AutoCAD Short Cut Commands with ACAD.PGP

CADclips

Now offers Full REVIT Video Downloads for only $29

Above is a 15 minute video explaining all about how you can create and maintain AutoCAD short cut commands by editing the acad.pgp file in two different ways.

Creating command shortcuts goes back to using AutoCAD from the very beginning. It let's you access commands very quickly by typing in one or two characters and then hit 'enter'.

L for Line

M for Move or MM for Move

C for Copy
CI for Circle

MI for Mirror

E for Erase

X for Extend

EX for Explode

T for Trim

D for Dist

R for Rotate

etc..etc.....what ever you want...

You can use the old fashion method (my favorite) by editing the acad.pgp file directly with 'notepad' or you can use the Express Tools Command Alias Editor.

Either way once you get your short cut commands in order you won't be able to live without them.

Check out Ellen Finkelstein's AutoCAD and Powerpoint Tips

If you don't already subscribe to Ellen's RRS feed or Tip of the month perhaps you should. Click the logo below to go to her site.

Ellen has an ocean of information, all well organized and easy to navigate on her web page. If you want to read more off line she has published several great books including the famous 'AutoCAD Bible' for AutoCAD and LT.

Ellen has free tutorials and some discussion outakes you may find useful. But it's not all AutoCAD. You can also elevate your Powerpoint skills to a new level. Most people can create a basic powerpoint with text and images but there is a ton more under the hood that Ellen can teach you.

Have a look and have fun !

AutoCAD Video Tutorials in Russian

Below is a link to AutoCAD Video Tutorials in Russian

Russian AutoCAD Video Tutorials

AutoCAD Video Tutorials in Chinese

Below is a link to AutoCAD Video Tutorials in Chinese

Chinese AutoCAD Video Tutorials

AutoCAD Video Tutorials in Turkish

Below is a link to AutoCAD Video Tutorials in Turkish !

Turkish AutoCAD Video Tutorials

AutoCAD 2008 Tips and Tricks Screencast

Click the image below to view a great video screencast of

AutoCAD 2008 Tips and Tricks

First Annual CADclips University

Don't look now but CADclips.com is hosting the first ever

completely Online and Interactive CADclips University (CU).

This November 20, 21, 22, 23.

Click the logo above for more information.

AutoCAD 2008 New Features

Voice Recognition for AutoCAD

This is pretty cool.

A voice recognition software custom built for AutoCAD.

It comes pre-packaged with all the standard commands and you can add your own in as well.

Have a look at this link and play the 'Demo' from the link on the lower left hand side.

http://www.speak4cad.com/AutocadProduct.html

Destination Desktop - May 31st - June 2nd, 2007

Destination Desktop: Spring Training for CAD Professionals

May 31st - June 2nd, 2007
BCIT - Burnaby Campus, Burnaby, BC, Canada

Destination Desktop is a unique conference where you can learn more about CAD than you ever thought possible in an action-packed, super-charged environment.

CAD professionals and industry experts will enhance your skills during three days of intense hands-on courses in the fields of Architecture, Manufacturing, Civil/GIS & Mapping, General Design and Programming.

Read all about it here > http://www.destinationdesktop.ca/default.htm

Dimensioning your 3D objects in AutoCAD 2007

CADclips

Now offers Full REVIT Video Downloads for only $29

Thanks to Shaan Hurley for posting these CADclips on his blog.

Thanks to for posting these CADclips on their site.

Ok, so I have given you 32 lessons on all the awesome new AutoCAD 2007 3D tools but how do you dimension the model you ask?

Well there's a couple approaches you can use.

a) You can use associative dimensions to dimension the 3D objects in ModelSpace and use Layers to manage the dimension visibility.

b) You can use associative dimensions to dimension the 3D objects in PaperSpace. This is probably autodesks intended method.

c) If all else fails you use the cool 'Flatshot' or 'bpoly' tools to create 2d representations of your 3D model and dimension those objects.

Here's 5 great CADclips to show you how it's done.

Enjoy !

1. AutoCAD 2007 3D - UCS and View Review (13 min)
2. AutoCAD 2007 3D - PaperSpace and Viewports Review (16 min)
3. AutoCAD 2007 3D - Dimensions Option 1 ModelSpace (17 min)
4. AutoCAD 2007 3D - Dimensions Option 2 PaperSpace (19 min)
5. AutoCAD 2007 3D - Dimension Using FlatShot and Bpoly (18 min)

My little girl 'Ivy' is Jumping with Joy over these new CADclips !

AutoCAD 2008 New Features and More !

Well it looks like AutoCAD 2008 is coming 03/23/2007 .
The Annotation Release - Thank you Autodesk !

Here's the Poop.

AutoCAD 2008 Features and Benifits
AutoCAD 2008 Q and A
AutoCAD 2008 Preview
AutoCAD 2008 Release Comparison Matrix

Ralph Grabowski's - WorldCAD Access Blog
(you wanna bookmark this blog)

I'll go out on a limb and say "Everybody's favorite" new feature will be the 'Annotation Object' and it's 'Scale' control apsects.

In a nut shell this means that if you > Change the new 'Annotation Scale' or 'Viewport Scale' the annotations update. Yeah !

Finally !! You can now associate a scale and viewport scale to an annotation object.

This is HUGE !

This gives you individual viewport control over annotations with respect to the scale !

You can also specify a range of scales per annotation so the annotaion will or will not appear at different scales.

A few more of my favorite features are:

Layer Control per viewport.
Dimension 'break' extension lines at crossings.
Multi-Leader

Completely developed using VS.NET
Uses the Search, Thumbnail, and properties features of Vista
Integrates completely with Office 2007 and MS Excel !!
Embraces the new Direct3D
koff standard

Detail Bubble Dynamic Block

I know that everyone needs to have a dynamic block of a detail or section bubble on their Palatte.

Below is a link to a new CADclip on creating the above dynamic block.

The lessons we learn along the way can be applied to many other aspects. I'm sure you will come up with several of your own ideas right away.

Don't be afraid to experiment and try out different approaches or applications.

Here's the CADclip below. Enjoy !

CADclip of Detail Bubble

click to play or right click and 'Save Target As' to download.

Additional Information:

At the very end of the CADclip above you can further 'right click' on any tool on a tool palette and set a 'scale' or an 'auxiliary scale' upon insertion. You can even set the scale to the current 'dimscale'. Think of the possibilities !

Online Training is Rising Up !

I think the traditional 3 - 5 day CAD class has had it's day and run it's course. I believe that method of delivering CAD training is going to change. Sorry, it just had to happen. I cannot deny that I have made a good living so far by delivering CAD training in this traditional 3 day method....but times are'a chang'n.

As a CAD trainer of 15+ years I can say that the optimum session length of CAD training should not exceed 2.5 hours. Unfortunately the 2.5 hour method has not fit in to the business model of most Traditional Training Centers. It's just better for everyone to deliver the training in 8 hour days. This method of training delivery was the best option up until now.

The fact is that with the use of slick products like GoToMeeting and Citrix technology you are no longer restricted to be trained by the local trainer, reseller or evening instructor in their classroom. Nor do you have to sit and try to learn with 10....20....30 other people who are in a different head space than you. You can get custom training made just for you, your people and your interests.

You now have a superior alternative. You can sit at your desk and interact live with a remote trainer. LEARN FAST. You don't even need to have the software on your computer for training or practice lab time. How about the idea of an 'on the spot' or 'unscheduled' review ! No problem. See you in five . . .

What a good trainer can explain in 10 minutes may take you hours upon hours to figure out (if ever). I KNOW (..Monica voice off of Friends..). I've spent 1000's of hours over many years. ie: It probably took me a year to fully understand Paper Space. Now I can teach it in 15 minutes !

* No extra cost for additional attendees so form a small group and share the cost between yourselves.

I cannot help you with your ArchiCAD or Microstation but I can help you with your AutoCAD, ADT and REVIT training. Click here to inquire further > Online CAD Training