Tips & Tools Weekly (Vol. 13, No. 12)
30 Mar, 2008This Week's Software Tips Snapang Command NOTES FROM CADALYST TIP PATROL: Thanks for the reminder, Martin! Also check out AutoCAD's new Polar Tracking for a similar effect. Middle of Two Points To locate the middle of two points while a command is in progress:
NOTES FROM CADALYST TIP PATROL: We do like undocumented toys like this one. It works well with lines, but not arcs or circles. Maybe someone will tickle it to include them. As an alternative, AutoCAD now has a Mid Between Two Points object snap. Purge Nested Entities NOTES FROM CADALYST TIP PATROL: This is a useful routine to run before archiving projects. It could be supplemented with an automatic audit for a complete cleanup prior to archiving. You should turn CMDECHO back on at the end. Here's another, similar solution:
(defun C:PU ( / pc ) Offset PL Contour Line NOTES FROM CADALYST TIP PATROL: The subsequent contour lines that are produced by this routine are at even centers and elevations, and so lend themselves to a 3D array routine. Remember to pick the last line entered (for the number of copies) until you reach the chosen number of copies. The routine could be edited slightly so the user enters the horizontal and vertical offsets, clicks once to select the line, and clicks once more to dictate the side to offset. Also all variables should be declared local. Note: These follow-up tips have not been tested by the Cadalyst Tip Patrol. Follow-Up: Automated Engineering Stamp "Also, since we have the possibility of multiple stamps on one project -- we're an MEP firm -- I set up the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineers' stamps on separate layers. This way, operators in each discipline can thaw the appropriate layer for their engineer. To me this is a classic example of the usefulness of the tool palette for quick customization." Ray Finkel also wrote to share the fact that the State of Nevada has authorized the use of electronic stamping and signing for architects. "Our title blocks include a dynamic block that can be set to Blank, Bid Set, Preliminary, or Submittal. The later includes a JPG file, which resides on our network, with the stamp and signature on it. This way when it is time to produce the submittal set with the stamp and signature, you change the visibility state in the xref, and then you can publish your prints." MicroStation Tip: Tweaking a Text Preference VectorWorks Tip: Roof Framer in VectorWorks Architect To open this dialog box, select the roof in your drawing and click AEC / Framing / Roof Framer. The tabs of the Roof Framer dialog box allow you to select the types of framing elements to display (rafters, beams, plates, etc). Click OK to automatically create the roof framing. To view the roof framing, set the roof class to Invisible. Today's VectorWorks tip courtesy of Nemetschek.
Submit Your Tip for your favorite CAD software. If we publish your tip, we'll send you a Cadalyst T-shirt, and each month Cadalyst editors will randomly select one published tip and send a $100 gift card to its author. Please submit only code and other tips that are your original work (or provide the original source so we can include proper credit) and tell us which software version you use. By submitting code, you grant Cadalyst the right to print and distribute your code in print, digitally, and by other means. Cadalyst and individual authors retain all rights to the code; published code is not to be used for commercial purposes. Tips & Tools Weekly software tips for AutoCAD are reviewed by Cadalyst staff and the Tip Patrol before publication. Use all tips at your own discretion, please, and watch later editions of this newsletter for updates and corrections. We're sorry, but editors and Tip Patrol members cannot provide assistance with technical problems; please refer to Cadalyst's Hot Tip Harry-Help discussion forum. Sincere thanks to our volunteer Tip Patrol members: Brian Benton, Don Boyer, Mitchell Hirschklau, R.K. McSwain, Kevin Sawyer, and Billy Wooten.Back to Top | |
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Opportunities & Honors Siemens PLM Software Products Receive Awards in China Back to Top | |
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Week's New CAD and Related Products General Software: NAVIScheck File Manager MCAD: nPower 3D Modeling Tools MCAD: CADIQ CAD v5.1 MCAD: PZFlex v2 CAE: LMS Imagine.Lab OPTIMUS Back to Top | |
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark Your Calendar Webinar: Enterprise Cost Management Abaqus Users' Conference National BIM Conference Eco-Build America and AEC-ST ZweigWhite's AEC Technology Strategies 2008 For a complete list of CAD meetings, conferences, training sessions, and more, check out our calendar of events on Cadalyst.com. Back to Top |