TLConsulting

Autodesk, TenLinks Ride Against MS

2009-07-31T07:47:00.002-04:00

Help Autodesk and Roopinder Tara (Tenlinks) reach their goal to help fight against MS!!!

You can read more about the event on TenLinks:
http://www.tenlinks.com/About/News/071309_ms_ride.htm

More information on the Team Autodesk page:
http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR/Bike/ORCBikeEvents?team_id=166731&
pg=team&fr_id=10121

NOTICE: CAD Panacea has moved

2009-01-19T02:33:00.003-05:00

R.K. McSwain's "CAD Panacea" has moved from his Blogger site to his own domain. You should update the URL...

The new address is http://cadpanacea.com/

CADalyst's eNewsletters

2008-02-25T07:16:00.000-05:00

CADalyst's eNewsletters

Subscribe Now!

• Harry's Code Class
• Tips & Tools Weekly
• CAD Manager's
• Newsletter
• AEC Tech News
• MCAD Tech News
• GIS Tech News
• Acrobat Insider

http://management.cadalyst.com/cadman/newsletter/subscribeNewsletter.jsp

- Enjoy!

Lynn Allen's AutoCAD Tips & Tricks Videos on CADalyst

2008-02-15T07:05:00.001-05:00

Know Your User Interface

Your user interface contains these great time-saving tools that you may not know about.

Cool Key Combinations

These key combinations will help you quickly get to the drawings, viewports, and onaps you want.

Use the F1 Key to Escape

Don't remove that F1 key; make it work to your advantage.

Rev Up Your Right Click

Here's the secret to using your mouse for Enter as well as to access shortcut menus in AutoCAD.

Easy Tangent Arcs and Lines

Create tangent arcs and lines with one click; add multiple text entries while in Dtext.

Make the Most of Dynamic Input

These quick tips show a few of the ways you can use AutoCAD's new dynamic input functionality to make your drawing life a little bit easier.

Improve Your Dtext Dexterity

Improve Your Dtext Dexterity - Tip #7

- Enjoy

CADalyst's eNewsletters

2008-02-14T06:50:00.001-05:00

It's simple and free to subscribe...

To sign up for this or any of their free e-mail newsletters (see listing below), go to: http://management.cadalyst.com/cadman/newsletter/subscribeNewsletter.jsp

What's New at Cadalyst.com: AEC
Monthly e-mail alert lists all new features, reviews, CAD tutorials, code downloads, and much more as soon as they go live on Cadalyst's AEC and GIS Web sites.

What's New at Cadalyst.com: Manufacturing
Monthly e-mail alert lists all new features, reviews, CAD tutorials, code downloads, and much more as soon as they go live on Cadalyst's Manufacturing Web site.

CAD Manager's Newsletter
Robert Green covers topics that concern the CAD manager: standards, training, job descriptions and more. Mails on the second and fourth Thursday of each month. View Sample Past issues

Cadalyst Tips & Tools Weekly
Weekly digest of practical software tips; new informational, productivity and training resources; deals and freebies; opportunities and honors; calendar of industry events; and the past week's new CAD and related products. Mails every Monday.View Sample Past Issues

Harry's Code Class: Tips for Programmers
Develop your Visual LISP, VBA and ObjectARX programming prowess with AutoCAD expert Bill Kramer, author of Cadalyst's monthly Hot Tip Harry column. Mails the fourth Tuesday of each month, except holidays. Past Issues

AEC Tech News
AEC Tech News examines CAD-related technologies and hot topics for AEC professionals. Mails the first, third and fourth Thursdays of each month. View Sample Past issues

MCAD Tech News
Jeffrey Rowe evaluates software for mechanical design, analysis and manufacturing and examines other MCAD-related news, events and issues. Mails the first three Thursdays of each month. View Sample Past issues

GIS Tech News
Authors Kenneth Wong and Andrew Roe analyze top trends and relevant developments in GIS and mapping: major product releases, open standards, government initiatives and more. Mails the first and third Tuesdays of each month. View Sample Past issues

Acrobat Insider: AEC
Tips and tricks for AEC professionals who use Adobe Acrobat 7.0 Professional and the PDF format, from Cadalyst and Adobe. Mails once a month. View Sample Past issues

Tips & Tricks Tuesdays: Cadalyst Video Gallery Updates

Each Tuesday, a new video tip goes live in the Cadalyst Video Gallery. Tips offer step-by-step help in a user-friendly video format for users of AutoCAD and other CAD software. Sign up here to receive an e-mail notification each time a new tip goes live.

Cadalyst Promotional Mailings
I'd like to receive additional mailings from Cadalyst and its third-party partners, including new product announcements, special offers and more. FROM GEOSPATIAL SOLUTIONS

Geospatial Solutions Weekly
Get the latest news and views on developments and trends in geospatial and GIS every week. Spans technologies including earth imaging, remote sensing and GPS/survey, and applications including natural resources, government/military, transportation, civil engineering, location-based services and business analytics. View Sample

Early Edition
The latest news and articles from Cadalyst's sister publication Geospatial Solutions, the authoritative forum for emerging intelligence about GIS and related spatial technologies.

- Enjoy

CADdetails

2008-02-13T11:05:00.000-05:00

CADdetails has some really great content. If you are in the AEC industry, go check it out

- ENJOY

AUGI and AutoCAD Electrical

2008-02-09T12:45:00.000-05:00

If you are not already a registered AUGI member, do yourself a favor and sign up (register) it's free and there is all sorts of good information on their site, in their forums, in their publications (AUGI World and Hot News), their online education (ATP and eLearning) and Autodesk University Handouts Archives (handouts from past AU sessions).

One article for instance in the January 2008 edition of Hotnews (see link below, and you have to be registered to access it) is entitled: Working with AutoCAD Electrical Project Files:

AUGI HotNews - January 2008
Working with AutoCAD Electrical Project Files
Author Renata Pfeifer investigates the .wdi file and its potential for extra control over drawings in AutoCAD Electrical.

AUGI HotNews - November 2007
AutoCAD Electrical: Terminal Strip Editor Gets Update
In the newest version of AutoCAD Electrical (2008), you'll be pleased with the enhancements to the Terminal Strip Editor. Author Randy Brunette shows you all the new tools for managing and editing terminals and terminal strips within your drawings.

AUGI HotNews - October 2007
AutoCAD Electrical: Project-related Files
This month, Renata Pfeifer reviews component descriptions, *.wdd extension and ratings, *.wdr extension, which helps with keeping components consistent.

AUGI HotNews - September 2007
AutoCAD Electrical: Cable Teamwork
Columnist Randy Brunette teaches you all about representing cables in AutoCAD Electrical software.

AUGI HotNews - August 2007
AutoCAD Electrical: Project-related Files
Renata Pfeifer shows you how to organize wire color/gauge labels in AutoCAD Electrical.

AUGI HotNews - July 2007
Something New for AutoCAD Electrical
A modern, updated interface in AutoCAD Electrical 2008 provides for easy component selection and menu customization. Take a look.

AUGI HotNews - June 2007
AutoCAD Electrical: Installation & Location Codes
Renata Pfeifer examines AutoCAD Electrical. This month: installation and location codes used for selections in components.

AUGI HotNews - May 2007
AutoCAD Electrical: Compatibility Issues
Intrigued by AutoCAD Electrical but not sure you are ready to leave good ol' AutoCAD? No problem - the transition is effortless.

AUGI HotNews - April 2007
Capable, Valuable, AutoCAD Electrical
This article features quick tips and shortcuts on AutoCAD Electrical. All these little time-savers add up a nice productivity boost.

AUGI HotNews - March 2007
Meet AutoCAD Electrical
New HotNews writer Randy Brunette introduces you to AutoCAD Electrical, Autodesk's control system design software.

- Enjoy

Electrical Resources: Mike Holt

2007-10-18T07:27:00.000-04:00

Even if you are not a Sparky (every once in awhile you still need to check your shorts), so bookmark the site, save this email or pass the information along... I hope it helps.

Ground Rules and about the forum (read through it):
http://forums.mikeholt.com/about/about_forum.htm

The Discussion Forums (searchable):
http://forums.mikeholt.com/

Mike Holt's Forum HOME PAGE (FREE registration):
http://www.mikeholt.com/index.php?id=homegeneral

Free stuff (spreadsheets, calculations, etc.):
http://www.mikeholt.com/freestuff.php?id=freegeneral

Technical Subjects:
http://www.mikeholt.com/technical.php?id=technicalgeneral

and all sorts of other good information.

- Enjoy

VOTE NOW ! - THE WISH LISTS

2007-10-04T06:48:00.000-04:00

Wish List Ballots Are Now Available - Vote Now!

1) AutoCAD Wish List Ballot

2) Revit Arch Wish List Ballot

3) Civil 3D Wish List Ballot

4) Inventor Wish List Ballot

The voting will only continue until October 31st, but why wait?

Go to the Wish List of your choice and vote today!

- ENJOY

FILLET and oldie but goodie

2007-10-03T07:00:00.000-04:00

FILLET is an old favorite and has been updated many times throughout the years...

Being a "sparky" (that's what they call us electrical types) there are many right-angle or zero-radius corners.

Fillet with a radius of 0.0 has been a great time saver since the command was introduced in Version 1.4 (Release 4) October 1983.

Thanks to Shaan Hurley's Unofficial AutoCAD History Pages here is the 411 on FILLET.

Fillet was updated to include polylines in Version 2.1 (Release 6) May 1985 .

Fillet was then made to work with arcs and circles Version 2.5 (Release 7) June 1986 .

In Release 11 October 1990 Filleting two Lines that cross, AutoCAD now retains the "picked" line segments. In previous versions, the shorter ends were trimmed no matter which points you used to select the lines.

In Release 13 November 1994 New option: Trim. The extrusion direction of the object you select no longer needs to be parallel to the Z axis of the current UCS. R13 <- YIKES!

Somewhere in here FILLET was added to work with 3D SOLIDS... not sure, but although clunky it works on them.

And then in AutoCAD 2000i July 2000 some valuable user feedback and requests added Fillet and Chamfer multiple polylines, Change Fillet Radius without Exiting Fillet Command.

Listed as "FILLET - Rounds and fillets the edges of objects " as a change ??? in AutoCAD 2006 March 2005.

I am not sure which release introduced the ability to use a crossing to select two objects to select to be FILLETed, nor do I remember when selecting two parallel lines/plines would produce a rounded endcap (great for slots, or in the electrical discipline cable shielding).

At last, where the Multiple sub-option was added to FILLET (keeps the command looping)... no doubt a very small enhancement that leads to huge time savings (remember right-clicking, banging the spacebar or enter key to repeat FILLETS? I do :-(

Another improvement or feature is that a user can fillet a PLINE to a non-pline object and it fillets and joins all in the FILLET commands operation.

One last improvement, again I can't remember when it was added, is that a user can set a radius and leave that as default (e.g.: 1.5 units) and while using the FILLET command you can hold down the SHIFT key to still get a zero radius fillet... another small but welcomed feature.

If you have more fillet tips, tricks or comments... please email me with FILLET in the subject line... or leave a comment here.

- Enjoy

CLASSICIMAGE & CLASSICXREF

2007-09-17T05:38:00.000-04:00

Another pair of undocumented AutoCAD commands :-(

CLASSICIMAGE (yes you have to type it in at the command prompt) will give you the older pre-AutoCAD 2007 Image Manager dialog box...

CLASSICXREF (yes you have to type it in at the command prompt) will give you the older pre-AutoCAD 2007 Xref Manager dialog box...

- Enjoy

ATC Open Doors Training

2007-09-07T07:03:00.000-04:00

ATC® Open Doors

Step into the world of modern design technology. Design technology that will help you create better products in less time, for less money. Autodesk and its Authorized Training Centers are opening their doors to you. At the same time, they’re opening new opportunities for you to work better and be more productive. Over the next few months, Autodesk Authorized Training Centers will host more than 2000 hands-on seminars across the globe. These seminars are free of charge and allow you to test-drive the latest versions of Autodesk software technology. Chances are, there’s a seminar near you. So come in and join them. Experience the power of today’s design technology. They think you’ll like what you see.

What is an “Open Doors” event?
An “Open Doors” event is an Autodesk mini-seminar or workshop, held at an Authorized Training Center. Most seminars run from one to three hours. All seminars are FREE of charge. The purpose of these seminars is to allow you to experience the latest releases of Autodesk software with an expert instructor to guide you. This is your chance to get a hands-on experience with the latest in design technology. Take advantage of the fact that a trained instructor will be there to guide you!

Where can I find an “Open Doors” event?
There are more than 1500 Autodesk Authorized Training Centers throughout the world. So chances are, there’s an event near you. Please consult the Contact section to find an ATC partner in your city.

When will the events be held?
Open Doors events begin in March and continue throughout the year. Check the Calendar to find events near you.

Why should I attend an Open Doors event?
Increase your knowledge and productivity! Autodesk ATCs are expert trainers and will help you develop your own personal path to productivity.

- ENJOY

BLOG ALERT: Autodesk Blogs!

2007-09-07T06:34:00.000-04:00

The Autodesk blogs feature news, expert tips, and insider resources directly from Autodesk staff.

- Enjoy

BLOG ALERT: Kate's CAD Tips

2007-08-29T05:25:00.000-04:00

As seen on Shaan Hurley's awesome "Between the Lines" blog and then on Erik Deyo's new "The LT Side of Things" blog.

Kate's CAD Tips is another CAD related, Tips and Tricks blog... Kate's office at Robert Silman Associates a structural Engineering firm in Washington DC which is made up of AutoCAD LT users where she has been sending these tips out to to her office once a week for about three years now. She decided to start her blog as a way to put them all in one place. Please help welcome Kate M to the Blogoshpere and thanks Kate for the great tips!

- Enjoy

BLOG ALERT!: The LT Side of Things

2007-08-28T09:57:00.000-04:00

Erik Deyo has a blog called "The LT Side of Things" which it is good thing for all those AutoCAD LT users.

- Enjoy

CADUser

2007-08-16T21:54:00.000-04:00

http://www.cadduser.com is a UK-based publication which covers (dah!) CAD usage... it is published by: Business and Technical Communications Ltd. Online there are both AEC and Mechanical listings, I was just skimming through some of the Mechanical Articles... pretty cool stuff!

http://www.caduser.com/month.htm lists the "features" or "topics" that have and will be covered for the year 2007.

-Enjoy

Get a human !!!

2007-08-08T10:28:00.000-04:00

Did you ever just need to speak to a real live person?

Get a Human

- Enjoy

Autodesk® Press is pleased to introduce the New 2008 Titles!

2007-04-18T14:44:00.000-04:00

Autodesk® Press is pleased to introduce the New 2008 Titles!

These books all feature a wealth of highly respected reference works for AutoCAD®

The Illustrated AutoCAD® 2008 Quick Reference
ISBN: 1-4283-1160-2

Mastering AutoCAD® Architecture 2008
ISBN: 1-4283-1162-9

Using AutoCAD® 2008 Basics
ISBN: 1-4283-1159-9

Harnessing AutoCAD® 2008
ISBN: 1-4283-1156-4

AutoCAD® 2008: A Problem Solving Approach
ISBN: 1-4283-1158-0

AutoCAD® 2008 for Architecture
ISBN:1-4283-1161-0

Autodesk Inventor® 2008 Essentials Plus
ISBN: 1-4283-1164-5

Accessing AutoCAD® Architecture 2008
ISBN: 1-4283-1163-7

AutoCAD® 2008 Tutor for Engineering Graphics
ISBN: 1-4283-1155-6

Customizing AutoCAD® 2008
ISBN: 1-4283-2448-8

Mastering Revit® Architecture 2008
ISBN: 1-4283-1943-3

Visit www.autodeskpress.com for learning materials for your CAD and Drafting software and web resource needs.

Questions? Find Your Representative.

- Enjoy

AutoCAD Tip: Using the new M2P to get the Mid Between 2 Points

2007-02-14T08:55:00.000-05:00

AutoCAD Tip: Using the new M2P to get the Mid Between 2 Points

I am not sure if many of you are aware of the AutoCAD MTP or M2P command modifier. It was listed on the AutoCAD Tips web page as TP00125 (thanks to Lee Ambrosious)

It is listed in AutoCAD's Help > Index > MTP command modifier (aka: M2P command modifier) as:
MTP (Command Modifier) Command: Locates the midpoint between two points

Command line: At a prompt to locate a point, enter mtp

The midpoint between two points (MTP) command modifier can be used with running object snaps or object snap overrides. ( OSNAP command)At any Command prompt to locate a point, enter mtp or m2p.

First point of mid: Specify a point
Second point of mid: Specify a second point

It also appears on the OSNAP Shortcut Cursor Menu (Shift+RightClick or CTRL+RightClick) as:

Mid Between 2 Points

For the typists in the crowd, you can simply type in MTP or M2P (or use _MTP or _M2P in any macro) at any AutoCAD Command prompt that is asking you to locate a point.

TIP: This feature is not a command but it is a command modifier. This feature coupled with a good running object snap setup or one-shot object snaps will help alleviate the need to draw temporary geometry.

History: This feature was added to AutoCAD 2005. This was formally done using the command 'CAL and modifiers like MEE and/or programming... not sure about LT, not a user.

- Enjoy

Coming Soon: Autodesk's 2008 Products

2007-02-14T08:47:00.000-05:00

Autodesk's 2008 Products, get the buzz.

http://www.autodesk.com/mini-sites/buzz/en/

Subscribe to their RSS feed and/or Sign up for their e-mail list

- Enjoy

Autodesk's Design Review 2007 is now FREE!

2007-02-02T12:13:00.000-05:00

Autodesk's Design Review 2007 is now FREE!

As posted on Autodesk's own Scott Sheppard's Beyond the Paper Blog:
Autodesk Design Review is free
http://dwf.blogs.com/beyond_the_paper/2007/02/autodesk_design.html

As posted on Autodesk's own Shaan Hurley's Between the Lines Blog:
FREE FREE FREE... Autodesk?
http://autodesk.blogs.com/between_the_lines/2007/02/free_free_free_.html

Download:
http://www.autodesk.com/designreview-download

- Enjoy

AutoCAD 2007: Quick Fillet Tip

2007-01-29T17:17:00.000-05:00

Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks?

AutoCAD 2007, from the New Features Workshop: "You can quickly create a zero-distance chamfer or a zero-radius fillet by pressing the SHIFT key while selecting the two lines."

Having to design electrical drawings (arrangements, schematics, wiring diagrams, etc...) this is a small but very useful feature enhancement... and sometimes it's the little things that are most useful (especially when you use them hundreds of times in one day!) Kudos!

If you don't have AutoCAD 2007 (but would like to see what it's New Features are) check out the online New Features Worksop.

- Enjoy

AutoCAD Cleanup Tip

2006-12-22T18:02:00.000-05:00

I have been doing some consulting for a company that has mixed AutoCAD & AutoCAD LT releases. They also employ temporary help and outside services. Needless to say their drawings are comprised of (being kind here) less than desirable objects and created with less than desirable techniques... and while talking them in to upgrading all of their licenses to AutoCAD 2007 (as well as taking upgrade training)... one thing I noticed was a very common problem. EXPLODE !!!

Since they have older releases of AutoCAD being used inside & out, they were saving back to an older release DWG format... and also to deal with new (or newer, > AutoCAD 2005 objects) such as TABLES, many of the tables were not tables, they were once tables and were exploded in place and edited.

If for whatever reason someone explodes a TABLE... (and after you hunt them down and kill them) running the Express Tool OVERKILL helps to clean up all the individual lines... but this only helps to clean up the lines.

If you need to get the information back into a TABLE, then try using another Express Tool TXT2MTEXT. Make sure to change the settings for the TXT2MTEXT command (TXT2MTEXT or T2M is my command alias, and then hitting an extra ENTER will bring up the settings dialog box... you want to enable the Sort top-down option and disabling the Create word-wrap MText option.

Now use TXT2MTEXT on each column of information... and then you can edit that newly created MTEXT, select all the text (CTRL+A) and copy/paste into Excel. (repeat for each column) When finished it's easy to paste that back into AutoCAD from Excel as a TABLE.

This final process has been covered, and done so at:
http://www.cadapult-software.com/tutorials/excel.htm

- Enjoy

BLOG ALERT! CADDManager dot com blog

2006-12-12T09:25:00.000-05:00

I do not know how I missed this Blog... I have been reading it for months!

CADDManager.com Blog

A CAD Manager's blog. A little less formal than Mark Kikker's web site. Sharing thoughts, ideas, ponderings, and other items of note. But always with the focus on getting the job done better, spending less time and less money.

Editor: Mark W. Kiker
Contributors: John Shulters, Ernie Bustamante, Jesse Wheat, Sylvie Kivrizis and Duke Ames

Also see the CADD Manager dot com's Web Site:
http://www.caddmanager.com/

And their monthly CADD Manager Journal:
http://www.caddmanager.com/Journals.html

- Enjoy

BLOG ALERT! OUTSIDE THE BOX

2006-12-08T15:20:00.000-05:00

OUTSIDE THE BOX is Owen Wengerd's Blog. Owen has helped a multitude of people on many levels and planes. He claims that his blog will be posted with "Random thoughts about AutoCAD, ObjectARX, and the meaning of life... " and I am sure it will. Please help me welcome Owen to the world of blogging and visit his site often.

Other related links to Owen's Websites:
ManuSoft Website
CADLock Website

- Enjoy

Michael Beall's - Michael's Corner on CADTutor

2006-12-07T08:22:00.000-05:00

Michael Beall has a monthly AutoCAD related post (which is always most excellent) on http://www.CADTutor.net/ called Michael's Corner. The area has gotten a new look and offers a free subscription to get a monthly update http://www.cadtutor.net/email-manager/index.php.

He also offers AutoCAD training services and other good information on his web site http://www.autocadtrainerguy.com/

- Enjoy

BLOG ALERT! Daily AutoCAD

2006-12-04T08:46:00.000-05:00

Daily AutoCAD has daily news, articles, and lessons about AutoCAD... Much more than a blog.

- Enjoy

Not CAD related but a great site...

2006-10-18T10:10:00.000-04:00

TECHBARGAINS - Targeting the best deals in tech...

It's a great site featuring great tech deals... there are search tools, rebate offers, a free newsletter, reviews, tips, links, etc... I thank my sister (who is a bigger techno-dweeb than me, and I meant that in a good way!) for the 411.

http://www.techbargains.com

- ENJOY

BLOG ALERT! another 2 for 1 special...

2006-10-15T12:12:00.000-04:00

Name:Todd Shackelford
Location: Omaha, Nebraska

Todd has two blog offerings, the first is...

The Lazy Drafter

How to grow technically and professional for the lazy drafter. The lazy drafter does not waste time over drafting a piece of dwg art. He takes the shortest path to completing a drawing set, without compromising the intent of the design. Why? He does not want to answer questions about the drawings from the designer or builder. He has, but always wants more respect, trust, donuts, responsibility and money. The lazy drafter has most likely stopped reading this by now.

http://lazydrafter.blogspot.com/

Todd's second blog offering is...

CAD Shack

An Autodesk Building Systems (ABS) and Revit Systems Blog. Dedicated to helping MEP Drafters, Designers and CAD Managers excel through technology.

http://cadshack.blogspot.com/

- Enjoy

DWF-This-Link! Bookmarklet

2006-10-10T07:11:00.000-04:00

DWF-This-Link! bookmarklet converts your DWF file links on your web page to thumbnail preview images (rendered on the fly). Visitors to your web page can click the thumbnail image to view the DWF using the Project Freewheel DWF Viewer.

This is very cool... follow the instructions, and then when on a web page that has DWF links, use this utility to preview and also open the DWF file using the Project Freewheel DWF Viewer.

Also note the new feature that was recently added to the Project Freewheel DWF Viewer that adds "eMail this DWF".

- Enjoy

Are you hiring? or trying to get hired ?

2006-10-07T22:19:00.000-04:00

http://www.cadtalent.com

Free, Focused and Functional...

http://www.cadtalent.com/about.asp

- Enjoy

Blog Alert!

2006-10-06T14:58:00.000-04:00

Ward Romberger of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma has a blog called CAD-e-Corner which is another great AutoCAD Resource http://cadecorner.blogspot.com/

Please help welcome Ward by visiting his blog often.

- Enjoy

BLOG ALERT! (2 for 1)

2006-10-05T23:51:00.000-04:00

Danny Counts of L.A. CAD has a blog called Digging In... which is L.A. CAD's Civil 3D resource for unique and practical application of the technology.

Danny's Blog: http://digginginc3d.blogspot.com/

L.A.CAD's Web Site: http://www.lacad.com/index.html

-----------------------------------------

Scott McEachron of Dallas, Texas has a blog called Civil 3D - Paving the Way which is another great Autodesk Civil 3D Resource

http://c3dpavingtheway.blogspot.com/

-----------------------------------------

Welcome both Danny & Scott by visiting their blogs often.

- Enjoy

Got a good AutoCAD tip ?

2006-09-08T06:30:00.000-04:00

Have you got a good AutoCAD tip? Why not submit a tip and share them with other users at Autodesk's "Submit a Tip" page?

You don't have one ? Okay then, maybe you want to look through these:

AutoCAD 2007 Tips

AutoCAD 2006 Tips

AutoCAD 2005 Tips

AutoCAD 2004 Tips

AutoCAD 2002 Tips

Or possibly read some of the helpful articles, like How To Articles or other Tutorials, Expert Q & A, Customization, CAD Management, Design Collaboration & Internet, Hardware & Systems, Industry Trends, Routines, Tools & Add-ons, and lastly short description and photo of the Authors.

- Enjoy

PNG me !!!

2006-09-02T18:18:00.000-04:00

Who are these people?

I ran across this the other day, where a vendor did not have AutoCAD (and we did not want to distribute DWG source files), they did not want to download Autodesk's FREE DWF Viewer (so that eliminated sending them a DWF file) and they only had an old version of Adobe Acrobat (read: I didn't have time to explain the differences between "full" and "viewer")...

So what were we to do?

And then I remembered that I could simply send them a simple graphics file... but which format would work best? Below are oldie but goodie AutoCAD commands, that I nearly forgot all about. With all the new fangled Publish to Web and more modern features, how was I to deal with a dinosaur (graphically & technology challenged supplier)?

BMPOUT: AutoCAD creates a bitmap file that contains the objects you select. The file reflects what is displayed on the screen.

Personal comment: My test BMP was 4,013KB (a large file)

JPGOUT: AutoCAD creates a JPEG file that contains the objects you select. Shade Plot options are preserved in the file when you use this command.

Personal comment: My test JPG was 386KB (more reasonable)

PNGOUT: AutoCAD creates a Portable Network Graphics file that contains the objects you select. The file reflects what is displayed on the screen.

Personal comment: My test PNG was 58KB (most excellent)

TIFOUT: A TIFF file is created that contains the objects you select. The file reflects what is displayed on the screen.

Personal comment: My test TIF was 5,354 (HUGE!!!)

TIP: before using the commands you can change your background colors to white (works good when pasting into manuals or faxing) or in our case, we simply checked Display Plot Styles and was using a monochrome plot style. I actually have one plot style (RED_ONLY) that plots (in this case displays) everything in black & white, except for the color red.

So we sent them PNG files and they were able to view, print, comment, etc... they of course marked those up with pen/pencil and then faxed them back.

Also see the EXPORT command, where the following output types are available:

WMF: Microsoft Windows® Metafile (see WMFOUT)
SAT: ACIS solid object file (see ACISOUT)
STL: Solid object stereolithography file (see STLOUT)
EPS: Encapsulated PostScript file
DXX: Attribute extract DXF™ file (see ATTEXT)
BMP: Device-independent bitmap file (see BMPOUT)
3DS: 3D Studio® file (see 3DSOUT)
DWG: AutoCAD drawing file (see WBLOCK)

- Enjoy

Blog Alert! - Ted Boardman's Visualization Blog

2006-08-01T06:47:00.000-04:00

Ted Boardman is a freelance Autodesk 3ds Max trainer and author of many books on the topic published by New Riders Publishing. He is also an award winning Autodesk University speaker. Please help me welcome Ted to the blogging world.

If you are into visualization, then Ted is "the man"... Having personally attend his training sessions at both Autodesk University and at local ATCs (Autodesk Training Center), I can say Ted is truly a master of the products (Autodesk's 3D Studio Max & Autodesk's Viz) and a simply first class trainer. I highly recommend that you take any class that is taught by Ted.

Ted Boardman's Visualization Blog

- Enjoy

Hot4CAD - Chip Harper

2006-07-28T06:26:00.000-04:00

Gilbert L "Chip" Harper had to move his site Hot4CAD and sent me a notice to update my links to his site http://www.hot4cad.com/

Chip is an independant contractor, who specializes in AutoCAD drafting and customization. He is also a fellow Autodesk Discussion Group Facilitator http://discussion.autodesk.com/ which is where I know him from.

His site has some very good links and most notably features "LTXpress Tools" on his DOWNLOADS pages which is a set of tools for AutoCADLT (various releases) that mimic Express Tools for AutoCAD.

- Enjoy

Autodesk Labs have announced “Project Freewheel”

2006-07-04T10:03:00.000-04:00

!!!Very Cool!!!

Autodesk Labs have announced "Project Flywheel" which uses the DWFit site allowing viewers with a browser to view DWFs without any viewer installed.

Read more about DWFit and "Project Freewheel" on the following blogs:

Scott Sheppard's Blog - Beyond the Paper:
Beyond the Paper: DWF Freedom and Independence

Shaan Hurley's Blog - Between the Lines:
DWF Viewer Independance "Project Freewheel"

Robin Capper's Blog - RobiNZ CAD Blog:
DWFit Anywhere - DWF viewing without a viewer install?

Happy Independance Day - Enjoy!

Blog Neglect

2006-06-09T08:02:00.000-04:00

I have to apologize for the serious Blog Neglect that is going on here...

For the past two months between work (yes, bills, bills and more bills causes one to get up and earn a living) and home, I haven't had much spare time to gather even a thought worth posting. I have however attended some of the live Webcasts, recent reseller events, AutoCAD 2007 (and verticle products) introduction meetings, as well as using the product.

All I can say is, if you are using 3D, thinking about using 3D or planning on using 3D, you are going to love AutoCAD 2007. More to follow...

- Enjoy

Autodesk Manfacturing Blogs

2006-05-06T08:19:00.000-04:00

This is a correction to my previous post... Autodesk has moved their Manufacturing Blogs and these are the corrected links

Autodesk Manfacturing Blogs:
http://mfgcommunity.autodesk.com/expertblogs

Stay in the loop on the manufacturing buzz that matters – read entries from industry pros in the know. You'll find our manufacturing blogs below. Browse other related blogs and join in the dialogue by submitting a link to your own blog.

The Evangelist Speaks
http://mfgcommunity.autodesk.com/blog/kevin/
Subject: Manufacturing Solutions
Host: Kevin Schneider

Under the Hood
http://mfgcommunity.autodesk.com/blog/grant/
Subject: Autodesk Vault & Autodesk Productstream
Host: Grant Rochelle

In the Machine
http://mfgcommunity.autodesk.com/blog/amy/
Subject: Autodesk Inventor
Hosts: Amy Bunszel, Garin Gardiner

Controlling the Machine
http://mfgcommunity.autodesk.com/blog/nate/
Subject: AutoCAD Electrical
Host: Nate Holt

- Enjoy

Blog Alert! - Autodesk Blogs

2006-04-19T15:52:00.000-04:00

Autodesk Blogs
Autodesk blogs feature news, expert tips, and insider resources directly from Autodesk staff.

AutoCAD Insider
http://blogs.autodesk.com/autocadinsider
Subject: Taking CAD Concepts to the Next Level
Host: Heidi Hewett

Between the Lines
http://autodesk.blogs.com/between_the_lines/
Subject: AutoCAD
Host: Shaan Hurley

Between the Walls
http://blogs.autodesk.com/between_the_walls
Subject: Autodesk Architectural Desktop
Host: Chris Yanchar

Beyond the Paper
http://blogs.autodesk.com/beyond_the_paper
Subject: DWF
Host: Scott Sheppard

Between the Poles
http://blogs.autodesk.com/between_the_poles
Subject: Geospatial in the Real World
Host: Geoff Zeiss

Controlling the Machine
http://blogs.autodesk.com/controlling_the_machine
Subject: AutoCAD Electrical
Host: Nate Holt

The Evangelist Speaks
http://blogs.autodesk.com/the_evangelist_speaks
Subject: Manufacturing Solutions
Host: Kevin Schneider

In the Machine
http://blogs.autodesk.com/in_the_machine
Subject: Autodesk Inventor
Hosts: Amy Bunszel, Garin Gardiner

Lynn Allen's blog
http://blogs.autodesk.com/lynn
Host: Lynn Allen

Under the Hood
http://blogs.autodesk.com/under_the_hood
Subject: Autodesk Vault & Autodesk Productstream
Host: Grant Rochelle

- Enjoy

Blog Alert! - CAD Insider

2006-04-04T04:18:00.000-04:00

CAD Insider
Inside look at the CAD, CAM and CAE industry by Roopinder Tara of TenLinks.

Help welcome Roopinder Tara to the CAD blogging world and tell him to keep up the great work!

- Enjoy

New Free AutoCAD 2007 DWG Conversion and Viewer Released

2006-03-24T09:22:00.000-05:00

You can now download the newest versions of Autodesk's DWG TrueConvert™ and Autodesk's DWG TrueView™.

Autodesk's DWG TrueConvert a FREE utility software
DWG TrueConvert™ - Translate any AutoCAD or AutoCAD-based drawing file for compatibility with AutoCAD Release 14, AutoCAD 2000, 2000i, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 versions. It also allows conversion of pen widths to lineweights and the addition of page setups.
http://www.autodesk.com/dwgtrueconvert

Autodesk's DWG TrueView™ a FREE utility software
You can View, plot, print, and publish with this free utility (100MB+ download).
http://www.autodesk.com/dwgtrueview

Check out the other FREE Migration Tools that can be downloaded from: http://www.autodesk.com/migrationtools

- Enjoy

AutoCAD 2007 Now Shipping! (and more)

2006-03-23T17:24:00.000-05:00

Autodesk Launches the Latest Release of Industry-Leading Software, AutoCAD 2007, AutoCAD LT 2007
Thursday March 23, 8:30 am ET
Newest Software Release Combines Intuitive, Powerful Conceptual Design and Visualization Tools That Leverage Users' Familiarity With 2D Design While Facilitating the Transition to 3D

Autodesk Delivers Comprehensive Product Portfolio Spanning Multiple Industries
Thursday March 23, 8:30 am ET
New 3D Modeling, Collaboration, Visualization and Productivity Enhancements Help Customers to Realize Their Ideas to Compete and Win

Autodesk Delivers Best-in-Class Manufacturing Solution to Accelerate and Simplify Design to Manufacturing Process
Thursday March 23, 8:30 am ET
Solution Includes Autodesk Inventor 11 - Latest Version of World's Best Selling 3D Mechanical Design Software

Autodesk Delivers Complete Building Information Model
Thursday March 23, 8:30 am ET
New Revit Systems for Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Engineering Completes Building Information Model for Building Design; New Revit Series Products Provide Easy Road to BIM Adoption

Autodesk Announces Launch of Next Generation Geospatial and Civil Engineering Solutions for the Infrastructure Market
Thursday March 23, 8:30 am ET
Company Enables Customers to Realize Increased Productivity and Reduce Project Costs With Its 2007 Product Line

Autodesk Updates Comprehensive Portfolio of Building Solutions
Thursday March 23, 8:30 am ET
New Features and Enhancements to Revit and Discipline-specific CAD Software Increase Productivity and Minimize Inefficiencies

- Enjoy

Blog Alert! : Beyond the Paper

2006-02-16T06:43:00.000-05:00

Beyond the Paper is Autodesk's own Scott Sheppard's new blog. If it has anything to do with DWF, Scott is the man! For many years he has been extremely active in the DWF discussion groups on Autodesk's newsgroup server, helping us mere mortals.

Hats off to Scott and welcome to the blogging community!

- Enjoy

AutoCAD Tutorial Site

2006-02-05T13:21:00.000-05:00

Art Whitton has provided his "myCADsite.com" web site for over 5 years... While offering 45 free lessons (the lessons are currently using AutoCAD 2005) in four different levels. He also provides a review quiz at the end of each lesson and then an even 4 Online Quizzes that will allow you to review your AutoCAD knowledge. Make sure that you scroll down, so not to miss anything posted. Hats off to Art!

The all of the lessons have also been translated to Spanish as well as some have been translated into Georgian. Art also has a CD-ROM that can be ordered. For ordering details click here.

If you are willing to help translate the lessons to another language, you can contact Art via e-mail.

- Enjoy

CAD System Error and Bug Report Form

2006-01-27T17:20:00.000-05:00

1. Describe your problem:
__________________________________

__________________________________

2. Now, describe the problem accurately:
__________________________________

__________________________________

3. Speculate wildly about the cause of the problem:
__________________________________

__________________________________

4. Problem Severity:
Minor__
Minor__
Minor__
Trivial__

5. Nature of the problem:
Locked Up__
Frozen__
Hung__
Strange Smell__

6. Is your computer plugged in?

Yes__ No__

7. Is it turned on?

Yes__ No__

8. Have you tried to fix it yourself?

Yes__ No__

9. Have you made it worse?

Yes__

10. Have you had "a friend" who "Knows all about computers" try to fix it for you?

Yes__ No__

11. Did they make it even worse?

Yes__

12. Have you read the manual?

Yes__ No__

13. Are you sure you've read the manual?

Maybe__ No__

14. Are you absolutely certain you've read the manual?

No__

15. If you read the manual, do you think you understood it?

Yes__ No__

16. If 'Yes' then explain why you can't fix the problem yourself.
__________________________________

__________________________________

17. What were you doing with your computer at the time the problem occurred?
__________________________________

__________________________________

18. If you answered 'nothing' then explain why you were logged in?
__________________________________

__________________________________

19. Are you sure you aren't imagining the problem?

Yes__ No__

20. Does the clock on your home VCR blink 12:00?

Yes__ What's a VCR?__

21. Do you have a copy of 'PCs for Dummies'?

Yes__ No__

22. Do you have any independent witnesses to the problem?

Yes__ No__

23. Do you have any electronics products that DO work?

Yes__ No__

24. Is there anyone else you could blame this problem on?

Yes__ No__

25. Have you given the machine a good whack on the top?

Yes__ No__

26. Is the machine on fire?

Yes__ Not Yet__

27. Can you do something else instead of bothering me?

Yes__

__________________________________________________________

Please note the above was given to me by Steven LaKose, who like myself, has spent way too many hours doing this to not have a sense of humor about it.

- Enjoy

AutoCAD 2005 & 2006 Table Tip...

2006-01-15T18:07:00.000-05:00

When in a cell of a table and if you want or need to force a hard return (line feed) and remain in that same cell... Simply hold down the ALT key and hit the ENTER key. This is very useful when entering in lists of items within a cell... this also is the way it works in Microsoft Excel.

(the preceeding tip was given to me by Steven LaKose who was a featured presentor at Autodesk University 2005 (AU2005) with his "Keyboard Macros Revealed!" class).

- Enjoy

Express Tools - TXT2MTXT

2005-12-11T19:30:00.000-05:00

One of the Express Tools I use to help clean up drawings is TXT2MTXT...

One thing I do is create a command alias T2M (I like 1,2 or 3 letter aliases).

TXT2MTXT (quoting the Help):

Converts one or more lines of text to mtext.

TXT2MTXT will work on any text objects created with the TEXT or DTEXT commands. If the original set of text objects was created with DTEXT or with successive text commands, enabling the Sort top-down option and disabling the Create word-wrap MText options will produce the most visually similar results.

The selected text objects will be removed from the drawing and a new MText object will be inserted.

This command attempts to honor text size, font and color changes between text objects.

One thing I always try and teach users is to keep their eyes on the command line (with AutoCAD 2006 that might be an option) anyway, by hitting an extra ENTER you will see the TXT2MTXT Options dilog box. (like below)

By unchecking the "Create word-wrap MText" option you will be creating 0 width MTEXT. Try it, it might be what you desire vs having the width set for you.

- Enjoy

Blogging Survey

2005-12-10T20:00:00.000-05:00

Shaan Hurley's blog, Between the Lines, had a past post about a survey on blogging.

If you read, write or visit blogs then you might want to go and take the survey. I would be curious to see the results of this survey. I would be interested to see what people who visit them expect, would like to see or think what blogging should be.

- Enjoy

Blog Alert! - Heidi Hewett's AutoCAD Insider

2005-11-24T02:00:00.000-05:00

Check out Heidi Hewett's Blog AutoCAD Insider she will be "Taking CAD concepts to the next level". From her initial post on 10/26/2005 Welcome to AutoCAD Insider! through her lastest series of posts Sheets Happen! are all awesome.... please visit her excellent blog!

Sheets Happen! Step 1: Creating a new sheet set
Sheets Happen! Step 2: Organizing your sheets
Sheets Happen! Step 3: Accessing your sheets
Sheets Happen! Step 4: Importing existing layouts
Sheets Happen! Step 5: Plot using default page setups

- Enjoy

Cool Site: cadshare.com

2005-11-11T05:30:00.000-05:00

I stumbled onto this http://www.cadshare.com site almost by accident... the right-side selection menu that changes when you make selections (be ready to use your BACK button)... but the content is also fairly dynamic, some interesting links provided... almost like a CAD google site.

- Enjoy

Autodesk's New and Free DWG TrueConvert™

2005-11-08T21:15:00.000-05:00

DWG TrueConvert™ translates any AutoCAD or AutoCAD-based drawing file for compatibility with AutoCAD Release 14, AutoCAD 2000, AutoCAD 2000i, AutoCAD 2002, AutoCAD 2004, AutoCAD 2005, and AutoCAD 2006 versions. The DWG TrueConvert software allows conversion of pen widths to lineweights and the addition of page setups.

Yes folks it's finally here... the New and Free DWG TrueConvert™ is now available for free from Autodesk. http://www.autodesk.com/dwgtrueconvert you can read all about it on Shaan Hurley's "Between the Lines" Blog...

- Enjoy

Blog Alert! - BLAUGI

2005-11-07T10:00:00.000-05:00

BLAUGI is the official blog of the Autodesk Users Group International

There are already some interesting posts, suchas the announcement of AU Online and the series entitled "The Rules of CAD" Part 1, Part 2 & Part 3 or The Importance of Project Settings and Prototypes.

If you haven't joined AUGI yet... why not? It's FREE!!!

- Enjoy

Get the FAQ on DWF

2005-11-06T07:30:00.000-05:00

DWF (aka: Design Web Format)

If you have tried, looked into, or contimplated using the DWF format this DWF FAQ is a must read. It's a comprehensive document summarizing questions and answers on the Autodesk DWF format. This DOC file also mentions Blogs related to DWF.

Read the DWF FAQ document by Scott Sheppard HERE.

- Enjoy

Autodesk's New and Free DWG TrueView™

2005-10-21T22:00:00.000-04:00

Yes folks it's finally here... the New and Free DWG TrueView™ is now available for free from Autodesk.

http://www.autodesk.com/dwgtrueview

...you can read all about it on Shaan Hurley's "Between the Lines" Blog...

- Enjoy

The New AutoCAD Wish List...

2005-10-18T06:00:00.000-04:00

The New AutoCAD Wish List as of October 1st, 2005:
http://www.augi.com/autocad/default.asp?page=847

along with Introducing the NEW Wish List - October 2005:
http://www.augi.com/publications/hotnews.asp?page=944

- Enjoy

CADLearning

2005-10-13T22:00:00.000-04:00

CADLearning.com has many online CAD tutorials for Autodesk software. http://www.CADLearning.com

- Enjoy

Gas Prices Prompt IRS to Increase Mileage Rate

2005-09-24T09:36:00.000-04:00

Gas Prices Prompt IRS to Increase Mileage Rate

The Internal Revenue Service and U.S. Treasury Department have increased the mileage rate for business travel because of the increase in gasoline prices. The change, from $.405 to $.485, affects all business-related mileage, effective Sept. 1 through the remaining four months of the year.

- Enjoy

Blog Alert! - Using Raster Design with AutoCAD

2005-09-18T07:00:00.000-04:00

Give a warm online welcome to Jane Smith from Texas and her CAD Blog: Using Raster Design with AutoCAD

- Enjoy

Good AutoCAD Web Site...

2005-09-17T07:07:00.000-04:00

CADTutor has a great area known as Michael's Corner which has some excellent Tips, Tricks and even things off in Left Field!

http://www.cadtutor.net/michael/index.html

- Enjoy

SnagIt!

2005-09-11T17:12:00.000-04:00

Blog Alert! - Civil 3D - Paving the Way

2005-08-15T07:00:00.000-04:00

See what Scott McEachron of Dallas, TX has to say on his Civil 3D - Paving the Way blog.

- Enjoy

CAD Blog Alert! "CAD Panacea"

2005-08-14T10:00:00.000-04:00

See what R.K. McSwain of Houston, TX has to post on his CAD Panacea blog.

- Enjoy

AutoCAD 2006 Instructor

2005-08-13T06:00:00.000-04:00

AutoCAD 2006 Instructor
A Student Guide to Complete Coverage of AutoCAD's Commands and Features
By: James A. Leach
ISBN: 0073522619
McGraw-Hill Higher Education

As some of you know, I am an AutoCAD Instructor and a former award winning ACI (Autodesk Certified Instructor) while I was working at a local ATC (Autodesk Training Center) for many years. Finding good training materials and resources is always something I like to share. Whether you are new to AutoCAD or a veteran user this is a great book, here are my comments...

I have used this book (and it's all it's various editions written for previous releases of AutoCAD) for some of my longer term training sessions and highly recommend it. It is always hard to find good training materials, and I feel this is one of the better books available for instructor-lead training and self instruction. It is also an excellent reference to be used after any training is finished, which includes a 24-page Index, Table of Command Access, Tables of Limit Settings, Tables of Template Drawings, Dimension Variables Table, System Variables Table, Command Alias Tables, and more. The book is also loaded with great tips.

Another good reason for seasoned users to get this book is that AutoCAD 2006 Instructor makes it easy to upgrade from previous versions of AutoCAD by the use of a 2005 and 2006 bar in the margin that highlights the new features. The exercises and examples cover all the disciplines, which makes it an excellent choice for students and professionals in any of the architecture, engineering, construction, and design fields. I personally like the way the command are grouped, the logical order in which that they are presented and even how they are presented (a Command Table, so you will know the Pulldown Menu / Command (if you type) / Comand Alias / Shortcut / Screen Menu (which toolbar) and even the Tablet Menu (remember those?).

Lastly, I will mention that the book has a most excellent group of contributing authors and others who are acknowledged in the book's preface, too numerous to list. And the fact that James A. Leach has always made himself available for comments and suggestions. Thank you Jim and thumbs up !!!

For more information, Click here.

- Enjoy

NEW: AUGI AutoCAD Wish List Voting

2005-08-12T07:16:00.000-04:00

The new AUGI Wish List Balloting web site is now live and ready for your votes. Yes, this is your chance to help change the product by providing feedback and letting Autodesk know what new features or additional enhancements to existing features are important to you... GO VOTE!

AUGI membership is FREE and there are many benefits to becoming a member of the largest Autodesk product user group in the world. So go join AUGI today and then go vote on your top 5 Wish List items from the list of wishes that have been nominated by AUGI members. (some were even posted by yours truly).

The chance to submit any future Wish List items to the in the next nomination cycle should begin in September after the top 10 from this voting cycle are announced. The Top 10 Wish List items are presented annually to Autodesk from AUGI at Autodesk University.

Shaan Hurley's "Between the Lines" Blog postings on the New AUGI Voting site:
http://autodesk.blogs.com/between_the_lines/2005/08/the_new_augi_au.html
http://autodesk.blogs.com/between_the_lines/2005/08/exciting_week_a.html

- Enjoy

CADzation's First Annual AU Giveaway !!!

2005-08-09T23:00:00.000-04:00

That's right... Enter today (it's FREE!!!) and you could be the Grand Prize winner of a trip to Autodesk University in Orlando, Florida November 28 - December 1, 2005

CADzation's First Annual AU Giveaway !!!
Enter today for your chance to win over 300 prizes.

The giveaway Begins July 1, 2005 and the last day to enter is September 30, 2005. No purchase necessary. A purchase will not increase your chances of winning.

Use this link: http://www.cadzation.com/au2005_14.htm

Also check out all of the great products CADzation has to offer.

Good Luck!!! - Enjoy

DWG to PDF Converter...

2005-08-06T14:00:00.000-04:00

To follow up on my previous post "DWF vs. PDF" I saw that AnyDWG Software, Inc. has a stand-alone DWG to PDF Converter, simply called Any DWG to PDF Converter they also have other products that might be of interest.

Any DWG to PDF Converter is a full featured DWG to PDF converter that allows you to batch convert DWG and DXF to High Quality vector PDF without the need of AutoCAD, it is not a virtual Printer.

For more information, please click http://anydwg.com/dwg2pdf/

AnyDWG Software, Inc.
http://www.anydwg.com
E-mail: support@anydwg.com

- Enjoy

Google does logos...

2005-08-03T08:00:00.000-04:00

Google Logo Maker

- Enjoy!

Are we there yet?

2005-08-02T06:00:00.000-04:00

I am hoping to be able to attend this year's Autodesk University... if you have never been, it is an awesome event. Excellent training, great networking, wonderful people and a lot of "other" activities. Like I said, I am hoping to be there, Registration is open this Monday August 1, 2005. <<- IMPORTANT UPDATE The registration is now open for for AUGI Members and Autodesk Subscription customers only. Regular registration will begin August 8th, 2005.

Shaan Hurley's "Between the Lines" Blog

Shaan Hurley's "Between the Lines" Updated Blog

Jimmy Bergmark's JTBWorld Blog

- Enjoy

Copy/Paste with accuracy...

2005-07-25T18:30:00.000-04:00

If you have ever used the Windows Copy (Ctrl+C) to copy objects to the clipboard and then the Windows Paste (Ctrl+V) to copy/paste AutoCAD object(s), then you know that those clipboard object(s) will have the lower left-hand corner of their extents as the base point (not very precise)... and this always reminds me of some of the graphic editing applets (e.g.: Paint or even the wonderful AutoCAD Button Editor!) that have you draw a circle like a rectangle. (annoying to say the least!)

Anyway...

With AutoCAD you can use the keyboard shortcut of (Ctrl+Shft+C) to pick a base point for your clipboard object(s). COPYBASE is the actual command, and then you can paste to a precise point in the destination AutoCAD DWG file using the keyboard shortcut of (Ctrl+Shift+V). This is the PASTEBLOCK command or you can also use the PASTEORIG command if the COPYBASEd object(s) go in the same exact spot in the receiving DWG file.

Also it is important to note: If you do use the Ctrl+Shift+V PASTEBLOCK method and want to leave it as a block, AutoCAD will assign a name for the block, which is something like "A$C11A06AFD" or "A$C1F7A5022" ... Either use the RENAME command, or use EXPLODE or XPLODE, also watch your layers, with regards to the object(s) original layers and where this new "block" is being INSERTed... or where they go if they are EXPLODEd vs. XPLODEd. (I will save that for a whole different post).

- Enjoy

AUGI CAD Camps

2005-07-19T07:00:00.000-04:00

AUGI (Autodesk Users Group International) http://www.augi.com/ is running CAD Camps all over the continent.

CAD Camp Home:
http://www.cadcamp.com/home/default.asp

Put aside every objection you’ve ever heard or held about finding the time for training and then join AUGI for a single day at AUGI CAD Camp, a regional training and networking event being held around North America.

In a single day, you’ll receive intense, targeted training from top instructors in five different training sessions.

In a single day, you’ll get a look at hot new technology from some of Autodesk’s top third-party software development partners.

In a single day, you’ll have a chance to network with peers and colleagues.

In a single day, you'll have the opportunity to earn up to five AIA Credits (upon approval)

In a single day, you'll earn a $100 discount towards Autodesk University

No sales presentations, no marketing hype. A single day devoted only to training and networking. Then it’s back to work to apply all you’ve learned.

Select an event location near you and then navigate through our site to get answers to all of your questions. We hope you will join us! It’s only one day—but what a difference a day can make.

- Enjoy

New ADT Blog Alert!!!

2005-07-17T10:00:00.000-04:00

Please welcome the newest ADT Blog: Vision 1 Architects

This blog is created by Craig Stack, who is a small architectural company located in Redcliffe - Queensland Australia - essentially a sole practitioner.

- Enjoy

Cool Site: Make your own license plate

2005-07-13T19:40:00.000-04:00

Sometimes one just needs a little break...

Pretend you are in prison... ACME LICENSE MAKER

- Enjoy

AutoCAD 2006: enhancement to the FIND command

2005-07-13T19:30:00.000-04:00

Just found this one today...

AutoCAD 2006 has enhanced the FIND command.
It now permits the use of wildcards like * and ?

- Enjoy

Autodesk's "Realize Your Ideas" tour comes to you via free webcasts

2005-07-01T07:30:00.000-04:00

Webcast Events

Can’t join the Autodesk Realize Your Ideas Tour in person? Then sign up for a FREE webcast!

If you missed them on tour, you still have an opportunity to learn new ways to turn your ideas into reality. Their industry-specific webcast series offer multiple webcasts on an array of topics tailored to your interests and business needs. Attend one webcast or attend them all in a series and learn how the newest Autodesk® software and solutions, including AutoCAD® 2006, can help you beat the competition and grow your business.

http://www.adskhost.net/10653/index.php?nav=webcast

- Enjoy

The "AutoCAD Wish List"

2005-06-26T22:00:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Mike Perry of AUGI who provided most the following very helpful information.

There are "Forums" on the site (as well as many other resources) that are that site's version of discussion groups, one of which is the "Wish List" for AutoCAD. Each year AUGI presents the Top Ten Wish List items to Autodesk at AU (Autodesk University)

The path to get there: AUGI Forums > General Design > AutoCAD > AutoCAD Community > AutoCAD Wish List or directly:

http://forums.augi.com/forumdisplay.php?f=57

The "AutoCAD Wish List" forum is on the AUGI (Autodesk User Group International) web site. If you are not already a member of AUGI please use the below link to complete the membership form (AUGI membership is totally free) -

http://www.augi.com/join/default.asp

Additional AUGI information if not already a member:

AUGI Welcome:
http://www.augi.com/login/welcome.asp

AUGI Overview:
http://www.augi.com/login/overview.asp

You can browse AUGI.com - As a Guest:
http://www.augi.com/login/visit.asp

(Please note - guest are unable to post messages within the AUGI forums).

AUGI Forum general information and guidance:

AUGI Forum - Most Frequently Asked Questions:
http://www.augi.com/forums/default.asp?page=545

AUGI Forum Guidelines:
http://forums.augi.com/faq.php?faq=vb_augi

AUGI Forum User Maintenance:
http://forums.augi.com/faq.php?faq=vb_user_maintain

AUGI Forum General Forum Usage:
http://forums.augi.com/faq.php?faq=vb_board_usage

AUGI Forum Reading and Posting Messages:
http://forums.augi.com/faq.php?faq=vb_read_and_post

AUGI Forum Search:
http://forums.augi.com/search.php?

How do I rate a thread?
http://forums.augi.com/faq.php?faq=vb_board_usage#faq_vb_thread_rate

AUGI Forums > Forum General > Forum Tips & Tricks -> Forum Searches using short words and abbreviations

http://forums.augi.com/showthread.php?t=8154

Posting in the AUGI "AutoCAD Wish List" forum:

* Search the Wish List for a similar wish. If you find one, please add your comments / ideas / thoughts to that thread, and rate the thread. Please do not start a new thread if a similar wish already exists (One thread per wish).

* If a search does not return a similar wish please post your wish in a new thread. Please create a new thread for each wish; this will allow each wish to be rated / voted_on separately (One wish per thread).

* Rate your wish, and the other wishes in the forum based on how good you feel they are.

- Enjoy

CAD Blog ALert!!!

2005-06-18T23:00:00.000-04:00

Melanie Stone's Mistress of the Dorkness Blog
or
http://mistressofthedorkness.blogspot.com/

Melanie is a very busy CADaholic....

She is the Survey Manager on the AUGI (Autodesk Users Group International) site:

http://www.augi.com/surveys/

She is the VP-treasurer of GAUG (Gateway Autodesk User's Group) based out of St. Louis:

http://www.gatewayaug.com

She is also serving as Director of Communications Media for ICC (International CAD Counsel):

http://www.icadc.com

(She also puts together their free to members (which is also free) monthly newsletter)

http://www.icclinks.com/ICCNewsletter.htm

And if she is not busy enough with all the above, she posts messages and replies to users in the Autodesk Discussion Groups

All worth looking into... keep up the great work Melanie!!!

- Enjoy

Noteworthy eNewsletter: Cadapult Software Solutions Newsletter

2005-06-01T05:15:00.000-04:00

Cadapult Software Solutions, Inc. has a monthly eNewsletter that is both free and informative...

In their May 2005 edition they cover the following topics:

*** Tech Tips ***
Building A Surface From 3D Faces

*** Cadapult Corner ***
Advanced Land Desktop Training in Portland and Seattle
Last Month’s Poll Results
This Month’s Poll

*** Downloads ***
New Downloads And Updates This Month

*** MapTalk ***
Cartographic Design Skills, Another Perspective

*** Closing Thoughts***
Moving Into Summer

Cadapult Software Solutions, Inc.
email: newsletter@cadapult-software.com
Web address: www.cadapult-software.com
Mailing address: P.O. Box 344, Canby, OR 97013
Telephone: (503) 829-8929
Fax: (503) 829-8923

To Subscribe, Unsubscribe or Update your information please fill out the form at their web site.
http://www.cadapult-software.com/Newsletter.htm

- Enjoy

AutoCAD 2006: Unexplodable Block Definitions

2005-05-23T00:00:00.000-04:00

Another very cool feature in AutoCAD 2006 is that you can create Blocks and now create Dynamic Blocks... Mark Douglas pointed out a great feature of Dynamic Blocks in his recent post: Non Explodeable Blocks. One thing Mark did not mention was that Non-Explodable Blocks do not necessarily have to be Dynamic, you can apply this to any block definition.

When creating a block definition (see the BLOCK Command's dialog box above)... you have the option to "Allow Exploding" or not.

You can use BEDIT and then change the Properties of the block to Allow or Not Allow Exploding...

This new feature will help to keep blocks as blocks, allowing them to be nested, counted, etc. Later we can get into Dynamic Blocks (very cool!!!) but for now if you have AutoCAD 2006 then make sure you check out the New Feature's Workshop under Help.

If you do not have AutoCAD 2006 (or a vertical 2006-based product) you can check out entire the AutoCAD 2006 New Features Workshop online at :

The AutoCAD 2006 New Features Workshop is now live on autodesk.com

- Enjoy

New in AutoCAD 2006 - SCALELISTEDIT

2005-05-09T06:00:00.000-04:00

For all those who wished they could change, add scales, move the existing ones up/down the list for the viewport scales, page layouts or plotting. Then the new SCALELISTEDIT command found in AutoCAD 2006 is just for you!

SCALELISTEDIT - Controls the list of scales available for layout viewports, page layouts, and plotting. (or 'SCALELISTEDIT for transparent use....)

-SCALELISTEDIT - Controls the list of scales available for layout viewports, page layouts, and plotting (via the command line).

SCALELISTEDIT from the Format pulldown menu.

The actual Edit Scale List dialog box. This among, as well as the many others is covered in the AutoCAD 2006 New Features Workshop.

- Enjoy

AutoCAD 2006 Rocks!!!

2005-05-08T11:35:00.000-04:00

I just recently installed AutoCAD 2006 and I have to say it is awesome!!! Autodesk has done a great job with this release... when I get a chance to delve in deeper I will post more, but for now all I will say is AutoCAD 2006 ROCKS!!!

- Enjoy

Annotate on a Layout (aka: Paperspace) ?

2005-04-28T23:30:00.000-04:00

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.

- Enjoy

Viz 2006 is shipping...

2005-04-22T21:30:00.000-04:00

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.

- Enjoy

Book Review: Enhancing CAD Drawings with Photoshop

2005-04-16T09:00:00.000-04:00

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/

- Enjoy

What's new in AutoCAD 2006

2005-04-12T22:00:00.000-04:00

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.

- Enjoy

Autodesk's Realize Your Ideas Tour

2005-04-10T09:00:00.000-04:00

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

- Enjoy

CAD Blog Alert "In the Dynamic Interface"

2005-04-04T18:00:00.000-04:00

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

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

- Enjoy

Other CAD Related Blogs...

2005-04-03T10:26:00.000-04:00

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

- Enjoy

The AutoCAD Survey

2005-04-02T00:00:00.000-05:00

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

- Enjoy

CDG Purge Resurrected

2005-03-25T11:00:00.000-05:00

Joel Roderick has made CDGPurge 4.0 available for download, you can get the story behind it and a link to the most recent version of CDGPurge here:

http://watertech.blogspot.com/

- Enjoy

The Unofficial AutoCAD History Pages now includes AutoCAD 2006

2005-03-23T22:00:00.000-05:00

The Unofficial AutoCAD History Pages
http://myfeedback.autodesk.com/history/autocad_2006_history.htm

AutoCAD® 2006 software is the world’s leading customizable and extendable CAD software for 2D drafting, detailing, design documentation, and basic 3D design.
Continuously innovating for 20 releases, AutoCAD 2006 enhances productivity through usability improvements to everyday drafting and documentation tools...

Click here to read more about it and see all the new commands, changed commands, removed or obsolete commands, new system variables, changed system variables.

...and it made my blog before Shaan had a chance to Blog it!!!

- Enjoy

ICC, ICCLinks & GAUG...

2005-03-13T23:00:00.000-05:00

The Information Source of Design Professionals...

ICCLinks ( http://www.icclinks.com/ ), is a website with soon to have over 1,000 CAD and Design links to make information learning and exchange easier. It was created by the ICC ( or International CAD Council)( http://www.icadc.com/ ), which also has plans for on-line learning / education as well as other programs to aid those wanting to learn design and how to leverage technology to create those designs.

You will also notice on either page above a link provided to sign up for their free Newsletter. ICC recruits outside CAD experts to share their ideas with the CAD using public by writing for their newsletter... and they freely distribute it to other users groups, educational institutes, or other design professionals.

Please help me welcome them to the CAD community by checking out their sites, bookmarking them and most important by visiting them often and passing along any useful information to others. Also, if you are in the St. Louis area, check out the Gateway Autodesk User Group (GAUG) and tell him (Brian Meyers) Tracy Lincoln sent you!

Giving back, sharing and helping others is what it is really all about...

- Enjoy

Are you ready ?

2005-03-12T16:20:00.000-05:00

Ready for the next release of AutoCAD?
AutoCAD 2006, coming soon to a reseller near you...

Here are a few great places to have a look at what's included in the "soon to be released" AutoCAD 2006 (these links are not presented in any specific order), but I highly would recommend bookmarking these sites (downloading any videos or other media files) and return often to them often, as there is so much excellent content):

Beth Powell's Blog:
AutoCAD 2006!

Ellen Finklestein's Web Site:
Sneak Preview of AutoCAD® 2006!

Jimmy Bergmark's Blog and Web Site:
http://jtbworld.blogspot.com/
www.jtbworld.com/autocad2006.htm

Lee Ambrosius' Hyperpics Blog & Web Site:
Forgot a Command's Name, Now What?
Ignore Z values (AutoCAD 2006)
What's Changed in the ActiveX API? - AutoCAD 2006
Fields get some new muscle in AutoCAD 2006

Lynn Allen's Blog:
A Sneak Peak at AutoCAD 2006!
More AutoCAD 2006 Features!
AutoCAD 2006 - Other Cool Stuff!
AutoCAD 2006 - Other Awesome Features
AutoCAD 2006 - Let the Features Continue

Mark Kiker's CAD Manager Blog:
AutoCAD 2006 Drawing Recovery Manager
AutoCAD 2006 - The Box

Matt Dillon's Blog:
AutoCAD 2006 - (Yes, 2006) - A Couple of my Favorite Things

Richard Binning's Blog:
AutoCAD 2006 is just around the corner...Sneak peak!
AutoCAD 2006 New Features Assistance

Robin Capper's Blog:
AutoCAD 2006 Preview
AutoCAD 2006 Preview ~ What NO COMMAND LINE? ~ Dynamic input & Heads Up Design
AutoCAD 2006 Preview ~ Customisation, Display and Selection Changes
AutoCAD 2006 Preview ~ Dynamic Blocks

Shaan Hurley's Blog:
AutoCAD 2006 - Coming soon to a desktop near you
AutoCAD 2006 - 3D DWF
AutoCAD 2006 - Dynamic Blocks and Display Enhancements

- Enjoy!

Good links to other CAD Blogs

2005-02-27T13:52:00.000-05:00

From Shaan Hurley's Blog:
Autodesk University Class Handouts - Now on AUGI.com

From Lynn Allen's Blog:
Quick Tip - Another Super Speedy Means of Counting your Blocks!

From Lee Ambrosius' Blog:
February Issue of HotNews

From Beth Powell's CAD Blog:
Profiles to the rescue!

From Mark Kiker's CAD Manager Blog:
ADT 2005 - VIZ Render Tutorials

2005 Custom Keyboard Dialog Box

2005-02-15T00:04:00.000-05:00

In AutoCAD 2002, 2004 or 2005 you can use the CUSTOMIZE command and then go to the "Keyboard" tab on the CUSTOMIZE dialog box and Select "Show All..."

Figure 1 - 2005 Custom Keyboard Dialog Box

Note: You can also use the pulldown menu Tools > Customize... or right-click on any toolbar and select Customize...

2005 Shortcut Keys Listing

2005-02-15T00:02:00.000-05:00

Below are the "Shortcut Keys" (note you can resize the dialog box and the columns)... the green highlights are what was added from R2002 to R4004 and the blue highlights are what was added from R2004 to 2005.

Figure 2 - 2005 Shortcut Keys Listing

Note: You can enlarge either Figure 1 or 2 above by selecting them...

- Enjoy

CAD BLOG ALERT

2005-02-12T21:30:00.000-05:00

CAD Journal has great articles, reviews and insight from former CADENCE tech editor Peter Sheerin.

TLConsulting makes the list! See the other CAD Blogs

http://www.tenlinks.com/CAD/reference/blogs.htm

- Enjoy

AutoCAD Tip - Cycle Through Tabs

2005-02-10T23:00:00.000-05:00

To add to Lynn Allen's most excellent tip on her Blog entitled:
Quick Tip - Quick Access to Open Drawings
http://lynn.blogs.com/lynn_allens_blog/2005/02/quick_tip_quick.html

You can also use CTRL+PageUp & CTRL+PageDown to quickly cycle back-n-forth through multiple tabs within the open drawing (Model > Layout1 > Layout2).

- Enjoy

CADlantic's Web Site

2005-02-08T21:30:00.000-05:00

CADlantic (formerly CADvantage) has many utilities, offers training and support. While mainly geared towards Land Desktop, Civil, Survey (older Softdesk) applications, John Uhden has a very good selection of tools. There is also a "Freebies" page where one can download free offerings from CADlantic... where one of my favorite utilities is called KILLDOTS.LSP and I am described as "the ever jocular Tracy Lincoln"

- Enjoy