Tips & Tools Weekly (Vol. 14, No. 18)

10 May, 2009

This Week's Software Tips

Text tips are here! Several weeks ago, we invited readers to submit text tips for AutoCAD. And you responded -- thank you! In fact, you responded so well that it's going to take us two weeks to share most of the tips. Because of the volume received, we've sent some of the AutoLISP-based text tips to Cadalyst's Hot Tip Harry. Some tips didn't make the cut, and a few others will be shared as reminders. Following is round 1 of text tips from Tips & Tools Weekly readers.

Now, how about some ribbon tips? Once you finish reading these text tips, send us more! This time, send in your tips related to the AutoCAD ribbon. How do you use it? How do you customize it? Horizontal or vertical? Or do you pull the panels out? Let's see if you can send more tips than last time!

Insert Microsoft Word Text as Mtext
Mike Demers sends us a tip that shows how to insert text from a Microsoft Word file into mtext. This shortcut is great if a client sends you text in a Word document or if you're converting notes in a Word document into an AutoCAD drawing and you don't want to waste time or risk making mistakes by retyping into AutoCAD. View the complete tip and post your feedback.

Time-Saving Text Tricks
Cheryl Smeed sends a trio of tiny text tips to save time. View the complete tip and post your feedback.

Simplify Your Fonts
Rodney Barnard uses the Simplex font for text because it looks good at all scales and in paper space – plus, nearly everyone has it, so it won't look weird on another system. "I like to use mtext, especially for notes and specs, as it's easier to keep things in line and change formatting (tabs or special characters, etc.)." View the complete tip and post your feedback.

Text with Shadows
Timothy Hogg shares a tip he uses to create text with a shadow effect. "This tip is really a no-brainer, but some might find it useful for changing the look of a finished plot." View the complete tip and post your feedback.

Text Size and Scale Chart
Andria Lynch shares a chart she produced that gives the proper size of text to use for different drawing scales. "All of our noting is done in model space, so this is handy to have where I can see it all the time for a quick reference." View the complete tip and post your feedback.

And More Tips!
Following are this week's reminders, tidbits, and miscellaneous updates from the Cadalyst Tip Patrol.

Text Case Shortcut: Select your text and press Ctrl+Shift+U to convert selected text to uppercase. Ctrl+Shift+L for lowercase. This works with dtext and mtext.

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.

Got Feedback? To share feedback about one of today's tips, navigate to the tip using the link provided above, then click Comment. The Comment tool is available to registered users of Cadalyst'sCAD Tips site.

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. 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 for assistance with AutoLISP and other AutoCAD customization questions.

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 CIMdata Whitepaper Examines Economics of PLM
CIMdata has released a whitepaper titled Economic Benefits of PLM-Enabled Collaboration. This paper presents CIMdata's perspectives on the economic benefits related to better managing internal and external collaboration. It also offers insights into how PLM (product lifecycle management)-enabled collaboration provides savings and supports the requirements for multiple industry verticals.

Sustainable Design Guide Helps Design and Retrofit Greener Buildings
Autodesk’s Guide to Sustainable Design is a free online resource for designers in the AEC field that illustrates sustainable design principles, decisions, and technologies for every phase of the building project lifecycle, aiming to simplify sustainable design decisions.

Additives Report Finds Opportunities in Direct Part Production
Wohlers Associates announced Wohlers Report 2009, a 250-page analysis of the newest developments and trends in additive manufacturing (AM) worldwide. The report includes industry growth estimates and forecasts, new developments and business opportunities, emerging applications, research and development, and where the industry is headed in the future.

M2 Technologies Joins Autodesk Assistance Program
M2 Technologies, an Autodesk reseller and provider of technology services for manufacturing companies, is participating in the Autodesk Assistance Program for displaced employees. M2 will provide a variety of services and education programs for qualified design and engineering customers, including the opportunity to attend training classes for free and to receive discounted certifications.

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Deals & Freebies

Free T-FLEX CAD Student Edition Available for Download
Top Systems released T-FLEX CAD 11 Student Edition. The no-cost variant of its engineering software offers parametric 2D drafting and 3D modeling technology for students and educators.

Autodesk Offers Free Render-Quality Vegetation Content for 3ds Max
Architects and designers now have access to 100 species of Xfrog plants and trees that can be easily integrated into digital worlds and environments created with Autodesk 3ds Max Design modeling, animation, and rendering software. The render-quality content is available for download from Autodesk Seek.

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Opportunities & Honors

Vectorworks User Wins Pritzker Architecture Prize
Nemetschek North America announced that Peter Zumthor, a Swiss Vectorworks user, has been chosen as the 2009 Laureate of the Pritzker Architecture Prize, which is awarded each year to a living architect for his or her significant achievement.

Anark Accepted as Adobe Solution Provider
Anark, a provider of automated 3D CAD transformation and visualization solutions, announced that it has been accepted as an Adobe Systems Incorporated Solution Partner. Adobe's Solution Partner Program is designed for companies that provide solution-based sales, system integration, services, or extended products based on Adobe technology.

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Books & Training

Building Information Modeling by Dana K. Smith and Michael Tardif is now available from Wiley and online booksellers ($75). Subtitled “A Strategic Implementation Guide for Architects, Engineers, Constructors, and Real Estate Managers,” the 186-page hardcover book explains the business case for adopting BIM, offers implementation guidance, and explains how business partners can work together throughout a BIM-enabled building lifecycle.

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Mark Your Calendar

Autodesk Imagine Tour
May 7-June 4, 2009
Various Cities
At these events hosted by Autodesk, attendees will learn how to visualize, simulate, and analyze the real-world performance of ideas, as well as optimize designs. Read more

AVEVA Open House
May 27, 2009
Houston, Texas
Join industry peers at an open house hosted by AVEVA, a developer of engineering software for the plant and marine industries. Enjoy an evening of food, drinks, entertainment, and networking opportunities. Read more

ESRI Education User Conference
July 11-14, 2009
San Diego, California
ESRI's conference will provide a forum for collaboration among educators, administrators, researchers, librarians, and museum professionals with all levels of geographic information system (GIS) experience. 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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What's New at Cadalyst.com

The Tao of CAD and GIS
Now in beta testing, a new on-demand viewing and markup tool lets users collaborate on a file simultaneously. Read more