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Tips & Tools Weekly (Vol. 14, No. 9)

8 Mar, 2009


This Week's Software Tips

Fresh Batch of Tips from Hot Tip Harry
Cadalyst's Hot Tip Harry has revealed a new batch of terrific tips for AutoCAD users, available now for download from Cadalyst's CAD Tips site. Check 'em out and be sure to tag your favorites and leave your own comments, ratings, and modified code files.

Harry is 100% digital now -- dig it! Keep an eye on Harry's Tip Jar to find out when new tips are available.

Use Tool Palettes to Save Time
Ron Lohan sent us this tip about how he uses AutoCAD's tool palettes to avoid readjusting or using another prompt to insert the scale or change to the proper layer and proper rotation. "With this technique, I have reduced my time by as much as 60%, all without retracing my steps -- a great tool!" View the complete tip and post your feedback.

 

Change Text Case
Follow this tip from Paula Jones if you need to change your caps type in a note. "Highlight the notes you've just typed, right click the highlighted portion and select Change Case. This works for mtext and dtext, and it saves a lot of time, effort, and head banging." View the complete tip and post your feedback.

AutoCAD Model Slice
Gerardo Martinez provided this tip to slice a model in AutoCAD quickly. "Activate the Slice command and select the solid to modify. Simply select two points defining where you want the slice. In this way, you will be setting a plane vertical to the screen, so after pressing Enter, you may select both or one of the portions." View the complete tip and post your feedback.

Copy Layout Tabs
In this tip from Isak Mishaeli, use your mouse to simplify the process of moving or copying a Layout tab in AutoCAD. "Point the mouse arrow on the desired Layout tab and use the pick button to drag the Layout tab to the desired place along the Layout bar." View the complete tip and post your feedback.

Print Screen Shortcuts
R.T Rinehart sent in this tip to remind readers about the Print Screen button and the many uses it has for drafters. "Many vendors and manufacturers have viewable details posted on their site that are not downloadable or savable by any means. In these cases, I use the Print Screen button on the upper right hand side of the keyboard. Doing so writes a temporary snapshot of the screen to the clipboard." View the complete tip and post your feedback.

Create Profile Views in AutoCAD
Don Bentz's tip shows us how to build a ground profile without using 3D software. "This is a quick way to create a ground profile without using 3D software, provided the contours have elevations assigned to them." View the complete tip and post your feedback.

Submit Your Tip

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

TurboCAD Offers CAD Data Through TraceParts
TurboCAD is offering free and unlimited access to its own online version of the TraceParts 3D library. This version includes more than 100 million 3D CAD models and 2D drawings from parts manufacturers.

Geomagic Labs Shares Emerging Technologies
Geomagic has launched Geomagic Labs, a community web site that provides early access to new technologies, innovation, and product concepts before they appear in commercial software. The first technology for preview and discussion is Parametric Exchange.

Zuken Offers Online Resource for PCB Designers
Zuken launched a new web site for designers of printed circuit boards, which features the recently introduced autorouting software Dragon Routing Platform. The site also features free Dragon media downloads, live demonstrations, and downloadable technical information. Zuken also announced its new CADSTAR web pages for the company's PCB design software. The pages are available in English and German with other languages available soon. The site offers more than 75 demonstration movies, a free download of CADSTAR Schematic Promotion, and scheduled training courses.

GEI WideFormat Offers Scanning, Printing Resources
The new web site GEI WideFomat asks the question, "What in the world do you want to do?" Visitors will have the opportunity to download brochures, request sales quotes, and will soon be able to join the GEI WideFormat community to receive promotional information and updates about wide-format scanning and printing. 


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Deals & Freebies

Save on Registration Fees for SmartGeometry 2009
Save as much as 50% if you register now for SmartGeometry 2009, Bentley Systems’ conference focusing on advanced computational and parametric design. In addition, every attendee will receive a free six-month license of GenerativeComponents, Bentley's software for generative design. Discounts include 50% off registration fees for members of the American Institute of Architects, 20% off when you sign up two friends, and 10% when you sign up one friend.

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Opportunities & Honors

AUGI Opens Wish List Voting
Members of Autodesk User Group International (AUGI), it's time to let Autodesk know what you would like to see in future releases of AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Inventor, and Revit Architecture. Wish List ballots will remain open until March 15, 2009. AUGI membership is free to users who register.

E-on Software 2009 Show Reel Call for Submissions
E-on software announced it is seeking submissions for its 2009 show reel. The company invites all Vue artists to submit recent commercial projects that involve Vue or Ozone. The show reel will be showcased throughout the year at different tradeshows and conventions. The deadline for submissions is May 15, 2009.

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Books & Training

Cadalyst Contributor Releases ArchiCAD for AutoCAD Users
ArchiCAD for AutoCAD Users is a new guide by Cadalyst contributing expert Scott MacKenzie, et al. The 75-page book ($29.95) is designed to quickly make you productive in ArchiCAD by leveraging what you already know about AutoCAD. It is available from various Graphisoft resellers or by preorder from Amazon.com. 

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Mark Your Calendar

Association of American Geographers Annual Meeting
March 22-27, 2009
Las Vegas, Nevada
The program will feature 4,000 presentations, an international networking reception, and exhibitions showcasing recent scholarly publications. Read more

WESTEC 2009 Exposition
March 30-April 2, 2009 
Los Angeles, California
The exposition puts attendees center stage with more than 600 exhibitors showcasing manufacturing's latest equipment, ideas, and trends. Read more

Residential Design and Construction 2009
April 1-2, 2009
Boston, Massachusetts
This year’s event features more than 220 exhibitors and design exhibits dedicated to providing the most up-to-date industry trends. 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

User Profile: Wisdom from the Trenches
Charles Prettyman of Robert A.M. Stern Architects' CAD manager, shares advice for software upgrades.Read more

First Look Review: Graphtec CSX300-09HDplus Wide-Format Scanner
Engineers, architects, and CAD and GIS users can benefit from the scanner's CSX300-09HDplus capabilities.Read more

Integrated CAD/GIS Platform Streamlines Infrastructure Engineering
Port of Long Beach expects to save more than $3 million from CAD file management efficiencies alone. Read more

Looking for "Hot Tip Harry?"
Hot Tip Harry’s latest AutoCAD customization tips are now posted online at Cadalyst’s CAD Tips site. Harry’s posting tips all the time now, and you can find the latest ones by checking the Recently Posted list, along with the latest tips from Tips & Tools Weekly.You can also find out about the latest tips from Harry himself (aka Cadalyst's Bill Kramer) by hanging out on Harry’s Tip Jar Discussion Forum. Look for the posts labeled "Hot Tips!" for regular updates.

Brand new, Cadalyst and Hot Tip Harry also introduce his new Programming Concepts Discussion Forum. Keep tabs and chime in to exchange AutoCAD programming expertise and advice.

Software and Hardware Suppliers Database
Cadalyst has made available its online Supplier Showcase, a comprehensive database of companies that provide CAD-related software, hardware, and training products. Information, which is provided by the respective companies, can be viewed either alphabetically or by product category.