Quick Tips for LT: Part 2

This is the second of a short series of AutoCAD/LT tips for quick reference. Where noted, some tips require LT2012:

• LAYERNOTIFY variable: Set to 0 (turn it off) so AutoCAD won’t ask to verify new layers added to a drawing or xref. http://t.co/aW7Eu1C
• COLOR command: when you select a new color, a preview is shown in the lower-left. Behind the new color is your previous color selection.
• WSSAVE command to save your current WORKSPACE after you rearrange AuotCAD/LT menus/toolbars. Or the old layout is restored after a restart.
• You have AUTOCAPS turned on in your TABLE text editor? turn AUTOCAPS off in MTEXT first to turn it off in TABLE as well when editing.
• Need to compare 2 DWGs? Plot both to DWF & use the "Compare Sheets" tool in Design Review to highlight differences.
• Polar tracking: Press F10 to toggle on/off. It provides an "ortho" cursor limit at incremental angles that you define. http://t.co/wOAq2vY
• Create PDF quickly, model or paperspace: EXPORTPDF command, no need to change any predefined PAGESETUPs that aim for another printer or plotter.
• Use ADCENTER to share content between DWG files: Blocks, Dimstyles, Layers, Layouts, Linetypes, Xrefs, and Mleader/Table/Text Styles.
• Start LINE command: PERP, snap at edge of circle; PERP, snap at the edge of second circle. LINE is between two circles' common centerline.
• Set PELLIPSE variable to 1 and you will then be able to draw and explode an ELLIPSE.
• PELLIPSE changes the way Ellipses are drawn (true ellipse vs Pline ellipse): it has no effect in previously created Ellipses.
• HATCH command will display small red circles at the location of every gap in your boundary that will prevent the command from completion.
• MULTIPLE command is often missed for it's power: type it, then type MOVE and start selecting many lines to MOVE non-stop. ESC to end.
• Use any copy/paste command to copy XREFs from one file to another: PASTEORIG to locate the Xrefs in the same ccordinates in the new file.
• AutoCAD's Design Center (ADCENTER command) can be used to Reverse Search for Xrefs, two tips:: http://ow.ly/1siulw and http://ow.ly/1siulv
• Instead of SAVEAS (moves your current file) use WBLOCK command’s ENTIRE DRAWING option: it creates a new file with all the layouts intact
• A hidden command in older LT versions: DIMROTATED command, use it in lieu of DIMALIGNED command, when you need your dimension string to align with an object or specific angle.
• You can copy Layouts between drawings by either using ADCENTER, or right-click over any layout>Template>File Type>DWG>then find the file.
• Set DIMASSOC to 2 and your dimensions will move along with your objects if you snapped to those objects.
• SELECTIONANNODISPLAY turns OFF (or ON) all of the ghosting that occurs if you select an annotative object when using Annotation Scaling.
• Restore any Dismissed Pop-ups that you turned off and now need back on by using OPTIONS command>System Tab>Hidden Messages Settings button
• XLINE command's Offset feature: http://ow.ly/1ssCkF Resulting XLINE’s center point is the start point of the Line or PLine you offset from.
• Bisect an angle tip. Use XLINE command’s BISECT option: select the intersection point, then the first leg of the angle then the second.
• XLINE command can create Horizontal, Vertical, set Angle construction lines too: watch the command line for HOR, VER and ANG options.
• When you finish editing Mtext, instead of clicking OK button, just click in the background screen area to accept the changes you made.
• Add some extra text in your dims and still keep the actual dimension: use <> when you edit a dimension's text with DDEDIT or PROPERTIES.
• Need to move/copy to a specific point? @x,y is for relative coordinates. #x,y is absolute to the current UCS. *x,y,z is absolute to WCS.
• LT2012's DWGCONVERT command has a REPLACE PAGE SETUPS: use it to assign a new page setup to DWG layouts aiming at a missing printer/plotter.
• Not using LT2012? DWGTRUEVIEW built-in option called TRUECONVERT has a REPLACE PAGE SETUPS option: use it to fix/assign a new page setup to DWG layouts.
• Press/hold middle mouse button down then hold the SHIFT key: you will be in the PAN command in a horizontal or vertical constraint mode.
• Hold down CTRL keyboard key and double-click any attribute in a block: now you edit the attribute in-place just like editing Text objects.
• When EDGEMODE variable is set to 1, you can extend and trim lines that do not intersect: AutoCAD creates an invisible extension to use.
• DIMROTATED command, instead of DIMALIGNED, when you need your dimension string to align with an object/angle and not two points picked.
• COPYTOLAYER command does what it's name implies, COPY entities you select TO another or different LAYER: http://ow.ly/1sHzHH
• Is the RIBBON taking up too much screen space? Minimize it to Panel Buttons (it looks like the Classic Workspace menus) http://ow.ly/1sIFnd
• LAYER command's list of layer names can be daunting to sort through if you have many layers, especially as you add more content or bring in content from other files. Layer Property Filters are a great way to help sort through them, making the display list of names easier to manage. Explore this excellent list of tips HERE.
• Switch Layer Filters directly by using +LAYER command (note the + sign to type) in AutoCAD/LT without going into the LAYER Command/Palette.
• At the "Select Objects" prompt, type F for FENCE: it draws continuous selection "lines", anything it crosses is selected without having to use a rectangular selection window. Try it in place of a crossing window or polygon selection method.
• FILTER or QSELECT commands are great entity selection tools, a way of pre-sorting objects with shared properties quickly. Both commands can also be used to count blocks: after the selection process is complete, type SELECT command and AutoCAD will return a count at the command line. In LT2011 and LT2012 right-click and pick SELECTSIMILAR as an alternate to those two commands for an even qicker selection sorting method.
• FIND command can be used to Select specific blocks, with specific attribute settings: see the tip HERE.

Next week, we tap resources all over the internet to outline more tips and methods to speed up your LT usage. ◦

Quick Tips for LT: Part 2

Tweets this week: LT tips, 123D

Below is a summary of topics we covered this week on Twitter. This week we cover LT tips, and an interesting ability for a free software package.

• Do you use Windows 7: Master these built-in features of the OS to boost your general productivity with all programs http://ow.ly/1tgJJS
• RT: ASimoes76 Autodesk 123D as a free 3D CAD converter CAD Studio blog http://bit.ly/lfCj1B
• Use \X in the Text Override section of Properties to add text below the dim line in Dimensions: \P to just add text below other text.
• New in LT2012: VIEWBACK is similar to Zoom Previous. Make into a shortcut like VB and speed up. VIEWFORWARD is like a redo of Viewback.
• LTisACAD Blog: Quick Tips for LT: Part 1 http://dlvr.it/SxC3n
• Turn All Layers On with LAYON command, and Thaw All Layers with LAYTHW command.
• Diameter and Radius Dimensioning text options in this LT Forum topic is worth exploring: http://ow.ly/1t7zzj

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.

Get a listing of all of our twitter postings HERE: http://ltisacad.blogspot.com/search?q=tweets+this+week ◦

Tweets this week: LT tips, 123D

Quick Tips for LT: Part 1

This is the first of a short series of AutoCAD/LT tips presented here in simple entries to share and read at your convenience. Where noted, some tips are LT2012 specific:

• Renaming the BAK file is the quickest way to recover a corrupt DWG file. Review the LT forum discussion topic here http://j.mp/hg3Hkg
• UNITS settings in files from different sources may be difficult to decipher, but this forum tip is one option to explore http://j.mp/hsGNe5
• Another method of adding office standards like layers to existing files, without using template files: http://j.mp/ecUUxw
• Rotate and Scale commands both have a COPY option: your original will remain intact should you need it without exiting and restarting.
• Use the ENTER keyboard key jump between Table cells.
• Use ALT+ENTER keyboard keys to type more than one line of text (hard return between them) in a Table cell.
• In AutoCAD/LT 2011 and higher, set VPROTATEASSOC variable to 1 and rotate your Viewport AND it's content together in one motion.
• You can grip edit Viewports (editing capabilities when object grips are selected) : stretching, moving, rotating, scaling, and mirroring.
• Temp Overrides in AutoCAD/LT: while in a command like LINE, hold SHIFT down to toggle ORTHO's running status.
• PLINEGEN variable, if set to 1 may not display a segment of a dashed (or sim) Pline at each Vertex. Set it to 0 to see every one instead.
• When in BEDIT command use the BATTORDER command to set the order the attributes will be prompted. See extra tip in forum http://j.mp/esQFwy
• Alternatives to WIPEOUT command? With CECOLOR set to 255, use SOLID command or HATCH>Solid pattern. Control with DRAWORDER command.
• VIEWGO command is a quick way to switch to your saved VIEW in a drawing file without going through the main dialog pop-up.
• Highlight your text and press Ctrl+Shift+U to convert your selection to Uppercase or Ctrl+Shift+L for Lowercase: works with Text and Mtext.
• SPLINEDIT and PEDIT commands allow you to easily convert a Spline to a Pline.
• Use CHSPACE command to move objects from modelspace to paperspace, or vice-versa, while keeping their relative scale intact.
• Prefer to see frames but not have them plot around Raster Images, DWF, PDF, XCLIP and DGN files? Set FRAME command to 2.
• MULTIPLE command repeats the command-line command that you enter until you press ESC button on keyboard. Abbreviate it and others for speed.
• Change the Text Case to/from ALL CAPS: Right click the highlighted text and select CHANGE CASE. Works with both MText and Text editors.
• Highlight your text and press Ctrl+Shift+U to convert your selection to Uppercase or Ctrl+Shift+L for Lowercase: works with Text and Mtext.
• You can set MTEXT (but not TEXT) to always type in ALL CAPS ALL THE TIME. when inside the MTEXT editor, right-click select AutoCAPS.
• Extract a list of layers from an AutoCAD file: Select ALL then CTRL+C from the open Layer Dialog Box into a Microsoft Excel worksheet.
• CLIP command is a single command to clip Images, XREFs, Viewports, and underlays (DGN, PDF, DWF and DWFx) in your drawing file.
• AutoCAD/LT2011 and higher: Do you have many DWG files open right now? Type QVDRAWING command and get a preview of each one on screen.
• Do you get the message "Object selected is not a polyline, do you want to turn it into one?" Set PEDITACCEPT to 1 to answer yes and never see that qestion again.
• Need to find patches, known issues and updates quickly? Explore Autodesk's Knowledge Base webpage for information: http://j.mp/igrT0t
• Use QSELECT to select all text items; open PROPERTIES and change the rotation of the text to one direction. No more head twisting to read.
• HATCHTOBACK selects all hatches in the drawing (plus solid fills and gradient fills) and sets their draw order behind all other objects.
• Use TINSERT command to place blocks within TABLE cells in your drawing file. Shortcut: select a cell, right-click and click Insert Block.
• PICKSTYLE variable controls the use of group selection and associative hatch selection. Explored in the video here http://j.mp/ebvjbb
• Lose your LT2009 (as of this post's date) or higher version installation disk? Order product documentation and replacement software here: http://autodeskdocandmedia.com/
• QVLAYOUT command is the quickest way to preview all of those many Layouts you have in a single DWG file: http://j.mp/emk4qO
• Migrating Toolbars to the Ribbon? Start CUI command, right-click over a Toolbar and turn it into a Panel then place it on a Ribbon Tab.
• Turn on POLAR TRACKING (F10 key) and set it to 15 instead of using ORTHO (F8 key): think of it as Ortho+extra http://j.mp/f3Bp0r
• Cut/Paste into MTEXT bring unwanted formatting? Instead of CTRL+V, right-click, select Paste Special, then pick one of three Paste options.
• HPSEPARATE variable controls whether your consecutively drawn hatches are treated as one hatch object, or as separate hatch objects.
• HATCHEDIT command: use to separate hatch objects. Start the command, select one of the hatches, then check the Separate Hatches box.
• HATCHEDIT command abilities: Add and Remove Boundaries, Change Type, DrawOrder, Layer, Color, Transparency, Hatch origin and more.
• TEXTTOFRONT command brings text, or dimensions, or both of them in front of all other objects in the drawing: http://bit.ly/dUNCny
• Need to add plot style tables to PLOT command’s choices STYLESMANAGER command opens the folder AutoCAD/LT is using. Move them there.
• Can't see your preferred CTB plot style tables on the PLOT pop-up? Convert your drawing to that format using CONVERTPSTYLES command.
• Fields are updated automatically when the drawing is opened, saved, plotted, regenerated, or sent through ETRANSMIT: http://bit.ly/fRzWKT
• When DEMANDLOAD system variable is set to 2, fields cannot be updated until you use FIELD or UPDATEFIELD: http://t.co/m466ngL
• To lengthen or shorten a dimension, you can use TRIM or EXTEND commands: the edge you aim for must be in line with the dimension extension.

Look for additional quick tips next week. ◦

Quick Tips for LT: Part 1

Tweets this week: Updates, rebates and LT tips

Below is a summary of topics we covered this week on Twitter. This week we cover many good basic user LT tips, LT updates and special pricing, and investigate the free AutoCADWS for LT users.

• Autodesk Exchange's Ask The Expert: http://t.co/NMubXXI
• RT: Get Current with Rebate Offers for AutoCAD LT 2012 http://bit.ly/lwIXBU
• OSOPTIONS variable controls object snaps on hatch objects: http://t.co/3yqZR0x
• LAYMRG command will move all objects on destination layer to target layer, then deleted the layer after the move: http://ow.ly/1t1w8N
• Add/change your commands shortcuts? In AutoCAD classic interface, Tool menu>customize>edit program parameters (acadlt.pgp)
• Need to add/change your commands shortcut letters? Access EDIT ALIASES in AutoCAD Ribbon, manage tab, customization section.
• LTisACAD Blog: LT2012, AutoCADWS, your Phone and Tablet http://dlvr.it/S6S4j
• Use one Panel from the Ribbon a lot? Click/drag into the drawing area, float and always be available. Return when done: http://ow.ly/1sZnd8
• RT: Update 2 for AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT 2011 http://bit.ly/j0szIE
• Need to check each Layer in a file one at a time for content? Use LAYWALK command. http://ow.ly/1sYqV0

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 of your twitter postings HERE: http://ltisacad.blogspot.com/search?q=tweets+this+week ◦

Tweets this week: Updates, rebates and LT tips

LT2012, AutoCADWS, your Phone and Tablet

AutoCADWS is a web and mobile app that lets you view, edit, and collaborate (share files with others outside your office) virtually to review and mark up your DWG files in real-time using a webbrowser on your PC, Laptop, iPhone/Droid Phones or new string of Tablets like the iPAD/2 and Droid-based devices. It is free to use, collaborate and share, you just need to set up a free account before you can use it.

What does this mean to you, the LT user?

• Imagine sharing, and waking through a DWG file with a customer, with you in total control (and still in possession of the DWG file(s), and they never having to install any software to see it. You can set it so that they only have read-only access with no download ability (an alternative to a stack of PDFs through email).
• Imagine coordinating with a consultant on a DWG file, without a string of Emails and clouded areas just to explain a change.
• Imagine being in the field on-site at a project, without a paper roll of drawings, but the actual CAD files on your mobile device, marking up as you go along and your team in the office picking up the information in real-time. Sync back with your DWG file at your desktop too.
• And just in case your imagination hit a wall, note that the AutoCADWS sit also keeps a timeline history of online changes so that at any point you can recall something you did earlier in a session (what client doesn't ever want to go-back to an earlier change?).

The webbrowser version has many recently added feature (list below is from the AWS website):

• Anywhere Storage: Connect your AutoCAD WS web and mobile account to a variety of storage sites: Buzzsaw, Box.net, Dropbox (via DropDAV), MobileMe, Egnyte and even your own Fille server or SharePoint site.
• Upload files to AutoCAD WS is real easy and available using many options. Markup, measure, basic drawing, text and snapping to objects are key abilities of this online program.
• Plot-to-PDF/DWFx: Create PDF or DWFx files from your DWG files for plotting or sharing with others.
• PDF Support: Open markup and share a PDF in AutoCAD WS in the same way as a DWG file.

To find out even more about AutoCADWS, explore their site at http://www.autocadws.com/ and this introduction HERE from Lynn Allen.

Are you worried about file security? Read this WHITE PAPER on the topic.

There are many AutoCADWS (online account required) exclusive commands built into LT2012 (command names are linked for more information):

• GETLINK Generates a URL to the AutoCAD WS online copy of the current drawing.
• MANAGEUPLOADS Manages the uploading of files stored on the AutoCAD WS server.
• MESSAGES Displays messages from your AutoCAD WS account.
• ONLINEDRAWINGS Opens AutoCAD WS in a web browser and lists the available online files.
• OPENONLINE Opens the AutoCAD WS Editor in a web browser and displays an online copy of the current drawing for online editing and sharing.
• SHARE Shares the AutoCAD WS online copy of the current drawing with other users.
• TIMELINE Provides access to previous versions of the AutoCAD WS online copy of the current drawing.
• UPLOAD Uploads the current drawing to AutoCAD WS and controls whether to automatically upload changes.
• UPLOADFILES Uploads selected files to AutoCAD WS.

If you are using a version AutoCAD/LT 2010, or AutoCAD/LT 2011, you can still get the appropriate downloadable plugin from here: www.autocadws.com/downloads
Note: many of the commands listed above are not available if you use these lower LT versions, they are exclusive to AutoCAD/LT 2012.

Will AutoCADWS be developed for other mobile devices? While that is not clear (Autodesk never shares development news) it is not a secret that iOS and Droid enjoy a 40% higher focus/visibility rating with software developers of applications than Microsoft, RIM/Blackberry and HP. Explore this recent topic HERE. ◦

LT2012, AutoCADWS, your Phone and Tablet