This Week's Software Tips

Show the Entire Layer Name in the AutoCAD Xlist Dialog Box
If you've ever felt frustrated when you can't see the entire layer name in the AutoCAD Xlist dialog box, Andrea Andreetti offers an AutoLISP solution for fixing this problem. "Nice solution to an Xlist command limitation that could prevent a long layer name from displaying correctly." View the complete tip and post your feedback.

Fix Alert Boxes after Returning a Borrowed AutoCAD License
Are you seeing alert boxes after you've returned a borrowed license using AutoCAD 2015's BorrowLicense command? Andrea Andreetti provides a tip to fix this problem by removing two registry keys after the license is returned. "Use caution when working in the Registry Editor." View the complete tip and post your feedback.

Find Center Lines on a Slot to Create Dimensions in Autodesk Inventor
When you are dimensioning a drawing with a slot, do you need to show the center lines of the slot and not the radii? David Gaskill shows us how to use the Centerline Bisector command in Autodesk Inventor to find the center line and create dimensions. View the complete tip and post your feedback.

Review Cadalyst's Tip Submission Guidelines, then Submit Your Tip for your favorite CAD software. Be sure to tell us which software version you use. If we publish your original, previously unpublished tip, you can earn a gift card (learn more about prizes here). Please submit only tips or code that are your original work. By submitting code, you grant Cadalyst the right to print and distribute your tip in print, digitally, and by other means. Cadalyst and individual authors retain all rights to submitted tips.

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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 in the latest version of AutoCAD by Contributing Editor R.K. McSwain. Use all tips at your own discretion, please. We're sorry, but Cadalyst staff cannot provide assistance with technical problems. Please refer to Cadalyst's LinkedIn and Facebook communities for assistance with AutoLISP and other AutoCAD customization questions.

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Resources

Worldwide CAD Trends Survey Report Released
The Business Advantage Group, a research and consulting firm, has published the results from its 2015 CAD Trends Survey. According to the company, the survey asked questions about CAD trends and evaluated the growth potential of those trends for CAD users. Topics covered include 3D modeling, building information modeling, cloud-based CAD, simulation, and 3D printing. Site visitors can register to download the public high-level report for free.

3D Hubs Offers Monthly 3D Printing Trend Reports
3D Hubs, a company that connects 3D printer owners with potential customers, has released its April 2015 3D Hubs Trend Report about the 3D printing industry. The report, available on the 3D Hubs website, includes information on the most popular 3D modeling software as well as the highest-rated 3D printers. Those who enter their e-mail address can receive these reports from the company every month.

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Deals & Freebies

e-SPECS Offers Specification Software License Discounts
E-SPECS, provider of specification automation solutions that extract product and material requirements from Autodesk Revit drawings, is offering a 15% discount on new licenses. The company also will offer live group training with each training video. Both offers expire June 30, 2015.

Autodesk Updates Free ReCap Software for Scan Data
Autodesk announced a release of an updated version of its free ReCap desktop application for Autodesk Suites. The software enables users to import scans as well as view, clean, clip, section, measure, and index registered scan data. Updates are also available for Autodesk's paid versions of ReCap — ReCap 360 and ReCap 360 Ultimate.

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Opportunities & Honors

Contest Seeks Designs for Atmospheric Fog-Collecting Devices
The GrabCAD engineering community and NBD Nanotechnologies announced the Fresh Water Fog Nets Challenge, inviting designers to submit entries that could become the frame or structure of NBD's atmospheric fog-collecting devices. According to NBD, these fog-collecting nets could help collect fresh water for drought-affected areas around the world. Entry deadline is April 27, 2015.

Hackathon Supports Development of Innovative Home Appliance Designs
FirstBuild, a GE Appliances microfactory in Louisville, Kentucky, is hosting Mega-Hackathon: Hack the Home on April 10–11, 2015. During the contest, teams will receive access to tools such as 3D printers, laser cutters, and more to design and create innovative home appliances.

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New Products

AEC: PointSense for Revit
FARO Technologies' PointSense for Revit laser scanning software was developed for the analysis and design of point cloud data directly in Autodesk Revit. Features include extraction and alignment of architectural walls; creation of Revit family types such as doors, windows, beams, construction lines, and ground models; real 3D snap-to-point clouds; plane detection; and scaled ortho-image generation.

Workstations: GoBOXX MXL Mobile Workstation
BOXX's GoBOXX MXL mobile workstation features NVIDIA Quadro graphics and as much as 32 GB of RAM. The mobile workstation has an Intel Core i7 4790K desktop processor (4.0./4.4GHz Turbo Boost) and an optional 15.6" or 17" HD display.

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Mark Your Calendar

Introducing Evolve 2015
April 14, 2015
9 a.m. ET or 2 p.m. ET
This solidThinking webinar includes a live demonstration of Evolve 2015. The software enables designers to capture an initial sketch, explore styling alternatives, and visualize products with realistic renderings generated in real time. Read more

For a complete list of CAD meetings, conferences, training sessions, and more, check out our calendar of events on Cadalyst.com. Are you hosting an event that you would like to include in our calendar? Submit details at least two weeks in advance to news@cadalyst.com.

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What’s New at Cadalyst.com

First Look Review: BOXX APEXX 2 2401
Powerfully configured workstation features service, support, and attention to detail that justify the price tag. Read more

GTC 2015: NVIDIA Serves Current CAD Computing Models and Builds Out New Options, Part 1
This year's GPU Technology Conference introduces hardware capable of powering interactive physically based rendering, and more. Read more

GTC 2015: NVIDIA Serves Current CAD Computing Models, Builds Out New Options, Part 2
NVIDIA is not alone in pursuing virtual workstation technologies, which promise to make large projects available at any time to team members around the globe. Read more

IMAGINiT Tricks Tutorial: Inventor's New Joint Connections
Inventor's Joint Connections are easier to use and have more flexibility compared to Constraints. Read more

Herrera on Hardware: Workstation Options for CAD Span the Economic Spectrum
Budget-friendly models and wallet-draining heavyweights mark the extremes of a workstation market that's as broad as it's ever been. But what's the difference between entry-level and high-end options? Read more