I like to switch between multiple open drawings by clicking on the Windows Taskbar. You use this technique for switching to another open application so why not be able to do this with each drawing you have open. To enable this behavior in AutoCAD just type TASKBAR and set the value to 1.
Listing a 2D distance in Civil 3D
Listing a 2D distance when all you have is 3D geometry can be tricky. I have an answer that works. I found a few bugs along the way.
Linetype Scale in Model Space
Linetypes from older drawings don’t always display correctly in AutoCAD 2008 and newer. AutoCAD 2008 introduced MSLTSCALE. Restore correct linetype behavior by changing MSLTSCALE to 1.
Turning OFF the border on images
Images inserted in AutoCAD have a border known as a frame. Turning this frame on and off seems fairly black and white yet there are commands and settings to control image frames so they can be on or off, front or back, plotted or not plotted in a variety of combinations. Little did we know ON/OFF was so complicated.
Creating a Polyline with Tangent Lines and Arcs
Below are the command prompts to draw a polyline with a line, arc, and line where the last line segment is tangent to the curve. The part highlighted in Red shows where you enter L to get back to a line mode from arc mode during command execution. Enter L again to choose the Length […]
Changing the Paper Space Background Color
Have you ever wanted to change the background color in paper space? I’m referring to the gray area outside of the paper border. Suppose you wanted the entire background to be black, just like model space. Here is how you can change it. Type OPTIONS on the command line to get to the Options dialog box. […]
PUBLISH in 2009, Batch Plot in 2010.
The PUBLISH command, labeled Batch Plot on the Ribbon, takes on a little different look in 2010 as compared with 2009. The functions in each version appear to be identical yet I found some subtle differences. In 2010 you now have a check box to Open in viewer when done. In 2010 the 3D DWF and Page Setup columns […]
Training, self-taught, which works best?
Formal CAD Training and self-taught skills make the best sense for becoming a better CAD user.
OSNAP Icons a little ambiguous?
I find most users are a little puzzled by the Drawing Tools Icons (Ortho, Polar, OSNAP, etc.) on the Status Bar. To restore the text labeled buttons just right click and toggle off the check next to Use Icons.
Listing a 2D Distance in AutoCAD
I type DI on the command line then pick two endpoints to list a distance in AutoCAD. This distance is 3D, a slope distance. How do I get a horizontal distance? Set the System Variable, OSNAPZ to 1 then use the DI command. I could tell you all about OSNAPZ but then you would not develop the skills […]
Brian Morse – AdvCAD Curator
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