HyperPics: Beyond the UI

Handling Drawing (DWG) File Format Changes with AutoCAD

AutoCAD over the past 10+ releases has been seeing a new drawing (DWG) file format change every three releases. The file format changes are done to introduce new features and optimizations.  When working with clients or departments that use a different release of AutoCAD than you, there are a number of options that you can use to make sure you can share DWG files with ease.

The following table outlines which file format you need to use when exchanging drawings with users not using AutoCAD 2013.

AutoCAD Drawing Format	AutoCAD Releases
AutoCAD 2010	AutoCAD 2010 through 2012
AutoCAD 2007	AutoCAD 2007 through 2009
AutoCAD 2004	AutoCAD 2004 through 2006
AutoCAD 2000	AutoCAD 2000 through 2002
AutoCAD R14	AutoCAD R14
AutoCAD R12 DXF	AutoCAD R12 and R13

The following outlines several options that you can use to ease the sharing of DWG files when having to work with multiple releases of AutoCAD and different drawing file formats:

• Set the Default Save Format - In the Options dialog box, Open and Save tab, you can specify the default file format that is used when saving a drawing with the SAVE, SAVEAS, and QSAVE commands. The WBLOCK or REFEDIT commands are not affected by changing the default file format option, you will need to open and resave the drawing files that are created or edited to the desired file format as they only save a drawing to the latest/native file format.
• DWGCONVERT Command - Allows you to batch save selected drawing files to a different file format.  If a drawing has dependencies on external drawing files, each file does not need to be added individually but does not gather up all dependency files related to the selected drawings like the ETRAMNSMIT command.  Each external dependent drawing file is also saved to the specified file format.
  
• ETRANSMIT Command - Allows you to batch save selected drawing files to a different file format and gather all related dependency files. If a drawing has dependencies on external drawing files, each file does not need to be added individually.  Each external dependent drawing file is also saved to the specifiedfile format.
  
• DWG TrueView - Stand-alone application that allows you to view and save drawing files to different releases.  This can be very helpful, if you get drawing files that are saved to the AutoCAD 2013 format but you are using AutoCAD 2012 or earlier. (http://www.autodesk.com/trueview)
  
• AutoCAD WS Website - Website that allows you to view and markup drawings online.  After you upload a drawing file, it can be downloaded back to a local drive.  During the dowload process, you can choose the drawing file format to save the drawing as. (http://www.autocadws.com)
  
• ScriptPro - A utility that allows you to run a script (SCR) file against a set of drawings.  The script file can save the drawing file and mater other needed changes to the drawing file while it is open. (http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/item?siteID=123112&id=4091678&linkID=9240618 and http://labs.autodesk.com/utilities/ADN_plugins/catalog/)

Sincerely,
  Lee

Got an AutoCAD for Mac Tip?

Have you found a quick way to do something in AutoCAD for Mac that you want others to know about?  Do not keep it a secret by posting it to the AutoCAD for Mac wiki; you can submit it yourself for the whole user community to enjoy.

Access the AutoCAD for Mac 'Tips and Tricks' page and post your favorite tips today or maybe pick up a tip that will help you be more productive.  (Must login with your Autodesk.com login to submit, but viewing does not require you to create an account or login.)

The Autodesk Wiki is a joint venture between Autodesk and its user community.  The site is being moderated by Autodesk employees to ensure the content is accurate for all users to enjoy.  Submissions are not posted instantly at the moment as they are moderated for language first.

Feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions about the Autodesk Wiki.

Sincerely,
  Lee

Taking the AutoCAD for Mac PDFs on the Go with iBooks

Did you know you can access the AutoCAD for Mac documentation from your mobile device using your Web browser?  A matter of fact, the documentation for most of Autodesk's recent products can be accessed using a Web browser.  The online help documentation can be found at: http://docs.autodesk.com/.

Wow, that was simple enough... okay, so this article has a bit more to it than that.  With an iPhone, iPod or an iPad you can take the PDFs of the online docs on the go with you and view them in iBooks.  To do this, you cannot simply just browse to the PDF and save a local copy of it; you need to use iTunes and sync the file to your Apple device.  The following steps explain how to do this on Windows or Mac:

1. You must have iBooks installed on your Apple device. (Click here for info on iBooks.)
2. Download the AutoCAD for Mac PDFs from AutoCAD for Mac PDF Documentation.
3. Launch iTunes on your Mac or PC.
   • In Windows, click Start menu > [All] Programs > iTunes > iTunes.
   • In Mac OS X, from the Dock, click iTunes.
4. In iTunes, click File menu > Add File to Library or Add to Library.
    
5. Browse to and select the PDF file. Click Open or Choose.
    
6. Select Books from your Library.
    
7. Right-click on Windows or Ctrl-Click on Mac OS over the PDF you just added and click Get Info.
    
8. In the Get Info dialog box, Options tab, select Book from Media Kind if it is not already selected.
    
9. Optionally, on the Info tab, you can change the name of the book and add additional information such as product release or anything else that you feel is important to help identify the book.
    
10. Connect your Apple device.
11. Select your device from Devices.
12. Click the Books tab.
     
13. Click Sync Books so it is selected.
14. Click All Books to sync all books or click Selected Books to control which ones you sync to your device. If you click Selected Books, select you book you want to sync from those listed.
15. Click Sync.
16. After syncing is complete, on your Apple device, launch the iBooks app.
17. Click the new AutoCAD for Mac book.
    • 
    • 
    • 

    

 Sincerely,
  Lee

 

Online/Offline Help for AutoCAD 2011 (Updated)

As you might have already noticed, the AutoCAD 2011 Help system looks a bit different.  The CHM files have been retired from use in AutoCAD and in their place are a series of HTM/HTML files.  CHM files in of themselves are really a series of HTM and JavaScript files all bundled together into a single packaged file and were specific to the Windows platform.  The downside to CHM files is that they are bulky in size, and therefore not easy to update.  This is one of the reasons why Autodesk shifted away from CHM files to web based files that are more accessible across all operating systems.

The good part of this change:

• Files are easier to update.
• You can share your favorite pages with others by sending them a URL.
• Ability to combine multiple resources together with the help documentation.
• Platform independent. As you know, Autodesk provides software solutions on Windows, Mac, iPhone and other platforms.  The Web based help system can be used across all of these platforms with much greater fidelity and allow us to focus on one Help platform instead of multiple ones.
• Documents can be accessed without needing to install all products or languages as they can be accessed from the Autodesk website.

Of course there are always two sides to things, so the not so good:

• It is a bit slower because the new system is depended on your Web browser.  If you use IE, chances are the pages can take a few seconds to display but in browsers and this is because of the number of plug-ins installed.  Browsers such as Opera and Chrome do load pages faster than IE.  There are things that are on going to improve performance on the version of the documents on the Autodesk.com Web site.
• Local versions of the files do not contain all of the features that the online version does.

  

To get the most out of the new online Help system, you will need to be connected to the Internet.  If you cannot be connected to the Internet, you should switch to using the locally installed files.  These files for the most part look and feel like their online counterpart.  To switch between the locally installed or online help files, do the following:

1. Right-click in the drawing area and choose Options.  Make sure no command is active before doing this.
2. In the Options dialog box, click the System tab.
3. Under the Help section,
   • Clear "Use Online Help from Autodesk Website when Available" if you want to use the locally installed files.  All online connectivity is disabled, unless you click an external link which will load a requested page.
   • Check "Use Online Help from Autodesk Website when Available" to use the online version of the help documentation. (It is located here: http://docs.autodesk.com/ACD/2011/ENU) 
4. For the Help Browser section, select if you want to use Internet Explorer or your Default System Browser.  Default System Browser means, use Firefox or Chrome if it is set as your default Web browser on your workstation.
5. Click OK to save your changes.

 

Other recent articles you might find interesting:

• PDF Docs for AutoCAD 2011 Now Available
• AutoCAD + Wiki = "Creative Hub" for Sharing Learning Resources

Sincerely,
  Lee

Update: Changed "Platform dependent" to "Platform independent". - LA (4/20/10)

AutoCAD + Wiki = "Creative Hub" for Sharing Learning Resources

What do you get when you take one part rich media wiki platform, one part community, and one part AutoCAD?  Give up, you get the AutoCAD Wiki Beta on wikihelp.autodesk.com.  Wikis are nothing new to the Internet (Wikipedia), nor are communities like the legendary CompuServe boards from years gone past, Autodesk Communities, or AUGI.  In the sense of a true wiki, the AutoCAD Wiki Beta is being positioned as a "creative hub" for users to create and share content, such as tips, videos, articles, and links to other sites.  Content creation and sharing is done using in-place editors right on the pages of the site; you must be logged into Autodesk.com to create and edit content.  You can view the wiki without needing to be logged in.

 

Content that is created or edited on the site goes through a moderation process before it is posted.  Based on the level of changes, a technical review might be made to the content to ensure it is accurate for visitors.  All postings will be moderated to ensure that the content that is being posted is appropriate for the site, which means you should not find links about blue pills, how to collect ultra-rare Beanie Babies, or where not to buy AutoCAD from.  In general, content being posted should be about the products that are being discussed or covered on the wiki.

The intent of the site is about sharing learning content that will help your fellow AutoCAD users.  We want it to be an enjoyable experience for those contributing or simply viewing content.  We also want to keep it a fresh site with new content that comes from both the community and Autodesk employees.

The Autodesk Wiki site offers a "Sandbox" that allows you to get you feet wet without the fear of breaking the site.  Once you have a grasp on things, feel free to jump in are rate content or even to post a tip or two.  You can also embed videos that you might have on YouTube or Screenr.com that you feel would help users of AutoCAD learn a new or old feature.  With the wiki beta, we are giving you the community a platform to step up and show others how you are using products like AutoCAD.

For additional information on the wiki, check out the following video by Lynn Allen.

This is a beta and something we are trying out right now, so its success is in your hands.  So what are you waiting for, start sharing your tips, links, or videos today.

Sincerely,
  Lee (aka LAmbrosius on the AutoCAD Wiki)

Mail Bag - Why do some commands support the use of additional characters in front of their names, and others do not?

The Mail Bag has become one of my favorite new little segments on my blog, and by the number of comments that I have been getting it looks like many others agree as well.  In today's Mail Bag, a reader has a question about why there are some commands that have an additional character in front of their names and there is the same command with out that additional character.  For example, to plot a drawing you would use the PLOT command, but there is also a -PLOT command.  Both the PLOT and -PLOT command allow you to plot a drawing, but to get to the final output from the command the process is a little bit different.  The PLOT command displays a dialog box under normal situations, while the -PLOT command displays a series of command prompts to help plot a drawing.  Below is a listing of a few characters that you might encounter when creating your own macros, or when you are trying to create a basic script to automate AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT.

- (Hyphen) - Command displays command prompts instead of a dialog box, in most cases the commands that support a version of the command are ones that display a dialog box.  A few examples are the -PLOT vs. PLOT, -LAYER vs. LAYER, and -ARRAY vs. ARRAY commands.

+ (Plus) - There are a couple different types of commands that use the plus symbol in front of commands.  The most common commands that have a plus symbol in front of their name are the ones with tabs, such as the Options dialog box or UCS dialog box.  A few examples are the +OPTIONS vs. OPTIONS, +DSETTINGS vs. DSETTINGS, and +UCSMAN vs. UCSMAN commands.  When the +OPTIONS is typed at the command line the prompt Tab index <0>: is displayed.  If you want to display the User Preferences tab you would enter a value of 5, the leftmost tab is 0.  Another version of a command that can use the plus symbol is the variation of the PUBLISH command.  If a plus is placed in front of the command you are able to browse and select an existing DSD file from a standard file navigation dialog box.

' (Apostrophe) - The apostrophe symbol is used by some commands that can be used while another command is already in progress, in this state a command is known as a transparent command.  Most commands can not be used transparently when other commands are running.  The most commonly used commands that are used transparently are ZOOM, PAN, and -VIEW.  There are many other commands that can be used transparently, as well and those are often used to control entity property settings such as COLOR, LTYPE, and SETVAR.  To use a command transparently, simply start another command that displays a command prompt such as the LINE command, and then enter 'ZOOM at the command prompt while the LINE command is still in progress.  AutoCAD indicates that you are in a transparent command with the display of >> in front of the command prompt.  Once the transparent command has ended or been cancelled you are returned to the previous command prompt of the original command, in the example it is the LINE command.

Command: l
LINE Specify first point: 'zoom

>>Specify corner of window, enter a scale factor (nX or nXP), or
[All/Center/Dynamic/Extents/Previous/Scale/Window/Object] <real time>:

>>Press ESC or ENTER to exit, or right-click to display shortcut menu.

Resuming LINE command.
Specify first point:
Specify next point or [Undo]:

For additional information on what commands can be used transparently, which ones support a hyphen or simply a list of all commands in AutoCAD use the links below.

Transparent AutoCAD Commands
Hyphened AutoCAD Commands
AutoCAD Command Reference (R12 through 2007)

Another create feature when wanting to learn about what commands and system variables in AutoCAD is the AutoComplete feature at the command prompt.  It allows you to find a command that you only remember the first few letters of.  To use AutoComplete, type in the first few letters at the command prompt and press the TAB key until you find the command you are looking for.  So if you wanted to know all of the commands that can use the + (plus) symbol, you can type the + symbol and then press Tab until you cycle through all the commands or until you found the one that you are interested in.

For some additional information on the AutoComplete feature see the links below:
Forgot a Command's Name, Now What?
What Was That AutoCAD System Variable or Command?

Got a question that you are looking for an answer to, send me an e-mail and I will be more than happy to help you out.  Use the Email Me link below the About section on this page or click here.

Sincerely,
  Lee

Using Icon Switches with AutoCAD 2007

Icon switches (or command line switches) are often a forget method of customizing AutoCAD to gain some additional productivity benefits.  Did you know you could use an icon switch to specify the default profile or drawing template that AutoCAD starts up with when you double-click on the desktop icon.  Maybe you have been trying to figure out a way to specify a specific workspace to be displayed when you start up AutoCAD, wonder no more.  Icon switches allow you to do those things and much more with AutoCAD 2007.  AutoCAD has supported icon switches for along time now, since about R14.  To learn more about the icon switches in AutoCAD 2007 and previous release, click the link to access the AutoCAD Icon Switches PDF file from HyperPics.com.  The PDF file includes information about all the different icon switches available, and even a short tutorial on how to modify a desktop icon to use the icon switches.

Mail Bag - How can I align text when creating a new text object in AutoCAD?

I recently got an e-mail about how you could align a new text object vertically based on existing text object that already exists in the drawing.  Most people and I am among them, often create a text object and then align it with an existing text object, but you can cut down on having to start the Move command and picking a base point and then a second point by using point filters or object snap tracking based on your preference to align text objects.

Note: How the text objects align is based on the current text alignment of the new text object and the existing text object.

Using Object Snap Tracking to Align Text Vertically

1. Before you start creating a new text object, turn on the Insertion object snap and enable object snap tracking by clicking the OTRACK button on the status bar.
2. Start the DTEXT or MTEXT command.
3. At the Specify start point of text or Specify first corner prompt, hover over the text object's Insertion point.  You should see a vector is displayed vertically from the Insertion point which allows you to specify a point along that vector path.
   
4. Enter a distant to specify a new point, or simply click along the vector.
5. Once the start point or first corner has been specified you can finish the command like you normally would.

Using Point Filters to Align Text Vertically

1. Start the DTEXT or MTEXT command.
2. At the Specify start point of text or Specify first corner prompts, enter .X and press Enter.  You could also hold down the SHIFT key, right-click and select Point Filters >> .X.
3. At the prompt .X of, enter INS and press Enter.  You could also hold down the SHIFT key, right-click and select Insert.
4. Select the Insertion point of the text object you want to vertically align with, and then pick a second point to determine the Y coordinate value.
5. Once the start point or first corner has been specified you can finish the command like you normally would.

Alternatively, you could also use AutoLISP to simplify the process even further.  Belolw is a very basic example that simply starts the DTEXT command based on the insertion point of a selected text object.  The example lacks some error checking and is designed just to show a conceptual way of how to align text vertically or horizontally with other text object that already exists in a drawing.

(defun c:AlignVertically ( / ent ent_data pt-align)
  (if (setq ent (entsel "\nSelect a text object to align vertically with: "))
    (progn
      (setq ent_data (entget (car ent)))
      (if (setq pt-align (getpoint (cdr (assoc 10 ent_data)) "\nSpecify start point: "))
        (command ".dtext" pt-align)
        (prompt "\nNo Point selected.")
      )
    )
    (prompt "\nNo object selected.")
  )
(princ)
)

Sincerely,
  Lee

Mail Bag - How do I rotate the crosshairs in AutoCAD 2007?

Just recently I have received an e-mail about how one could rotate the crosshairs in AutoCAD 2007.  The user said he was able to do this in AutoCAD 2006 with easy, but was not able to do this easily in AutoCAD 2007. Being curious about this issue, I set out to find out what is different between the two releases. Well in AutoCAD 2007 the Snap and Grid tab of the Drafting Settings dialog box has been revamped and in the process the option to change the Snap Angle has been lost between AutoCAD 2006 and AutoCAD 2007. Since this was the common way to set the value from the user interface you must now resort to using the system variable SNAPANG to rotate the crosshairs.  Below is a procedure for changing the SNAPANG system variable.

1. At the Command prompt, enter SNAPANG.
2. At the prompt, Enter new value for SNAPANG <0>: type a new angle value and press ENTER.

Got an AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT question you are look to have answered, send me an e-mail at lee_ambrosius@hyperpics.com.

Sincerely,
  Lee

AutoCAD 2007 Quick Reference Guide Available

An updated version of my Quick Reference Guide is now available for AutoCAD 2007. The Quick Reference Guide includes information on the default Command Aliases, Accelerated Keys (Keyboard Shortcuts), Double Click Actions, Coordinate System (Types of Point Entry), Drag 'n Droppable files, Object Snaps and Selection Methods. The AutoCAD 2007 version now has two sections for Command Aliases, one for 2D and one for 3D.  Other versions of the Quick Reference Guide are available starting with AutoCAD R14 through AutoCAD 2006 for download. If you have any questions just let me know, you must be a member of the HyperPics.com website in order to access the PDF file. General membership is free to everyone that signs up on the site, click here to access the member signup page.

Click here to access the Quick Reference Guides page on HyperPics.com.

Sincerely,
  Lee