CAD Clues

AutoCAD WS 1.4 Update and Review

2012-02-22T10:40:00.000-05:00

AutoCAD WS 1.4 update

Autodesk released the very anticipated upgrade to AutoCAD WS. The new update brings GPS support, 3D object viewing, and Plotting.

Check out the video

Original AutoCAD WS Blog release

AutoCAD WS 1.4 Review

GPS support - Being in civil design I was looking forward to this little feature and love it. It’s like placing a little me in my design.
Now I will not feel like a dork walking around London. :^)
Friends - London Baby!!

3D object viewing – I have only been able to play with one very simple 3D drawing in the new update. Every time I try and open an advance 3D object or drawing, the application crashes. The good news is we now have support for Civil 3D files.

Plotting – I don’t see myself using this feature that much, but is was very nice to send a .pdf via email yesterday of a drawing.

I will keep testing out the new update and try to keep you posted on what I find.

What do you think of the new update to AutoCAD WS?

Do you find the application useful?

CAD Clues on Google Currents

2011-12-14T12:09:00.000-05:00

CAD Clues can now be found on the new Google Currents app for iPhone, iPad, and Android phones and tablets. Just open the app and search for CAD Clues.

Need to know more about Google Currents, check out the video bellow.

Google Currents

CAD Clues on Currents

Calling All Android Users!!

2011-12-12T09:58:00.000-05:00

Autodesk Design Review needs your help testing out the beta version of there Android app. To get started follow the link and fill out your information.

Design Review Mobile Android App Beta

Creating AutoCAD WS App for your desktop (Part 2)

2011-12-06T14:33:00.001-05:00

Autodesk has a Web, iPhone, iPad, Android and now a Mac application for their awesome online version of AutoCAD called AutoCAD WS. What about all the Window users out there that would like their own AutoCAD WS application? We can use the web application shortcut that makes it feel a little bit more like AutoCAD. Today we are going to show you how to make an application for your windows computer using Mozilla Prism.

1. Download Mozilla Prism at http://prism.mozillalabs.com (I would suggest download the standalone application and not the Firefox Extension)

2. Once the zip file is downloaded and unzipped, select the prism.exe file to start the application.

3. All you need to do now is fill out the information in the blanks to create the desktop application.

a. URL = http://www.autocadws.com

b. Name = AutoCAD WS

c. Keep Navigation bar, show status, navigation keys, and Display in the notification area unchecked

d. Create your Shortcuts (Win7 users can pin the application to the start bar by adding the application to the desktop. Then click and drag the icon to the start bar)

e. Icon: You can use the standard black and white Autodesk icon for your app or you can do what I did here and find the nice WS icon on the web to use.

4. Select OK and done.

CAD Clues Now on Google+

2011-11-16T15:39:00.000-05:00

CAD Clues is now on Google+! Drop by our profile and add us to your Circle of Friends.

CAD Clues Google+ Profile

AU Virtual 2011 Registration is open

2011-11-16T12:58:00.001-05:00

If you can't make it to AU in Vegas this year then the next best thing is AU Virtual. It's not like going to the real deal, but good news is you get to sleep in your own bed.

AU Virtual 2011

Simplifying TIN Surface Editing.

2011-09-23T10:38:00.000-04:00

The Problem
Editing TIN surface information can be a pain. To make any small change, we end up going to Toolspace, then surface, the surface, definition, right click on edit, lastly select the tool we need. By the time I get to the tool, I forgot what I was doing.

The Fix
Use a LISP file to launch each command. This will keep you from the number of clicks it takes to edit the TIN surface.

Creating LISP File

Open Notepad in windows.
Save a blank text file.
Copy and paste the text below.
Save
Right click on the file in Windows Explorer and Rename.
Change the extension from .txt to .lsp

(defun c:sal ()
(command "addsurfaceline")
(princ)
)
(defun c:sdl ()
(command "deletesurfaceline")
(princ)
)
(defun c:swe ()
(command "editsurfaceswapedge")
(princ)
)
(defun c:sap ()
(command "addsurfacepoint")
(princ)
)
(defun c:sdp ()
(command "deletesurfacepoint")
(princ)
)
(defun c:sep ()
(command "editsurfacepoint")
(princ)
)
(defun c:smp ()
(command "movesurfacepoint")
(princ)
)

LISP Commands
SAL = Add Surface Line
SDL = Delete Surface Line
SWE = Swap Edge
SAP = Add Surface Point
SDP = Delete Surface Point
SEP = Edit Surface Point
SMP = Move Surface Point

Loading LISP File
Load Application command
Ribbon > Manage > Applications > Load Application or command: _appload

Once the Load/Unload Application pop up box shows up, follow the steps to load the LISP file.

A. Find location of the LISP file.
B. Select Load
C. Confirm the file was loaded
D. Close
E. If you need the file to load every time Civil 3D is opened, you can use Startup Suite to auto load the file.

Enjoy!

Creating A Block Without Creating a Drawing File.

2011-09-14T10:01:00.001-04:00

Today, we are going to talk about how to make a block without creating another drawing to add to the random crap on your hard drive or server. You can copy multiple objects using groups but the bad part of using groups is the editing. Once the block is created, you can copy and edit it using block editor to change all the objects at once.

1. Copy with Base Point command
Right click > Clipboard > Copy with Base Point.

2. Select Base Point.
3. Select objects to make into a block
4. Paste as Block command
Right Click > Clipboard > Paste as Block
Here is the tricky part; if the Paste as Block command in the right click menu is shaded back, then you will need to select an object (any object) in your drawing before using the Paste as Block command.

The objects are now in a block which makes it easy for copying and editing.

Enjoy!

Quick Clue–Osnap Menu

2011-08-24T12:52:00.000-04:00

In AutoCAD, if you hold shift and right click at the same time, a menu will show up with all Osnap options. This is a great tool for snapping to a point in your drawing when you have a cramped area.

AutoCAD WS 1.3 Update

2011-08-18T11:47:00.000-04:00

AutoCAD WS update 1.3 is now available in the app store and Android market. The new update brings big changes to the already awesome mobile app.

New Features

Layers
Accurate Input
Area Measurement
File Management

Quick Clue – ncopy

2011-08-17T12:24:00.000-04:00

Ncopy is a simple but powerful tool that allows you to copy objects from a nested object (blocks and xrefs) in AutoCAD.

Command:_ncopy

Once the command is launched, it acts just like the standard copy command.

What was AutoCAD's big Announcement? #design816

2011-08-16T13:42:00.003-04:00

AutoCAD's big announcement was all about the Mac. AutoCAD introduced us to AutoCAD 2012 for Mac, AutoCAD LT for Mac and AutoCAD WS for Mac. AutoCAD 2012 and AutoCAD LT 2012 is available now (US and Canada) at the Mac App store. AutoCAD WS (free) is available for download on Thursday August 18th.

More information on AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT

More information on AutoCAD WS

AutoCAD Announcement #design816

2011-08-15T12:38:00.002-04:00

The AutoCAD team is announcing something tomorrow. No I don't know what it is, but we can find out on August 16th at 10am (PDT) on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AutoCAD.

If you use twitter, you can follow what is going on by search #design816.

Check out the teaser video.

What do you think is the big announcement tomorrow?

UPDATE 08.16.11
If you are unable to view the live stream on facebook, you can see it here on CAD Clues.

Watch live streaming video from autocad at livestream.com

Going Mobile with Autodesk Mobile apps.

2011-07-28T13:28:00.012-04:00

SketchBook (iOS and Android)

App Store
Android Market

Buzzsaw Mobile (iOS)

Buzzsaw allows you to access and exchange building information on current projects all in one location.

Apple's App Store

Inventor Publisher Mobile Viewer (iOS and Android)

View 3D assemblies on the go.

App Store
Android Market

Bluestreak (iOS)

This application allows people using Project Bluestreak to communicate with team members.

Project Blustreak Information

App Store

AutoCAD WS (iOS and Android)

AutoCAD on your mobile phone!

App Store
Android Market

TinkerBox (iOS)

I put this one in just for fun. Enjoy!

App Store

Top 5 AutoCAD Productivity Apps

2011-07-19T11:41:00.003-04:00

Now that Autodesk has started the new AutoCAD app store, it is time to share our top five productivity apps.

Clipboard Manager
Clipboard Manager is a useful tool that keeps track of everything you copy and paste. Now you have a fast way to copy and paste more than one object.

OffsetinXref
Darn you xref!!! Why Can I not offset you?!?!?! Being in Civil Engineering, this is on the top of my list. This app allows you to offset objects that are located in an external reference or block.

DWF/PDF Batch Publish
Need a quick set for redlines? Use this tool for fast printing.

FacetCurve
This app approximates 2D and 3D curves to change them into a number of straight line segments.

DimensionPatrol
Dimension Patrol checks your current drawing for any dimensions that have been changed or manually overridden.

Have you been playing with the new app store?
Do you think the app store is going to stay?
Do you have a great app to share?

Creating Linetypes Tool

2011-07-07T08:19:00.002-04:00

Creating Linetypes
Creating linetypes in AutoCAD can be faster than you think. A couple of releases ago AutoCAD created an express tool that can create a linetype from lines and text.

Make Linetype Commend
Command: _mkltype
Under Express Tools >; Tools > Make Linetype

Once the Make Linetype command is launched the software will ask for a .lin file so that your linetype can be saved. The options to create a linetype file or use an existing linetype file can be done.

Then the command line will ask a number of questions.
1. Name new linetype.
2. Linetype description
3. The start location of the new linetype
4. The ending locaton of the new linetype
5. Selecting the object to add to the new linetype.

That is it! Done! Creating a new linetype is created.

Using Google+ as a project communication tool

2011-07-05T14:50:00.002-04:00

Google has started the new social networking website Google+, but how does it stand out from Facebook, Twitter and other social networking sites? Today we are going to talk about the tools in Google+ and how to use them as a team communication tool

A Quick Look
Check out the quick look video by Google

Circles
Great way to share project information with only the people working on the project without bugging everybody. Just place them in a Circle and start sharing

Huddle
Huddle is a way to send a fast text to a group of people. Good way to set up a meeting with everyone or ask a quick question.

Hangouts
Huddle helps you set up a meeting, but what if you want to do an online meeting. That is what Hangout is all about. It is a nice group video chat. Now you can have all your team attend an online meeting.

Mobile Information
At the time the only Mobile app available is on the Android, but Apple version of Google+ is on the way.

New To CAD Clues

2011-06-27T13:43:00.000-04:00

We are introducing a number of new features to the CAD Clues website.

New Look
One big change you can see is the new look to the website. We are keeping the simple look and feel, but getting a nicer look. We hope you like it

CAD Clues Desktop App
Internet Browser
I am a big fan of Google Chrome web browser. One of the things I like about it is the ability to make a web application shortcut from any website. Today we are going to show you how to make a web application shortcut for CAD Clues.
1. Download Google Chrome.
2. Go the CAD Clues website

3. Select the custom button located on the to right of the web browser

4. Select tools and then Create application shortcuts...

5. The Create application shortcuts pop up box will appear asking where you want to place your new application (Desktop, Start menu, and/or Pin to Taskbar)
6. Enjoy!!!

CAD Clues Mobile Web App
Did you know at CAD Clues has a Mobile Web App available in both iOS and Android system.
Creating the CAD Clues MWA on your handheld device.
1. go to CAD Clues MWA on your phone.
2. web clip the webpage.
3. enjoy!

Web Icon
Say buy buy to the blogger icon and hello to the new CAD Clues icon to your web browser.

Share Bar
We are very happy to add this new feature to the website. The new share bar (powered by Meebo) allows you to share post from CAD Clues to Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites. The ability to use IM services like Google Talk, Yahoo, and much more is also available from the share bar. Find out more at www.meebo.com.

Profiles 101

2011-06-23T08:43:00.002-04:00

Cutting profiles are needed in almost all projects. In Civil 3D, you can view horizontal information in the form of a vertical profile. Today we are going to learn how to:

Generate a profile from an existing alignment
Changing profile styles and editing profile properties

First, we need to define “profile.” A profile is an object which represents elevation information for a horizontal alignment or object line. The profile contains two components: profile view and profile object. The profile view is the object, such as the profile grid and display information. The profile object is the vertical information form the horizontal alignment, such as the existing or proposed grade.

Generate a profile from an existing alignment
First, an alignment and surface is needed before creating a profile. Once the alignment is ready, it is time to create the profile.
Menu &gt; Profiles &gt; Create Profile from Surface.

“Create Profile from Surface” box pops up. This is where the profile object information (existing surface) is added to the profile view information (grid, station labels, etc). Under Alignment, select the alignment to profile.

Once you select the surface, click on “add” to place the information in the profile list.

Tip: Profile object information can be added and removed by using the same steps above without recreating the profile.
Tip: When the profile is generated, it is helpful to check the style used for the profile object information.

Once all proper information is placed, click on “Draw in profile view” button. A new box will pop up when creating a new profile. The settings are divided into categories:

General
Station Range
Profile View Height
Profile Display Options
Pipe Network Display
Data Bands
Profile Hatch Options

General:
Select alignment: The alignment in which to create the profile
Profile view name: Give it a name everyone will understand
Description: Remember to add today’s date here
Profile view style: Standard Style set by your CAD Manager
Profile view layer: allows layer to be changed of profile element
Show offset profile box: If you have offsets in your profile, this will place it in different profiles instead of the same profile.
Station Range:
Automatic: This will automatically set up the station range for the profile
User specified range: Customize the station range of the new profile
Profile View Height:
Automatic: Automatically sets elevation range
User specified: Customize the elevation range of the new profile
Split Profile View: Refer to help menu
Profile Display Options:
Same as the profile list in last “Profile View” box
Pipe Network Display:
Pipe information for the profile can be added
Data Bands:
Data Bands are information which can be placed in the profile such as the existing and proposed surface, pipe information, etc. The data bands can be placed at the top or the bottom of the profile.
Selection Band Set: Selection of the type of data bands needed
Location: Location of bands (top or bottom)
Set band properties: Setting per design.
Profile Hatch Options:
Hatch can be added to areas within the profile.
Once setup is complete, click “Create Profile View.” The software will prompt for the location of the profile. Select the location in the drawing in which to place the profile.

Changing profile styles and editing profiles properties
Profile properties can be modified at any time after creating the profile by:
Clicking on the Profile &gt; Right Click &gt; Profile View Properties

After a profile has been generated, information can be edited as if you were creating a new profile.

5 Free Must Have Autodesk Tools

2011-06-03T10:34:00.009-04:00

Desktop Applications

Autodesk 123D
123D is a great little 3D modeling application that is simple to use. I can spend hours playing with this software.

Download

Autodesk Design Review
Design Review is one of best application for sharing your design documents.

Download

DWG Viewer
No AutoCAD, no problem. DWG Viewer allows you to view and print dwg files from any computer for free.
Download

Web Applications

Homestyler
Ever wish you could design a dream house or play Architect for a day? Now you can with the new Homestyler by Autodesk.

Check it out: Homestyler

AutoCAD WS

Check it out: AutoCAD WS

Dynamic Easements – Part 3

2011-05-25T10:00:00.001-04:00

Cleanup and Modifying

There are times we need to start and stop the easement. For example, the picture below shows the sanitary sewer crossing a right-of-way. The easement needs to stop at the right-of-way and restart on the other side.

Selecting the alignment will pull up the grip editing on the easements, which will allow you to change the starting and stopping station of the dynamic easement (offset alignment). The grip edit can be snapped to the intersection of the easement and right-of-way to make the easement stop at the proper location.

To restart the easement on the other side of the right-of-way, create a new offset alignment with the starting stations and the ending station at the proper location.

Dynamic Easements – Part 2

2011-05-18T10:00:00.003-04:00

Getting Some Style
Now that we have the offset alignment representing the dynamic easement, it’s time to make an alignment style.

1. Select the offset alignment > quick properties > under style select Create/Edit

2. The alignment style pop up box will appear. Select the edit pull down and click Create New

3. The alignment style editor will pop up. For today, we are only changing four setting to create this style.
a. Under information tab, change name to “Easement”
b. Under display tab, change component type line color to yellow
c. Under display tab, change component type line type to dash
d. Under display tab, change component type line layer to easement

4. Once the setting are ready, select OK

Now, the dynamic easement is ready.

Dynamic Easements – Part 1

2011-05-11T10:00:00.003-04:00

Creating a Dynamic Easements
I want to start off by saying that dynamic easement is not a standard tool in Civil3D. Using a new tool added to Civil3D 2010 called offset alignments we can create easements that will update with your alignment.

For the example today, we are creating an easement for a sanitary sewer line. The alignment has already been created and represents the centerline of the sanitary sewer.

1. Deploy the offset alignment command
Home > Create Design > Alignment > Create Offset Alignment

2. Select the alignment to offset and the Create Offset Alignment box will pop up. The pop up box gives the ability to make changes like:
a. Station range
b. Number of offsets for both right and left
c. Incremental offset both right and left
d. Site
e. Alignment style
f. Alignment layer
g. Alignment label set

Settings we are going to use today:
a. Deselect station range from start to end
b. Keep number of offset to 1 on both right and left
c. Keep incremental offset at 10’
d. Keep site on none
e. Keep alignment style at offset (we will change that later)
f. Keep alignment layer the same
g. Keep label style at _No Labels

3. Once the settings are set, select OK.

Now the offset alignment is created. Every time the sewer alignment is moved, the offset alignment will move with the sewer alignment.

How to extract 2D AutoCAD geometry from an Autodesk Inventor DWG Drawing File.

2011-05-04T10:03:00.001-04:00

An article by Paul Munford (The CAD Setter Out) For CAD Clues Blog.

If you regularly exchange drawing files with a Client, colleague or Contractor who is using Autodesk Inventor, then you may be interested in this simple trick for Extracting 2D geometry from an Inventor DWG file.

To try this out, you will need:
· An Autodesk Inventor DWG file
· AutoCAD!

TIP: You will need an Inventor DWG file – not an Inventor IDW file. This is Inventor’s own drawing file format and cannot be opened by AutoCAD.

Our DWG File open in Inventor.

OK, how do we go about it?

The process is simple. First we will open the Inventor DWG up in AutoCAD, and then we will hunt out the Information we need.

The Autodesk Inventor Sheet browser – showing the Views we wish to use in AutoCAD.

Inventor DWG Weirdness.

Inventor DWG files open up in AutoCAD just fine. You will see that the Paper Space layout looks just like Inventor’s Sheet layout.

Our DWG File open in AutoCAD.

However, you may notice a little Weirdness when you look in Model space – there is nothing there!
Although Inventor can create perfectly readable AutoCAD DWG files, the Inventor information is kept in its own magical world – somewhere between Paper Space and Model Space.

So how do we get at the Inventor Geometry?

The trick is simple – when you know it! The Inventor Views exist in the DWG file as AutoCAD blocks. So to get information from the Inventor drawing views, all you have to do is use AutoCAD’s ‘INSERT’ command.

The Autodesk Inventor Views are available in AutoCAD as ‘Blocks’.

Inserting an Inventor View as a Block in Model space.

While in Model Space in AutoCAD, type ‘INSERT’ at the command line and check out the list of available blocks in the drop down. You will notice that each block corresponds to an Inventor view.
Simply insert your desired view into model space as a block, making sure that the block is inserted at 1:1 scale. If you need to edit the geometry you could explode the block now.
TIP: You can also insert the Block information contained in the DWG file through the AutoCAD Design Centre. You will even get a nice preview!

The AutoCAD Design Centre is a great tool for raiding Inventor DWG’s for View Blocks.

Maintaining the Link

If you don’t explode the AutoCAD block, then Autodesk Inventor will continue to control the block definition. This means that you could X-Ref the 2D AutoCAD block into another AutoCAD drawing and maintain the link all the way back to the Inventor model.
Any changes in the Inventor 3D model, would update the Inventor DWG drawing file. When the Inventor DWG Drawing file is subsequently opened in AutoCAD the changes will register. When the X-ref’d drawing is opened the user will be prompted to update the X-ref’d Inventor DWG file – thus completing the chain.

What could you do with this technique?

Does this sound easy to you?
Have you already tried this method out?
How could you see this technique being used in your company?

Please feel free to leave a comment.

About the CAD Setter Out.

Paul Munford is a Joinery draughtsman (a ‘Setter Out’) for Beck Interiors, a UK based international Interior Fit out contactor which specialises in Museum Interiors.
Paul uses Autocad and Autodesk Inventor to create manufacturing ‘Workshop’ drawings day in – day out.
In his spare time Paul writes the ‘CAD Setter Out’ Blog and tries to explain to people why he goes to all the effort!

30 Clues in 30 Days Rundown - #30n30

2011-05-01T15:19:00.003-04:00

1. Quick Access Toolbar
2. Osnap Keyboard Shortcut
3. Drag and Drop
4. Bpoly
5. Action Recorder
6. Set Bylayer
7. Zoom Factor
8. Layer Walk
9. 3D View Control
10. Cycle Viewport
11. Selection Cycling
12. Cycle Drawing
13. Saving Workspace
14. Display Order
15. Fields
16. Fillet @0
17. Reverse
18. Group
19. Layer Isolate
20. Layer Unisolate
21. Block to Xref
22. Layer Dialog Mode
23. Generate Hatch Boundaries
24. Maximizing Viewports
25. Object Isolation
26. Image Frame
27. Change Space
28. Anchor tools
29. Full Screen
30. Color Scheme

Quick Clue - Color Scheme #30n30

2011-04-30T10:00:00.001-04:00

We all need change from time to time. Why not change the color scheme of AutoCAD? To change the color, go to options (_op), under display, you will see the option for change the color scheme to either dark or light.

Quick Clue - Full Screen #30n30

2011-04-29T10:00:00.001-04:00

If you hold control and tap 0, you will change to full screen mode. This will remove all the tools for better viewing of the file.

Quick Clue - Anchor tools #30n30

2011-04-28T10:00:00.003-04:00

Tools like properties can take up a good bit of your screen real estate. You can anchor the tool to the left or the right side. They will auto hide so that you can have your screen back. All you need to do is undock the tool and right click on the tool’s bar, then select anchor to the right or the left.

Quick Clue - Change Space #30n30

2011-04-27T10:00:00.001-04:00

I do this all the time, I end up drawing something in paper space when it needs to be in the model. The change space command changes objects from paper space to model space and vice versa.
Command: _chspace

Quick Clue - Image Frame #30n30

2011-04-26T10:00:00.001-04:00

Image frame removes the boarders from all existing images in your drawing. The bad news is if you need to edit the image, you will need to change the settings back.

Command: _imageframe
0-turns image frame off
1-turns image frame on

There is also the same kind of command for PDF files.

Command: _pdfframe
0-turns PDF frame off
1-turns PDF frame on

Quick Clue - Object Isolation #30n30

2011-04-25T10:00:00.000-04:00

No, it’s not the same as Layer Isolation, it’s object isolation. You can isolate one or more objects even if they are located on a different layer.

1. Select the objects to isolate.

2. At the bottom right corner of the software, you will see a little light icon. Selecting the icon will give the ability to hide or isolate the objects selected.

3. The little light icon will now turn red telling you that you have objects in your drawing that are not displayed.

4. To show all the objects, simply select the light icon.

Quick Clue-Maximizing Viewports #30n30

2011-04-24T10:00:00.000-04:00

This is an old tool, but a good one. You can maximize the viewport with an icon located on the tray.

Once you select the icon, you will jump in model space with all the layer properties from the viewport.

Quick Clue - Generate Hatch Boundaries #30n30

2011-04-23T10:00:00.000-04:00

Have you ever run into a hatch without a boundary? When I need the hatch boundary, it is never there. This new (2010) tool has been a big help. Select the hatch, right click, and then generate boundary. This will place a polyline boundary around the hatch in the current layer.

Quick Clue-Layer Dialog Mode #30n30

2011-04-22T10:00:00.000-04:00

This command changes the Layer Manager setting to display the classic layer manager or the standard layer manager.
Command: layerdlgmode
0-Classic Layer Manager.
1-Standard Layer Manager.

Quick Clue - Block to Xref #30n30

2011-04-21T10:00:00.000-04:00

Ever wish you could just change that darn block to an xref? Just deploy the command, select the block, and then map the xref. This tool works well with title blocks.

Comman: _blocktoxref

Quick Clue-Layer Unisolate #30n30

2011-04-20T10:00:00.000-04:00

Located under the ribbon > home > layers > or type layuniso. It undoes the command Layer Isolate.

AutoCAD WS now on Android phones

2011-04-20T09:17:00.000-04:00

Yes that's right AutoCAD WS is now in the Android Market. :^)

AutoCAD WS Site

Android Market

Quick Clue-Layer Isolate #30n30

2011-04-19T10:00:00.000-04:00

Layer Isolate is a tool that graduated from express tools. This is located under the ribbon > home > layers > or type layiso. The tool will isolate just the layer(s) selected for better viewing.

Quick Clue-Group #30n30

2011-04-18T10:00:00.000-04:00

It’s not a block, it’s a group! Group command allows you to tie objects together for faster changes and editing. Unlike a block, you can edit each object in the group with grips.

Command: _group

1. Launch group command. The group pop up box will appear.

2. Name your group, select your object, and then click “OK”

3. You now have a new group.

Quick Clue–Reverse #30n30

2011-04-17T12:25:00.000-04:00

The reverse command gives the ability of changing the direction of the object. If your linetype ends up upside down, then the reverse command can correct the issue.

Command: _reverse

Civil3D: The reverse command can also work on objects like alignments.

Quick Clue-Fillet @0 #30n30

2011-04-16T10:00:00.000-04:00

Fillet is a great command for connecting two lines with a curve. Did you know if you hold shift before selecting the second line, the lines would be connected at a 0 radius.

Quick Clue–Fields #30n30

2011-04-15T10:00:00.000-04:00

Fields can add dynamic text to your drawing and make updating faster and more productive. A number of fields can be added to your text. Anything from area to sheet set information. Today we are going to add an area field to mtext.

1. Run command mtext.

2. In text, right click and select “Insert Field”

3. Select the field name “Object”.

4. Under “Object type” select the box to the right. This takes you back to the drawing allowing you to select the object needed. Select “Object”

5. Under property select “area”

6. Change the format and precision as needed

7. Select “OK”

8. Now the area is added to the mtext

Once you create the field text, it will update with the object. Just refresh when the object is updated.

Quick Clue-Display Order #30n30

2011-04-14T10:00:00.000-04:00

The ability to change the display order of an object can be a very powerful. You can change the display order by selecting the objects, right click and then display order.

AutoCAD WS for Android OS

2011-04-13T13:00:00.003-04:00

Yes! AutoCAD WS is coming to Android OS on April 20th, 2011.

You can sign up to get an e-mail notification from Autodesk by going to http://www.autocadws.com/mobile/android

Quick Clue-Saving Workspace #30n30

2011-04-13T10:00:00.000-04:00

Once you get the toolbars, ribbon and other tools in the software set the way you like them, you can save it to a workspace. Just click the workspace icon in the tray and select save workspace as. Give it at new name or select for existing workspaces.

5 Must Have Free Engineering Apps

2011-04-12T19:45:00.000-04:00

With mobile phones out selling computers, using your mobile device to do basic engineering is starting to become normal. The goal is to find free web apps that work on both your desktop and mobile device.

1. AutoCAD WS (Windows, Mac, Android OS and iOS)

Links:
Website
Android OS
iOS

2. Dropbox (Windows, Mac, Android OS and iOS)

Link: Website

3.Evernote (Windows, Mac, Android OS and iOS)

Link:
Website

4. CardMunch (iOS)

Link:
Website

5. HeyTell (Android OS and iOS)

Link:
Website

Quick Clue-Cycle Drawing #30n30

2011-04-12T10:00:00.000-04:00

You can cycle through all the drawings you have opened in AutoCAD by holding control and tapping tab at the same time.

Quick Clue - Selection Cycling #30n30

2011-04-11T10:00:00.000-04:00

Selection cycling is a nice new tool which helps select objects overlapping each other. It’s located in the tray on the bottom. Just turn it on and start using it.

Quick Clue-Cycle Viewports #30n30

2011-04-10T13:00:00.000-04:00

You are able to cycle through all of your viewports in a layout tab by holding control and tapping R at the same time.

Quick Clue-3D View Control #30n30

2011-04-09T10:00:00.000-04:00

If you hold down shift and your middle mouse button, you are able to rotate the object in 3D view.

Quick Clue-Layer Walk #30n30

2011-04-08T10:00:00.000-04:00

Layer walk allows you to walk through the layers one by one in your drawing. It’s a good tool to use when you are looking for something.

Command: laywalk

Quick Clue-Zoom Factor #30n30

2011-04-07T10:00:00.000-04:00

Ever wish you could change the speed of your mouse wheel? Zoom Factor makes this possible. The standard setting for zoom factor is set at 60, but you can change it from a range of 3-100. 3 is the slowest and 100 is the fastest.
Command: _zoomfactor

Quick Clue-Set Bylayer #30n30

2011-04-06T10:00:00.000-04:00

I hate getting drawings from outside sources that never has anything set to bylayer Set bylayer is a great tool to help with this situation. It will change objects in your drawing to bylayer, including blocks.

Command: setbylayer

Quick Clue-Action Recorder #30n30

2011-04-05T10:00:00.000-04:00

Action recorder is one of my favorite little tools for doing mindless drafting. All it does is record your moves and commands in AutoCAD and then you can play it back. As your recording, you can pause for user input.
The command can be found in the Ribbon > Manage > Action Recorder.

Quick Clue – Bpoly #30n30

2011-04-04T10:00:00.000-04:00

The bpoly command gives the ability to create a polyline from any enclosed area.
For example, the three crossing lines create a triangle in the middle. Most of the time creating a polyline out of the triangle area, you would use the fillet command to edit the polyline. With bpoly, all you need to do is select the area and you’re done.

1. Command: _bpoly

2. Select “Pick Points”

3. Select the area needed

4. Right click

5. Done!

The polyline triangle (red) was created by using the bpoly command.

Quick Clue-Drag and Drop #30n30

2011-04-03T10:00:00.000-04:00

Importing files into AutoCAD back in the old day took forever. Now all you need to do is find the file in windows explorer and drag and drop it into an open drawing.

Quick Clue-Osnap Keyboard Shortcut #30n30

2011-04-02T10:00:00.000-04:00

In the middle of drawing, if you hold shift and right click, the Osnap menu will pop up with all the Osnap goodness. F3 who??

Quick Clue - Quick Access Toolbar #30n30

2011-04-01T10:33:00.002-04:00

With the AutoCAD ribbon, it's sometimes hard to find tools you use all the time. Adding a new tool to your Quick Access Toolbar is just a right click away.

1. In the ribbon, find the tool you wish to add to the Quick Access Tool Bar.

2. Right click on the needed tool and select “Add to Quick Access Toolbar.

3. The new tool is now added to the Quick Access Toolbar.

4. Enjoy!

30 Clues in 30 Days–#30n30

2011-03-28T15:41:00.000-04:00

Starting on April 1st we are planning on posting one quick clue a day for the next 30 days. Enjoy!

AutoCAD 2012

2011-03-22T13:58:00.001-04:00

It’s that time of the year! Time for warmer weather, flowers blooming, birds singing, and new Autodesk software to come out.
Yesterday Autodesk had a webcast featuring the new Autodesk 2012 line up. You can catch the recorded webcast at www.autodesk.com/webcast
You can find the new line up and features on Autodesk web site
Now the big question is what tool are you looking forward to using?

CAD Clues Mobile Web App

2011-03-21T08:33:00.000-04:00

Mobile phone user jump for joy. We are proud to announce CAD Clues Mobile Web App is available in both iOS and Android system.

Creating the CAD Clues MWA in your handheld device.

1. go to CAD Clues MWA on your phone.

2. web clip the webpage.

3. enjoy!

iPhone screen shots

Comment bellow and let us see what the new Mobile Web App looks like on your phone.

Sheet Set Manager - AU Class

2011-03-17T11:37:00.000-04:00

If you enjoyed last month's post on Sheet Set Manager and want to see it as a fully functional AU class for 2011 head over to the AU web site and vote. Thanks!

Sheet Set Manager - AU class

Volume Surface Calculation and Surface Analyzing–Part 3

2011-03-16T09:32:00.000-04:00

Creating Grid Ticks
There are 2 ways to create grid ticks. Creating spot elevation labels along a surface is a new feature in 2009, but will not allow to change the style so that the cut/fill points will display properly. The best way I have found is to create points along a grid and place them in points groups for display.
Creating points on a grid
Start by pulling up the Point Creation Tools
Ribbon > Home > Create Ground Data > Points > Point Creation Tools

The point toolbar will pop up. Pull out the create points dialog button on the right of the toolbar. Set the prompt for Descriptions to automatic and under Default Description add a description like grid ticks. Now it is time to create some points

Under surface points select On Grid.

The software will ask for the surface, select the volume surface. The grid base point will be the bottom left side of the drawing. The next few steps will be filling out the rotation and grid spacing. Once done with the points, the software defaults to asking to create more points on a grid. Enter out.

Dividing Points into Groups
Now that we have points, we need to place them into point groups.
The first thing we need to do is create a point group. Under toolspace, right click the point group and select new.

When creating point groups for grid ticks I use point styles to help define if the surface is needed to be cut or filled. I use the green for fill and red for cut.

Under the include tab, check the “with elevations matching box” for fill place <0 and for cut place >0. Also check the box marked “with raw description matching” and place the name given when creating the points on grid.

In the exclude tab, under the “with elevation matching” field, place the same elevation information. I know it is odd including <0 and then excluding <0, but for some reason it is the only way the software can recognize just points related to grid ticks. Once done, click OK.
Now you have grid ticks showing your fill and cut needed on the project.

The New Autodesk Homestyler

2011-03-15T12:42:00.000-04:00

Ever wish you could design a dream house or play Architect for a day? Now you can with the new Homestyler by Autodesk.

Check it out: Homestyler

Volume Surface Calculation and Surface Analyzing–Part 2

2011-03-09T20:04:00.000-05:00

Creating Volume Report
Now with the volume surface it’s time to plot a volume surface report.
Start by pulling up the Toolbox. Go to ribbon, Palettes and then Toolbox . Toolbox tab will be added to the Toolspace.

Under the toolspace, go to the toolbox tab. Pull down the reports manager and then surface. Right click on the surface report and execute.

The export to XML report box will pop up. Uncheck everything except the new volume surface and select ok.

The software will now calculate and open Internet Explorer with the volume surface report.

Volume Surface Calculation and Surface Analyzing–Part 1

2011-03-04T01:00:00.000-05:00

How to create a volume surface

Toolspace > right click on Surface > Create Surface

Under the Create Surface box change the type to TIN volume surface.

Once the settings are good per the design, click OK. The new volume surface is now made.
Volume Surface Calculation and Surface Analyzing – Part 2 (Creating Volume Report)

Polyline Edit in AutoCAD 2011

2011-03-02T13:02:00.000-05:00

One new feature added to AutoCAD 2011 is the ability to edit a polyline with the grips.
Select the polyline and place your crosshairs over the mid grip of the polyline.

The options to stretch, add Vertex or convert to Arc is now an option. Try it out!
Adding Vertex

Convert to Arc

Sheet Set Manager–Part 4

2011-02-23T09:36:00.000-05:00

Organizing Drawings using Sheet Set Manager

Using fields with a sheet set
Inserting a sheet set list table or drawing index

Organizing Drawings using Sheet Set

Using Fields with a Sheet Set
Once the sheet set is created, the ability to use fields in a drawing is available. The sheet set can give information to the drawing such as:

Current Sheet Category Current Sheet Custom Current Sheet Description Current Sheet Issue Purpose Current Sheet Number Current Sheet Number and Title Current Sheet Revision Date Current Sheet Revision Number Current Sheet Set Current Sheet Custom	Current Sheet Set Description Current Sheet Set Project Milestone Current Sheet Set Project Name Current Sheet Set Project Number Current Sheet Set Project Phase Current Sheet Subset Current Sheet Title Sheet Set Sheet Set Place Holder Sheet View

To create a field, start with creating an mtext, right click, then to insert field. All the options above will be available under sheet set in the field category.
Inserting a Sheet Set List Table or Drawing Index
Sheet Set Manager can also create a drawing index from the information in the sheet set.

To create the Sheet List Table, or Drawing Index, right click on the sheet set and select insert Sheet List Table. A pop up box will appear labeled Sheet List Table.

Table Style Settings
AutoCAD comes with two styles as a default. To customize the table style, select the button just to the right of the style name. Select the box labeled Show Subheader to show the subsets in your drawing index.
Table Data
Adding information is basic. Selecting the Add button will add a new row to the table.
Subsets and Sheets
Here is where adding and removing selected sheets and subsets, it is done by using selection boxes.
Once done select OK, The software will ask for a location of the new sheet list.

The Sheet List Table can be updated by changing the information in the Sheet Set Manager. Now the same information that is in Sheet Set Manager matches the same information in the table.
To change the information, select the table, under the ribbon tab Table Cell, click the Download from Source. The table will update.

Sheet Set Manager - Part 1

Sheet Set Manager - Part 2

Sheet Set Manager - Part 3

New AutoCAD WS Update 1.2

2011-02-23T09:29:00.000-05:00

New update available in the app store.

Check it out

Good job guys. Loving the new update.

Creating AutoCAD WS App for your desktop

2011-02-22T14:11:00.000-05:00

AutoCAD WS is a web app designed to take your work with you home and on your iOS device (Android coming soon). The one thing I don't like about it is the fact that it feel less like the AutoCAD we all know and love. I have found a way to help with that.

Internet Browser
I am a big fan of Google Chrome web browser. One of the things I like about it is the ability to make a web application shortcut from any website. Today we are going to show you how to make a web application shortcut of the AutoCAD WS website.

1. Download Google Chrome.

2. Go the AutoCAD WS website

3. Select the custom button located on the to right of the web browser

4. Select tools and then Create application shortcuts...

5. The Create application shortcuts pop up box will appear asking where you want to place your new application (Desktop, Start menu, and/or Pin to Taskbar)

6. Enjoy!!!

CAD Clues on Facebook

2011-02-20T12:59:00.000-05:00

You can now find us on Facebook.

Sheet Set Manager–Part 3

2011-02-16T09:31:00.000-05:00

Publishing Sheet Set

Publish and Plot directly to a Plotter/File
Publish using Publish Dialog Box

Publishing Sheet Sets
Sheet Set Manager makes it simple to publish a full set or only select sheets of the construction documents. There are two ways to plot: Publish directly to the plotter/file or use the Publish dialog box.
Publish and Plot directly to the plotter/file

Right click on the sheet set, scroll to Publish, and then Publish to Plotter.

This method is used to plot and publish when the page setup is set per layout. The drawback to using this option is if someone plots one of the sheets using the plot command and saved the setup to the layout, the layout will not publish properly.

Publish using Publish dialog box
Publishing using Publish dialog box may not be as fast as Publishing directly to the plotter/file, but there is less of a chance the document will come out wrong. You are also able to use Page Setups saved in the drawing to particular sheets or the full set.

To pull up the dialog box, right click the Sheet Set title, scroll to Publish, and then to Publish Dialog Box.

The Publish Dialog Box will display. Now with page setups, Publish Dialog Box can change the way the document is published. Now we have the options to publish to Plotter named in Page Setup , DWF, DWFx, and PDF.

Selecting the Sheet Set Publish Options allows the options to change information like default output location and naming.
Tip: One of the major options I change the most is type. Multi-sheet file will place the full set in one file and the Single-sheet file will place each sheet per file.

The page setup can be changed by selecting the pull down box. More than one sheet can be changed by using the Shift key and clicking on the sheets then select the pull down for the desired page setup.
Once the set is ready to be published, select Publish.

Sheet Set Manager - Part 1

Sheet Set Manager - Part 2

Sheet Set Manager - Part 4
Organizing Drawings using Sheet Set Manager

Using fields with a sheet set
Inserting a sheet set list table or drawing index

Quick Clue - Purge

2011-02-09T13:00:00.000-05:00

Last post we talked about using audit to reduce the size of a drawing file. Today we are going to take a look at the command purge. Purging your drawing will reduce the size and help the software from crashing. The purge command removes unused information that the software keeps just in case it may need it in the near future.

Unused information like blocks, dimension styles, layers, linetypes, materials, mine styles multileaders styles, plot styles, shapes, table styles, text styles and visual styles.

The software will only remove the files that it is not being used.

Command:_purge

Sheet Set Manager–Part 2

2011-02-08T13:00:00.000-05:00

Managing Sheet Set

Managing a Sheet Set

Moving and removing sheets from a sheet set
Renaming and renumbering sheets
Adding project information to a sheet set
Opening a drawing using Sheet Set Manager
Creating a subset

Moving and Removing Sheets from a set

Once the sheets have been added to the Sheet Set Manger, they can be dragged and dropped to the order needed. To remove a sheet from the set right click and select remove sheet.

Renaming and Renumbering Sheets

To rename and renumber a sheet or a subset, right click on the sheet needed to be changed and select Rename & Renumber.

A pop up box will show up that will allow the number, sheet title and layout name to be changed.

Adding project information to a sheet set

To add project information to the sheet set, like project name, project number, and project description, right click on the sheet set title and scroll down to the sheet set properties.

A new pop up box will display that allows the update of project information.
Tips: Project information in the sheet set can be used in object such as fields.

Opening a File from Sheet Set Manager
Opening a drawing using sheet set manager is as simple as double clicking the sheet needed or right clicking the sheet needed and selecting open.

Creating Sub Folders in Sheet Set Manager

Creating subsets in Sheet Set Manager is a fast way to organize and find what is needed in a big drawing set. To create a subset, right click on the sheet set and then to new subset.

The Subset Properties box will pop up. Most of the properties are basic. Select OK. A new subset is added to the sheet set manager.

Tip: To move a sheet to the new subset, simply click and drag to the desired subset

Sheet Set Manager - Part 1

Sheet Set Manager - Part 3

Publishing Sheet Set

Publish and Plot directly to a Plotter/File
Publish using Publish Dialog Box

Sheet Set Manager–Part 1

2011-02-02T09:44:00.000-05:00

Basic Information

Basic Information on Sheet Set Manager

Opening Sheet Set Manager
Creating a sheet set
Importing drawing layouts to a sheet set

Opening Sheet Set Manager
Ribbon: View tab > Palettes > Sheet Set Manager
Or
Type: sheetset

Creating a Sheet Set

Once the Sheet Set Manager is open, select the pull down box at the top and then click on new sheet set.

A new dialog box will pop up displaying the 4 steps in creating a Sheet Set.

Begin
Sheet Set Details
Choose Layouts
Confirm

Begin
Under Begin there are two options for creating a sheet set.
Option one is using “An example sheet set” that allows the use of a standard template to create the sheet set.
Option two is using Existing drawings to start a new sheet set.
Today we are going to select the Existing drawings option.
Sheet Set Details

This is where basic information like sheet set name, description, and file location can be added

Choose Layouts

Existing layouts can be added to the sheet set by browsing for the proper file needed in the drawing set. Once the layouts are selected, click next to confirm.

Confirm
The confirm tab will give a summary of the layouts to be added to the set. After selecting the next button the new layout will be added to the sheet set.

Import layout tabs to Sheet Set Manager

To add a new sheet from an existing drawing layout, right click the title of the sheet set and select Import Layout as Sheet. A new pop up box will appear which allows you to browse for an existing drawing to add a layout.

Tip: If the import box is not checked, the layout is already in the sheet set or the layout is unable to be imported into the set.

Sheet Set Manager - Part 2 - Coming Soon

Managing a Sheet Set

Moving and removing sheets from a sheet set
Renaming and renumbering sheets
Adding project information to a sheet set
Opening a drawing using Sheet Set Manager
Creating a subset

AutoCAD WS Google Chrome App

2011-02-01T08:41:00.000-05:00

The AutoCAD WS team just released the new web app for Google Chrome. It's a great and fast way to use a FREE and helpful tool online.

You can find the new app here: AutoCAD WS for Google Chrome

Google Chrome download here: Google Chrome

Using Polar as Ortho

2011-01-28T10:00:00.001-05:00

The one thing I love and hate about using AutoCAD is the Ortho tool. Love it because of the beautiful right angles it gives be. Hate it because it slows me down having to hit the F8 button all the time. Say hello to my little Polar friend. The Polar tool that gives you the ability to specify the angles needed, but did you know if you hold the shift key with the Polar tool on (Ortho needs to be off) you are able to draw right angle lines.

Quick Clue - Audit

2011-01-25T13:45:00.000-05:00

One of the best ways to reduce the size of your drawing files is to audit it. As time goes by the drawing will have a number of errors that will cause the file to become large and even crash the software.

Command:_audit

Once you launch the command, the software will ask if it needs to fix the errors or not. By default the software keeps the errors when running the audit, so make sure you type Y before ending the command.

Video: Air Hockey

2011-01-24T10:05:00.001-05:00

Quick Clue - Classic Layers

2011-01-24T10:04:00.003-05:00

Let me guess, your computer crashes every time you use Layer Properties Manager. On newer versions of AutoCAD, The Layer Properties Manager is an interactive and dynamic feature idem. The problem with having an interactive and updating Layer Properties Manager is it continually updates in the background taking up RAM on your computer. Remember back in the old days, you had to close Layer Properties to continue using AutoCAD. That option used less RAM then the new and improved Layer Properties Manager.

Command: _classiclayer

The classic Layer Properties Manager is back! Yes you will still need to select OK to continue.

CAD Clues now on Twitter

2011-01-24T10:04:00.001-05:00

CAD Clues is now on Twitter at www.twitter.com/CAD_Clues

Video: Trolley Design Part 2

2011-01-24T10:03:00.005-05:00

Video Fun with Road Grading

2011-01-24T10:03:00.003-05:00

Quick Clue

2011-01-24T10:03:00.001-05:00

Set Bylayer

Have you ever received a drawing from a client or an outside source that has nothing set to bylayer? Using the command setbylayer you are able to set everything to bylayer in the drawing. Yes I am even talking about blocks.

Command: _setbylayer

Dropbox now using AutoCAD WS

2011-01-24T10:02:00.001-05:00

That's right, you can upload your drawings to Dropbox and then open them in AutoCAD WS on your iOS Device.

Now we need to get AutoCAD WS to support PDF files.

Dropbox Now Supported by AutoCAD WS

Get your AU 2010 Classes Now!!

2011-01-24T10:01:00.001-05:00

If you have a AutoDesk Subscription or a AUV Premier Pass you can finally get to see your classes. AUV this year did not go as well as expected. AU had a number of technical problems this year and had to recored every class for later.

Check out how to access your classes here

Video: Trolley Design Part 1

2011-01-24T10:00:00.003-05:00

AutoCAD WS - Poll

2011-01-24T10:00:00.001-05:00

AutoCAD is doing a poll right now on there mobile app AutoCAD WS. The Poll is over what you think the next update needs. I think we need to have pdf support, because at this time we are not able to open files larger then 15mg and files with 3D objects in AutoCAD WS. I know and understand that in time Autodesk will have a mobile app that is able to open any file.

I just think it would be nice to take my design to the site and mark up comments on AutoCAD WS along with opening up drawing files from my iphone.

Take the poll by going to AutoCAD WS website

Quick Clue

2011-01-24T09:58:00.003-05:00

Move, copy and rotate, wish you could do all three commands at once. Guess what, you can!

Command = _MOCORO

The Command is also under the ribbon tab Express Tools called Move/Copy/Rotate

Using this command allows you to move, copy, rotate and much more in one step.

Going Mobile Part 2

2011-01-24T09:58:00.001-05:00

Dropbox

Dropbox is a software tool that allows you to take your documents with you on your iOS (iPhone, Ipod Touch and Ipad), Android, and Blackberry devices. Using Dropbox you are also able to share files with more then one computer.

I use Dropbox to help me take drawing file to the site. I create pdf files of the sheets I need upload and now I have them on my phone.

Check out the video

You can find out more at Dropbox.com

Going Mobile Part 1

2011-01-24T09:57:00.001-05:00

AutoCAD WS

A few weeks ago AutoDesk Released a new iOS App for your Ipad, Iphone and Ipod Touch. When you download the app, it will ask you for a user name and password. The name and password is the same as your AutoDesk user name and password. Once you sign in go to AutoCAD WS Website to upload your drawings, images, design review files, and much more.

Check out the welcome video from AutoDesk

Update part 1 11.30.10

A new update of the app is on the way. One of the biggest upgrade is the ability to view you files offline

Check out the video

Update part 2 12.04.10

the new 1.1 update is available in the app store.....enjoy