AutoCAD/LT2017 (aka Nautilus): Up Periscope!

Autodesk on Monday March 21, 2016 will officially announce the release of the 2017 versions of their AutoCAD line. If you are on Subscription just might see a download link for it as soon as this weekend on your Products Page.  Expect access to the 2017 free 30-day trial downloads to start soon after the official announcements.

Today's blog post will highlight what is new in AutoCAD 2017 and comment on if we think it will make it to LT2017: Autodesk has chosen not to make LT available for this review so until it's officially released we cannot confirm at this time if all of these features will be present. Let's hope the bean counters are not in charge or we will lose what few worthy features are in this update.

This 2017 version is more of a house-keeping cleanup of the interface and core features rather than a huge list of extras or new features, although what has been added is pretty cool.

First, the important stuff: DWG file format remains the same.

Second, Windows OS requirements are as follows. Note that Win10Home and other cheaper versions are not supported and some of the new AutoCAD features are not available to users in 32bit versions of Windows:

32-bit and 64-bit of the following Windows® 7 editions and Service Pack 1 (SP1):
•Microsoft Windows 7 Enterprise
•Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium
•Microsoft Windows 7 Professional
•Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate

32-bit and 64-bit of the following Windows® 8.1 editions with Update KB2919355:
•Microsoft Windows 8.1
•Microsoft Windows 8.1 Pro
•Microsoft Windows 8.1 Enterprise

32-bit and 64-bit of the following Windows® 10 editions:
•Windows 10 Enterprise edition
•Windows 10 Professional edition

Third, Autodesk has enhanced the installation migration option with more feedback as to what you want to move from an older version. This new Smooth Migration n0w displays a modern migration interface an separates AutoCAD/LT customization settings into three groups and 10 categories. Plus it provides a summary report that organizes the migration data by group types and categories.

AutoCAD 2017 introduces the following features:

Import PDF
Imports the geometry and TrueType text from a specified page in a PDF file, or from all or part of an attached PDF underlay. The Import tool is available from both the Application menu and the Insert ribbon tab. The command is PDFIMPORT.
New Commands: PDFIMPORT, -PDFIMPORT
New System Variables: PDFIMPORTFILTER, PDFIMPORTIMAGEPATH, PDFIMPORTLAYERS, PDFIMPORTMODE

Smart Center
1. Provides a way to create an associative centermark for a hole within a drawing view.
2. Provides a way to create an associative centerline between two straight edges within a drawing view.
3. Includes several system variables to control centermark and centerline parameters.
4. Supports the Match Properties, Add Selected, and Select Similar features.
New Commands: CENTERDISASSOCIATE, CENTERLINE, CENTERMARK, CENTERREASSOCIATE, CENTERRESET System variables: CENTERRESET, CENTERCROSSSIZE, CENTEREXE, CENTERLAYER, CENTERLTSCALE, CENTERLTYPE, CENTERLTYPEFILE, CENTERMARKEXE.

AutoCAD Experience
1. The TEXTEDIT command is now automatically repeated.
2. Adds support for resizing several dialog boxes.
3. Removes the interfering tooltips from the QSelect and Purge dialog boxes.
4. Allows the HPLAYER system variable to be set to nonexistent layer for new hatches and fills. The layer is created when the next hatch or fill is created.
5. Displays a message when PICKFIRST is set to 0, and a command is started when an object is currently selected.
6. Supports a new UNIT setting: US Survey Feet.

Share Design Views
Publishes design views of your current drawing to a secure, anonymous location within Autodesk A360. You can share views of the drawing by forwarding a generated link to the people that you specify. Access to these views is provided by any supported web browser, and does not require recipients to have an Autodesk A360 account or install any additional software. Supported browsers include Chrome, Firefox, and other browsers that support WebGL 3D graphics.
This feature can be accessed from the Application menu and the A360 tab on the ribbon.
New Command: ONLINEDESIGNSHARE

Coordination Model Osnap Support
1. Provides a way to specify precise locations on an attached coordination model using the standard 2D endpoint and center object snaps.
2. Enables snapping in coordination models, to support standard 2D endpoint and center snaps (only).
3. Provides the CMOSNAP system variable, coordination model osnap, to turn object snapping on and off for geometry in Coordination Models that are attached to the drawing.
4. Works with any command that requires selecting a point location, such as LINE, SPHERE, so on.

Visual Experience
1. Improves the performance for panning and zooming operations.
2. Improves the visual quality for linetypes.
3. Enhances selecting and object snapping within the gaps in non-continuous linetypes when LTGAPSELECTION is turned on.

3D Graphics System
Improves the stability of 3D Navigation tools, and the performance of blocks in 3D, specifically for models with a large number of small blocks containing edges and facets. In most of the cases, the model's visual fidelity will be maintained during 3D Interaction.

Security
Trusts any files under Program Files, which is under the OS’s UAC protection, and indicates so by displaying these implicitly trusted path in Trusted Paths UI and graying them out.

3D Printing (Not LT is our guess)
Adds a workflow for the 3DPRINT command by opening an STL file in Print Studio.

Once the final shipping/release version of LT2017 is made available Monday, we will dissect the details noted above strictly for LT2017 users and identify our favorite parts and what, if anything, Autodesk missed with this issue.

Stay Tuned.

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AutoCAD/LT2017 (aka Nautilus): Up Periscope!

AutoCAD/LT for MAC: FAQ

Are you curious about the MAC version of AutoCAD/LT? Or a current user looking for basic answers? This blog post will attempt to answer the most common questions you might have about this Apple OS based software (This is not an April Fools post).

• Where is the Ribbon?
  The MAC version of AutoCAD/LT has an Apple-base user interface that reflects Autodesk's complete rewrite of the program from the ground up. They chose not to implement a Microsoft Windows interface for this new variant: they probably still remember the backlash when, back in the day, AutoCAD for DOS' interface was used on Mac, Unix and Sun workstations much to the dismay of core users of those systems. Other visual differences:
  - All toolbars are accumulated in Tool Sets palette with the ability to switch between tabs with sets of icons.
  - All UI elements could be either floating or docked to the sides of the screen (Tool Sets to the left or to the right: Layers, Properties, Content, References, Projects, Materials palettes to the left or to the right side; Command window and Status Bar to the bottom side).

• Will I be able to share DWG and DXF files between the Windows and Mac versions of AutoCAD?
  Yes. And it requires no special effort or any change. Just send and receive your files freely.

• Is there an AutoCAD/LT for MAC book to learn the program?
  There are two publications: Mastering AutoCAD for MAC and One Step At A Time, plus an AutoCAD 2015 For Interior Designers book that tries to straddle both Windows and Mac versions. There are also many YouTube video tutorials and how-tos that can help you learn the program.

• I want to import my custom CUIx file from AutoCAD for Windows to the MAC version, how do I do that?
  Unfortunately there is no such feature in AutoCAD for Mac. You cannot import personal CUI file from PC to Mac.
  If you want to transfer your custom commands or macros from PC to Mac, you need to do this manually with the CUI editor. Note: not all functions are available in the Mac versions and some custom commands (macros) may not work in AutoCAD/LT for Mac.

• Can I import and use plot style tables (STB or CTB) from AutoCAD in Windows?
  Yes you can: place your plot style table file in the "~/Library/Application Support/Autodesk/roaming/AutoCADversion/Rxx.x/enu/Plotters/Plot Styles" (Library folder in your Home folder); after that it should appear in "Advanced" dialog box of "Page Setup" dialog (or "Print" dialog). You can also try this method HERE.

• How do I create a new plot style table file in the MAC versions of AutoCAD/LT?Not an option yet: AutoCAD/LT for Mac has no plot style creator/editor available.
  Either ask a Windows version user to create/edit one for you, or use THIS free cad software for mac that allows you to edit CTB and STB.

• How do I change my DWG file from using STB to using CTB (or vice versa) plot style tables?
  Unlike AutoCAD/LT in Windows, AutoCAD/LT for MAC have no CONVERTPSTYLES or  CONVERTCTB commands to convert named plot styles to color plot styles (or vice versa) "on the fly".
  But there is workaround - if you want to convert STB-based DWG to CTB-based:
  1. Create new drawing using CTB-based template
  2. Copy all objects from your STB-based file and paste it into this new file.
  3. Reverse the process for moving from CTB to STB.

• How do I add custom or extra fonts to AutoCAD/LT for MAC?
  If these are AutoCAD SHX fonts, than you need to place them inside AutoCAD application folder: find the AutoCAD/LT application in Applications folder on your Mac, right-click on it, select "Show package contents" from context menu. Now type SHX in the Spotlight search field of the current Finder window, then look for the SHX folder in search results, double click to open it. Here you can copy your font files. Restart AutoCAD and now you can use fonts.
  If your fonts are TTF, than you need to place them to the ~/Library/Fonts folder, and don't forget to restart AutoCAD/LT.

• Can I create PDF files in AutoCAD/LT for MAC? There is no AutoCAD driver installed.
  Yes, you can save (plot) or export to PDF without adding any drivers: the MAC OS is equipped with it by default and is available to all MAC OS programs, explore HERE. Note that there are currently no options to include Layer lists into the PDF.

• Where are the Express Tools in AutoCAD for MAC?
  There are no Express Tools in AutoCAD for MAC, nor in LT for MAC.

• How do I change command shortcuts in the MAC version? Is there a PGP file to edit?
  Click the Tools menu > Customize > Edit Command Aliases (PGP). Note: The default PGP file can also be opened by launching Finder, pressing and holding Option, and clicking Go  Library. In the Finder window, navigate to Application Support/Autodesk/Roaming////Support and double-click acad.pgp (or acadlt.pgp for AutoCAD LT) to edit the file. If prompted for an application to use, select TextEdit.
  In the text editor, add your new command aliases to the bottom of the file. Save the PGP file after you make the desired edits.
  In AutoCAD or the AutoCAD LT, click Tools menu  Customize  Reload Command Aliases (PGP).
  Alternate Method: Find the acadlt.pgp file on your Mac: it is in ~/Library/Application Support/Autodesk/roaming/AutoCAD LT Standdalone/Rxx.0/enu/Support folder, then edit it in Textedit.app as described in Help documentation (Help->Customization Guide->Basic Customization->Create Command Aliases.

• Pressing the F-Keys like F3 and F8 don't work? Delete key doesn't work?
  On a MAC you have to press and hold the fn key first to activate those keys: fn+F3, fn+F8, fn+DELETE activate these keyboard keys while in AutoCAD/LT for MAC.
  For a permanent fix, go to the MAC OS System Preferences > Keyboard >Keyboard and check "Use all F1, F2, etc keys as standard . . . ". You can check the other box for "Show Keyboard & Character Viewers in Menu Bar" so you can jump right to this preferences pane from the Menu bar and change it. While Standard F1 keys is checked, you can hold fn to go back to the special functions (volume control, brightness, etc).

• I can't find any option for Layer States in my AutoCAD/LT for MAC, why?
  You need to upgrade to AutoCAD/LT2015 for MAC for that ability: older versions offer an older subset using -LAYER command (there is a dash in the name) that is not quite as advanced.

• Can I create and use Dynamic Blocks in AutoCAD/LT for MAC?
  Yes, starting with the 2015 versions you can create and edit Dynamic Blocks. In earlier versions, creating them was not an option.

• Does AutoCAD/LT for MAC support Retina Displays?
  According to Autodesk, Retina support works as designed only if you set resolution in Mac OS System preferences to "Best for display", which means effective desktop resolution of the standard 15-inch MacBook Pro's 1440 x 900 panel, but with four physical pixels driving every single pixel represented on the screen.

• There is no eTransmit command: how do I send drawing files to others from the MAC version?
  While that is true for older MAC versions of AutoCAD/LT, you can set up a free AutoCAD360 web account and ships it like THIS to solve it. eTransmit is available in current versions.

• Where can I download language packs for AutoCAD/LT for MAC?
  To date there are no language packs for any version of AutoCAD/LT for MAC 2015 and lower versions. MAC versions of AutoCAD/LT are only available in English and French.

• Can I set the mouse middle button in the MAC versions to behave like the Windows version?
  Yes you can, read this AutoCAD Forum thread on the topic HERE.

• What other commands are missing from AutoCAD/LT for MAC that are found in the Windows versions?
  The following core commands do not exist on the MAC versions as of this blog date: CHSPACE, Geolocation and ADCENTER (Content Palette has some similar, but not all, abilities) are a few of the differences, for more details explore these links for AUTOCAD and LT.

• Ready to get started? Still not sure?
  Visit this Lynda.com webpage for quick short tutorials to help your Migration From Windows To MAC with AutoCAD/LT. You can also review the AutoCAD/LT Shortcuts Guide ONLINE or as a downloadable PDF.

I would like to thank my fellow Autodesk Expert Elite Maxim Kanaev for his many posts at the Autodesk Forums that made this blog post possible. ◦

AutoCAD/LT for MAC: FAQ

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

LT2014's Command Line: it's here to stay.

The New Command Line interface, docked or floating, has been enhanced in AutoCAD/LT 2014 to provide easier, more efficient access to commands, system variables and to find other content such as blocks, hatch patterns, visual styles, and Internet help if needed.

• AutoCorrect. If you mistype a command, instead responding with “Unknown command”, AutoCAD/LT autocorrects to the most relevant and valid AutoCAD command. For example, if you accidently type TABEL, the TABLE command is automatically launched.
• AutoComplete command entry is enhanced to support mid‐string search. For example, if
  you type SETTING on the Command line, the suggestion list displays commands containing the word SETTING anywhere within it, not just at the beginning.
• Adaptive Suggestion: As you continue to use AutoCAD/LT, the order of commands in the suggestion list will adapt to your own usage habits. The command usage data is stored in the profile and adapts to each user.
• The Command line now has a built in synonym list. Enter a word at the command line and it will return a command if a match is found in the synonym list. For example, if you enter Symbol, AutoCAD finds the INSERT command so you can insert a block. Or if you enter Round, AutoCAD finds the FILLET command so you can add a fillet to a corner. And YES, you can add your own words to the AutoCorrect and Synonym lists using the Edit Aliases tool from the Manage ribbon tab.
• You can quickly search for more information on a command or system variable in the suggestion list in an Internet Search. Move the cursor over the command or system variable in the list and choose the Help or Internet icons to search for relevant information.
• You can use the command line to access layers, blocks, hatch patterns/gradients, text styles, dimension styles and visual styles. For example, if you enter Door at the command line and the current drawing has a block definition with the name Door, you can quickly insert it right from the suggestion list.
• To make the suggestion list easier to navigate, system variables and other content are organized into expandable categories. You can expand a category to see the results or press the Tab key to cycle through each category.
• You can customize the behavior of the command line using controls in the Input Settings menu when you right‐click on the command line. In addition to the previous options to enable AutoComplete and search for system variables, you can enable AutoCorrect, search content and mid‐string search. All of these options are turned on by default. Yes, that does mean you need to use that right-click mouse button for more than .
• Much of the new command line functionality including AutoCorrect, mid-string search, and adaptive suggestions is also available using dynamic input.

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LT2014's Command Line: it's here to stay.

AutoCAD/LT 2014 is here!

Today Autodesk will officially share all the hidden secrets and more for their entire 2014 products, including our favorite LT2014, so visit Autodesk's LT Webpage for all the glossy presentations.
 
From us here, you'll get a honest no-frills list of what's new, what's changed, and what got dropped, with more indepth reviews in future blog posts that will expand on each category:

• Supported Operating Systems for AutoCAD/LT 2014:  Microsoft® Windows XP Professional SP3, Microsoft® Windows XP Home SP3 (32-bit only) , and 32bit-64bit versions of Microsoft Windows 7 Enterprise, 7 Ultimate, 7 Professional,  7 Home Premium, Microsoft Windows 8, 8 Pro and 8 Enterprise.
• If you are using a Windows 8 touch-enabled screen, you can benefit from smoother pan and zoom performance. A new control on the System tab of the Options dialog box displays a touch mode ribbon panel when a touch screen device is detected. The Touch ribbon panel enables you cancel the current command and returns you to the Select/Command prompt.
• Hardware Requirements: sadly, they still publish low end "minimum requirements" that really don't allow this software to shine. So instead of repeating them here, we will just move on.

Now for the good stuff, WHAT'S NEW! Here are the highlights with much more to come in future posts:

• Cloud sharing is here to stay: renamed Autodesk 360 also has some new usage and legal language that acknowledges your privacy, privacy of your files, and your complete ownership of your files. Log on and read the fine print even in LT2013 if you did not get the email that was released last week.
  Autodesk 360 includes a new Open Folder tool for easy access to the Autodesk 360 folder on your local machine and the new Design Feed enables you to enter posts and Images for a drawing tgat can be shared online.
• The commandline is here to stay with some really great new abilities: look for a separate post on many of these new and exciting features.
• Files tabs: built into AutoCAD/LT 2014 release, they offers drawing tabs as a fast and visual way to switch between open drawings or to create new ones. You can turn the file tabs bar on or off using the File Tabs control on the View ribbon tab. When File Tabs are turned on, a tab for each open drawing is displayed at the top of the drawing area.File tabs are displayed in the order they were opened. You can drag and drop tabs to change their order. A lock icon on a tab indicates that the file is open as read‐only and an asterisk indicates if the file has been modified since its last save. When you pass the cursor over a file tab, preview images of the model and layouts are displayed.
  Best feature: The right‐click menu for file tabs enables you to create, open, save and close files including the ability to close all open files except the one on which you right‐clicked. You can also copy the full file path to the clipboard or open the file location in Windows Explorer. A Plus (+) icon to the right of the drawing tabs, enables you to easily create new drawings, automatically adding their tabs as they are created.
• Layer Manager: The number of layers displayed on the ribbon has been increased. Layers are now displayed using natural ordered sort. For example, the following layer names 1, 4, 25, 6, 21, 2, 10 are sorted as 1, 2, 4, 6, 10, 21, 25 instead of 1, 10, 2, 25, 21, 4, 6.
  A new Merge option in the Layer Manager enables you to select one or more layers from the layer list and merge the objects from those layers onto a different layer. The original layers are automatically purged from the drawing.
• Xref Enhancements: The display of linetypes and layers from externally referenced drawings is enhanced in AutoCAD/LT 2014. Xref linetypes are not displayed in the linetype list of the ribbon or Properties palette. Xref layers are still displayed in the ribbon so you can control their visibility but they are not displayed in the Properties palette.
  You can easily change the attachment type for an xref between Attach and Overlay by double‐clicking in the Type column. A new option in the right‐click menu enables you to change the xref type for multiple selected xrefs at the same time.
  The External References palette includes new tools to easily change the path of selected xrefs between Absolute and Relative. You can also remove the path completely. The –XREF command includes a new PATHTYPE option enabling you to automate these path changes through scripting.
• Geographic Location, similar to abilities found in AutoCAD MAP have been added: this feature and it's uses will be explored in a future blog.
• Arcs: Easily draw an arc in either direction using by pressing the Ctrl key to switch directions as you draw.
• Polylines: the ability to fillet a polyline to itself, creating a closed polyline, has been added.
• Sheet Sets:  When creating a new sheet in a sheet set the CreateDate field stored in the associated template (.dwt) displays the creation date of the new sheet rather than the creation date of the template file.
• Plot Styles: the CONVERTPSTYLES command is enhanced to support style names with spaces.
• Single line text is enhanced to maintain the last justification setting until it’s changed.
• The new DIMCONTINUEMODE system variable provides you with more control when creating continued and baseline dimensions. When DIMCONTINUE is set to 0, the DIMCONTINUE and DIMBASELINE commands create dimensions based on the current dimension style. When set to 1, they apply the dimension style of the selected dimension.
• The Hatch tool on the ribbon maintains the previous method for selecting objects to hatch: Pick internal point or Select objects. The Undo option is added to the command line.
• Design Feed: accessible from the Autodesk 360 ribbon tab, displays a palette in which you can enter text messages and attach images to be shared online with colleagues, clients, and consultants through Autodesk 360. Posts appear with related drawings on the desktop, on the web, and across mobile devices.You can associate your message with a location or area within the drawing. In the example below, the first post was associated with an area and indicated with a design feed bubble. The settings button on the Design Feed palette lets you control the display of the bubbles.You can tag colleagues, clients, and consultants to notify them of your post; notifications will be sent to them by email and will also appear within AutoCAD. After you finish creating a post, it is saved to your Autodesk 360 account with the drawing, along with any images that you attached. Using Autodesk 360, the people that you have authorized can view the drawing and its associated posts, and the people that you have tagged can post replies. When the questions in a post and its replies are no longer active, you can resolve the thread to hide it in the Design Feed palette.
• AutoCAD/LT 2014 offers improved access to online Help, particularly when using proxy servers.
• HELP in LT2014 has an improved Search feature that seems to work well, see screenshot below. Sadly the results are still disconnected, links are not intuitive, referenced additional commands are not easy to seek and more. The huge mess that was LT2013 seems to have been carried over to LT2014.

Stay tuned for more information about LT2014 today and in the near future right here.

 

 

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AutoCAD/LT 2014 is here!

AutoCAD/LT 2013 Tips and Links of Interest

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.

• 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: 2013 Updated 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

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/LT 2013 Tips and Links of Interest

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

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.

• OLESTARTUP command controls whether the source application of an embedded OLE object loads when plotting http://tinyurl.com/3bbjrc8
• Object Snaps specify a precise point at a location on an object http://dld.bz/as8py
• OBJECTISOLATIONMODE controls whether hidden objects remain hidden between drawing sessions http://tinyurl.com/3zt5ww4
• LT2012: OVERKILL removes duplicate/overlapping lines, arcs, polylines + combines partially overlapping/contiguous ones http://tinyurl.com/3ccg5oj
• LT2012: OPENONLINE opens the AutoCADWS Editor in web browser, displays an online copy of the current drawing for online editing and sharing.
• OOPS command restores erased objects http://tinyurl.com/3m7p33s
• LT2012 Tip: ONLINEDRAWINGS opens AutoCAD WS in a web browser and lists the available online files http://tinyurl.com/3tdgz57
• OLESCALE commands controls the size, scale, and other properties of a selected OLE object http://tinyurl.com/3t4jy3x
• OLELINKS command updates, changes, and cancels existing OLE links http://tinyurl.com/3tz2xx7
• OBJECTSCALE command adds or deletes supported scales for annotative objects http://tinyurl.com/3s9rzoe

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 Tips that work in LT: Part 8

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.

• Jeff Bartels‏ AutoCAD Tip: Drawings can also be opened by dragging and dropping DWG file onto AutoCAD shortcut icon.
• Works in LT too “@JeffBartels: AutoCAD Tip: Drag and drop an image into Modelspace to create an instant reference.”
• R.K. McSwain‏ Create a new command and a new contextual tab in AutoCAD. http://bit.ly/JFnIvW
• AutoCAD LT‏ Text editor settings http://bit.ly/JD2E6s
• Vladimir Michl‏ New CAD tip: How to change AutoCAD serial number? http://bit.ly/ISUpEX
• Lynn Allen‏ Need to make an object w/ the same settings/properties as an existing one ? Select object, rt click and pick "Add Selected"
• Lynn Allen: Learn to write command scripts for AutoCAD and automate your plotting http://bit.ly/FPyFIm
• Kate Morrical‏ Annotation Visibility http://bit.ly/AhBcII
• R.K. McSwain‏ Got a multi-sheet PDF underlay in #AutoCAD? Want to change the actual page it shows? http://bit.ly/yubdGA
• VMichl: New CAD tip: How to avoid opening Acrobat Reader after publishing DWG to PDF? http://bit.ly/A3EbjP”

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 8

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.

• NCOPY command copies objects that are contained in an xref, block, or DGN underlay http://tinyurl.com/3w7w7jn
• MTP locates the midpoint between two points, type it while in a command: http://dld.bz/as8jT
• MTEXTTOOLBAR Controls the display of the Text Formatting toolbar http://tinyurl.com/3rnwxqc
• MTEXTFIXED Sets the display size and orientation of multiline text in a specified text editor http://tinyurl.com/3gm8xuc
• User's Guide: Create and Edit Columns in Multiline Text http://tinyurl.com/3ljr5e2
• MTEXTCOLUMN command sets the default column setting for an mtext object http://tinyurl.com/3zkvgmd
• User's Guide: Overview of Importing OLE Objects into Drawings http://dld.bz/as8jb
• MSOLESCALE command controls the size of an OLE object with text that is pasted into model space http://tinyurl.com/3qlee2b
• MSLTSCALE command Scales linetypes displayed on the model tab by the scale representation http://tinyurl.com/4ypn8q4
• MLEADERSCALE command sets the overall scale factor applied to multileader objects http://tinyurl.com/4yd743r

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

Calling External Applications from AutoCAD/LT

While AutoCAD/LT is running, you can invoke (start) other programs or utilities such Windows system commands, utilities, and applications: the coding is simple and coded in the same file that AutoCAD/LT uses to read those command shortcuts we all use instead of typing full command names, the ACADLT.PGP file (for AutoCAD users, it's the ACAD.PGP file).

You define external commands by specifying a command name to be used from the AutoCAD command prompt and an executable command string that is passed to the operating system. By default, defined in the acadlt.pgp file are three commands that work to call up a couple of the most common Windows based Applications. These commands are listed as follows.

EXPLORER - Launches a session of Windows Explorer
NOTEPAD - Launches a session of NotePad with file provided if one is given
PBRUSH - Launches a session Windows Paint (or Paintbrush).

The coding structure inside the PGP for these external commands are as follows:

,[],,[*],

Examples of external commands for Windows built into LT by default:
EXPLORER,  START EXPLORER, 1,,
NOTEPAD,   START NOTEPAD,  1,,

PBRUSH,    START PBRUSH,   1,,

What does all ths coding mean?

• The first part represents the command name that you type in AutoCAD to execute the line of code.Feel free to abbreviate any of these to your preference, we show them with full names for clarity of this article.
• The second part calls a defined command from earlier in the Acad.pgp file.  This command is used to launch an executable that is registered on the current system (basically, how Windows calls the command).
• The third part is used to allocate memory.  This field is used maintains compatibility with previous versions of AutoCAD.  Typically the number zero is present.
• The fourth part is used to display a prompt at the AutoCAD Command Line.  This field is optional to use and the response to this prompt is appended to the string supplied in the executable field. If the first character of the prompt field is an asterisk (*), the response can contain spaces and the user must press ENTER to terminate it.
• The fifth part is an optional bit-coded parameter.  These codes can be added together in order to reach the desired results.

Here are examples of external commands from Windows we modified and added to LT. In these first to examples, we added additional prompts at the command line to prompt the user:

EXPLORER,  START EXPLORER, 1,*Directory to Start in: ,

NOTEPAD,   START NOTEPAD,  1,*File to edit: ,

 

Other examples of external programs to call from inside LT at the command line, or a menu/screen button:

EXCEL,    START EXCEL,   1,,

WORD,    START WINWORD,   1,,

POWERPOINT,    START POWERPNT,   1,,

WORDPAD,    START WRITE,   1,,

OUTLOOK,    START OUTLOOK,   1,,

 

What external programs would you find useful to call from inside LT?

◦

Calling External Applications from AutoCAD/LT

AutoCAD Tips that work in LT: Part 7

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).

• VMichl tip: The login name of the last "editor" of a DWG drawing is displayed in DWGPROPS command (Last saved in the Statistics tab).
• Lynn Allen‏ Don't like the way #AutoCAD grips your centered MTEXT? Try setting CENTERMT to 1. (the Center grip will stay in place)
• Jeff Bartels: Assign table cells an RGB 255,255,255 (white) fill color to always hide everything behind the table.
• bcbenton‏ Can’t Detach an AutoCAD Reference File http://ow.ly/1hlZtQ
• Vladimir Michl‏ New CAD tip: How to set the Select objects mode for the Hatch command? http://bit.ly/yGCm5l
• Edwin Prakoso‏ Do you need to copy and trim objects within a boundary? See this AutoCAD tip how to do it quickly! http://cad-notes.com/2012/02/how-to-trim-and-copy-objects-within-a-boundary/
• R.K. McSwain‏ Copy between #AutoCAD drawings without using Cut & Paste http://bit.ly/zOYU6C
• Works in LT “@cadpanacea: #AutoCAD tip -- double click the wheel to Zoom Extents”
• Vladimir Michl‏ New CAD tip: How to lock layers without changing their color? http://bit.ly/wAOa0n
• An LT Table tip to explore “@VMichl: New CAD tip: How to wrap a long parts list to multiple columns? http://bit.ly/Az5369”
• bcbenton‏ AutoCAD – Color Change – WHY? http://ow.ly/1h4I2t
• LT2012 tip “@JeffBartels: Paste text from other apps into MTEXT? Right-click & choose "Paste Special" to remove formatting on insertion.”

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 7

AutoCAD Tips that work in LT: Part 6

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.

• VMichl tip: The login name of the last "editor" of a DWG drawing is displayed in DWGPROPS command (Last saved in the Statistics tab).
• Lynn Allen‏ Don't like the way #AutoCAD grips your centered MTEXT? Try setting CENTERMT to 1. (the Center grip will stay in place)
• Jeff Bartels: Assign table cells an RGB 255,255,255 (white) fill color to always hide everything behind the table.
• bcbenton‏ Can’t Detach an AutoCAD Reference File http://ow.ly/1hlZtQ
• Vladimir Michl‏ New CAD tip: How to set the Select objects mode for the Hatch command? http://bit.ly/yGCm5l
• Edwin Prakoso‏ Do you need to copy and trim objects within a boundary? See this AutoCAD tip how to do it quickly! http://cad-notes.com/2012/02/how-to-trim-and-copy-objects-within-a-boundary/
• R.K. McSwain‏ Copy between #AutoCAD drawings without using Cut & Paste http://bit.ly/zOYU6C
• Works in LT “@cadpanacea: #AutoCAD tip -- double click the wheel to Zoom Extents”
• Vladimir Michl‏ New CAD tip: How to lock layers without changing their color? http://bit.ly/wAOa0n
• An LT Table tip to explore “@VMichl: New CAD tip: How to wrap a long parts list to multiple columns? http://bit.ly/Az5369”
• bcbenton‏ AutoCAD – Color Change – WHY? http://ow.ly/1h4I2t
• LT2012 tip “@JeffBartels: Paste text from other apps into MTEXT? Right-click & choose "Paste Special" to remove formatting on insertion.”

Catch a listing of all our twitter postings HERE.

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 6

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.

• Shhh... The secret command DIMROTATED finally gets documented in 2012's Help http://bit.ly/xmluY7 but it has been around for a while now.
• MLEADEREDIT command adds leader lines to, or removes leader lines from, a multileader object http://tinyurl.com/4x9udgj
• MLEADERCOLLECT Organizes selected multileaders that contain blocks into rows or columns, and displays the result with a single leader.
• MLEADERALIGN command aligns and spaces selected multileader objects http://tinyurl.com/3puar4o
• MAXACTVP command sets the maximum number of viewports that can be active at one time in a layout http://tinyurl.com/3lp3plp
• MEASUREGEOM Measures the distance, radius, angle, area, and volume of selected objects or sequence of points http://tinyurl.com/3jjt28b
• MEASURE Creates point objects or blocks at measured intervals along the length or perimeter of an object http://tinyurl.com/44pqf4d
  User's Guide: Add Text and Blocks to Tables http://tinyurl.com/3vfc59g
• MATCHCELL command applies the properties of a selected table cell to other table cells http://tinyurl.com/3gey5pr
• LT2012 tip: MANAGEUPLOADS command manages the uploading of files stored on the AutoCAD WS server http://tinyurl.com/42crxth

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

Twitter Posts revisited: Hatch settings

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.

• HPSEPARATE Command more information http://tinyurl.com/3lqjx4z
• HPSEPARATE Controls whether a single hatch object or separate hatch objects are created when operating on several closed boundaries
• HPCOLOR Sets a default color for new hatches. HPLAYER Specifies a default layer for new hatches and fills.
• HPBOUNDRETAIN command controls whether boundary objects are created for new hatches and fills http://tinyurl.com/3uy2hcq
• HPBOUND command controls the object type created by HATCH and BOUNDARY http://tinyurl.com/3g5gr4k
• HPASSOC command controls whether hatches and fills are associative http://tinyurl.com/3gu2e4m
• HPANNOTATIVE command controls whether a new hatch pattern is annotative http://tinyurl.com/3cnl79g
• HIDETEXT command Specifies whether text objects created by the TEXT or MTEXT command are processed during HIDE command http://tinyurl.com/3hvzrgb
• HIDEOBJECTS Command Hides selected objects http://tinyurl.com/3c34n9l
• HATCHSETORIGIN Controls the starting location of hatch pattern generation for a selected hatch http://tinyurl.com/3lfav9z
• HATCHSETBOUNDARY Redefines a selected hatch or fill to conform to a different closed boundary http://tinyurl.com/3qou8tj
• HATCHGENERATEBOUNDARY Creates a non-associated polyline around a selected hatch http://tinyurl.com/3o68f5e

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: Hatch settings

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

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

Twitter Posts revisited: Attributes and Chamfer

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

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

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

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

Twitter Posts revisited: Attributes and Chamfer

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.

◦

Life without a Home PC