June 17, 2020
All About Arrays in AutoCAD
Instead of manually copying and pasting an object multiple times, we can use the “Array” command to create multiple objects with a few clicks and tweaks. There are three different types of arrays: Rectangular, Path, & Polar. Each one allows for flexible and precise positioning of multiple elements. We can even rotate elements through paths…
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POSTED BY
Ariel Rejtman
April 22, 2020
Express Tools & Break-lines in AutoCAD
When we install AutoCAD, we can choose to include some extremely useful “Express Tools”. They appear in their own tab, and they range from “creating text on arcs” to “converting regular text to MText”. Break-lines can be found here as well. We can change their symbol, size, and extension length. They turn into simple polylines…
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Ariel Rejtman
April 21, 2020
Blocks Palette Improvements in AutoCAD 2021
Our Blocks Palette in AutoCAD 2021 has changed and gained more features. We now have a new tab called “Libraries” that contains a specialized search bar and history tabs. Blocks can be previewed before opening the file in which they reside. Filters help us find specific blocks amongst a multitude of choices. Managing our Blocks…
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POSTED BY
James Cuervo
April 17, 2020
Quick Measure Improvements in AutoCAD 2021
Making fast calculations just got easier with the new and improved Quick Measure tool in AutoCAD 2021. Not only can we see distances and angles with this multi-faceted tool, but we can also calculate areas in seconds. By using the Shift key, we can add and subtract multiple areas to one another. This saves tons…
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James Cuervo
April 3, 2020
Annotative Hatching & The Dimension Style Manager in AutoCAD
When making a line of text, dimension, or hatch, we default to creating them at fixed sizes. If we were to show the same objects at different scales, they would change in size. We’d have to create multiple hatches with different sizes in order to accommodate multiple viewports with unique scales. To mitigate this tedious…
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Ariel Rejtman
February 25, 2020
Views & The View Manager in AutoCAD
Navigating between different parts of a drawing can be a manual process, but views can be setup to expedite the process. We can turn certain layers off when using a view, allowing us to see specific disciplines without too much “noise” from other irrelevant disciplines. Our views can be created in layout and model space.…
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Ariel Rejtman
January 31, 2020
The NOMUTT Command in AutoCAD
We can not only modify AutoCAD’s interface, but we can also change each command’s visible functions and data. A subtle command called “NOMUTT” allows us to toggle between two different visibility styles when we use commands. The term “muttering” refers to certain command options that contain numerous settings, options, and parameters that can be modified…
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Ariel Rejtman
January 20, 2020
Converting Polylines to MText in AutoCAD
Instead of re-drawing an entire PDF manually, we can use a few commands to import it into AutoCAD and automatically convert its vector data into objects. Polylines, arcs, circles, and MText are recognized and created. However, some text isn’t immediately recognized and turns into multiple segments of polylines that are difficult to edit. To mitigate…
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Ariel Rejtman
January 13, 2020
Status Bar Auto Wrap & Zoom Factor Commands in AutoCAD
Commands within AutoCAD usually refine our workflows, but they can also improve our user experience and interface. Some commands are undocumented and not part of the main command list. The “Status Bar Auto Wrap” command is one example. If you’re using AutoCAD on a laptop or small display, you might notice that the status bar…
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Ariel Rejtman
December 6, 2019
Demystifying Layer States in AutoCAD
AutoCAD’s layers allow us to show certain components while hiding others. Turning them on and off can become tedious, especially when coordinating multiple disciplines and building phases. Layer States can expedite the process by controlling which viewports show specific layers. Want your new construction to be shown alongside proposed demolitions? Want only plumbing to be…
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