Specifying a different TEMP folder for AutoCAD/LT

AutoCAD/LT defaults to your Windows Log-in Temp folder location for many items (including your Autosave files) it needs to run every time you use the program. While this is convenient to program for the, it becomes difficult for you the end user to find these items when you need them the most.

To access your default Windows TEMP folder, you can either use Windows Explorer to go to the following folder:
C:\Users\YourNameHere\appdata\local\temp\
or Click Start menu (Windows) then Run: In the Run dialog box, enter %TEMP% and click OK.

You can however set up AutoCAD/LT to use any other folder you may have or wish to create: this can me one single folder on your local PC that you can access quickly (in the screenshot example below I use a folder called TEMP located on my computer's C primary drive).

Or you can create multiple folders, one for each of the five categories in the screenshot above, or just one additional folder for your Autosave files for example. After you create one or ore of these folders in Windows Explorer, open OPTIONS command's FILES tab, select the entry you wish to change, select the folder name, tap the BROWSE button and browse to the new folder to select it.Just follow the sequence of numbers in the screenshot below.

You now can easily find your temp files and SV$ extention Autosave files quickly. ◦

Specifying a different TEMP folder for AutoCAD/LT

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 LT for MAC: is it enough?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AutoCAD LT for MAC: is it enough?

AutoCAD/LT Command Modifiers

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

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

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AutoCAD/LT Command Modifiers

AutoCAD/LT Function Keys

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

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

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

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

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

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

AutoCAD/LT Function Keys

AutoCAD/LT Shortcut Keys

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AutoCAD/LT Shortcut Keys