FILETAB command to turn the display of the File Tabs on again.

Using these keyboard shortcuts will simplify your navigation of open files and eliminate the need to display File Tabs, letting you save that screen real estate.

Viewport Cycling

Have you ever been stuck in a viewport that was erroneously or intentionally created inside of another viewport, creating a “nested” viewport? How do you access a “nested” viewport?

Open the 1-8_Viewport Cycling.dwg file.Double left-click in the larger viewport to activate that viewport.

If you try to double-left-click to activate the smaller viewport, it doesn’t work. However, if you use the Ctrl + R shortcut, you can toggle between all viewports, including the embedded viewport, to gain the ability to activate any viewport in this paper space.

Use the Ctrl + R shortcut to activate the smaller viewport that is embedded in the larger viewport.Continue using Ctrl + R to toggle between viewports in this layout.

In this exercise, you learned how to control your FILE and VIEWPORT cycling to gain more control over your drawing and editing process.

Hidden in the ViewCube

Not everyone uses the ViewCube in AutoCAD, but even if you do, there are some hidden features that you may not be aware of. Most users use the ViewCube for 3D work, but did you know you can also use it for 2D?

Let me demonstrate how you can take advantage of the ViewCube’s hidden features, even in 2D.

Zoom to Selected Objects

Do you know how to get AutoCAD to perform a ZOOM EXTENTS to a selection only? Using the ViewCube, you can ZOOM EXTENTS to just the selected objects.

Open the 1-9_ViewCube 2D.dwg file.Using the Lasso selection method, select Lots 9-15 between RAY BLVD and HAYDEN DR.

Note

If you are not familiar with the LASSO selection option, left-click and drag the cursor around the objects to select. Release the left-click when the bounding selection box is complete.

Double left-click to access the Zoom Extents command. As anticipated, it disregards the selected items and zooms out to show the entire drawing’s contents.Repeat the previous selection command, and using the ViewCube, select the TOP face. This time, the selected objects are recognized and the view zooms to just the selected objects.

Note

Disable the ZOOM EXTENTS functionality using the ViewCube settings in the next section.

Save View as Home

In this exercise, we will learn how to save a common view of a drawing so that it can be easily recalled. Yes, we could use Saved Views, but there is also another method for saving common views.

Let’s begin by discovering how to use the ViewCube to create a Home view quickly.

Continue using the 1-9_ViewCube 2D.dwg file.Using the mouse, double-click the wheel to access the Zoom Extents command which will fit the drawing contents in the current view.Using the Zoom Window command, zoom in on Lots 8-13 between HAYDEN DR and STRATTON DR.

Figure 1.13: Zoom window results

Hover the mouse over the ViewCube until you see the Home icon, , then left-click to select it. By default, it will rotate to an isometric view, which would be great if we were working in a 3D file.Use the Undo command (Ctrl + Z) to return the view to the previous flat view.Again, hover over the ViewCube and right-click on the Home icon. Select the Set Current View As Home command.Double-click the mouse wheel to access the Zoom Extents command.Use the new Home icon definition to set the current view to your preferred Home view.

Now, we can look at the remaining ViewCube customizable settings to suit your preferences.

ViewCube Settings

Use the ViewCube Settings to control the display and functionality of the ViewCube:

Continue using the 1-9_ViewCube 2D.dwg file.Hover the mouse over the ViewCube and right-click to access the ViewCube Settings command.

Figure 1.14: Default ViewCube

Using the ViewCube Settings dialog, use the following settings to change the functionality of the ViewCube:Use the On-screen position to control where the ViewCube is displayed. The TOP RIGHT location may not be best for your use.Use the ViewCube Size settings to change the overall size of the ViewCube in your view window.Use the Show UCS Menu toggle to turn OFF the UCS drop-down list if you do not use the UCS.

Figure 1.15: ViewCube Settings dialog

In this section, you learned how to take advantage of the hidden features and settings in the ViewCube.

In the next section, we will look at how you can change the appearance of AutoCAD using the OPTIONS command.

Tailoring your Options

Do you need to use AutoCAD for presentations at work? The OPTIONS settings have several controls that you can use to improve the visibility of your cursor and command prompts, making those presentations easier for your audience to follow.

Colors and Sizes

First, let’s look at the options for the size and color of the Command Line and Dynamic Prompts.