Copy and offset to current layer

[sinc]

Is there a way, short of lisp, to get the copy and offset commands to place newly-created objects on the current layer, instead of the layer of the source object?

There is the Express Tools' "Copy Objects to New Layer" command, but this requires the user to select a layer every time (a minor thing, but annoying over time), and doesn't help with the offsetting.

I suspect it wouldn't be too hard to write lisp routines that override the default implementation of these commands, possibly making them work in either fashion based on the setting of an environment variable, but I was hoping for something simpler.

[mjfarrell]

As I've seen you post in the Land Desktop section,
I will offer that you have the user employ the
Create Offsets commnad under the alignment pulldown
for this funtionality.

[sinc]

That requires an alignment. I want to be able to offset lines and polylines without creating an alignment.

[mjfarrell]

Yes it does require an alignment, however the process
does a good job of limiting human error due to the other
process. I have seen this other method offset to some
layer introduce some very costly mistakes in a Civil environment.
That being said, it is far easier to delete the uneeded alignments
from the database than to have information keyed in incorrectly
and needing to correct those errors IF you discover them in time.
Also the ability to create other alignments from those offsets
simultaneously comes in real handy during the design phase
if one is employing templates and transitions.

[dan.woodman]

hEY
exoffset
extended offset works great for that type of thing...use it all the time.
follow the prompts for setting to current layer
It's all good
d

[sinc]

Talk about resurrecting old posts... :lol:

In the last several versions of Autocad, this feature has been built-in to the normal OFFSET command.

[jgrande26]

There's also the express tool COPYTOLAYER

[marti]

Offset has that option in the latest versions of autocad, just check the command line once you enter the offset comand and you will see the different options
http://www.cad-addict.com/2008/04/autocad-offsetting-options.html

[Capt. Computer Crasher]

to Clarify this thread:

you can offset to the current layer in AutoCAD.This has been part of the offset command since at least AutoCAD2006.

To do this:

1) after you start the OFFSET command
2) type "L" for layer
3) then can type "C" to place the offset on current layer.
4) then as normal enter your distance then pick your offset object.
5) the offsetted object will be placed on the current layer.

As long as you don't close the drawing and then reopen the the setting will stay this way so you don't have to set it every time. if you want the offset object to stay on the same layer as the original then follow the above steps but in step 3 type "S" for source.

[tedg]

to Clarify this thread:

you can offset to the current layer in AutoCAD.This has been part of the offset command since at least AutoCAD2006.

To do this:

1) after you start the OFFSET command
2) type "L" for layer
3) then can type "C" to place the offset on current layer.
4) then as normal enter your distance then pick your offset object.
5) the offsetted object will be placed on the current layer.

As long as you don't close the drawing and then reopen the the setting will stay this way so you don't have to set it every time. if you want the offset object to stay on the same layer as the original then follow the above steps but in step 3 type "S" for source.
you know what....
I didn't know that, THAT's awesome!!
(thanks for the tip) :beer:

[ccowgill]

I'm still a fan of EXOFFSET, it seems like there are fewer keystrokes and the settings are easier to work with. plus, it remembers your settings always until you change them again.

[tedg]

I'm still a fan of EXOFFSET, it seems like there are fewer keystrokes and the settings are easier to work with. plus, it remembers your settings always until you change them again.
That's cool too, I didn't know about that one either.
How do you change the "Settings"?
Nevermind... found it. <enter> agiain and select Options.
:beer: