Customizing LT: start with the Ribbon

During a slow work week recently, I had the opportunity to tackle a long list of to-do items in the office, including Network and desktop software updates for all of my colleagues' PCs and laptops.
I also took up the task of revamping our LT and AutoCAD screen Ribbon menus to create a more uniform appearance, as well as rewriting more common command shortcuts keys. For reasons more to do with legacy routines than anything else, both AutoCAD versions have had differing appearances and slightly different shortcuts abbreviations (mostly Lisp shortcuts in full AutoCAD).

Below are screenshots of LT: since we have a mix of LT2011 and LT2012 (as well as AutoCAD 2011 and 2012), I started with LT2011 for one simple reason. CUIx menu files are by design from Autodesk able to go up a version but they are not backwards compatible. So had I started with LT2012, I would have had to recreate the screen menu changes from scratch in LT2011. I sought out feedback from my coworkers on what they wanted to see, what they used often, and what things they wanted to do more with in order to spedd up their work day.

The approach to the redesign was simple: make the most used tools visible at the top of each panel, and less frequent tools are placed in the Panel's pulldown portion. Where possible, each tool is a smaller pulldown that offers more abilities to that command: for example, the LINE button on the first panel of the Home tab is a pulldown that also offers DLINE command, XLINE and RAY commands.

Here is version 1.0 1.1.

Home Tab

 Having moved the most frequently used commands up, and the less frequent commands down in each panel (see above, two views of the Home Tab), I also added a few more panels our users wanted: these include Osnaps (coded so the user can add or drop when clicked) and Group.

Insert Tab

Here I expanded many of the default Panels in this tab, and added available online libraries of blocks from manufacturers we use often.

View Tab

 In this tab I added several new Panels for Script files we use most often, Viewport Layer controls (yes, you can control viewport layers separate from modelspace layers), and enhanced the existing panels with some additional commands, variables and customizations.

Annotate Tab

This tab is set up for all things Annotation related: In addition to text and dimension tools, I added a panel for Notation blocks, Room numbers, and dimension overrides.

Custom Tab

In our field of Architecture, the LT users have few tools to work with that are native to LT: I have added custom routines over the years for adding doors/windows/sidelights (with wall breaks), ceiling grid routines and more. Now I just need to work on my icons to look less sloppy.

Output Tab

In addition to having more tools on display, I added a panel to simplify the built-in Export options available in LT for the users.

Manage Tab

This Tab is mostly dedicated to "fixing" a DWG file and I added new panels to adress exactly that need: Linetype Scales settings, Recovery, Purge, Variables settings, Variables toggles (on and off), as well as a few customizations to fix objects not residing at Z=0 elevations.

Online and Parametric Tabs

These are core tabs that I did not change: the ONLINE tab is available with no effort in LT2012, bur in LT2011 you must install this add-on to gain access to the excellent cloud service AutoCADWS.

Field testing went well with a few key employees in both full AutoCAD and LT. Their feedback resulted in the Versions 1.1 you now see above in the snapshots. In a future blog I will cover some of the basics of using the CUI command to customize the Ribbon to match your needs and requirements, but in the meantime I must finish migrating the above into LT2012 (and AutoCAD 2012). ◦

Customizing LT: start with the Ribbon

Autodesk ends support for Windows Vista: a comment

The official statement reads as follows:
"Beginning January 1, 2012, Autodesk will have formally ceased support of the Microsoft Windows Vista Operating System for all new (and upgraded versions) of its products and services released in 2012.
Currently shipping versions and previous versions of our software (delivered prior to January 1, 2012) will continue to be supported on this operating system."
To read the entire FAQ document, click HERE: the move is based on Microsoft's termination of sales of the Vista Operating System and eventual end of support in 2012.

In a way, this is understandable: Vista was more of a transitional Operating System for Windows XP. It fixes many XP issues, especially in the 64bit version, but was never compelling enough for many firms to migrate to it. And with Microsoft's questionable marketing for Vista, or lack of, Vista never established itself in the corporate world.

So what's the problem you say: this is old news. And you are right: the problem is what is missing from the Autodesk FAQ that in my opinion is a huge disservice to it's customers. Autodesk will still list Windows XP as a viable Operating system for the current and at least the next version of AutoCAD/LT.

Most Windows XP users are most likely only using the 32bit version of the Operating System (OS): most AutoCAD/LT2012 upgrades from users still using this old OS had legitimate expectations that the new software would perform well, but they soon discover that "slow" has a whole new meaning, and if they regularly access DWG files of any significant size ( a low 12-15MB limit usually), the operating system simply gives up and crashes AutoCAD/LT.

This disease of making software appear truly usable with older OS is prevalent in the CAD Industry, Autodesk is not alone in this attempt to appear accessible to everyone (LT starts at $1200, AutoCAD starts at $4000, hardly accessible pricing), it's an almost universal disgrace with all software companies. If your software truly cannot do more that merely "function" in an operating system, it should not be sold to that market. This is espcially sad in the 32bit versions of Windows XP (Vista, and Windows7 are equally underpowered in the 32bit versions).

Look at Autodesk's current behavior to see the conflict: they currently offer Technology Makeovers to move companies to new systems (they do not install Windows XP or Windows 7 32bit).
Then there is the huge topic of using Workstations instead of Desktop PCs for CAD, including this Lynn Allen recent video inteview, and this well written review by a frequent AutoCAD contributor from CADSPEED.

Autodesk needs to take the lead in the CAD Industry and speak the truth: Windows 7 64bit (and the Apple offering of equal Horsepower) should be the only specified Operating System for AutoCAD/LT 2012 and higher. It should start doing so today, not when Microsoft ends support. ◦

Autodesk ends support for Windows Vista: a comment

Did you know...?

• 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.

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Did you know...?

Tweets this week: LT2012 overdose for free

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. ◦

Tweets this week: LT2012 overdose for free

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

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.

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