I have spent just over 16 years now extending AutoCAD from general customization of the user interface to custom applications written with ObjectARX. Back in 1998 and 1999, I had an opportunity to develop and deliver several AutoCAD customization classes at a local technical college which I created from the ground up; still have the binders of content to show for it.
It was a great opportunity to learn how to write and deliver content, and in many ways this eventually led me to blogging and technical writing. While that content never saw the light of day again, it did create the foundation of my customization focused articles for AUGI HotNews back in 2004 and 2005, and a number of articles I put together for AUGIWorld over the years.
Over the past 3 years, I have been in talks with a publisher to write a new AutoCAD book focused on customization and even several programming interfaces. Those talks always seemed to stale out based on projected sales which is understandable and a bummer at the same time. That all changed mid-2013 when the book was given the green light and the first of several books has been published.
This is my first book of several in a series and is titled AutoCAD Platform Customization:User Interface and Beyond. Unlike many prior customization books, this book covers both Windows and Mac OS and for the most part covers AutoCAD 2006 and later.
Here is the published description of the book:
Options for AutoCAD customization are typically the domain of administrators, but savvy users can perform their own customizations to personalize AutoCAD. Until recently, most users never thought to customize the AutoCAD platform to meet their specific needs, instead leaving it to administrators. If you are an AutoCAD user who wants to ramp up personalization options in your favorite software, AutoCAD Platform Customization: User Interface and Beyond is the perfect resource for you. Author Lee Ambrosius is recognized as a leader in AutoCAD platform customization and can help you get the most out of AutoCAD.
- Establish and manage CAD standards for the drawings you create
- Control the startup process and settings that define the drawing environment
- Modify the user interface to display the commands you use most frequently and create new commands
- Create macros to speed up frequently repeated tasks
- Define custom shapes, linetypes, and hatch patters to control the linework in a drawing
- Use real-world tips and tutorials to reinforce the author's topical discussions
The book is currently available for purchase from the Google Play store and viewed using the Google Play Books app on Android and iOS. If there is another format you are interested in, please let me know and I can pass the information along to the publisher. There is no printed version at this time, we want to hear from you if you are interested in a printed copy.
If you are looking for a general AutoCAD book, check out the AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT Bible which I have been technical editor and a contributing author since the AutoCAD 2006 edition.
Many thanks to John Wiley & Sons, Inc for the opportunity to get what I know out there in printed form.
If you have any comments, please let me know.
Sincerely,
Lee
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