Annotate on a Layout (aka: Paperspace) ?

I have to admit, even after using AutoCAD for more years than I care to admit to, I always learn something new (even if it's what not to do!)

Anyway, many of you know me from the Autodesk Online Discussion Groups : http://discussion.autodesk.com as my role as a volunteer facilitator... (or maybe you don't)... but one of the users posted their problem (which I still do not understand why they are doing this, but here goes...)

They stated that they were dimensioning in Paperspace (now known as a Layout) and trying to double-click on the dimension to edit it (which is what I do not understand, but...) they were missing the dimension and then being transported to modelspace (aka: floating modelspace or in the viewport)... I remembered helping someone a long time ago when they were double-clicking on TEXT or MTEXT and it was doing the same thing.

There is a System Variable (undocumented as far as I can tell) called SPACESWITCH. It is only available while on a Layout and when set to 0 (that's zero) it will stop you from being transported into floating modelspace if you miss and object.

The only place I found it listed was a Technical Document:

Unable to enter in to model space of floating viewport
http://usa.autodesk.com/getdoc/id=TS74985

and I remembered showing someone this for editing TEXT, MTEXT on their layout (basically doing the opposite of what the technical doc was intended for) or turning a negative into a positive.

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Viz 2006 is shipping...

Realize your ideas with Autodesk® VIZ 2006, software for rendering, 3D modeling, and animation. Whether you’re exploring concepts, validating strategy, or communicating design intent to clients, the state-of-the-art technologies and new features of Autodesk VIZ 2006 help you bring your vision to fruition.

The Design Gallery is where you can see real-world work from Autodesk VIZ users.

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Book Review: Enhancing CAD Drawings with Photoshop

Rodney Koeneke of Sybex asked if he could send me a review copy of Scott Onstott's latest book... "Enhancing CAD Drawings with Photoshop" and of course, being the CADaholic that I am, I agreed. You should purchase this book and here is why...

If your background is mainly CAD and you are looking to enhance your drawings, presentations, or renderings this book will definitely help. Using Photoshop (a complex application in itself) with either AutoCAD drawings or Viz/Max renderings this book has many tips/tricks to make this much easier. It explains a wide variety of concepts & techniques including: color fills, entourage, layers, raster/vector understanding, compositing, painting.

There is also VLISP code for exporting AutoCAD layers to Photoshop layers. Making realistic looking raster patterns in Photoshop. Manipulating 2D drawings to give them hints of depth. Scott also explains how to create renderings in VIZ... How to create renderings in Photoshop. The book also explains how degenerating "perfect" renderings to give them that hand-sketched look. And lastly Scott explains how to output your work to in a chapter devoted to "Showing your work to the client".

I highly recommend the book and just wish I had it earlier.

For more information, or to purchase this book online:
http://www.sybex.com/WileyCDA/SybexTitle/productCd-0782143865.html

"Enhancing CAD Drawings with Photoshop" by Scott Onstott
ISBN 0-7821-4386-5

Other reviews on this book:
Ralph Gabowski's Review:
http://www.upfrontezine.com/2005/upf-426.htm#a

Ryan Small's Review:
http://rndr4food.blogspot.com/2005/04/cad-drawings-and-photoshop.html

Mike Rotolo's Review:
http://themadcadder.blogs.com/my_weblog/2005/02/enhancing_cad_d.html

For more information on Scott Onstott:
http://www.scottonstott.com/

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What's new in AutoCAD 2006

Hat's off (as always) to Lee Ambrosius and his awesome HyperPics web site (and his most great"Beyond the User Interface" blog)... most notable of late is his What's New in AutoCAD 2006 area and the great links to other AutoCAD 2006 related web sites & blogs.

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Autodesk's Realize Your Ideas Tour

Join them at one of the Autodesk "Realize Your Ideas Tour" venues to learn new ways to turn your ideas into reality. Keynote speaker and bestselling author, Guy Kawasaki, will share his strategies for kick-starting new ideas. And you'll be among the first to get a close look at all the newest Autodesk® products including AutoCAD® 2006 software. Hurry! All events are free, but registration is limited.

Tour Information

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CAD Blog Alert "In the Dynamic Interface"

Welcome Mark Douglas and his new Blog "In the Dynamic Interface"

Focusing on new technology for AutoCAD, DWF, Lisp & anything cool.

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Other CAD Related Blogs...

Tenlinks.com has a great listing of other CAD related web logs (blogs).

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The AutoCAD Survey

As seen on Shaan Hurley's "Between the Lines" Blog

"Get involved and help shape the future of AutoCAD. You the customers are the ultimate designers of AutoCAD by providing us the feedback and input on what you need to make your job using AutoCAD easier."

The AutoCAD Survey

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