flattening objects on the Z Axis

[Rico]

I'm currently running AutoCAD Architecture 2008.

I have a drawing open right now with objects at various points along the Z Axis. I want them all to be at 0,0,0, as opposed to 0,0,10, for example.

In AutoCAD 2006, I was able to type in "Flatten" and that would work to move all objects to a 0 Z Axis location.

Has this changed? Does anyone know what the new command is? Did I just forget? Will I ever get enough cowbell?

[kimlance]

Hi Rico,

It is under your express tools/modify/flatten. Hopes this helps.

[Rico]

Hi Rico,

It is under your express tools/modify/flatten. Hopes this helps.

i'm using AutoCAD Architecture 2008, I don't have express tools. and I can't see anything under the modify command for my own PC.

[jaberwok]

Rico. I don't use ACA but I'm pretty sure you can install the ETs from the DVD - put the disc in and have a look.

[Rico]

Rico. I don't use ACA but I'm pretty sure you can install the ETs from the DVD - put the disc in and have a look.

I'm unsure as to what DVD you're talking about. From my understanding, the Express Tools come pre-packaged into new versions of AutoCAD .....

For some unknown reason, ACA doesn't seem to recognize the FLATTEN command.

I had a co worker who is running Vanilla CAD to try FLATTEN and his PC did the jobbie I was needing.

So my issue has been resolved in that I got what I needed done. But I really would prefer to figure out why Architecture doesn't recognize FLATTEN.

Is it perhaps embedded in a different command?

Hmmm ....

FWIW, I also inserted my ACA DVD and found nothing in there that pointed me towards "Express Tools" either.

[jaberwok]

Run install > custom > look through the available stuff.
If the tools aren't installed ACAd will never recognise Flatten because it isn't there.

IIRC, the ETs were only installed by default in vanilla A2008.

[Andy.88917]

Express tools don't install automatically. You have to select them to be installed when your installing AutoCAD (ACA). You can reinstall and select express tools to be installed and then you'll have the "flatten" command. I couldn't get by without the express tools. I don't know why it's even an option, much less a "don't install by default".

[Rico]

Run install > custom > look through the available stuff.
If the tools aren't installed ACAd will never recognise Flatten because it isn't there.

IIRC, the ETs were only installed by default in vanilla A2008.


Express tools don't install automatically. You have to select them to be installed when your installing AutoCAD (ACA). You can reinstall and select express tools to be installed and then you'll have the "flatten" command. I couldn't get by without the express tools. I don't know why it's even an option, much less a "don't install by default".

I will look into that sometime today and post back what I do/don't find.

thanks for taking the time to help, guys.

[CADNate]

I will look into that sometime today and post back what I do/don't find.

thanks for taking the time to help, guys.

If can't get your express tools installed our are not able to get flatten to work, I have a lisp that will that will bring every thing down to the Z coordinates. Just let me know.

[tedg]

If can't get your express tools installed our are not able to get flatten to work, I have a lisp that will that will bring every thing down to the Z coordinates. Just let me know.
Me too, look here (http://forums.augi.com/search.php?searchid=708338) and here (http://forums.augi.com/showthread.php?t=39606) for lisp routines and discussion on this
:beer:

[scott.wilcox]

Type EXPRESSMENU at the command prompt, that should install the express tools.

[Rico]

Type EXPRESSMENU at the command prompt, that should install the express tools.

tried that.

didn't work.

[dzatto]

tried that.

didn't work.
The ACA dvd has the express tools option unchecked by default. You need to load them from the dvd. I can't remember exactly where they are, but follow the prompts and you'll come to a section where you can select to install them.

[Rico]

The ACA dvd has the express tools option unchecked by default. You need to load them from the dvd. I can't remember exactly where they are, but follow the prompts and you'll come to a section where you can select to install them.

I had THE hardest time finding those dog damn tools. the setup screen that shows up when I pop in the DVD had no information on what I could or could not do.

So I decided to use the .exe file on the DVD itself and THAT is where I found the option to install or remove items from my program and THAT is where I found Express Tools.

:mad:

stupid hard to use user interfaces .........

in any case, I got the flocking tools installed and that should be the end of my issues with AutoCAD forever ... right? .... :mad:

thanks to everyone for their patience and help! rep has been handed out with reckless abandon.

[tedg]

......
thanks to everyone for their patience and help! rep has been handed out with reckless abandon.
Like penny candy on Halloween!!
:Puffy::veryevil:

[scott.wilcox]

I had THE hardest time finding those dog damn tools. the setup screen that shows up when I pop in the DVD had no information on what I could or could not do.

So I decided to use the .exe file on the DVD itself and THAT is where I found the option to install or remove items from my program and THAT is where I found Express Tools.

:mad:

stupid hard to use user interfaces .........

in any case, I got the flocking tools installed and that should be the end of my issues with AutoCAD forever ... right? .... :mad:

thanks to everyone for their patience and help! rep has been handed out with reckless abandon.


I am not a great proponent of the FLATTEN command, for some reason it does not always perform all that well for me.

I use a third party app, which seems to be much more reliable in the results.