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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POSTED BY
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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POSTED BY
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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James Cuervo
November 1, 2019
Customizing Your Ribbon & Workspace in AutoCAD
AutoCAD’s Ribbon contains tons of functions and tools, some of which we use more or less on a daily basis. We can modify our ribbon and create our own “Home” tab, omitting unused panels and included essential ones. Our user interface can be changed to accommodate company standards and employee preferences. While the customization window…
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