This Week's Software Tips Reload Missing Xrefs
Milton Fitzgerald's Reload Missing Xrefs (PDF) outlines the steps for reloading missing xrefs in an AutoCAD drawing. Download the full procedure or follow this condensed version of the steps:. - Open the existing layout (the drawing will probably be in Paper Space / Layout; Layout1, is the default).
- Locate the file or folders with the xrefs via the External Reference dialog box (under the Insert tab).
- Select the files under Found at and reload into the drawing. Click the ellipses (the three dots at the end) and browse to the proper file location. Click Open.
- For adding xrefs, use the Bind dialog box. Select Bind if you just need to view the drawing, or Insert to permanently attach drawing to the file.
- Your updated file should now look correct.
- If you are still missing files, you will be able to see which ones in the dialog box. You will have to ask the person who sent you these files to resubmit them, then go through this process again to reload the missing files.
NOTES FROM CADALYST TIP PATROL:
Sometimes folders change names or outside sources send a file that references other files. Sometimes those files are missing or they are just in a different folder than the one the reference link remembers. This happens. Thanks, Milton! Disappearing Dynamic Block Properties in AutoCAD 2009
Brock Narum wrote: "I have been using dynamic blocks since they were introduced, but I just recently ran into a problem on AutoCAD 2009. I did some research and found dynamic blocks that do not have the same x, y, z scale (absolute value) lose their ability to modify the dynamic properties. I have a dynamic block with a stretch property that lost the ability to change its dynamic property when I scaled, mirrored, or rotated. In my case, the x, y, z scales showed up as 1.0 in the Properties palette, but for some reason they were not being recognized correctly. When I retyped 1.0 for the x, y, z scales, my dynamic properties came back, which allowed me to modify the blocks' stretch property." NOTES FROM CADALYST TIP PATROL:
Good workaround. Sometimes when features are applied, they don't always work as they should. So users have to find ways to trick AutoCAD into doing what we want it to. This is a good tip and a good procedure: If your dynamic block doesn't work, re-enter the data, even if it is the same data. MicroStation Tip: Function Keys Commands That Wait for a Data Point
When you want to string together some key-in commands, but one or more of them require a data point along the way, you can use %d as a separate key-in. MicroStation will wait for you to enter a data point and then continue to the next command in the series. Read more This week's MicroStation tip courtesy of Axiom. 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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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Resources New Whitepapers on Cadalyst's Whitepaper Library
New whitepapers are now available on Cadalyst's Whitepaper Library free to those who register. "Civil 3D – Road Rehabilitation Made Easy," by Kelar Pacific, shows how AutoCAD Civil 3D subassemblies increase productivity and reduce errors. AutoCAD Resources Center Now Online
Autodesk's new web site provides free resources and information about AutoCAD 2009. The site includes tutorials, customer stories, whitepapers, tips, tricks, and videos on layers, blocks, text, and hatching. A free, trial download of AutoCAD is available at the AutoCAD Resources Center to users who register.
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deals & Freebies SIMPOE Offering Free e-SimpoeWorks 2008
This version provides basic filling simulation functionalities, including melt front animation. The software can be used as a viewer to consult simulation results, such as filling, packing, cooling, and warpage. Read more
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Books & Training Design Visionaries Release FEA-Focused Book
In Advanced Simulation Using Nastran NX5 / NX6, by Stephen Samuel, Benjamin Stevenson, and Eric Weeks, readers will work on representative components and assemblies to learn the skills needed to conduct various finite element analyses. Read more
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Week's New CAD and Related Products Hardware: ZPrinter 650
Z Corporation's newest model reportedly has the largest build size of any 3D printer, to create large, high-resolution, multicolor models. Read more Hardware: ProJet 5000
3D Systems' new, larger format, high-speed 3D printer is designed to deliver high-definition parts from a variety of plastic and wax materials. Read more Hardware: DuraForm PP 100 Plastic
3D Systems' new sintering material reportedly has the durability of molded polypropylene. Read more General Software: VPHybridCAD v10
Softelec's software for editing and converting scanned technical drawings reportedly supports all AutoCAD versions from 2004 to 2009. Read more General Software: ICES BOM
IMAGE's plug-in for CADWorx enables users to store their design model's bills of material at any point in the design process. Read more AEC: OrthoGraph Architect
The latest software from OrthoGraph contains all ground-plan measurements, sketching, and automatic measurement features. Read more AEC: MEP Modeler
Graphisoft's new modeler enables users to create, edit, and/or import 3D MEP networks and coordinate them with ArchiCAD Virtual Building. Read more GIS: Map2PDF
ERDAS software reportedly allows customers to transform and optimize any map or image into a GeoPDF. Read more MCAD: TimingDesigner v9.1
EMA Design Automation's application with SDC support provides a method for defining and analyzing interface-timing requirements. Read more MCAD: iPro 8000 SLA, sPro 140, and 230 SLS Centers
New SLA and SLS Centers from 3D Systems feature ProScan, ProScan GX, and SteadyPower Imager. Read more PLM: Solid Edge 2D Drafting
Siemens' latest software includes import wizards, matched fonts and color schemes, XREF support, and paper/model space support. Read more
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark Your Calendar Blast-Off With BIM Seminar
November 12, 2008
Cocoa Beach, Florida
DLT Solutions, with Autodesk and CADD Centers of Florida, will host a government-focused seminar on BIM that discusses new federal mandates. Read more Best Practices for Developing Geographic Information Models
November 17, 2008
Issaquah, Washington
This WAURISA workshop will explore the use of database templates and the relationship between map layers and geographic database objects. 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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