Autocad 2015 Tips and Tricks

8/20/2019 Autocad 2015 Tips and Tricks

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Lynn Allen’s

Tips and

Tricks


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TIPS AND TRICKS | | TIPS AND TRICKS

Command Line Command Line

If you are a fan of the command line—youwill love the many enhancements such assynonyms, autocorrect and content search.

AutoCorrect

No more of the dreaded “unknown com-mand”! Now if you mistype a command,AutoCAD will autocorrect to the most rele-vant command. (Hoorah!)

AutoComplete

AutoComplete now supports mid-stringsearch capabilities. If you key in “PLANE” forexample, you will get all the commands and/ or system variables that contain the wordPLANE.

Commands in the AutoComplete suggestionlist are initially displayed in order of theirgeneral popularity. As time goes on—thesuggestion list will adapt to your own usagebehavior (making your AutoCAD smarter and

smarter!)

Synonym Suggestions

When you work on multiple CAD systems—it is easy to get your nomenclature mixed up!The new Synonym suggestions will help youfind an appropriate match (and it’s custom-izable!) For example if you key in SYMBOL,AutoCAD will offer up the INSERT command.

Customize your synonyms with the EditSynonym tool (Manage ribbon tab).

Content

Timesaver alert! Now you can access layers,blocks, hatch patterns, text styles, dimensionstyles and visual styles from the commandline! For example, if you key in “Door”, youcan quickly insert the preferred door blockfrom the suggestion list.

Command Line

Enjoy an improved

user experience

with AutoCAD

along with manyproductivity tools that

are certain to help

you take your designs

to the next level!


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File TabsCommand Line

File Tabs

New Tab

You will be greeted by New Tab each timeyou open AutoCAD (or when you use

Easily create or move from one opendrawing to another with the handy File Tabsin AutoCAD .

With all these new command lineoptions—you will find some are displayedwith expandable categories. Simply select the+ or use the tab key to cycle through all thecontent

Internet Search

Would you like even more information ona command or system variable? Move the

cursor over the intended command in thesuggestion list and then select the new Helpor Internet icons in the upper right corner.

The Input Search Options dialog (alsoavailable from the right click menu) makes it

easy for you to customize input and searchfeatures.


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the + to create a new tab). It contains twosliding content frames: Learn and Create.

The Create tab makes it easy for you tostart a new drawing, access recent files andconnect with Autodesk . Here you’ll find

various notifications as well as where todownload offline Help.

Use the icons at the bottom of theRecent Documents list on the Create tab toswitch from thumbnail to text view (or both).

The Learn tab is filled with What’s Newand Getting Started videos, tips and online

resources.

Ctrl+T gets you to New Tab quickly!

Set NEWTABMODE andSTARTUPMODE to to displayAutoCAD behavior.

File Tabs

File tabs display in the order they wereopened, but you can easily drag and dropthem to change the order. If you run out ofroom—an overflow menu will appear atthe right.

A lock icon on a tab indicatesread-only; an asterisk indicates the file hasbeen modified since the last save.

File Tabs

Passing the cursor over a file tab will displaypreview images of model space and layouts.If you hover over a preview image—it istemporarily displayed in the entire drawingarea. You’ll also find the Plot and Publishtools appear.

Right click on the file tabs to reveal additionaloptions such as Save All and Close All Exceptthis Tab. Use Copy Full File Path to quicklycopy a link to your drawing for an email oruse Open File Location as a friendly directoryreminder.

Select the Plus icon to the right of the draw-ing tabs to access the New Tab. If NEWTAB-MODE is set to or , the Plus icon (+) willexecute QNEW.

If for some reason you prefer to turn off thiscool new tool—you can do so from the FileTabs control on the View tab of the ribbon.

File Tabs


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User Interface

Color Schemes

Have you been staring at AutoCAD all day?Give your eyes a rest with the new darkthemed Interface.

User Interface

The updated modernized UI in AutoCAD® software is easier to work with andreduces eye strain.

You can easily switch AutoCAD backto the more traditional light theme using theColor Scheme control on the Display tab ofOptions or by using the COLORTHEME systemvariable.

Help

Do you sometimes have a hard time findingthe various tools in the AutoCAD ribbon?Now you can use the Find link next to anytool in Help and a friendly arrow will pointyou to its location.

You can also search the help file for resultsbased on the type of user you are.

If you are new to AutoCAD—checkout the Hitchhiker’s Guide to AutoCADBasics!

User Interface


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Workspaces

Workspaces are no longer displayed by de-fault in the Quick Access toolbar. You can stillfind them on the status bar (who needs themin two places anyway?)

The Classic Workspace has been

removed—time to get onboard with theribbon!

Galleries

The new block galleries make it easy to viewand insert blocks directly from the ribbon(current drawing only).

You’ll also find helpful galleries for styles suchas dimensions, mleaders, text, tables andtable cells.

User Interface

BIM 360

AutoCAD makes it easyto access BIM Glue formodel sharing and clashdetection.

Layouts

You’ll appreciate the layoutpreview thumbnails andthe handy new + symbol toquickly add a new layout.For those of you who like toheap on the layouts—you’lllike the new overflow menu

for easy access to layoutsthat extend beyond thewidth of the display.

You can now controlthe paper background colorin Options.

User Interface


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User Interface

Model Space Viewports

Model Space Viewports are easier to identifyand easier to resize. Simply drag the horizon-tal or vertical viewport boundaries, or theintersection to resize them.

The new + icon lets you easily add moreviewports…just drag it to the proper size.

Improved GraphicsYou can control line smoothing from theGraphics Performance dialog(Options=>System).

Improved Graphics

Are you tired of the jagged diagonal lines inAutoCAD? AutoCAD to the rescue. Thenew LINESMOOTHING variable does exactlythat—including arcs and circles! And there isno reason not to use it as it doesn’t compro-mise your performance!

You can join or remove a viewport bydragging a boundary to the edge.


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A small spherical icon will display to indicatethe pivot point.

Improved Graphics

3D Orbit

Enjoy better control of the target point whenyou turn off “Enable Orbit Auto Target” fromthe DOrbit right click menu. Then you canclick and hold the cursor to specify the pivotpoint.

Object Selection

Object Selection

You’ll find that faces and D solidsare much easier to identify when selectedas well.

Moving objects will be clearer with the newfaded deletion effect.

Now you will see color, linetype and line-weight for lines and plines as you draw them!

Complex linetypes display true to form as youdraw and edit them.

Set COMPLEXLTPREVIEW to to turnthis feature off.

We spend so much of our AutoCAD time se-lecting and editing objects—check out thesenew additions:

Selecting Objects

When selecting objects the geometry appears

thicker and darker (or lighter depending onyour background color).

After selecting objects—they change colorand remain thickened so you are certainyou’ve selected the correct objects! (only ifhardware acceleration is on).


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Lasso Selection

Click and drag your cursor to use the newLasso selection—click and release for thetraditional rectangular selection.

This behavior can be turned off on

the Selection tab of Options.

Command PreviewPreview the results of Trim, Extend, Length-en, Break, MatchProp, Fillet, Chamfer andOffset!

The new Command Preview control on theSelection tab of Options enables/disables thiscool new feature.

Badges

AutoCAD has added handy, relevantbadges that provide you with contextualfeedback right next to the crosshairs.

Object Selection

Relevant badges also display for Copy, Move,Scale, Zoom and Erase! Now you’re always inthe know.

The crosshairs have been removedfrom the inside of the pickbox to make it easi-er to see what you’re selecting.

Selection badges indicate crossing or window.

Inspection badges display when usingInquiry commands.

Rotation badges display during a Rotateoperation (and indicate clockwise or counter-

clockwise based on the drawing units).

Object Selection


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Everyday Command Improvements

Layer Merge

LAYMRG has been incorporated into the Lay-er Manager. Right click to merge or morelayers together onto one layer (and automati-cally delete the now empty layers).


Many improvements have been made to thebread and butter commands of AutoCAD.

Natural Ordered Sort for Layers

If you number your layers, you’ll be thrilledwith this improvement! Now numbered layers

are sorted in their natural order such as , ,, , , , (as opposed to , , , , ,, ).

Set the new SORTORDER systemvariable to to restore legacy behavior.

Sheet Sets

The CreateDate field (stored in the templatefile) displays the creation date of the newsheet (not the date of the template file).

Plot StylesNow CONVERTPSTYLES supports spaces!

Polylines

Now you can fillet a polyline or polyarc toitself.

Arcs

Use the Ctrl Key to switch arc and polyarcdirections!

Isometric Drafting Environment

A new tool on the status bar makes it easy toswitch from one isoplane to the next.

XREF Enhancements

XREF linetypes are no longer displayed on thelinetype list of the ribbon or the Proper-ties palette (you can’t modify them thereanyway!). XREF layers are still displayed in theribbon (but not in Properties).

Change the XREF type or path for multipleselected xrefs simultaneously from the right-click menu in the XREF Manager.

Toggle between Attach andOverlay in the XREF Manager with a simple

double-click.



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speed point cloud that can be viewed andedited in AutoCAD and other products(including Autodesk Revit and AutodeskInventor).

Autodesk ReCap is a separate appli-

cation that is installed with AutoCAD (by default).

Reality Computing

Reality Computing

More and more people are incorporatingscans into their designs. Autodesk® ReCapTM makes working with D laser scans a breeze!

Autodesk ReCap

Use Autodesk ReCap to convert scan file datafrom a variety of popular formats to a high-

Access Autodesk Recap orattach a ReCap point cloud(RCP and RCS) from theInsert tab on the ribbon.

Use the Attach Point Cloud dialog to select

the file, scale, insertion point and rotationangle (and to display valuable data aboutyour point cloud).

Check out the new Use GeographicLocation option.

The contextual ribbon will switch to a PointCloud tab when a point cloud is selected.

Reality Computing


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The colorization options help you bettervisualize your point cloud.

Elevation and Classification are newto AutoCAD .

ColorizationCustomize your colorization with the newPoint Cloud Color Map dialog.

Display

Now you can increase the point size to visual-ly fill in gaps. Use the Level of Detail slider toset the density for all point clouds.

Use Options=>D Modeling tab to

control the maximum points displayed on thescreen for your point clouds. AutoCAD supports up to million points!

Reality Computing

Lighting

The new Lighting tools control variouslighting effects.

Cropping

Use the cropping tools (Rectangular, polygo-nal or circular) to clip your point clouds.

Use the new Invert tool to reversedisplaying points inside rather than outside

the clipping boundary.

Reality Computing

You can continue cropping your pointcloud by changing the view.

Point Cloud Manager

Use the new Point Cloud Manager to workwith multiple point clouds.

Double click on a point cloud to viewthe model from its scan position.

G hi L tiG hi L ti


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switch between aerial, road, or hybrid map(or turn off the map completely).

If you’re in the field, use the LocateMe tool to identify and mark your currentlocation.

Geographic Location

When you add a geographic location to yourdrawing, you reap many benefits from all thegeographic data that goes with it!

• Display your drawing on map services suchas Google Earth.

• View it in the context of its actual location(great for sun studies).

• Geo-referenced blocks and images auto-matically go to their correct location (withthe correct scale!)

• Navigate around in your drawing whileyou’re in the field! (if your computer isGPS enabled).

Set a geographic locationusing the Set Location tool.

Easily search for an addressor latitude and longitudefrom a map (if signed intoyour Autodesk account) orby selecting a KML/KMZ file.If you aren’t signed in—you

can still specify latitude andlongitude.

Drop a marker on to the mapto mark the spot! Move themarker as often as needed.

Select a relevant coordinatesystem (which also definesthe scale of the map). Youcan easily modify the draw-ing units.

Pick the corresponding geographic locationin your drawing and specify the northdirection.

Use the Geolocation ribbon tab for modify-ing the geolocation and map display. Easily

Object Snaps

Control the Point Cloud object snaps fromthe D Object Snap tab of Drafting Settings.

Add D Object Snap to the statusbar for easy access to the point cloud object

snaps.

Use the UCS tool, Object option toalign the current UCS to a plane in a pointcloud.

Geographic Location

Geographic Location

Geographic Location Annotation


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Now you can capture an area or viewport forplotting purposes and to preserve the currentmap data. This map will be embedded intothe drawing (no need for internet access forviewing or plotting).

Move, resize or rotate the image boundary.The online map data will automaticallyupdate!

Geographic Location Annotation

Annotation is an important part of ourdesigns—check out these timesavers!

Text

Single line text remembers the last justifica-tion setting!

Bullets and Numbering

Mtext now has automatic bullets or number-ing. Begin a line with a symbol, number orletter followed by one of these symbols:. , ) > } , ] and then a tab to create a bulletor numbered list. Click the icon for moreoptions.

Use Backspace to remove automaticbullets and numbering.

Smart Caps LockAutoCAD will automatically correct your text(and turn Caps Lock off) if you accidentallyhad Caps Lock on while you’re holding downthe Shift Key.

Map Resolution

Use the new Map Image Resolution tool toretrieve a higher or lower resolution image.

Just because an image is higherresolution—doesn’t mean it is more recent!

Use the new slider bars on the Map Imageribbon tab to adjust the brightness, contrastand fading (so you can see your AutoCADgeometry in the background).

Annotation

MatchProp

Use the new Match Properties tool in theText Editor ribbon to apply properties be-tween selected text within an Mtext object.

Works with dimensions and

tables too!

Sub/Superscript

Highlight the text and use the newSuperscript/Subscript tools on the ribbon.

Annotation Annotation


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Annotation

Mtext

You’re going to love the new transparentbackground (so you can see any objectsunderneath).

Modify the height and width of columns at

the same time with the new corner resizer.Modify them independently by using thearrows on each edge.

AutoStack

It’s easier to AutoStack! Just put a forwardslash between numbers: /.

Click on the icon for other stack options.

Use Stack and AutoStackproperties to further controlthe stacking.

Dimensions

Set the new system variable

DIMCONTINUEMODE to to create Continued andBaseline dimensions with thesame dimension style as thebase dimension!

Double-clicking on atolerance object opens theGeometric Tolerance dialogbox (better than QuickProperties).

No more snappingto extension lines by acci-dent! Object snaps ignoreextension lines when creat-ing dimensions. (Controlthis behavior in Options=>Drafting tab.)

Annotation

Annotation Autodesk 360


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Hatch

It is now possible to edit multiple hatch objects from the ribbon or from the commandline version of the hatch editor.

Hatch remembers the previous method for

selecting objects to hatch (pick internal pointor select objects).

Attributes

Now when you insert blocks with attri-butes—the dialog box displays by default(ATTDIA set to ).

Text Alignment

The new TEXTALIGN command quickly alignstext to existing text (or by selecting points).You can easily control the spacing or align-ment direction.

Open Local Sync Folder

Opens the Autodesk folder your drawingis being synced to.

Launch Website

This tool takes you online to your storeddocuments and folders via browser.

You’ll also find Autodesk accessin many of the Select File dialog boxes.

When you upload drawings from AutoCAD toAutodesk , external references and otherdependent files upload as well!

Autodesk 360

It’s all about the cloud, baby! Connect toyour secure Autodesk account for filesharing, customization syncing, and more.

Autodesk 360 tab

Use the Autodesk tab for all things relat-ed to your Autodesk account.

Share DocumentMakes it easy to save and share your doc-ument with others via Autodesk . Youprovide the email addresses and comments—Autodesk does the rest!

Autodesk 360 Design Feed


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Settings Sync

Be sure to set up your cloud settings tocontrol when your design data and customsettings are synced. Choose to automaticallystore your design data each time you save, oronly when you specify.

Sync my Settings

We all set up AutoCAD to work the way welike to work! Now you can save and syncthose settings with Autodesk . Save yourprogram appearance, profiles, tool palettes,

customization files, Options and support filesto Autodesk so you can restore themonto any computer!

Choose Settings

Choose which settings you’d like Autodesk

to automatically sync.

Design FeedThe Design Feed tool dis-plays a palette where youcan enter text messages andattach images to be sharedonline through Autodesk.

Posts will remain with therelated drawings on thedesktop, web and acrossmobile devices. Access Design Feed from theAutodesk ribbon tab.

Design Feed AutoCAD 360


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AutoCAD 360Download the free* app foriOS mobile devices at theApp Store. Also available forthe Android.

It’s easily accessed from

inside AutoCAD via theAutodesk tab or visitwww.autocad.comtoday!

Associate a message with a location in yourdrawing and a corresponding bubble willdisplay. When the post is selected in DesignFeed, AutoCAD zooms in accordingly andvice versa.

Use the Settings button on theDesign Feed palette to control the display ofbubbles.

Tag others via email to notify them of yourpost (will also appear within AutoCAD).

The data and associated images are savedto Autodesk . When you save the fileunder a different file name—you can opt tocopy the Design Feed info with it. A similaroption appears in eTransmit, Archive orDWG Convert.

Design Feed makes corresponding withothers about an AutoCAD drawing so mucheasier!

Resolve the thread to hide it whenthe post is no longer needed or active.

Have you tried Autodesk® AutoCAD® web app yet? AutoCAD lets you view,edit, and share drawings through the webor mobile device (take your drawings on theroad!).

Collaborate with others on the same drawingin real time! Use the basic editing features tomark-up a drawing file. Use the Timeline toolfor a detailed design history.

Give AutoCAD a try—did I mention it’s free*?

* Free products and services are

subject to the terms and conditions

of the end-user license agreement

that accompanies them.

Added Extras Added Extras


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Added ExtrasUse the Exchange App Manager to view andupdate. Right click on an app to rate, unin-stall or learn more information about it.

A double click on an app in theExchange App Manager will automaticallyprovide more info about that app.

Multiple search paths for plot filesYou can now specify multiple folders for PC,PMP, CTB, and STB files in Options.

Security!

AutoCAD offers extra security controlsto help protect your drawings. Set theTrusted File Search Path on the Files Tab inOptions to prevent unauthorized executionof files such a scripts, AutoLISP or VBAapplications.

You will also find new Executable File settings

on the System tab of Options.

Are you using a Windows® touch-enableddevice? Use the control on the System tab ofOptions to display a touch mode ribbon panel(when a touch screen is detected). You willbe on the road to smoother pan and zoomperformance in no time!

Autodesk Exchange Apps

Get direct access to downloadable appli-cations and content that can increase yourproductivity. Simply click on the big X onInfocenter.

Several valuable apps such as the FeaturedApps ribbon tab, the Exchange App Managerand the SketchUp Import app are automati-cally installed in AutoCAD .

Added Extras Added Extras


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Language Packs

Do you need to install multiple languagesof AutoCAD on your computer? Now youcan install one full product and then addsubsequent languages via Language Packs

(from the Help menu). Saves so much timeand space!

Autodesk Application Manager

This desktop tool helps you stay current withthe latest updates for all your Autodesk appli-cations. The Autodesk Application Managerwill send you timely messages about new

service packs, hot fixes, etc.

The Application Manager seamlessly down-loads the files from the cloud and installsthem for you.

AutoCAD Subscription Options

Desktop Subscription

Enjoy access to the latestsoftware releases, technicalsupport, flexible licensing,and a variety of Autodesk cloud benefits.

Maintenance Subscription

Maximize the value of yourperpetual license with thelatest upgrades, flexiblelicensing, technical support,and access to select cloudand software services.

Cloud Service Subscription

Extend your workflow tothe cloud for virtually infinitecomputing power, collabora-tion tools, and access to yourfiles and software—almostanytime, anywhere.

TrustedDWG

Not all “.dwg” files are created equal.TrustedDWG technology helps preservethe integrity of your designs throughoutthe review process.

Autodesk AutoCAD Design Suite Autodesk AutoCAD Design Suite


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Autodesk AutoCAD Raster Design

Get more value from your raster imagery(such as scanned drawings, maps, and aerialphotos) with Autodesk AutoCAD RasterDesign.

• Easily clean up, edit, enhance and maintainscanned drawings in a familiar AutoCADenvironment (includes despeckle, bias,mirror, and touchup)

• Raster to Vector Conversion, including OCR(Optical Character Recognition) gives youaccurate results when you create lines andpolylines from raster data

• Use standard AutoCAD commands onraster regions and primitives; easily eraseraster lines, arcs, and circles

Autodesk AutoCAD Design SuiteEnhance the power ofAutoCAD with easy-to-usevisual communication solu-tions. Autodesk AutoCADDesign Suite helps designerswork more creatively, rapidlyevaluate designs in contextand effectively communicateand sell ideas.

Autodesk AutoCAD Design Suite Autodesk AutoCAD Design Suite


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Autodesk 3ds MaxDesign

(Available in Premium)Create cinematic-quality Dvisuals with animation, char-acter, effects, and point-and-

shoot rendering and lightinganalysis tools.

Autodesk Alias

(Available in Ultimate)Enjoy a range of sketching,modeling, surfacing, andvisualization tools with

industrial design and Class-Asurfacing software.

Autodesk ShowcaseQuickly and easily transform your AutoCADdesigns into compelling imagery, movies, andinteractive presentations for design reviewsand sales pitches.

Autodesk MudboxRefine your models with a powerful texturedpainting and digital sculpting toolset whilefinessing the details of your ultra-realisticD creations.

L All C d l t l i t d ld id A t d k


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Lynn Allen, Cadalyst columnist and worldwide AutodeskTechnical Evangelist, speaks to more than , userseach year. For the past twenty-three years she has written acolumn in Cadalyst magazine called “Circles and Lines” and isthe voice behind Cadalyst’s “Tips and Tricks Tuesdays”. Lynnstarted using AutoCAD software with Release ., over years ago, and got her start by teaching at the corporate andcollegiate level for years. A sought-after public speakerwith a unique comedic style, Lynn has served as the AutodeskUniversity emcee for over ten years and is always one of thehighest rated speakers. Her latest book is entitled AutoCAD

Professional Tips and Techniques.

Autodesk, AutoCAD, the Autodesk logo, Alias, AutoCAD Design Suite,

AutoCAD , ReCap, Autodesk , BIM , Inventor, Mudbox, Raster,

Showcase, TrustedDWG and ds Max Design are registered trademarks or

trademarks of Autodesk, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA

and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names or trademarks

belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product

and services offerings, and specifications and pricing at any time without

notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may

appear in this document.

© Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.

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