LT is still AutoCAD

Twitter Posts revisited: Attributes and Chamfer

2012-01-29T07:00:00.000-06:00

Below is a summary of topics we covered recently on Twitter. This week we cover Attributes, Splines, Chamfer settings and more. Click on the links at the end of each topic and explore the command or feature in more detail in AutoCAD/LT's HELP.

CENTERMT command controls how grips stretch multiline text that is centered horizontally http://tinyurl.com/3et8jzg
CHAMMODE varible sets the input method for CHAMFER command http://tinyurl.com/3ouluuy
CHAMFERC Sets the chamfer length when CHAMMODE is set to 1. CHAMFERD Sets the chamfer angle when CHAMMODE is set to 1.
CHAMFERA Sets the first chamfer distance when CHAMMODE is set to 0. CHAMFERB Sets the second chamfer distance when CHAMMODE is set to 0.
CALCINPUT Controls where mathematical expressions and global constants are evaluated http://tinyurl.com/3fzwzj2
LT2012 BLEND command “@rkmcswain: @LTisACAD I did a short animation last week http://cadpanacea.com/node/328”
BROWSER command launches the default web browser defined in your Windows system's registry http://tinyurl.com/3emjkbz
LT2012 Tip: BLEND command creates a spline in the gap between two selected lines or curves http://tinyurl.com/3qqfenx
BLOCKEDITLOCK command disallows opening of the Block Editor and editing of dynamic block definitions http://tinyurl.com/3hf7taq
BATTMAN command manages the attributes for a selected block definition http://tinyurl.com/3ndm7jk

We post daily on the topic of AutoCAD/LT and features/abilities of interest to users:
you can find us at http://twitter.com/LTisACAD

Get Twitter updates via Text Message (SMS) by texting FOLLOW LTISACAD to 40404 in the United States. To stop SMS updates, simply text UNFOLLOW LTISACAD to the same number.
Catch a listing of all our twitter postings HERE: http://ltisacad.blogspot.com/search?q=tweets+this+week

Life without a Home PC

2011-12-26T07:00:00.000-06:00

As you may have noticed, this blog has been quiet for a few months. I did not intend to ignore it for so long but it happened.

Towards the end of September I started having a few issues with my trusty small old red Acer laptop/Netbook, finally leading to it's untimely death in early October. At that point my intentions were good: I have a smartphone, I have a mobile OS tablet, do I really need a laptop too? I decided to give up the tether of the laptop and join the brave new world of truly mobile devices.

Turns out I am more than just a passive user of the Internet: I have a regular and consistent need to create content for work, family, friends, colleagues and followers of my various postings. Mobile Apps from my app stores, free or not, were not good enough for my needs, with the familiar limitations that varied from limited text formatting options to not having access to my work files to edit and return intact:

My personal Google Docs files (Google's offering is already slow on a good computer with great internet connection) have become pointless on a smartphone, horrible to use on the tablet.
Windows Live version of Google Docs? Dead.
Excel, Word, DWG file use? Lots of viewers and markup tools (and for a small fortune an editor for the Microsoft products), but for the time it takes, for example, to markup a DWG in AutoCADWS I could have fixed it in AutoCAD/LT myself. Same with DOC, XLS and the other half dozen file types I work with all the time.

My need to edit files live and in person, not through workarounds and use of other sites, are not served by these modern mobile device tools. I soon discovered that Smartphones and MobileOS Tablets are useless for creating meaningful work-centric documents. Well, for me anyway. And it took me almost three months to realize I was not just "old and past it" but that these tools are just not good enough for content creation and editing (even though I am typing this post on the now utterly annoying Blogger App for iPhone and I will have to fix later using the 'real' Blogger online program on a borrowed computer before publishing online).

I am now seeking a new laptop, one with not so cheap requirements: screen no larger than 12.5", good quality SSD hard drive, some form of SD or MicroSD card slot, HDMI port, 4-hour plus battery life, i5 mobile processor minimum, 4Gig of RAM and Windows 7. Ultralight is also a major requirement, so I am willing to give up having a built-in DVD drive (I have two externals from my last laptop). I gave the Apple lineup some serious review time and energy, but ultimately rejected them for three reasons: I hate iTunes with a passion (I use 3rd party music tools for organizing my entertainment files and managing my iPod, and cloud services by others for created content), I don't like being locked into one source of buying content/apps, and I really don't like using the feature hobbled AutoCAD/LT for MAC for work (Debbie Downer time).

I've narrowed my new selection down to two devices (HP, DELL, and Toshiba's desktop pricing for ultraportable units eliminated them being considered almost immediately): both of my choices are available at two different Computer stores in my area so I will test drive them before I make a final decision. This will be a gift to myself at this gift giving time of year.

I will soon be able to use 'real' applications once again to create content, and work when needed, not just observe and consume content created by others. Brave new mobile world indeed.

Tweets this week: backlog of two weeks posts

2011-10-09T08:14:00.000-05:00

Below is a summary of topics we covered this and last week's on Twitter. We cover new and not often used commands and variables, and additional information from around the AutoCAD world. Note the October 15 deadline for new software purchase offer below:

User's Guide: Modify a Block Attribute Definition http://dld.bz/as7Ew
ATTREQ command controls whether INSERT uses default attribute settings during insertion of blocks.
RT Carl Bass: United States Supreme Court rules in Autodesk's favor http://www.howardrice.com/7419
User's Guide: Define Block Attributes information explained in HELP http://dld.bz/as7DG
RT Lynn Allen: Don't forget that #Autodesk software is free to students and educators www.autodesk.com/education Check it out!
RT R.K. McSwain: AutoCAD linetypes Pt 1 & 2 http://cadpanacea.com/node/326 and http://cadpanacea.com/node/327
ATTMULTI command controls whether multiline attributes can be created http://tinyurl.com/3d8e4o9
LT2012 Tip: ARRAYTYPE commnd specifies the default array type http://tinyurl.com/3geyogy
RT @cad_notes: 10 days to Work better with AutoCAD. A list of task to improve your productivity. http://j.mp/naTynt
APPLYGLOBALOPACITIES command applies transparency settings to all palettes http://tinyurl.com/3z9k8wh
User's Guide: Create Annotative Blocks and Attributes, the better way to add info to multiple scale viewports: http://ow.ly/1xVrnG
ANNOTATIVEDWG specifies whether or not the drawing will behave as an annotative block when inserted into another drawing http://tinyurl.com/3pjk4t7
ADJUST controls the fade, contrast and monochrome settings of the selected underlay (DWF, DWFx, PDF, or DGN), or Images http://tinyurl.com/3c228hv
ADDSELECTED command creates a new object based on the object type and general properties of a selected object http://tinyurl.com/3vbq69l
DWF, DWFx, and PDF file passwords are case sensitive but DWG file passwords are not: ensure all match the DWG password and all uppercase.
Heidi Hewett: Thinking about moving to the latest Autodesk software? Get 0% financing in N. America until 10/15. http://bit.ly/ndMC6n
RT Shaan Hurley: You asked for it, you got it. Autodesk Design Review for Apple mobile devices now on the Apple App store FREE. http://yfrog.com/hw9eelj
LT2012 tip: 3DCONFIG command sets hardware acceleration on or off and provides a method to check for driver updates http://tinyurl.com/3l8esxy

We post daily on the topic of AutoCAD/LT and features/abilities of interest to users:

you can find us at http://twitter.com/LTisACAD

Get Twitter updates via Text Message (SMS) by texting FOLLOW LTISACAD to 40404 in the United States. To stop SMS updates, simply text UNFOLLOW LTISACAD to the same number.

Catch a listing of all our twitter postings HERE: http://ltisacad.blogspot.com/search?q=tweets+this+week

Tweets this week

2011-09-25T05:00:00.003-05:00

Below is a summary of topics we covered this week on Twitter. This week we cover linking, archiving sheetsets and underlays.

DIMANGULAR Command Creates an angular dimension: http://ow.ly/1wVkMS Note: You can create baseline and continued angular dimensions relative to existing angular dimensions. Baseline and continued angular dimensions are limited to 180 degrees or less. To obtain baseline and continued angular dimensions larger than 180 degrees, use grip editing to stretch the location of the extension line of an existing baseline or continued dimension.
DATALINK Command Displays the Data Link dialog box: http://goo.gl/DmXgf Note: Microsoft Excel must be installed to use Microsoft Excel data links. To link to the XLSX filetype, Microsoft Excel 2007 must be installed.
BOUNDARY Command creates a region or a polyline from an enclosed area: http://ow.ly/1wVkxX
BATTORDER command specifies the order of attributes for a block: http://ow.ly/1wVksK Note: If a multiple-line attribute makes a round trip to an earlier release of AutoCAD LT, the differences between these two types of attributes might result in truncating very long lines of text and loss of formatting. However, before any characters are truncated, AutoCAD LT displays a dialog box that lets you cancel the operation.
ATTACH command Inserts an external reference, image, or underlay (DWF, DWFx, PDF, or DGN files) in the current drawing: ow.ly/1wViNN Note: Although underlay files are reproductions of their source drawing, they are not as precise as drawing files. Underlays may show slight discrepancies in precision.
BASE command sets the insertion base point for the current drawing: http://ow.ly/1wVkbo
LT2012 Tip - ARCHIVE command packages the current sheet set files for archive: http://ow.ly/1wVjIR and http://goo.gl/1tT5r

We post daily on the topic of AutoCAD/LT and features/abilities of interest to users:
you can find us at http://twitter.com/LTisACAD
Get Twitter updates via Text Message (SMS) by texting FOLLOW LTISACAD to 40404 in the United States. To stop SMS updates, simply text UNFOLLOW LTISACAD to the same number.

Catch a listing of all our twitter postings HERE: http://ltisacad.blogspot.com/search?q=tweets+this+week

Tweets this week: commands and variables

2011-09-18T06:00:00.001-05:00

Below is a summary of topics we covered this week on Twitter. This week we are adding links at the end of each tweet topic that take you to AutoCAD/LT's Online help files for additional information and tips. Feel free to give us feedback on this new approach to command tips and tricks.

LT2012 Tip- 3DCONFIG command sets hardware acceleration on or off and provides a method to check for driver updates: http://ow.ly/1wVjCk
AUTOPUBLISH Publishes drawings to DWF, DWFx, or PDF files automatically to a specified location: http://ow.ly/1wVjxy
AutoCADLT retweet: Sheet Set Manager Video Series http://ltunlimited.typepad.com/my_weblog/2011/09/sheet-set-manager-video-series.html
User's Guide - Create Angular Dimensions http://ow.ly/1x8B7N
ATTSYNC updates block references with new and changed attributes from a specified block definition: http://ow.ly/1wVjuL
ATTIPEDIT command changes the textual content of an attribute within a block: http://ow.ly/1wVjpj
Microsoft unveils Windows 8 software http://bit.ly/ni64Qd
ERHIGHLIGHT Controls reference names or objects highlighting when selected in the XREF palette or drawing window http://ow.ly/1wViWq
ATTACH command Inserts an external reference, image, or underlay (DWF, DWFx, PDF, or DGN files) in the current drawing: http://ow.ly/1wViPy

We post daily on the topic of AutoCAD/LT and features/abilities of interest to users:

you can find us at http://twitter.com/LTisACAD

Get Twitter updates via Text Message (SMS) by texting FOLLOW LTISACAD to 40404 in the United States. To stop SMS updates, simply text UNFOLLOW LTISACAD to the same number.

Catch a listing of all our twitter postings HERE: http://ltisacad.blogspot.com/search?q=tweets+this+week

Tweets this week: how well do you know HELP in LT?

2011-09-11T07:00:00.001-05:00

Below is a summary of topics we covered these last two weeks on Twitter, including many well written pages from HELP available to you in LT and other sources.

Kate Morrical: Dimension Across Viewports http://bit.ly/oK6hvm
User's Guide - Use Windows Cut, Copy, and Paste: ow.ly/1wD1Gk
User's Guide - Correct Mistakes: ow.ly/1wD1Ew
User's Guide - Modify Complex Objects: ow.ly/1wD1AX
LT2012 Patch #1 adds two new commands: ARRAYCLASSIC for the old dialog; SNAPGRIDLEGACY for access to snap with no command active.
AutoCAD LT 2012 Service Pack 1 available now: ow.ly/1wMt3e
User's Guide: Trim or Extend Objects: ow.ly/1wD1vF
User's Guide - Break and Join Objects: ow.ly/1wD1ob
User's Guide: Resize or Reshape Objects ow.ly/1wD1hX
HPBACKGROUNDCOLOR variable controls the background color for hatch patterns.
HPCOLOR variable, saved inside each drawing, Specifies a default COLOR for new hatches and fills.
HPLAYER variable, saved inside each drawing, Specifies a default other layer for new hatches and fills instead of the Current Layer.
Vladimir Michl: New CAD tip- How to convert an existing hatch to associative? bit.ly/o0K36g
Not a user of Layer Filters? Try this simple quirky workaround using prefixed names “@EFinkelstein @tenlinksnews bit.ly/opZhcs”
Use MATCHPROP to match up scale factors, annotation scales and layer settings between viewports cadalyst.com/video
Right click on the Layer drop-down to add to the Quick Access toolbar in AutoCAD/LT: yfrog.com/h6d6nvj CUI command to change the width.
Kean Walmsley: Increasing the size of AutoCADs command line history: Ever been frustrated when scrolling up in the AutoCAD.
RENAME command and it's many abilities: http://ow.ly/1wmIiZ

We post daily on the topic of AutoCAD/LT and features/abilities of interest to users:
you can find us at http://twitter.com/LTisACAD
Get Twitter updates via Text Message (SMS) by texting FOLLOW LTISACAD to 40404 in the United States. To stop SMS updates, simply text UNFOLLOW LTISACAD to the same number.

Catch a listing of all our twitter postings HERE: http://ltisacad.blogspot.com/search?q=tweets+this+week

Tweets this week: LT for MAC, LT Guide

2011-08-28T07:00:00.001-05:00

Below is a summary of topics we covered this week on Twitter. This week we review the new LT for MAC, and tap LT's User Guide for display tips:

LT User's Guide: Control the Display of Polylines, Hatches, Gradient Fills, Lineweights, and Text: http://ow.ly/1whuQV
LT User's Guide: Control the Display of Objects: http://ow.ly/1weODF
LT User's Guide: Control How Overlapping Objects Are Displayed http://ow.ly/1wbYG6
LTisACAD Blog: LT on Apple/MAC: is it enough? dlvr.it/hbkRj
Free AutoCAD/LT Tutorial videos available online: http://ow.ly/1w6vt4
Angela Simoes: Back to School with Cool FREE Autodesk Software - http://bit.ly/ppBz5P
Vladimir Michl New CAD tip: How to change background color in DWG TrueView 2012? http://bit.ly/oqTgGu
Want to add another LINE, lines, or PLines to an existing PLINE? use FILLET command and they become part of the final Pline.

We post daily on the topic of AutoCAD/LT and features/abilities of interest to users:
you can find us at http://twitter.com/LTisACAD
Get Twitter updates via Text Message (SMS) by texting FOLLOW LTISACAD to 40404 in the United States. To stop SMS updates, simply text UNFOLLOW LTISACAD to the same number.

Catch a listing of all our twitter postings HERE: http://ltisacad.blogspot.com/search?q=tweets+this+week

AutoCAD LT for MAC: is it enough?

2011-08-24T06:00:00.011-05:00

This is AutoCAD LT running in Apple's Desktop/Laptop Operating System, and you can purchase it right now from the Apple Apps Store (North America only for now): that's the power LT has at Autodesk, their best selling Windows application, is now readily available to all Mac users.

AutoCAD LT for Mac is, much like its Windows sibling, AutoCAD with no support for LISP or 3D modelling or rendering, and no Network Licensing. It concentrates on the 2D functionality required for drafting and documentation.

AutoCAD LT for Mac follows common native Mac application user interface guidelines (read: No Ribbon), with a familiar Apple menu bar together with a number of workflow-based palettes. It also supports native Mac OS X Lion behavior, including Cover Flow navigation and Multi-Touch gestures, Visual Quickview, Layout Visor, and Cocoa-centric collapsible and dockable Palette System.

So what else is new? This is LT2012 for Mac, and except for the interface, it should be an identical experience, with almost identical commands and features. Work faster with the 2012 productivity tools and enhancements such as multi-functional grips, command line autocomplete, Associative Array, Multi-Function Grips (for more entities), Nudge objects with ctrl+ Arrow keys , Group Enhancements, and Hatch and Mleader enhancement. and more. Watch this VIDEO demonstration.

But, and these are important to many serious drafters, there are some missing LT2012 features compared to the Windows version:

Sheet Set Manager (a Batch Publish command is available as a substitute).
Migration tools (it is Version 1 for Mac, and you cannot migrate any LT for Windows content).
eTransmit Command (you have to share files old-school style, by hunting and searching).
CUI Import and Export (you got a great menu but you can't share parts of it with your colleagues).
CUI Workspaces (true drafters get this one).
Table style editing (Hope your LT for Windows buddy is generous with their time).
Dynamic Block authoring (who needs the greatest enhancements to the old blocks anyway).
PDF and DWF Underlays (hope your partners are good at sharing DWG files).
Filter and Quick Select commands (you cannot custom sort or select objects easily).
Hyperlinks.
New layer notification.
Layer State Manager (Fundamental layer state operations can still be performed using the stAte option in the -LAYER command)
Layer Filters (a great tool for those that use Xrefs or have many layers, but not here)
Most of the Layer Tools (LAYCUR, LAYDEL, LAYON, LAYTHW, LAYMCH, LAYMRG, LAYWALK, LAYVPI commands are not available: think LT2006)
Creating or opening password-protected drawings from AutoCAD for Windows.
DGN underlay (limits collaboration).
WMF import/export
DesignCenter (the equivalent in AutoCAD for Mac is the Content Palette)
Tool palettes (the equivalent in AutoCAD for Mac is the Content Palette)
Quick Properties palette (the AutoCAD for Mac property palette has “Essential” and “All” views). And if you are hoping to reuse that Digitizer tablet, Digitizer integration has been dropped.

There is also an inexplicable flaw: Command auto-completion may offer commands that are not currently defined or available in LT for Mac 2012.

There are no issues with DWG format: you can share your files with anyone in Windows, and they can share their files with you. 100% compatible, and they mean it.

Command keyboard shortcuts are a little different thatn Windows: see this LINK for details. Yu can define your own with the following PROCEDURE.

Due to the restrictions of the App Store, there is no trial version of AutoCAD LT 2012 for Mac. If you want to try before you buy, your current only choice is get the 30-day free version of AutoCAD for Mac, then make sure you fully read the comparison matrix before you go get AutoCAD LT.

Check out ths FAQ file for bare-minimum system requirements (that's code for it-will-run but you may hate it). FOr the most part, ensure your Apple/MAC is no more than two years old and not the "value" line that is as hobbled as low end Windows PCs from storefront stores.

Explore this new LT variant at the Autodesk WIKIHELP website and soon on YOUTUBE (if you are not on an Apple/Mac of course). Like the full version of AutoCAD for MAC 2012, the missing commands and features combined with the full price/cost of each makes this version a challenge to enthusiastically recommend to professional drafters familiar with AutoCAD/LT. If you are an Apple/MAC devotee, and a true drafting/designing CAD user, I suggest you do not ignore purchasing LT for Windows and running it with Windows Emulation in your MAC.

Tweets this week: TIps, Apple

2011-08-20T21:11:00.000-05:00

Below is a summary of topics we covered this week on Twitter. This week we cover many good user tips, and one surprising Autodesk announcement.

Instead of WIPEOUT: you can set backgrounds to MTEXT and Dimension text in DIMSTYLE: choose "as background" for color.
LT2011 and lower: Can't remember a command name? Key in a couple of letters and hit tab key to cycle through all possibilities.
Kate Morrical: AutoCAD LT for Mac Now Available! http://t.co/W8N6rBj
Create DWFx quickly, model or paperspace: EXPORTDWFx command, no need to change any predefined PAGESETUPs that aim for another printer.
Limit the extent of the GRID displayed on screen by specifying the boundary with LIMITS command.

We post daily on the topic of AutoCAD/LT and features/abilities of interest to users:

you can find us at http://twitter.com/LTisACAD

Get Twitter updates via Text Message (SMS) by texting FOLLOW LTISACAD to 40404 in the United States. To stop SMS updates, simply text UNFOLLOW LTISACAD to the same number.

Catch a listing of all our twitter postings HERE: http://ltisacad.blogspot.com/search?q=tweets+this+week

Tweets this week: worthy retweets, and AutoCAD

2011-08-14T07:00:00.013-05:00

Below is a summary of topics we covered this week on Twitter. This week we retweet many worthy topics, and how AutoCAD can differ from LT:

Ellen Finkelstein: I just posted a tip for AutoCAD: "How to create a text style for a dimension" http://t.co/HmI3B0P
Jeff Bartels: AutoCAD Tip: In Windows Explorer (Windows 7) hover over DWG filenames to display pop up showing AutoCAD version used to create file.
Ellen Finkelstein: I just posted a tip for AutoCAD: "Understanding how dimensions are associated with objects" http://bit.ly/qFdMn2
Where to find and edit the PGP file, from the LT forum at Autodesk Product Forums: http://ow.ly/1vECbD
Applies to LT as well: “@VMichl: New CAD tip: Overlapping selection cycling in AutoCAD 2011/2012. http://t.co/olcVnna”
SELECTIONCYCLING variable lets you cycle between overlapping objects by holding [shift] then press [space] consecutively.
Applies to LT2012: “@Lynn_Allen: Cool XREF Enhancements in #AutoCAD 2012 http://t.co/qGhnBIS @heidihewett”
Do you know the difference between the left (crossing) and the right (window) selection? http://ow.ly/1vzNSU
LTisACAD Blog: Work with AutoCAD Drawings in AutoCAD LT http://dlvr.it/fdGWW
Two hidden commands: use +LAYER command to switch layer filters. FILTERS command launches a dialog box for speedy deletion of Layer Filters.
Lynn Allen: Fine Tuning Match Properties in #AutoCAD http://bit.ly/pJaFQD @Cadalyst_Mag
Similar to ORTHOMODE, POLAR TRACKING works along polar angle increments of 90, 60, 45, 30, 22.5, 18, 15, 10, and 5 degrees, or custom angles

We post daily on the topic of AutoCAD/LT and features/abilities of interest to users:

you can find us at http://twitter.com/LTisACAD

Get Twitter updates via Text Message (SMS) by texting FOLLOW LTISACAD to 40404 in the United States. To stop SMS updates, simply text UNFOLLOW LTISACAD to the same number.

Catch a listing of all our twitter postings HERE: http://ltisacad.blogspot.com/search?q=tweets+this+week

Work with AutoCAD Drawings in AutoCAD LT

2011-08-10T06:00:00.001-05:00

AutoCAD LT offers full compatibility when working with AutoCAD drawings. However, you should understand how AutoCAD LT handles AutoCAD-only features.

Work with Fields: In AutoCAD, you can insert LispVariables fields, which are not available in AutoCAD LT. However, the drawings created in AutoCAD that contain LispVariables can be opened without errors in AutoCAD LT, and the cached value is displayed.
Work with Multiple User Coordinate Systems: In AutoCAD, you can choose to use a different user coordinate system (UCS) in each viewport in a single drawing file. In AutoCAD LT, you can use only one UCS in each drawing file. The AutoCAD LT behavior is the same as it was in previous releases.
Work with AutoCAD LT 2D and 3D Solid Object Shading: In AutoCAD, visual styles provide shading and wireframe options for objects in the current viewport. AutoCAD LT does not support visual styles. The SHADEMODE command in AutoCAD LT provides only the 2D Wireframe and Hidden options. You can use SHADEMODE in AutoCAD LT to turn off visual styles in viewports that were created in AutoCAD.
Work with Constraints: You cannot create constraints within AutoCAD LT. With LT, you can View drawings containing constraints created using AutoCAD, plus View and edit the geometric and dimensional constraints.
Work with Dynamic Blocks: In AutoCAD, you can add new constraint parameters to a dynamic block in the Block Editor. In AutoCAD LT, you can open drawings which include a block definition containing geometric or dimensional constraints or a block properties table but cannot add new parameters to the block definition.
Modify 3D Point Clouds: You cannot explode, index or attach a point cloud with AutoCAD LT. But you can open drawings created in AutoCAD that contain point clouds.
Turn Off Perspective View in an AutoCAD Drawing: Set the PERSPECTIVE system variable to 0 to turn off perspective view in an AutoCAD drawing that is open in AutoCAD LT. You cannot turn on perspective view in a drawing that is open in AutoCAD LT.

Tweets this week: tips and retweets

2011-08-07T06:00:00.002-05:00

Below is a summary of topics we covered this week on Twitter. This week we cover many core tips and share info from other Twitter users:

LT2011 suffering from mystery crashes? Explore this http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/dl/item?siteID=123112&id=15832414&linkID=9240617 and this http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/dl/item?siteID=123112&id=15832507&linkID=9240617
Lynn_Allen: Did someone send you an #AutoCAD drawing file from a newer release than what you have? Download TrueView (free!) http://bit.ly/6seedy
@katemorrical @bcbenton If Kate mentions and blogs it, then it is LT in Linux (or MAC) #design816
The AutoCAD Design team is experimenting with new ways to get feedback from actual users. Go to http://ow.ly/1vmmlq now to contribute.
While panning, hold SHIFT to constrain pan to horizontal and vertical movements. Works in modelspace and inside viewports.
Wish @AutoCAD_WS did that... “@bcbenton: I politely request suggestiins for a good DWF viewer fro Android. Suggestions? What do you use?”
Tie into 3D printing and you got a market “@Lynn_Allen: #Autodesk buys a DIY online recipe book http://t.co/btPtVhK (so what do you think?)”
LTisACAD Blog: Understand the Effect of Format Changes http://dlvr.it/dg2Jg
Select an Object, right click, pick ADD SELECTED: use this to create a matching new object with the same properties as the existing one.
Switch between Trim and Extend Quickly: while in one of those commands, hold [shift] key to switch to the other.

We post daily on the topic of AutoCAD/LT and features/abilities of interest to users: you can find us at http://twitter.com/LTisACAD

Get Twitter updates via Text Message (SMS) by texting FOLLOW LTISACAD to 40404 in the United States. To stop SMS updates, simply text UNFOLLOW LTISACAD to the same number.

Catch a listing of all our twitter postings HERE: http://ltisacad.blogspot.com/search?q=tweets+this+week

Understand the Effect of Format Changes

2011-08-03T06:00:00.000-05:00

You can convert a drawing to a format compatible with previous versions of the AutoCAD/LT by using AECTOACAD command (or in LT2012 DWGCONVERT command). This process however creates a drawing with information specific to the current release stripped out or converted to another object type. When the drawing is converted, a log file lists changed or lost information. These commands also strip any information created by vertical versions of AutoCAD (such as AutoCAD Architecture or Civil 3D) to regular AutoCAD entities, stripping any roundtripping of the new file back to the original application.

Since converting a drawing to an earlier release format may cause some data loss, you should considerassigning a unique file name (or by adding the year-version number to the current file name) to avoid overwriting the current drawing file. The following items are affected:

Visual Fidelity of Dimension. The following dimension enhancements do not lose visual fidelity in previous releases if they are not edited: Dimension breaks, Jogged linear dimensions, Inspection dimensions, Angular dimensions that are dimensioned using the quadrant option, and Arc extension lines for radial and diameter dimensions
Visual Fidelity for Annotative Objects and Annotative Blocks can be set in OPTIONS command: ideal if you want to allow the lower versions of AutoCAD to see each of your annotative block representations as individual objects on individual layers.
Layer Property Overrides are not visible in LT versions lower than LT2008, but remain intact if returned to the later LT version.
Multiline Text Objects: Some of the paragraph spacing and paragraph line spacing options are not supported when an AutoCAD/LT 2008 or higher multiline text object is opened in AutoCAD/LT 2007 and earlier releases.
Tables and Data Extraction: Editing AutoCAD 2008 tables in previous releases removes AutoCAD/LT 2008 table formatting. Also, AutoCAD/LT 2008 table cells with long block and text strings may extend outside of cell borders when opened in previous releases.
AutoCAD Architecture (ACA) Custom Objects are converted to plain AutoCAD/LT object types.

Additional limitations of Saving to Earlier Versions:
Converting a drawing to AutoCAD 2007 format is subject to the following limitations:

DGN underlays do not display in releases prior to AutoCAD/LT 2008.
Multileaders display as proxy objects in releases prior to AutoCAD/LT 2008.

Converting a drawing to AutoCAD 2004 format is subject to the following limitations:

Dynamic block geometry can be redefined independent of the block’s dynamic elements, and the geometry in the block reference is not updated when the drawing is opened in a product based on AutoCAD 2007 or later.

Converting a drawing to AutoCAD 2000 format is subject to the following limitations:

File size can increase.
Encryption and digital signatures are not preserved.

Converting a drawing in AutoCAD Release 14/AutoCAD LT 98/AutoCAD LT 97 format is subject to the following limitations:

Hyperlinks are converted to AutoCAD Release 14 attached URLs.
Database links and freestanding labels are converted to AutoCAD Release 14 links and displayable attributes.
Database attached labels are converted to multiline text and leader objects, and their link information is not available. Attached labels are restored if you open the drawing in AutoCAD 2000 or later.
Arc length and jogged dimension objects might not retain their original color in AutoCAD Release 14.

Conversion or not, the free DWGTRUEVIEW free viewer from Autodesk has it's own limitations that are not related to any of the above:

Dynamic Constraints: Dynamic contraints created in AutoCAD 2010-based products do not display in DWG TrueView.
DWGTrueView does not convert of pen-width settings to lineweights when exporting to R14DWG format.

Tweets this week: Tips and Books

2011-07-31T22:02:00.000-05:00

Below is a summary of topics we covered this week on Twitter. This week we cover books, publications, and of course, user tips:

LT2012 tip: you can now BIND a DGN file.
Selecting an Annotative Object shows the other scales/ghosts? set the system variable SELECTIONANNODISPLAY to 0 to hide the other scales.
In a DWG file and suspect a problem? run AUDIT command (answer Yes to question), then use PURGE command to remove unused items, and SAVE.
LTisACAD Blog: Draw 2D Isometric Views http://dlvr.it/cmCGB
AutoCADLT: AutoCAD 2012 books out now http://bit.ly/qZVnrj
Having trouble in a file? Fix it: Start LT, then start RECOVER command and open your file. Use RECOVERALL command if it contains Xrefs.
Lynn_Allen: Check out Jeanne Aarhus video on the @ACADExchange as she talks about using PDF Overlays as reference files http://bit.ly/o0lLZP
Have many Toolbars from an older LT version? Start CUI command, right-click over a Toolbar and turn it into a Panel, place on a Ribbon Tab.

We post daily on the topic of AutoCAD/LT and features/abilities of interest to users:
you can find us at http://twitter.com/LTisACAD Get Twitter updates via Text Message (SMS) by texting FOLLOW LTISACAD to 40404 in the United States. To stop SMS updates, simply text UNFOLLOW LTISACAD to the same number.

Catch a listing of all our twitter postings HERE: http://ltisacad.blogspot.com/search?q=tweets+this+week

Draw 2D Isometric Views

2011-07-27T06:00:00.002-05:00

AutoCAD/LT allows you to simulate a 3D object from a particular viewpoint by aligning along three major axes by setting the Isometric Snap/Grid; however, although the isometric drawing appears to be 3D, it is actually a 2D representation. You cannot expect to extract 3D distances and areas, display objects from different viewpoints, or remove hidden lines automatically with this method of drafting.

When you create an Isometric drawing you are basically drawing "vertical" lines at 90 degrees with "horizontal" lines drawn at either 30 degrees or 150 degrees to give the impression of depth to the drawing. You start by setting the Isometric Grid and Snap using either of these methods:

The command SNAP, then selecting STYLE and assigning the style to ISOMETRIC.
DSETTINGS command's Snap and Grid tab (the Drafting Settings dialog box can also be accessed when you right-click on any status bar icon and choose "Settings"), under Snap Type, select Isometric Snap, and close the dialog:

Your Cursor will change shape: one axes remains vertical, the other aligns with one of the angles for horizontal lines. The initial cursor mode is Isoplane Left: lined up with the left side of your isometric drawing. To switch to one of the two other isoplanes (Right or Top), you can use the F5 keyboard key or by typing CTRL+E to toggle between all three planes, or by typing ISOPLANE and picking Left, Right or Top. To draw circles with these settings, start ELLIPSE command and select the ISOCIRCLE option (need arc? Trim the Isocircles).

Creating Isometric Text and Dimensions are not so straight forward. First the Text, you must create two new text STYLES, the first with an Oblique Angle of 30 deg, and the other set to -30 (that's a minus-30 degrees). You would use each text style based on the location in relationship to your Isometric drawing, and alter the rotation angle of Text to suit:

Dimensions are the same: create two DIMSTYLES, one for each of the two text styles created above, and use DIMALIGNED command when drawing dimensions. You also must use DIMEDIT command's OBLIQUE option to assign a matching Obliquing Angle (30deg or -30 deg). You can do it all with one DIMSTYLE, but some users prefer the visual control of two, see example HERE.

If your dimension styles use arrows, you may need to also fix their appearance: explore this tip HERE.

While it takes many steps to create and set up the file to start drawing, consider taking the time to add these in Template file and reuse as often as needed. Give the two text styles and the two dimstyles unique but matching names to reduce the confusion of selection.

Tweets this week: worthy retweets

2011-07-24T07:00:00.015-05:00

Below is a summary of topics we covered this week on Twitter. This week we cover tips and shred content from other postings on Twitter:

"How To Use Twitter Hashtags in Tweets Without Looking Like An #Idiot" tinyurl.com/3o9ecbg
RETWEET JeffBartels: AutoCAD Tip: CUIX files can also be loaded by dragging from Windows Explorer into AutoCAD.
Freehand draw in LT2011-12 with SKETCH command: the drawn elements can be LINES, PLINES or SPLINES. Pick your choice with SKPOLY variable.
RETWEET: Best to remember “@bcbenton: AutoCAD tip: in order for objects to print, thier layer must be on, thawed & set to print”
RETWEET AutoCADLT: Multiple Plotter Support File Paths http://bit.ly/ouj2AP
Do you use SELECTSIMILAR in LT2011-2012? explore SELECTSIMILARMODE variable to control the matching properties used by it.
Count objects/blocks in LT: Select one, right-click and pick SELECTSIMILAR. Then use SELECT command and LT will return the total number.
AutoCAD 2012 and AutoCAD LT 2012: No Experience Required:Amazon Books: http://ow.ly/1uOdvo
Are you familiar with Object Snap Tracking? Explore this useful topic here: http://ow.ly/1uNEOq
LT2011+: Quickly create a string of dimensions for selected objects: QDIM command, select objects, click to place the dimensions.
Do you PUBLISH sets of prints in LT often? Use +PUBLISH command (note the + in the name) to open previously saved DSD sheet set to publish.

We post daily on the topic of AutoCAD/LT and features/abilities of interest to users:
you can find us at http://twitter.com/LTisACAD Get Twitter updates via Text Message (SMS) by texting FOLLOW LTISACAD to 40404 in the United States. To stop SMS updates, simply text UNFOLLOW LTISACAD to the same number.
Catch a listing of all our twitter postings HERE: http://ltisacad.blogspot.com/search?q=tweets+this+week

Tweets this week: pop-ups and more

2011-07-17T07:00:00.003-05:00

Below is a summary of topics we covered this week on Twitter. This week we cover customizing access to command pop-ups:

Open the UCS manager command in the tab you want: use +UCSMAN (note the + in the name) then the tab number, 0 thru 2
VPORTS command allows you to quickly create multiple predefined viewports in model space OR paper space. Customize? explore -VPORTS command.
Customize AutoCAD/LT: Always open options command in the tab you want. Use +OPTIONS (note the + in the name) then the tab number, 0 thru 7
Watch the Recording “@autocad: Get your AutoCAD LT questions and bring them to Facecast, Wed. July 13 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time http://t.co/mZ0XTLw”
LTisACAD Blog: Did you know...? http://dlvr.it/b1K8k
EXPORTLAYOUT command creates a new DWG modelspace file from your current paperspace layout: http://ow.ly/1uxr9B
Customize? +SAVEAS command (note the + in the name) lets you specify the file format; the OTHER option lets you specify the version number.

We post daily on the topic of AutoCAD/LT and features/abilities of interest to users: you can find us at http://twitter.com/LTisACAD Get Twitter updates via Text Message (SMS) by texting FOLLOW LTISACAD to 40404 in the United States. To stop SMS updates, simply text UNFOLLOW LTISACAD to the same number.

Catch a listing of all our twitter postings HERE: http://ltisacad.blogspot.com/search?q=tweets+this+week

Did you know...?

2011-07-13T06:34:00.003-05:00

DIMANGULAR command can create angular dimensions larger than 180 degrees by manually selecting the Specify Vertex sub-option (select the intersection, then opposite ends of each of the two angle-lines).
ALIGN command: Move, Rotate, and Scale Your Object at once, instead of using move, rotate, and scale separately.
FILLET and CHAMFER commands can be used to join Plines and Lines (and other Plines) together into a single Pline.
LAYMRG command can also be used to delete Layers without losing any content: Merge with Layer 0 when prompted.
HYPERLINK command provides a simple and powerful way to quickly associate a variety of documents (such as other drawings, bills of materials, project schedules, a saved-view in the file or another file, access an external file, create an Email message, start a new drawing and more) with a drawing. It can also be used to only add pop-up information to an object without a 'link'.
Yes, you can access the Ribbon through keyboard shortcuts too: explore HERE.
More Selection options: QSELECT command Creates a selection set based on filtering criteria. FILTER command Creates a list of requirements that an object must meet to be included in a selection set. SELECTSIMILAR command Adds similar objects to the selection set based on selected objects.
Two ways to convert splines to polylines:
- Run the WMFOUT command, enter a filename, then select the splines. Now erase the spline, and then run the WMFIN command. Use the upper left corner of the viewport as the insertion point, and then scale it 2X. The resulting entity is a POLYLINE.
- If you save a drawing as R12 DXF format, all splines will be converted to POLYLINE entities.
TRIM command can be used on more than just Lines and Plines: trim around text objects, trim hatches back to a cutting plane, trim between Hatch-lines, trim an associative Dimension, and trim using a block's entities as cutting planes without exploding the block.
Match Properties options:
MATCHPROP command Applies the properties of a selected object to other objects (using MATCHPROP on viewports transfers their visiblity, on/off, locking, and scale). Control what gets matched by using the Settings option for the command.
LAYMCH command Changes the layer of a selected object to match the destination layer.
OSOPTIONS command controls whether Osnaps ignore or snap to Hatches.
PROPERTIES and QUICKPROPERTIES commands can be used to Filter selections into object types.
Create a Drawing with X,Y Coordinates from Microsoft Excel: tip HERE.
DIMROTATED command Creates a rotated linear dimension: when you need your dimension string to be at a fixed angle instead of the limitation of DIMALIGNED command.
ADCENTER command can be used to copy the following between drawing files (or from your template files): Dimension Styles, Layers, Layouts, Linetypes, Multi-Leader Styles, Table Styles and Text Styles.
Do you have a folder full of blocks, and want them in a Tool Palette? Use ADCENTER command, browse to that folder, right-click and select CREAT TOOL PALETTE.
Need a list of ALL the AutoCAD variables? Just type SETVAR [enter] then type ? [enter]. Enter once again to see the whole list.
Transparent commands enable you to make changes or get information without exiting the current command. These are: ABOUT, ADCENTER, ADCLOSE, APERTURE, ATTDISP, BASE, CAL, COLOR, DIMSTYLE, DIST, DRAGMODE, ELEV, FILL, FILTER, GRAPHSCR, GRID, HELP, ID, LAYER, LIMITS, LINETYPE, LWEIGHT, MATCHPROP, OBJECTSCALE, OSNAP, PAN, QTEXT, REDRAW, REDRAWALL, SCALELISTEDIT, SCRIPT, SETVAR, SNAP, SPELL, STYLE, UNITS, and ZOOM. Just add an ' in front of the name if you type it, or click on the appropriate menu or Ribbon icon.

Tweets this week: Export, Suggest, and Hide

2011-07-10T07:00:00.007-05:00

Below is a summary of topics we covered this week on Twitter. This week we cover Export options in LT, Helping Autodesk expand LT's abilities, and a free DWG viewer for iPhone/iPod:

Up & Ready Installation and Startup Help from Autodesk (free for new purchased installation): http://ow.ly/1urRlN
ReTweet AutoCAD Our next Facecast will be hosted by @Autodesk 's @katemorrical on July 13. Bring your questions about AutoCAD LT to http://autode.sk/r9umCz
EXPORT to more than just PDF with AutoCAD/LT: http://ow.ly/1uqeeZ
ReTweet AutoCAD-WS Want to know the best way to upload your files to #AutoCADWS? - http://autode.sk/qkhIH0
TurboViewer App: 2D and 3D DWG (Autodesk AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT) and DXF viewing is available 4 free 4 iPhone-iPad: http://ow.ly/1uoOch
Did you Hide Objects from our last tweet and need them back? use "End object isolation" from the "Isolate" section in the right-click menu.
Other objects in the way? Choose "Isolate Objects" or "Hide Objects" from the "Isolate" section from the right-click menu to help.
LTisACAD Blog: Do you need to send DWG files? http://dlvr.it/Z7z3Q
Are the different annotative scales of your objects in different locations in your file? Need them back to one location? ANNORESET command.
The AUGI wish list forum is the "Traditional" place to submit your ideas and vote on them: http://www.augi.com/community/autocad/autocad-wishlist/
Suggestions so far for improving AutoCAD/LT: http://ow.ly/1ujFxF Add yours and be heard by Autodesk.
Got Ideas for improving AutoCAD/LT? Submit and vote for ideas to improve your experience: http://ow.ly/1ujF5f (does not work with IE9?)

We post daily on the topic of AutoCAD/LT and features/abilities of interest to users: you can find us at http://twitter.com/LTisACAD Get Twitter updates via Text Message (SMS) by texting FOLLOW LTISACAD to 40404 in the United States. To stop SMS updates, simply text UNFOLLOW LTISACAD to the same number.

Catch a listing of all our twitter postings HERE: http://ltisacad.blogspot.com/search?q=tweets+this+week

Do you need to send DWG files?

2011-07-06T06:00:00.027-05:00

In a recent Blog Post HERE, we offered tips and methods of sharing DWG files with others: clients, customers, vendors and contractors among others. But is sending a DWG file necessary? AutoCAD/LT offeres many commands that create other formats from DWG files (see Export Options), and many recipients may prefer these over a DWG file.

The most common file exchange format in the world is PDF: it's universal, everyone has a free reader installed, and it's easy to view and print. If that's all the functionality your recipient needs, it's the perfect format for them. And you can create the PDF file by using the commands PLOT, PUBLISH, EXPORT or EXPORTPDF from inside AutoCAD/LT.
What if your recipient needs to markup your PDF or add comments? Most PCs are not equipped with such apps, and while a few free PDF Tools exist, they are very basic and do not have many features.

Created by Autodesk, another exchange format has existed for a while and gaining in popularity: DWF (and the Vista/Windows7 friendly DWFx). With the free Autodesk Design Review software, your recipient can not only view your files, but they can add comments, measure distances, and draw over your DWF file to communicate their changes. They can send the file back to you, you can the reference the file and the makups in AutoCAD/LT and edit your file accordingly. If they don't need markup, send DWFx files instead and any Windows Vista or Windows 7 user can view your file with no additional software to install.
Not sure what Windows version they have? All the recipient needs is an internet connection and a link to the Autodesk FREEWHEEL website to open, view and print any DWF file you send.
Or you can upgrade, for free, to the newly announced PROJECT QUICKSHARE: it ts the power in your hands to quickly share design files from anywhere at any time for free. Explore DWF files in real-time using a highly interactive online viewer: View 2D and 3D Design Files Online - Navigate multi-sheet documents, examine properties, hide layers, or review Mark-Up.

What if you need to maintain control of the markups and who accesses the files? And a history of the various comments made by others? AutoCADWS, and internet online secure viewing and reviewing from Autodesk is one solution that works. Pick up a free account HERE, start upload your files from inside AutoCAD/LT 2012 (if you are in a lower AutoCAD version you can do the same from any web browser), invite your clients/consultants, collaborate and markup live and together on the file(s), and save them in the DWG files for access back in AutoCAD/LT. The best thing about AutoCADWS is you and your recipients do not need to be Windows users: any OS with Web Access, even a smart Phone with the free AutoCAD WS app for iPad, iPhone or Droid phone/Tablet. Explore more desktop customizations HERE.

Sharing files is easier than ever: communicate with your recipient and ask what they prefer to receive and accommodate them the best you can with these free tools.

Tweets this week: Trial, macro tip, and links

2011-07-03T06:00:00.042-05:00

Below is a summary of topics we covered this week on Twitter. This week we cover Object Properties controls, new commands tips and customization help.

All of our Twitter Posts can be found on our blog site here: http://ow.ly/1ttEXS Explore additional AutoCAD/LT topics http://ow.ly/1ugADt
LT2012 feature: VPLAYER and LAYER commands can freeze specific layers in all viewports except the current viewport you are in.
F2 keyboard key toggles the AutoCAD Text Window on/off: you can also use TEXTSCR and GRAPHSCR commands to do the same in custom macros.
LTisACAD Blog: How do you share DWG files? http://dlvr.it/YGl7L
ReTweet ASimoes76 AutoCAD LT 2012: Online Trial Is Available, CAD Notes (Blog) http://bit.ly/ln1xzQ
Control new to-be-drawn object properties w/ the variables CELTSCALE, CLAYER, CECOLOR, CELTYPE, CELWEIGHT, CETRANSPARENCY, and CPLOTSTYLE.
Using FROM while in a command is very useful when you need to draw/place an object a distance FROM an existing point. http://ow.ly/1u838L

We post daily on the topic of AutoCAD/LT and features/abilities of interest to users: you can find us at http://twitter.com/LTisACAD Get Twitter updates via Text Message (SMS) by texting FOLLOW LTISACAD to 40404 in the United States. To stop SMS updates, simply text UNFOLLOW LTISACAD to the same number.

Catch a listing of all our twitter postings HERE: http://ltisacad.blogspot.com/search?q=tweets+this+week

How do you share DWG files?

2011-06-29T06:00:00.002-05:00

One of the easiest and most common ways a typical AutoCAD/LT user shares files is by emailing their DWG file to a recipient. If there are any Referenced files (Xrefs), they are also dropped into the same email message and sent. The recipient, another experienced AutoCAD/LT user with a total understanding of your file structure and with all your custom fonts and shape files, drops each individual file in an identical folder to yours, including the Xrefs, and CAD-life is good for both of you.

The challenge of communicating your intent, file custom content (fonts, shape files etc.) and your filing structure for Xrefs to another user outside the above scenario, especially to a client/customer, needs to be more professionally presented, and more convenient for them (not you) to manage.
AutoCAD/LT can help with ETRANSMIT command: it packages a set of DWG files, and any associated support/dependent files like fonts, plot style tables, all referenced files etc., for transmission and distribution. The command has many features and options:

Feature: the DWG file you are in is automatically selected.
Feature: By default, dependent files are automatically included in the transmittal package unless you uncheck them. These include any attached DWG/ DGN/ DWF/ PDF/ DWFx/ Raster external references.
Option: include other dependent files that are part of your DWG file(s), such as Font Files (SHX and TTF Windows fonts), custom Hatch patterns and linetypes, PMP Plotter model parameter files (used to store configuration information specific to a plotter such as custom paper sizes), OLE objects (linked files) that are linked to files in the drawing are not included in the transmittal package, and CTB/STB plot style tables.
Option: Choose your final DWG format conversion here, without leaving the command.
Option: Save Transmittal Setups for your project.
Option: Package the transmittal package in a ZIP file, in a self-extracting EXE file, or in a folder that is copied to a specified location.
Option: Specify that the folder structure of the transmitted files be organized in a logical hierarchy, flattened into a single folder, or copied “as is” to the recipient's computer. If you specify an FTP or HTTP destination, the transmittal package uses the single folder option.
Option: Add password protection to the transmittal package, bind xrefs automatically, set the default plotter to “none,” and other options.
Explore these and other procedures for ETRANSMIT command through this LINK.

How do you get the content you've just create through ETRANSMIT command? There is that easy-for-you Email attachment option, and assuming the recipient is capable of receiving that large a package, their email server is not set to block your attachment (or deem it Spam and drop it in the wrong folder), your client is expecting it, and confirms receipt of it in a timely fashion, is that the only method to ensure prompt and safe delivery? Explore more about this command HERE.

Online File Sharing is a popular solution: whether your company wishes to host the service on their servers, or an off-site third-party vendor (or your company's Internet Provider/WebHosting service), these offer as limited or as detailed set of features you want. Many allow you to send links to recipients to download the files, or have alerts sent directly to them from watched folders on your server or on remote servers.
FTP is the most popular form for this type of file sharing/delivery system. Many are FREE, others have monthly unlimited files or per-file-count charges and are hosted on secure remote servers. Autodesk, for a per-project price, offers a similar service called BUZZSAW and a free Technology Preview from their Labs, Project Nitrous.

Many popular free and low cost File Sharing services like WIKISEND, YOUSENDIT, BIGUPLOAD, 4SHARED (and MORE), as well as established more permanent online file sharing services like DROPBOX and BOX.net, offer more options including file syncing and even Mobile Device Access.

Options are plenty for sharing and sending files: explore them and create a professional experience for your recipients and clients wit these tools.

Tweets this week: YouTube and reTweets

2011-06-26T17:31:00.000-05:00

Below is a summary of topics we covered this week on Twitter. This week we cover LT resouces on YouTube and sharing files with others.

Do you customize in LT? OSMODE variable is a quick way to set running osnaps http://ow.ly/1u4WGb
“@katemorrical: Block Editor Hotfix Posted http://t.co/KQq917Y ” for LT2012 users this is important.
Create DWF quickly, from model or paperspace: EXPORTDWF command, no need to change any predefined PAGESETUPs that aim for another plotter.
Join @Lynn_Allen today at 4pm EST for a Twitter chat on #AutoCADWS. Use #dellcad - http://autode.sk/jxDjOW
LT2011 and higher: LAYERP command will Undo the last change or set of changes made to layer settings. Use LAYERPMODE to control the settings.
LTisACAD Blog: More LT Resources: YouTube Videos http://dlvr.it/XLGSN
RT @AutoCADLT: More ways to try AutoCAD LT 2012 http://bit.ly/lZBA8i
Hatching and Transparency in AutoCAD (and LT) 2011 (and 2012 too) video tutorial: http://ow.ly/1tY8Qg
RT @civil3dguide: Are you using fields in AutoCAD? If not attend my free online class this week to learn a couple of ways to use them!
Do you share DWF files? Read DWF Markup Sets overviews online at http://ow.ly/1tWloS and http://ow.ly/1tWloR

We post daily on the topic of AutoCAD/LT and features/abilities of interest to users: you can find us at http://twitter.com/LTisACAD
Get Twitter updates via Text Message (SMS) by texting FOLLOW LTISACAD to 40404 in the United States. To stop SMS updates, simply text UNFOLLOW LTISACAD to the same number.

Catch a listing of all our twitter postings HERE: http://ltisacad.blogspot.com/search?q=tweets+this+week

More LT Resources: YouTube Videos

2011-06-22T06:00:00.058-05:00

In addition to the AutoCAD LT Resources available to end users for support, training, and education outlined in our previous blog HERE, there is a growing number of excellent short LT-topic-specific training material found at YouTube.

LT2012, the newest shiping version, has amassed quite the collection of videos and continues to expand. From What's New through the new Array functionality, the offerings are quite plentiful and worth exploring in your own time. Start HERE.

LT2011 is equally represented, with a long list of DEMO videos and additonal topic-specific videos: your exploration starts HERE.

LT2010 and LT2009 specific videos are prolific, many of the topics are equally specific to these two versions and are great tools to help you understand what each version added from earlier iterations of LT. There are a few LT2008 videos and non-English LT2007 videos, an LT2006 tip, but LT versions below that are few and rare. But YouTube posting is free, if you are an LT user of these lower versions perhaps you could post tips and tricks for other fellow users.

Tweets this week: Resources, Tips, Puzzle

2011-06-19T06:00:00.002-05:00

Below is a summary of topics we covered this week on Twitter. This week we review more tips, a fun word game to stretch your commands knowledge, sharing files and finding LT Help.

LT2012: GROUPEDIT command allows you to add and remove objects from selected groups as well as UnGroup. And rename a group too.
Test your AutoCAD commands knowledge with this PDF posted by a CAD Manager in the Autodesk Forums: http://ow.ly/1tRNLG
Your client does not need to install any software to view DWG/DXF files: share them for free and maintain control using AutoCADWS http://t.co/jD6UtZd Explore more HERE.
Start LAYCUR command, select objects, hit on the keyboard and those objects now moved to current active layer.
AutoCAD/LT ignores the INSUNITS setting when a drawing whose ANNOTATIVEDWG variable has been set to 1 is being inserted into a drawing.
HPSEPARATE variable controls whether a single hatch object or separate hatch objects are created when selecting several closed boundaries.
Turn on “Maintain visual fidelity for annotative objects” (Open-Save tab in OPTIONS command) to share Annotative DWGs with 2007 or lower.
LTisACAD Blog: LT Resources: free from Autodesk http://dlvr.it/Vy8j

We post daily on the topic of AutoCAD/LT and features/abilities of interest to users: you can find us at http://twitter.com/LTisACAD
Get Twitter updates via Text Message (SMS) by texting FOLLOW LTISACAD to 40404 in the United States. To stop SMS updates, simply text UNFOLLOW LTISACAD to the same number.

Catch a listing of all our twitter postings HERE: http://ltisacad.blogspot.com/search?q=tweets+this+week

LT Resources: free from Autodesk

2011-06-15T06:00:00.000-05:00

LT users, new as well as experienced, have a plethora of resources to expand on their skills with new and modified commands, as well as to decipher error messages, program or command limitations, installation guides and more. Many of the resources are free and designed to be available for you to seek and explore if and when you need help.

Starting within LT itself, HELP (hit the F1 key on your keyboard to start) is the place to start searching for basic how-to instructions for standard installations, command abilities, and variable searches. If you are a user of more current versions HELP, located at the top-right corner with a ready-to-use Search bar, will also search the internet and Autodesk's open Discussion Forums for additional topics that can provide additional (or historical) answers. Get AutoCAD LT training materials directly from the AutoCAD LT Help menu or the New Features Workshop as well. Start Exploring today.
HELP is also available online for LT2011 and LT2012, as are the Getting Started Videos for LT2012 (LT2011: Getting Started videos are accessible from the Welcome Screen), New Features (LT2012 and LT2011), and Downloadable Manuals (User and Installation documentation for LT2012 and LT2011) For other Languages, additional documentation is available in multiple languages from the language drop-down list in Autodesk Exchange.

Autodesk's additional training and help resources can be found if you start at the LT Product Webpage: Below the AutoCAD LT page title is a bar with many links, start with a click on the Support link on SUPPORT. The next page presents you with many topics and additional links to start your search.

SUPPORT

Knowledge Base is the place to search the support database for answers, hotfixes, tips and service packs. Top Knowledge Base Issues are listed on this page for your immediate use, but if you need more click on the Knowledge Base link to get to a detailed search form to seek out your exact need or question.
Product Registration: Register your product online outside of LT's startup if you have the need to register multiple licenses or are not able to do so from within LT.
Installation & Licensing Discussion Forum: Get answers to your installation questions - fast. Moderated by Autodesk Product Support Specialists, this forum can help you get your Autodesk software up and running in no time.
Up & Ready Support: You are entitled to 30 days of support covering installation and configuration of your new Autodesk software.
Per-Incident Support: Speak directly to an Autodesk product support technician when you call for Autodesk Safety Net Support and pay per incident.
Updates & Services Packs: Get the latest service packs and other maintenance releases for all versions of AutoCAD LT.
Utilities & Drivers: The latest free enhancements and Object Enablers available for each LT version are listed here. Autodesk offers free downloadable enablers that you can use to access, display, and manipulate object data in applications different from their native environment. Note that these are version-specific only.

TIPS, TUTORIALS, HOW-TOS

AutoCAD LT Blog is a great resource for the latest AutoCAD LT news, tips and tricks of the current new shipping LT features and commands. LTUnlimited Blog's Tips Section is the continuation of a dedicated previous LT Tips Blog from Kate Morrical, Technical Marketing Manager for AutoCAD LT.
Autodesk Exchange: is a single information hub that offers learning and productivity tools, news, discussions, blog posts, and more for the AutoCAD family of products. Explore their Tips&Tricks offerings, Ask An Expert, explore the Community (blogs, twitter, forums and fun), see what others are doing in the Design Showcase, and explore additional end-user Resources. Membership is totally free, sign up HERE.
Training Videos: These handy tutorials and webcasts can help you to improve your skills and take full advantage of your AutoCAD LT 2D CAD software.
AutoCAD LT Services & Support webpage offers Tutorials for LT2009, LT2010 and LT2011.

TRAINING

Learning Paths: Discover the many learning resources available using the AutoCAD LT Learning Path.
Custom Training: Most training is not one size fits all. Autodesk can provide you with a custom training program designed to fit your company's unique training needs.
Tutorials: Find AutoCAD LT online tutorials, tips, and tricks to help you make the most of your 2D drafting and drawing software.
Authorized Training Centers: Get the greatest return on your software investment, faster, by building your knowledge in the areas you need the most at an Autodesk Authorized Training Center (ATC).
Tips: Looking for a quick suggestion that you can implement right now? Take a look at the available collection of Autodesk tips.

COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE

AutoCAD WikiHelp: Access online product help and contribute to the growing AutoCAD (not LT specific) community on the wiki, where you can rate and comment on help information, plus share tips, real-world examples, images, and videos with your peers.
Join AutoCAD Exchange: Free access to extensive online eLearning; View exclusive content only available to registered members; Share your designs; Comment, rate and Exchange your thoughts and ideas; Ask the Industry Experts questions and Network, discuss and collaborate on everything AutoCAD/LT.
Autodesk Discussion Groups: Ask questions and share information about using Autodesk® software in peer-to-peer forums.
Autodesk Blogs: Get news, expert tips, and insider resources directly from Autodesk staff.
AUGI LT forum help: The AUGI forum is an online community where AUGI members can discuss what they use everyday. The forum is the place to ask questions about your favorite design software or help others with their questions. AUGI membership is free, join now.
AutoCAD LT on Facebook: social networking at a company level.
Subscription Member Login: Autodesk® Subscription members receive access to training and learning materials, one-on-one product support with technology experts, and a wide range of resources to help them stay competitive. Not a Member? Learn More.

Explore these many free Support Resources in LT from Autodesk: you are not alone out there, Help is always nearby, seek it out.

Tweets this week: MidPoints, Frozen Layers and Amazon

2011-06-12T06:00:00.031-05:00

Below is a summary of topics we covered this week on Twitter. This week we cover Attributes editing inside blocks, explore Lynn Allen's blog for LT users, and more:

ReTweet scottsh115: AutoCAD LT online trial accessible from Amazon.com http://dlvr.it/VscZ1
LT2012: HPQUICKPREVIEWTIMEOUT variable helps limit the time AutoCAD spends previewing a hatch pattern before you place it.
LAYFRZ command can be used to freeze layers ONLY in viewports: start command, type S for Settings, Select VIEWPORTS then select VPFREEZE.
REVERSE command: Reverses the vertices of selected lines, polylines, & splines. Useful for linetypes with text, or Plines w/ varied widths.
MTP (or M2P) Osnap: when you need to start drawing/placing an entity in between two points/objects. Start a command, type it, follow prompts
LTisACAD Blog: Autodesk Resources: Lynn Allen, recompiled http://dlvr.it/VWPRt
Does your modified block's attributes look different than the other instances of the same block in the same file? Use ATTSYNC command.
Edit the properties of existing block attributes using BATTMAN command, without exploding or redefning the block.

We post daily on the topic of AutoCAD/LT and features/abilities of interest to users: you can find us at http://twitter.com/LTisACAD
Get Twitter updates via Text Message (SMS) by texting FOLLOW LTISACAD to 40404 in the United States. To stop SMS updates, simply text UNFOLLOW LTISACAD to the same number.

Catch a listing of all our twitter postings HERE: http://ltisacad.blogspot.com/search?q=tweets+this+week

Autodesk Resources: Lynn Allen, recompiled

2011-06-08T06:00:00.007-05:00

There are many resources online for AutoCAD/LT users to take advantage of to learn about the program, as well as to sharpen their skills without spending too much money at training classes. One resource worth exploring are the BLOGS at Autodesk that are authored by many core AutoCAD experts such as Lynn Allen.

Lynn Allen, Cadalyst columnist and Autodesk Technical Evangelist, is a prolific writer of tips, AutoCAD presenter, public speaker of all things AutoCAD, and an excellent resource for many seeking better ways to use the AutoCAD program. If she is scheduled to be in your area it is recommended you catch the presentation, you will learn a lot and enjoy it too.

Below are links to many tips LT users can use and find quite useful for every day use. Lynn's many adventures are part of these tip pages:

Tweets this week: LayOff, LayFRZ, H2B

2011-06-05T06:00:00.001-05:00

Below is a summary of topics we covered this week on Twitter. This week we have a few tips for layer commands, Offset, hatching and the User Interface:

AutoCAD LT Patches, Updates & Service Packs for all versions can be found here: http://ow.ly/1ttF9r
To add/remove a command to the Quick Access toolbar explore this link http://ow.ly/1trQCL
Turn a Layer Off with LAYOFF command; Freeze with LAYFRZ command. Use SETTINGS option in each command to control viewport layers behavior.
LTisACAD Blog: Quick Tips for LT: Part 2 http://dlvr.it/TjCnG
OFFSET an entity to the current layer by starting the command, typing L then C , and continue with the command as normal.
HATCHTOBACK command sets the draw order for all hatches in the drawing to be behind all other objects. http://ow.ly/1tknA2

We post daily on the topic of AutoCAD/LT and features/abilities of interest to users: you can find us at http://twitter.com/LTisACAD
Get Twitter updates via Text Message (SMS) by texting FOLLOW LTISACAD to 40404 in the United States. To stop SMS updates, simply text UNFOLLOW LTISACAD to the same number.

Catch a listing of all of your twitter postings HERE: http://ltisacad.blogspot.com/search?q=tweets+this+week

Quick Tips for LT: Part 2

2011-06-01T06:00:00.002-05:00

This is the second of a short series of AutoCAD/LT tips for quick reference. Where noted, some tips require LT2012:

LAYERNOTIFY variable: Set to 0 (turn it off) so AutoCAD won’t ask to verify new layers added to a drawing or xref. http://t.co/aW7Eu1C
COLOR command: when you select a new color, a preview is shown in the lower-left. Behind the new color is your previous color selection.
WSSAVE command to save your current WORKSPACE after you rearrange AuotCAD/LT menus/toolbars. Or the old layout is restored after a restart.
You have AUTOCAPS turned on in your TABLE text editor? turn AUTOCAPS off in MTEXT first to turn it off in TABLE as well when editing.
Need to compare 2 DWGs? Plot both to DWF & use the "Compare Sheets" tool in Design Review to highlight differences.
Polar tracking: Press F10 to toggle on/off. It provides an "ortho" cursor limit at incremental angles that you define. http://t.co/wOAq2vY
Create PDF quickly, model or paperspace: EXPORTPDF command, no need to change any predefined PAGESETUPs that aim for another printer or plotter.
Use ADCENTER to share content between DWG files: Blocks, Dimstyles, Layers, Layouts, Linetypes, Xrefs, and Mleader/Table/Text Styles.
Start LINE command: PERP, snap at edge of circle; PERP, snap at the edge of second circle. LINE is between two circles' common centerline.
Set PELLIPSE variable to 1 and you will then be able to draw and explode an ELLIPSE.
PELLIPSE changes the way Ellipses are drawn (true ellipse vs Pline ellipse): it has no effect in previously created Ellipses.
HATCH command will display small red circles at the location of every gap in your boundary that will prevent the command from completion.
MULTIPLE command is often missed for it's power: type it, then type MOVE and start selecting many lines to MOVE non-stop. ESC to end.
Use any copy/paste command to copy XREFs from one file to another: PASTEORIG to locate the Xrefs in the same ccordinates in the new file.
AutoCAD's Design Center (ADCENTER command) can be used to Reverse Search for Xrefs, two tips:: http://ow.ly/1siulw and http://ow.ly/1siulv
Instead of SAVEAS (moves your current file) use WBLOCK command’s ENTIRE DRAWING option: it creates a new file with all the layouts intact
A hidden command in older LT versions: DIMROTATED command, use it in lieu of DIMALIGNED command, when you need your dimension string to align with an object or specific angle.
You can copy Layouts between drawings by either using ADCENTER, or right-click over any layout>Template>File Type>DWG>then find the file.
Set DIMASSOC to 2 and your dimensions will move along with your objects if you snapped to those objects.
SELECTIONANNODISPLAY turns OFF (or ON) all of the ghosting that occurs if you select an annotative object when using Annotation Scaling.
Restore any Dismissed Pop-ups that you turned off and now need back on by using OPTIONS command>System Tab>Hidden Messages Settings button
XLINE command's Offset feature: http://ow.ly/1ssCkF Resulting XLINE’s center point is the start point of the Line or PLine you offset from.
Bisect an angle tip. Use XLINE command’s BISECT option: select the intersection point, then the first leg of the angle then the second.
XLINE command can create Horizontal, Vertical, set Angle construction lines too: watch the command line for HOR, VER and ANG options.
When you finish editing Mtext, instead of clicking OK button, just click in the background screen area to accept the changes you made.
Add some extra text in your dims and still keep the actual dimension: use <> when you edit a dimension's text with DDEDIT or PROPERTIES.
Need to move/copy to a specific point? @x,y is for relative coordinates. #x,y is absolute to the current UCS. *x,y,z is absolute to WCS.
LT2012's DWGCONVERT command has a REPLACE PAGE SETUPS: use it to assign a new page setup to DWG layouts aiming at a missing printer/plotter.
Not using LT2012? DWGTRUEVIEW built-in option called TRUECONVERT has a REPLACE PAGE SETUPS option: use it to fix/assign a new page setup to DWG layouts.
Press/hold middle mouse button down then hold the SHIFT key: you will be in the PAN command in a horizontal or vertical constraint mode.
Hold down CTRL keyboard key and double-click any attribute in a block: now you edit the attribute in-place just like editing Text objects.
When EDGEMODE variable is set to 1, you can extend and trim lines that do not intersect: AutoCAD creates an invisible extension to use.
DIMROTATED command, instead of DIMALIGNED, when you need your dimension string to align with an object/angle and not two points picked.
COPYTOLAYER command does what it's name implies, COPY entities you select TO another or different LAYER: http://ow.ly/1sHzHH
Is the RIBBON taking up too much screen space? Minimize it to Panel Buttons (it looks like the Classic Workspace menus) http://ow.ly/1sIFnd
LAYER command's list of layer names can be daunting to sort through if you have many layers, especially as you add more content or bring in content from other files. Layer Property Filters are a great way to help sort through them, making the display list of names easier to manage. Explore this excellent list of tips HERE.
Switch Layer Filters directly by using +LAYER command (note the + sign to type) in AutoCAD/LT without going into the LAYER Command/Palette.
At the "Select Objects" prompt, type F for FENCE: it draws continuous selection "lines", anything it crosses is selected without having to use a rectangular selection window. Try it in place of a crossing window or polygon selection method.
FILTER or QSELECT commands are great entity selection tools, a way of pre-sorting objects with shared properties quickly. Both commands can also be used to count blocks: after the selection process is complete, type SELECT command and AutoCAD will return a count at the command line. In LT2011 and LT2012 right-click and pick SELECTSIMILAR as an alternate to those two commands for an even qicker selection sorting method.
FIND command can be used to Select specific blocks, with specific attribute settings: see the tip HERE.

Next week, we tap resources all over the internet to outline more tips and methods to speed up your LT usage.

Tweets this week: LT tips, 123D

2011-05-29T06:00:00.002-05:00

Below is a summary of topics we covered this week on Twitter. This week we cover LT tips, and an interesting ability for a free software package.

Do you use Windows 7: Master these built-in features of the OS to boost your general productivity with all programs http://ow.ly/1tgJJS
RT: ASimoes76 Autodesk 123D as a free 3D CAD converter CAD Studio blog http://bit.ly/lfCj1B
Use \X in the Text Override section of Properties to add text below the dim line in Dimensions: \P to just add text below other text.
New in LT2012: VIEWBACK is similar to Zoom Previous. Make into a shortcut like VB and speed up. VIEWFORWARD is like a redo of Viewback.
LTisACAD Blog: Quick Tips for LT: Part 1 http://dlvr.it/SxC3n
Turn All Layers On with LAYON command, and Thaw All Layers with LAYTHW command.
Diameter and Radius Dimensioning text options in this LT Forum topic is worth exploring: http://ow.ly/1t7zzj

We post daily on the topic of AutoCAD/LT and features/abilities of interest to users: you can find us at http://twitter.com/LTisACAD
Get Twitter updates via Text Message (SMS) by texting FOLLOW LTISACAD to 40404 in the United States. To stop SMS updates, simply text UNFOLLOW LTISACAD to the same number.

Get a listing of all of our twitter postings HERE: http://ltisacad.blogspot.com/search?q=tweets+this+week

Quick Tips for LT: Part 1

2011-05-25T06:00:00.002-05:00

This is the first of a short series of AutoCAD/LT tips presented here in simple entries to share and read at your convenience. Where noted, some tips are LT2012 specific:

Renaming the BAK file is the quickest way to recover a corrupt DWG file. Review the LT forum discussion topic here http://j.mp/hg3Hkg
UNITS settings in files from different sources may be difficult to decipher, but this forum tip is one option to explore http://j.mp/hsGNe5
Another method of adding office standards like layers to existing files, without using template files: http://j.mp/ecUUxw
Rotate and Scale commands both have a COPY option: your original will remain intact should you need it without exiting and restarting.
Use the ENTER keyboard key jump between Table cells.
Use ALT+ENTER keyboard keys to type more than one line of text (hard return between them) in a Table cell.
In AutoCAD/LT 2011 and higher, set VPROTATEASSOC variable to 1 and rotate your Viewport AND it's content together in one motion.
You can grip edit Viewports (editing capabilities when object grips are selected) : stretching, moving, rotating, scaling, and mirroring.
Temp Overrides in AutoCAD/LT: while in a command like LINE, hold SHIFT down to toggle ORTHO's running status.
PLINEGEN variable, if set to 1 may not display a segment of a dashed (or sim) Pline at each Vertex. Set it to 0 to see every one instead.
When in BEDIT command use the BATTORDER command to set the order the attributes will be prompted. See extra tip in forum http://j.mp/esQFwy
Alternatives to WIPEOUT command? With CECOLOR set to 255, use SOLID command or HATCH>Solid pattern. Control with DRAWORDER command.
VIEWGO command is a quick way to switch to your saved VIEW in a drawing file without going through the main dialog pop-up.
Highlight your text and press Ctrl+Shift+U to convert your selection to Uppercase or Ctrl+Shift+L for Lowercase: works with Text and Mtext.
SPLINEDIT and PEDIT commands allow you to easily convert a Spline to a Pline.
Use CHSPACE command to move objects from modelspace to paperspace, or vice-versa, while keeping their relative scale intact.
Prefer to see frames but not have them plot around Raster Images, DWF, PDF, XCLIP and DGN files? Set FRAME command to 2.
MULTIPLE command repeats the command-line command that you enter until you press ESC button on keyboard. Abbreviate it and others for speed.
Change the Text Case to/from ALL CAPS: Right click the highlighted text and select CHANGE CASE. Works with both MText and Text editors.
Highlight your text and press Ctrl+Shift+U to convert your selection to Uppercase or Ctrl+Shift+L for Lowercase: works with Text and Mtext.
You can set MTEXT (but not TEXT) to always type in ALL CAPS ALL THE TIME. when inside the MTEXT editor, right-click select AutoCAPS.
Extract a list of layers from an AutoCAD file: Select ALL then CTRL+C from the open Layer Dialog Box into a Microsoft Excel worksheet.
CLIP command is a single command to clip Images, XREFs, Viewports, and underlays (DGN, PDF, DWF and DWFx) in your drawing file.
AutoCAD/LT2011 and higher: Do you have many DWG files open right now? Type QVDRAWING command and get a preview of each one on screen.
Do you get the message "Object selected is not a polyline, do you want to turn it into one?" Set PEDITACCEPT to 1 to answer yes and never see that qestion again.
Need to find patches, known issues and updates quickly? Explore Autodesk's Knowledge Base webpage for information: http://j.mp/igrT0t
Use QSELECT to select all text items; open PROPERTIES and change the rotation of the text to one direction. No more head twisting to read.
HATCHTOBACK selects all hatches in the drawing (plus solid fills and gradient fills) and sets their draw order behind all other objects.
Use TINSERT command to place blocks within TABLE cells in your drawing file. Shortcut: select a cell, right-click and click Insert Block.
PICKSTYLE variable controls the use of group selection and associative hatch selection. Explored in the video here http://j.mp/ebvjbb
Lose your LT2009 (as of this post's date) or higher version installation disk? Order product documentation and replacement software here: http://autodeskdocandmedia.com/
QVLAYOUT command is the quickest way to preview all of those many Layouts you have in a single DWG file: http://j.mp/emk4qO
Migrating Toolbars to the Ribbon? Start CUI command, right-click over a Toolbar and turn it into a Panel then place it on a Ribbon Tab.
Turn on POLAR TRACKING (F10 key) and set it to 15 instead of using ORTHO (F8 key): think of it as Ortho+extra http://j.mp/f3Bp0r
Cut/Paste into MTEXT bring unwanted formatting? Instead of CTRL+V, right-click, select Paste Special, then pick one of three Paste options.
HPSEPARATE variable controls whether your consecutively drawn hatches are treated as one hatch object, or as separate hatch objects.
HATCHEDIT command: use to separate hatch objects. Start the command, select one of the hatches, then check the Separate Hatches box.
HATCHEDIT command abilities: Add and Remove Boundaries, Change Type, DrawOrder, Layer, Color, Transparency, Hatch origin and more.
TEXTTOFRONT command brings text, or dimensions, or both of them in front of all other objects in the drawing: http://bit.ly/dUNCny
Need to add plot style tables to PLOT command’s choices STYLESMANAGER command opens the folder AutoCAD/LT is using. Move them there.
Can't see your preferred CTB plot style tables on the PLOT pop-up? Convert your drawing to that format using CONVERTPSTYLES command.
Fields are updated automatically when the drawing is opened, saved, plotted, regenerated, or sent through ETRANSMIT: http://bit.ly/fRzWKT
When DEMANDLOAD system variable is set to 2, fields cannot be updated until you use FIELD or UPDATEFIELD: http://t.co/m466ngL
To lengthen or shorten a dimension, you can use TRIM or EXTEND commands: the edge you aim for must be in line with the dimension extension.

Look for additional quick tips next week.

Tweets this week: Updates, rebates and LT tips

2011-05-22T07:00:00.002-05:00

Below is a summary of topics we covered this week on Twitter. This week we cover many good basic user LT tips, LT updates and special pricing, and investigate the free AutoCADWS for LT users.

Autodesk Exchange's Ask The Expert: http://t.co/NMubXXI
RT: Get Current with Rebate Offers for AutoCAD LT 2012 http://bit.ly/lwIXBU
OSOPTIONS variable controls object snaps on hatch objects: http://t.co/3yqZR0x
LAYMRG command will move all objects on destination layer to target layer, then deleted the layer after the move: http://ow.ly/1t1w8N
Add/change your commands shortcuts? In AutoCAD classic interface, Tool menu>customize>edit program parameters (acadlt.pgp)
Need to add/change your commands shortcut letters? Access EDIT ALIASES in AutoCAD Ribbon, manage tab, customization section.
LTisACAD Blog: LT2012, AutoCADWS, your Phone and Tablet http://dlvr.it/S6S4j
Use one Panel from the Ribbon a lot? Click/drag into the drawing area, float and always be available. Return when done: http://ow.ly/1sZnd8
RT: Update 2 for AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT 2011 http://bit.ly/j0szIE
Need to check each Layer in a file one at a time for content? Use LAYWALK command. http://ow.ly/1sYqV0

We post daily on the topic of AutoCAD/LT and features/abilities of interest to users: you can find us at http://twitter.com/LTisACAD
Get Twitter updates via Text Message (SMS) by texting FOLLOW LTISACAD to 40404 in the United States. To stop SMS updates, simply text UNFOLLOW LTISACAD to the same number.

Catch a listing of all of your twitter postings HERE: http://ltisacad.blogspot.com/search?q=tweets+this+week

LT2012, AutoCADWS, your Phone and Tablet

2011-05-18T06:00:00.007-05:00

AutoCADWS is a web and mobile app that lets you view, edit, and collaborate (share files with others outside your office) virtually to review and mark up your DWG files in real-time using a webbrowser on your PC, Laptop, iPhone/Droid Phones or new string of Tablets like the iPAD/2 and Droid-based devices. It is free to use, collaborate and share, you just need to set up a free account before you can use it.

What does this mean to you, the LT user?

Imagine sharing, and waking through a DWG file with a customer, with you in total control (and still in possession of the DWG file(s), and they never having to install any software to see it. You can set it so that they only have read-only access with no download ability (an alternative to a stack of PDFs through email).
Imagine coordinating with a consultant on a DWG file, without a string of Emails and clouded areas just to explain a change.
Imagine being in the field on-site at a project, without a paper roll of drawings, but the actual CAD files on your mobile device, marking up as you go along and your team in the office picking up the information in real-time. Sync back with your DWG file at your desktop too.
And just in case your imagination hit a wall, note that the AutoCADWS sit also keeps a timeline history of online changes so that at any point you can recall something you did earlier in a session (what client doesn't ever want to go-back to an earlier change?).

The webbrowser version has many recently added feature (list below is from the AWS website):

Anywhere Storage: Connect your AutoCAD WS web and mobile account to a variety of storage sites: Buzzsaw, Box.net, Dropbox (via DropDAV), MobileMe, Egnyte and even your own Fille server or SharePoint site.
Upload files to AutoCAD WS is real easy and available using many options. Markup, measure, basic drawing, text and snapping to objects are key abilities of this online program.
Plot-to-PDF/DWFx: Create PDF or DWFx files from your DWG files for plotting or sharing with others.
PDF Support: Open markup and share a PDF in AutoCAD WS in the same way as a DWG file.

To find out even more about AutoCADWS, explore their site at http://www.autocadws.com/ and this introduction HERE from Lynn Allen.

Are you worried about file security? Read this WHITE PAPER on the topic.

There are many AutoCADWS (online account required) exclusive commands built into LT2012 (command names are linked for more information):

GETLINK Generates a URL to the AutoCAD WS online copy of the current drawing.
MANAGEUPLOADS Manages the uploading of files stored on the AutoCAD WS server.
MESSAGES Displays messages from your AutoCAD WS account.
ONLINEDRAWINGS Opens AutoCAD WS in a web browser and lists the available online files.
OPENONLINE Opens the AutoCAD WS Editor in a web browser and displays an online copy of the current drawing for online editing and sharing.
SHARE Shares the AutoCAD WS online copy of the current drawing with other users.
TIMELINE Provides access to previous versions of the AutoCAD WS online copy of the current drawing.
UPLOAD Uploads the current drawing to AutoCAD WS and controls whether to automatically upload changes.
UPLOADFILES Uploads selected files to AutoCAD WS.

If you are using a version AutoCAD/LT 2010, or AutoCAD/LT 2011, you can still get the appropriate downloadable plugin from here: www.autocadws.com/downloads
Note: many of the commands listed above are not available if you use these lower LT versions, they are exclusive to AutoCAD/LT 2012.

Will AutoCADWS be developed for other mobile devices? While that is not clear (Autodesk never shares development news) it is not a secret that iOS and Droid enjoy a 40% higher focus/visibility rating with software developers of applications than Microsoft, RIM/Blackberry and HP. Explore this recent topic HERE.

Tweets this week: command tips

2011-05-15T07:10:00.013-05:00

Below is a summary of topics we covered this week on Twitter. This week we provide command tips you can use every day.

LT2011: collaborate and share/review your DWG files online, for free, by installing the AutoCADWS Plugin now http://t.co/hZyLdV3
LAYMCH command will move an object from one layer to another, by selecting an object on the destination layer as a reference first.
How To Create Annotative Text Style. Check out this Webpage basic getting started tip from Daily AutoCAD blog: http://ow.ly/1sUTHY
LTisACAD Blog: LT2012 New Commands and Variables http://dlvr.it/RLFVc
Set Zero Fillet without changing the preset radius setting in FILLET command: press & hold down the shift key & select the lines to fillet.
Are HP's, Microsoft's and RIM's mobile devices relevant against iOS and Android? Developers have their opinions http://ow.ly/1sSCIS
Try this: OPTIONS command, PLOT tab, turn on the setting to always use the last successful plot parameter. A repetitive plotting solution.

We post daily on the topic of AutoCAD/LT and features/abilities of interest to users: you can find us at http://twitter.com/LTisACAD
Get Twitter updates via Text Message (SMS) by texting FOLLOW LTISACAD to 40404 in the United States. To stop SMS updates, simply text UNFOLLOW LTISACAD to the same number.

Catch a listing of all of your twitter postings HERE: http://ltisacad.blogspot.com/search?q=tweets+this+week

LT2012 New Commands and Variables

2011-05-11T06:00:00.006-05:00

With each new version of AutoCAD/LT there are always new commands and variables, modified or enhanced existing commands and variables, and occassionally dropped commands and features. LT2012 is no different and the program offers some new ways to find out more about them starting with the Autodesk Exchange that pops up as soon as you first start AutoCAD, including Videos.

Multi-Functional Grips and Associative Arrays are two of the existing functions users are familiar with that get the largest make-over. LT more that ever is relying on those right-click menus to display more command functions and abilities, a fact that some users may not be fully use.
New functions added include the long awaited Sheet Set Manager that's been in full AutoCAD for a long time, the new Content Explorer that may replace ADCENTER for many users, better integration with the currently-free AutoCADWS service from Autodesk.
The following is a partial list of the new added commands to LT2012 that we found interesting (check out the links):

ARRAYCLOSE Saves back or discards changes made to an array's source objects and exits the array editing state.
ARRAYEDIT Edits associative array objects and their source objects.
ARRAYPATH Evenly distributes object copies along a path or a portion of a path.
ARRAYPOLAR Evenly distributes object copies in a circular pattern around a center point or axis of rotation.
ARRAYRECT Distributes object copies into any combination of rows, columns, and levels.
AUTOCOMPLETE Controls what types of automated keyboard features are available at the Command prompt.
BLEND Creates a spline in the gap between two selected lines or curves. More HERE.
CONTENTEXPLORER Finds and inserts content such as drawing files, blocks, and styles.
DGNBIND Binds DGN underlays to the current drawing.
DWGCONVERT Converts drawing format version for selected drawing files.
GROUPEDIT Adds and removes objects from the selected group, or renames a selected group.
NCOPY Copies objects that are contained in an xref, block, or DGN underlay.
OVERKILL Removes duplicate or overlapping lines, arcs, and polylines. Also, combines partially overlapping or contiguous ones.
QUICKPROPERTIES has been around for a few versions now but it's behavior has changed. It is the default double-click pop-up for many objects instead of the full PROPERTIES palette. Read more HERE.
VIEWBACK command (undocumented) is similar to Zoom Previous, restores the last location you viewed.
VIEWFORWARD command (undocumented) is like an undo to Viewback.
SHEET SET MANAGER can organize drawing layouts into named sheet sets. The sheets in a sheet set can be transmitted, published, and archived as a unit. It has a collection of associated with it, including NEWSHEETSET, OPENSHEETSET, SHEETSET, and SHEETSETHIDE.

The following list are many of the new variables in LT2012 that address the new features (check out the links):

ARRAYEDITSTATE Indicates whether the drawing is in the array editing state, which is activated while editing an associative array's source objects.
ARRAYTYPE Specifies the default array type.
AUTOCOMPLETEDELAY Controls the amount of time that elapses before automated keyboard features display at the Command prompt.
AUTOCOMPLETEMODE Controls what types of automated keyboard features are available at the Command prompt.
CONTENTEXPLORERSTATE Indicates whether the Content Explorer window is open or closed.
DGNIMPORTMODE Controls the default behavior of the DGNIMPORT command.
DYNINFOTIPS Turns cycling tips for grip manipulation on and off.
FRAMESELECTION Controls whether the frame of an image, underlay, or clipped xref can be selected.
GROUPDISPLAYMODE Controls the display and grips on groups, when group selection is on.
HPQUICKPREVTIMEOUT Sets the maximum duration that AutoCAD tries to generate a hatch preview when using the HATCH command.
LAYOUTCREATEVIEWPORT Specifies if a single viewport should be created on each new layout added to a drawing.
PROPOBJLIMIT Limits the number of objects that can be changed at one time with the Properties and Quick Properties palettes.
RIBBONICONRESIZE Controls the resizing of images on the ribbon to standard sizes.
SHORTCUTMENUDURATION Specifies how long (in milliseconds) the right button on a pointing device must be pressed to display a shortcut menu in the drawing area.
SHOWPAGESETUPFORNEWLAYOUTS Specifies if the Page Setup Manager is displayed when a new layout is created.
TBSHOWSHORTCUTS Specifies if shortcut keys are displayed in tooltips.
TOOLTIPSIZE Sets the display size for tooltips.
TOOLTIPTRANSPARENCY Sets the transparency for tooltips.
VPCONTROL Controls whether the Viewport label menus are displayed in all viewports.
WORKSPACELABEL Controls the display of the workspace label in the status bar.
Sheet Set Manager has many variables associated with it, including SSFOUND, SSLOCATE, SSMAUTOOPEN, SSMPOLLTIME, SSMSHEETSTATUS, and SSMSTATE.

In our next blog, we will explore the integrated features of AutoCADWS, the online file sharing and collaboration feature built into LT2012.

Tweets this week: Filters, Counting, and LT2012

2011-05-08T06:00:00.001-05:00

Below is a summary of topics we covered this week on Twitter. This week we cover some of the core basics: the advantages of Layer Filters, how to count blocks (or objects) by using the built in selection tools in LT (which you must use in conjuction with a command that will return a count, such as SELECT command), and why we like LT2012 and think it may be worth you, the end user, upgrading to it.

Autodesk's Knowledge Base Web page for is a great resource for posted solutions and additional help: http://ow.ly/1sQU1m
LT2012: JOIN command can now use more selection methods and then let AutoCAD find and join what is possible.
Need to count the blocks in your AutoCAD Drawing? Use FILTER or QSELECT commands. In LT2011 and LT2012 right-click and pick SELECTSIMILAR.
LTisACAD Blog: Why upgrade to LT2012 http://dlvr.it/QbBlM
At the "Select Objects" prompt, type F for FENCE: it draws continuous selection "lines", anything it crosses is selected; when done
Simplify the AutoCAD Layer Manager List with the use of Layer Filters. Explore these helpful tips: http://ow.ly/1sMS5m

We post daily on the topic of AutoCAD/LT and features/abilities of interest to users: you can find us at http://twitter.com/LTisACAD
Get Twitter updates via Text Message (SMS) by texting FOLLOW LTISACAD to 40404 in the United States. To stop SMS updates, simply text UNFOLLOW LTISACAD to the same number.

Catch a listing of all of your twitter postings HERE. http://ltisacad.blogspot.com/search?q=tweets+this+week

Why upgrade to LT2012

2011-05-04T06:00:00.009-05:00

This blog was triggered by a recent post (and many tweets and retweets of that post) that was trying to provide you with incentives to upgrade to LT2012, but instead (at least to this user) left a lot to be desired and may even turn you away from upgrading in the first place. Here It Is.

For you the AutoCAD/LT end-user here is a more practical and usable list (with links) of reasons we think you should consider LT2012 if you are in the market to update, upgrade or buy new:

Nudge: it's not a command but an ability, a keyboard arrow-keys action to move objects while holding down the CTRL key.
NCOPY (copy from inside an Xref or block or DGN Overlay to your current file, just like using COPY command).
OVERKILL command: Clean up your drawings by removing duplicate or unneeded geometry.
BLEND command creates splines between lines, arcs, polylines, splines, helixes and elliptical arcs..
Associative Arrays: http://blog.jtbworld.com/2011/03/associative-array-in-autocad-2012.html
COPY command now does arrays too: quicker than copy and offset.
Sheet Set Manager: Organizes your drawing sheets, reduces steps to publish, automatically creates layout views, links sheet set information into title blocks and plot stamps, and performs tasks across a sheet set so everything is in one convenient place. More tips HERE.
AutoComplete takes the guess work out of remembering command names.
Grips Editing, more than just at Lines and Plines now: grip edit a dimension for example (try at the arrow, then at the text) and Mleaders. More Multi-functional Grips features HERE.
LT goes mobile: AutoCADWS is so integrated you are missing out if you don't use it. Check this TIP.
MLEADERs now extend all the way to the text, not just the imaginary text box.
The Quick Properties window is now the default when you double-click multiple objects. Previously, the Properties palette opened.
PURGE command will now also purge empty GROUPs (yes, they clutter your dwg files now, check them out and see).
JOIN command, use any selection method on many objects at one time: no more selecting one line then it's single line match. Just select them all and let AutoCAD figure ut all the obvious ones to join up. Do you know all the ways to select objects? Check this LIST.
CONTENT EXPLORER: what ADCenter lacked in block and content management.
Start LT from your template with no extra prompts or pop-ups or clicks: you can also start LT without having to open a blank file (for those of us that have always had heartburn about that fact).
GROUPs have a bounding box, so when you select a group instead of a clutter of grips you get a simple box appear around the objects. More on LT2012's Group command HERE.
GROUPEDIT to add and delete group objects without ungrouping and regrouping them.
VIEWBACK command, like Zoom Previous as a single command in LT: what can you do with it? How about abbreviating it to single letter to type(or two letters) like V or VB, and speed up zooming and panning with it. VIEWFORWARD is like an undo for Viewback.
Attach a Photoshop file (and a dozen new other formats like USGS photo formats, JPEG2000 and more).
Improvements to the UCS Icon.
Bind a DGN file, along with complex linetypes in it.
ARRAYEDIT command: tweak one element in an array without affecting the others.
FILLET and CHAMFER commands for Line/Plines/Splines include a preview feature, allowing you to change the fillet radius or chamfer distance before completing the command.
PC3/PMP and STB/CTB files can be anywhere, even your customer's unique folder.
Undo a migration from an older version without reinstalling.
LT2012 supports graphics cards hardware acceleration: check to see if yours is supported HERE.
YouTube - AutoCAD LT 2012 Drafting Tools HERE.

AutoCAD LT 2012 is available as a trial download HERE or you can try it online http://bit.ly/hbOJQ1
In our next blog, we will explore in more depth the new commands and variables introduced and link to available tutorials and help files for your use.

Tweets this week: Underused commands

2011-05-01T07:00:00.001-05:00

Below is a summary of topics we covered this week on Twitter. This week we cover a few commands that many users forget about, and explore Hatch commands and variables in detail.

Search the Solved section of the Autodesk Discussion Groups Forum for LT for Tips, Tricks, solutions and more at http://t.co/0SxN9A4
Switch Layer Filters directly by using +LAYER command (note the + sign to type) in AutoCAD/LT without going into the LAYER Command/Palette.
Is the RIBBON taking up too much screen space? Minimize it to Panel Buttons (it looks like the Classic Workspace menus) http://ow.ly/1sIFnd
COPYTOLAYER command does what it's name implies, COPY entities you select TO another or different LAYER: http://ow.ly/1sHzHH
LTisACAD Blog: AutoCAD/LT Hatch, commands and variables http://dlvr.it/PsRY8
DIMROTATED command, instead of DIMALIGNED, when you need your dimension string to align with an object/angle and not two points picked.
When EDGEMODE variable is set to 1, you can extend and trim lines that do not intersect: AutoCAD creates an invisible extension to use.

We post daily on the topic of AutoCAD/LT and features/abilities of interest to users: you can find us at http://twitter.com/LTisACAD
Get Twitter updates via Text Message (SMS) by texting FOLLOW LTISACAD to 40404 in the United States. To stop SMS updates, simply text UNFOLLOW LTISACAD to the same number.

Catch a listing of all of your twitter postings HERE. http://ltisacad.blogspot.com/search?q=tweets+this+week

AutoCAD/LT Hatch, commands and variables

2011-04-27T06:00:00.005-05:00

There is more to HATCH command than most users are familiar with: this list is here to explore commands, options and settings well outside the single pop-up.

New in AutoCAD/LT2011 and later is a feature that launches a new portion of the screen RIBBON, instead of the traditional pop-up, when you start the HATCH command. On some PCs this is quite taxing to the video card. Below are two command to explore and turn off if your system is having a hard time with the newer versions of AutoCAD/LT:

HPDLGMODE variable controls the display of the Hatch and Gradient dialog box and the Hatch Edit dialog box.
HPQUICKPREVIEW variable controls whether to display a preview when specifying internal points for a hatch.

Want to avoid having your running Object Snaps selecting hatch points?

OSOPTIONS variable automatically suppresses object snaps on hatch objects.

The following Commands allow you to manage and edit hatches outside the dialog pop-up box:

HATCHEDIT command Modifies an existing hatch or fill.
HATCHGENERATEBOUNDARY command creates a non-associated polyline around a selected hatch.
HATCHSETBOUNDARY command redefines a selected hatch or fill to conform to a different closed boundary.
HPBOUND variable controls the object type created by HATCH and BOUNDARY commands.
HPBOUNDRETAIN variable controls whether boundary objects are created for new hatches and fills.

Active Hatch Display variables and settings you can use with your customizations, or personal preferences, without invoking the HATCH command:

HPCOLOR variable sets a default color for new hatches.
HPLAYER variable specifies a default layer for new hatches and fills.
HPBACKGROUNDCOLOR variable controls the background color for hatch patterns.
HATCHTOBACK command sets the draw order for all hatches in the drawing to be behind all other objects.
HPDRAWORDER variable controls the draw order of hatches and fills.

Hatch command has many Variables associated with it, explore this list and experiment:

HPANG variable sets the angle for new hatch patterns.
HPDOUBLE variable specifies hatch pattern doubling for user-defined patterns.
HPSPACE variable sets the hatch pattern line spacing for user-defined patterns.
HPSCALE variable sets the hatch pattern scale factor.
HPANNOTATIVE variable controls whether a new hatch pattern is annotative.
HPASSOC variable controls whether hatches and fills are associative.
HPGAPTOL variable treats a set of objects that almost enclose an area as a closed hatch boundary.
HPINHERIT variable controls the hatch origin of the resulting hatch when using Inherit Properties in HATCH and HATCHEDIT commands.
HPMAXLINES variable sets the maximum number of hatch lines that are generated in a hatch operation.
HPNAME variable sets the default hatch pattern name.
HPOBJWARNING variable sets the number of hatch boundary objects that can be selected before displaying a warning message.
HPORIGIN variable sets the hatch origin point for new hatch patterns relative to the current user coordinate system.
HPORIGINMODE variable controls how the default hatch origin point is determined.
HPSEPARATE variable controls whether a single hatch object or separate hatch objects are created when operating on several closed boundaries.
HPTRANSPARENCY variable sets the default transparency for new hatches and fills.
HPISLANDDETECTION variable controls how islands within the hatch boundary are treated.
HPISLANDDETECTIONMODE variable controls whether internal closed boundaries, called islands, are detected.

Note this control for PUBLISH command:

PUBLISHHATCH variable Controls whether hatch patterns published to DWF or DWFx format are treated as a single object when they are opened in Autodesk Impression.

Tweets this week: File Attachments, Conversions, Lynn and CTRL

2011-04-24T06:00:00.001-05:00

Below is a summary of topics we covered this week on Twitter. This week we cover file Attachment options for LT, LT2012's pagesetups tip, and common variables settings.

For many, the following settings work: LTSCALE 1 (or less, your preference). MSLTSCALE 1 PSLTSCALE 1 CELTSCALE 1 CANNOSCALE as needed.
Hold down CTRL keyboard key and double-click any attribute in a block: now you edit the attribute in-place just like editing Text objects.
Not using LT2012? DWGTRUEVIEW app's TRUECONVERT has a REPLACE PAGE SETUPS option: use it to fix/assign a new page setup to DWG layouts.
LT2012's DWGCONVERT command has a REPLACE PAGE SETUPS: use it to assign a new page setup to DWG layouts aiming at a missing printer/plotter
LTisACAD Blog: Attach Files in AutoCAD/LT http://dlvr.it/P6RBS
Going to see @Lynn_Allen in person at the DC CADD event tonight in Dallas. Y'all come down for a spell too!
Need to move/copy to a specific point? @x,y is for relative coordinates. #x,y is absolute to the current UCS. *x,y,z is absolute to WCS.
Press/hold middle mouse button down then hold the SHIFT key: you will be in the PAN command in a horizontal or vertical constraint mode.

We post daily on the topic of AutoCAD/LT and features/abilities of interest to users: you can find us at http://twitter.com/LTisACAD

Get our Twitter updates via Text Message (SMS) by texting FOLLOW LTISACAD to 40404 in the United States. To stop SMS updates, simply text UNFOLLOW LTISACAD to the same number.

Catch a listing of all of your twitter postings HERE. http://ltisacad.blogspot.com/search?q=tweets+this+week

Attach Files in AutoCAD/LT

2011-04-20T06:00:00.003-05:00

AutoCAD/LT has the ability to attach and handle many formats like Raster Images, PDF files, DWF as well as Microstation DGN files. These are ideal when you need to include logos, technical documents, images, as well as markups from client or peer reviews in PDF or DWF formats.

We have hyperlinked each command for you to explore each in more depth in HELP in AutoCAD.

ATTACH: Inserts an external reference, image, or underlay (DWF, DWFx, PDF, or DGN files) in the current drawing.
DGNATTACH command: Insert a DGN file as an underlay into the current drawing.
DWFATTACH command: Insert a DWF or DWFx file as an underlay into the current drawing.
IMAGEATTACH command: Inserts a reference to a RASTER image file like JPG, PNG, BMP and more.
PDFATTACH command: Insert a PDF file as an underlay into the current drawing.
XATTACH command: Inserts DWG files as an external reference (xref).

Control the display of layers with these coommands:

DGNLAYERS command: Controls the display of layers in a DGN underlay.
DWFLAYERS command: Controls the display of layers in a DWF or DWFx underlay.
PDFLAYERS command: Controls the display of layers in a PDF underlay.
ULAYERS command: Controls the display of layers in a DWF, DWFx, PDF, or DGN underlay.

Manage what parts of the attachments are shown by clipping them inside AutoCAD/LT:

CLIP command: Crops a selected external reference, image, viewport, or underlay (DWF, DWFx, PDF, or DGN) to a specified boundary.
DGNCLIP command: Crops the display of a selected DGN underlay to a specified boundary.
DWFCLIP command: Crops the display of a selected DWF or DWFx underlay to a specified boundary.
PDFCLIP command: Crops the display of a selected PDF underlay to a specified boundary.
DGNMAPPING command: Allows users to create and edit user-defined DGN mapping setups.

Yes, you can even Object Snap to components in yur attachments:

DGNOSNAP variable: Determines whether object snapping is active for geometry in DGN underlays that are attached to the drawing.
DWFOSNAP variable: Determines whether object snapping is active for geometry in DWF or DWFx underlays that are attached to the drawing.
PDFOSNAP variable: Determines whether object snapping is active for geometry in PDF underlays that are attached to the drawing.
UOSNAP variable: Determines whether object snapping is active for geometry in DWF, DWFx, PDF, and DGN underlays that are attached to the drawing.

More tools to adjust the attachment while inside AutoCAD/LT:

ADJUST command: Adjusts the fade, contrast and monochrome settings of the selected image or underlay (DWF, DWFx, PDF, or DGN).
DWFADJUST variable: Adjust the fade, contrast, and monochrome settings of a DWF or DWFx underlay.
DGNADJUST variable: Adjust the fade, contrast, and monochrome settings of a DGN underlay.
PDFADJUST variable: Adjust the fade, contrast, and monochrome settings of a PDF underlay.

Do you want Frames around your attachments?

DGNFRAME variable: Determines whether DGN underlay frames are visible or plotted in the current drawing.
DWFFRAME variable: Determines whether DWF or DWFx underlay frames are visible or plotted in the current drawing.
FRAME variable: Turns the display of frames on and off for all external references, images, and DWF, DWFx, PDF, and DGN underlays.
PDFFRAME variable: Determines whether the PDF underlay frame is visible.

Tweets this week: XLine, Bass, and edits

2011-04-17T06:50:00.001-05:00

Below is a summary of topics we covered this week on Twitter. This week we cover the many abilities of XLINE command, text editing and one CEO's interview.

An old post that is still worth a read: reassigning F1 key (or any other keyboard F-key) to other commands in LT: http://ow.ly/1sxdNc
Add some extra text in your dims and still keep the actual dimension: use <> when you edit a dimension's text with DDEDIT or PROPERTIES.
When you finish editing Mtext, instead of clicking OK button, just click in the background screen area to accept the changes you made.
LTisACAD Blog: OTRACK quick tip for AutoCAD/LT http://dlvr.it/NM0CT
CNBC's interview with Carl Bass, Autodesk CEO:
http://video.cnbc.com/gallery/?video=3000016054
XLINE command can create Horizontal, Vertical, set Angle construction lines too: watch the command line for HOR, VER and ANG options.
Bisect an angle tip. Use XLINE command’s BISECT option: select the intersection point, then the first leg of the angle then the second.
XLINE command's Offset feature: http://ow.ly/1ssCkF Resulting XLINE’s center point is the start point of the Line or PLine you offset from.
Restore any Dismissed Pop-ups that you turned off and now need back on by using OPTIONS command>System Tab>Hidden Messages Settings button

Catch a listing of all of your twitter postings HERE. http://ltisacad.blogspot.com/search?q=tweets+this+week

OTRACK quick tip for AutoCAD/LT

2011-04-13T06:00:00.003-05:00

You can draw objects at specific angles or in specific relationship to other objects along specified directions called alignment paths using OTRACK. You can toggle this feature on and off using the F11 keyboard key.

Start by having some running Osnaps turned on, start with INT and END.
Start the command you wish to use (for example, the LINE command).
Hover (do not click) over the first OSNAP point until a little yellow cross appears.
Repeat the Hover (do not click) on your second point, hovering until the yellow cross appears.
Two tracking lines will now appear.
You can click at their intersection to draw a LINE from that point.
Repeat if the LINE command's second point, hover over two separate points until tracking lines appear then click at their intersection.
Experiment with other points using different Osnaps like QUA and INS among others. Also experiment with other commands, like INSERT.

Tweets this week, and ReTweets

2011-04-10T06:00:00.002-05:00

Below is a summary of topics we covered this week on Twitter. This week we cover a variety of tips and how-to command features:

Considering a change to Apple hardware? What AutoCAD features are not available in AutoCAD for Mac: http://ow.ly/1sqANR
SELECTIONANNODISPLAY turns OFF (or ON) all of the ghosting that occurs if you select an annotative object when using Annotation Scaling.
ReTweet @AutoCAD_WS: New post with a tip about using the Timeline in #AutoCAD (AND LT) 2012 http://autode.sk/hVp6WH
Set DIMASSOC to 2 and your dimensions will move along with your objects if you snapped to those objects.
LT2012 tip: you can now BIND a DGN file.
LTisACAD Blog: Draw with Precision Tools in AutoCAD/LT http://dlvr.it/MdN7t
@AutoCADLT 5+reasons to get LT2012: SheetSetMgr, Associative Arrays, Copy Array, BLEND, DupDelete and NCopy, NUDGE, Fillet/Chamfer Preview
You can copy Layouts between drawings by either using ADCENTER, or right-click over any layout>Template>File Type>DWG>then find the file.
Hidden command: DIMROTATED command, instead of DIMALIGNED, when you need your dimension string to align with an object or specific angle.

Catch a listing of all of your twitter postings HERE. http://ltisacad.blogspot.com/search?q=tweets+this+week

Draw with Precision Tools in AutoCAD/LT

2011-04-06T06:00:00.003-05:00

As this detailed excerpt from HELP in LT2011 shows, you can use a variety of precision drawing tools to help you produce accurate drawings quickly and without performing tedious calculations.
Use Coordinates and Coordinate Systems (UCS) :
For precise coordinate input, you can use several coordinate system entry methods. You can also use a movable coordinate system, the user coordinate system (UCS), for convenient coordinate entry and to establish workplanes.

Use Dynamic Input:
Dynamic Input provides a command interface near the cursor to help you keep your focus in the drafting area.

Snap to Locations on Objects (Object Snaps):
Instead of entering coordinates, you can specify points relative to existing objects such as endpoints of lines or center points of circles.

Restrict Cursor Movement:
Several tools are available that you can use to restrict or lock the movement of your cursor.

Combine or Offset Points and Coordinates:
To specify a new point location, you can combine coordinate values from several points or you can specify offsets from existing objects.

Specify Distances:
When specifying a point, you can enter distances, offsets, and measured intervals.

Extract Geometric Information from Objects:
The inquiry and calculation commands can provide information about objects in your drawing and do useful calculations.

Use a Calculator:
You can access a calculator function as you work with the program. You can use either the QuickCalc calculator interface or the Command prompt calculator.

HELP in AutoCAD/LT is full of this type of information and more: explore and pick up tips from inside the program like never before.

Tweets this week

2011-04-03T07:00:00.002-05:00

Below is a summary of topics we covered this week on Twitter. This week we cover a quiet news release, and many user tips:

LTisACAD Blog: EXPORT from AutoCAD/LT http://dlvr.it/MFNfw
Instead of SAVEAS (moves your current file) use WBLOCK command’s ENTIRE DRAWING option: it creates a new file with all the layouts intact
AutoCAD's Design Center (ADCENTER command) can be used to Reverse Search for Xrefs, two tips:: http://ow.ly/1siulw and http://ow.ly/1siulv
New word according to iPhone's spell checker: coordinarea. What I meant to write was coordinates. Oh well!
Use any copy/paste command to copy XREFs from one file to another: PASTEORIG to locate the Xrefs in the same ccordinarea in the new file.
MULTIPLE command is often missed for it's power: type it, then type MOVE and start selecting many lines to MOVE non-stop. ESC to end.
HATCH command will display small red circles at the location of every gap in your boundary that will prevent the command from completion.
A discreet Sunday Morning announcement by @AutoCAD_WS that the Android version will be out soon http://autode.sk/iewFAD

Catch a listing of all of our twitter postings HERE. http://ltisacad.blogspot.com/search?q=tweets+this+week

EXPORT from AutoCAD/LT

2011-04-02T07:19:00.002-05:00

AutoCAD and LT offer many formats to export: these are ideal if you need to share files with other not running AutoCAD, as well as creating formats to import into other programs (when you need to create a Powerpoint presentation, or an MSWord report or Excel spreadsheet for example).

Note that PLOT command offers many, but not all, of the same capabilities as export and offers additional controls such as controls for Layers information, background colors of the output files and more.

The following commands allow you to quickly export your DWG file to other formats to share with others. They can use the predefined pagesetup of your Layout or Model tab for a quick method of plotting (you can also change the settings in the command). The links below expand on the items with practical applications direct from HELP found in LT:

EXPORT command: Saves the objects in a drawing to a different file format (images, DGN, DWF, DWFX, and PDF).
EXPORTDWF command: Creates a DWF file and allows you to set individual page setup overrides on a sheet by sheet basis.
EXPORTDWFX command: Creates a DWFx file where you can set individual page setup overrides on a sheet-by-sheet basis.
EXPORTPDF command: Creates a PDF file where you can set individual page setup overrides on a sheet-by-sheet basis.
EXPORTSETTINGS command: Adjusts the page setup and drawing selection when exporting to a DWF, DWFx, or PDF file.

The next set of commands export to Raster formats: ideal for importing into other programs that need a 'picture' of your drawing as well as for posting on the web as images. Remember that Raster images are created by drawing dots, so there is no 'zooming in' these types of formats to get a bigger image. Create the size and view you want the first time:

JPGOUT command: Saves selected objects to a file in JPEG file format.
PNGOUT command: Saves selected objects to a file in a Portable Network Graphics format. We would recommend this format over JPG, even for web use, as it is loss-less and better quality for a smaller file size.
BMPOUT command: Saves selected objects to a file in device-independent bitmap format.
TIFOUT command: Saves selected objects to a file in TIFF file format. If you need specific TIFF file formats, explore setting up a custom plotter with your desired setting using PLOTTERMANAGER command's Add-A-Plotter wizard to create the custom Raster driver option.
RASTERDPI: Controls paper size and plot scaling when changing from dimensional to dimensionless output devices, or vice versa. The default 100dpi may not be ideal, so experiment and see what best works for you. Realize that the larger the DPI number the larger your resulting file will be: test and experiment before your deadline looms.

The two commands below export your AutoCAD file into external DWG AutoCAD files, but allow you to do more than SAVEAS:

-EXPORTTOAUTOCAD command: Creates a new DWG file with all AEC objects exploded. This a great tool when sending files to those still in much earlier AutoCAD/LT versions that cannot use or access any of those new entities found in current LT versions like MLeaders. It's also a great command to 'fix' files received from outside sources that don't seem to allow you to edit or handle objects in the file.
EXPORTLAYOUT command: Creates a visual representation of the current layout in the model space of a new drawing. In short, you can only send that One Paperspace Layout in your very complex drawing file. It creates a stand-alone DWG file. Simply amazing.

The following allow you to preselect choices for some of the commands listed above:

EXPORTEPLOTFORMAT: Sets the default electronic file output type: PDF, DWF, or DWFx.
EXPORTMODELSPACE: Specifies what part of the drawing to export to a DWF, DWFx, or PDF file from Model space
EXPORTPAPERSPACE: Specifies what part of the drawing to export to a DWF, DWFx, or PDF file from paper space.
EXPORTPAGESETUP: Specifies whether to export to a DWF, DWFx, or PDF file with the current page setup.

Tweets this week: LT2012 overdose for free

2011-03-27T08:19:00.001-05:00

Below is a summary of topics we covered this week on Twitter. Autodesk released the next version of AutoCAD/LT, 2012, and we did our share of tweeting about it in depth.

LT2012: you can now BIND a DGN file.
LT2012: new Content Explorer can Search, find, index and retrieve drawing content locally, your network, on the web and Autodesk’s SEEK.
LT2012: preview frames around PDFs, DWFs and DGNs even if you have then turned off. Then you can Grip Edit them.
LT2012: OPEN command can now be set to start with your Template file without any pop-ups or prompts. Set STARTUP variable to 2.
Buy AutoCAD LT 2012 upgrade for LT2009-10-11 for only $595 now, Online or Download, from the Autodesk Store: http://ow.ly/4mCl4
LT2012: VPLAYER and LAYER commands can freeze specific layers in all viewports except the current one you are in.
LT2012: did I mention Sheet Set Manager is finally available? Basic intro/tutorial here: http://ow.ly/1seIBR
R2012: they finally get LT’s quick-creation GROUP command feature. Both versions get Group Bounding Box: one grip to move and copy groups.
LT2012: accessing your toolbars is now easier and found in the RIBBON on the View Tab (not hidden).
LT2012: GROUPEDIT command allows you to add and remove objects from selected groups as well as UnGroup. And rename a group too.
LT2012: DSVIEWER and BLIPMODE are gone and unlike AutoCAD they can't be revived. Did anyone ever use them? I am curious how if you did.
Reply to @CadSetterOut The tweet is LT specific. There is no REDEFINE command so that tip is not applicable. Re-read my posting.
LT2012: HATCH performance is better with dense patterns. HPQUICKPREVIEWTIMEOUT variable helps limit the time AutoCAD spends previewing.
LT2012: if you are not using Grips and grip editing, you’re missing out on about a 1/4 (at least) of the enhancements.
LT2012: VIEWBACK command is similar to Zoom Previous, abbreviate and speed up your drafting. VIEWFORWARD command is like a redo of Viewback
LT2012: You can attach and handle more raster formats, including but not limited to PSD, MrSID, JPEG2000, ECW, NITF, HDR, DOQ and more.
Reply to @CadSetterOut MrSID file format owly:http://ow.ly/1set3c
LT2012: PC3 files, PMP files, and plot style tables (STB/CTB) can reside in more than one folder. LT can find them in host file folder too.
LT2012: yes, you can now EXTEND a Spline. And FILLET, but it uses an Arc not a Spline.
LT2012: right click over a dimension and remove any dimstyle overrides.
LT2012: MTEXT background mask now remembers the last used fill color and border offset you used.
LT2012: Migration Tools now will move Tool Palettes, and allow you to UNDO a migration if you later change your mind or need to fix issues.
LT2012: Snap Mode changes so that the cursor only snaps to grid points when specifying points, not selecting objects.
RETWEET: Cadalyst_Mag Wondering what's new in #AutoCAD 2012? Here's your answer! http://bit.ly/hZUSI9 #adsk2012
LT2012: you can move, rotate and adjust the UCS icon with grips, just like all other AutoCAD objects.
LT2012: BLIPMODE is gone. Now you will have to torture the intern with something else.
LT2012: JOIN command has been freed. You can use more selection methods (like Window) and then let AutoCAD find and join what is possible.
LT2012: use Copy Nested Objects (NCOPY) to copy an object from a block or xref into the current drawing, much like COPY command.
LT2012: OVERKILL, The Delete Duplicate Objects tool, automatically cleans up your drawings by removing redundant or unneeded geometry.
LT2012: Preview Fillets and Chamfers when you pass the cursor over the second object in your selection before completing the command.
LT2012: you can now extend the leader in MLeader to the text. And set it as a default in the MLEADERSTYLE.
LT2012: BLEND command will connect two objects with a smooth spline for better transitions.
LT2012: ARRAYEDIT command to edit any elements of an Array (change properties, move around and still remain part of the array)
LT2012: select an object or objects, hold down the CTRL key and then move them with the keyboard arrow keys. NUDGE is a great addition.
LT2012: ARRAY is now real time, see the array as you move the cursor, rows and columns and distances between them
LT2012: Sheet Set Manager has finally been added, another full AutoCAD ability now in LT.
LT2012: COPY command can now mimic linear arrays by placing a specific number of copies between two points.
LT2012 now supports Hardware Acceleration, similar to full AutoCAD, and is turned on by default if your system is capable.
LTisACAD Blog: AutoCAD LT 2012 is here: what you need to know. http://dlvr.it/L5Nql
LT2012: Associative Arrays, Copy Array, BLEND, Overkill and NCopy from Express Tools, NUDGE, Fillet/Chamfer Previews, quicker startups.
PELLIPSE changes the way Ellipses are drawn (true ellipse vs Pline ellipse): it has no effect in previously created Ellipses.
Set PELLIPSE variable to 1 and you will then be able to draw and explode an ELLIPSE.
Start LINE command: PERP, snap at edge of circle; PERP, snap at the edge of second circle. LINE is between two circles' common centerline.

We post daily on the topic of AutoCAD/LT and features/abilities of interest to users: you can find us at http://twitter.com/LTisACAD
Get Twitter updates via SMS by texting FOLLOW LTISACAD to 40404 in the United States.

AutoCAD LT 2012 is here: what you need to know.

2011-03-22T07:12:00.000-05:00

AutoCAD/LT2012 is an incremental upgrade to AutoCAD/LT2011, adding new commands, improvements to existing features, new and enhanced 2D features (and 3D for full AutoCAD users), better input and output tools, interface and performance enhancements as well as the continued tweaking to the user interface we've seen over the last three versions with the Ribbon.

THE BASICS

Performance: faster startup times for the program, and faster switching between Ribbon tabs have been added. LT2012 now also supports Hardware Acceleration, similar to full AutoCAD, and is turned on by default if your system is determined to be able to support the feature. 3DCONFIG is the command name, but unlike the name's implication, there is no 3D in LT as always.
Groups: AutoCAD finally gets LT's group functionality, so not much new for LT users except the adjustments in the Ribbon. Expanding the Group Panel provides additional Group tools: the Group Bound Box option controls how groups are enabled (LT displays a single grip and a bounding box around a group when selected). Note: PURGE command has been updated to purge groups that contain no objects.
AutoCAD Exchange: the single information hub (aka Website) that offers learning and productivity tools, getting-started videos, news, discussions, blog posts, and more can now be accessed from inside AutoCAD/LT and is the default at startup (you can disable it). Unlike full AutoCAD though, LT will not have access to the Online App Store to add features to LT.
Content Explorer: ADCENTER is finally addressed and improved. Instantly find design content based on file objects or text attributes. This new feature uses a Google-like index at any location you designate, helping you to quickly access files. You can explore and browse into DWG files in order to access and insert blocks, layers, linetypes, styles and more. Content Explorer also provides a single interface fro browsing and searching other content sources such as Autodesk Seek.
Ribbon: the interface has been updated to better identify and access frequently used tools. Look for minor changes and adjustments in the Draw, Modify, Insert and View panels and tabs: most simply add those commands that were missing (like WBLOCK in the Create Block flyout), plus room for the new commands added.
Migration Tools: these have been improved to give you more information, more choices, and finally, migrate Tool Palettes. You can also, and easily, change your mind afterwards by using the new RESET tool to get back to the Out-Of-The-Box default installation.
PC3 files: you can truly have multiple folders for all your (and your clients) PC3 files and other printer configuration files (PMP and Plot style Tables STB and CTB). Just add these folders in OPTIONS command's Files tab. And even better, if you want to avoid the hassle (or are locked out of the option by your Windows log-in), AutoCAD will now just search for these items in the folder of the host file.
Auto-Complete Command Entry: In LT2011 and lower, you could do this by keying in a couple of letters and tapping the TAB key to cycle through all possibilities. In 2012, LT goes further and makes it much easier to auto-complete the command name (or pause and select from a list that appears). Works with system variables as well. You can totally control the behavior and whether this new feature is on or off.
Quick Properties: this has been updated in LT2012 so that the default list includes more frequently used properties. QP, when turned on, is displayed when you double-click on most objects and allows you to view and modify those object(s) properties.
Snap Mode: when it's turned on in 2012, the cursor only snaps to grid points when specifying points (not when selecting objects). Reduces the need for the user to toggle on/off while in a command.
External Reference enhancements: a new variable has been added, FRAMESELECTION, to control the Selection Preview Frames of DWF, PDF, DGN and DWG files inside your top file.
UCS Enhancements: UCS icon can now be directly manipulated on screen. You can select it and use the Multi-Functional Grips to directly change the UCS. Easily move the origin and automatically align the UCS with objects, and rotate the UCS around the X, Y or Z without access to the UCS command.

THE GOOD STUFF

Multi-Functional Grips: This feature, found in LT 2011 when hovering over a grip for Plines for example (to add and delete a Vertex etc.), has been expanded to now include Lines (Stretch and Lengthen), Arcs, Dimensions (Stretch, Continue, Baseline, Flip Arrow) and Mleaders. Dynamic Input must be turned on.
Nudge: yes, you can now NUDGE (move) a selected object or objects a few pixels in an orthogonal direction using keyboard arrow keys.
Implied Selection: PICKDRAG and PICKAUTO variables have been updated to add another choice (setting of 2). The former allows you to either click two points (traditional window selection method) or click and drag to selection objects automatically (think Wpolygon, Cpolygon and Fence selections). The latter allows for a one pick window selection.
Delete Duplicate Object: finally, the Express Tool OVERKILL is now a core command in LT2012 (it is in AutoCAD2012 too). Remove duplicate or unneeded geometry that clutters your file (you know, you select what you think is one object and find out there is one or more identical duplicate copies there instead).
Copy Nested Objects: another Express Tool is now a core command, NCOPY command. It enables you to copy objects from blocks or Xrefs into the main drawing without opening the block or reference for editing.
MText Enhancements: background mask option now remembers the last used fill color and border offset factor instead of falling back to a default.
MLeader Enhancements: You can now change the gap around Mleader text in a text frame. You can also extend the leader line to the text rather than ending at the text bounding box.
Dimension Right-Click Menu: added to the default list is the ability to remove any style overrides found in a dimension you right-click over.
Osnap Enhancements: Perpendicular and Tangent Object Snaps have been enhanced to be more flexible. AutoCAD finds osnap points to make objects tangent or perpendicular, as well as the tangent or perpendicular points relative to the selected grip.
Fillet and Chamfer: These tools have been updated to display a preview when passing the cursor over the second object in the fillet/chamfer selection. The Polyline option does the same for the entire Polyline. Fillet also now works with Spline Objects.
Blend: A new tool added to LT2012 to create spline objects with options for tangent or smooth continuity between curves. It supports lines, arcs, 2D and 3D Plines, and splines.
Join Tool: this has been updated to automatically combine selected objects using typical selection methods such as crossing windows or picking object is any order. You no longer need to select the source object first.
Spline Enhancements: Better results with the Close option, greater control when grip-editing fit points in Splines, a Kink option has been added, and the Extend tool is enhanced to support splines when selecting objects to extend.
2D Array Functionality: A major improvement here is the ability to array objects along a specified path (think chairs around an irregular shaped table or a block around a circle), rather than the current limited rectangular or polar options. Preview functionality has been improved, you can multi-function grip edit the array, and you can establish and maintain a set of relationships between arrayed objects (yes, you can modify, erase or transform individual items in an array. There is even a Replace option).
Copy Tool: this now have a new Array option that enables you to create a linear non-associative array.
Layer Enhancements: a VPLAYER command has been added to the Layer Properties Manager, enabling you to quickly freeze specified layers in all viewports except the current one you are inside (right-click option).
Sheet Set Manager: This long-time full AutoCAD feature is now here in LT. SSM organizes your drawing sheets, reduces steps to Publish, automatically creates layout views, links sheet set information into title blocks and plot stamps, and more. A sheet set is an organized collection of sheets from several drawing files. A sheet is a selected layout from a drawing file. Think of it as a full-project management tool for your single project that has many DWG files (and then multiply to all of your projects).
Raster File Support: You can attach and handle more raster formats than ever, including but not limited to PSD, MrSID, JPEG2000, ECW, NITF, HDR, DOQ and more.
DGN Support: added support for complex line types when importing/exporting using the DGN8 file format.
DWG Convert: access to this tool that's been around for a while is made easier by adding it to the Applications Menu (Big Red A in the top left corner). This helps when sharing files with users as far back as R14, R2000, R2004 and even R2007 and 2010 formats when you just want to ensure total compatibility with no missing content.
AutoCADWS: The core 2012 program now fully integrates the free AutoCADWS web and mobile application for easier use by users. AutoCAD WS lets you view, edit, share and collaborate in real time with DWG files using a web browser or mobile device. Explore more about this free feature HERE.

WHAT'S STILL MISSING IN LT

No STANDARDS feature as found in Full AutoCAD for many versions now.
No "Infer Constraints" as found in full AutoCAD.
No Lisp, ARX, VBA or other external customization languages as always.
No online store in the new Exchange feature.
No Vault integration with the new Sheet Set Manager (SSM).
No Materials Library, no 3D Model Import from other formats (Catia, Parasolid, Pro/E, Rhino, Solidworks etc.), no 3D Model documentation, no Autodesk Inventor Fusion, and no Point Cloud Support.

Tweets this week

2011-03-20T07:41:00.001-05:00

Below is a summary of topics we covered this week on Twitter:

Search the Solved section of the Autodesk Discussion Groups Forum for LT for new Tips, Tricks, solutions and more at http://t.co/0SxN9A4
LTisACAD Blog: AutoCAD/LT Command Modifiers http://dlvr.it/KjDH6
Use ADCENTER to share content between DWG files: Blocks, Dimstyles, Layers, Layouts, Linetypes, Xrefs, and Mleader/Table/Text Styles.
Create PDF quickly, model or paperspace: EXPORTPDF command, no need to change any predefined PAGESETUPs that aim for another printer or plotter.
Retweeted: EFinkelstein I just posted a tip for AutoCAD: "Access related files with search paths" http://bit.ly/gz3SlB
Rotate the crosshairs in LT with one click on any object: Copy this macro, place it in your menu/ Ribbon/ Toolbar/ Button: 'snapang;0,0;per
Norton 360 can affect AutoCAD/LT: options available so far as follows http://t.co/XEHoZpY and http://t.co/ecghpme

We post daily on the topic of AutoCAD/LT and features/abilities of interest to users: you can find us at http://twitter.com/LTisACAD
Get Twitter updates via SMS by texting FOLLOW LTISACAD to 40404 in the United States.

AutoCAD/LT Command Modifiers

2011-03-18T07:09:00.000-05:00

You can use command modifiers to help you locate points or select objects while a command is in progress. Use the Coordinate Filter, Direct Distance Entry, From, MTP, and Tracking command modifiers at any prompt that requires point specification. Use the Selection Mode command modifiers at any prompt that requires object selection.
The links below expand on the items with practical applications direct from HELP found in LT.

Coordinate Filters: Combines X, Y, and Z values from different points to specify a single point.
Direct Distance Entry: Locates the next point at a specified distance in the direction of your cursor.
FROM: Locates a point offset from a reference point within a command. Ideal for when you need to click at a screen position FROM an existing object or position.
MTP: Locates the midpoint between two points. Use it while in a command by just typing MTP when you need it.
TRACKING: Locates a point from a series of temporary points.
Object Snaps: Specifies a precise point at a location on an object.
Selection Modes: Controls how you create selection sets

Tweets this week

2011-03-13T07:56:00.001-05:00

Below is a summary of topics we covered this week on Twitter.

Polar tracking: Press F10 to toggle on/off. It provides an "ortho" cursor limit at incremental angles that you define. http://t.co/wOAq2vY
Retweeted by LTisACAD. JeffBartels AutoCAD Tip: Need to compare 2 DWGs? Plot both to DWF & use the "Compare Sheets" tool in Design Review to highlight differences.
LTisACAD Blog: AutoCAD/LT Function Keys http://dlvr.it/JwfCr
You have AUTOCAPS turned on in your TABLE text editor? turn AUTOCAPS off in MTEXT first to turn it off in TABLE as well when editing.
WSSAVE command to save your current WORKSPACE after you rearrange AuotCAD/LT menus/toolbars. Or the old layout is restored after a restart.
COLOR command: when you select a new color, a preview is shown in the lower-left. Behind the new color is your previous color selection.
LAYERNOTIFY variable: Set to 0 (turn it off) so AutoCAD won’t ask to verify new layers added to a drawing or xref. http://t.co/aW7Eu1C

We post daily on the topic of AutoCAD/LT and features/abilities of interest to users: you can find us at http://twitter.com/LTisACAD

Get Twitter updates via SMS by texting FOLLOW LTISACAD to 40404 in the United States.

AutoCAD/LT Function Keys

2011-03-11T07:42:00.001-06:00

There are many functions and commands that can be quickly accessed through the keyboard without typing the entire command: many are covered in a previous blog called AutoCAD/LT Shortcut Keys.

Another set of keyboard buttons allow access to even more commands and variables: these are called Function Keys and are best recognized on your keboard as they are the keys with the letter F in front of a numeral.

Below is a list of what each F-Key initiates as a command. These are Toggle functions: tap the key once to change a setting, tap the same key again to restore the original setting. For example, if you tap the F8 key you will see AutoCAD respond by changing the setting of ORTHO with each tap.

Note that where pratical we have hyperlinked to AutoCAD's HELP file below to give you an opportunity to explore these commands even further.

F1 - Toggles AutoCAD/LT's HELP file.
F2 - Toggles the Text Window, which is basically your command line expanded beyond the few lines you see on screen normally.
F3 - Toggles OSNAP running Object Snap; useful if you prefer to have a set or running osnaps but occasionally need then all off or on while drafting. Not sure where to start with running Osnaps? At the command line type OSMODE then enter 123.
F4 - Toggles Tablet (Tabets are alternates to a mouse, requires a very specific driver from that manufacturer to properly work with this function key). Very handy tool if you want to set up custom menus beyond the screen menu or if you really want to get into the new freehand SKETCH command.
F5 - Toggles Isoplane, perfect if you need to draw in Isometric.
F6 - Toggles Coordinates Display, lower-right corner of your screen. Keeps track of where your cursor is located based on coordinates.
F7 - Toggles GRID display on screen: some additional instructions can be found HERE.
F8 - Toggles ORTHOMODE: a great way to ensure you are drafting in fixed 90-degree angles.
F9 - Toggles SNAPMODE, which is basically use to ain in drawing with grid-like restrictions.
F10 - Toggles POLARMODE: this is an alternate to ORTHOMODE above, it allows you to select what angles to use instead of being limited to Vertical and Horizontal cursor movement (90-degrees). And no, it cannot be on at the same time as ORTHOMODE.
F11 - Toggles OTRACK: you can draw objects at specific angles or in specific relationship to other objects along specified directions called alignment paths.
F12 - Toggles Dynamic Input: when on, tooltips display information near the cursor that is dynamically updated as the cursor moves. When a command is active, the tooltips provide a place for user entry.

Need to change or modify any of these or other shortcut keys? Explore this topic from HELP to get you started.

Tweets this week

2011-03-06T06:21:00.001-06:00

Below is a summary of topics we covered this week on Twitter.

LTisACAD Blog: LT Support, Patches and Updates http://dlvr.it/JLQtY
To lengthen or shorten a dimension, you can use TRIM or EXTEND commands: the edge you aim for must be in line with the dimension extension.
When DEMANDLOAD system variable is set to 2, fields cannot be updated until you use FIELD or UPDATEFIELD: http://t.co/m466ngL
Free: AutoCAD/LT New Features eBooks – for AutoCAD/LT 2006 through 2011. Read them all at http://books.cadmasters.com/free/
Fields are updated automatically when the drawing is opened, saved, plotted, regenerated, or sent through ETRANSMIT: http://bit.ly/fRzWKT
Can't see your preferred CTB plot style tables on the PLOT pop-up? Convert your drawing to that format using CONVERTPSTYLES command.
Need to add plot style tables to PLOT command’s choices STYLESMANAGER command opens the folder AutoCAD/LT is using. Move them there.

LT Support, Patches and Updates

2011-03-05T07:00:00.002-06:00

When it comes to getting Help and support, Autodesk offers many options and solutions, some are free, some are not. Where to find these options can be tricky to find. The following links should help get you started:

AutoCAD LT central location for all support is HERE.
Known and documented issues with solutions or things to try are posted in the Knowledge Base Section.
Seek out help from fellow LT users in the open Discussion Groups area.
Autodesk Per-Incident Support offers support for most products through interaction with product support specialists. It is designed to meet occasional technical support needs. After initial review, callers can speak directly to an Autodesk product support specialist. A pre-existing support agreement is not required as you pay per-incident, by credit card.
Autodesk Subscription Web Support offers direct, one-to-one communication with Autodesk support technicians for fast, complete answers to your installation, configuration, and troubleshooting questions.
Up and Ready assistance offers you are entitled to 30 days support from your date of registration covering installation and configuration of your new Autodesk software.
Even the best software contains software defects that may occasionally cause your system to close unexpectedly. When a software error occurs, Autodesk’s Customer Error Reporting (CER) makes it easy for you to send the details of the software error to Autodesk for analysis.
Other Resources available include Autodesk Developer Center, Autodesk Authorized Resellers, and Autodesk User Group International (AUGI)
Autodesk provides a variety of printed and online tutorials and resources HERE that can help you learn about and use your AutoCAD LT software Help Menu, Getting Started Tutorials, Printed Materials, Availability of Product Documentation, Documentation Updates, Feedback
From the Data and Downloads webpage you can get Updates and Service Packs and other maintenance releases, Utilities and Drivers, Viewers, Tools to enhance and extend your product functionality, and Download Sample Files.
Access to many Training Options.
Join one or more CAD Community groups.
Get more information and gain access to your Subscription page.

Tweets this week

2011-02-27T07:30:00.001-06:00

Below is a summary of topics we covered this week on Twitter.

Need to breathe life into an older computer to use with AutoCAD/LT? Install Windows 7: http://bit.ly/fBmiAW
TEXTTOFRONT command brings text, or dimensions, or both of them in front of all other objects in the drawing: http://bit.ly/dUNCny
RT: One of the best things about #AutoCADWS 1.2 - http://autode.sk/hlPANM
HATCHEDIT command abilities: Add and Remove Boundaries, Change Type, DrawOrder, Layer, Color, Transparency, Hatch origin and more. TMI
HATCHEDIT command: use to separate hatch objects. Start the command, select one of the hatches, then check the Separate Hatches box.
HPSEPARATE variable controls whether your consecutively drawn hatches are treated as one hatch object, or as separate hatch objects.
At the "Select Objects" prompt, type F (for Fence): it draws a continuous multi-click selection "pline", anything it crosses is selected.

How to remove AutoCAD/LT from your system

2011-02-26T07:13:00.000-06:00

You have experienced installation problems with Autodesk software products after a failed installation or uninstallation of other Autodesk products. In these cases, it is strongly recommended that you completely remove all Autodesk products from the system and then attempt to reinstall them on the cleaned system.

You have a few options. Autodesk provides the following advice:

How to remove all Autodesk software products from a system to ensure a clean install HERE.
You are using an AutoCAD® product and you want to know if you should install the latest Service Pack or Update. You also want to know how the Service Pack or Update should be applied. Click HERE.
Error on startup or AutoCAD is not installed properly? Please reinstall? Try this solution posted HERE.

A 3rd party tool is sometimes easier to use than trying to follow complicated and long instructions as posted above. For clean uninstalls and removal of unwanted or troublesome software I have used versions of the following software for quite some time and have had very good success:

Remove any unwanted program and all traces (as well as Windows Registry entries) easily with the freeware Revo Uninstaller. Buy the Pro version if you need more add-in features. There is even a Portable version that requires no installation at all (use it from a thumb-drive).
CCLeaner is another freeware that is very good at optimizing Windows and is one of the few Windows Registry cleaners that does not harm AutoCAD/LT's installation if you need to use that ability.

Tweets this week

2011-02-20T07:40:00.001-06:00

Below is a summary of topics we covered this week on Twitter.

Free tutorials and webcasts that can help you improve your skills and take full advantage of AutoCAD LT CAD software: http://j.mp/gMnu3x
Cut/Paste into MTEXT bring unwanted formatting? Instead of CTRL+V, right-click, select Paste Special, then pick one of three Paste options.
LTisACAD Blog: AutoCAD/LT Temporary Override Keys http://dlvr.it/GryJ8
Turn on POLAR TRACKING (F10 key) and set it to 15 instead of using ORTHO (F8 key): think of it as Ortho+extra http://j.mp/f3Bp0r
Migrating Toolbars to the Ribbon? Start CUI command, right-click over a Toolbar and turn it into a Panel then place it on a Ribbon Tab.
QVLAYOUT command is the quickest way to preview all of those many Layouts you have in a single DWG file: http://j.mp/emk4qO
Upgrade from LT2008 before March 15, 2011 and save more than buying direct from Autodesk: http://j.mp/dFNCZt
Are you using LT2008? Discounted upgrade pricing, 50% off MSRP, expires March 15th. Yes, next month http://j.mp/gpIDVR

AutoCAD/LT Temporary Override Keys

2011-02-17T12:33:00.000-06:00

Temporary Override Keys are used to temporarily turn on or off running drafting settings: these are keyboard buttons or button combinations you can use while in a command to trigger another action. They are called temporary because they stop once you release the keyobard buttons that trigger them.
For example, while in a command holding down the Shift key toggles the current setting of Ortho mode (turn it on if it is off, turn it off if it is running). Another Example: while panning, hold SHIFT to constrain pan to horizontal and vertical movements (works in modelspace and inside viewports).

The following is a list of temporary override keys built into AutoCAD/LT by default and available to everyone:

SHIFT Toggles ORTHOMODE

SHIFT+’ Toggles OSNAP
SHIFT+, Object Snap Override: Center
SHIFT+. Toggles Polar Tracking
SHIFT+/ Toggles UCSDETECT (not in LT)
SHIFT+; Enables Object Snap Enforcement
SHIFT+] Toggles Object Snap Tracking

SHIFT+A Toggles OSNAP
SHIFT+C Object Snap Override: Center
SHIFT+D Disable All Snapping and Tracking
SHIFT+E Object Snap Override: Endpoint
SHIFT+L Disable All Snapping and Tracking
SHIFT+M Object Snap Override: Midpoint
SHIFT+P Object Snap Override: Endpoint
SHIFT+Q Toggles Object Snap Tracking
SHIFT+S Enables Object Snap Enforcement
SHIFT+V Object Snap Override: Midpoint
SHIFT+X Toggles Polar Tracking
SHIFT+Z Toggles UCSDETECT (not in LT)

You can also use the stock F-keys while in most running commands:
F3 Toggles OSNAP
F6 Toggles UCSDETECT (not in LT)
F8 Toggles ORTHOMODE
F9 Toggles SNAPMODE
F10 Toggles Polar Tracking
F11 Toggles Object Snap Tracking
F12 Toggles Dynamic Input

To create a temporary override key : explore HERE.
To modify an existing temporary override key: tap this HELP document for details.

Tweets this week

2011-02-13T07:27:00.001-06:00

Below is a summary of topics we covered this week on Twitter.

Lose your LT installation disk? Order product documentation and replacement software here: http://autodeskdocandmedia.com/
LTisACAD Blog: AutoCAD/LT Shortcut Keys http://dlvr.it/GKcrr
PICKSTYLE variable controls the use of group selection and associative hatch selection. Explored in the video here http://j.mp/ebvjbb
Use TINSERT command to place blocks within TABLE cells in your drawing file. Shortcut: select a cell, right-click and click Insert Block.
HATCHTOBACK selects all hatches in the drawing (plus solid fills and gradient fills) and sets their draw order behind all other objects.
Use QSELECT to select all text items; open PROPERTIES and change the rotation of the text to one direction. No more head twisting to read.

We post daily on the topic of AutoCAD/LT and features/abilities of interest to end users: you can find us at http://twitter.com/LTisACAD
Get Twitter updates via SMS by texting FOLLOW LTISACAD to 40404 in the United States.

AutoCAD/LT Shortcut Keys

2011-02-11T05:34:00.002-06:00

Windows Operating System (OS) has many commands and options triggered when you press certain keyobard keys or combinations of keys (see list HERE), as do many other Operating Systems (full list HERE) and applications such as MSOffice, IE and more (check this LINK).

AutoCAD (and LT) share many of the common keyboard functions found in the OS and other apps, plus a few more. The following is a List of the most common found out-of-the-box with no additional effort on your part to create:

ESC key: cancel a running command or close a pop-up.

SHIFT+Click: default behavior is to deselect Objects in a selection.
Ctrl+Tab: cycle between drawings

TAB key: cycle through all nearby running OSNAPS, highlighting them so you know exactly what you’re snapping to in a cluttered area of a drawing.
TAB key: can be used as most of the time for many commandline commands.
TAB key: begin by typing the first few letters of a command or variable, then use this key to cycle through all the commands & variables that begin with those letters.

CTRL+0: Toggles Clean Screen
CTRL+1: Toggles the Properties palette
CTRL+2: Toggles the DesignCenter palette
CTRL+3: Toggles the Tool Palettes Window
CTRL+4: nothing assigned to this one, feel free to use it if you need it.

CTRL+5: nothing assigned to this one, feel free to use it if you need it.
CTRL+6: nothing assigned to this one, feel free to use it if you need it.

CTRL+7: Toggles the Markup Set Manager
CTRL+8: Toggles the QuickCalc calculator palette
CTRL+9: Toggles the command window

CTRL+A: Selects all objects in the drawing
CTRL+SHIFT+A: Toggles Groups Selection on and off
CTRL+B: Toggles Snap mode
CTRL+C: Copies objects to Clipboard
CTRL+SHIFT+C: Copies objects to Clipboard with Base Point
CTRL+D: Toggles Dynamic UCS
CTRL+E: Cycles through isometric planes
CTRL+F: Toggles running object snaps. While in the MTEXT Editor, CTRL+F creates a field.
CTRL+G: Toggles the grid
CTRL+H: Toggles groups selection on and off (similar to CTRL+SHIFT+A)
CTRL+SHIFT+H: toggles the screen/interface tools to have more room to display an open drawing.

CTRL+I: Toggles COORDS
CTRL+J; CTRL+M: Repeats the last command (pressing Enter does the same)
CTRL+K: apply a hyperlink to any selected entity
CTRL+L: Toggles Ortho mode
CTRL+N: Creates a new drawing
CTRL+O: Opens an existing drawing
CTRL+P: Prints/plots thecurrent drawing
CTRL+R: Cycles through layout viewports
CTRL+S: Saves the current drawing
CTRL+SHIFT+S: Opens the Save As dialog box
CTRL+T: Toggles TABLET mode
CTRL+V: Pastes data from the Clipboard
CTRL+SHIFT+V: Pastes data from the Clipboard as a Block
CTRL+W: Toggles Selection Cycling. Reference the VARIABLE for information.
CTRL+X: Cuts objects to Clipboard
CTRL+Y: Cancels the preceding Undo action
CTRL+Z: Reverses the last action
CTRL+[; CTRL+\: Cancels the current command (pressing Esc does the same)
CTRL+PAGE UP: Moves to the next layout tab to the left of the current tab
CTRL+PAGE DOWN: Moves to the next layout tab to the right of the current tab
LEGACYCTRLPICK command: Specifies the keys for selection cycling and the behavior for Ctrl+click.

TEXT/MText Editing Shortcuts:
TAB key: jumps to the next defined tab point in Mtext.
Ctrl+Backspace: remove entire words at once, instead of single character like backspace alone does.
Ctrl+Delete, which erases whole words to the right of the cursor.
Alt+Backspace: undo all of your latest Ctrl+Delete or Ctrl+Backspace
Ctrl+Shift+U: changes selected text to uppercase (AutoCAD only)
Ctrl+Shift+L: changes selected text to lowercase (AutoCAD only)
Ctrl+Spacebar: removes font formatting -- bold, underline, etc. (AutoCAD only).

To create or modify a shortcut key: click to read the HELP file posted Procedure.

Tweets this week

2011-02-06T07:52:00.001-06:00

Below is a summary of topics we covered this week on Twitter. We post daily on the topic of AutoCAD/LT and features/abilities of interest to users: you can find us at http://twitter.com/LTisACAD

Need to find patches, known issues and updates quickly? Explore Autodesk's Knowledge Base webpage for information: http://j.mp/igrT0t
LTisACAD Blog: LT2011 New (and older forgotten) Commands: Part 6 (finally!) http://dlvr.it/Fnrd6
"Object selected is not a polyline, do you want to turn it into one?" Set PEDITACCEPT to 1 to answer yes and never see that qestion again.
AutoCAD/LT2011: Do you have many DWG files open right now? Type QVDRAWING command and get a preview of each one on screen.
LTisACAD Blog: LT2011 New (and older forgotten) Commands: Part 5 http://dlvr.it/Fdgk1
CLIP command is a single command to clip Images, XREFs, Viewports, and underlays (DGN, PDF, DWF and DWFx) in your drawing file.
Extract a list of layers from an AutoCAD file: Select ALL then CTRL+C from the open Layer Dialog Box into a Microsoft Excel worksheet.
You can set MTEXT (but not TEXT) to always type in ALL CAPS ALL THE TIME. when inside the MTEXT editor, right-click select AutoCAPS.

Get Twitter updates via SMS by texting FOLLOW LTISACAD to 40404 in the United States.

LT2011 New (and older forgotten) Commands: Part 6 (finally!)

2011-02-04T07:02:00.000-06:00

Here is the last of a series of blog entries on commands (click for Part1, Part2, Part3, Part4 and Part5), variables, and other AutoCAD/LT abilities that are either new or just not often used, presented in a list format with a brief description of each. Each command listed in hyperlinked to LT2011's online help file for you to explore and increase your abilities wtihin the program. Note: these commands also apply to any AutoCAD 2011 variant and most may be found in earlier versions.

Images/OLEs/Underlays:

OLEHIDE: Controls the display and plotting of OLE objects.
FRAME: Turns the display of frames on and off for all external references, images, and DWF, DWFx, PDF, and DGN underlays.
DGNFRAME: Determines whether DGN underlay frames are visible or plotted in the current drawing.
PDFFRAME: Determines whether the PDF underlay frame is visible.
OLEFRAME: Controls whether a frame is displayed and plotted on all OLE objects in the drawing. IMAGEFRAME: Controls whether image frames are displayed and plotted.
XCLIPFRAME: Determines whether xref clipping boundaries are visible or plotted in the current drawing.
IMAGEHLT: Controls whether the entire raster image or only the raster image frame is highlighted.

System Options:

INSNAME: Sets a default block name for the INSERT command.
INSUNITS: Specifies a drawing-units value for automatic scaling of blocks, images, or xrefs inserted or attached to a drawing.
OBJECTISOLATIONMODE: Controls whether hidden objects remain hidden between drawing sessions.
OPENPARTIAL: Controls whether a drawing file can be worked on before it is fully open. There is a catch with this one: the drawing needs to have been saved last in modelspace and INDEXCTL variable must not be set to Zero.
PEDITACCEPT: Suppresses display of the Object Selected Is Not a Polyline prompt in PEDIT.
RASTERDPI: Controls paper size and plot scaling when changing from dimensional to dimensionless output devices, or vice versa.
RECOVERAUTO: Controls the display of recovery notifications before or after opening a damaged drawing file. Suggestion: try it and seee if it helps.
RECOVERYMODE: Controls whether drawing recovery information is recorded after a system failure. Recommendation: turn it on.

Hatches:

HPDLGMODE: (turn off if your PC cannot hadle it) Controls the display of the Hatch and Gradient dialog box and the Hatch Edit dialog box.
HPQUICKPREVIEW: (turn off if your PC cannot hadle it) Controls whether to display a preview when specifying internal points for a hatch.
HPSEPARATE: Controls whether a single hatch object or separate hatch objects are created when operating on several closed boundaries.
HPTRANSPARENCY: Sets the default transparency for new hatches and fills.
GFCLR1: Specifies the color for a one-color gradient fill or the first color for a two-color gradient fill.
GFCLR2: Specifies the second color for a two-color gradient fill.
GFCLRSTATE: Specifies whether a gradient fill uses one color or two colors.

LT2011 New (and older forgotten) Commands: Part 5

2011-02-02T07:22:00.000-06:00

Here is the fifth of a series of blog entries on commands (click for Part1, Part2, Part3 and Part4), variables, and other AutoCAD/LT abilities that are either new or just not often used, presented in a list format with a brief description of each. Each command listed in hyperlinked to LT2011's online help file for you to explore and increase your abilities wtihin the program. Note: these commands also apply to any AutoCAD 2011 variant and most may be found in earlier versions.

LOCKUI: Locks the position and size of toolbars and dockable windows such as the ribbon, DesignCenter, and the Properties palette.
GRIDSTYLE: Controls the style of grid displayed for 2D model space, Block Editor, 3D parallel projection, 3D perspective projection, and Sheet and Layout tabs.
GRIDDISPLAY: Controls the display behavior and display limits of the grid.
GRIPOBJLIMIT: Suppresses the display of grips when the selection set includes more than the specified number of objects.
QVDRAWINGPIN: Controls the default display state of preview images of drawings.
QVLAYOUTPIN: Controls the default display state of preview images of model space and layouts in a drawing.
STARTUP: Controls whether the Create New Drawing dialog box is displayed when a new drawing is started with NEW or QNEW.
STATUSBAR: Controls the display of the application and drawing status bars.

UOSNAP: Determines whether object snapping is active for geometry in DWF, DWFx, PDF, and DGN underlays that are attached to the drawing.
CALCINPUT: Controls whether mathematical expressions and global constants are evaluated in text and numeric entry boxes of windows and dialog boxes.
DGNOSNAP: Determines whether object snapping is active for geometry in DGN underlays that are attached to the drawing.
DWFOSNAP: Determines whether object snapping is active for geometry in DWF or DWFx underlays that are attached to the drawing.
DWGCHECK: Checks drawings for potential problems when opening them.
DRAWORDERCTL: Controls the default display behavior of overlapping objects when they are created or edited.
DYNTOOLTIPS: Controls which tooltips are affected by tooltip appearance settings.
FULLPLOTPATH: Controls whether the full path of the drawing file is sent to the plot spooler.
APPLYGLOBALOPACITIES: Applies transparency settings to all palettes.

SELECTIONPREVIEW: Controls the display of selection previewing
SELECTSIMILARMODE: Controls which properties must match for an object of the same type to be selected with SELECTSIMILAR.
SELECTIONANNODISPLAY: Controls whether alternate scale representations are temporarily displayed in a dimmed state when an annotative object is selected.
SELECTIONCYCLING: Turns selection cycling on and off.
SETBYLAYERMODE: Controls which properties are selected for the SETBYLAYER command.
ATTIPE: Controls the display of the in-place editor used to create multiline attributes.
ATTMULTI: Controls whether multiline attributes can be created.
FILEDIA: Suppresses display of file navigation dialog boxes like OPEN, NEW and -WBLOCK commands.
INPUTHISTORYMODE: Controls the content and location of the display of a history of user input.
REMEMBERFOLDERS: Controls the default path displayed in standard file selection dialog boxes: for example, you open a file from Windows Explorer in folder X; next time you start OPEN command, it will start in folder X.

SAVEFIDELITY: Controls whether the drawing is saved with visual fidelity for LT2007 and lower. Note: turn this feature off if you do not need it all the time, it can be an issue for some users.
SHORTCUTMENU: Controls whether Default, Edit, and Command mode shortcut menus are available in the drawing area.
UNDOCTL: Indicates the state of the Auto, Control, and Group options of the UNDO command. One of the setting options is to combine pan and zoom functions as one. Explore it in more detail.
UNDOMARKS: Stores the number of marks placed in the UNDO control stream by the Mark option.
ZOOMFACTOR: Controls how much the magnification changes when the mouse wheel moves forward or backward.
ZOOMWHEEL: Toggles the direction of transparent zoom operations when you scroll the middle mouse wheel.
ERHIGHLIGHT: (turn off if LT crashes often) Controls whether reference names or reference objects are highlighted when their counterparts are selected in the External References palette or in the drawing window.
EDGEMODE: Controls how the TRIM and EXTEND commands determine cutting and boundary edges. Useful if you would rather not draw extra lines from other entities just to trim or extend.
EXPLMODE: Controls whether the EXPLODE command supports nonuniformly scaled (NUS) blocks. For example, your block is scaled 2 in the X direction and 3 in the Y direction, and you need to explode it with that nonuniform scale.

LIMCHECK: Controls the creation of objects outside the grid limits (set with LIMITS command).
CLASSICKEYS: Sets shortcuts to pre-Windows AutoCAD shortcuts or Windows shortcuts (that's AutoCAD R12, pre-LT v.1. Yes, that's old).
CMDDIA: Controls the display of the In-Place Text Editor for the LEADER and QLEADER commands. MLEADERS are not affected by this variable.
CMDINPUTHISTORYMAX: Sets the maximum number of previous input values that are stored for a prompt in a command.
CMLEADERSTYLE: Sets the name of the current multileader style.
ROLLOVERTIPS: Controls the display of rollover tooltips in the application.
TOOLTIPMERGE: Combines drafting tooltips into a single tooltip.
TOOLTIPS: Controls the display of tooltips on the ribbon, toolbars, and other user interface elements.
TRANSPARENCYDISPLAY: Controls whether the object transparency is displayed.

The final Part 6 of the series coming up next will expand into hatch/xrefs/OLEs variable categories.

Tweets this week

2011-01-30T08:14:00.001-06:00

Below is a summary of topics we covered this week on Twitter. We post daily on the topic of AutoCAD/LT and features/abilities of interest to users: you can find us at http://twitter.com/LTisACAD

Autodesk University Online Free access to hundreds of hours of Autodesk training: http://j.mp/esDKvF
Highlight your text and press Ctrl+Shift+U to convert your selection to Uppercase or Ctrl+Shift+L for Lowercase: works with Text and Mtext.
Change the Text Case to/from ALL CAPS: Right click the highlighted text and select CHANGE CASE. Works with both MText and Text editors.
MULTIPLE command repeats the command-line command that you enter until you press ESC button on keyboard. Abbreviate it and others for speed.
Prefer to see frames but not have them plot around Raster Images, DWF, PDF, XCLIP and DGN files? Set FRAME command to 2.
Use CHSPACE command to move objects from modelspace to paperspace, or vice-versa, while keeping their relative scale intact.
SPLINEDIT and PEDIT commands allow you to easily convert a Spline to a Pline.
AutoCAD/LT variables short list for Plotting, Text/dimensions and layers/viewports http://tinyurl.com/4dnqse4

Get Twitter updates via SMS by texting FOLLOW LTISACAD to 40404 in the United States.

LT2011 New (and older forgotten) Commands: Part 4

2011-01-29T06:48:00.000-06:00

Here is the fourth of a series of blog entries on commands (click here for Part1, Part2, and Part3), variables, and other AutoCAD/LT abilities that are either new or just not often used, presented in a list format with a brief description of each. Each command listed in hyperlinked to LT2011's online help file for you to explore and increase your abilities wtihin the program. Note: these commands also apply to any AutoCAD 2011 variant and most may be found in earlier versions.

Drafting variables:

SKETCHINC: Sets the record increment for the SKETCH command.
SKTOLERANCE: Determines how closely the spline fits to the freehand sketch.
BLOCKEDITLOCK: Disallows opening of the Block Editor and editing of dynamic block definitions.
MIRRHATCH: Controls how MIRROR reflects hatch patterns.
MIRRTEXT: Controls how the MIRROR command reflects text.
MTEXTCOLUMN: Sets the default column setting for a multiline text (mtext) object.
MTEXTFIXED: Sets the display size and orientation of multiline text in a specified text editor.
MYDOCUMENTSPREFIX: Stores the full path to the My Documents folder for the user currently logged on.
TABLEINDICATOR: Controls the display of row numbers and column letters when the In-Place Text Editor is open for editing a table cell.

Current Object Settings:

CLAYER: Sets the current layer. Ideal for macro writers wanting to be on the correct layer.
CELTSCALE: Sets the current object linetype scaling factor. A setting of 1 is my recommendation.
CECOLOR: Sets the color of new objects. Recommendation: BYLAYER.
CELTYPE: Sets the linetype of new objects. Recommendation: BYLAYER.
CELWEIGHT: Sets the lineweight of new objects. Recommendation: -1 (BYLAYER).
CETRANSPARENCY: Sets the transparency level for new objects. Recommendation: BYLAYER.
CPLOTSTYLE: Controls the current plot style for new objects. Recommendation: BYLAYER.
CTABLESTYLE: Sets the name of the current table style.
ELEVATION: Stores the current elevation of new objects relative to the current UCS. Recommenation: 0 (zero) for 2D drafting needs.
PICKFIRST: Controls whether you select objects before (noun-verb selection) or after you issue a command.
PICKADD: Controls whether subsequent selections replace the current selection set or add to it.
PICKDRAG: Controls the method of drawing a selection window.
PICKAUTO: Controls automatic windowing at the Select Objects prompt.
PICKSTYLE: Controls the use of group selection and associative hatch selection.

Part 5 of the series coming up next will expand into additional system/display/usage variable categories that affect the display and behavior in the AutoCAD window.

Tweets this week

2011-01-23T08:01:00.001-06:00

Below is a summary of topics we covered this week on Twitter, provided for those not able to follow our tweets. We post daily on the topic of AutoCAD/LT and features/abilities of interest to users. You can find us at http://twitter.com/LTisACAD

Explore the list of Autodesk University Featured Classes HERE.
VIEWGO command is a quick way to switch to your saved VIEW in a drawing file without going through the main dialog pop-up.
Alternatives to WIPEOUT command? With CECOLOR set to 255, use SOLID command or HATCH>Solid pattern. Control with DRAWORDER command.
iPhone/iPad apps for Project Managers, Professionals, Designers and AutoCAD Users? Start with this list: http://j.mp/hJFlfY
When in BEDIT command use the BATTORDER command to set the order the attributes will be prompted. See extra tip in forum http://j.mp/esQFwy
PLINEGEN variable, if set to 1 may not display a segment of a dashed (or sim) Pline at each Vertex. Set it to 0 to see every one instead.
AutoCAD/LT 2011 New and not so common commands worth exploring again : http://j.mp/eGAYsy

Get Twitter updates via SMS by texting FOLLOW LTISACAD to 40404 in the United States.

LT2011 New (and older forgotten) Commands: Part 3

2011-01-22T13:44:00.003-06:00

Here is the third of a series of blog entries on commands (click for Part1 and Part2), variables, and other AutoCAD/LT abilities that are either new or just not often used, presented in a list format with a brief description of each. Each command listed in hyperlinked to LT2011's online help file for you to explore and increase your abilities wtihin the program. Note: these commands also apply to any AutoCAD 2011 variant and most may be found in earlier versions.

Layers/Viewports:

LAYERSTATESAVE: (hidden command) quickly save a new layer state or replacing an existing layer state with a minimalist interface that only allows a layer state name and description.
LAYLOCKFADECTL: Controls the amount of fading for objects on locked layers.
SHOWLAYERUSAGE: Displays icons in the Layer Properties Manager to indicate whether layers are in use.
VPLAYEROVERRIDES: Indicates if there are any layers with viewport (VP) property overrides for the current layout viewport.
VPLAYEROVERRIDESMODE: Controls whether layer property overrides for layout viewports are displayed and plotted.
VPROTATEASSOC: Controls whether the view within a viewport is rotated with the viewport when the viewport is rotated.

Plotting/Publishing:

AUTODWFPUBLISH: Controls whether DWF (Design Web Format) files are created automatically when you save or close drawing (DWG) files.
PUBLISHALLSHEETS: Specifies whether to load the contents of the active document or of all open documents in the Publish dialog box.
AUTOMATICPUB: Controls whether electronic files (DWF/PDF) are created automatically when you save or close drawing (DWG) files.
BACKGROUNDPLOT: Controls whether background plotting is turned on or off for plotting and publishing.
LTSCALE: Sets the global linetype scale factor.
PSLTSCALE: Controls the linetype scaling of objects displayed in paper space viewports.
MSLTSCALE: Scales linetypes displayed on the model tab by the scale representation.
CELTSCALE: Sets the current object linetype scaling factor.

Text/Mtext/Dimensions:

CENTERMT: Controls how grips stretch multiline text that is centered horizontally.
DIMTXTDIRECTION: Specifies the reading direction of the dimension text.
TEXTFILL: Controls the filling of TrueType fonts while plotting.
HIDETEXT: Specifies whether text objects created by the TEXT or MTEXT command are processed during a HIDE command.
CANNOSCALE: Sets the name of the current annotation scale for the current space.
CANNOSCALEVALUE: Returns the value of the current annotation scale.
ANNOALLVISIBLE: Hides or displays annotative objects that do not support the current annotation scale.
ANNOAUTOSCALE: Updates annotative objects to support the annotation scale when the annotation scale is changed.
ANNOTATIVEDWG: Specifies whether or not the drawing will behave as an annotative block when inserted into another drawing.
DIMPOST: Specifies a text prefix or suffix (or both) to the dimension measurement.
DIMAPOST: Specifies a text prefix or suffix (or both) to the alternate dimension measurement for all types of dimensions except angular.
DIMGAP: Sets the distance around the dimension text when the dimension line breaks to accommodate dimension text.
DIMRND: Rounds all dimensioning distances to the specified value.
DIMTFILL: Controls the background of dimension text.

The future Part 4 of the series will expand into more variable categories: do you have a favorite to share?

iPhone/iPad apps for AutoCAD Users

2011-01-19T06:55:00.002-06:00

So you've got that iPhone/iTouch/iPad and want to do more than Facetime with the Spouse or the next round of Angry Birds bragging with friends, where do you start? Below is a list of Apps I have found to be most useful, most are free, some are not. What would you add or delete from the list?

AutoCADWS: this free mobile app enables you to view and work with AutoCAD drawings directly on your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch. Using the touch and gesture interface of your iPad or iPhone you can accurately view, annotate, and revise drawings on the spot. Change the way you work in the field or on the road by reducing the need to carry around over-sized paper drawings. With a free add-on to AutoCAD on your desktop/laptop and you can share files seemlessly. Explore more at http://www.autocadws.com/
TURBOVIEWER: a free application and the first native DWG viewer that supports both 2D and 3D CAD DWG files for the iOS platform. Enjoy smooth multi-touch navigation as you pan, zoom, and 3D orbit effortlessly around your DWG and DXF files. View drawing files by sending an email with DWG or DXF attachment to your iPad/iPhone email client. Drawing files can also be viewed through Web downloads, FTP, Dropbox and WebDav systems. Explore more at http://www.imsidesign.com/TurboViewer
CadFaster iPad app: Bring your Autodesk® Revit, Bentley MicroStation or SolidWorks models to life, and share from wherever you are with whomever you want – collaborators don’t need CAD software.
Dropbox: allows you to sync your files online and across your all of your computers (dekstop, laptop, iPhone, iPad, iTouch, Netbook etc.) automatically. Grab a free account from their website and for your phone, and any file you drop into that folder is available on all of your devices. The iPhone/iPad app also lets you open DWG files with AutoCADWS on your handheld device too.
Box.net: an alternative to Dropbox.
CamScanner Free: this free mobile app turn your iPhone camera into a scanner. You can crop, save and edit/save to PDF (single or multiple sheets) then email or upload to Dropbox and Box.net reviewed above.
FileViewer USB FREE: Turn your iPhone into a USB drive. This free app is a file storage, transfer, viewing, and email application for the iPhone and iPod touch. Files are transferred between your computer and FileViewer USB over a USB connection via iTunes. Similar apps include iDrive USB and iFlash-drive.
neu.Annotate PDF: Read, markup, redline, and annotate PDF documents. PDF files can be opened from any application that supports the "Open with..." menu command. This includes Mail, Safari, MobileMe iDisk, Dropbox and many others. PDF files can also be imported using iTunes File Sharing. Annotations are compatible with Apple Preview and Adobe Acrobat!
Colorsnap: Capture real world colors and match them to Sherwin-Williams paint colors—for free. Use ColorSnap search to find the color name and values, quickly and easily. Browse hundreds of possibilities and adjust color lightness, saturation, or hue to get the perfect paint color and palette.
ColorCapture: similar to Colorsnap above, from Benjamin Moore Paint.
ContraCalc: a free calculator app that does fractions.
iHandy Level: once calibrated, this free app can be used for Picture Alignment; Angle measurement; Measure angles of slope, escalator; Measure the verticality of a wall, or furniture; Measure the inclination of an aircraft, ship, car or mountain; Roof pitch calculation and so much more.
SketchBook MobileX: Use it to digitally capture your ideas as napkin sketches or produce artwork on-the-go. This is a professional-grade paint and drawing application designed for the iPhone and iPod Touch. SketchBook Mobile Express offers a dedicated set of sketching tools and delivers them through a streamlined and intuitive user interface.
HP iPrint Photo: With this free app you can capture and edit photos but most importantly Wirelessly print photos, PDF, and text files directly from your iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad to HP Inkjet printers connected to a local wireless (WiFi) network.
TeamViewer (Free): access your desktop PC and network (and files, folders and apps) from your iPhone screen. TeamViewer provides easy, fast and secure remote access to Windows, Mac and Linux systems. The Pro version is for use by business organizations.
LogMeIn Ignition: No free version available, but it can be used with all LogMeIn accounts (free and not) to get full access to your PC/Network and files/folders and apps much like Teamview.
Qik Video Camera Pro: Not free but this app allows you to share your live video feed over the internet with remote users logged into your webpage. It also allows you to save your videos to the remote site, as well as post to most social media sites like Facebook and MySpace.
Free Wi-Fi Finder: a must-have app for any Apple mobile device user, it instantly finds FREE Wi-Fi Internet hotspots wherever you are in the world online or offline!
iHandy Flashlight Free: free app that really works in a pinch when you need a flashlight but forgot it in the car or office.
Twitter: yes, for business Twitter is the perfect Team commmunications tool. Far beyond eMail on smartphones, with the right Twitter app on the desktop and smartphone (or any phone with texting ability), you and your team have a deposit for all project related communications. Plus at a limit of 140 characters, you will only get the facts with no fluff. Tweetdeck and similar vendors have desktop as well as phone apps that allow you to sort groups (think projects or teams) and take the experience to the next level.

Look for Part 3 of our series on Commands and Variables in LT2011 to be continued soon.

Tweets this week

2011-01-16T07:56:00.002-06:00

Lynn Allen's 2011 Tips Booklet is free: http://autocad.autodesk.com/ama/orig/tip_files/ACAD11_LynnAllenTips.PDF
Temp Overrides in AutoCAD/LT are cool, try this one: while in a command like LINE, hold SHIFT down to toggle ORTHO's running status.
LT users: wish you had the AutoCAD Google Earth plug-in too? Try this free alternate method from Autodesk instead http://j.mp/eY65JN
They just let it slip out about Androids? Read the Link's last line “@AutoCAD_WS: Take a sneak preview of AutoCAD WS 1.2: http://tinyurl.com/6hlj89g ”
Looking for your DWT Templates folder? In AutoCAD/LT, start OPTIONS command>FILES tab>Template Settings>Drawing Template File Location... .
Can't log in at the restored AUGI forums? Try this tip http://j.mp/gZnF2m
How to save and share ridiculously large files URL: http://j.mp/fYlF3M (link may not work on some mobile devices).
You can grip edit Viewports (editing capabilities when object grips are selected) : stretching, moving, rotating, scaling, and mirroring.
In AutoCAD/LT 2011 set VPROTATEASSOC variable to 1 and rotate your Viewport AND it's content together in one motion.
ENTER keyboard key jump between cells. Use ALT+ENTER keyboard keys to type more than one line of text (hard return between them) in a Table cell.

LT2011 New (and older forgotten) Commands: Part 2

2011-01-15T09:16:00.001-06:00

Below is the second of a series of blog entries on commands (click HERE for Part 1), variables and other AutoCAD/LT abilities that are either new or just not often used, presented in a list format with a brief description of each. Each command listed in hyperlinked to LT2011's online help file for you to explore and increase your abilities wtihin the program. Note: these commands also apply to any AutoCAD 2011 variant.

LAYISO command: Hides or locks all layers except those of the selected objects.
LAYUNISO command: Restores all layers that were hidden or locked with the LAYISO command.
OBJECTSCALE command: Adds or deletes supported scales for annotative objects.
SUBTRACT command: Combines selected 2D regions by subtraction.
UNION command: Combines selected 2D regions by addition.
INTERSECT command: Creates a 2D region from overlapping solids, surfaces, or regions.
REGION command: Converts an object that encloses an area into a region object. REGION deletes the original objects after converting them to regions unless the system variable DELOBJ is set to 0.
TASKBAR command: Controls whether multiple open drawings are displayed separately or grouped on the Windows taskbar.
WHOHAS command: Displays ownership information for opened drawing files.
SEEK command: Opens a web browser and displays the Autodesk Seek home page.
SHAREWITHSEEK command: Uploads blocks or drawings to the Autodesk Seek website.
EXPORT command: Saves the objects in a drawing to a different file format (images, DGN, DWF, DWFX, and PDF).
EXPORTSETTINGS command: Adjusts the page setup and drawing selection when exporting to a DWF, DWFx, or PDF file.
-EXPORTTOAUTOCAD command: Creates a new DWG file with all AEC objects exploded. Also invoked if you type AECTOACAD.
-PURGE command (note the dash for commandline): Removes unused items from the drawing, but unlike the pop-up version of the command, this one can also remove REGAPPS that hide in your DWG file.
XPLODE command: beyond Explode, Breaks a compound object into its component objects.
MEASUREGEOM command: Measures the distance, radius, angle, area, and volume of selected objects or sequence of points.
COPYBASE command: Copies selected objects to the Clipboard along with a specified base point.
PASTEBLOCK command:Pastes objects from the Clipboard into the current drawing as a block.
FIELD command: Creates a multiline text object with a field that can be updated automatically as the field value changes.
UPDATEFIELD command: Manually updates fields in selected objects in the drawing
MVIEW command: Creates and controls layout viewports, includinf irregular viewports based on Plines in Layouts.
VPCLIP command: Clips layout viewport objects and reshapes the viewport border.
RECOVERALL command: Repairs a damaged drawing file just like RECOVER command except it does it along with all attached xrefs.
ETRANSMIT command: Packages a set of files (and their support files, like fonts, plot style tables, and Xrefs) for Internet transmission.
OOPS command: OOPS restores objects erased by the last ERASE, BLOCK, and WBLOCK commands.
CAL command: geometry calculator that evaluates point (vector), real, or integer expressions. The expressions can access existing geometry using the object snap functions such as CEN, END, and INS. You can use these arithmetic and vector expressions in any command that expects points, vectors, or numbers.
CHSPACE command: Moves objects between model space and paper space through a viewport.
HYPERLINK command: Attaches a hyperlink to an object or modifies an existing hyperlink.
ATTACHURL command: Attaches hyperlinks to objects or areas in a drawing.
DETACHURL command: Removes hyperlinks in a drawing.
VTOPTIONS command: Displays a change in view as a smooth transition (the effect/animation you see when you zoom in and out).
REVERSE command: Reverses the vertices of selected lines, polylines, splines, and helixes, which is useful for linetypes with included text, or wide polylines with differing beginning and ending widths.
TINSERT command: Inserts a block in a table cell.
TABLEEXPORT command: Exports data from a table object in CSV file format.
VIEWGO command: Restores a named view (see VIEW command in HELP).
XOPEN command: Opens a selected drawing reference (xref) in a new window.
XBIND command: Binds one or more definitions of named objects in an xref to the current drawing.
QVLAYOUT command: Displays preview images of model space and layouts in a drawing.
QVDRAWING command: Displays open drawings and layouts in a drawing in preview images.
BATTMAN command: Manages the attributes for a selected block definition.
ATTSYNC command: Updates block references with new and changed attributes from a specified block definition.
VIEWPLOTDETAILS command: Displays information about completed plot and publish jobs.

Tweets to date

2011-01-09T20:39:00.003-06:00

If you have not had a chance to follow us on Twitter, below is a summary of topics we covered so far. We hope to continue to provide this weekly summary for those not able to track our tweets.

We post daily on the topic of AutoCAD/LT and features/abilities of interest to users. You can find us at http://twitter.com/LTisACAD Get Twitter updates via SMS by texting FOLLOW LTISACAD to 40404 in the United States.

Use SETBYLAYER command to fix block entities colors to BYLAYER. Button or menu macro follows: ^C^C_SETBYLAYERMODE;125;_SETBYLAYER;ALL;;Y;Y;
Rotate and Scale commands both have a COPY option: your original will remain intact should you need it without exiting and restarting.
Another method of adding office standards like layers to existing files, without using template files: http://j.mp/ecUUxw
UNITS settings in files from different sources may be difficult to decipher, but this forum tip is one option to explore http://j.mp/hsGNe5
Find free tutorials, demos, trial videos, end user posted content and more at the Autodesk YouTube channel http://j.mp/f39coV
AutoCAD/LT Service Packs, Updates, Utilities, Data & Downloads links can be found here: http://j.mp/fjtHfZ
Renaming the BAK file is the quickest way to recover a corrupt DWG file. Review the forum discussion here http://j.mp/hg3Hkg
Are you having HP 11x17 printing issues in Windows7? This Autodesk Forum discussion offers some insights and tips/fixes http://j.mp/fxnkpP
Need free help installing or reinstalling that older AutoCAD/LT version? Post or browse this Autodesk Forum http://j.mp/dQW4qv
AutoCAD, Windows and Mac, uses many of the OS keyboard shortcuts available in both. Below is a complete list for both OS http://j.mp/fxB7Fy
Windows 7 can present some interesting issues occasionally, this case in point was a display error in the Layer Palette: http://j.mp/frcCZa
Windows 7 Slowing your AutoCAD/LT down? Try these tips: http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/AutoCAD-LT/Windows-7-and-AutoCAD-LT/m-p/2762628
If you are an AutoCAD WS user, you can now share DWG files with anyone. And they don't need AutoCAD or AWS to open it. http://j.mp/hBS3R6

Look for Part Two of LT2011's New and Not-so-new commands shortly.

LT2011 New (and older forgotten) Commands: Part 1

2011-01-08T13:15:00.040-06:00

Below is the first of a series of blog entries on commands, variables and other AutoCAD/LT abilities that are either new or just not often used, presented in a list format with a brief description of each. Hope this will prompt you start HELP in LT (or AutoCAD), explore and increase your abilities wtihin the program.

ALIGN command: Moves, Aligns, and scales objects with other objects or points.
LAYERP command: Undoes the last change or set of changes made to layer settings.
LAYERPMODE command: Turns on and off the tracking of changes made to layer settings.
LAYCUR command: Changes the layer property of selected objects to the current layer.
LAYMCH command: Changes the layer of a selected object to match the destination layer.
LAYDEL command: Deletes all objects on a layer and purges the layer.
LAYMRG command: unlike LAYDEL, this Merges selected layers into a target layer, removing the previous layers from the drawing.
LAYWALK command: Displays objects on selected layers and hides objects on all other layers.
LAYERSTATE command: Saves, restores, and manages named layer states.
QDIM command: Creates a series of dimensions quickly from selected objects.
SKETCH command: Creates a series of freehand line segments.
GRADIENT command: Fills an enclosed area or selected objects with a gradient fill.
ISOLATEOBJECTS command: Displays selected objects across layers; unselected objects are hidden.
UNISOLATEOBJECTS command: Displays previously hidden objects.
HIDEOBJECTS command: Hides selected objects.
ADDSELECTED command: Creates a new object based on the object type and general properties of a selected object.
SELECTSIMILAR command: Adds similar objects to the selection set based on selected objects.
TRANSPARENCYDISPLAY variable: Controls whether the object transparency is displayed.
DIMSPACE command: Adjusts the spacing between linear dimensions or angular dimensions.
DIMBREAK command: Breaks or restores dimension and extension lines where they cross other objects.
DIMREGEN command: Updates the locations of all associative dimensions.
TEXTTOFRONT command: Brings text and dimensions in front of all other objects in the drawing.
HATCHTOBACK command: Sets the draw order for all hatches in the drawing to be behind all other objects.
HATCHGENERATEBOUNDARY command: Creates a non-associated polyline around a selected hatch.
HATCHSETBOUNDARY command: Redefines a selected hatch or fill to conform to a different closed boundary.
HATCHSETORIGIN command: Controls the starting location of hatch pattern generation for a selected hatch.
SETBYLAYER command: Changes the property overrides of selected objects to ByLayer.
COPYTOLAYER command: Copies one or more objects to another layer.
CLASSICLAYER command: Opens the legacy Layer Properties Manager.
CLASSICXREF command: Opens the legacy XREF Manager.
ADJUST command: Adjusts the fade, contrast and monochrome settings of the selected image or underlay (DWF, DWFx, PDF, or DGN).
ATTACH command: Inserts an external reference, image, or underlay (DWF, DWFx, PDF, or DGN files) in the current drawing. You can attach Multiple DWG files at once with this tool.
CLIP command: Crops a selected external reference, image, viewport, or underlay (DWF, DWFx, PDF, or DGN) to a specified boundary.
JUSTIFYTEXT command: Changes the justification point of selected text objects without changing their locations.
SCALETEXT command: Enlarges or reduces selected text objects without changing their locations.
QNEW command: Starts a new drawing from a selected drawing template file.
LOCKUI command: Locks the position and size of toolbars and dockable windows such as the ribbon, DesignCenter, and the Properties palette.
QSELECT command: Creates a selection set based on filtering criteria.
FILTER command: Creates a list of requirements that an object must meet to be included in a selection set.

AutoCAD and Windows 7 Tips

2011-01-01T22:08:00.002-06:00

Some users with Windows 7 are having issues with slow performance of AutoCAD/LT: since the issues are not universal to all or most it has been hard to fix the one true fix. We have assembled a list of things to try that seem to help many: if you need help we recommend to start at the top of the list and do every one in order until the symptoms stop.

In Windows 7 before you start AutoCAD/LT:

Use Windows 7 Classic/Basic Theme (not AERO or Custom Theme). You miss some of the Aero whizz-bang features, like layout preview and other niceties, but overall performance seems better for some users.
Win7's Aero Glass option sometimes turned on by your PC/laptop's manufacturer, turn it off for all your power options.
Note: you can turn Aero visual effects off for individual programs by right-clicking the shortcut, go to properties, then Compatibility Tab... check Disable Visual Themes.
Change the default Screen color depth (Windows' Display Settings) from 32-bit to 16-bit: typically found at Windows> Control Panel> Appearance and Personalization> Display> Screen Resolution settings> Advanced Settings>List All Modes.
-Start Windows 7 in Diagnostic Mode. If it works here the cause of the problems may be the display or pointer drivers, another driver, a background process (such as an antivirus application).

In AutoCAD/LT:

Turn the ribbon off by picking a classic workspace as one extreme effort.
Turn off SAVEFIDELITY if you do not know for sure you must and absolutely have it (most users never need it on).
Turn off the modeless layer palette: use the old Layer dialog box (set LAYERDLGMODE to 0). This is not an LT option, for LT users you will need to turn off the LAYER palette when not in use.
Turn off any and all palette transparency.
Turn off SelectionCycling, SC button at bottom of screen
Turn off Hardware Acceleration within AutoCAD (not LT), icon on the lower right near workspace and toolbar lock.
Set HPDLGMODE variable to 1 and/ or HPQUICKPREVIEW to off.
Change ROLLOVERTIPS variable to 0 (off)
Set QPMODE variable to 0 (off)
Set SHOWLAYERUSAGE variable to 0 (off).
Are you using two monitors? Use monitor 1 as your graphics monitor as a test.
Update/dowgrade your video card drivers HERE (if any, otherwise try your PC vendor or video card vendor's websites).
Autodesk recommended uninstall and reinstall Procedures as a last resort.

Adding Blog or Twitter Feeds in AutoCAD/LT's InfoCenter

2011-01-01T14:56:00.004-06:00

Jeff Bartels provides a good tip on how to add and follow blogs and tweets inside AutoCAD and LT's InfoCenter blog HERE. Look at the bottom of that webpage to find some of the many blogs and tweets around from and for AutoCAD Users and Experts, sign up and add your favorite ones.

You can follow us within your browser, or inside AutoCAD and LT using the following details:
This weekly blog: http://ltisacad.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default
Daily Twitter postings: http://twitter.com/statuses/user_timeline/230815754.rss

Link back to this post with http://bit.ly/PDfeeds

Windows 7 Printing tip

2010-12-31T13:31:00.000-06:00

Do you routinely print to multiple printers from your laptop? Now you don't have to manually switch printers when you go from, say, home to work. Windows 7 does it automatically.

The new feature, included in the Professional, Ultimate, and Enterprise editions of Windows 7 (sorry Home version users), works like this: Whenever you print, Windows 7 remembers which network and printer you're using. Next time you return to that spot, Windows automatically switches the default printer to match the one you last used. You can also manually pair printers and networks.

Setup walkthrough from Microsoft can get you started, and the tip HERE from the LT Unlimited blog provides an end user experience to review.

AutoCAD LT 2011 30 Day Online Trial

2010-12-27T20:13:00.000-06:00

Autodesk recently announced the availability of a completely online (as in nothing to download and nothing huge and permanent to install on your PC) free 30-day trial for AutoCAD LT 2011 software.

Anyone can now test-drive the drafting and detailing software without downloading the 1Gig+ behemoth app, and can try and test and use it firsthand to discover how the software has advanced from earlier versions in terms of productivity and new features set.

Look for links soon at the LT webpage at Autodesk.

AutoCAD for MAC is here.

2010-10-15T07:51:00.005-05:00

It official: if you own a recent "decent" or new Apple PC/MAC, or thinking about getting one, you can actually buy (or side upgrade to) a version of the program designed with your Operating System in mind.

No, it's not a half-baked port of a Windows app, and no it has no Ribbon (that's a Microsoft "thing", not Apple): it's is a true Apple OS application built from the ground up. Looking for screenshots, details, trial versions and purchase information at http://www.autodesk.com/autocadformac

Are you a student (or educator) with a MAC? You too can get in on this with a FREE (yes, free) Educational Version of this application for all your College/School needs. Details and licensing restrictions are at http://www.autodesk.com/mac4students

The AutoCAD For Mac Interview

2010-09-14T21:20:00.003-05:00

Read this well written detailed and insightful interview with the team behind this newest version of AutoCAD HERE.

AutoCAD coming to iPad, iPhone, returning to Mac‎

2010-08-31T07:34:00.003-05:00

It's either truly official or a very cruel joke... Read all about the inital news release here:

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUS224070510520100831

http://www.infoworld.com/d/applications/autocad-coming-ipad-iphone-returning-mac%E2%80%8E-859

I might now actually consider an iPhone or an iPad in the near future. More to come as we all discover more about it. Here is the offical Autodesk site, explore the screenshots on offer:
www.autodesk.com/autocadformac

LT 2011 Help

2010-05-04T19:19:00.004-05:00

So, you just loaded LT2011 went through the new pop-up guided tour, decided to start drafting and you needed to look some new feature up in Help (I know, some AutoCAD users do that).

With LT2011, you get an HTML web browser based Help document. It has a new look, with lots of links and shortcuts to even more content. The trick to using it is to think of classic web pages of the last decade (no, I don't mean 2009) and stick with the gray side bar on the left to navigate.

If you ever used Help in earlier versions, this tries to maintain some of the content labeling familiarity: main headings like User's Guide, Customization and so on lead you to links to what used to be Chapters displayed in the middle of your screen. Clicking on one of these links does the ultimate 'web' sin however: it bounces you away from the top page, completely changes the web page format, introduces an all new structure and layout, and offers no real intuitive way to just go up to your chapter heading. I suspect someone built this in their garage, because any web master worth his paycheck would have balked at this horrible web-based Help.

It's not even as good as the R2010 Online Help file, which was merely a copy of the old Help files online in a web page. See that one HERE.

So, while we all wait for some sort of fix, Autodesk has posted some alternate options for accessing Help in other formats that are less clunky. Click on these options to get them:

AutoCAD 2011 CHM-Based Help

AutoCAD 2011 Help in PDF format

There are some issues with the CHM Help based files for Win7 64bit users, so read the fine print first. And yes, LT is not specifically addressed again, so be careful.

Autodesk Assistance Program

2010-05-04T18:55:00.003-05:00

Unemployed Designers, Engineers and Architects Can Receive current free student-license Autodesk Software, as well as free Training, Certification and Other Company Resources to Help Extend Their Skills and Improve Employability.

Student-license software is not crippleware, but it is limited to 13-months and does introduce a plot stamp to prevent it's use in a working environment. Current software on offer include:

AutoCAD 2011
AutoCAD Architecture 2011
AutoCAD MEP 2011
AutoCAD Civil 3D 2011
AutoCAD Map 3D 2011
AutoCAD Electrical 2011
AutoCAD Mechanical 2011
Autodesk 3ds Max 2011

Enrollment in the Autodesk Assistance Program and software download availability is through January 31st, 2011. Read all about it this Autodesk offer to keep your skills current HERE.

LT2011 (AutoCAD 25 if you want to count from day one) is here

2010-03-25T10:35:00.025-05:00

If you are using LT2010 right now, this version is a good tweak to those things you find slightly unfinished. If you are on LT2009, this is probably the one you want to get on to capture that DWG2010 format. If you are in LT2008 or lower, buckle up my friend, this version is going to take some getting used to... .

So What's new? Many core features have matured, customizations and screen presence are improved, and and a few niceties have been added that will excite the experienced user more than the casual one.

THE INTERFACE CHANGES

The Display: they changed it! After 20+years of black (or white) backgrounds and contrasting little dots, they finally tweaked it to look like a drafting background. No more dots, instead there is a faint grid that looks like an engineering graph paper: toggle it on and off with GRID command (or F7) as always. The default background is a dark gray in modelspace (yes you can still change it, but give this one a try).

The Ribbon: yep, it's still here. Yes, you can get rid of it too. But before you do, give it's new look a try. There is now an added "cycle" button at the end of the list of tabs that will present the ribbon in two formats or turn it off.
In addition to the traditional Ribbon look (cluttered with buttons), you can cycle to have them display as Panel Buttons (Ribbon-New), or minimized, or totally hidden of course.
Also on the Ribbon you will find some added content to the INSERT Tab (Design Center and Autodesk Seek, their online Library of DWG content), and the View Tab (access to the toolbars and User Interface added).

The CUI: Additional Ribbon Controls have been added that allow the Panel Tabs to re-size with your AutoCAD screen and try to keep as many of them visible as possible. They call them Fold Panels.

The QAT: Workspaces pulldown menu to display your current workspace as well as any additional workspaces are conveniently located out off the way right next to the big red A (they also managed to include Save and SaveAs commands too). Yes, if you select the AutoCAD LT Classic Workspace LT2011 will look just like LT2008 or lower.

The Big Red A: Still there, you can still clutter it with all your favorites that it becomes unwieldy, like that back room closet you've been meaning to clean out but have not yet.

Navigation Bar: there is a floating Navigation Bar (see screenshot link at the top of this page) that has the 2D Steering Wheel, Pan and Zoom commands that may help a user that likes to click even more buttons. You can turn it on or off per Workspace. Does not seem to be customizable though.

UCS icon: In addition to the classic white, you can also set it to a new color option to keep track of your X, Y and Z directions. Green for Y, Red for X and Blue for Z heights.

THE GOOD STUFF

Bad News first: if you've resisted using the right-click button for pop-ups, and are happy with it doing nothing more than or bring up Osnaps (shudder), stop reading now, click off, cancel your cell phone service and get a land line. There is a sears catalog on it's way to you in the mail that contains some real cool fab stuff Dude.

Isolate Objects: regardless of what layer they are on, if you select a few objects then right-click and select ISOLATE, all other objects are hidden from view.
Hide Objects: Similar to above, except the entities you select are hidden from view.
End Hide and Isolate Objects above by right-clicking and selecting End Object Isolation. How would you know if objects are hidden? A little icon appears at the Status line.

Select Similar: if you are an old AutoCAD user, this is the SSX command in LT just for you. The command is simple: select an object (or more than one object), right-click and pick Select Similar (screenshot), and based on settings you've previously set, all other objects with similar settings are also included in the selection set (color, layer, linetype, linetype scale, lineweight, plot style, object style and/or name). Object Style means entity types, Name applies to blocks an xrefs etc.

PICKADD variable: has a new setting, 2, which is the default and is designed to work with SELECT command to hold entities this command finds for your next command. Think of it as a way to give up on the PREVIOUS selection method.

Overlapping Entities: Turn on the feature at the Status Bar and watch your cursor. As you pass over overlapping objects in your file, a new icon displays and a Selection pop-up appears. On it you will see a list of every overlapping object's property, select it and you will only edit that object.

Add Selected: Select a Line, right-click and pick Add Selected, AutoCAD launches the LINE command and has all the basic objeect properties that match your picked line set and ready for you to draw (color, layer, linetype, linetype scale and so on). A great alternative to Matchprop command, draw it right and matching the first time.

Transparency: no, this is not about draw order. This is about making objects transparent (you can see objects through them). How cool is that: explore the screenshots below, I applied transparency to the two hatches and one line. You can control the Transparency level from 0 (no transparency) to 90 (very faint on my screen). Transparency is an Object Property too, you can assign it per entity or to a layer (or to a layer in a viewport only, and not that same layer anywhere else). Oh yes, Transparency is a feature you can plot too, it's not just a display setting like Xref and locked-layers fading.

Hatch command: big improvements here, for one thing it is now interactive (if you keep the Ribbon on). Simply start HATCH command, the Ribbon changes, and you are in the command ready to select an internal point and get a preview. You can change settings on the fly on the Ribbon. And being able to preview your hatch (or many hatches) before committing is amazingly easy to use. I can see a lot of casual users getting caught off-guard with this one (My Hatches won't stick...). Layer and other properties settings can be set before you hatch.
Speaking of hatches, grips work much better now and with the introduction of the improved center grip you can scale and angle a hatch on the fly. Grip editing of hatches is finally here. Oh, and hatches now have an option for background color: so you can have your pattern and your solid hatch all in one.

Polylines: Add extra grips to an existing Pline by selecting it, right-clicking, and adding. Anywhere you want it on the Pline. Add as many as you want. You can select only one segment of a Pline too, just hold CTRL down when selecting the segment you want.

Splines: easier to draw, you can create them now using Fit Points (click points on screen and the spline truly follows your points) or Control Vertices (seems to behave like Splines do now, but maybe I'm not doing it right).

JOIN command: works on Lines, Arcs, Plines, 3D Plines and Splines (with limitations like sharing endpoints). Coplanar limitation no longer applies to this command.

Missing SHX Files: We all get files with missing fonts, or worse, missing shape files we cannot find to replace that just pop-up continuously every time you open the DWG file. Well, no more. Set FONTALT to None and you have the option to Ignore missing SHX files when you open a drawing. You can even set this as a default behavior forever. Another NOOB disaster waiting to happen, so be careful.
Note that if a Text Style is missing a font, you will see a little yellow alert icon next to the font in STYLE command's pop-up. Nice touch.

Linetypes with Text: you draw this elaborate Pline, assign it a linetype with text, and BAM! all the letters are upside-down. No more in LT2011, this no longer happens with the core linetypes. For your own custom linetypes with text, you need to change the Rotation option from R=0.0 to U=0.0 (U is short for UPRIGHT).

HELP, or F1 keyboard key: Web-based online help is included, as long ass you have a live internet connection, with the theory that this allows Autodesk to update it regularly and add content to it as time goes by (like additional Learning Resources, aka tutorials, and expanding the New Features Workshop perhaps).

XREFs: if you have the Xref Tab open and select an Xref in your drawing it's name will highlight in the Tab.

Windows 7: if you use this new operating system and have TASKBAR variable turned on, you can use Win7's preview feature at the taskbar to sneak a peak at all of your current open drawing files. AutoCAD will also populate it's own 'recent documents' list in the Start button.

CONTENT ADDED FROM FULL AUTOCAD

SKETCH command: Not only is this not your father's Sketch command, it's now in LT. Improvements include the fact that it now draws true Splines and can be edited to smooth out the rough edges.

QDIM (Quick Dimension) command: Best way to create a quick string of dimensions is finally here, simply use a crossing window then locate your dimension lines. That's three clicks for one long string of dimensions through many points.

LAYERP (Layer Previous) command: Go back to a previous Layer state without using LAYERSTATE. A quick fix for when you need it on the fly.

Gradient Hatch: Improvements in Hatch command, if you need this ability.

NEW VARIABLES

OBJECTISOLATIONMODE system variable controls whether isolated/hidden objects persist between drawing sessions. A light-bulb icon on the status bar indicates whether object isolation is active in the drawing.

CETRANSPARENCY system variable sets the transparency property for new objects.

TRANSPARENCYDISPLAY system variable enables you to temporarily turn off transparency display (similar to the behavior of the lineweight display button). This does not affect plotting. Also available as a Status Bar Button.

PLOTTRANSPARENCY system variable allows you to have the option to turn on/off transparency when plotting. The Plot and Page Setup dialogs both include a checkbox for transparency, similar to the behavior for plot styles. NOTE: Transparent plotting is turned off by default, because transparency is rasterized for plotting and can slow down plotting in certain situations (like old plotters and their equally old drivers).

MIRRHATCH system variable enables you to mirror hatches while retaining their orientation. (similar to the MIRRTEXT variable.) Set to 0, mirroring hatches maintains their original angle. When MIRRHATCH is set to 1, the hatch angle mirrors along with the rest of the objects.

The Hatch Object Limit system variable (HPOBJWARNING) has been increased to 10,000 from 1,000 (chokes 32bit systems, so be careful).

Look for future content on my blog as we explore these new features in more detail, and explore what got left out compared to full AutoCAD and how can an LT user survive without them.

Below are screenshots, click to enlarge if you are interested:

The Updated Interface

The Optional scaled down Ribbon

The minimum Ribbon

The Ribbon Options

The View Tab and accessing Toolbars

Isolate and Hide Objects

Select Similar command

Overlapping Objects selection

Add Selected command

Transparency. Finally

The friendlier HATCH ccommand

Plines, the next step

More to come later. Happy Cadding!