LT2016: New, Changed and dropped commands

New AutoCAD LT 2016 Commands and System Variables List:

• CLOSEALLOTHER command: Closes all other open drawings, except the current active drawing.
• DIGITALSIGN command: Provides a separate command to add a digital signature to a drawing. Removes the Digital Signature tab from the SECURITYOPTIONS command.
• GOTOSTART command: Switches from the current active drawing to the Start tab.
• SCRIPTCALL command: Executes a sequence of commands the same as the SCRIPT command, with the additional capability of also executing nested scripts.
• SYSVARMONITOR command: Displays the System Variable Monitor dialog box.
• DIMLAYER variable: Specifies a default layer for new dimensions.
• DIMPICKBOX variable: Sets the object selection target height, in pixels within the DIM command.
• DIMTXTRULER variable: Controls the display of ruler when editing a dimension text.
• GALLERYVIEW variable: Controls the type of preview in the ribbon drop-down galleries.
• LINEFADING variable: Controls whether line displays are faded when hardware acceleration is on and you have exceeded the line density limits.
• LINEFADINGLEVEL variable: When hardware acceleration is on, controls the intensity of the line fading effect.
• REVCLOUDCREATEMODE variable: Specifies the default input for creating revision clouds.
• REVCLOUDGRIPS variable: Controls the number of grips displayed on a revision cloud.
• SELECTIONEFFECTCOLOR variable: Sets the color of the glowing highlighting effect on object selection.
• STARTINFOLDER variable: Stores the drive and folder path from where the product was started.
• SYSMON variable: Specifies whether changes to system variables values are monitored.
• WORKINGFOLDER variable: Stores the drive and folder path of the operating system's working folder or current directory for the process.
• XREFOVERRIDE variable: Controls the display of object properties on referenced layers.

Updated AutoCAD LT 2016 Commands and System Variables LIST:

• DIM command: Creates multiple types of dimensions within a single command session.
• OPTIONS command's Online Tab: Automatic saving to your A360 Drive has been removed. Instead, save or copy the drawing files that you want to upload to your A360 account directly to your local A360 Drive folder.
• PAGESETUP and PLOT commands: now display fully expanded and add PDF options button.
• REVCLOUD command: Creates a revision cloud. New options for modifying an existing revision cloud and creating rectangular and polygonal revision cloud have been added. Rectangular is the new default revision cloud creation method.
• UCS, VIEW and -VPORTS commands have been updated to include new features outlined above.

Obsolete AutoCAD LT 2016 Commands and System Variables List:

• DIM1 command: Obsolete but still included in the product to maintain legacy script compatibility
• NEWTAB command: Replaced by the Start tab. Use STARTMODE to control the display of the Start tab. Use GOTOSTART or Ctrl+Home to switch focus from the current drawing to the Start tab
• WELCOMESCREEN variable: Removed.

Watch the AutoCAD LT 2016 New Features Overview Video here http://bit.ly/1FUq0Cl
Tour the AutoCAD LT 2016 User Interface http://bit.ly/18PLrHU

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LT2016: New, Changed and dropped commands

Favorite AutoCAD/LT social media sites

Do you enjoy reading? Are you interested in topic specific blogs? Have a Twitter account but not sure what to do with it? Google+ not being a plus in your life? What about Pinterest? Facebook? LinkedIn?

In no particular order, we are going to list some of our favorite social media authors and where you can find them on the big wide web. Pick one, pick a few, each is delivered differently so you decide which best suits your needs and lifestyle.

But first, since you are reading our Blog, here are the other locations where we post if you are interested in exploring with us:
TWITTER  *  GOOGLE+  *  PINTEREST  *  FACEBOOK

Blogs

If you like a good read, and like to seek them out, blogs are great: they get into a level of detail you can find useful and helpful. Our favorite AutoCAD/LT specific blogs are:

• CAD-Notes: almost daily tips here, with pictures.
• Lynn Allen: Tips, how-Tos, and news/
• AutoCAD Tips: you guessed what it does by the name.
• CADPanacea: News and tips.
• AutoCAD Insider: Heidi Hewett, AutoCAD Technical Marketing Manager, writes this one.

Twitter

This is a great way to follow others that post often, read what they offer when you want, without going out hunting for them. At 140 character limit, these posts do tend to be short, sweet and to the point. You never have to post anything to stay on, but if you do, remember that the entire planet can see everything you write and post, forever.
Consider following these folks:

• CADdigest: CAD news from Roopinder Tara and Ralph Grabowski
• Cadalyst Magazine: Celebrating 30 years of delivering news, advice, tips, and product insight.
• CAD Setter Out: Tips, Tricks and Tutorials for AutoCAD and Autodesk Inventor.
• AutoCAD Tips: Useful tips and LISP routines for everyday AutoCAD users.
• CADnotes: Tutorials, tips and tricks to increase students and professionals productivity.
• BCBENTON: CAD Writer, blogger, trainer & Author of AutoCAD Fundamentals & Advanced AutoCAD Techniques.
• AutodeskHelp: Customer service crew at your beck & call 24/5 M-F in English. Ask them anything.

Google+

Do you live and breathe everything Google? Gmail and Google Apps a part of your daily routine? Google+ is made for you. Not as easy to understand as the other social media sites, and somewhat clunky, it's catching on and worth using if you are already a Google freak.

• CADnotes: yes, they are even here, you might as well follow them soon.
• Autodesk: news, views and information about current and future products.
• Paul Munford: Cad Setter Out owners and blogger.
• Scott Sheppard: Get the insider scoop from the Labs at Autodesk.
• CAD-a-Blog: tips and tricks and info about AutoCAD.
• Autodesk Help: catch them here too, 24/5 M-F.

If you'd rather join and participate in communities instead, consider joining some of these:

• AutoCAD: Talk about AutoCAD, tech support, wishes, ideas...etc

Pinterest

So if you are not familiar with this social media site, think of it as a visual 'favorites' pin-up board for websites you want to keep track of for future reference. It can be organized into specific categories or if you like it can just be a dumping ground for future reference.

• AutoCAD: news, information and more.
• AUGI: Autodesk User Group International, there are many good tips and videos posted here.
• Tutorial_AutoCAD: just as the name implies... .
• Teaching AutoCAD: learn how to use features in the program.
• AutoCAD Blocks: who doesn't need more blocks.
• AutoCAD Lessons: Video tutorials from all over the web.

YouTube

This video website has many Channels dedicated to many items, AutoCAD being no exception Here are some of our favorites:

• AutoCAD Tutorials: a great collection of videos for beginners and advanced users.
• AutoCAD for Mac: videos to get you familiar with this variant.
• Blocks and Dynamic Blocks: Get to know these better.
• AutoCAD Exchange: Help videos when you need them most.
• CAD Masters: Tutorials for AutoCAD in Windows and Mac.

Facebook

Not just for connecting with friends and family, many companies and users offer professional pages for you to "like" and connect with other users.

• Autodesk: They are everywhere.
• AutoCAD: Tips, news and more.
• CADXpert: sn interesting page with topics ranging from CAD to just about anything else.
• AutoCAD Library: Share DWG files with others here.

LinkedIn

The site for Professionals to network and stay connected, they also host many professional and software forums like AutoCAD. Check these out:

• AUGI AutoCAD Community: Network with fellow users and ask questions.
• AutoCAD: Great location to ask those unique questions.
• AutoCAD Exchange: Ask and you will get an answer. Or three.
• AutoCAD Users Exchange: Users helping other users to get it done.

OTHERS

For sites with no specific host, we recommend the following:

• Autodesk Hosted Forums: In my opinion, the premier location to get help with your Autodesk software needs.
• Cadalyst Video Gallery: Video tips by Lynn Allen.
• Learn and Explore: AutoCAD LT specific videos, tips and more, hosted at Autodesk.
• Without A Net: Tech support articles direct from Autodesk.

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Favorite AutoCAD/LT social media sites

Twitter Posts Revisited

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.

• QPLOCATION command sets the location for the Quick Properties palette.
• QDIM command creates a series of dimensions quickly from selected objects http://dld.bz/as8yE
• PUBLISHCOLLATE controls whether plotting a sheet set, multi-sheet plot file, or plot spool file can be interrupted http://dld.bz/as8xT
• PUBLISHALLSHEETS specifies whether to load the contents of the active document or all open documents in Publish pop-up http://dld.bz/as8xB
• PSTYLEMODE indicates whether the current drawing is in a Color-Dependent or Named Plot Style mode http://dld.bz/as8x4
• How to add custom hatch pattern to AutoCAD/LT http://alturl.com/ho35c
• PSLTSCALE command controls the linetype scaling of objects displayed in paper space viewports http://dld.bz/as8xz
• PROPOBJLIMIT limits number of objects that can be changed at one time with the Properties and Quick Properties palettes http://dld.bz/as8wP
• PREVIEWFILTER command excludes specified object types from selection previewing http://dld.bz/as8wK
• POLYSIDES sets the default number of sides for the POLYGON command http://dld.bz/as8wD

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 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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Twitter Posts Revisited

Twitter Posts Revisted

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.

• User's Guide: Controlling how objects mirror http://tinyurl.com/3eh6oz9
• MIRRHATCH controls how MIRROR reflects hatch patterns. MIRRTEXT controls how MIRROR reflects text.
• MENUBAR command controls the display of the menu bar. Yes, you can have a pulldown menu with the RIBBON.
• MBUTTONPAN command controls the behavior of the third button or wheel on the pointing device http://tinyurl.com/3nyx32r
• MSPACE in a layout, switches from paper space to model space in a layout viewport http://tinyurl.com/3ncuvz6
• User's Guide: How to Correct Mistakes http://tinyurl.com/3d75hwe
• LT tip: to add XREFs quickly to many files, attach them in one DWG file then use COPYCLIP/PASTEORIG to add them as XREFs in all other files.
• MREDO command reverses the effects of several previous UNDO or U commands http://tinyurl.com/3unnbwy

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 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/ ◦

Twitter Posts Revisted

AutoCAD Abilities You Can Control in LT

There are some abilities in full AutoCAD that LT cannot use fully, but you can at least control some of them. Here is a listing of items LT can manage:

• 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.

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AutoCAD Abilities You Can Control in LT

Work with AutoCAD Drawings in AutoCAD LT

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.

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Work with AutoCAD Drawings in AutoCAD LT

Understand the Effect of Format Changes

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.

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Understand the Effect of Format Changes

How do you share DWG files?

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. ◦

How do you share DWG files?

Draw with Precision Tools in AutoCAD/LT

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.

• Overview of Coordinate Entry
• Enter 2D Coordinates
• Enter 3D Coordinates
• Understand the User Coordinate System (UCS)
• Control the Display of the User Coordinate System Icon

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.

• Use Object Snaps
• The Object Snap Menu
• Set Visual Aids for Object Snaps (AutoSnap)
• Override Object Snap Settings  

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

• Adjust Grid and Grid Snap
• Use Orthogonal Locking (Ortho Mode)
• Use Polar Tracking and PolarSnap
• Lock an Angle for One Point (Angle)  

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.

• Combine Coordinate Values (Coordinate Filters)
• Track to Points on Objects (Object Snap Tracking)
• Track to Offset Point Locations (Tracking)

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

• Enter Direct Distances
• Offset from Temporary Reference Points
• Specify Intervals on Objects

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

• Obtain Distances, Angles, and Point Locations
• Obtain Area and Mass Properties Information

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.

• Use the QuickCalc Calculator
• Use 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. ◦

Draw with Precision Tools in AutoCAD/LT