AU2015 Las Vegas: (the last) Day Three

Breakfast. Again. Same as yesterday. And the day before.

XI10614 - The Power of the Autodesk Community

The Autodesk Community serves up answers to millions of customers. Over 27 million customers in the last 12 months have visited the community. Are you an Autodesk Community user? The Autodesk Community shares product-use information that solves potential product issues and promotes best practices to proactively supply customers with the tools and information needed for successful product experiences. Come and join us for an engaging session led by the customer experts known in the Autodesk Community as Expert Elites. These customers will take you on a tour and share their insights to get the most out of the Autodesk Community forums.

Course Objectives: Learn how to navigate the Autodesk Community in its many forms, Learn about setting up user accounts and preferences, Learn how to effectively ask and answer questions, Learn general rules and guidelines of behavior.

The actual experience - An admirable job by four fellow Expert Elites and the Autodesk Staff that manage the forums. I think a little more rehearsal was probably in order, I always zone out if a presenter just reads from the slides being shown.

What I got out of it - Expert Elites are passionate about the Autodesk forums and want as many users to use this free tool for support.

GEN9992 - AutoCAD Super-Duper Click Savers

Learning objectives: Learn how to use some of the most effective tips and tricks that are out there for instant productivity, Learn secrets about AutoCAD software that trump repetitive steps and tasks, Learn how to use fewer picks and clicks and get work done faster on any AutoCAD software platform, Learn how to go from a click slave to a click saver.

The actual experience - So many good quality tips and tricks are offered in this course it's simply amazing. And they are all good, and totally relevant to the 2016 versions of AutoCAD/LT.

What I got out of it - many tips I simply forgot about were highlighted: this time I wrote these down so I would not forget. When it becomes avaiable at AU for all users for free you should seek this one out and download the PDF of the handout.

Expert Elite Summit Kickoff and Luncheon

Objective: Kick-off the Autodesk Expert Elites Summit which will reconvene on Friday, December 4th. Autodesk's Amar Hanspal will be joining the Summit Kickoff as very special guests for an open Q&A discussion.

The actual experience - Executive VP Hanspal introduced several future products that are about to be announced by Autodesk, and reaffirmed that the company is truly 100% focused on mobile and the cloud as the future of the company's software base.

What I got out of it - I enjoyed the real-food lunch and the open honesty from EVP Hanspal about were Autodesk is focusing.

GEN11219 - The Most Dynamic Class on the Block—Creating Dynamic Blocks in AutoCAD

Learning objectives: Learn how to create Dynamic Blocks with the following abilities: stretch, mirror, array, rotate, align, multiple insertion points, Learn how to limit block variations through lists and increments, Learn how to apply constraints and parameters to control block behavior, Learn how to implement Block Tables as well as the Lookup Action to quickly select the desired block iteration

The actual experience - This was a very well run class introducing the basics of Dynamic Blocks creation. The instructor covered in one hour what I could not find online as a training resource as a single document or class.

What I got out of it - Quirks in some aspects of Dynamic Blocks creation and how to work around them was of real value. I will be blogging about these and other tips I picked up soon.

IT10908 - Drawing from Experience: Tell All of 4 CAD Managers with Over 100 Years of Experience

Learn from the experiences of this panel of diverse CAD managers (R.K. McSwain, Robert Green, Kate Morrical, Curt Moreno) who are widely respected as leaders in their field. Hear their unique perspective and solutions to challenges faced by CAD managers from organizations of all sizes and backgrounds. Topics include understanding CAD standards, keeping up with rapidly changing technology, managing users, communicating with management and other non-technical people, budgeting, and much more.

The actual experience - An honest discussion about Cad Management, Cad Managers and their bosses, and CAD drafting/production roles were reviewed by all four, each with their own take about each topic.

What I got out of it - These four talented folks offered so many good ideas that I ended up Tweeting about them in rapid fire succession. Check them out HERE look for hashtag #ASK4AUExperts.

11907 - Autodesk University Closing General Session

Closing Keynote: Presented by Amar Hanspal, Sr. Vice President, Products. Like many kids growing up in India, Amar Hanspal’s parents wanted him to pursue what they considered a noble profession: doctor, politician, or even Bollywood star.  But he believes there is a profession just as noble, that of the engineer.  Join him as he celebrates the incredible work of the engineers and designers who solve today’s epic challenges of transportation, healthcare, education and access to clean water. Before you head off to the Closing Celebration, discover how you might use your skills to imagine, design and create a better world.

11920 - Bash to the Future

The After Party Objective: Curious what the future looks like? Then don’t miss the Bash to the Future, AU’s final hurrah. You’ll be transported to another world where you can touch the stars, drink with aliens, and chat with robots. Enjoy games, music, cocktails, and a futuristic feast that’s out of this world.

The actual experience - Way more fun that I anticipated.

AU2016 was announced: Nov 15-17 of next year.

FitBit Count for the day: 11,211 steps (5.17 miles).

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AU2015 Las Vegas: (the last) Day Three

AU2015 Las Vegas: Day Two

Breakfast. Again. Same as yesterday.

GEN10227 - AutoCAD Secrets Exposed

Learning objectives: Learn tips and tricks from other AutoCAD users, Learn to use the newer tools for greater productivity, learn about hidden tips that might take you years to discover, Get exposed to tips that apply to many versions of AutoCAD ranging from 2012 to 2016.

The actual experience - Jeanne Aarhus is a wonderful presenter/instructor and this is the second class in AU that I attended with her. She makes the class quite enjoyable, and even manages to make revealing tips I knew sound most interesting.

What I got out of it - I was reminded of two tips I had forgotten: you can control the spacing between MTEXT columns by dragging the ruler double arrows on the far right, and when you need to select a 1/3 of the distance between two points this command line entry works best 'Cal;Dist(end.end)/3

GEN13037 - Peer into the Future of AutoCAD

Michael Mizuno - Senior Product Manager, Autodesk, Inc.

This class will give you an overview of the future of AutoCAD® . The AutoCAD team will present new technologies, features, workflows, and tools that are designed to improve product knowledge, productivity, and efficiency of AutoCAD users across all industries.

The actual experience - New features of a future AutoCAD version were revealed and they are amazing. Sadly I can't tell you as everyone in the class was required to sign an NDA agreement.

What I got out of it - well, I can't tell you, but it's amazing.

Expert Elite Recognition Lunch

This is an opportunity for Autodesk to thank Autodesk Expert Elite unpaid volunteers for their continuous and valued contributions at the Autodesk public Product Support Forums. Want to know more about the Expert elites Program? Read all about it HERE.

The actual experience - at our table the AutoCAD program director sat with five of us and was a very interesting man to talk with about the future, the past, and the current state of all the software under his umbrella.

What I got out of it - that fuzzy feeling you get when you hang out with peers that are just amazing and the great Autodesk staff that support the program.

GEN11412 - 60 AutoCAD Tips in 60 Minutes

Presented by Lynn Allen - Evangelist, Autodesk

Learning Objective: If you want a plethora of power-user tips, be sure join Cadalyst Columnist and Autodesk Technical Evangelist Lynn Allen as she takes you through a whirlwind of productivity techniques that are certain to improve your everyday drawing life. At a tip a minute, you’ll be sure to discover some top-secret AutoCAD software features that will remove tedium and boost your ability to meet project deadlines. She switches up the tips every year.

The actual experience - Lynn is simply the most amazing presenter Autodesk has, and simply turned this talk into a joyful show to watch and participate in.

What I got out of it - I learnt a tip I did not know: you can get a table to auto-populate and auto-number other cells easily by selecting two cells with numbers in sequence then selecting all the others below them.

IT11008 - Networking Autodesk Products Beyond Z

Learning objectives: Develop a sustainable licensing maintenance plan, Learn how to recognize early symptoms of problems and have action plans ready Learn how to manage license access and borrowing to realize maximum utilization efficiency Evaluate utilization reporting options

The actual experience - OMG, this was way over my head. Way over. What?

What I got out of it - (crickets noise)

IT10856 - AutoCAD Tool Palettes Master Class (Planning and Preparation, Not Perspiration)

Learning objectives: Learn how to create a completely fresh tool palette in a network location, Learn how to create, edit, and save tools onto your networked palettes, Learn how to boost productivity with scripts and macros hosted on your palettes, Learn how to hack your tool palettes without opening AutoCAD.

The actual experience - my fellow EE Paul Munford is an amazing presenter and showed us how he likes to manage, share and develop/innovate with Palettes to control office standards.

What I got out of it - I learnt about a tip: resorting the content of a palette by selecting all, CTRL+X to cut to the clipboard, then CTRL+V to paste.

11905: AUGI Annual Meeting
Objective (yes I am a memeber of AUGI, are you?): This session features the year in review and a look ahead for members of Autodesk User Group International (AUGI). Open to AUGI members and non-members alike, this session culminates in the presentation of the AUGI Wish List - the 10 top product improvement wishes for key Autodesk products. Attendees will hear about AUGI's accomplishments in 2015 and get a sneak peek of the organization's plans for the coming year. And there's a chance to win awesome prizes and Premier and Professional memberships. And of course, everybody leaves with an AUGI Beer mug for the annual AUGI Reception which follows immediately.

The actual experience - Continuing more modestly with the Star Wars theme, the AUGI president and other board members presented AUGI to those that don't know about this user organization, and with some fanfare presented Autodesk with the latest list of use wishlists for AutoCAD.

What I got out of it - a free beer glass.

12449 - AUGI Reception

Objective (yes, I am a member, are you?): Join thousands of members of AUGI (Autodesk User Group International)—the largest Autodesk community—whose motto is “Users Helping Users.” At this reception, you’ll enjoy making connections, comparing notes,  and checking out the latest technology exhibits and activities over a cold beer. Open to everyone, not just AUGI members.

Autodesk University 2015 Blogger Social Meetup Sign Up

Objective: The Autodesk University Blogger Social started ~12 years ago and morphed into a more formal AU Blogger and Social Media Meetup event is now in it’s 8th year will be held jointly with the Autodesk PR, Social Media Team, and Office of the CTO to show our appreciation for active bloggers and influential social media who cover Autodesk products and customers. In past years in addition to beverages and good conversation and networking we have had surprises such as having a Zero G 3D printer to be used in space from Made in Space and the Megabot team and I am working on some surprises this year as well. We might also get a few special VIP seats like we did last year to give away for the closing keynote.

     

The actual experience - a fun meet and greet experience were I got to meet some of the best bloggers out there.

FitBit Count for the day: 9,248 steps (4.22 miles).

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AU2015 Las Vegas: Day Two

AU2015 Las Vegas: Day One

Breakfast
So how do you feed +/-10,000 attendees? in a very big hall. From 6:30-8:00, I joined the others for what is a very basic hotel breakfast that is there to kick start your day.

GEN10224 - AutoCAD Jeopardy (my first class)

Learning objectives: Learn to capitalize on AutoCAD knowledge to help others learn in a whole new way, Extend the knowledge of AutoCAD software’s capabilities.

The actual experience - This was as much fun as I hoped it would be. Set up like the game show Jeopardy, a very long list of quick fire questions and answers were needed for a very comprehensive list of AutoCAD commands, features, variables and functions that the whole class participated in. And there were prizes for correct answers too.

What I got out of it - I actually learned two things that never occurred to me before: "nudge" command works with SNAP distances, plus a good example of when SPACESWITCH command might come in handy.

11906 - Autodesk University Opening General Session

Join Autodesk CEO Carl Bass and CTO Jeff Kowalski as we kick off Autodesk University 2015.

The actual experience - Wow! sensory overload.

What I got out of it - It was fun to attend.

11917 - AU Lunch and Volunteer Opportunity Tuesday

The actual experience - food stations located between exhibitors at the exhibit hall.

What I got out of it - lunch and staring at exhibits.

GEN9638 - Forensic Cadology: When Good DWG files Go Bad

Learning objectives: Learn how to diagnose the cause of a corrupt DWG file, repair a corrupt DWG file, how to find (use) the most current backup file and learn best practices to avoid file corruption

The actual experience - This was an excellent class that offered very detailed instructions and guidelines for file recover methods, ways to try and avoid file corruption, and so much more.

What I got out of it - The methods I already use are still valid, but I was exposed to a better systematic approach that I will use in teh future.

GEN11005-L - The Power of Fields and Attributes in AutoCAD

Learning objectives: Learn how to create attributes and redefine existing attributes, insert fields, insert field with text/mtext, or use with attributes, Learn to use fields for complex calculation using elements property combining with formulas, Learn how to extract attribute/fields from the design data and output as AutoCAD Table or export as Excel or database file.

The actual experience - With AutoCAD loaded on computers for all of us class attendees to use, the instructor's intent was to present a hands on experience in creating attributes, fields, and links to external Excel files and Tables inside AutoCAD. Sadly he was ill prepared, seemed challenged by his own material and overall did little to provide anything warranting an "intermediate-advanced" class.

What I got out of it - Not much. Can I get a refund?

GEN11607-L - Exploring the 2016 Dimension Tools (in AutoCAD)

Learning objectives: Discover core concepts for AutoCAD dimensioning, new dimension tools in AutoCAD 2016, use all options within the new dimension tools, and Learn how to identify the best ways to edit existing dimensions.

The actual experience - This happened to take place in the exact same room as the class I attended before, but with a much better experience. The instructor had three test DWG files ready on each computer, walk us through the new DIM command features in AutoCAD 2016, and was very engaging and was not afraid to answer difficult questions.

What I got out of it - While I did not discover any new features I did not know about, I did learn how to fix a glaring AutoCAD 2016 problem when using Annotative Dimensions and Baseline Dimensions. Now I can go back to drawing these again. What's that fix? I'll blog about it later this month.

12448 - AU Community Reception

Objectives: lasses end the party begins. Join everyone in the Exhibit Hall for the AU Community Reception as they close out day 1 of AU. Take in a bite, a sip, a boogie, and lots of networking with thousands of like-minded professionals from around the world. Chat with AU exhibitors and see the latest technologies at work in the world.

The actual experience - food, networking, hanging out with exhibitors, and overall just a great way to wind down after a long and busy day.

FitBit Count for the day: 14,249 steps (6.52 miles).

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AU2015 Las Vegas: Day One

AU2015, the day before: Freshman Orientation

I arrived today, the afternoon before AU2015, to complete my Registration, get my access badges, get into my hotel room, and as all new "university" attendees, show up for the Freshman Orientation class held this afternoon.

Airport
Las Vegas Airport is a little confusing, looks more like a casino than airport, and depending on where you land you may need to take a train to the main terminal. I just followed everyone off of my plane and was led to where I needed to be to leave the airport.

Ride to Hotel
Getting here you have to decide if you want convenience (Uber or Lyft cars are my first choice), or if like me you want to see a little bit of "the Strip" by taking an airport shuttle ($9 one way), or you want to take an old school taxi cab and pay way much more, or splurge and get a Limo to your hotel (starts at $45/person). I enjoyed the Shuttle ride.

Hotel
I opted to stay at one of the two recommended hotels, The Venetian (The Palazzo is next door and equally close to the action). You can stay anywhere you want, but you'll have to figure out transportation if you're not into walking over. The place was packed with many AU attendees checking in but this hotel had a great system that moved the process quickly. I got a nice non-smoking room on floor 14 overlooking the pool area.

AU Registration
First thing to do after you drop your baggage in the room is to hop down to AU Registration to get your access badge. Autodesk emailed me a QR Code a couple of days ago and this automated the process: I don't think it took more than 5-minutes to scan my code walk over to get the print-out and lanyard (they required a photo ID to prove I was me first), then walk over to the 'merch" desk and pick up the complimentary AU2015 backpack.

11904 - AU Freshman Orientation 2015
Lynn Allen and others point out events and gatherings that should not be missed, plus get a preview of what’s in store for AU 2015. Well, that's what the intro to the class noted. This is slated to be 90-minutes long with a social/networking gathering afterwards. Lynn Allen was amazing, explained how this huge place works, how to use the AU2015 app, how  to find every event and function scheduled, and generally made us Freshman most welcome. Best 25-minutes of my time here so far.

A guest speaker got up and started talking about VUCA and managed to take a hall full of 500+ attendees to play the Marshmallow Challenge for 20-minutes, their enthusiasm fanned by the allure of $100 gift card for use at the at the Autodesk store. What is VUCA? What is the Marshmallow Challenge? Sadly I tuned out and felt this was a total waste of my time, but the winning team of the Marshmallow Challenge did construct the most amazing 39" tall structure that remained upright for the 15-minutes that I observed it: 3-engineers and 1-construction specialist were part of the team. Bravo!

A heart-warming videotaped story about training prison inmates with Autodesk software for careers when they get out was a nice touching story that closed out the event.

Expert Elite (EE) Welcome Reception
I ducked out 10-minutes before the Freshman Orientation class ended to visit with and attend a gathering of my fellow EE contributors (many are teaching or are participating in events at AU2015) at the Autodesk Forums and our Autodesk Liaison staff. It was good to see some familiar faces and meet new ones. If you are here at AU2015, look for us EEs wherever you are, we all have Expert Elite tags attached to the bottom of our ID cards.
Thanks to the Autodesk team for arranging it all.


It's time to get ready for a long day tomorrow. If you are interested, my FitBit logged 8703 steps today from the moment I stepped off the plane here in Las Vegas.

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AU2015, the day before: Freshman Orientation

AutoCAD Tips that work in LT: Part 12

Below are posts from fellow AutoCAD users with tips that are of equal use to LT users. Explore each link and start being more productive tomorrow.

• R.K. McSwain: Using math in ?#AutoCAD? fields http://bit.ly/NaTegW
• R.K. McSwain: Tips for inserting blocks in ?#AutoCAD? http://bit.ly/NoRXEV
• Ellen Finkelstein: published a new AutoCAD post "Insert a block in AutoCAD" http://ow.ly/c0S1f
• R.K. McSwain: "Bad definition.." when loading ?#AutoCAD? linetypes or "...is a shape file, not a text font file" messages? See: http://bit.ly/LBLCIk
• Ellen Finkelstein: published a new AutoCAD post "Create a block in AutoCAD" http://ow.ly/bRMh4
• Jimmy Bergmark: How to automatically remove Autodesk 360 icon in AutoCAD 2013 file dialog boxes: AutoCAD 2013… http://goo.gl/fb/lSKA7
• Vladimir Michl: Did you know AutoCAD had two commands for cleaning screen clutter? CLEANSCREENON and FULLSCREENON (now obsolete) - see http://www.cadforum.cz/cadforum_en/qa …
• AutoCAD Tutorials: Advanced Command LINE, OFFSET, FILLET, CIRCLE, FILLET, CAL, TRIM, COPY, MIRROR - AutoCAD tutorial http://bit.ly/LCv3dz
• VMichl: New CAD tip: How to delete (reset) a variable set by SETENV? http://bit.ly/LZWz5U

Catch a listing of all our twitter postings HERE http://twitter.com/#!/LTisACAD.

Do you use @pinterest? We pin our favorite AutoCAD/LT news/tips/reviews/Op-Ed webpages to share with all of you at http://pinterest.com/pendeaninc/pins/

 

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AutoCAD Tips that work in LT: Part 12

AutoCAD Tips that work in LT: Part 11

Below are posts from fellow AutoCAD users with tips that are of equal use to LT users. Explore each link and start being more productive tomorrow.

• Lynn Allen Updated my blog on kicking up the IQ of your ?#AutoCAD? Dimensions http://lynn.blogs.com  Don't end up with Dimension Envy!
• R.K. McSwain "@" is useful here on Twitter, but it's also useful in ?#AutoCAD?. Use "@" when prompted for a point to specify the LAST point.
• Jeff Bartels AutoCAD Tip: The center object snap can be used to find the "center" of a referenced image.
• Jeff Bartels AutoCAD Tip: RT-Click a referenced DWG in the XREF Mgr. & use "Path" option to change path type.
• Vladimir Michl New CAD tip: How to create a custom color book (ACB palette) in AutoCAD? http://bit.ly/Lhv581
• Vladimir Michl New CAD tip: Text formatting codes in MText objects. http://bit.ly/Ma4nR3
• Good LT tip “@VMichl: New CAD tip: Setting scale for documentation views in AutoCAD. http://bit.ly/KsaWNp ”
• Lynn_Allen: Move along open ?#AutoCAD? drawings at lightning speed! http://bit.ly/K9Tb6w  (my latest @Cadalyst_Mag video)
• bcbenton Autodesk Updates the Update ReadMe http://ow.ly/1jZdj1
• bcbenton: AutoCAD 2012 and AutoCAD LT 2012 Service Pack 2 Released: If you are running AutoCAD 2012 or… http://goo.gl/fb/ABzlP

Catch a listing of all our twitter postings HERE http://twitter.com/#!/LTisACAD.

Do you use @pinterest? We pin our favorite AutoCAD/LT news/tips/reviews/Op-Ed webpages to share with all of you at http://pinterest.com/pendeaninc/pins/

 

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AutoCAD Tips that work in LT: Part 11

AutoCAD Tips that work in LT: Part 9

Below are posts from fellow AutoCAD users with tips that are of equal use to LT users. Explore each link and start being more productive tomorrow.

• Lynn Allen: @cadpanacea posted all my past #AutoCAD Tips and Tricks booklets http://bit.ly/yugDRF Thanks!
• Vladimir Michl: New CAD tip: Text formatting codes in MText objects. http://bit.ly/Ma4nR3
• Good LT tip “@VMichl: New CAD tip: Setting scale for documentation views in AutoCAD. http://bit.ly/KsaWNp”
• Jeff Bartels: AutoCAD Tip: For quick access to your last 20 commands/system variables, Rt-Click & select "Recent Input" from menu.
• Joris Van Bossche: 100 tips about #AutoCAD you should know: http://cad-notes.com/2010/06/100-autocad-tips-you-should-know/
• R.K. McSwain: 10 #AutoCAD commands you have either forgotten or never knew. What is your fav? http://bit.ly/KmTYCn
• Vladimir Michl: New CAD tip: Is it an AutoCAD command or variable? http://bit.ly/JClwlZ
• Jimmy Bergmark: Autodesk DWG TrueView 2013 Download and Install Tips: Autodesk’s DWG Viewer freeware DWG… http://goo.gl/fb/62O3M
• bcbenton: AutoCAD Quick Tip – How to Edit Command Aliases http://ow.ly/1jCVZN
• Angela Simoes: Don’t Be Shy — Try Out AutoCAD's New UI! @Cadalyst http://www.cadalyst.com/cad/autocad/don%E2%80%99t-be-shy-%E2%80%94-try-out-autocad039s-new-ui-14462
• Autodesk Care: Did you know you can get help for your Registration and Activation issues via live chat? Click here to find out more http://bit.ly/IX4Nbt

Catch a listing of all our twitter postings HERE http://twitter.com/#!/LTisACAD.

Do you use @pinterest? We pin our favorite AutoCAD/LT news/tips/reviews/Op-Ed webpages to share with all of you at http://pinterest.com/pendeaninc/pins/ ◦

AutoCAD Tips that work in LT: Part 9

AutoCAD LT for Mac: Tips

Whether you use LT on an Apple or MS Windows PC, finding fellow users and sharing tips with them s a goal many of us have in common.

• One of the best places to start of course is with HELP that is part of LT: with access available online for LT for Mac (2012 and 2013 can be accessed here), the User's Guide in each is a wealth of knowledge to kick off your search.
• Explore the Autodesk WikiHelp focused on LT (and AutoCAD) for MAC: lots of tips, tricks, customizations, user feedback and more at a website that continues to evolve.
• Preview the MAC interface in video format HERE, it's not the Windows interface but it is all Apple (reason you bought that AC after all).
• Use Gestures to Navigate a Drawing in LT for MAC: watch the VIDEO.
• Access Previously Used Commands
• Create a New or Open a Recent Drawing from the Dock
• Hide All Open Palettes
• Reset All Palettes to Default Size and Location
• Set the Default Save As Format
• Use a Raster Image for a Company Logo in a Drawing 
• Accessing the AutoCAD for Mac PDFs on the Go: To learn how to do this, see the article 'Taking the AutoCAD for Mac PDFs on the Go with iBooks' on Beyond the UI by Lee Ambrosius.
• Orbiting with Magic Mouse and Trackpad: You can enable Orbit mode in a drawing while a command is active or not using Magic Mouse or the trackpad. To enter Orbit mode, press and hold Shift while doing one of the following: Swipe on Magic Mouse; or Two-finger swipe on the trackpad or Magic Trackpad.
• Explore the blog MacACAD for very focused AutoCAD for MAC (and LT for MAC) tips, news and reviews.
• Find what others are saying about AutoCAD LT for Mac on Twitter HERE.
• Prefer holding a book in your hand? Mastering AutoCAD for the Mac by George Omura and Richard (Rick) Graham is available at Amazon.com

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AutoCAD LT for Mac: Tips

Random Links of Interest: Off Topic? Not Quite

• Autodesk Labs Scott‏ Book Review: The Start Up of You http://dlvr.it/1YFKLg
• AutoCAD LT‏ Windows Tip: Copy Path http://bit.ly/JjmWl3
• Autodesk Care‏ For specific details, chek out our Online Suport Community: http://autode.sk/wi2EFJ . Prod Suport experts r monitoring it. ^JB
• The Week: The philosopher with a wrench - http://bit.ly/IRf4W0
• Autodesk 360 Cloud New Benefits for Subscription Members: storage increased from 3Gig to 25Gig. Nice! http://360.autodesk.com
• Kate Morrical‏ Store Drawings in Autodesk 360 http://bit.ly/IOBG9w
• AutoCAD WS‏ Great forum tip about printing options in #AutoCADWS: http://aucad.ws/KjmRjV
• The cad geek: I just made my first ever #AutoCAD for Mac blog post: http://ow.ly/1L9k0Z

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Random Links of Interest: Off Topic? Not Quite

AutoCAD LT 2013 Info and Tips

• Still using Vista? Better read this http://bit.ly/AeP8Jw
• Jimmy Bergmark‏ System Requirements for AutoCAD 2013: AutoCAD 2013 is soon to be released and now the System… http://goo.gl/fb/nwyrg
• Autodesk Labs Scott‏ Try AutoCAD LT 2013 without downloading anything http://dlvr.it/1N9nNn
• Lynn Allen‏ Set new system variable in #AutoCAD 2013 - WIPEOUTFRAME to 2. Wipeout frames will display but not print!
• Jeff Bartels‏ AutoCAD 2013 Tip: When finished revising MTEXT, press Ctrl+Enter to dismiss the editor.
• Jeff Bartels‏ AutoCAD 2013 Tip: Use Annotation Monitor toggle in Status Bar to identify non-associative dims/leaders. Click "!" icons to reassociate.
• Jimmy Bergmark‏ AutoCAD 2013 New Commands: In AutoCAD 2013 I have found these new commands. New commands… http://goo.gl/fb/6fQHp
• AUGI: AUGIWorld April 2012 - What's New in Autodesk 2013 Products - http://bit.ly/zA9b4R
• Autodesk‏ Exciting news for Google Drive users: Chrome Store apps @pixlr and #AutoCADWS have Drive integration: http://autode.sk/IptVZP via @LATimes
• AutoCAD LT‏ 2013Updated Command Line http://bit.ly/J7pEaQ
• CAD Clues‏ New Post: 3 Things You Need to Know Before Installing AutoCAD 2013 http://cadclues.blogspot.com/2012/04/3-things-you-need-to-know-before.html #AutoCAD #Autodesk #Autodesk360 #Autocad2013
• Jeff Bartels‏ AutoCAD 2013 Tip: Use Ctrl+Shift+L to add previously selected objects to current selection set.
• Vladimir Michl‏ New CAD tip: Localization of Autodesk 2013 products using "Language ... http://bit.ly/JeDWWv
• Autodesk Care‏ http://autode.sk/HGHYLi Looking to purchase or already own AutoCAD LT 2013? Mac and Windows users can now unite #autodesktip
• Robert Green @Cadalyst says, “you need to explore Autodesk's new cloud solution, it will change the way we use AutoCAD” http://bit.ly/Ioj2dm
• Kate Morrical‏ Customization Sync in AutoCAD LT 2013 http://bit.ly/ImaY89

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AutoCAD LT 2013 Info and Tips

AutoCAD Tips that work in LT: Part 5

Below are posts from fellow AutoCAD users with tips that are of equal use to LT users. Explore each link and start being more productive tomorrow (no April Fools tips here).

• bcbenton File Naming Conventions are Really Data Management Rules http://ow.ly/1gx9s8
• bcbenton Training: Why Are You Waiting for “Training” from Someone Else … Now that the new year… http://goo.gl/m5Mll
• bcbenton How Not to CAD – File Paths and Name Changes http://ow.ly/1gyov4
• AutoCAD_WS Practical tips on how to improve your design pitch with #AutoCADWS - http://autode.sk/wdRzhO
• bcbenton Where do AutoCAD Dimensions Belong? Paper Space or Model Space?: There are some topics that… http://goo.gl/fb/hwwLB
• Jeff Bartels AutoCAD Tip: Want to lengthen the Recent Documents list? Launch OPTIONS (Open & Save tab) & change # of recently-used files. Max=50
• Vladimir Michl New CAD tip: Selecting multiple objects in a particular order. http://bit.ly/yb7fvW
• Lynn Allen DIMROTATED (top secret dim command in #AutoCAD) http://bit.ly/18zzrt
• Jeff Bartels AutoCAD Tip: Have a hatch object that's missing a boundary? Select hatch, right-click & choose "Generate Boundary" to create a new one.
• Vladimir Michl New CAD tip: Batch print for multiple drawings, multiple printers and copies. http://bit.ly/way1rC
• Lynn Allen: the new Path Array in AutoCAD 2012 let's you array along a spline (awesome!) No need to use divide or measure! Work with LT2012 as well.
• EFinkelstein:"Open AutoCAD with a specific template http://bit.ly/wEJOii”
• LT users can use this tip too “Vladimir Michl New CAD tip: How to increase width of the layer control in AutoCAD ribbon? http://bit.ly/yugdPP”
• cadpanacea: Example uses for the internal AutoCAD CAL command http://bit.ly/z3Amxp. Works in LT.

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

 

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AutoCAD Tips that work in LT: Part 5

AutoCAD Tips that work in LT: Part 4

Below are posts from fellow AutoCAD users with tips that are of equal use to LT users. Explore each link and start being more productive today.

• cadaddict AutoCAD: Things that SHIFT can do for you http://bit.ly/rH1yVn
• cadaddict AutoCAD: Creating New Palette Group http://bit.ly/i2wHL4
• cadaddict AutoCAD: SaveAs 20XX Script http://bit.ly/tAyW90. Works for LT as well.
• Lynn Allen: Almost all of my "15 #AutoCAD Tips in 15 Minutes" Facecast is relevant for #AutoCADLT too http://autode.sk/v7SNXm Tune in at 10 PDT 11/14
• Paul Munford Latest Post AutoCAD Layering productivity, never use the Layers pull down again! http://goo.gl/fb/vWd7X
• Vladimir Michl New CAD tip: Classic hatch dialog in AutoCAD 2011,2012... http://bit.ly/sLY0zx
• cad_notes: If you can’t disable uniform scale option when inserting AutoCAD block, this is the guide how you can fix it. http://cad-notes.com/2011/12/autocad-block-cant-be-inserted-using-non-uniform-scale/
• Lynn Allen: Have you noticed the new "Array" option in the Copy command in AutoCAD/LT 2012? Pretty handy!
• cadpanacea: AutoCAD Annotative objects in different locations? http://cadpanacea.com/node/342
• Seth Schoen at the EFF has a suggestion for an extra New Year's Resolution: Full-disk encryption on all your computers https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2011/12/newyears-resolution-full-disk-encryption-every-computer-you-own

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 Tips that work in LT: Part 4

Twitter Posts revisited: Variables and DWF options

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

• LT2012: EXPORTPAPERSPACE Specifies what part of the drawing to export to a DWF, DWFx, PDF file from paper space http://tinyurl.com/63mwzdd
• LT2012: EXPORTMODELSPACE Specifies what part of the drawing to export to a DWF, DWFx, PDF file from Model space http://tinyurl.com/6hz3m72
• FILL command controls the filling of objects such as hatches, 2D solids, and wide polylines http://tinyurl.com/42oxhp3
• EXPORTSETTINGS Adjusts the page setup and drawing selection when exporting to a DWF, DWFx, or PDF file http://tinyurl.com/3osb7jf
• EXPORTLAYOUT Creates a visual representation of the current layout in the model space of a new drawing http://tinyurl.com/3fb4y72
• ETRANSMIT command packages a set of files for Internet transmission http://tinyurl.com/3mm5zhk
• Learning AutoCAD LT 2012 Tutorials Disk or Download http://www.infiniteskills.com/training/learning-autocad-lt-2012.html
• DYNPROMPT Controls display of prompts in Dynamic Input tooltips. DYNTOOLTIPS Controls which tooltips are affected by appearance settings.
• DONUTID Sets the default for the inside diameter of a donut. DONUTOD Sets the default for the outside diameter of a donut.
• DIMTFILL Controls the background of dimension text. DIMTFILLCLR Sets the color for the text background in dimensions.
• DRAWORDERCTL Controls the default display behavior of overlapping objects when they are created or edited http://tinyurl.com/3k9l5po

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 ◦

Twitter Posts revisited: Variables and DWF options

AutoCAD Tips that work in LT: Part 2

Below are posts from fellow AutoCAD users with tips that are of equal use to LT users. Explore each link and start being more productive today.

• Kate Morrical Export AutoCAD LT Table to CSV http://bit.ly/vFKwk6
• AutoCAD VIDEO: Use the MENU command to migrate old CUI or MNS format files to CUIX format files in AutoCAD 2012. http://autode.sk/rSIg8j
• Lynn Allen AutoCAD Twitter Tip: Set SELECTIONANNODISPLAY to 0 if you get tired of seeing that Annotation Scaling ghosting
• Lynn Allen Master AutoCAD linetypes through Viewports http://bit.ly/rz3Wad @Cadalyst_Mag
• AutoCAD VIDEO: Robert Green describes how to take advantage of partial CUI files in AutoCAD 2012. http://autode.sk/vCmsI9
• AutoCAD VIDEO: Robert Green offers tips for educating users on the basics of sheet set functionality in AutoCAD 2012. http://autode.sk/uW9hsD
• Jeff Bartels AutoCAD Tip: Use saved layer states? Quickly access them by pressing ALT+S when in the Layer Properties Palette.
• AutoCAD 2011 and AutoCAD LT 2011: No Experience Required Donnie Gladfelter download, read, buy online http://mtny.mobi/1iiJ
• Vladimir Michl New CAD tip: Importing CSV file into an AutoCAD table. http://bit.ly/vTZQGG
• R.K. McSwain AutoCAD Text Editing tips http://cadpanacea.com/node/335

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 Tips that work in LT: Part 2

AutoCAD Tips that work in LT: Part 1

Below are posts from fellow AutoCAD users with tips that are of equal use to LT users. Explore each link and start being more productive today.

• Vladimir Michl New CAD tip: Connecting polylines by fillet - change in version 2012. http://bit.ly/nYCPWm
• bcbenton CADspeed article: Tips on Buying Wide-Format Printers for CAD, Part 1: Determine Your Needs… http://goo.gl/fb/4jAxr
• Kate Morrical Sheet Set Manager Video Series http://bit.ly/ofUnUh
• bcbenton CAD Speed-Tips on Buying Wide-Format Printers for CAD,Part2: Choosing the Right One: http://ow.ly/1yQGXM
• AutoCAD Free up your desktop with #AutodeskCloud. Access 2D and 3D DWG™ files from anywhere when you save to the cloud. http://autode.sk/pCQgfC
• Lynn Allen A simple macro for instantly loading and unloading Xrefs http://bit.ly/sikqXv @Cadalyst_Mag #AutoCAD
• Jeff Bartels AutoCAD Tip: Insert something into drawing & can't find it? Zoom directly to last object created, Press Z Enter O Enter L Enter.
• AutoCAD VIDEO: Robert Green describes how to add sheets and subsets to a sheet set in AutoCAD 2012. http://autode.sk/uHi9C6
• Lynn Allen Setting IMAGEFRAME in #AutoCAD (nice and simple explanation) http://bit.ly/unq5k2 @cadaddict
• bcbenton Sheet Set Manager just came to AutoCAD LT 2012? There were no sheet sets in LT before 2012?

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 Tips that work in LT: Part 1

Life without a Home PC

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.

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Life without a Home PC

LT Resources: free from Autodesk

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. ◦

LT Resources: free from Autodesk