GEN10264 Surviving the Transition from MicroStation to...

GEN10264

Surviving the Transition from MicroStation to AutoCAD Jeanne Aarhus President - Aarhus Associates, LLC [email protected]

Learning Objectives Learn how to use AutoCAD from a MicroStation perspective

Learn how you can capitalize on your MicroStation skills in the AutoCAD software environment

Learn to manage data between the 2 CAD applications

Learn from an instructor who also transitioned from MicroStation to AutoCAD

Description Are you a MicroStation user moving to AutoCAD software? Is your company using both CAD packages? One of the first steps to success is to understand the differences between these CAD packages and learn to think like AutoCAD software. This session is designed to familiarize the experienced MicroStation user with AutoCAD software and its functionality. Learn what makes AutoCAD software such a successful CAD package and how you can be more productive in this environment. Learn how to capitalize on your MicroStation knowledge so this transition can be less stressful. Attending this session is guaranteed to improve your understanding of AutoCAD software, an essential skill if you are transitioning from another CAD package or working in a multi-CAD environment.

Your AU Expert Jeanne Aarhus Jeanne is known for keeping her training sessions fast moving and fun. She is a nationally known speaker and expert in CAD and presents seminars and workshops on CAD productivity for managers and users in both corporate and academic settings. She has over 30+ years’ experience involving production drafting, user support, standards coordination, programming, and training in various CAD applications. She is an independent consultant offering training and implementation services and is certified in several Autodesk and Bentley products. She continues to be actively involved in international, national, and local CAD user groups and received the much coveted Top Ten Speaker award for her presentations at AU. She has been a popular speaker at AU for several years.

GEN10264 - Surviving the Transition from MicroStation to AutoCAD

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AutoCAD for MicroStation Users

Preparing for a Successful Transition or “Co-Existence” First and foremost……NO two CAD packages are exactly alike. But as technology progresses (and the “Windows” interface invades just about every application), AutoCAD and MicroStation are getting more and more similar with each new version. However, they are still different CAD packages in some ways, specifically in design and usage. Our goal is to help you make this transition as seamless as possible. Learn the possibilities, the limitations, and most importantly learn the differences……and work with them.

For this presentation we will compare AutoCAD Release 2016 and MicroStation V8i. We will also discuss some aspects of “previous” versions where necessary.

We will look at:

Learning to “SPEAK” their language User Interface Similarities Zooms - Windows Mouse Functions Command Line - Key ins Direct Distance Entry - AccuDraw Alias Commands - Shortcuts Viewports - Views Templates - Seed Files Object Snap - Tentative Snap Transparent Commands - View Commands Grips - Handles Layers - Levels Linetypes - Line styles Attributes - Tags and Enter Data Fields Color - LineWeight Xrefs - Reference Files DesignCenter - Cell Libraries Purge - Compress

What’s NEW in AutoCAD for MicroStation Users? Additional topics covered:

DGN Enhancements Dynamic Blocks Text Editors <Double-Click> Editing Level Symbology/Overrides Standards Checking


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Learn to Speak “THE” Language One of the first barriers for AutoCAD and MicroStation users is the language barrier. The table below shows how a simple conversation can result in a multitude of misunderstandings on BOTH sides. Learning to speak the “other” language can minimize these misunderstandings and simplify the whole process.

AutoCAD MicroStation

Objects or Entities Elements

Layers Levels

Properties Attributes

Blocks or WBlocks Cells

Drawing File or Drawing Database Active Design File

Xrefs or Reference Files Reference Files

Prototype or Template File Seed File

Explode Drop

Current Active

Attributes Tags

Linetypes Linestyles

Text or Attributes (blocks) Enter Data Fields (Cells)

Zoom Extents Fit

Zoom Window Window Area

N/A – closet match are the Selection tools Window and Polygon

Fence

Hatch Pattern

2D Solid or Solid Hatch Solid Fill

Grips Selection Handles

Selection Window Fence or Selection INSIDE or Polygon Selection (PowerSelector)

Selection Fence Line Selection (PowerSelector)

Selection Crossing Fence or Selection OVERLAP or Polygon Selection (PowerSelector)

N/A EXCLUDE Window (Express Tools only) EXCLUDE Crossing (Express Tools only) N/A

Fence or Selection CLIP VOID VOID OVERLAP VOID CLIP

BYLAYER or BYBLOCK BYLEVEL or BYCELL

LEVEL 0 (zero) DEFAULT level

Modelspace (limited to one) Models

Layouts Sheets

N/A Drawings


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How do “Graphics” Compare DWG DGN This table displays the comparable elements to objects found in AutoCAD and MicroStation.


Objects or Entities Elements

Layers Levels

Properties Attributes

Blocks or WBlocks Cells

Drawing File or Drawing Database Active Design File

Xrefs or Reference Files Reference Files

Prototype or Template File Seed File

Explode Drop

Current Active

Attributes Tags

Zoom Extents Fit Window


N/A – closet match is the

Selection Window/Crossing

Fence

Hatch Pattern

2D Solid or Solid Hatch Solid Fill

Grips Selection Handles

Selection Window Fence or Selection INSIDE

or

Polygon Selection (PowerSelector)

Selection Fence Line Selection (PowerSelector)

Selection Crossing Fence or Selection OVERLAP

or

Polygon Selection (PowerSelector)

N/A

EXCLUDE Window (Express Tools only)

EXCLUDE Crossing (Express Tools only)

N/A

Fence or Selection CLIP

VOID

VOID OVERLAP

VOID CLIP

BYLAYER or BYBLOCK BYLEVEL or BYCELL

LEVEL 0 (zero) DEFAULT level


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User Interface Similarities

Toolboxes, Toolbars and Ribbons Frankly, these aren’t that different…isn’t everything “Windows-Like” anymore? Let’s take a look.

AUTOCAD CLASSIC: Draw and Modify Toolbars

AUTOCAD RIBBON: Draw and Modify Ribbon Panels

MICROSTATION: Draw and Modify Toolboxes


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Different Similarities? This section focuses on the areas of the interface that most affect the transitioning MicroStation user. With the introduction of the “Windows-like” interface; most computer applications resemble each other automatically. However, in AutoCAD there are some additional concepts that have been integrated into this environment to simplify use.

For example, toolbars and fly-outs are similar in every windows application. Let’s look at some of the “extra” features introduced by Autodesk.

Places Bar The first difference is the functionality of the AutoCAD Places Bar in the File Open, Save dialogs. Autodesk introduced several versions ago the ability to control what “places” are saved in this shortcut bar. You can add your favorite places to this bar to quickly add your project folders for easy access. Similar to the “directory history” available in MicroStation and MicroStation Manager.

If you have a large amount of “favorite

places” to access you can also use the default

“Favorites” icon to store the shortcuts to your

“favorite places or projects”.

Open Options

Select Initial View Use this option to open a DWG file to a specific named view. If you used saved views in MicroStation you will “love” this option! It has recently been improved to save more settings than previous versions. Be sure to check out both Named Views and this Open option.

Partial Open You can open a DWG file normally or you can “partially” open the DWG to increase performance and large file usability. Don’t worry you can add additional “parts” of the file after it is open using File Partial Load.


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Main Tool Frame and Task Navigator If you loved using your Main Tool Frame or the new Task Navigation then you might want to take a look at the AutoCAD Ribbon. This most represents the same functionality in the AutoCAD interface.

Option 1 Use the new “ribbon” interface and dock it vertically on either side of the screen rather than horizontally at the top of the screen.

Option 2 Use the DRAW and MODIFY toolbars and dock them. They don’t provide all the tools found in the MicroStation MAIN; but they are a starting place.

Option 3 Create a custom toolbar to replicate the MicroStation MAIN tool frame. I personally don’t recommend this direction; since it will only “delay” your migration to the AutoCAD environment. But if you have to be productive immediately it might ease the transition initially.

Command Line The command line in AutoCAD is displayed by default but can be turned off for MicroStation users that prefer to use buttons or pulldown menus. Just undock the command line and close it. You can use the <CTRL+9> shortcut key to re-open the command line at any time. I also recommend using the DYNAMIC INPUT command line option available in AutoCAD. You can use the buttons below to activate it.

Text Option on the status bar icons is no longer available in AutoCAD 2015-2016


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AutoCAD commands are generally one or two characters in length. To use the dynamic input you need to start typing the command without a command line and using the <TAB> key to “look up” unknown commands. This feature is known as AUTO-COMPLETE.

For example, to access the LINE command key in <L> and <ENTER> to start the command. If you key in <L> and then <TAB> you can look up all commands that start with the letter “L”.

AutoCAD now automatically provides

AUTO-COMPLETE whenever you begin

typing a command.

Refer to the AutoCAD Key-in Commands section for additional AutoCAD key-in capabilities.

ESC to cancel One AutoCAD shortcut that is extremely beneficial is the use of the ESC key to end a command.


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Taming the Mouse

Zooming? The zoom and pan functionality is very similar to that in MicroStation V8i. Users generally prefer to use a wheel mouse to perform the zoom and pan commands.

Roll the wheel mouse away from you (forward) to zoom in and towards you (backward) to zoom out.

Press the wheel mouse to access the PAN command. If you want to simulate the MicroStation pan method; use the <CTRL+ Press Wheel> and move the cursor in the OPPOSITE direction as in MicroStation. Yes, it is backwards from MicroStation; but you do get used to it eventually.

<Double-Click> the wheel to access the ZOOM EXTENTS [FIT VIEW].


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AutoCAD OSNAP MicroStation SNAP

ENDpoint Keypoint

MIDpoint Keypoint or Midpoint

CENter Keypoint or Center

NODe Keypoint

QUAdrant Keypoint

INTersection Intersection

EXTension Use AccuDraw’s Origin to simulate Extension

INSertion Origin

PERpendicular Perpendicular

N/A Perpendicular Point

TANgent Tangent

N/A Tangent Point

NEArest Nearest

APParent Intersection Intersection

PARallel Parallel

N/A Point Through

N/A Point On

Temporary Track Point Tentative Snap

AccuDraw (ORIGIN)

From Tentative Snap

AccuDraw (ORIGIN)

Midpoint between 2 Points AccuDraw (DIVIDE BY)

Point Filters

.X

.Y

.Z

.XY

.XZ

.YZ

Accudraw (SMART LOCK)

3D Osnap Snap

Vertex Keypoint

Midpoint on Edge Keypoint

Center of Face Keypoint/Centere

Knot Keypoint

Perpendicular Perpendicular

Nearest to Face Keypoint

None None


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Precision OSnaps AutoCAD snaps automatically work like AccuSnap in MicroStation. Remember, AccuSnap provides the user with the ability to combine commonly used snap modes. This prevents the user from having to change the snap modes during typical design session operations. It also provides on-screen feedback to confirm accuracy during drawing and editing commands.

Similar to MicroStation, AutoCAD has two methods for setting OSNAP modes; SINGLE-SHOT [SINGLE-SHOT] and RUNNING[MULTI-SNAPS]. Single-shot osnaps are available for one snap only; whereas running osnaps are continuously available until turned off.

You can access the AutoCAD OSNAP settings using the following options.

Option 1 <Right-Click> on top of the OSNAP ICON in the drawing status bar to access the individual snap modes; or the settings dialog. The settings dialog allows you to define what running osnaps are defined at the same time. Be careful though, more is not necessarily better!

The icon displayed next to each osnap mode represents the on-screen feedback displayed when using each specific osnap mode.

Option 2 You can use the <SHIFT> + <Right-Click> to access the same menu options; individual osnaps or the settings dialog.

There is no exact equal to the old “TENTATIVE SNAP” in AutoCAD, and depending on how you used it in MicroStation you might want to investigate OTRACK and TEMPORARY TRACK POINTS.


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AutoCAD Key-in commands It is common practice for an AutoCAD user to key in common commands instead of using the command buttons or pull-down menus. These AutoCAD commands are defined in the file ACAD.PGP and can be edited as needed.

If you are already using the new MicroStation position mapping shortcuts you

could define your favorites in the ACAD.PGP file to ease your transition! You can

access this file using Express Tools Command Alias Editor.

Get a Grip on Handles Most MicroStation users do not commonly use the “handles” provided on elements to make editing changes. However, that is not true with AutoCAD grips since they provide a very quick and easy way to make simple editing changes to any object type.

If you “hover” on a grip, the tooltip will display what grip capabilities are available and the overall dimensions of the object. If you select the grip it will become a “hot grip” and a series of command options are available.

Use the <Right-Click> menu to select a command, or the command line <Spacebar> to toggle between the “grip” commands; stretch, move, rotate, scale, or mirror.

You can customize the size and colors of grips

using the following settings.

Tools Options Selection Tab


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Smarter Grips AutoCAD 2012 introduced additional command functionality available when “hovering” on a grip. For example, inserting a vertex in MicroStation has been easy for a long time using the INSERT VERTEX command. Now AutoCAD supports the same capabilities (and a lot more) with the newly added GRIP functions.


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Selection Sets There are several methods for selecting multiple objects for editing and manipulation. MicroStation users that are familiar with the Power Selection tools will be ready to go with AutoCAD selection.

Individual Selection Select objects individually to add them to a selection set. You can use the <SHIFT> key to remove any object from the selection set.

Window Selection This selection method is activated by dragging the cursor LEFT to RIGHT and is visually represented by a solid line and a blue fill type. A window selection includes everything that falls INSIDE the selection window.

Use the key in WP to activate a non-rectangular window shape.

Crossing Selection This selection method is activated by dragging the cursor RIGHT to LEFT and is visually represented by a dashed line and a green fill type. A crossing selection includes everything that falls INSIDE and OVERLAPS the selection window.

Use the key in CP to activate a non-rectangular crossing shape.

A Fence by Another Name AutoCAD does not provide the exact equivalent of the MicroStation Fence; but it does have a fence which can be used during the selection set commands. It is available whenever the command line prompts the user to SELECT OBJECTS. Just key in an “F” and you can select objects using the AutoCAD FENCE[LINE] selection tool. This tool is equivalent to the MicroStation Power Selector LINE tool. Anything that OVERLAPS the defined fence line is selected or de-selected.

Fence Selection Specify the window points in a linear configuration and you will automatically get a fence selection method that includes everything that OVERLAPS the selection fence.


Fence

This selection method is activated by drawing a line through elements in the drawing and is visually represented by a dashed line.

PowerSelect

Tool Settings:hod:

Pick the Method Line.

Pick the Mode ADD.


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Units and Angles AutoCAD uses a single default unit and does not breakdown the units into Master and Sub Units. When you key in a distance value it can be interpreted as either feet or inches depending on the user preference. Units are only defined in terms of Type and Precision in AutoCAD. You can access these settings using Format Units to define the type of units and angles; and their precision.

Clear Selection Set Use the <ESC> key to clear any active selection set in AutoCAD.

Quick Select Use the Quick Select tool to simulate the same functionality as found with Select By Attributes in MicroStation. This tool can be found in several places in AutoCAD.

Option 1 Access the Quick Select command using the default <Right-Click> menu.

Option 2 Quick Select is also available from the Properties dialog to create or “tweak” a selection set.


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Locks There are several locks available in AutoCAD to control layers, grids, units, etc. You can activate and define these locks using various settings on the drawing status bar.

Snap Lock [Grid Lock] The snap lock in AutoCAD is used to snap to grid and unit points. Snap lock is not the same as osnap and does not snap to individual objects.

Grid Lock [Grid Lock] The grid lock is used to snap to defined grid points only.

Ortho and Polar Lock [Axis Lock] The ortho and polar settings are used to snap to specific angles while drawing in AutoCAD. Ortho locks the angles to increments of “0” and “90”. Polar locks the angles to increments defined by the user in the settings dialog.

Unit Lock Use the Polar and Polar spacing distance to define the unit lock. You must use the Polar axis lock in conjunction with these settings to snap to unit distances.


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Association Lock The use of associated objects is controlled by several different system variables and dialog settings depending on the object type.

Dimensions – use the system variables DIMASSOC to control dimension association.

Hatch Patterns – use the system variable HPASSOC to control hatches and pattern fill association.

Layer Lock Use the layer manager to lock layers as needed during the design process. Layer locking is not the same in AutoCAD as it is in MicroStation; if fact, it is the opposite.

In MicroStation, if you lock a level you no longer have access to any other level; you are locked to that level only.

In AutoCAD, if you lock a layer you no longer have access to that layer; it is locked from access.


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Tool Settings In MicroStation, you used the Tool Settings dialog to control all command options. In AutoCAD, this functionality is available as <Right-Click> menu options, or key in options using the AutoCAD command line.

For example, if you want to draw a POLYLINE [SMARTLINE] you can use the <Right-Click> menu to toggle between straight lines and arcs during the drawing process.

STEP 1: Start the POLYLINE [SMARTLINE] command.

STEP 2: Identify a start point issuing a <Left-Click> [data point].

STEP 3: <Right-Click> to access the ARC option and draw an arc object in the polyline sequence.

If you use the command line in AutoCAD you can use the following steps to perform the same command options



STEP 3: Key in A to access the ARC option and draw an arc object in the polyline sequence.

If you use dynamic input in AutoCAD you can use the following steps to perform the same command options.



STEP 3: Use the keyboard to access the ARC option and draw an arc object in the polyline sequence.


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Groups Graphic groups are used by most MicroStation users and are available in AutoCAD; though most AutoCAD users do not use this functionality because it wasn’t as easy to use. However, now in AutoCAD 2012, you can use the same functionality and even assign the same shortcut keys to perform the GROUP and UNGROUP commands.

STEP 1: Select the new GROUP command from the GROUPS panel on the HOME ribbon.

STEP 2: Select the objects that you want to group together.

STEP 3: Select the new group to verify that it is all connected into a single object.

STEP 4: Use the new UNGROUP command from the GROUPS panel to remove the group definition.

Use the shortcut keys <CTRL+SHIFT+A> to toggle group recognition on and off.

Purge [Compress] Use the PURGE command to clean up your drawing files and maintain smaller more efficient file sizes. You might need to run this command two or three times to get the full benefit of a purge if the file contains many nested objects; or use the PURGE NESTED ITEMS and PURGE ALL to insure that all unused objects are purged from the file.


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View Commands

Update View You will probably use the mouse wheel to perform the majority of your view manipulation commands such as zoom, pan and zoom extents. To update a view you must use the REGEN [UPDATE VIEW] command to refresh the screen when needed. You can access this command from View Regen or View Regen All.

Zoom Window [Window Area] Use the Zoom Window command to perform a zoom to a specific drawing area. This is similar to the Window Area command in MicroStation.

View Previous and View Next AutoCAD does not differentiate between primary commands and view commands. So UNDO and REDO will perform the MicroStation View Previous and View Next functions.

View command Comparison


Regen All Update View


Zoom Extents Fit View

UCS about Z with UCSFOLLOW ON Rotate View

Zoom Previous View Previous

Zoom Next View Next

Zoom to Objects N/A

N/A Copy View

3D Orbit Change View Perspective (3D only)

3D Orbit Clip/Live Sections Set Display Depth (3D only)

3D Orbit Clip/Live Sections Set Active Depth (3D only)

Live Sections Show Display Depth (3D only)

Live Sections Show Active Depth (3D only)

Camera Camera Settings (3D only)

3D Orbit Clip/Live Sections Clip Volume

3D Orbit Clip/Live Sections Clip Mask

View Attributes The settings that control the view display and appearance are controlled using the following.


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Tools Options Display Window Elements

Pick the COLORS button to define and modify the colors of the view window elements.

Select the interface element and modify the color using the color drop down list.

Be careful on the color

picker; AutoCAD allows

you to set the view

elements to any color

choice and white on

white is pretty hard to

read!

Pick the FONTS button to define and modify the fonts used by the view window elements.

UCS Icon Use the UCSICON system variable to turn on or off the coordinate system display icon.

0 No icon is displayed

1 On; the icon is displayed in the lower-left corner of the current viewport or layout

2 Origin; if the icon is on, the icon is displayed at the UCS origin, if possible

Grid Use the GRID status bar button to turn the grid display on and off.

Lineweights The display of lineweight in AutoCAD has been available for many years, even though the typical AutoCAD user chooses not to use this feature. Use the LINEWEIGHT status bar button to turn the lineweight display on or off.


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Linestyles Use the LTSCALE system variable to display the non-continuous linetypes in AutoCAD.

Plot or Annotation Scale LTSCALE

Full Size 1:1 0.375

3" = 1'-0" 1.5

1 1/2" = 1'-0" 3

1" = 1'-0" 4.5

3/4" = 1'-0" 6

1/2 = 1'-0" 9

3/8" = 1'-0" 12

1/4" = 1'-0" 18

3/16" = 1'-0" 24

1/8" = 1'-0" 36

1/16" = 1'-0" 72

PSLTSCALE Use the PSLTSCALE system variable to control linetype scales in paperspace viewports.

0 No special linetype scaling. Linetype dash lengths are based on the drawing units of the space (model or paper) in which the objects were created. Scaled by the global LTSCALE factor.

1 Viewport scaling governs linetype scaling.

If TILEMODE is set to 0, dash lengths are based on paper space drawing units, even for objects in model space. In this mode, viewports can have varying magnifications, yet display linetypes identically. For a specific linetype, the dash lengths of a line in a viewport are the same as the dash lengths of a line in paper space. You can still control the dash lengths with LTSCALE

MSLTSCALE Use the MSLTSCALE system variable to scale linetypes automatically based on the active annotation scale displayed on the model tab.

0 Linetypes displayed on the Model tab are not scaled by the annotation scale

1 Linetypes displayed on the Model tab are scaled by the annotation scale


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Named Views I often wonder why AutoCAD users don’t use named views more than they do. I consider this one of the most overlooked tools in the AutoCAD arsenal.

So what are the differences between Named views and Saved views? The following is a list of what is saved with each view type. MicroStation‘s saved views store more information than their counterparts in AutoCAD. Saved Views can memorize window aspect ratios, size and position, camera position, view attributes, clip volume, levels, and reference settings.

AutoCAD Named Views MicroStation Saved Views

Category – defines what Sheet Set category N/A

Location – defines which model or layout Window

Viewport – defines any viewport association N/A

Layers – defines what layer state is stored for both

the active file and all reference files. Levels

UCS – defines what coordinate system to use Window

Perspective – defines if view is in perspective Camera

N/A View Attributes

N/A Clip Volume

Layer settings stored for reference files Reference Settings

View Rotation Below is a list of predefined view orientation settings that are available by default.

AutoCAD Orientation Views MicroStation Orientation Views

Top Top

Bottom Bottom

Front Front

Back Back

Left Left

Right Right

Southwest Isometric Isometric

Southeast Isometric Right Isometric

Northwest Isometric Must be rotated manually

Northeast Isometric Must be rotated manually

3D Orbit Dynamic

Be sure to use the new View Cube to rotate to the desired view

orientation.


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Visual Styles [Render View] Use and define Visual Styles to view your 3D models in various shaded and rendered modes. You can access these tools using Views Visual Styles.

Persistant Commands One of the hardest interface differences to get accustomed to is the lack of “persistant” commands in AutoCAD. In MicroStation, when you select a primary command, it remains running until you select another primary command. AutoCAD stops and starts commands at the end of each object creation. There are a couple of options available to modify this if you find you can’t live with this behavior.

Option 1 If you are willing to adapt to the AutoCAD method for persistant commands, try using the <SPACEBAR> to recall the previous command and to stop the current command. Placing your thumb on the spacebar is an easy way to recall and stop commands in AutoCAD.

This is so handy I find myself trying to use the spacebar this way in MicroStation! So give it a try.

Option 2 You can customize many commands and make them “persistant” if you add an “*” (asterisk) as the first character of the icon macros.

For example, the line command runs the following macro by default:

^C^C_line

You can change this to a “persistant” line command by changing the macro syntax to the following:

*^C^C_line


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Reset Mouse Command Miss your RESET command? You can get the same mouse functionality by modifying the Options User Preferences Right-Click Customizations and turning ON the Time Sensitive Right Click option. You may need to modify the settings in this dialog to “tweak” how the <Right-Click> actually works for you.


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Workspaces The AutoCAD Workspace does not compare to the MicroStation Workspace. Don’t let the “language” trip you up! The AutoCAD Workspace is most comparable to the User Preferences in MicroStation; and the Task Navigation panels provided in the latest versions of MicroStation.

The AutoCAD Profile is the feature most similar in function to the MicroStation Workspace.

The AutoCAD Workspace AutoCAD Workspaces manage a set of menus, toolbars, palettes, and ribbon control panels that are grouped and organized to work in a task-oriented drawing environment.

When you use a workspace, only the menus, toolbars, and palettes that are relevant to the task are displayed. In addition, a workspace may automatically display the ribbon, a special palette with task-specific control panels.

The AutoCAD Profile Profiles allow you to configure and manage support paths, resources and other settings within the AutoCAD environment. Below are some of the settings most relevant to MicroStation users.

Menu: Tools Options Display Tab

Ribbon: Application Icon Options

Window Elements This section of the profile options allows you to define what windows items are visible in AutoCAD such as the following:

Display Scroll Bars = View Scroll Bars

Display Drawing Status Bar = MicroStation Status Bar

Use Large Buttons

Show Tool Tips (Rollover Tips)

Colors & Fonts = View background color and other item colors and fonts

Layout elements This section allows you to change the appearance and access method for models and layouts; similar to the design models and sheets in MicroStation.

Display Layout and Model Tabs

Display Paper Background Display Paper Shadow

Create Viewport in new Layouts

Display Resolution This section controls the display and resolution of objects in the AutoCAD file.

Arc and Circle smoothness = controls the “jagged” appearance of curved objects

I recommend you set this number higher than the default 1000; try 10000 but be aware of any performance issues if your graphics card is not the best it can be!


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Menu: Tools Options Open & Save Tab

Ribbon: Application Icon Options Open & Save Tab

File Safety Precautions This section allows you to set automatic saves and backups for the drawing file.

Automatic Save =

Create backup copy with each save =

File Open Display Full path in Titlebar

Menu: Tools Options Plot and Publish Tab

Ribbon: Application Icon Options Plot and Publish Tab

Default Plot Settings This section allows you to define your preferred default plotters, paper sizes, etc.

Default Plot Device

Last Successful Plot Settings

Plot Stamp Settings These settings allow you to define plot stamp settings; but I recommend that you use the new field objects to define your plot stamp in a border file.

Plot Style Table Settings Plot Style Tables are equivalent to the plot configuration files (.PLT) used in MicroStation. They allow you to define the final plot output appearance. Linetypes are defined in the drawing file using the linetype definition file (.LIN).

Menu: Tools Options User Preferences Tab

Ribbon: Application Icon Options User Preferences Tab

Windows Standard Behavior These settings allow you to customize your mouse <Double-Click> settings and your mouse <Right-Click> settings.

Double click editing = <Double-Click> on any object to edit

<Right-Click> menus in drawing area = enables multiple <Right-Click> menus

<Right-Click> Customizations = define and customize your preferences for using <Right-Click> menus


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Insertion Scale This section controls the size or scale of blocks into a drawing file. This performs similar to the True Scale options in MicroStation. If you have blocks that are defined in FEET and you want to insert them into a drawing where the base unit is INCHES you should modify these settings accordingly. This automatically scales the blocks as needed upon insertion.

Don’t forget to set this setting to your “DEFAULT” preference. You can change it

when needed.

Fields These settings allow you to control the background “shading” on field objects; and when the fields update automatically. I recommend that you leave the “shading” turned on so you can distinguish the difference between text and fields.

Lineweight Settings These settings allow you to control your “display lineweight” appearance; and does not necessarily have anything to do with plotting lineweight. Lineweight at plot time is determined by the selected plot style table. See the section on plotting for more on this topic.

Edit Scale List These settings define your preferred “annotation” scales; and plot scales. Customize this list as needed and simplify it for your environment.

You can use the

following command to

RESET the scale list.

SCALELISTEDIT


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OTRACK [AccuDraw] The introduction of OTRACK and POLAR tracking in AutoCAD provides a method for issuing graphical “reference points” for precision input. These temporary reference points allow the user to input coordinates or distances from existing objects similar to AccuDraw’s Reference Origin. Temporary reference points are displayed on the screen as “blips” shown in the diagram below.

The AutoCAD user can then use this “OTRACK blip” as a reference point for precision input. The diagram shows how you can reference an object endpoint and key in data referenced to that location.

Direct Distance Entry The introduction of Direct Distance entry minimized the keyboard strokes required for precision input in AutoCAD. The dynamic screen feedback allows the user to easily “sketch” with precision and is very similar to AccuDraw feedback provided in MicroStation.

Heads-Up Design The introduction of Heads-Up design in AutoCAD 2006 provides another input alternative and displays feedback previously displayed in the command line right on the cursor. This live feedback provides input data for coordinates, lengths and angles; similar to AccuDraw.

Coordinate Input To draw a 2’- 6“ line starting at 0,0 use the following key-ins.

0,0 and 2.5’ (representing 2.5’)

or 2’6 (representing 2’- 6”)

or 30 (representing 30”)


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Relative Input To draw a 2’- 6“ line at 20 degrees, starting at 0,0 use the following key-ins.

0,0 and @2.5’,0 (representing 2.5’ in the X direction and 0 in the Y direction)

or @2’6,0 (representing 2’6” in the X direction and 0 in the Y direction)

or @30,0 (representing 30” in the X direction and 0 in the Y direction)

Polar Input To draw a 2’- 6“ line at 20 degrees, starting at 0,0 use the following key-ins.

0,0 and @2.5’<20 (representing 2.5’ and 20 degrees)

or @2’6<20 (representing 2’- 6” and 20 degrees)

or @30<20 (representing 30” and 20 degrees)


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Basic Draw Commands

LINE [LINE] Use OTRACK and Direct Distance Entry to specify precision input to specify Length and Angle.

AutoCAD AutoCAD Hints

Line

Line

Home Draw Line

Use the SPACEBAR to not only recall the LINE command.

Use an “extra” SPACEBAR to recall the last point.

Command Options

Command Description

Close

The CLOSE command option is implied and not noted in any menu.

Use this option to close the line segments to the first point on the line. Key in “C” to access this option.

Undo

Use the UNDO and REDO commands to undo while running the command. By default they are transparent commands in AutoCAD.

Command Line

RC Menu


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POLYLINE [SMARTLINE] Use the Polyline command to draw “smartline-like” objects in AutoCAD.


Polyline

PLine

Home Draw Polyline

Use the SPACEBAR to not only recall the PLINE command.

Use an “extra” SPACEBAR to recall the last point.

Line Command Options

Use the Polyline command with the Lines option which is equivalent to the MicroStation Segment Type: Lines

Command Description

Halfwidth Use Halfwidth to simulate a “thick” lineweight appearance on the screen. You can use normal lineweight assigned as a property setting to get the same appearance.

Length Use Direct Distance Entry to define specific line and arc lengths and sizes.

Width Use width to simulate “thick” lineweight appearance on the screen. You can use normal lineweight assigned as a property setting to get the same appearance.

Close Snap to the “first” point to close the polyline shape.

Undo


Arc Command Options

Use the Polyline command with the Arc option which is equivalent to the MicroStation Segment Type: Arcs

Command Description

Angle Use Dynamic Input to define the arc angle.

Center Use OTRACK and Dynamic Input to define the Center point of the arc segment

Close Snap to the “first” point to close the Polyline shape.

Direction Using POLAR you can draw in any direction.

Line Use Direct Distance Entry to draw line segments.


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Radius Use Dynamic Input to define the arc radius.

Second Pt Use this option to define the arc midpoint.

Command Line

RC Menu

Use the <CTRL> key to change the direction of an ARC or POLYARC.


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CIRCLE [CIRCLE] Use the circle command in AutoCAD along with the Tool Settings dialog to find matching command options.


Circle

Circle

Home Draw Circle

Command Options

Command Description

3P – Circle by 3 points Equivalent to the MicroStation Circle Method: By Edge tool setting.

2P – Circle by 2 points Equivalent to the MicroStation Circle Method: Diameter tool setting.

TTR – Circle by Tangent-Tangent-Radius Equivalent to the MicroStation Circle Method: By Edge tool settings + Radius definition + Tangent Snap mode

Undo


Command Line

RC Menu


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Basic Object Editing

COPY The copy commands are primarily identical between AutoCAD and MicroStation.


Copy

COpy

Home Modify Copy

Command Options

Command Description

Basepoint

Identify the “copy from” point.

Displacement Identify the “copy to” point or key in the distance and angle using direct distance entry.

mOde

Single

Creates a single copy of selected objects and ends the command

Multiple Overrides the Single mode setting. The COPY command is set to repeat automatically for the duration of the command.

Array

Arranges a specified number of copies in a linear array.

Number of Items to Array Specifies the number of items in the array, including the original selection set.

Second Point Determines a distance and direction for the array relative to the base point. By default, the first copy in the array is positioned at the specified displacement. The remaining copies are positioned in a linear array beyond that point using the same incremental displacement.

Fit Positions the final copy in the array at the specified displacement. The other copies are fit in a linear array between the original selection set and the final copy.


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MOVE The move commands are primarily identical between AutoCAD and MicroStation.


Move

Move

Home Modify Move

Command Options

Command Description

Basepoint

Identify the “move from” point.

Displacement Identify the “move to” point or key in the distance and angle using direct distance entry.

Command Line

RC Menu


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OFFSET [COPY PARALLEL] This command is equivalent to the COPY PARALLEL command found in MicroStation.


Offset

Offset

Home Modify Offset

These commands are functionally identical.

The “make copy” option is automatic.

Command Options

Command Description

Distance Key in the offset distance

Through Use the T (Through) command option to graphically define the offset distance.

Erase Use the E (erase) option if you want to offset the original object.

Layer

Use the L (Layer) option to create the new offset object on a different layer than the original.

Be sure to set the “new” layer current before running the OFFSET command.

Basepoint

Identify the “move from” point.

Displacement Identify the “move to” point or key in the distance and angle using direct distance entry.


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Command Line

RC Menu

Differences There is no option to Chamfer or Fillet the corners during the offset command in AutoCAD.


39

SCALE The Scale commands are functionally identical between AutoCAD and MicroStation.


Scale

SCale

Home Modify Scale

Command Options

Command Description

Basepoint

Identify the “rotate about” point.

Rotation Angle

Key in the rotation angle required.

Copy

Use this option to rotate a copy rather than the original object.

Reference Use this option to define the rotation angle using graphical input.

Command Line

RC Menu

Differences There is no way to Scale About Center using the AutoCAD scale command.


40

ROTATE The Rotate commands are functionally identical between AutoCAD and MicroStation


Rotate

ROtate

Home Modify Rotate

Command Options

Command Description

Basepoint

Identify the “rotate about” point.

Rotation Angle

Key in the rotation angle required.

Copy

Use this option to rotate a copy rather than the original object.

Reference Use this option to define the rotation angle using graphical input.

Command Line

RC Menu

Differences There is no way to Rotate About Center using the AutoCAD Rotate command.


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MIRROR The Mirror commands are functionally identical between AutoCAD and MicroStation.


Mirror

MIrror

Home Modify Mirror

The AutoCAD command does not distinguish between horizontal, vertical and about-a-line axis definitions. This requires the user to define two points for every mirror.

The MIRRTEXT system variable in AutoCAD controls how text is handled during a mirror operation.

Command Options

Command Description

Basepoint

Identify the “mirror about” point.

Second Point

Define the direction of the mirror axis

Erase Source Objects Use this option to remove the original object(s) and keep just the mirror copy.

Command Line

RC Menu


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ALIGN The Align command is VERY different from the command found in MicroStation. The AutoCAD Align command is intended primarily for 3D operations. It does work in 2D; just not what you will be expecting. I hate to say it, but you will not be too happy with this one after using the simple alignment available in MicroStation.


ALign

Home Modify Align

The Align command is buried in the 3D operations of AutoCAD and many users don’t even know it is there. It requires that you define points on the objects to be aligned and points to define the alignment axis.

Command Options

Command Description

One Pair of Points

When you select only one source point and destination point pair, the selected objects move in 2D or 3D alignment from the source point (1) to the destination point (2).

Two Pair of Points

When you select two point pairs, you can move, rotate, and scale the selected objects in 2D or 3D to align with other objects.

Three Pair of Points When you select three point pairs, you can move and rotate the selected objects in 3D to align with other objects.

Command Line


43


RC Menu

Differences The AutoCAD Align command is not an efficient way to align objects to a single axis. I recommend using OTRACK and POLAR to align objects in AutoCAD about an axis.


44

ARRAY The new Array command is actually better than what we had in MicroStation. It not only previews the array with the actual objects but is also associated now in 2012. You will love this new enhancement to the AutoCAD Array command.

The array results can be distributed in 2D or 3D. Way too cool!


Array

ARray

Home Modify Array

Command Options

Command Description

Rectangular

Distributes object copies into any combination of rows, columns, and levels.

You can dynamically define the opposite corner of the array in either the positive or negative direction.

Basepoint Redefine the basepoint of the array.

Angle Define the angle of the array.

Count Define the number of items in the array.

Number of Rows Define the number of Rows

Number of Columns Define the Row Spacing graphically or with Direct Distance Entry.

Row Spacing Define the spacing between rows dynamically using the cursor or with Direct Distance Entry.

Column Spacing Define the spacing between columns dynamically using the cursor or with Direct Distance Entry.

Spacing Define the spacing between rows and columns dynamically using the cursor or with Direct Distance Entry.

ASsociative Toggles ON and OFF the associativity of the array.


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Levels Define the number and spacing of levels (Z direction) in the array.

Command Line

Rectangle RC Menu

POlar Evenly distributes object copies in a circular pattern around a center point or axis of rotation.

Total number of items and angle to fill

Angle to fill and angle between items. You can graphically define the angle to fill in AutoCAD.

The angle setting for a polar array is a delta angle between items not the entire polar angle to fill.


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Center Point Define the center of the polar array.

Basepoint Define the basepoint of the first item.

Keypoint For associative arrays, defines a valid constraint (or key point) on the source objects to use as the base point.

If you edit the source objects of the resulting array, the base point of the array remains coincident with the key point of the source objects.

Axis of Rotation Specifies a custom axis of rotation defined by two specified points in a 3D plane.

Angle Between Define the angle between items in the polar array.

Fill Angle Define the angle between the first and last object in the polar array.

Rotate Items Define if individual items rotate in the array.

Command Line


47


Polar RC Menu


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PAth Evenly distributes object copies along a path or a portion of a path.

Number of Items Define the number of items along the path.

Orientation Define the alignment of items to the path.

2 Points Define two points to align the items with the starting point of the path.

Normal Objects are aligned to be normal to the starting point of the path.

Distance Between Items Define the distance between the items along the path.

Divide Define the number of items along the path using a division factor.

Total Define the total number of items along the path.

Command Line

Path RC Menu

Differences The most notable difference is the ability to graphically define most settings using the AutoCAD Array dialog.


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STRETCH The STRETCH commands are identical in functionality if using the new STRETCH modification command available in MicroStation.


Stretch

STRetch

Home Modify Stretch

You must use a crossing window to stretch objects in AutoCAD. All objects inside the crossing window will be moved; similar to an overlap fence operation in MicroStation

Command Options

Command Description

Basepoint (Displacement) Define the basepoint or “stretch from” point on an object.

Second Pt Define the “stretch to” point from an object.

Command Line

RC Menu

N/A

That's probably more than I have time for….but hopefully not more that you wanted to know!


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ASSOCIATES

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Copyright © 2015 Aarhus Associates, LLC. Aarhus Associates and the Aarhus Associates Logo are registered trademarks of Aarhus Associates.

All other product names are trademarks of their respective owners. Aarhus Associates believes the information in this document is accurate as

of its publication date. Such information is subject to change without notice and is subject to applicable technical product descriptions. Aarhus

Associates is not responsible for inadvertent errors.

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