14 Dec 2012

Happy Holidays from Micro Concepts

For the festive period we thought it would be good to create a Christmas related render:


Created in 3ds Max Design 2013 by Andy Roe at Micro Concepts.

Autodesk Exchange Apps for Inventor 2013

Autodesk Exchange Apps is an online resource where you can browse and purchase Apps (including product-specific content such as models, training materials and eBooks) – and is available to several Autodesk Products. You can download some items for free and others for a nominal fee. Purchasing is handled via PayPal at this time. Purchases and downloads can be tracked online, or by using the Autodesk Exchange App Manager that is included with the respective Autodesk product.


Access the Autodesk Exchange Apps website here: http://apps.exchange.autodesk.com/


13 Dec 2012

New Showcase 2013 Task User Interface

The Task UI is a set of controls that appears by default at the bottom of the Showcase viewport.


  • 1 = Main Menu Toggle
  • 2 = Task UI
The controls provide easy access to all of the features of Showcase. Hover your mouse pointer over each to find out what it does. Click a control to open its related options.

For example, here is what the Task UI looks like when you click the Visual Styles control.


In this example, scroll left-to-right through the available Visual Styles. Click a Visual Style to apply it. Click Library on the right to see the classic Visual Styles interface.

12 Dec 2012

Change the Size of your Inventor 2013 Overflow Menu

The Overflow Menu displays below the Marking Menu. Shorter versions of the Overflow Menu are defined for Inventor to streamline the interface. The original, longer Overflow Menus are on by default.

Use the Marking Menu tab of the Customize dialog box to access the short Overflow Menus.

The options available in the Customize dialog box to control the display of the Overflow are:
  • Full Menu
  • Radial Menu Only
  • Short Menu

11 Dec 2012

Certain Express Tools do not Function in AutoCAD Electrical 2013

This is apparently a known issue in AutoCAD Electrical 2013, whereby some of the Express Tools files are not loaded and maintained on starting AutoCAD Electrical.
 
This means that certain tools, such as Text to MText do not function.
However there is a fix:
  • Start AutoCAD Electrical
  • Type appload at the commandline
  • Click on Contents under Startup Suite
  • Hit Add in the Startup Suite dialog
  • Browse to C:\Program Files\Autodesk\Acade 2013\Express
  • Using CTRL select the following files - sysvdlg.arx, ctextapp.arx, dimsio.arx, leaderex.arx and mocoro.arx
  • Click Open
  • Now close all dialogs and check the Express Tools which were not working (i.e. Text to MText)
  • You can always double check by closing AutoCAD Electrical 2013 and restart to ensure it maintains these files

10 Dec 2012

Turn Off AutoCAD Tray Notifcations

AutoCAD usefully prompts to let you know once a Plot or Publish has completed, but some people find this a distraction.


If you want to turn these prompts off, then simply type traynotify at the command line, then change the default value 1 to a 0.

7 Dec 2012

Find Vault Files where DWF Previews are not Available or Out of Date

Have you ever wanted to find all files where the DWF(x) previews need to be updated? Or files that do not have DWF(x) previews at all?

Well you can, using the system property Visualisation Attachment, you can find all files which have no preview or a preview that needs updating:


Once found you can then select all files in the search result and perform an Update View - Queued Update (Update Locally will only work on a single file).

Note: the search results are only true with the current version of each file.

This is an extract from the Cracking the Vault, Manufacturing Community Blog

6 Dec 2012

Support of SQL Server 2012 with Vault 2013

Autodesk Vault 2013 (all editions) and all previous releases of Vault are not supported with SQL Server 2012.


Possible support of SQL Server 2012 with the next version of Vault will be reviewed.

This is an extract from the Cracking the Vault, Manufacturing Community Blog

5 Dec 2012

Windows 8 Support for Autodesk products

Autodesk intends to support many of the key products on Windows 8 and will add additional products to the list of products supported on Windows 8 as updates and future versions are released. Autodesk Product Support will provide its best effort to assist customers who have issues with products that are not currently supported.

The Autodesk products listed below have been tested and are confirmed as working correctly on Microsoft Windows 8 operating system:
  • Autodesk 3ds Max 2013
  • Autodesk 3ds Max Design 2013
  • Autodesk Maya 2013
  • Autodesk MotionBuilder 2013
  • Autodesk Mudbox 2013
  • Autodesk Softimage 2013
  • Autodesk SketchBook Designer 2013
Note: This technical solution will be updated as new Windows 8 compatibility information becomes available.

4 Dec 2012

Micro Concepts Ltd 'Open Doors' event a huge success!

On the 7th November 2012 Micro Concepts Ltd hosted its second 'Open Doors' event giving its customers the incredible opportunity to come and sit the Autodesk Certification exams for FREE. The response from our customers was fantastic and more than twenty five exams were taken by our customers.

3 Dec 2012

Micro Concepts Ltd add 'Brand New' training courses to their portfolio

Micro Concepts Ltd are proud to announce that they can now offer the following training courses:
Click on the links above or look at our website to see in detail what these courses cover.

Micro Concepts Ltd are also now very proud to announce that we are offering Personal Development courses:
For more information about Personal Development courses or any other courses we have to offer please contact training@microconcepts.co.uk.

16 Nov 2012

Copy Drawing Sheet Views in Inventor 2013

In Inventor 2013 you are now able to select one or more views to Copy then Paste on to the same or separate Sheet within the Drawing environment.

To Copy one or more views, simply select (hold Shift to multi select) the view/s you want, then either right click > Copy or CTRL+C. Then to Paste the views, simply right click > Paste or CTRL+V to place copied views.


15 Nov 2012

Extended File Types for Inventor 2013 Borders

Inventor 2013 gives you the ability to Insert image types BMP, GIF, JPG, PNG and TIF into a title block on a Drawing border. Previous versions of Inventor only allowed BMP or JPG!

To insert an image into a Drawing Title Block, edit the Title Block definition, and click Sketch TAB > Insert panel > Image. Click in the graphic window to place the image, then in the Open dialogue, select an image file, and click Open.
 

Note: By default the Open dialogue will Link to the selected image, not always desirable on a Drawing border. To Embed the image, simply unitck the Link box shown above.

14 Nov 2012

Square Fillet Corners in AutoCAD

The AutoCAD Fillet command can be used for adding Fillets at a chosen Radius, however it can also be used to add Square corners. To do this you can change the Radius to 0, or usefully hold the Shift Key whilst selecting the relevant lines you want the Square corner between.

13 Nov 2012

The Hitchhikers Guide to AutoCAD

If you are new to AutoCAD, need a quick refresher or want to find out what it is all about, then the article below from Autodesk may be of use.

Welcome to The Hitchhikers Guide to AutoCAD - your guide to the basic 42 commands you need to create 2D drawings using modern AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT.

This guide is a great place to get started if you just completed your initial training, or to refresh your memory if you only use AutoCAD occasionally. As you can see from the illustration, the 42 commands are grouped together according to types of activity. In addition, these groups are arranged sequentially to follow a typical workflow.
 

12 Nov 2012

SQL Maintenance Plans For Vault

Maintenance Plans can be used to schedule tasks required to make sure that the database performs well, such as keeping database and transaction log file sizes small and checking the database for inconsistencies. Autodesk recommends that the plan be run at least once per week, during out of office hours.

In a Connected Workgroup Environment, this should be configured on each SQL Server.

Part of the Administrators tasks should be to regularly check that the plan ran successfully.

If the plan was configured for an earlier release of Vault Server, ensure that you check and update the plan in accordance with this article.

The following steps are universal across all versions of SQL in use with Vault Server (Express and Full SQL). The complete list of supported database engines is located in the product readme file.

Create a SQL Maintenance Plan for Full SQL

Create a Maintenance Script for Microsoft SQL Express

9 Nov 2012

Vault Keyboard Shortcuts

For those of you who like their Keyboard Shortcuts, you can use hotkeys to quickly access Vault commands too.

Vault Client

Paste

Ctrl+V

Open

Ctrl+O

Print

Ctrl+P

Cut

Ctrl+X

Copy

Ctrl+C

Paste as link

Ctrl+Alt+V

Select All

Ctrl+A

Delete

Ctrl+D

Edit Properties…

Ctrl+E

Move to Folder…

Ctrl+Shift+V

Refresh

F5

Find

Ctrl+F

Manage Ownership…

Ctrl+M

Update

Ctrl+U

Change Item Number

Ctrl+H

Check In…

Ctrl+I

Check Out…

Ctrl+O

Go to Working Folder

Ctrl+W

Help

F1

Back

Ctrl+Left

Forward

Ctrl+right

8 Nov 2012

Extension for Autodesk 3ds Max Design 2013

The Extension for Autodesk 3ds Max 2013 software and 3ds Max Design 2013 software delivers new solutions that help you create and refine the look you require, faster and more easily.

Features:
  • MassFX mParticles - Create particle simulations that replicate real-world effects with the new mParticles module for the MassFX system of simulation solvers. With Birth operators optimized for MassFX simulations, a preset flow for easier initial setup and two easy-to-use modifiers that enable particles to affect standard mesh objects, mParticles helps you create stunning simulations with less effort.

7 Nov 2012

Getting Started and Help with AutoCAD WS

AutoCAD WS is an easy-to-use web application that allows you to work on your AutoCAD drawings from anywhere and with anyone. With AutoCAD WS you can view, edit, and share DWG files through a web browser or mobile device.

What can you do with AutoCAD WS?
  • Upload DWG files directly from AutoCAD software to an online workspace.
  • View and edit DWG files from anywhere, using just a web browser or mobile device.
  • Invite design team members to review and edit DWG files online; no software required.
  • Allow multiple people to work on the same DWG file online, in real time.
  • Record changes to designs in a timeline for version control and auditing
  • Store drawings and project related documents online, eliminating the need for redundant copies, backups, or archiving solutions.
It’s easy to get started!


See the AutoCAD WS site for more Information and Tutorials.

6 Nov 2012

LABS - DesignScript for AutoCAD 2013


DesignScript is a unique language. It is intended to help designers build and analyse complex geometric models that would be difficult to model with interactive techniques. This type of exploratory design is best served by a scripting language that is designed for exploratory programming. Additionally DesignScript is intended to be used by designers with little previous programming experience. It is much less rigid than conventional programming languages, and it is completely integrated into the host geometry application (currently 64-bit AutoCAD).

DesignScript introduces the distinction between a generative description of a design (as a script) and the resulting generated model. The designer no longer directly models the resulting design: instead he develops a script whose execution generates the model. This enables a completely different kind of design model to be created. The design process is also different. An apparently minor edit to the script could have a profound effect on the generated model, and this enables the exploration of a vast array of alternatives, with much less effort than manual interactive modelling.

The free technology preview of DesignScript application includes:
  • the language,
  • an IDE (interactive development environment) for editing, debugging and executing scripts,
  • a geometry library to generate geometry, initially within AutoCAD,
  • analysis and simulation tools.
Availability:

The technology preview will operate until March 31, 2013.

You can find the download on Autodesk Labs at:

http://labs.autodesk.com/utilities/designscript


17 Oct 2012

Windows 8 is coming...

12 Oct 2012

Inventor 2013 Dynamic Trim/Extend Sketch Geometry

The Trim and Extend tools in Inventor 2013 work in exactly the same way as before, however they now have a nice addition to make them more flexible.
  • Create or Edit Sketch. Then on the ribbon, click Sketch TAB > Modify panel > Trim or Extend, depending on the task you want to complete.

11 Oct 2012

Inventor 2013 Suite Workflows

A Suite Workflow is a mechanism for exporting an engineered design from a source Autodesk product to a target product for detailed rendering or animation. Settings in the workflow automatically transform the design objects for presentation in 3ds Max Design or Showcase. For example, the 3ds Max Design as Solids workflow sends Inventor Models to 3ds Max Design as solid bodies. The Showcase Constraint Animation workflow shows a mechanical assembly in motion, converting a range of constraints into animated behaviors. You can use workflows to prepare for design reviews and to create vivid presentations.

Depending on the suite you have, the source product is either AutoCAD, Inventor or Revit. The target product is always 3ds Max Design or Showcase. The workflows supplied with a suite can vary according to the suite level (Standard, Premium, or Ultimate).

A workflow applies pre-selected settings in 3ds Max Design or Showcase to the design data from the source product (AutoCAD, Inventor or Revit). Different workflows are provided with each source product, and workflows can be optimized for specific purposes, such as high-quality rendering or lighting analysis.

Inventor (Product Design Suite) Workflows are available from the main application menu:

10 Oct 2012

Send AutoCAD Hatch Patterns to the back of the Display Order

If you have a complex drawing with multiple layers of geometry and Hatch Patterns, it can be difficult to pick the right item with so many things on top of each other. So to make things simpler you can send Hatch Patterns to the back in the Display Order. Simply type hatchtoback to send all Hatch Patterns to the back of the Display Order.

9 Oct 2012

AutoCAD Joystick Control

A different way of navigating AutoCAD, but instead of panning you could use Joystick. To do this simply press CTRL and hold the Mouse Wheel down, you will be taken into Joystick mode.

8 Oct 2012

Support of .NET Framework 4.5 and Vault 2013

Microsoft recently released the version .NET Framework 4.5.

At this stage Vault 2013 (Server and Client) and all previous releases of Vault are not supported with .NET Framework 4.5. Installing .NET Framework 4.5 is done at your own risk!

Autodesk have already received reports of Vault not working properly after installing .NET Framework 4.5.

This is an extract from the Cracking the Vault, Manufacturing Community Blog

5 Oct 2012

Vault Office Addin Not Appearing After Installing DL19837065

After installing DL19837065 (link no longer available as it has been unpublished), you may notice that the Vault 2013 addin for Microsoft Office applications either stops working (the icons are greyed out) or you may get an error similar to this when trying to run them.


Could not load file or assembly
'Autodesk.DataManagement.Client.Framework.Vault.Forms, version=17.0.0.0, Culture=neutral, PublicKeyToken=aa20f34aedd220e1' or one of its dependencies. An attempt was made to load a program with an incorrect format.

Autodesk
have re-released a fix for this issue that includes additional fixes in
DL20133057.

So uninstall DL19837065 and install the newer Hotfix.

This is an extract from the Cracking the Vault, Manufacturing Community Blog

4 Oct 2012

Project Hydra for Autodesk Simulation Multiphysics/Mechanical 2013


Project Hydra is a free technology preview that is compatible with Autodesk Simulation Multiphysics 2013 and Autodesk Simulation Mechanical 2013 software.

The features of the Project Hydra technology preview include:
  • Improvements to the Parametric Design Studies (PDS) feature
    Some improvements to the previously released (in Technology Preview Project Scout) PDS include the ability to export results as a CSV file and the support for CAD additions such as bolts/joints as well as remote loads and boundary conditions.

  • Import temperatures from Autodesk CFD
    Temperatures from Autodesk CFD can be imported to linear, thermal, and MES analyses. Both steady-state and transient Autodesk CFD results can be imported as appropriate. To use this feature go to the respective Thermal tab in the Setup->Parameters dialog and choose "Simulation CFD file" as the "Source of Temperature."

  • New fast Subspace with AMG solution of dynamics analyses
    For larger dynamics (modal, natural frequency) analyses with relatively small numbers of needed frequencies, a faster solution option is available: Subspace-AMG. The dynamics analysis solver will automatically switch between this new solver and the pre-existing one depending on the size of the model and the number of frequencies requested.

  • Inquire results by part
    A new capability that allows the user to inquire the displayed result of any analysis on a per part basis has been added.

  • Improvements to the Drop Test Wizard (DTW) feature
    The DTW from Project Scout has also been improved in Project Hydra.

  • Rerelease of the GPU-enabled AMG Solver (AMG-MF)
    The Project Scout AMG Solver (AMG-MF) is being rereleased in this Tech Preview. This solver is faster than the original AMG solver for a class of well-conditioned and bulky models. Additionally, this solver can utilize a supported NVIDIA video card if requested.
Availability:

The technology preview will operate until April 1, 2013.

You can find the download on Autodesk Labs a:

http://labs.autodesk.com/utilities/hydra


3 Oct 2012

123D Catch for iPhone Released

Autodesk launched the new free Autodesk 123D Catch app for iPhone on the App Store. Complementing the iPad, desktop and web app versions, the app lets users take photos from their camera on iPhone and upload them to the cloud where the photos are converted into a 3D model.

The Autodesk 123D Catch app for iPhone and iPad allows users to capture the world around them in 3D anytime, anywhere. The app features a capture window that includes familiar iOS camera controls to help manage focus and exposure while taking the photos. Users can then review the photo thumbnails before submitting them to the Cloud where the photos are transformed into a 3D model. The Autodesk 123D apps tap into Autodesk’s rich 3D design software heritage for professionals yet are easy enough for everyone to experiment and enjoy the creative process and make their designs real.

The connected workflow between the Autodesk 123D family allows captures made in the 123D Catch app to later be fabricated as a 3D printed object, or to be used as the foundation for further 3D modeling and 3D animation. To enhance the workflow, Autodesk has implemented new editing tools in the Autodesk 123D Catch web app that make it simpler to prepare catches for 3D printing. The new editing capabilities helps users to seal up holes within 3D models, smooth out surfaces, delete portions of the model they don’t want to print and create a flat surface as a stable base for 3D printing. Currently users can also access the My Corner feature to access files across 123D apps, including 123D, 123D Catch, 123D Make, and 123D Sculpt.

The Autodesk 123D Catch app is exclusively available for iPhone and iPad through the App Store at www.itunes.com/appstore. The Autodesk 123D Catch web app can be found at http://www.123Dapp.com/catch.

2 Oct 2012

3ds Max Design Interface Colour Scheme

Like us, you may want to change the appearance of 3ds Max Design to make things clearer to work with.

If this is something of interest, please follow the steps below:
  • First go to the Customize menu > Custom UI and Defaults Switcher...

1 Oct 2012

Tea Break Video - 3ds Max Design

This video was recently released by Autodesk showing some of the best work created by Autodesk customers in post production using Autodesk products like Flame, Smoke, Maya, 3ds Max and Softimage.

We thought we would share this to inspire those of you who were wondering what you can use 3ds Max Design inside your Product Design Suite for.


14 Sept 2012

AutoCAD 2013 SP 1.1 is Go



In our last Technical Bulletin we were advising people to not install AutoCAD Service Pack 1, until Autodesk had corrected an issue in the patch.
 
You can apply this update to AutoCAD 2013 (with or without SP1) running on all supported operating systems and languages. Consult the readme file for installation instructions and more details on the primary issues resolved by this update. Be sure to install the correct update (32-bit or 64-bit) for your software and operating system.
 
This Service Pack can be applied to AutoCAD 2013 installed as a standalone application as well as AutoCAD 2013 installed from the following Autodesk Design Suites.
  • AutoCAD Design Suite 2013
  • Autodesk Building Design Suite 2013
  • Autodesk Factory Design Suite 2013
  • Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite 2013
  • Autodesk Plant Design Suite 2013
  • Autodesk Product Design Suite 2013
To download the new AutoCAD 2013 SP 1.1 click here.
 
To get an idea of what has been fixed in AutoCAD SP 1.1, please read the Autodesk service pack readme here.

31 Aug 2012

Inventor Display Appearance

Display Appearance settings inside Inventor include the elements that compose the scene in the graphics area, such as visual style, ground plane, ground reflection, lighting style and shadows. By default this is set to Use Document Settings, which means that however the Display Appearance settings are configured in the file is how they will appear next time you open it, or how a file will appear from a colleage.

Document Settings

30 Aug 2012

New Inventor 2013 Rectangle Sketch Tools

Inventor 2013 brings two new Rectangle Sketch tools, Two and Three Point Center Rectangle, to speed up creation of these shapes. To acces these new tools, start a sketch, then click the down arrow below the standard Rectangle tool to see a list of the new tools.

Alternative Rectangle Sketch Tools

29 Aug 2012

AutoCAD Dimension Rotate

There may come a time when you want to add a Rotated (Angled) Dimension, for instance you might draw an ISO Projected View or perhaps staggered geometry.

To create Rotated Dimension follow the steps below:
  • Create your geometry in a drawing, then type dimrotated at the command line
  • You will be prompted for an Angle to display the dimension, i.e. 45 degrees
Type Angle Degrees

  • Then simply pick the Start and End point of the Dimension, then drag and click to position
Pick Points and Place

28 Aug 2012

Locate and Clear Overridden AutoCAD Dimensions

There are times in AutoCAD where we come across a dimension that has been Overridden, there may be a real reason behind this. But more often than not, it has been done for speed, which is not helpful when you want to make something from this drawing.

To find and correct Overridden Dimensions in a drawing follow the steps below:
  • Firstly this is an AutoCAD Express Tool, which are free, but do require you to tick the option during install. Open your drawing, then type dimreassoc at the command line, you will be prompted to Select Objects, drag a selection box over all Dimensions on the drawing.
Drag a selection box over the Dimensions

27 Aug 2012

Colourise Showcase Environment to Allow Model to Standout

In Showcase it is great that you can put your model into a 360 degree HDRI Environment to view from any angle and these Environments can look very good, carrying a lot of detail. However, this might start to distract from the design you are trying to portray.

Showcase Environments

24 Aug 2012

Vault 2013 Re-Index File Property Improvements

Several controls have been added to the Re-Index File Property tool in the 2013 Autodesk Data Management Server (ADMS) console, enabling Administrators to filter by extension, provider and date range to help reduce the number of files affected by a Re-index operation.

To run a Re-Index File Property, log in to ADMS 2013 console on your server, then expand the Vaults folder to reveal your Vault (name may vary depending on configuration). Select your Vault to highlight it, then go to the Actions menu > Re-Index File Properties.

ReIndex File Properties

Fatal Error Applying Service Pack 1 for AutoCAD/LT 2013



You are encountering this issue due to a problem with Service Pack 1 for AutoCAD 2013 and AutoCAD LT 2013. We are actively working on resolving this issue. It is recommended that you uninstall Service Pack 1 until further notice.

23 Aug 2012

Check In Related Items from Inventor to Vault

New functionality on the Vault Addin for Inventor, allows users to scan the current project or model folder for related documentation, including IDW, DWG, and IPN files. This feature offers a major productivity enhancement for users who do not regularly Check In their design documentation as they create it.
  • In previous versions of Vault when you ran a Check In from Inventor, it would check in the immediately related files. So in the example below we have a Drawing which contains views of a small Assembly and its Parts.
Check In Related Files

22 Aug 2012

LABS - Project Scandium for Autodesk Simulation Moldflow 2013

Project Scandium

Project Scandium for Autodesk Simulation Moldflow 2013 software is a free technology preview that extends simulation capabilities by offering new capabilities to try out and provide feedback.

21 Aug 2012

LABS - Simplify your Inventor models for BIM

Inventor Simplification

Inventor Simplification is a free technology preview of a new and easy way to simplify parts and assemblies for downstream consumption. The shrinkwrap feature was added to Autodesk Inventor software several releases ago. Since that time we’ve collected feedback on various ways to improve the workflow. We think we have a much better way to simplify models and wanted to share it with you as soon as possible.

Whether you need to simplify a fully detailed model to import into Revit or remove intellectual property (IP), Inventor Simplification can help. Inventor Simplification is intended to be very interactive with greater flexibility than current tools.
  • Visual selection of components to keep/remove
  • Replace fully detailed components with resizable primitive shapes
  • Fill holes with greater control
Availabilty:

This new Inventor Simplification Technology Preview is now available as a free download and trial so please download it and let us know what you think. The technology preview will operate until July 1, 2014.

You can find the download on Autodesk Labs at:

http://labs.autodesk.com/utilities/inventor_simplification


20 Aug 2012

LABS - Augmented Reality for Autodesk Showcase 2013

Augmented Reality allows the ability to overlay semantically in context information (graphics, text, video, sound) on to a live video feed of the real-world in real-time.

Autodesk Showcase is already a gold standard for photorealistic high quality interactive 3D real-time rendering. With the Showcase 2013 Augmented Reality plug-in, it is now easier than ever to visualize Showcase 3D models in the real-world as viewed through your web or video camera. With the Augmented Reality plug-in, Showcase scene environments can be more dynamic, allowing you to Imagine Design and Create in context to the world around you.

Availability:

The Showcase software add-on will operate until October 31, 2012.

You can find the download on Autodesk Labs at:

http://labs.autodesk.com/utilities/showcase_ar


6 Aug 2012

Inventor 2013 Set Sketch Scale by the First Dimension

New in Inventor 2013 is the ability to scale a sketch from the first placed dimension. This always caused issues in previous releases, as placing the first dimension, then modifying its size, could cause geometry to become displaced. Where as it now all scales together with the first dimension!


Note: After you place the second dimension, edits of the first dimension no longer change the sketch scale. Also, do not dimension from the origin with the first sketch as this will not scale all geometry as expected.

3 Aug 2012

Inventor 2013 Arc Length Dimension

Another new feature in Inventor 2013 is the Arc Length option within the Sketch Dimension tool. To utilise this new feature follow the steps below:
  • Start the Dimension command, then select the Arc you are interested in. By default the dimension will appear as a Radius.

2 Aug 2012

Create AutoCAD Tool Palettes with Drag and Drop

When using AutoCAD there are probably a lot of standard Blocks, Hatch Patterns or Dimension Styles for example, that you repeatedly use on different drawings. You may be jumping through hoops to find and reuse this information, so an easier way is to store it on AutoCAD Palette/s. Which can be created by simply dragging and dropping information out of your current drawing on to the Palette.
  • The first step is to turn on your Tool Palettes, to do this go to the View TAB > Tool Palettes.

1 Aug 2012

AutoCAD Layer Translator

There will be times when you receive third party DWG's to work with or modify for use. One of the first stumbling blocks is that they are not likely to use the same Layer system as you. I.e. they will probably use different colours, line weights. So, to simplify things, use the AutoCAD Layer Translator (laytrans) to translate their Layers into yours.

31 Jul 2012

Setup an AutoCAD WS Folder on Your Desktop

A quick Autodesk tutorial on how to create an AutoCAD WS folder on your desktop from which you can upload and download files from your online account using simple drag & drop.