What's the most obscure, least known command that you know and will share?

[eldridge]

What's the most obscure least known command that you know, that works in 2008? No, I'm not writing a book... just wanting to pick up some new things to try. Iv'e learned alot just reading the threads let alone asking this question.

Part 1

http://forums.augi.com/showthread.php?p=862595#post862595

[tedg]

Does it have to be 2008?
For 2000 and up,
Off the top of my head, I'd say the one that throws most people (who approach me needing help) is: "convertpstyles"
For changing the drawing from color plotting (ctb) to named plot style tables (stb).

[eldridge]

Hi Ted,
No, I think alot of folks would be interested in commands for other releases. I like the 2008 ones because that's what I'm using.
Your right too, that one throws me, I have never heard of it. Thats the kind of info I was hoping to get, the stuff you can't find in the books!

Thank you

[jaberwok]

SELECT got no mention at all in the manuals and Help for several releases.

[jaberwok]

TRACE still works tho' its functionality has been included in Polylines ever since they became available.

[jaberwok]

ELEVATION
THICKNESS

[lpseifert]

Oops ......

[eldridge]

Thanks! I am getting all kinds new of commands to try out!

[tedg]

Oops ......
^^ That still works?
I thought of another one:
MULTIPLE
Type this (and hit enter) before a command, and it will repeat the command until you cancel out of it.

[Richard.Kent]

Here's an old chestnut we like to throw out from time to time.
At the command line type -array, pick the object(s), enter, now you are presented with Rectangular or Polar as options, but the old Circular option still works, type C, enter and watch the command line for further options with in that command.

The change command is often over looked by many people. I like to use it to bring ortho lines perpendicular to another line, or maybe more importantly with lines slightly off ortho you can straighten them to be ortho. With ortho on, Change, pick lines, enter, now pick a point to extend or shorten the lines. If you pick lines too far apart you may get some unexpected results.

[jaberwok]

that reminds me - CHPROP

[dzatto]

It's hard to think of any because if you use them, then they aren't obscure to you!!

How about lengthen. I use it to tell me the distance of a line (type lengthen and pick a line, it shows it's length), and also to ........well.........lengthen a line to an exact length. With dynamic input, it's sorta obsolete now, but it still works.

I still use OOPS on occasion.

[dzatto]

that reminds me - CHPROP
That reminds me - MATCHPROP :)

[Richard.Kent]

Point filters are probably one of the best tips any one ever gave me. They are great whether you are working in 2D or 3D. You can use Otrack, Polar, etc. for what point filters do, but for a one time need it is so much easier to just type in .x or .y and pick your points and keep moving. You can spend a lot of time picking the correct osnap settings, putting otrack on, etc. when you can just use the point filter and you are done.

[tedg]

Just discovered another one: TCIRCLE
Check this (http://forums.augi.com/showthread.php?t=73758&highlight=tcircle) thread out.
I thought it was very cool, I had never heard of it before.

[jmctamney]

^^ That still works?
I thought of another one:
MULTIPLE
Type this (and hit enter) before a command, and it will repeat the command until you cancel out of it.

SWEET!!!!!

Could have used this one oh.....8 years ago when I wrote my lisp routine for multiple fillet.

[AcadDurango]

I still use point filters in 3D .xy , .yz and .zx and some sketch

[dzatto]

Let's not forget about all the cool AEC modify tools under the right click menu. Obscure is pretty nice. And AEC trim lets you pick a wall component to trim or extend to.

And how about the shell command for solids? That's a nice one too.

OOOOH, and have you ever needed to snap to a hatch patter? OR ever wanted to turn it off? osnaphatch is a nice little variable.

Then there's publishallsheets, which lets you set whether publish plots the layouts of all the drawings that are open, or just the current drawing layouts.

[eldridge]

Point filters are probably one of the best tips any one ever gave me. They are great whether you are working in 2D or 3D. You can use Otrack, Polar, etc. for what point filters do, but for a one time need it is so much easier to just type in .x or .y and pick your points and keep moving. You can spend a lot of time picking the correct osnap settings, putting otrack on, etc. when you can just use the point filter and you are done.

Point filters?

I have to burn the midnight oil tonight. I use Osnap and Otrack and as you said I'm constantly changing the settings.... I'll give this one a shot...Now!
I'll try out the other commands too... just not as soon as I would like.

Thanks

[Alex Page]

wmfin. wmfout - to convert 3d to 2d

[CADDmanVA]

How about...
PREFERENCES, REINIT, and XLOAD "AME"

[eldridge]

Those are new to me too. I'm going to print out the thread and try them all though.

I saw that you remember R.10 It seems a long time ago. I learned on R9 & R10. Took 12 or 13 disketts to load the program and that's pretty close to all the hard drives would hold. I had to back up to more disketts. I think I even loaded it off a set of 5 of the what were they 5x5 floppies?

[SRBalliet]

Minsert, I have never used it in a real project, but I think its neat.

[lpseifert]

If you use Fields in your titleblocks, the Express tool Propulate is handy to transfer Drawing Properties between dwgs.

[eldridge]

If you use Fields in your titleblocks, the Express tool Propulate is handy to transfer Drawing Properties between dwgs.

Good Morning!
I have played with fields a bit but never really had the time to invest to see what I can do with them.
I have been the only CAD person in a chemical plant for 17 years. Being the only one here who does what I do, I have missed out on allot of the sharing that goes on in offices between co-workers. Augi and all of you are helping me catch up on some of it. The next issue would be trying to find time to try all of this! I was a contractor here for 15.5 years, last year they hired me ... as an employee I was able to go to training (company paid). I took 7 classes. There is allot of commands here that weren't covered in the classes. (Good stuff!!). Thanks again!

[jaberwok]

If you use Fields in your titleblocks, the Express tool Propulate is handy to transfer Drawing Properties between dwgs.

POPULATE perhaps?

[lpseifert]

POPULATE perhaps?
I thought it was a typo when someone suggested it to me, but PROPULATE it is.

[robert.1.hall72202]

I thought it was a typo when someone suggested it to me, but PROPULATE it is.

Hmmmm.....did not find it in the index. What does it do?

I think object snap overides are fairly obscure. I am the only person
in a an office of 25 that uses them. Overides are a quick way to
keep running object snaps from grabbing the wrong point.

[lpseifert]

Hmmmm.....did not find it in the index. What does it do?

A synopsis from Express tools' Help:

Allows quick, automated population of the Drawing Properties dialog data fields. This data is seen when using the DWGPROPS command or when viewing the properties of a .DWG file though the Windows Explorer, outside of AutoCAD. Drawing Property data can be updated, listed or removed from the current drawing or a subdirectory of drawings.
Using a predefined template, PROPULATE can fill in Drawing Properties data in entire directories of drawings. The information that can be applied includes literal strings, attribute values extracted from specified attributed blocks and lists of attached xrefs, images and fonts. Example: You have a whole project directory full of drawings that use the same attributed title block. Using PROPULATE and a customized template you can have the attribute values from each title block in each drawing extracted and added to that drawing's Drawing Properties dialog. PROPULATE can also insert (into the comment field) a list of the xrefs, images and fonts used by each drawing.

more detail can be found in ET Help under File Tools > Categories

[jpaulsen]

Here are some commands and features that I use a lot. They may be obscure; then again maybe not.

Obscure commands:

AECDWGSETUP - I think this is only found in the verticals (LDT, C3D, ADT). You can use it to change the units of the drawings which in turn changes the display type of the annotation scales from architectural (inches) to civil (feet). This also effects the display of the plot and viewport scales.

-CH - This oldy but goody was already mentioned. I use it to "change" the rotation of blocks and text by dragging to a new angle instead of having to type an angle in properties. I also use it to change the radius of circles.

CHSPACE - Changes objects from model to paper space or vice versa.

New commands and variables for 2008:

SETBYLAYER - Changes object properties to bylayer.

MSLTSCALE - Scales linetypes displayed on the model tab by the annotation scale.

New features for 2007/2008:

Major enhancements to modeling and visualization
Anchor dockable windows
Annotation scaling
Customizable dashboard
Drag and drop layout tabs
Layer (color, linetype, etc.) settings per viewport
Paragraph formatting and columns in Mtext

To clarify some of the previous suggestions:

PROPULATE and TCIRCLE are Express commands and can be found in the Express help.

PROPULATE sounds good if you use the file properties in windows. We have found it much more flexible to use custom properties in the Sheet Set Manager in conjunction with fields in our title blocks.

Here are a couple of links to help you find new commands in each version.
http://www.hyperpics.com/commands/
http://www.hyperpics.com/system_variables/

[Railrose]

I figured this idea was better known, but no one in the office remembers it.

On the Trim & Extend commands, hit Enter to make everything a cutting edge.

Also, if you have Raster Design loaded, go into the RD properties & check to see if Shift + Left click is highlighted. If it is, you lose the function of the switch between Shift Trim & Shift Extend.

[SRBalliet]

I figured this idea was better known, but no one in the office remembers it.

On the Trim & Extend commands, hit Enter to make everything a cutting edge.

Also while in the trim command, holding the SHIFT key down, shifts it to the EXTEND, and vise versa.

[dzatto]

I figured this idea was better known, but no one in the office remembers it.

On the Trim & Extend commands, hit Enter to make everything a cutting edge.

Also, if you have Raster Design loaded, go into the RD properties & check to see if Shift + Left click is highlighted. If it is, you lose the function of the switch between Shift Trim & Shift Extend.

I use that all the time! Be carefull if you have a block with a lot of detail, though. On some sites, my building block shows a lot of detail (I really need to change that now that I'm thinking about it). If you try to turn everything into a cutting edge, you'll be waiting a while!!! The work around is to either NOT make everything a cutting edge, or to zoom in so that the block is off screen.

Don't forget that if you are trimming like that, you can hold the shift key to make it extend, and if your are extending, you can hold the shift key to make it trim. So if you have to do both, you need only use one command.

[Railrose]

Also while in the trim command, holding the SHIFT key down, shifts it to the EXTEND, and vise versa.

Yeah, but some verticals like Raster Design have options that turn that off, so if there is a problem with it, check the settings of the verticals. RD has an option that if selected, allows you to hold SHIFT & select the image. That option turns off the Shift Extend & Trim feature.

[jmctamney]

A new one I've recently learned.....

Don't you hate it when you get through typing a note only to find out you have caps lock off? Not to worry. Hight all your text or just hit CTRL "A", then once highlighted...

CTRL+SHIFT+U

Presto, all caps.

I know you can use Tcase but this is much better on the fly.

[Richard.Kent]

You can also get to the CTRL+SHIFT+U using the RMB while in the mtext editor. In case you forget the key sequence, RMB will get you there.

[jmctamney]

You can also get to the CTRL+SHIFT+U using the RMB while in the mtext editor. In case you forget the key sequence, RMB will get you there.

Forgive my ignorance.......RMB?

[Richard.Kent]

Forgive my ignorance.......RMB?

Sorry, I thought everyone knew that one by now, Right Mouse Button.

[Chris.N]

^^ That still works?
I thought of another one:
MULTIPLE
Type this (and hit enter) before a command, and it will repeat the command until you cancel out of it.
MT is the shortcut, and it also works with toolpalette tools if invoked prior to button selection.

[jmctamney]

Sorry, I thought everyone knew that one by now, Right Mouse Button.

Sorry, I'm old school. I haven't caught on the all the forum acronyms yet.

You know, know as I'm looking at it, I never noticed the shortcut keys for it. It's been in front of my face all along.

[tedg]

MT is the shortcut, and it also works with toolpalette tools if invoked prior to button selection.
Really? My MT is "mtext" (I don't know if I changed it in my pgp a long time ago or not :|)
I have MLT as an alias for "multiple".

[dzatto]

My MT is mtext also. I don't have an MLT, so I'm thinking we both changed our pgp files for the mtext. GMTA I guess. :beer:

[jpaulsen]

MT is Mtext by default. There is no alias for Multiple in the OOTB pgp file.

[stuart.dickenson]

Random one for you people to try "xline". Try and find the end of the line...



Hint, it never ends...lol

[rkmcswain]

._CONVERTPOLY

._DUMPMEMALLOC

GLOBCHECK (sysvar)

AecFileOpenMessage

AecFileSaveMessage

(Aec commands N/A in vanilla AutoCAD. To find more of these, type in AEC and start pressing the TAB key)

._FILTER

[jaberwok]

SORTENTS.

Controls the order in which objects (ENTities) are displayed, selected and plotted. Setting SORTENTS to 127 (default value in some releases) makes the last-drawn appear over older objects.

[lpseifert]

What is GLOBCHECK? I can't find anything in the documentation.

[H-Angus]

FULLPLOTPATH (Acad 2006 and up)

[Chris.N]

Really? My MT is "mtext" (I don't know if I changed it in my pgp a long time ago or not :|)
I have MLT as an alias for "multiple".
:lol:

man, i really have no idea anymore. i don't think i can blame migration, cuz this is a new machine.... all this stuff just blends after so long. ;)

[Chris.N]

i think either rk or john turned me onto TFRAMES

toggles wipeout frame visibility

[AcadDurango]

what about "l" (for last) when selecting objects, it selects the last edited or created objetc, my students are too young and don´t believe it is posible to handle a computer or using autocad without the mouse so we only use the keyboard and they get a glimpse of the pre-windows pre-mouse computers . . .

[sschwartz85916]

Qselect!

Not sure if it so unknown, but in my office, it is :P I have a shortcut command "Q"

[jmctamney]

Qselect!

Not sure if it so unknown, but in my office, it is :P I have a shortcut command "Q"


I love qselect. Tons better than "FILTER" although it does have it's merits. Like being able to save the filter for future use.

[rkmcswain]

What is GLOBCHECK?

It's helpful when laying out DCL dialogs.
Example output when a DCL is loaded:

...Actual dialogue size = (227, 301)

http://www.manusoft.com/Resources/AcadExposed/index.stm

[tedg]

:lol:

man, i really have no idea anymore. i don't think i can blame migration, cuz this is a new machine.... all this stuff just blends after so long. ;)
Hey Chris, I think you must have created your own alias "MT" for "MULTIPLE" a while back and maybe it was brought forward in a "Migaration" when you updated?
Check your pgp file, I think migrated alias'ses "aliai" (whatever :p)...will be at the bottom.

Another "obscure" (kind of) command:
RENAME
(used with wild cards is awesome) :-D

[Mamma Jamma]

Command JOIN...
I'm sure it's documented, but it's relatively new. Sometimes I forget it's there.

-PURGE/Regapps, which is not available in the Purge dialogue.

M2P as an Osnap. (midway between 2 points)

[Chris.N]

what about "l" (for last) when selecting objects, it selects the last edited or created objetc, my students are too young and don´t believe it is posible to handle a computer or using autocad without the mouse so we only use the keyboard and they get a glimpse of the pre-windows pre-mouse computers . . .
"p" (PREVIOUS)

for inserting, copy/paste: "r" rotate, prior to placement. "s" scale, re-set scale factor prior to placement. "b" base, re-select insertion point of block prior to insertion....

[tedg]

What about the famous "@" for calling up the last picked point?
example: you draw a line, you pan 3 miles away, and you remember you need add a line to the end of the line you just made to where you are now.
You would call up that last point within your command: "line" "@" <select your second point> and you're done! (without having to 'zoom and 'pan back).

[jaberwok]

Selection by F(ence).

[dzatto]

I use M2P all the time. I love that little snap!!!
And the fence command is great too. Use it a lot.

How about @@. Ever need to have 2 lines in the same location? It's rare, but sometimes I do when I have a radius for a firelane easement, then I need to draw in the curb line. Just copy, pick the line and hit @ enter @. It puts another line right where the picked line is. Then you select it and move it to the correct layer.

[.T.]

I use M2P all the time. I love that little snap!!!
And the fence command is great too. Use it a lot.

How about @@. Ever need to have 2 lines in the same location? It's rare, but sometimes I do when I have a radius for a firelane easement, then I need to draw in the curb line. Just copy, pick the line and hit @ enter @. It puts another line right where the picked line is. Then you select it and move it to the correct layer.


Watch when using M2P with perpendicular, defered perpendicular and defered tangent snaps. The results aren't quite what one might expect.

[irneb]

Minsert, I have never used it in a real project, but I think its neat.
I've used it to insert an "array" of blocks as if hatched. This keeps them as one entity, same as for hatch. Then you use XCLIP to "trim" then inside a polyline boundary.

Or if you're lazy, and don't mind having a zillion separate blocks as the hatch, you could just use Express Tools's SUPERHATCH.

[irneb]

My MT is mtext also. I don't have an MLT, so I'm thinking we both changed our pgp files for the mtext. GMTA I guess. :beer:
Probably a change in the PGP file between versions, or by users. BTW, you can easily modify your command aliasses using the Express Tools ALIASEDIT. No need to restart AutoCAD after you've changed an anias.

[irneb]

Random one for you people to try "xline". Try and find the end of the line...Then you also get RAY.

[eldridge]

I use M2P all the time. I love that little snap!!!
And the fence command is great too. Use it a lot.

How about @@. Ever need to have 2 lines in the same location? It's rare, but sometimes I do when I have a radius for a firelane easement, then I need to draw in the curb line. Just copy, pick the line and hit @ enter @. It puts another line right where the picked line is. Then you select it and move it to the correct layer.

M2P? I never heard of it, is that short for something?

[irneb]

Yep, Mid of 2 Points. Whenever you want to specify a mid between 2 points (where you don't have a line), type M2P, pick the 2 points, and you'll get the midpoint between.

[rkmcswain]

Probably a change in the PGP file between versions, or by users. BTW, you can easily modify your command aliasses using the Express Tools ALIASEDIT. No need to restart AutoCAD after you've changed an anias.

If you manually edit the PGP file, you don't have to restart AutoCAD either.

You can either run the ._REINIT command, select PGP file and press OK, or you can set the RE-INIT sysvar to 16.

[traceyjj]

I find the align command very useful in my job. I have been using it for many years.

[rkmcswain]

Did anyone mention ._FILTERS yet (not FILTER)

[Mlabell]

MAXSORT

Changes the amount of items in dialogues.

[irneb]

You can either run the ._REINIT command, select PGP file and press OK, or you can set the RE-INIT sysvar to 16.
Didn't know that, thanks! Although I'd probably still stick with ALIASEDIT, as you don't have to edit in Notepad (or some such). And (at least for me) it's easier to use the dialog interface - but that's probably a subjective view.

[dzatto]

If you manually edit the PGP file, you don't have to restart AutoCAD either.

You can either run the ._REINIT command, select PGP file and press OK, or you can set the RE-INIT sysvar to 16.
Ahh, you beat me to it!!! :beer:

Here's a fun one. MTJIGSTRING
Lets you cusomize the "abc" you see when you start mtext. You can use up to 10 characters.

[tedg]

Didn't know that, thanks! Although I'd probably still stick with ALIASEDIT, as you don't have to edit in Notepad (or some such). And (at least for me) it's easier to use the dialog interface - but that's probably a subjective view.
I come from the old school of editing the pgp file. I have a shell command in my pgp that calls itself up to edit, which I do often. I also changed "reinit" to "rei" to quickly reinitialize the pgp on the fly. I also find it easier to add other shell commands (in notepad) than the dialog box in "aliasedit".

But that's just me.
The "aliasedit" seems nice, but not for me at this point.
:beer:

[Chris.N]

MAXSORT

Changes the amount of items in dialogues.
MAXACTVP

sets the limit for active viewports in PS

[Railrose]

Only problem with aliasedit is it doesn't migrate when doing an upgrade.

[aspy]

MAKEHASTE

For a quick exit

[jaberwok]

MAXSORT

Changes the amount of items in dialogues.

Not quite.

Maxsort determines the threshold beyond which list items are or are not sorted alpha-numerically.

With Maxsort at 200 (the default) a list of 199 items will be sorted; a list of 201 items will not be sorted.

[rkmcswain]

Not quite.

Maxsort determines the threshold beyond which list items are or are not sorted alpha-numerically.

With Maxsort at 200 (the default) a list of 199 items will be sorted; a list of 201 items will not be sorted.

IMO - Just set it to 32767 and forget it. ;)

[irneb]

Only problem with aliasedit is it doesn't migrate when doing an upgrade.
Same situation as when you've just changed the PGP file. AliasEdit is simply a dialog interface for changing ACAD.PGP. So when you migrate you have to copy ACAD.PGP to the new support folder, either overwriting the default or copy-n-paste the customized aliases (at the end of the file) to the new ACAD.PGP.
BTW AliasEdit also tells you if you're making an alias duplicate, i.e. say you make C a shortcut for COPY, it'll tell you that it's already used for CIRCLE (Do you want to replace Y/N).

[SRBalliet]

Whohas - when you get a read only message that someone already has the drawing open, you go ahead and open it and type Whohas, it will tell you who on the network has it open.

(IMHO it should tell you that automatically when it says read only.)

[jmctamney]

.

(IMHO it should tell you that automatically when it says read only.)

Mine does. Right there in the dialog box. Says "person xyz has this drawing open. Would you like to open read only?" I think, don't quote me, but if you have WHOHAS load with AutoCAD you get this functionality.

[ccowgill]

I believe that as of 2007, whohas is automatically loaded in AutoCAD. Aliasedit is an expresstool, it really screws with the formatting of the acad.pgp file, besides, why would you want to overwrite the ootb pgp file? there could be new aliases, it is always best to just add the aliases to the bottom, it does make migration much easier

[SRBalliet]

Mine does. Right there in the dialog box. Says "person xyz has this drawing open. Would you like to open read only?" I think, don't quote me, but if you have WHOHAS load with AutoCAD you get this functionality.

I will try it!

[SRBalliet]

Mine does. Right there in the dialog box. Says "person xyz has this drawing open. Would you like to open read only?" I think, don't quote me, but if you have WHOHAS load with AutoCAD you get this functionality.

My whohas.arx is loaded on startup. Is there a setting somewhere for it to work in a automode? I only get my answer when I type whohas and have to navigate to the drawing. Auto popup would be so much easier. Anybody know?

[jphillips.88936]

I have 2

mpedit - multiple poly line edit.

also bpoly. used to create poly lines from boundries.

[irneb]

Aliasedit is an expresstool, it really screws with the formatting of the acad.pgp file
Why do you say that? Here's what AliasEdit added to the end of my PGP file, nothing changed from the original, simply appended at the end:



; Aliases for commands discontinued in AutoCAD 2007:
RMAT, *MATERIALS
FOG, *RENDERENVIRONMENT
FINISH, *MATERIALS
SETUV, *MATERIALMAP
SHOWMAT, *LIST
RFILEOPT, *RENDERPRESETS
RENDSCR, *RENDERWIN

; -- User Defined Command Aliases --
; Make any changes or additions to the default AutoCAD command aliases in
; this section to ensure successful migration of these settings when you
; upgrade to the next version of AutoCAD. If a command alias appears more
; than once in this file, items in the User Defined Command Alias take
; precedence over duplicates that appear earlier in the file.
QA, *QLATTACH
CI, *CIRCLE
C, *COPY
REC, *RECTANG
BM, *BATTMAN
PJ, *PLJOINFUZZ
DD, *OVERKILL
AU, *AUDIT
AUC, *AUDITCTL
R, *RECTANG
PG, *POLYGON
CR, *CIRCLE
SS, *SAVELAY
RVC, *REVCLOUD
LM, *LAYMRG
IA, *IMAGEATTACH
INC, *Increment

why would you want to overwrite the ootb pgp file? there could be new aliases, it is always best to just add the aliases to the bottom, it does make migration much easier
Well, I did say either overwrite / add custom aliases to the end of PGP.

[jmctamney]

My whohas.arx is loaded on startup. Is there a setting somewhere for it to work in a automode? I only get my answer when I type whohas and have to navigate to the drawing. Auto popup would be so much easier. Anybody know?

I'm not sure then. I will tell you that for me is doesn't work 100% of the time. Maybe it's a function of the network. Now that I'm thinking about it. Usually the people that don't show up are the engineers who don't have write privaledges for the drawing directory. Hmmmmm.........

[dzatto]

I'm not sure then. I will tell you that for me is doesn't work 100% of the time. Maybe it's a function of the network. Now that I'm thinking about it. Usually the people that don't show up are the engineers who don't have write privaledges for the drawing directory. Hmmmmm.........
Mine shows up in the read only box just like you said. It doesn't have anything to do with write priveledges, at least not on my network.

[dzatto]

I have 2

mpedit - multiple poly line edit.

also bpoly. used to create poly lines from boundries.

Peditaccept - set to one, it won't ask you "do you want to convert this line to a pline" it just does it automatically.

I also set my double click for lines to go straight to pedit. That way, if I need a line to be a pline, I just double click it!!!
I also have my dimensions double click set for ddedit. So if I need to edit the dimension text, I just double click the dimension and it goes into the editor, just like mtext does.

Bpoly is a nice one. I use it all the time. Even edited my PGP file to BO!:)

[Mlabell]

To most of us nerds this command is used on anormal basis, but to the normal user here is a fun command. It is in Express tools. Key in "sysvdlg" and it will bring up the entire library of system variables for AutoCAD. Give it a browse and you will find a bunch of obscure variables.

[dzatto]

To most of us nerds this command is used on anormal basis, but to the normal user here is a fun command. It is in Express tools. Key in "sysvdlg" and it will bring up the entire library of system variables for AutoCAD. Give it a browse and you will find a bunch of obscure variables.

I usually just type system variables in the search window!!! I was just looking in there and found this one.

selectionannodisplay

This controls whether alternate scale representations are temporarilly displayed in a dimmed state when an annotative object is selected.

So if you change anno scales and choose a dim, or text, or a tag; you don't get the annoying dimmed size from the other anno scales that were selected before. I would usually select everything and delete the anno scales through right click, but this is way better.

[Rico]

How about the convertpstyles command?

I've gotten burned twice by not remembering it .... it's pretty obscure ...

[BrenBren]

I use M2P all the time. I love that little snap!!!
And the fence command is great too. Use it a lot.

How about @@. Ever need to have 2 lines in the same location? It's rare, but sometimes I do when I have a radius for a firelane easement, then I need to draw in the curb line. Just copy, pick the line and hit @ enter @. It puts another line right where the picked line is. Then you select it and move it to the correct layer.


Since I haven't read the whole thread yet, I'm gonna mention it, but I use COPYTOLAYER for this... select your object, select an object on the layer you want to copy to (or you can get a list of layers), and boom, there it is.

[dzatto]

Since I haven't read the whole thread yet, I'm gonna mention it, but I use COPYTOLAYER for this... select your object, select an object on the layer you want to copy to (or you can get a list of layers), and boom, there it is.
Wow, that does seem easier!!! Thanks, I'll have to remember that.:beer:

PGP file has been changed!! Damn, double post. Boy is my internet connection slacking today.

[Richard.Kent]

When needing to dim a large dim >90, watch the command line, hit return to "specify vertex", now pick the point where the two lines meet, then the ends of each line.

[jpaulsen]

How about the Places List in the standard AutoCAD file selection dialog boxes. This list is found on the left side of the dialog.

In AutoCAD based products this list is unique in that you can customize it by dragging folders to the list.

[dzatto]

How about the Places List in the standard AutoCAD file selection dialog boxes. This list is found on the left side of the dialog.

In AutoCAD based products this list is unique in that you can customize it by dragging folders to the list.

Oh yeah! That's the first thing I do when I upgrade. On my network, I have different folders for Lube, Dryclean, and Carwash projects. I modify the left column to take me directly to the drawing folders with one click. Very sweet. I wish all other programs did that. It sure would come in handy in Outlook for email attachments.

[ccowgill]

Why do you say that? Here's what AliasEdit added to the end of my PGP file, nothing changed from the original, simply appended at the end:



; Aliases for commands discontinued in AutoCAD 2007:
RMAT, *MATERIALS
FOG, *RENDERENVIRONMENT
FINISH, *MATERIALS
SETUV, *MATERIALMAP
SHOWMAT, *LIST
RFILEOPT, *RENDERPRESETS
RENDSCR, *RENDERWIN

; -- User Defined Command Aliases --
; Make any changes or additions to the default AutoCAD command aliases in
; this section to ensure successful migration of these settings when you
; upgrade to the next version of AutoCAD. If a command alias appears more
; than once in this file, items in the User Defined Command Alias take
; precedence over duplicates that appear earlier in the file.
QA, *QLATTACH
CI, *CIRCLE
C, *COPY
REC, *RECTANG
BM, *BATTMAN
PJ, *PLJOINFUZZ
DD, *OVERKILL
AU, *AUDIT
AUC, *AUDITCTL
R, *RECTANG
PG, *POLYGON
CR, *CIRCLE
SS, *SAVELAY
RVC, *REVCLOUD
LM, *LAYMRG
IA, *IMAGEATTACH
INC, *Increment
Well, I did say either overwrite / add custom aliases to the end of PGP.

; This PGP file was created with the AutoCAD Alias Editor.
; Last modified 1/31/2008, 7:16 AM

; Use the Alias Editor (ALIASEDIT command) to edit this file.

I stand corrected, it just adds this to the top of the file, they must have fixed it in one of the recent releases because it hasn't always been like this

[H-Angus]

Not obscure and I'm sure extremely well known but 'REA' (regen all) which is also MBH's name:mrgreen:

Think I'll have to redefine that one if we ever split :lol:

[ccowgill]

VPSYNC is a nice little command to synchronize viewports

what about R, I changed it to rotate, what's the point of redraw, rea for regenall seems to work just fine

[irneb]

what about R, I changed it to rotate, what's the point of redraw, rea for regenall seems to work just fine

Or RE if you're in Model Space - only regens the current viewport. I've got RE set for RECTANGLE. Used to be RC, but now that's used for RENDERCROP. Could have probably made it RT though.

[jpaulsen]

My whohas.arx is loaded on startup. Is there a setting somewhere for it to work in a automode? I only get my answer when I type whohas and have to navigate to the drawing. Auto popup would be so much easier. Anybody know?

Steve,

It does not work automatically in LDT. I does work in Map & Civil 3D. It should display the user name and computer name.

[jpaulsen]

I got a couple more. These commands are probably well known but some of the functionality of these commands tends to be obscure for many people.

UNDO

Everyone knows the U command. It undoes on command at a time. But the UNDO command has several options that can be quite useful.

One option I use a lot is the UNDO Mark and UNDO Back options. You can set a mark in a drawing before you make a lot changes that you may want to undo than undo back to that mark.

You can also undo a specified number of commands to undo by simply typing in the number after executing the UNDO command.

Another one that I like is the Control > Combine option, which combines consecutive zoom and pan commands as a single operation for undo and redo operations. This is set to yes by default so most people probably don't pay attention to it.

PEDIT

The Edit Vertex option is not widely used but is a very powerful tool for working with polylines. There are many additional options once in the Edit Vertex mode: (Next/Previous/Break/Insert/Move/Regen/Straighten/Tangent/Width/eXit)

It allows you to add (Insert) or delete (Straighten) vertices in a polyline. You can change the width of individual segments and more. See the help on this one. And remember, practice makes perfect.

[irneb]

How about the Places List in the standard AutoCAD file selection dialog boxes. This list is found on the left side of the dialog.

In AutoCAD based products this list is unique in that you can customize it by dragging folders to the list.
This also works for most other Windows Apps. Uunfortunately they use some other dialog, so you'll have to do this for them seperately. E.g. the attached shows the windows dialog from Outlook's Attach file - it looks similar to AutoCAD's, but the Places aren't the same.

[Firmso]

Selection by "WP"

Window polygon
use: Example, when erasing something in a crowded drawing, just pick around the only object(s) you want to erase.

Command erase, then type WP. then pick points.

Edit: Everything within the WP will be erased.

[SRBalliet]

Steve,

It does not work automatically in LDT. I does work in Map & Civil 3D. It should display the user name and computer name.

Thanks Jeff, I won't try to fix it if it's not broke.

[BrenBren]

Selection by "WP"

Window polygon
use: Example, when erasing something in a crowded drawing, just pick around the only object(s) you want to erase.

Command erase, then type WP. then pick points.

Edit: Everything within the WP will be erased.

Also works as CP - Crossing Polygon, where everything touched by the polygon will be erased.

[Julesagain]

My former favorite command was CHT (changetext), a really nice little offshoot in Bonus or Express Tools (depending on the version of AutoCAD). I could select multiple Dtext items, either all at once or in the order I wanted to edit them, and then edit, enter to go to the next item, edit, enter, etc. without having to stop and select with the mouse. It was VERY handy for editing tables in place, before there was a good table option within AutoCAD.

How about PICKBOX? If you need to make it larger or smaller on the fly, to either grab something tiny, or make it smaller if its in your way, its faster for me to type that in than go to Tools and all that. I believe the value you type in (1-50) is pixels.

Jules

C: copy
CC: change
S: stretch
CI: circle (I don't actually type it usually, I pick it, but CR would be easier to type)

My PGP command changes are based on what I got used to before there was a lot of graphical interface, or my monitors were so small back then I hated to give up precious screen to icons. So some I still type in from habit, others I select from the menu.
And maybe DD (someone was puzzled as to why he had DD for layers) was a shortened DDLMODES which still works. Thankfully the old commands have been retained in there - for ex. change? a legacy command? It doesn't even have an icon anymore. Since CHPROP doesn't completely take its place, I'm glad it is still in there.

[artisteroi]

that reminds me - CHPROP

chspace

pushes items thru the viewport form model to paper and vice versa

[artisteroi]

perhaps the least known and most usful

MTP

which is a variable used to find a point in space that is between 2 other points. Good for when there is no snap point where you need it such as creating a circle or arc that is between 2 lines

[artisteroi]

another good one

hold shift key down to temporarily lock or unlock ortho when moving or aligning objects on the screen

[Julesagain]

perhaps the least known and most usful

MTP

which is a variable used to find a point in space that is between 2 other points. Good for when there is no snap point where you need it such as creating a circle or arc that is between 2 lines


Oh man when I think of all the times I could have used this one ... and I like the polygon window one too, because sometimes I have to stretch a squirrel :)

Jules

[BrenBren]

Oh man when I think of all the times I could have used this one ... and I like the polygon window one too, because sometimes I have to stretch a squirrel :)

Jules

If you are using an older version of AutoCAD, that does not have the MTP snap, you can accomplish the same results. When you want to pick your point, type:

'CAL (opens the geometric calculator)
MEE (midpoint between two endpoints)

Then select your two end points.

[irneb]

Having explained to a collogue how to use Properties Palette to modify multiple block's attribute values at once. (by selecting all to be changed to the same value, then editing that attribute in the palette) He was selecting everything while pressing the CTRL key - this showed me something which I didn't know before:
While holding the CTRL key you can select only the attribute itself (without selecting the block). You can also select multiple attributes in the same / different blocks. Then you can use the properties palette to modify any properties of these selected attributes in one go. Say you want to override the text size of some (but not all) attributes, you follow this procedure and change the Text Height property in the palette. Previously I did such things one at a time in the EATTEDIT's Text Options tab.

[irneb]

Searched through help about this. It seems to be a fall-off from the ability to select 3D solid's sub-objects. Also this can be changed using the LEGACYCTRLPICK sysvar: 0 for selection as previous, 1 for selecting objects below others (as the older versions worked).
Also to be able to use the Properties Palette your PICKFIRST sysvar needs to be set to 1.

[jpaulsen]

That reminds me of two functions in the Propertied Palette that can be very useful.

First is the Object Type filter. This is the pull-down list in the upper left corner of the Properties Palette. When you select many objects of different types you can use the filter to select one object type to modify. I use this on a daily basis for many object types. Two common uses are separating a polyline and irregular viewport or separating Mtext from a wipeout (Express Text Mask).

The other command is QSELECT. This is actually a separate command that can be used at the command line or by selecting the icon in the upper right corner of the Properties Palette. This is another type of object selection filter. As an example you can select all the Mtext that is style Standard and color bylayer.

[tedg]

If you are using an older version of AutoCAD, that does not have the MTP snap, you can accomplish the same results. When you want to pick your point, type:

'CAL (opens the geometric calculator)
MEE (midpoint between two endpoints)

Then select your two end points.
I still use this one, it's great if you're in the middle of a command and need to do some math for a distance or something.
Like:


Command: OFFSET
Current settings: Erase source=No Layer=Source OFFSETGAPTYPE=0
Specify offset distance or [Through/Erase/Layer] <Through>: 'cal >>>>
Expression: 27'5-3/8"-25'7-11/32"

Resuming OFFSET command.

Specify offset distance or [Through/Erase/Layer] <Through>: 1'-10-1/32"

Select object to offset or [Exit/Undo] <Exit>:

[dxarhoulakos]

In this day and age of vertical platforms in all walks of life...

-exporttoautocad

By far my favorite, and least known...

[dzatto]

How about selectsimilar. Well, this will be an ACA example, but say you need all of you 4X4X3/16 columns selected to change them to 4x4x1/4, just select one column, then SS (or type selectsimilar). Presto, all of the columns are now selected.

Works with lines, text, etc.

Also, if you need to move something, say, 44'-7 11/32". You can't type it that way because the space bar acts as enter in CAD. Instead, use a dash. So it would be 44'7-11/32. It's hard to explain, but it works!

[jpaulsen]

Selectsimilar is a command in Civil 3D and Land Desktop also. It's not in vanilla AutoCAD?

[dzatto]

I'm sure it's in vanilla cad. Just the example of selecting structural members is only in ACA. It was the first example that popped into my head (since I just did it!).

[BrenBren]

Selectsimilar is a command in Civil 3D and Land Desktop also. It's not in vanilla AutoCAD?


I'm sure it's in vanilla cad. Just the example of selecting structural members is only in ACA. It was the first example that popped into my head (since I just did it!).

AFAIK, it is NOT in vanilla...

It is also not in Mechanical...

[rkmcswain]

._DBLIST

List all entities in the drawing.
Good when you have what you think is an empty drawing...

[engineering.158616]

I need help with this one. I am not sure it's reacting to my command line like I thought it would.

Thanks!

[BrenBren]

I need help with this one. I am not sure it's reacting to my command line like I thought it would.

Thanks!

Which one?

[dzatto]

AFAIK, it is NOT in vanilla...

It is also not in Mechanical...
Really, that's weird. It seems like a typical CAD command. ~shrug~

[dxarhoulakos]

The closest thing to selectsimilar in vanilla autocad is qselect...another not so well known...

[artisteroi]

boundary

creates a polyline or region out of the negative space between other objects. good for creating landscape hatches and the like.

[Chris.N]

boundary

creates a polyline or region out of the negative space between other objects. good for creating landscape hatches and the like.
i think that's the same as 'bpoly'

[tedg]

I need help with this one. I am not sure it's reacting to my command line like I thought it would.

Thanks!

Do you mean:

._DBLIST

List all entities in the drawing.
Good when you have what you think is an empty drawing...

If so, hit F2 to bring up the text screen, that will show you the list of entities and their properties. If you have allot of entities, it will be a big list.

[Mr Cory]

Really, that's weird. It seems like a typical CAD command. ~shrug~

Its also in ADT/ACA :mrgreen: id be lost without!

I have _non assigned to F3 and _m2p on F4

Not sure if "mocoro" has been said but its quite a handy command

[irneb]

I find the old FILTER command easier to use than the newer QSELECT - but that's just me, maybe because I know filter better:roll:. However, the QSELECT doesn't have a save / recall filter and most important (for me) this feature:
In the Filter dialog there's an "Add Selected Object" button (bottom left)
If you click this and select one example entity, the filter list gets populated with all its properties.
Then simply select those properties you don't want to filter on & click the "Delete" button (mid of the 3 buttons on the right under the list).
If you now want to add some property filters from a different entity, you simply repeat the process above for that entity - its properties simply gets appended to the list.This way it is much quicker to filter by several properties at once.:lol:

Also it's possible to filter by say two or more layers at once by simply selecting the layers or typing their names separated by a comma (wildcards * can also be used);). With QSELECT you have to filter one layer at a time (selecting it from a dropdown), then do another QSELECT for the next layer either Including / Excluding from the selection set.

What most users don't understand with FILTER is the AND, OR, XOR and NOT "operators". This is too much like programming for the average user to use - or so I'm told:?. Something that could be a godsend here would be "Move Up" and "Move Down" buttons for the list - although you can get around this using the Edit, Delete, Add to List & Substitute buttons, it's just a bit cumbersome.

The only thing I hate about the FILTER command is it doesn't allow for Dynamic Blocks with those *U unnamed versions:mad:, while QSELECT does. If it wasn't for this, I'd use FILTER all the time.

[jpaulsen]

Not sure if "mocoro" has been said but its quite a handy command
I didn't know about that one. It's pretty cool.

It reminds of the ALIGN command which many people may not know about. Align does not have a copy option but it will move, scale and rotate the selected objects to match the selected destination points.

[SRBalliet]

What about select an object, right-click drag, release, then chose move, copy, paste as block.

[dzatto]

Maybe it's just me, but I think it's way faster to must type M, move it, than RT and rotate it. I don't like all these move, rotate, copy combined commands. Too much to think about!!

Then again, I run all my snaps off of my Shift + Right click, key stroke. I despise osnaps!!! No, I don't want perpendicular, I want the damn midpoint!!!!! :lol:

[BrenBren]

Maybe it's just me, but I think it's way faster to must type M, move it, than RT and rotate it. I don't like all these move, rotate, copy combined commands. Too much to think about!!

Then again, I run all my snaps off of my Shift + Right click, key stroke. I despise osnaps!!! No, I don't want perpendicular, I want the damn midpoint!!!!! :lol:

I love MOCORO when I have to rotate nozzles around a centerpoint. Typically, I need one left in place, so the ability to copy and rotate from the same basepoint rocks.

It's a fav of mine.... but to each their own. Some folks can't handle all the prompts, you know ;)

[H-Angus]

Maybe it's just me, but I think it's way faster to must type M, move it, than RT and rotate it. I don't like all these move, rotate, copy combined commands. Too much to think about!!

Then again, I run all my snaps off of my Shift + Right click, key stroke. I despise osnaps!!! No, I don't want perpendicular, I want the damn midpoint!!!!! :lol:

Yep that's what I do with OSNAPS too (apart from the odd occasion).

The MOCORO thing isn't much help to me either, I'm the wrong gender for multi-tasking :lol:

[mmccarter]

Just read this whole thread!
Most of them which I am likely to need in my company I am aware of, a few were good reminders from the time I forgot about them.

Not really a command as such, but I have all of our borders in a drawing on seperate layout tabs depending on what size paper they are.
To bring in an A0 size border simply ctrl+2 for design centre navigate to the drawing (even better if it is already remembered) highlight the drawing, click on layouts and then drag the "A0 Border" into the current drawing and presto! One new tab with the correct border in it.
This helps maintain standards and helps elliminate users doing their own thing.

Fed up having to Regen after zooming in on an arc or circle? VIEWRES and WHIPARC will mean you never have to regen because of the facetted appearance of an arc. I find this very useful in 3d wireframes where arcs are drawn so badly by autocad.

[CADDmanVA]

Maybe it's just me, but I think it's way faster to must type M, move it, than RT and rotate it. I don't like all these move, rotate, copy combined commands. Too much to think about!!

Then again, I run all my snaps off of my Shift + Right click, key stroke. I despise osnaps!!! No, I don't want perpendicular, I want the damn midpoint!!!!! :lol:

That's my feelings too. I do use OSNAPS though. I have a few macros programmed in the dashboard which changes the registry value to the most common snaps I use.

[jpaulsen]

Maybe it's just me, but I think it's way faster to must type M, move it, than RT and rotate it.


That's my feelings too.
Have you guys ever used ALIGN? To move rotate and scale using ALIGN you only have to pick 4 points.

The other method is to move (2 points), then rotate with a reference angle (4 points) and then scale with a reference length (4 points).

You do the math, 4 points < 10 points.

Plus you had to select the objects 3 times. Of course you would use the somewhat obscure P selection option to select your previous selection set so there is no substantial time lost selecting the objects.

[dzatto]

Have you guys ever used ALIGN? To move rotate and scale using ALIGN you only have to pick 4 points.

The other method is to move (2 points), then rotate with a reference angle (4 points) and then scale with a reference length (4 points).

You do the math, 4 points < 10 points.

Plus you had to select the objects 3 times. Of course you would use the somewhat obscure P selection option to select your previous selection set so there is no substantial time lost selecting the objects.
Never used it, but I just messed around with it. Seems like a great tool once you figure out how to use it!!!

There is also mleaderalign. It will align the heads of all the ones you select, but leave the leader arrow where it is. Pretty neat command.

[H-Angus]

Never used it, but I just messed around with it. Seems like a great tool once you figure out how to use it!!!

There is also mleaderalign. It will align the heads of all the ones you select, but leave the leader arrow where it is. Pretty neat command.

We use it quite often for aligning scanned images into Acad eg scans of land registry plans etc to get them aligned and scaled to digital survey data. Plus I still start out designing on tracing paper :Oops: and so scan and align hand drawn site plans in.

[artisteroi]

dist
to measure a distance without using a dim, gives you x,y, & z distances

list
gives you all the elements that make up an item you click on, good for reading blocks also shows current prop settings

id
gives the exact coordinates of a point in space I use it a lot in animations for setting cameras

[dzatto]

How about VW (that may be my shortcut, not sure if it's standard), or vports. Lets you set up model space with different view ports. Comes in handy for drawing 3D stuff.

Even in 2D, I'll use it for sites. One screen zoomed in for drawing, the other zoomed out so I can see the entire site as I'm drawing it.
Or for floor plans, same thing. One side zoomed in and working, the othere zoomed out.

In 3D, I set up my left monitor with 2, and my right monitor with 1 (sometimes 2). That way, I can have a top and side view to work in, and the other one is is perspective with the conceptual visual style set.

You can also copy from one viewport to another really easy, just like in paper space.

[ccowgill]

There is also mleaderalign. It will align the heads of all the ones you select, but leave the leader arrow where it is. Pretty neat command.
the only problem with mleaderalign is it can cause your leader lines to cross under certain circumstances, that is the whole reason my company hasnt instituted it as a standard over the old qleader, if autodesk sets up an option in the command to fix this, we will most definitely start using mleaders

[Richard.Kent]

I don't know if anyone mentioned Trace command and Solid command. Those are both oldies with almost no real value to them anymore.

[dxarhoulakos]

I used to love the solid command. Before it was made available as a hatch pattern.

[jmctamney]

I don't know if anyone mentioned Trace command and Solid command. Those are both oldies with almost no real value to them anymore.

I still use solid all the time. It's great because unlike the solid hatch, it has grips and you can change the shape quickly and easily.

[dxarhoulakos]

I still use solid all the time. It's great because unlike the solid hatch, it has grips and you can change the shape quickly and easily.

True. But associative hatching works the same way.

[jmctamney]

True. But associative hatching works the same way.

True but you have to edit the boundaries. With solid you can grip edit it, stretch it, whatever. You can manipulate it without having to mess the the hatch boundaries, then what do you do when it looses it's associativity. I don't know about you but it happens to me all the time. I use the solid hatch all the time too there are just times when "solid" works better.

[rkmcswain]

FWIW - I created 3 drawings to compare drawing size.

1. Contains 100 1x1 polylines hatched with solid pattern. (201k)
2. Contains 100 hatch objects, 1x1, no boundaries. (84k)
3. Contains 100 1x1 solid objects. (82k)

[dxarhoulakos]

True but you have to edit the boundaries. With solid you can grip edit it, stretch it, whatever. You can manipulate it without having to mess the the hatch boundaries, then what do you do when it looses it's associativity. I don't know about you but it happens to me all the time. I use the solid hatch all the time too there are just times when "solid" works better.

hmmm. not sure what the differebnce is between grip editing and stretching a hatch boundary, and grip editing a solid. seems like its the same operation.

Have they updated the solid command yet to allow more then 4 points? what do you do when you have a curved area? With a hatch there is no limitation.

As far as losing associativity. AutoCAD 2006, and later have a new commad that will recreate a boundary for any hatch patern, and reassociate it.

[rdc]

How about @@. Ever need to have 2 lines in the same location? It's rare, but sometimes I do when I have a radius for a firelane easement, then I need to draw in the curb line. Just copy, pick the line and hit @ enter @. It puts another line right where the picked line is. Then you select it and move it to the correct layer.


use COPYTOLAYER for this - i have an alias of CTL for it - both operations at once -

[jmctamney]

hmmm. not sure what the differebnce is between grip editing and stretching a hatch boundary, and grip editing a solid. seems like its the same operation.

Have they updated the solid command yet to allow more then 4 points? what do you do when you have a curved area? With a hatch there is no limitation.

As far as losing associativity. AutoCAD 2006, and later have a new commad that will recreate a boundary for any hatch patern, and reassociate it.

Large areas or curved areas are instances where I use the solid hatch. I'm not saying I don't use the solid hatch or it shouldn't be used. I'm saying there are still good uses for the solid command and I use it all the time.

[Chris.N]

FWIW - I created 3 drawings to compare drawing size.

1. Contains 100 1x1 polylines hatched with solid pattern. (201k)
2. Contains 100 hatch objects, 1x1, no boundaries. (84k)
3. Contains 100 1x1 solid objects. (82k)
so, are you saying to avoid the use of polylines for file size?

[tedg]

Large areas or curved areas are instances where I use the solid hatch. I'm not saying I don't use the solid hatch or it shouldn't be used. I'm saying there are still good uses for the solid command and I use it all the time.
Me too, I use the "solid" command anytime I can, but still use the regular polyline and hatch when necessary. The "solid" command is just quicker and versatile when you can use it.

IMHO

[rkmcswain]

so, are you saying to avoid the use of polylines for file size?

Not necessarily. I suspected that a POLYLINE and HATCH consumed more drawing space than a SOLID - which they do.

You be the judge on which one to use depending on the situation....

[irneb]

True but you have to edit the boundaries. With solid you can grip edit it, stretch it, whatever. You can manipulate it without having to mess the the hatch boundaries, then what do you do when it looses it's associativity. I don't know about you but it happens to me all the time. I use the solid hatch all the time too there are just times when "solid" works better.Have you ever tried using REGION for your hatch boundary. I've used it instead of a polyline, since you can then use the UNION, INTERSECT and SUBTRACT. In some instances it works easier than polylines - although not for stretching (just depends on the situation).

SOLID works great for straightforward shading areas. As soon as the area becomes involved I'd suggest HATCH. If you've got a lot of strange shapes to "cut" out or add to the area at a later stage, then combine HATCH with REGION (instead of PL).

[Mamma Jamma]

...and this:
If you are in the "Open" dialogue of programs like AutoCAD, Excel or Word, which, as we know, only show their own file types, you can still see all there is to see in a directory by typing *.* in the File Name box. From there, you can use right-click and delete, rename, etc., the same as if you were in Explorer

[mikewokc]

Im not sure if it applies to 2008, but my pick would be FACETRES to set the rendered smoothness of curved features of a model.

[mpednault]

Oh I've got one!!!! When in any command and you need to perform another command to complete the first command, type 'xyz (xyz being the second command you wish to use) during the first command and it will allow you to perform the second command and then when finished (hit enter) will bring you back to the first command....... Was that clear enough? :-D

[BrenBren]

Oh I've got one!!!! When in any command and you need to perform another command to complete the first command, type 'xyz (xyz being the second command you wish to use) during the first command and it will allow you to perform the second command and then when finished (hit enter) will bring you back to the first command....... Was that clear enough? :-D


I think what you're trying to say is that by hitting the apostrophe - ' - you can run another command transparently while in a command.

For example, you start the mtext command, and you realize you are on the wrong layer. Instead of exiting the mtext command, type 'layer, make the TEXT layer (or whatever) current, OK out of the layer dialog box, and finish your mtext. The text will come in on whatever layer you changed to while in the command.

[mpednault]

yeah, thats it!

[artisteroi]

had almost forgotten about the - ' - transparency command.

how about the "CAL" command
which changes the command line into a calculator capable of advanced physics. combine the two commands " 'cal and you can move, or rotate or align or whatever by the square root/ cosign/ mass properties or points of pi of what ever else.

Ive used it to stretch steel beams to the point of momentum in order to see waht the maximum length is available for the beam. Learned all that cool stuff in class, rarely get to use it anymore though :(

[slw210]

I like COPYM (Express tool), Copies multiple objects with Repeat, Array, Divide and Measure options.

MEASURE is another many seem to know little about. Especially the Block option of MEASURE, which places a block at specified intervals along an object with aligned and not aligned options.

DIVIDE has the Block option also, which places Blocks at equal intervals with aligned and not aligned options.

JOGSECTION comes in handy detailing sections of 3D Models

INTERFERE is another 3D command I use to check for (yea that's right) interferences on assemblies.

ETRANSMIT is one that more people sending me drawings need to know about.

For those that work in places like me that have older file versions around (before R13) the CONVERT command is handy.

In the Block Editor, you can use BATTORDER to specify the order of Attributes for a block.

Also in the Block Editor, BGRIPSET (right-click>Grip Display) Create, delete and reset parameter grips.

From Express Tools, I like these commands.

CLIPIT
DIMREASSOC
EXTRIM
LSP
OVERKILL (Been using that like crazy lately working in these old drawings)

[Mamma Jamma]

FLATSHOT.
pretty much does what it says - takes a 2-d snapshot of 3-d objects.

[cblackford]

-PU
R (Regapps)

When all else fails, often purging "Registered Applications" out of a dwg will fix badly behaving files.

[tedg]

had almost forgotten about the - ' - transparency command.

how about the "CAL" command
which changes the command line into a calculator capable of advanced physics. combine the two commands " 'cal and you can move, or rotate or align or whatever by the square root/ cosign/ mass properties or points of pi of what ever else.

Ive used it to stretch steel beams to the point of momentum in order to see waht the maximum length is available for the beam. Learned all that cool stuff in class, rarely get to use it anymore though :(
The 'cal command has been brought up in this thread here (http://forums.augi.com/showthread.php?p=809020&highlight=cal#post809020) although, you bring up some more uses for it,
Thanks.

[vmichl]

In the interactive AutoCAD command dictionary at:
http://www.cadforum.cz/cadforum_en/command.asp

you can find real AutoCAD command gems like:

CUSTOMERINVOLVEMENTPROGRAM
AIMLEADEREDITREMOVE
UPDATETHUMBSNOW
CONVERTOLDLIGHTS
MATERIALATTACH
...

Vladimir Michl, www.xanadu.cz

[mark.momper]

Anyone know how to do select similar? I used to have that in my right click menu at my old job but can't seem to find it again. that's probably one of my fav's

or layiso

[BrenBren]

Anyone know how to do select similar? I used to have that in my right click menu at my old job but can't seem to find it again. that's probably one of my fav's

or layiso

Select similar isn't in all Autodesk products, so if you switched software with jobs, you might not have it...

Layiso was an express tool, that was incorporated into the LayersII toolbar in, uh, 06 I think..

[SRBalliet]

Anyone know how to do select similar? I used to have that in my right click menu at my old job but can't seem to find it again. that's probably one of my fav's

or layiso

Brenda is right, it is available on LDD but not plain vanilla. You might want to use Qselect it should do some of the same things for you.

[Mr Cory]

For those who are missing the select similar, have a look/search in the lisp forum on here. Im pretty sure i have seen lisp which have the same function :p

[H-Angus]

For those who are missing the select similar, have a look/search in the lisp forum on here. Im pretty sure i have seen lisp which have the same function :p

This one here (http://forums.augi.com/showthread.php?t=66329&highlight=select+similar)?

[irneb]

Just added a lisp routine to do this, see here http://forums.augi.com/showthread.php?t=66329&highlight=select+similar

[jgrove1975]

this one works best for dimensiong that go to center of openings or anything that needs to start or end in between 2 endpoints....

After starting a command, such as dimension type 'cal

it will ask for an expression..then type mee

select 2 endpoints...

it means Middle of Endpoint, Endpoint, and specifies a point in middle of 2 endpoints

[dzatto]

Sounds like the Mid between 2 points snap. You don't need to type 'cal to run it in the middle of a command. It's found on the snap menu, shorcut W. Plus, you can pick any two snap points, not just endpoints.

[Richard.Kent]

What's the most obscure least known command that you know, that works in 2008? No, I'm not writing a book... just wanting to pick up some new things to try. Iv'e learned alot just reading the threads let alone asking this question.

Judging by some people's drawings I would say the most obscure commands are osnap and ortho/polar. Followed up closely by layer, make,...

[jacep]

my favs are:
control-shift-c for copy with base point
control-shift-v for paste as block

but as for obscure, no one mentioned overkill

[dzatto]

Oh yeah, overkill is a good one. Don't use it much in ACA though.

[robert.1.hall72202]

With everything plug and play, "tablet" is a little known command.

Anyone still using one of them?
For me, maybe 10 years ago.

[BrenBren]

With everything plug and play, "tablet" is a little known command.

Anyone still using one of them?
For me, maybe 10 years ago.

tablet... is that like a little table... or maybe that's tablette..

;)

Never used one... Guess I never will...

[lpseifert]

With everything plug and play, "tablet" is a little known command.

Anyone still using one of them?
For me, maybe 10 years ago.
I still have one... 98% of the time it's used as a mouse.

[jacep]

had to retire my tablet, but have the puck hanging on the wall

[jaberwok]

With everything plug and play, "tablet" is a little known command.

Anyone still using one of them?
For me, maybe 10 years ago.

Like this?

(Yes. That is a R12 overlay.)


EDIT: Okay, I give up. 10 minutes and pic still not sent.

[Railrose]

After getting a wheel mouse, I haven't used a tablet.

[robert.1.hall72202]

tablet... is that like a little table... or maybe that's tablette..

;)

Never used one... Guess I never will...

Consider yourself lucky. I had the pleasure of using 2 different styles of tablets:

1. A table on wheels with AutoCad icons, a wire coil, and cross hairs.

2. Wall mounted version with a grid for tracing drawings. It never worked right.

Both required ancient computer technology, via 386 machines. Any of todays
computers would completely fry the setup.

I appreciate my laser mouse!

[jaberwok]

Consider yourself lucky. I had the pleasure of using 2 different styles of tablete:


Consider yourself unlucky because you never used an A3/A4 tablet. Much better than using a mouse - much faster because, after a while, you don't look to find the "buttons".

[jacep]

a 16 button puck was the best and fastest. 16 commands on one hane & keyboard shortcuts with the other. now only if they made a 16 button mouse with a wheel. I never used the tablet for the menus, only the puck.

[robert.1.hall72202]

a 16 button puck was the best and fastest. 16 commands on one hane & keyboard shortcuts with the other. now only if they made a 16 button mouse with a wheel. I never used the tablet for the menus, only the puck.

Get a nostromo52 speedpad. The nostromo speedpad allows the user to progam a
small keypad (half keyboard) 4 times. My left hand has access to 4 keysets for a
total of 56 keys. I would like to see a mouse do that!

[irneb]

The tablet had another advantage. You basically had all your toolbars on the tablet, freeing the entire screen. Some said: "But this makes you look away from the screen to search for the button." Yes, it did, and it was a good thing for your eyes as well. Anyway, after use you got so used to where the button is you didn't even have to search anymore.

I'm not sure, but I've heard this 2nd hand, so it may be wrong. A speed test between a keyboard shortcut junkie & a tablet junkie: The tablet guy won time and again. I've used both and augmented the tablet with keyboard shortcuts. Now I'm only using a mouse with a keyboard, but that's because getting my old Genius 12x12HRIII to work in AC2008 is a nightmare.

[jmctamney]

Get a nostromo52 speedpad. The nostromo speedpad allows the user to progam a
small keypad (half keyboard) 4 times. My left hand has access to 4 keysets for a
total of 56 keys. I would like to see a mouse do that!

I love my N52!!! Works great with Revit too.

[Chris.N]

a 16 button puck was the best and fastest. 16 commands on one hane & keyboard shortcuts with the other. now only if they made a 16 button mouse with a wheel. I never used the tablet for the menus, only the puck.
it's gonna be a sad day when my 10 button mouse dies... i can't find a comparable replacement from Logitech

[Chris.N]

I love my N52!!! Works great with Revit too.
ok, i may have to check that out, it seems that 3dconnexion is still working on an interface....

i love my navigator for CAD & SU....

[irneb]

it's gonna be a sad day when my 10 button mouse dies... i can't find a comparable replacement from LogitechWhat about this one? http://www.tomshardware.com/2004/04/27/multi/

Not sure if you can program all those buttons to different functions. Not really meant for graphics, but I can't see why we can't use it ... a button is a button is a button ... or so you'd think ... right?

[dmo1205342273]

Haven't checked the whole thread yet but what about "TXT2MTXT" command. Great for changing lines of text into one group of Multiline text.

[dzatto]

Haven't checked the whole thread yet but what about "TXT2MTXT" command. Great for changing lines of text into one group of Multiline text.
Yep, good one. I even have a shortcut for it. CM. Great command.

How about OSNAPHATCH. It lets you snap to hatch patterns. It's off by default.

[CADDmanVA]

...How about OSNAPHATCH. It lets you snap to hatch patterns. It's off by default.

That and OSNAPZ were banes to my sanity before I learned of them. Quite handy now though! 8)

[jmcshane]

Ever wondered what angle the viewport was rotated?

VIEWTWIST

(Read-only)Type: Real
Saved in: Drawing
Initial value: 0

Stores the view rotation angle for the current viewport measured relative to the WCS.

[brettina]

tspaceinvaders

finds all text close to or overlapping objects.
-no, it's not a game! But the command nobody will belive exists in autocad.
make sure your command line is showing to see the way this command works.
have fun.

~B

[lpseifert]

tspaceinvaders

finds all text close to or overlapping objects.
-no, it's not a game! But the command nobody will belive exists in autocad.
make sure your command line is showing to see the way this command works.
have fun.

~B
That is an obscure one for sure... but what is it good for? Any possible application for it?

[CADDmanVA]

tspaceinvaders

finds all text close to or overlapping objects.
-no, it's not a game! But the command nobody will belive exists in autocad.
make sure your command line is showing to see the way this command works.
have fun.

~B

Wow! That's cool. I just tried it on a survey a consultant sent us. This will make cleaning up drawings a lot easier! :beer:

[dxarhoulakos]

tspaceinvaders

finds all text close to or overlapping objects.
-no, it's not a game! But the command nobody will belive exists in autocad.
make sure your command line is showing to see the way this command works.
have fun.

~B

now thats an obscure command...very nice...

looks like its undocumented as well...

[wade.spruill]

Hidden in Autocad is a command known as MoCoRo (move, copy, rotate and scale) all in one command. It's probably the most widely used command that I have found to date.

[Steve Johnson]

In AutoCAD 2009, if you set the undocumented system variable LAYERDLGMODE to 0, the Layer command will invoke the old modal interface instead of the new palette-based one.

[kathy71046]

tspaceinvaders

finds all text close to or overlapping objects.
-no, it's not a game! But the command nobody will belive exists in autocad.
make sure your command line is showing to see the way this command works.
have fun.

~B

That's an awsome command...although it seems to dislike annotative text and insist it's overlapping...which it is....in scales I don't care about :roll:

[jpaulsen]

In AutoCAD 2009, if you set the undocumented system variable LAYERDLGMODE to 0, the Layer command will invoke the old modal interface instead of the new palette-based one.
I am not the type that likes to make my new version exactly like the old one; however, this variable may be useful. Apparently the new palette-based layers is causing some computers to be very slow. In these cases this variable will be very helpful.

[dxarhoulakos]

In AutoCAD 2009, if you set the undocumented system variable LAYERDLGMODE to 0, the Layer command will invoke the old modal interface instead of the new palette-based one.

on the same note.

'classicxref' will bring up the old school xref dialog box. i personally prefer the palette, but if anyone was wishing to have the old way back...

classicimage does the same thing...

[duhvinci]

I'll chime in with my first post to the group. I must qualify this by stating up front that I continue to work with r14 (I can hear the gasps) so I don't know if the command is still available ATTEDIT, which allows you to modify individual attribute properties.

[sammyz28]

Why do you say that? Here's what AliasEdit added to the end of my PGP file, nothing changed from the original, simply appended at the end:



; Aliases for commands discontinued in AutoCAD 2007:
RMAT, *MATERIALS
FOG, *RENDERENVIRONMENT
FINISH, *MATERIALS
SETUV, *MATERIALMAP
SHOWMAT, *LIST
RFILEOPT, *RENDERPRESETS
RENDSCR, *RENDERWIN

; -- User Defined Command Aliases --
; Make any changes or additions to the default AutoCAD command aliases in
; this section to ensure successful migration of these settings when you
; upgrade to the next version of AutoCAD. If a command alias appears more
; than once in this file, items in the User Defined Command Alias take
; precedence over duplicates that appear earlier in the file.
QA, *QLATTACH
CI, *CIRCLE
C, *COPY
REC, *RECTANG
BM, *BATTMAN
PJ, *PLJOINFUZZ
DD, *OVERKILL
AU, *AUDIT
AUC, *AUDITCTL
R, *RECTANG
PG, *POLYGON
CR, *CIRCLE
SS, *SAVELAY
RVC, *REVCLOUD
LM, *LAYMRG
IA, *IMAGEATTACH
INC, *Increment

Well, I did say either overwrite / add custom aliases to the end of PGP.

Here is how i added my .pgp file


; -- User Defined Command Aliases --
; Make any changes or additions to the default AutoCAD command aliases in
; this section to ensure successful migration of these settings when you
; upgrade to the next version of AutoCAD. If a command alias appears more
; than once in this file, items in the User Defined Command Alias take
; precedence over duplicates that appear earlier in the file.
; **********----------********** ; No xlate ; DO NOT REMOVE

33, *3DORBIT
CC, *COPY
QL, *QLEADER
QS, *QSELECT
VS, *BVSTATE
CHS, *CHSPACE
ALS, *ALIGNSPACE
LOFF, *LAYOFF
LON, *LAYON
LISO, *LAYISO
LUNI, *LAYUNISO
RVC, *REVCLOUD

[eldridge]

Sorry so late in answering... Buried alive in work.

I use this very often and love it. I have wondered though if there was a way to convert a drawing that had been done using all text to mtext with out hitting each line of text.

Another problem with text is changing horizontal fractions to diagonal fractions again, I would like to do it all at once....

[BrenBren]

Sorry so late in answering... Buried alive in work.

I use this very often and love it. I have wondered though if there was a way to convert a drawing that had been done using all text to mtext with out hitting each line of text.

Another problem with text is changing horizontal fractions to diagonal fractions again, I would like to do it all at once....

Just this morning I was thinking, man, I'd sure love a way to change these fractions at once. My problem is that I have a template set up to create my fractions the right way, but with this in-house program, we have to open our DXF's in LT98, and the bring them into a current version of AutoCAD, so my templates are useless in this case.

I haven't yet found a way to do this :(

[jaberwok]

Just this morning I was thinking, man, I'd sure love a way to change these fractions at once. My problem is that I have a template set up to create my fractions the right way, but with this in-house program, we have to open our DXF's in LT98, and the bring them into a current version of AutoCAD, so my templates are useless in this case.

I haven't yet found a way to do this :(

Can't you insert the drawing into a template? Or doesn't that do what you want?

[eldridge]

I have configured a standards template and ran standards on it and that didn't work on the fractions but no, I haven't inserted it into the standards template. Next drawing I set to standard I will try that.
I'll let you know the results. Thanks

[BrenBren]

Can't you insert the drawing into a template? Or doesn't that do what you want?

Tried it. Doesn't work. ~shrug~

[mmccarter]

Hidden in Autocad is a command known as MoCoRo (move, copy, rotate and scale) all in one command. It's probably the most widely used command that I have found to date.


I've never heard of this one, does it work the same as the align command?

[jaberwok]

I've never heard of this one, does it work the same as the align command?

No. It works like a combination of Move, Copy and Rotate commands.
It was introduced with the (r14 ?) bonus tools.

[framedNlv]

Revert is one. Mostly because I don't want to browse to the directory that the file is located in.


cHRIS
(CAPLOCK IS A GOOD ONE)

[jpaulsen]

Revert is one. Mostly because I don't want to browse to the directory that the file is located in.
What does it do? What do you use it for? It appears to close the drawing I am in and reopen it. I could not find anything in the help.

[ian.cook]

How about COPYBLOCKDEFANDASSIGN?
I have been looking for help on this, google found two pages when I searched.
Anyone know how it can be used with lisp?

[framedNlv]

RE: revert

When I'm in my files and need fix xrefs in another folder I use explorer to open up the xrefs. Then I fix what I need to fix (xref paths, mostly), do a qsave and revert the drawing so I don't have to open and browse to a location that is not my current path.

Chris

[framedNlv]

Another favorite that was added somewhere around 2007 version, -ExportToAutocad. No need to purchase the ADT (or whatever they are calling it now) version for converting.


Chris

[CADTigress]

How about COPYBLOCKDEFANDASSIGN?
I have been looking for help on this, google found two pages when I searched.
Anyone know how it can be used with lisp?


never heard of it , all combined.. it doesn't work when I type it in CAD 08?

Sorry....

:(

[CADTigress]

._CONVERTPOLY

._DUMPMEMALLOC

GLOBCHECK (sysvar)

AecFileOpenMessage

AecFileSaveMessage

(Aec commands N/A in vanilla AutoCAD. To find more of these, type in AEC and start pressing the TAB key)

._FILTER


what does it mean when I type in GLOBCHECK and it is set to 0 ? says you can use between
0 - 3. But what does each of those mean?

Also , I cannot get the DUMPMEMALLOC to work. What does that do?

thanks!

[CADTigress]

Ahh, you beat me to it!!! :beer:

Here's a fun one. MTJIGSTRING
Lets you cusomize the "abc" you see when you start mtext. You can use up to 10 characters.


how come when I change it , it only appears in the command line?
is that correct ?

or did I do something wrong..

on the MTJIGSTRING.

[jaberwok]

how come when I change it , it only appears in the command line?
is that correct ?

or did I do something wrong..

on the MTJIGSTRING.

Now look at your text style dialogue (Style command).

[dxarhoulakos]

Purge Regapps
Not well known since it doesnt show up in the purge dialog box. But it has been around for awhile. I want to say 2004 or 2005.

Command:
-PURGE
Enter type of unused objects to purge
[Blocks/Dimstyles/LAyers/LTypes/MAterials/Plotstyles/SHapes/textSTyles/Mlinestyl
es/Tablestyles/Visualstyles/Regapps/All]: r
Enter name(s) to purge <*>:
Verify each name to be purged? [Yes/No] <Y>: n
Deleting registered application "ACAD_DSTYLE_DIMTEXT_FILL".
Deleting registered application "ACAD_EXEMPT_FROM_CAD_STANDARDS".
Deleting registered application "RAK".
3 registered applications deleted.

[ERIC.JEGEN]

WHAT ABOUT OVERKILL. THIS IS AN OWSOME DRAWING CLEAN UP TOOL.

[Darius]

in the circle command type TTR for tangent tangent radius to get a circle to touch 2 lines with a spciefic radius (when fillet is giving you problems and trims wrong lines)

[jwlucasVT]

Not sure if anyone mentioned this one yet but "txt2mtxt" converts single line text to mtext and I have found it very useful.

[jmctamney]

if I need two parallel lines with a tangent arc at each end I just fillet them using a zero radius. Works great for slotted holes in beam connections. Of course this little trick won't work if the lines are not parallel.

[Gary.182361]

If you use Fields in your titleblocks, the Express tool Propulate is handy to transfer Drawing Properties between dwgs.

I can't seem to find this one in '08 where is it?

[lpseifert]

I can't seem to find this one in '08 where is it?
Express > File tools > Update Drawing Property Data
or Propulate at the command line

[Opie]

RE: revert

When I'm in my files and need fix xrefs in another folder I use explorer to open up the xrefs. Then I fix what I need to fix (xref paths, mostly), do a qsave and revert the drawing so I don't have to open and browse to a location that is not my current path.

Chris
Try XOPEN to open XREF drawings or right click on an XREF in the External References palette to get the same option.

[jmctamney]

Try XOPEN to open XREF drawings or right click on an XREF in the External References palette to get the same option.

Love this command. I spent 6 months trying to write a program to do this very thing until they added it to 2006 I think, maybe 05. Either way, IT'S AWESOME!!

[jmctamney]

OH, OH, I have one!! Can't believe I didn't think of it sooner.

Pick something, anything so long as the grips are active. Then using your left mouse button you can press & drag to move said object(s) to wherever you want. Want to copy it, press & drag using the right mouse button then choose the "copy here" option.

[jmctamney]

Try XOPEN to open XREF drawings or right click on an XREF in the External References palette to get the same option.

OK, I have to expand on this one again. I had to share this before I forgot about it since I actually just stumbled on it 5minutes ago trying to help someone else with an XREF problem.

After you attach your XREF highlight it and bring up the properties palette. Then go to 'hyperlink' and navigate to the actual file that you just XREFED and select it. Now whenever you crosshairs are over the xref you'll see a little globe with a chain link. Hold Ctrl and click on the xref to open it. Pretty sweet huh?

[dzatto]

Love this command. I spent 6 months trying to write a program to do this very thing until they added it to 2006 I think, maybe 05. Either way, IT'S AWESOME!!
It's even better in 2009. All the Xref command, detach, release, open, etc, are on the right click menu now. Just select the Xref and right click! I love it!

[Opie]

OK, I have to expand on this one again. I had to share this before I forgot about it since I actually just stumbled on it 5minutes ago trying to help someone else with an XREF problem.

After you attach your XREF highlight it and bring up the properties palette. Then go to 'hyperlink' and navigate to the actual file that you just XREFED and select it. Now whenever you crosshairs are over the xref you'll see a little globe with a chain link. Hold Ctrl and click on the xref to open it. Pretty sweet huh?
You can change the Double Click Action for XREF to XOPEN and then you don't have to create a hyperlink that may become incorrect if the file is moved without the hyperlink getting updated.

[stuwenk]

This one I heard about today. It is called 'napkin' and behaves similarly, if not exactly, like the 'group' command. Can't find any documentation on it. It is not in the help file. I am interested in knowing more.

Thanks!

[jaberwok]

What software is this?
"Napkin" is an unknown command in vanilla A2008 and A2009. It sounds like it should beong to something like Squiggle.

[stuwenk]

We are using AutoCAD Civil 3D 2008. Typing "napkin" at the command line brings up a pop-up menu called "Napkin Sketch", which asks for a block name, line format, sketch format, and intended plot scale. It creates a block from copies it creates of all the selected items - and places the block at the original coordinates. The original items remain untouched. I haven't spent any time with it and don't know what to make of the prompts for line format, sketch format, and intended plot scale.

I attached a Word document with an image of the menu.

Thank you for your reply.

[hhooper]

Loving all the tips I've "stolen" from this thread and wanted to add one of my own to maybe help someone else out (hopefully it hasn't been posted yet)

“NCOPY” can be used to easily copy an object or part of an object from an xref into your current drawing without having to open the xref. Just type “ncopy” and you will be prompted to select the nested objects you wish to copy. Select the object(s) or pieces of an object you wish to copy and hit Enter, you will then be prompted for a base point and can insert the object(s) wherever you need it on your drawing. Please note that this does not create a new block from the copied object(s).

This also works on blocks and is good thru at least 2008 - haven't tried it in 2009 yet.

[denise.serafin]

I have a couple in my "CAD Bible"....
PLINEGEN - linetype generation on
PEDITACCEPT -stop asking the same silly question "do you want to turn into a pline"
ALIGNSPACE - aligns MS &PS (life saver)
MOCORO -one command=move, copy, rotate
SNAPBASE - lining up hatch
EXTRIM-my beloved cookie cutter trim
LAYLOCKFADECTR-controls dimming of layers
and if you lose your command prompt CTRL+9 will bring it back

~DMS~

[framedNlv]

I have included one for you. Please feel free to modify, copy and/or distribute (just don't quote me).



Chris

[ckenwyn]

filedia

The other day one of our tech's open dialog box went missing. Without it, you have to type in the path and drawing name to open a drawing from AutoCAD. To restore this, type in filedia and set it to 1.

[cobra1964]

ok I did not read all 25 pages of comments but one that I fell in love with is "GETSEL" it selects everything on that layer. I use it when cleaning up backgrounds

getsel - enter
select the layer (line / object) - enter
(E) erase then (P) previous - enter

everything is erased

you can also use it to move everything on that layer

[StephenJ]

After reading through a majority of the posts a lot of the commands I would have suggested are already here. But I still have a few that I dont think I saw.

Ctrl +R = Switches between active viewports (this is extremely useful when you have a smaller vport surrounded by a larger one)

viewres = sets the resolution of of objects

MaxHatch = a system variable that will allow you have denser hatches than the default autocad setting

mvsetup = has a lot of functions - I use it to rotate a view within a viewport

? = brings up the help menu

[bullocke]

This thread is great. I have added a lot of new commands to my cheat sheet. I have one that I haven't seen here. Not really a command, but really useful.

After you create a dimension, select it, then in the text override box on the properties pallette, type in <>\Xtext\Ptext. (text being whatever you need to write, for example, TYP)

<> uses the measurement of the dimension as the first line.
\X the following text will be placed below the dimension line.
\P creates a line break, followed by the text you enter.

The first two you can only use once per dimension, but you can have as many line breaks as you need.

Be sure to use the back slash, and capital X and P. (Also, if you need to override the dimension measurement, just leave out the <>, and type whatever you need to. The \X and \P still work.

[BrenBren]

After reading through a majority of the posts a lot of the commands I would have suggested are already here. But I still have a few that I dont think I saw.

Ctrl +R = Switches between active viewports (this is extremely useful when you have a smaller vport surrounded by a larger one)

viewres = sets the resolution of of objects

MaxHatch = a system variable that will allow you have denser hatches than the default autocad setting

mvsetup = has a lot of functions - I use it to rotate a view within a viewport

? = brings up the help menu

I'm amazed at how many DON'T know this one :mrgreen: