This Week's Software Tips Customize Copy with Basepoint
Robert L. Zipprich offers this AutoCAD tip: "The _Copybase command expects a base point first unless there is an active selection set. Most of my Copy/Paste work on drawings uses 0,0 as a base point, so I've added a menu line for Copy with Basepoint 0,0 that also lets me select my objects first. Then I can pick the Copy with Basepoint 0,0 rather than select a base point followed by selecting objects. Using the CUI editor, browse to Menus / Edit, drag and drop the command Copy with Basepoint from the Command List into the Menu/Edit area, then edit the new menu line to read:
^C^C_copybase 0,0" NOTES FROM CADALYST TIP PATROL: Good tip! Depending on what you are doing, you may want to specify zero (0) for the z value also (0,0,0). As always with CUI customization, users should first back up their original ACAD.CUI or ACLT.CUI files. AutoCAD Architecture: Hide Display Tab
Pierre Maeli writes, "As you know, the Properties palette in AutoCAD Architecture 2008 was updated and a third tab, the Display tab, was added. This tab allows the user to access the object style configuration and override any of the preset configurations a CAD manager may have put in place. It is a great tool, but a nightmare for the CAD manager. To hide this tab from your users, use the following command and set the variable to hide the Display tab." - On the Command line, type AecChangeDisplayTabStatus.
- The default is set to Hide (type H or Hide).
- Press the Return key. The Display tab will disappear from the Properties palette.
- To show the tab, type the command and set the default to Show.
NOTES FROM CADALYST TIP PATROL: The command works just as Pierre says. (Assign an alias — it's just too much to type in, repeatedly.) The drawback we see is how to keep this information from the drafters. A lot of smart CAD technicians are out there (particularly those who read Cadalyst magazine and its e-mail newsletters). Some will figure it out. To address the bigger challenge, we urge CAD managers to develop the respect and cooperation of their workers and the understanding that strict adherence to company standards is of paramount importance. A consistent focus on this issue cannot be overemphasized. Rather than hide a feature such as this from employees, we believe you should show them how to use it to their advantage. Note: These follow-up tips have not been tested by the Cadalyst Tip Patrol. Follow-Up: Windows Temp Directory Clean-Up
Tom Farley sent another way to clean up the Windows Temp directory, as discussed in our June 9 issue: "Open the Temp folder. Change the folder display to sort the folder by detail and pick the Date Modified column twice. That will sort by descending date (latest date at the top of the folder). I use Shift to highlight all the files that are not dated today's date. Then just press the Delete button. Done! Leaving the currently dated files untagged will avoid the open file error message." MicroStation Tip: Common 3D Key-ins
Here is a list of common 3D key-ins. Palettes for 3D view control are at MicroStation / Tools / View Control. Download the file. Today's MicroStation tip courtesy of The Envision Group. 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 remember:
- Submit only code and other tips that are your original work (or provide the original source so we can include proper credit).
- 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.
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CIMdata published a review of SAP's new PLM Roadmap program. The paper identifies the challenges that businesses face, SAP's approach to helping companies address those challenges, PLM's role in supporting those initiatives, and a detailed look at SAP's new PLM Roadmap. The report, "Enabling Product and Service Leadership," is available at no cost at CIMdata's Web site. Free Technology Preview of AutoCAD MEP and Revit MEP Extensions
Autodesk is offering two extensions for AutoCAD MEP and Revit MEP available to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineers. The MEP Analysis Extension is available as a free technology preview from Autodesk Labs; the HVAC Load Calculation Extension is available for Autodesk Subscription customers of AutoCAD MEP and Revit MEP. Read more
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Opportunities & Honors Print Audit Receives BERTL's Best Award
Print Audit received a BERTL's Best 2008 award for Best Solution for Remote Management of Printing Devices in recognition of its Facilities Manager software, a program designed to allow dealers to remotely collect meter reads, automate supply needs, and report service information for managing fleets of copiers, printers, fax machines, and multifunction devices.
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Books & Training GIS Tutorial for ArcView Published
ESRI Press announced the publication of GIS Tutorial: Workbook for ArcView 9, Third Edition (456 pages, $79.95), by Wilpen L. Gorr and Kristen S. Kurland. The book teaches fundamentals such as how to build maps using GIS data, and includes exercises on how to create geodatabases and import the data. Read more Modo Training Videos Released
Luxology released MP3 Player: Rapid Visualization and Prototyping, a series of three videos ($25 each) that demonstrates how modo 302's toolset can be used to complement and enhance the product design process. Read more
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Week's New CAD and Related Products Hardware: DurusWhite FullCure430
Objet Geometries' modeling material gives products the milky-white look and feel of polypropylene. Read more AEC: Simplicity "Sight" Survey 2009
Windows-based coordinate geometry program from Carlson works with AutoCAD, MicroStation, and IntelliCAD. Read more AEC: DataCAD LT v12
Smart Entities allow users to change the properties of walls, windows, and doors directly without having to erase and redraw them. Read more AEC: AutoCAD Map 3D Industry Toolkits
Toolkits from Autodesk enable utilities to create and maintain consistency in drawings throughout a design project's lifecycle. Read more GIS: Bentley Gas v8 XM Edition
Facilities design software is intended to help engineers and GIS professionals design, document, and manage gas distribution networks more efficiently. Read more GIS: GPS2CAD-08
AMC software enables users to import data from inexpensive GPS units, convert the data to a CAD-usable format, and plot it in AutoCAD. Read more GIS: HTML ImageMapper NG2
Enterprise software from alta4 Geoinformatik offers two publishing alternatives: one to Google Earth and one to the Web. Read more CAD: IntelliCAD v6.5
Software from the IntelliCAD Technology Consortium allows members to incorporate the latest DWG-compatible IntelliCAD technology into their own vertical applications. Read more MCAD: GeomCaliper v2.2 for CATIA V5 and v2.2 for Pro/ENGINEER
Geometric products facilitate measurement and checking of wall thickness of 3D CAD models. Read more MCAD: CADSTAR Express
Free sample download from Zuken includes all the latest features of CADSTAR v10 with a limit of 300 pins and 50 components. Read more PLM: Defense Logistics Solution
Software from EDS and Siemens PLM Software enables aerospace and defense companies to reduce time, risk, and expense associated with fulfilling defense contracts. Read more PLM: Teamcenter Express v4
Siemens PLM Software's latest release includes two modules designed to help SMBs streamline their engineering resources and widen access to their product data. Read more Data Management: Korrigo
Standards-based engineering document management software from First Trace was built for engineering enterprises with a strong CAD focus. Read more
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark Your Calendar Pitney Bowes MapInfo Customer Forums
July 24 - September 9, 2008
Various cities in Canada and the United States
Attendees will learn more about MapInfo Professional v9.5's newest features with live demos and Q&A sessions and also will be able to participate in a focus group with product managers and help provide direction for future features and functions. Read more For a complete list of CAD meetings, conferences, training sessions, and more, check out our calendar of events on Cadalyst.com.
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