Learn AutoCAD

Friday, April 27, 2007

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

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

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

Sunday, February 18, 2007

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 !

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

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

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

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 !

Thursday, January 18, 2007

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

Saturday, December 30, 2006

New AutoCAD 2007 3D CADclips

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.

And a very BIG 'THANKS' to Autodesk for making 3D so easy to use !

In my personal opinion "AutoCAD 3D is now a Trainers dream".

Below are 32 hot new CADclips to help you easily learn all the cool AutoCAD 2007 3D Tricks.

13. AutoCAD 2007 3D - Sweep Tool (11 min)

14. AutoCAD 2007 3D - Interference Checking (5 min)

15. AutoCAD 2007 3D - Convert to Solid (5 min)

16. AutoCAD 2007 3D - Convert to Surface (7 min)

17. AutoCAD 20073D - Planar Surfaces (7 min)

18. AutoCAD 2007 3D - Thicken Surface (6 min)

19. AutoCAD 2007 3D - Fun With Fillet (7 min)

20. AutoCAD 2007 3D - Perspective Fun (10 min)

21. AutoCAD 2007 3D - DUCS ROCKS ! (9 min)

22. AutoCAD 2007 3D - Imprint (8 min)

23. AutoCAD 2007 3D - Sweep a Profile (8 min)

24. AutoCAD 2007 3D - Revolve (10 min)

25. AutoCAD 2007 3D - UCS Tips (10 min)

26. AutoCAD 2007 3D - Camera (9 min)

27. AutoCAD 2007 3D - Motion Picture (7 min)

28. AutoCAD 2007 3D - Fly Through (6 min)

29. AutoCAD 2007 3D - Walk Through (7 min)

30. AutoCAD 2007 3D - Animation Recording (11 min)

31. AutoCAD 2007 3D - Copy Face (9 min)

32. AutoCAD 2007 3D - More Sweep Tricks (7 min)

Did you like these ?

CADclips Announces - All 80+ AutoCAD CADclips are Now Free !

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

DWG TrueView and TrueConvert

Did you know that Autodesk released two great, free applications to view and plot DWG files as well as to Convert DWGs from version to version ! Formats available from R14 to 2007.

DWG TrueView and DWG TrueConvert

* There is a bug when using cut and paste after using TrueConvert and here is the fix. TrueConvert Fix (copy a new acdb17.dll file over)

* Also, at the bottom of that same hotfix page is a utility to find effected files that have been converted.

TrueView Zooming issue:
When you were zooming out in DWG TrueView, you reached a point where you could not zoom out any farther. In the status bar, you saw the following message:
Already zoomed out as far as possible.
Solution:
To zoom out farther, switch between the Layout and Model tabs once to force a regeneration of the drawing.

Thursday, September 14, 2006

From AutoCAD to SKetchUp to AVI in 90 minutes

You may have to click and hold the play button to play the clip.

I know. It's corny, but it's amazing what you can do in a few minutes.

Well I am a little late getting on the SketchUp band wagon but since I heard it works so well with AutoCAD solids I had to try it out.

Two words > BLOWN AWAY.

I am a great 3D guy from way back and quite enjoying all the ammenities that AutoCAD 2007 offers for 3D. Then to top it off I can instantly import my DWG solid models into SketchUp.

Once in SketchUp (download for free) I add the trees, benches, people, background buildings and then create a fly by annimation.

Up to that point I was just playing around but now I have actually come up with a use for it.

I created this cheesy video below as a sample to a client but I think that it's usable !

I went from AutoCAD solids, to SketchUp and created this video all inside of about 90 minutes.

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Dedicated CAD Job Search Engine

http://www.cadtalent.com

I have found a great new, much required website

completely dedicated to CAD Job search for both Staff and Employers !

They have asked me to critique the site and aside from some of the minor mis-placed Autodesk terminologies, I have tried it out and it works great.

We need a site like this and I'm sure it will grow.

Give it a look see. It's free and you can go ahead and post your information or browse the current jobs and talent available.

It appears to be US oriented but I am hoping it goes global scale or at least up here to Canada.

They are out of San Fran. and I'm sure they welcome your comments.

Monday, August 14, 2006

XREF Tidbit

I recently stumbled across (by mistake) and interesting AutoCAD XREF trick that I was unaware of. In fact it provides an instant solution to a problem I do come across now and again so I thought I would share.

The tip is with regards to changing and Attached Xref to an Overlayed Xref and visa versa. My guess is that 90% of AutoCAD users are unaware of this tip.

The tip is:

In the XREF dialog box if you double click the word Attach or Overlay in the'Type' column (as seen above) you can actually toggle the xref from being Attached to being Overlayed, and visa versa. This can help eliminate a Circular Xref error. This click behaviour in a dialog box is unusual for AutoCAD, and I don't think it would even occur to an experienced AutoCAD user to try this.

So now I will start double clicking in other dialog boxes and see what other treasures lie within.

As most experienced AutoCAD users know, an attached Xref WILL travel forward with the host file if it is further Xref'd but an Overlayed Xref will NOT travel forward with it's host file if it gets further Xref'd.

Saturday, May 13, 2006

FREE CAD Integrated Live Online Training - Test Drive

We are scheduling a FREE Test Drive of the exciting new CADILOT (CAD Integrated Live Online Training) System. See this posting for more information > http://learnacad.blogspot.com/2006/05/future-of-cad-training-has-arrived.html

This CADILOT class will be held on Thursday, May 18, at 3:00 pm MDT.

The topic will be 'A REVIT Demo'. The objective of this class will be an exercise of how the new CADILOT system works and maybe learn some REVIT along the way as well.

Only room for 10 people, so the first 10 people to email me at mailto:daryl@dgcad.com and title the message "CADILOT Thursday" will get in.

* If you cannot make this scheduled time, fear not just email me with the message title "CADILOT - RAIN CHECK PLEASE" and I will put you on the list for the next Freebee.

You will receive an email invitation that looks like this. (You have to accept a security certificate and away we go.)

Please join my meeting athttps://www.gotomeeting.com/join/xxxxxxxxxConference Call: Dial (xxx) xxx-xxxx, then enter access code xxx-xxx-xxxMeeting ID: xxx-xxx-xxxGoToMeeting(TM)Online Meetings Made Easy

The future of CAD Training has arrived - Thank You !

C A D I L O T - CAD Interactive Live Online Training (www.cadilot.com) coming soon !

New Online 'Fully Interactive' CAD Training Available - The future is here and we are ON IT !

That's right, sit back at your desk, in board room, on a boat, in a park, in a hotel or, on a bus.....and watch how it's done. LIVE and Interactive ! Get to know me.

One on One or in a Group.

Ask questions and get your answers right then and there. We can record the session so no need to panic. How about scheduling a few sessions ahead of time on your availability.

Through the magic of CITRIX and thin client technology anyone in the meeting can be given control of the mouse and control of the SOFTWARE. This means we can pass the mouse back and forth ! This technology has been around for years but not to this level of simplicity .

DG CAD is all setup to provide you with live 'Online Conference Style' training.

It's instant, it's easy, it's fully interactive and it's very effective !

We do this in the same way people have been doing live conference meetings for some time now but with better technology and faster internet.

We are setup through www.gotomeeting.com and it's so simple it's funny.

You instantly see our screen on your screen and we talk over the speaker phones. Then if you want the mouse control can you have it !

Email us to setup your sessions ! > mailto:daryl@dgcad.com

Saturday, April 29, 2006

Make Paper Space view Black and White !

Thanks to CADDIGEST for posting this tutorial !

I remember way back when there was a way to make your paper space view look monochrome, black and white or more like the plot preview. Somewhere along the line I upgraded my software and seemed to have lost just exactly how this is done. Occasioanlly I would spend a couple minutes looking around but could never get it back.

Well I finally figured it out, again and thought there must be others in the same position !

The trick is you MUST to go through the Page Setup Manager dialog box then into a particuar page setup. If you go straight into the plot dialog box the option is not available. Yet another reason to always use the page seup manager

The check box in question is in the upper right side and it's called "Display Plot Styles" ?? Ok. I suspect most people either don't know what the option does or they don't even see it.

Either way I prefer to set this option 'On'. See the images above and below.

Wednesday, April 26, 2006

'AUGI Training Program' announces new FAST TRACK

The 'ATP' has announced it's new 'Fast Track' online training program for the busy worker. One topic, one week...One happy camper.
Just learn it. ATP Fast Track

Well, AutoCAD 2007 is out and maybe things are moving too fast for you to keep up?
Below are links to Video Tutorials on the New Features that came with AutoCAD 2004 and 2005.
Many features get added but who has the time to read up on it?
Now you don't have to. Sit back and watch.
The 'Sheet Set' features are a MUST KNOW and it's all explained below. Enjoy!

Right click ANY tutorial link and 'save target as..' to download the files.

AutoCAD 2005
Lesson 1: Sheet Set Overview
Lesson 2: Sheet Set Wizard
Lesson 3: Sheet Sets - Resource Files and Views
Lesson 4: Viewports, Callout Bubbles, and View Adjustments
Lesson 5: Sheet Sets - Select Selections, Archive, eTransmit, and Publish
Lesson 6: Sheet Sets - Lists and General Summary
Lesson 7: Tool Palettes

AutoCAD 2004
Lesson 1: Installation and Interface
Lesson 2: Tool Palettes and Design Center
Lesson 3: Mtext, Purge and Attribute Extraction
Lesson 4: Publish, Express Viewer and ETransmit
Lesson 5: CAD Standards and Style Toolbar
Lesson 6: Xref, Reference Manager, Xopen, Refedit, CTRL 0,1,2,3
Lesson 7: Presentation graphics, True Color, Gradient Fills, Shaded Viewports and Draworder
Lesson 8: Express Tools, Revcloud, undo / redo, Associate Dims, Pedit
Lesson 9: Password Protection and Digital Signatures

5 Free AutoCAD 2006 Dynamic Blocks Video Tutorials

Dynamic blocks allow you to creat one block that has many built in variations and great flexability.
You can Grip Dynamic blocks and stretch them without exploding or redefining.
You can have one single block that can display as a tree or a car or a bolt or a north arrow or what ever you want.
If you are not creating and using dynamic blocks you are working too hard!
Go through the 5 Video Tutorials below and you too will be part of the new technology of Dynamic Blocks.

Right click ANY tutorial link and 'save target as..' to download the files.

Lesson 1: Overview
Lesson 2: Stretch - Array - Align – Flip
Lesson 3: Point Parameter - Stretch - Rotate – Flip
Lesson 4: Lists - Lookup Parameters – Lookup Actions – Rotate
Lesson 5: Visibility Parameters – Linear Parameter – Scale Action