Solution:. Determining the model of your Mac The AutoCAD for Mac system requirements refer to a model identifier when describing the minimum or recommended Mac models to use with AutoCAD for Mac. For example: Apple Mac Pro® 4,1 or later (Mac Pro® 6,1 or later recommended) You can determine the model identifier of your Mac by running the System Profiler application on your Mac and inspecting the Hardware Overview page. The System Profiler can typically be found in your Utilities folder or you can run it using the following steps: 1.
Click the 'About This Mac' option from the Apple menu: 2. Click the 'System Report.'
Locate the model identifier.
Adobe Creative Cloud CC 2015 (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Audition, etc.) (not Media Encoder) Adobe Photoshop CS6 and up (Adobe Bridge V5.0.2 (CS6) will no longer recognize my Camera, a Canon 7D. I can download my pics with Apple Photos, and Bridge still works in Yosemite 10.10.5) AdwareMedic Affinity Photo Airmail 2 Air video HD Alfred 2.
And the mysterious Discussion Admin from the made an appearance: some say he was wearing a cowl, others saw a Lone Ranger style mask and hat. I simply averted my eyes and have no knowledge of what he looks like, just that he is male with a commanding voice. So what do you, an Autodesk Software User, get out of this event? Hopefully better support from us EEs at the Autodesk Community and public Product Support forums.
Why don't you join us there with your questions, software challenges and more, and see how we can help you. We might learn something new together. Is where it all starts.
FitBit Count for the day: 25,742 steps (11.77 miles). Yes, I spent the afternoon and evening walking the strip and enjoying all the sights and lights. The serves up answers to millions of customers. Over 27 million customers in the last 12 months have visited the community. Are you an user?
The shares product-use information that solves potential product issues and promotes best practices to proactively supply customers with the tools and information needed for successful product experiences. Come and join us for an engaging session led by the customer experts known in the. These customers will take you on a tour and share their insights to get the most out of the Autodesk Community forums. Closing Keynote: Presented by Amar Hanspal, Sr. Vice President, Products. Like many kids growing up in India, Amar Hanspal’s parents wanted him to pursue what they considered a noble profession: doctor, politician, or even Bollywood star. But he believes there is a profession just as noble, that of the engineer.
Join him as he celebrates the incredible work of the engineers and designers who solve today’s epic challenges of transportation, healthcare, education and access to clean water. Before you head off to the Closing Celebration, discover how you might use your skills to imagine, design and create a better world. 11905: AUGI Annual Meeting Objective (yes I am a memeber of AUGI, are you?): This session features the year in review and a look ahead for members of Autodesk User Group International (AUGI). Open to AUGI members and non-members alike, this session culminates in the presentation of the AUGI Wish List - the 10 top product improvement wishes for key Autodesk products.
Attendees will hear about AUGI's accomplishments in 2015 and get a sneak peek of the organization's plans for the coming year. And there's a chance to win awesome prizes and Premier and Professional memberships. And of course, everybody leaves with an AUGI Beer mug for the annual AUGI Reception which follows immediately. Objective: The Autodesk University Blogger Social started 12 years ago and morphed into a more formal AU Blogger and Social Media Meetup event is now in it’s 8th year will be held jointly with the Autodesk PR, Social Media Team, and Office of the CTO to show our appreciation for active bloggers and influential social media who cover Autodesk products and customers. In past years in addition to beverages and good conversation and networking we have had surprises such as having a Zero G 3D printer to be used in space from Made in Space and the Megabot team and I am working on some surprises this year as well. We might also get a few special VIP seats like we did last year to give away for the closing keynote.
I arrived today, the afternoon before AU2015, to complete my Registration, get my access badges, get into my hotel room, and as all new 'university' attendees, show up for the Freshman Orientation class held this afternoon. Airport Las Vegas Airport is a little confusing, looks more like a casino than airport, and depending on where you land you may need to take a train to the main terminal. I just followed everyone off of my plane and was led to where I needed to be to leave the airport. Ride to Hotel Getting here you have to decide if you want convenience (Uber or Lyft cars are my first choice), or if like me you want to see a little bit of 'the Strip' by taking an airport shuttle ($9 one way), or you want to take an old school taxi cab and pay way much more, or splurge and get a Limo to your hotel (starts at $45/person).
I enjoyed the Shuttle ride. Hotel I opted to stay at one of the two recommended hotels, The Venetian (The Palazzo is next door and equally close to the action). You can stay anywhere you want, but you'll have to figure out transportation if you're not into walking over. The place was packed with many AU attendees checking in but this hotel had a great system that moved the process quickly. I got a nice non-smoking room on floor 14 overlooking the pool area.
AU Registration First thing to do after you drop your baggage in the room is to hop down to AU Registration to get your access badge. Autodesk emailed me a QR Code a couple of days ago and this automated the process: I don't think it took more than 5-minutes to scan my code walk over to get the print-out and lanyard (they required a photo ID to prove I was me first), then walk over to the 'merch' desk and pick up the complimentary AU2015 backpack. 11904 - AU Freshman Orientation 2015 Lynn Allen and others point out events and gatherings that should not be missed, plus get a preview of what’s in store for AU 2015. Well, that's what the intro to the class noted. This is slated to be 90-minutes long with a social/networking gathering afterwards. Lynn Allen was amazing, explained how this huge place works, how to use the AU2015 app, how to find every event and function scheduled, and generally made us Freshman most welcome. Best 25-minutes of my time here so far.
A guest speaker got up and started talking about VUCA and managed to take a hall full of 500+ attendees to play the Marshmallow Challenge for 20-minutes, their enthusiasm fanned by the allure of $100 gift card for use at the at the Autodesk store. What is VUCA? What is the Marshmallow Challenge? Sadly I tuned out and felt this was a total waste of my time, but the winning team of the Marshmallow Challenge did construct the most amazing 39' tall structure that remained upright for the 15-minutes that I observed it: 3-engineers and 1-construction specialist were part of the team. A heart-warming videotaped story about training prison inmates with Autodesk software for careers when they get out was a nice touching story that closed out the event.
Expert Elite (EE) Welcome Reception I ducked out 10-minutes before the Freshman Orientation class ended to visit with and attend a gathering of my fellow (many are teaching or are participating in events at AU2015) at the and our Autodesk Liaison staff. It was good to see some familiar faces and meet new ones.
If you are here at AU2015, look for us EEs wherever you are, we all have Expert Elite tags attached to the bottom of our ID cards. Thanks to the Autodesk team for arranging it all. It's time to get ready for a long day tomorrow. If you are interested, my FitBit logged 8703 steps today from the moment I stepped off the plane here in Las Vegas. Autodesk University (AU) is the premier learning destination for Autodesk customers worldwide. Learn more about us. Learn from experts and follow industry thought leaders.
That's the tag line you will see when you Google search Autodesk University (AU): clear, concise, and, well, self explanatory. This event used to be held only in Las Vegas but has fortunately been gaining world wide demand that this year AU was held in quite a few other cities around the globe ahead of the 'big one' in Las Vegas. Read about it all. So what if you can't go to any of these events around the world, for whatever reason, what are your options for getting in on some of these premier teaching opportunities? You are in luck since Autodesk posts all the classes soon after the AU event online for you to access at your convenience, for free, anytime you want it. Just get started. So why am I going after all these years?
First, I feel like I'm stuck in rut trying to cater to the new needs of my office users of AutoCAD/LT/Architecture 2016 for customizations and overall drafting production speeds, and partly because my curiosity about AU has reached a level that needs to be satisfied. I hope I get my money's worth out of it, it's not cheap attending. AU2015 will run from December 1 through December 3 this year, and I signed up for many classes on each day. I plan on blogging (and Tweeting) on my daily classes, experiences, events plus my overall Freshman experience at AU. If you are attending, please seek me out and introduce yourself: in between classes you will most likely find me at the (EE) area of the Autodesk Booth where I and my fellow EEs will be on hand to answer those nagging Autodesk software usage questions you may have or need resolved. ◦ Autodesk University 2015 (AU2015): why am I going now?
After a very long wait, Autodesk has finally released AutoCAD/LT for Mac version 2016 to the world. Autodesk continues to play catch-up with the Windows version when it comes to program features, and this 2016 version is no exception. System Requirements LT remains a resource hog on the Mac, and it's best run on the PRO series of hardware offered by Apple, if you own an iMac, MacBook, MacBook Air, Mac Mini or any Mac after the year 2010 (not 2009 in my opinion as they list) it might just work with the correct OS:. Mac Pro.
MacBook Pro. MacBook Pro with Retina Display And with the following Apple Operating Systems:. Mac OS X El Capitan v10.11 (or later).
Mac OS X Yosemite v10.10 (or later). Mac OS X Mavericks v10.9 (or later). Core AutoCAD/LT for Windows tools added to the MAC versions. CHSPACE - Change objects from model space to paper space or vice versa.
PASTEORIG - Paste objects using original coordinates. PASTEBLOCK - Paste objects as block.
Xref Server Path Mapping. References stored on Windows server can be found. XREFPATHMAPPING command has been added. Supports reference of DWG, PDF, Image, and datalink. Path mapping edit after creation. Supports all types of disk drives.
For new reference, path saves in Windows path pattern if a path mapping is defined. Properties Inspector Enhancement. Add/Remove your favorite properties to 'My Properties' tab basing on object type.
PDF Output Enhancement. Output PDF size reduced. Truetype font text is recognizable in output PDF. TrueType Font Performance Improvement In Canvas. Zoom/Pan performance improved. Turn on/off this feature with 'DTTEXT' system variable.
Revision Clouds. More options: Rectangular, Polygonal, Freehand, Modify (similar to Windows versions).
Better grip edit experience. System Variable 'REVCLOUDGRIPS' and 'REVCLOUDCREATEMODE'. Dimensioning. Dim command now can add multiple types of dimensions conveniently.
One command to do it all. Text wrap in dimensions. Preset the layer of new dimensions by system variable DIMLAYER. Text. New 'match property' button on Text Editor visor.
New toggle button on Text Editor visor to turn on/off the ruler. New property 'Text frame' has been added to enable you to create a border around Mtext objects. Geometric Center Object Snap. Snap to Pline center.
Settings available in Draft Settings dialog and OSNAP system variable. Command Preview. Preview the result during a command. Extended to the BLEND, ERASE, STRETCH, ROTATE, and SCALE commands. Commandline Enhancement.
Mid-string command search. Autocorrect command input. Turn on/off this feature from commandline context menu.
Graphics Engine (and why non-Pro and older hardware will choke). OpenGL Core Profile is enhanced and now enabled by default on capable graphics card.
Improves overall performance, especially in 3D. Xref Enhancements. Able to control the properties of objects in DWG underlay. XREFOVERRIDE system variable to turn it on/off. Xref layers show in grey in Layer palette.
Line Smoothing. Anti-aliasing in 2D visual style. Turn on/off line smoothing with system variable LINESMOOTHING. Selection and Pre-Selection Effect Enhancement. More visible selection and pre-selection effect. SELECTIONEFFECT, PRESELECTIONEFFECT, SELECTIONEFFECTCOLOR system variables. Notification Setting.
Turn on/off receiving AutoCAD messages(except Update notifications) in Notification Center. Support File Path.
Clean up the list, some paths removed/hidden from the list. Cloud Service. Cloud Storage Usage is now showing in the Application Preferences dialog Online page. Multiple Language UI.
No new Language versions added. Not sure why. Switch UI language(English and French) via Preference dialog. Are you curious about the MAC version of AutoCAD/LT? Or a current user looking for basic answers? This blog post will attempt to answer the most common questions you might have about this Apple OS based software (This is not an April Fools post). Where is the Ribbon?
The MAC version of AutoCAD/LT has an Apple-base user interface that reflects Autodesk's complete rewrite of the program from the ground up. They chose not to implement a Microsoft Windows interface for this new variant: they probably still remember the backlash when, back in the day, AutoCAD for DOS' interface was used on Mac, Unix and Sun workstations much to the dismay of core users of those systems. Other visual differences: - All toolbars are accumulated in Tool Sets palette with the ability to switch between tabs with sets of icons. All UI elements could be either floating or docked to the sides of the screen (Tool Sets to the left or to the right: Layers, Properties, Content, References, Projects, Materials palettes to the left or to the right side; Command window and Status Bar to the bottom side). Will I be able to share DWG and DXF files between the Windows and Mac versions of AutoCAD? And it requires no special effort or any change. Just send and receive your files freely.
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Is there an AutoCAD/LT for MAC book to learn the program? There are two publications: and, plus an book that tries to straddle both Windows and Mac versions. There are also many YouTube video tutorials and how-tos that can help you learn the program. I want to import my custom CUIx file from AutoCAD for Windows to the MAC version, how do I do that? Unfortunately there is no such feature in AutoCAD for Mac. You cannot import personal CUI file from PC to Mac.
If you want to transfer your custom commands or macros from PC to Mac, you need to do this manually with the CUI editor. Note: not all functions are available in the Mac versions and some custom commands (macros) may not work in AutoCAD/LT for Mac. Can I import and use plot style tables (STB or CTB) from AutoCAD in Windows? Yes you can: place your plot style table file in the '/Library/Application Support/Autodesk/roaming/AutoCADversion/Rxx.x/enu/Plotters/Plot Styles' (Library folder in your Home folder); after that it should appear in 'Advanced' dialog box of 'Page Setup' dialog (or 'Print' dialog).
You can also try this method. How do I create a new plot style table file in the MAC versions of AutoCAD/LT?Not an option yet: AutoCAD/LT for Mac has no plot style creator/editor available. Either ask a Windows version user to create/edit one for you, or use free cad software for mac that allows you to edit CTB and STB. How do I change my DWG file from using STB to using CTB (or vice versa) plot style tables? Unlike AutoCAD/LT in Windows, AutoCAD/LT for MAC have no CONVERTPSTYLES or CONVERTCTB commands to convert named plot styles to color plot styles (or vice versa) 'on the fly'.
But there is workaround - if you want to convert STB-based DWG to CTB-based: 1. Create new drawing using CTB-based template 2. Copy all objects from your STB-based file and paste it into this new file. Reverse the process for moving from CTB to STB. How do I add custom or extra fonts to AutoCAD/LT for MAC?
If these are AutoCAD SHX fonts, than you need to place them inside AutoCAD application folder: find the AutoCAD/LT application in Applications folder on your Mac, right-click on it, select 'Show package contents' from context menu. Now type SHX in the Spotlight search field of the current Finder window, then look for the SHX folder in search results, double click to open it. Here you can copy your font files. Restart AutoCAD and now you can use fonts. If your fonts are TTF, than you need to place them to the /Library/Fonts folder, and don't forget to restart AutoCAD/LT. Can I create PDF files in AutoCAD/LT for MAC?
There is no AutoCAD driver installed. Yes, you can save (plot) or export to PDF without adding any drivers: the MAC OS is equipped with it by default and is available to all MAC OS programs, explore. Note that there are currently no options to include Layer lists into the PDF. Where are the Express Tools in AutoCAD for MAC? There are no Express Tools in AutoCAD for MAC, nor in LT for MAC. How do I change command shortcuts in the MAC version?
Is there a PGP file to edit? Click the Tools menu Customize Edit Command Aliases (PGP).
Note: The default PGP file can also be opened by launching Finder, pressing and holding Option, and clicking Go Library. In the Finder window, navigate to Application Support/Autodesk/Roaming/ / / /Support and double-click acad.pgp (or acadlt.pgp for AutoCAD LT) to edit the file. If prompted for an application to use, select TextEdit.
In the text editor, add your new command aliases to the bottom of the file. Save the PGP file after you make the desired edits. In AutoCAD or the AutoCAD LT, click Tools menu Customize Reload Command Aliases (PGP). Alternate Method: Find the acadlt.pgp file on your Mac: it is in /Library/Application Support/Autodesk/roaming/AutoCAD LT Standdalone/Rxx.0/enu/Support folder, then edit it in Textedit.app as described in Help documentation (Help-Customization Guide-Basic Customization-Create Command Aliases.
Pressing the F-Keys like F3 and F8 don't work? Delete key doesn't work? On a MAC you have to press and hold the fn key first to activate those keys: fn+F3, fn+F8, fn+DELETE activate these keyboard keys while in AutoCAD/LT for MAC.
For a permanent fix, go to the MAC OS System Preferences Keyboard Keyboard and check 'Use all F1, F2, etc keys as standard. You can check the other box for 'Show Keyboard & Character Viewers in Menu Bar' so you can jump right to this preferences pane from the Menu bar and change it.
While Standard F1 keys is checked, you can hold fn to go back to the special functions (volume control, brightness, etc). I can't find any option for Layer States in my AutoCAD/LT for MAC, why? You need to upgrade to AutoCAD/LT2015 for MAC for that ability: older versions offer an older subset using -LAYER command (there is a dash in the name) that is not quite as advanced.
Can I create and use Dynamic Blocks in AutoCAD/LT for MAC? Yes, starting with the 2015 versions you can create and edit Dynamic Blocks.
In earlier versions, creating them was not an option. Does AutoCAD/LT for MAC support Retina Displays? According to Autodesk, Retina support works as designed only if you set resolution in Mac OS System preferences to 'Best for display', which means effective desktop resolution of the standard 15-inch MacBook Pro's 1440 x 900 panel, but with four physical pixels driving every single pixel represented on the screen. There is no eTransmit command: how do I send drawing files to others from the MAC version? While that is true for older MAC versions of AutoCAD/LT, you can set up a free AutoCAD360 web account and ships it like to solve it. ETransmit is available in current versions. Where can I download language packs for AutoCAD/LT for MAC?
To date there are no language packs for any version of AutoCAD/LT for MAC 2015 and lower versions. MAC versions of AutoCAD/LT are only available in English and French. Can I set the mouse middle button in the MAC versions to behave like the Windows version? Yes you can, read this AutoCAD Forum thread on the topic. What other commands are missing from AutoCAD/LT for MAC that are found in the Windows versions?
The following core commands do not exist on the MAC versions as of this blog date: CHSPACE, Geolocation and ADCENTER ( has some similar, but not all, abilities) are a few of the differences, for more details explore these links for. Ready to get started? Still not sure?
Visit this Lynda.com webpage for quick short tutorials to help your with AutoCAD/LT. You can also review the AutoCAD/LT Shortcuts Guide or as a downloadable. I would like to thank my fellow for his many posts at the that made this blog post possible. ◦ AutoCAD/LT for MAC: FAQ.
With this AutoCAD 2016 series release, 2000+ Beta Testers tried it first before you received your download link tis week: they tested it, used it, reported their findings in survey after survey, and did their best to make it stable for you to use. Where you part of the 2000+? If not, we hope that after reading this you will throw your hat in for the next one and join in/participate. What is Beta Testing?
It is Second level, external pilot-test of software before commercial quantity production. At the Beta Test stage, the product has already passed through the first-level, internal pilot-test ( called Alpha Test) where glaring defects have been removed. But since the product may still have some minor problems that require user participation, it is released to selected customers for testing under normal, everyday conditions of use to spot the remaining flaws. Beta Testing is not about adding features not already there, it's not about addressing previous software version shortcomings, and it's not about making the software perfect for every customer Autodesk has out there.
Here are the stats from Autodesk's AutoCAD 2016 beta testing: note that this was not just for plain AutoCAD, but almost all of it's primary variants as well. Yes, that's more than one software package. Autodesk reports that a little over 2000 trusted worldwide customers and partners participated in this round of Beta testing.
They honest feedback, shared ideas, and reported issues to help make this the best release of AutoCAD possible. From their feedback, many improvements were made and issues fixed. By participating in this Beta program, these top product experts and best spokespeople offered non-biased advice and commentary on this release. They filed over 400 problem reports, made over 150 feature requests, filled out more surveys that a normal person does in a lifetime, and actively participated in the beta forums. Let's do the math: 2000+ users (I doubt that plus sign means there were a million users more) beta testing Three/Four/Fiver variants of AutoCAD 2016 is several countries. You probably run into or pass more people on your daily morning commute to work: these 2000+ users will not be able to test and validate every aspect of every variant and almost impossible for them to meet your exact daily workflow needs. Also remember, these folks also have day jobs, just like you, so their testing is done after hours and on their own time.
How much time is free in your workday? With AutoCAD 2016 out, are you testing it? If you find any flaws, the beta testers probably did not get to it to replicate but all is not lost: you can report these to Autodesk. But ask yourself, would you have spotted this flaw if you were on the beta testing user team?
If the answer is yes, why not do yourself and fellow end users a huge favor and join up. With annual releases of AutoCAD, Autodesk should be ramping up for the next round of beta testing during the second half of this year. Sign up now at. New AutoCAD LT 2016 Commands and System Variables List:. CLOSEALLOTHER command: Closes all other open drawings, except the current active drawing. DIGITALSIGN command: Provides a separate command to add a digital signature to a drawing.
Removes the Digital Signature tab from the SECURITYOPTIONS command. GOTOSTART command: Switches from the current active drawing to the Start tab.
SCRIPTCALL command: Executes a sequence of commands the same as the SCRIPT command, with the additional capability of also executing nested scripts. SYSVARMONITOR command: Displays the System Variable Monitor dialog box. DIMLAYER variable: Specifies a default layer for new dimensions. DIMPICKBOX variable: Sets the object selection target height, in pixels within the DIM command.
DIMTXTRULER variable: Controls the display of ruler when editing a dimension text. GALLERYVIEW variable: Controls the type of preview in the ribbon drop-down galleries. LINEFADING variable: Controls whether line displays are faded when hardware acceleration is on and you have exceeded the line density limits. LINEFADINGLEVEL variable: When hardware acceleration is on, controls the intensity of the line fading effect. REVCLOUDCREATEMODE variable: Specifies the default input for creating revision clouds. REVCLOUDGRIPS variable: Controls the number of grips displayed on a revision cloud.
SELECTIONEFFECTCOLOR variable: Sets the color of the glowing highlighting effect on object selection. STARTINFOLDER variable: Stores the drive and folder path from where the product was started. SYSMON variable: Specifies whether changes to system variables values are monitored. WORKINGFOLDER variable: Stores the drive and folder path of the operating system's working folder or current directory for the process. XREFOVERRIDE variable: Controls the display of object properties on referenced layers.
Updated AutoCAD LT 2016 Commands and System Variables LIST:. DIM command: Creates multiple types of dimensions within a single command session. OPTIONS command's Online Tab: Automatic saving to your A360 Drive has been removed.
Instead, save or copy the drawing files that you want to upload to your A360 account directly to your local A360 Drive folder. PAGESETUP and PLOT commands: now display fully expanded and add PDF options button.
REVCLOUD command: Creates a revision cloud. New options for modifying an existing revision cloud and creating rectangular and polygonal revision cloud have been added.
Rectangular is the new default revision cloud creation method. UCS, VIEW and -VPORTS commands have been updated to include new features outlined above. Obsolete AutoCAD LT 2016 Commands and System Variables List:. DIM1 command: Obsolete but still included in the product to maintain legacy script compatibility. NEWTAB command: Replaced by the Start tab.
Use STARTMODE to control the display of the Start tab. Use GOTOSTART or Ctrl+Home to switch focus from the current drawing to the Start tab. WELCOMESCREEN variable: Removed. Watch the AutoCAD LT 2016 New Features Overview Video here Tour the AutoCAD LT 2016 User Interface ◦ LT2016: New, Changed and dropped commands. Autodesk announced the release of the 2016 versions of their AutoCAD line on Thursday March 19, 2015. If you are on subscription, and in the correct time-zone with stars aligned in your favor, you might, just might, see a download link as soon as today.
Autodesk's official announcement, as well as website update and the availability of the free 30-day trial downloads, will start Monday March 23, 2015. There many good updates and additions in this version of AutoCAD/LT 2016, and in this blog, we will highlight the many features we found worth exploring and hope you get excited enough to try them soon.
No file format change: bucking a trend they set many years ago, LT2016 will be the fourth version of AutoCAD to still default to the 2013DWG format, just like LT2013, LT2014 and LT2015. For one more year at least you can freely exchange files with those AutoCAD users without having to 'save down'.
ZOOM is finally fixed: ever zoom in or out with your mouse' scroll wheel and notice that LT2015 and older would simply stop, forcing you to use REGEN command just to be able to continue? Well, no more my friend: starting in LT2016 you can scroll-zoom so far in or out that you will move your drawing into oblivion. Luckily for us, a ZOOM Extents will snap it all back. Revision Clouds are now object types: no longer are they aimless Pline arcs that are impossible to reuse once created. These now behave like real objects, similar to closed Polygons: make larger or smaller just like you would a closed Pline shape, even add and drop nodes. LT2016 even offers predefined shapes (like Rectangular revision clouds) that you can place around objects in two clicks. Click to see a video of this new feature in action.
MOVE and COPY commands have been enhanced in LT2016 to allow you to move a large amount of objects without the hesitation and exceptional slowness now experienced in older versions of LT. LT2016 expands on preview abilities first introduced in LT2015 to help you predict an action before you commit to it: Command Previews have been added to ERASE, STRETCH, ROTATE and SCALE commands, and previewing has also been added to Properties as well (for example, you will see object colors change as you hover over colors to select from in Properties). If LT2016 is installed on a fully supported system that allows for hardware acceleration to be on, you get the option to change the Selection Effect/Drag Color (helpful if the default color is just too dark to see on your monitor). XREF Enhancement: You need to change the display color of objects in your xrefed file to better show off the objects in your top file. So you start LAYER command, change all the layer colors to a dark gray, click Apply, OK out, only to discover the last person to touch the XREF set the object colors to be unique and different from their layer colors. In LT2016, simply turn on the XREFOVERRIDE variable, and your top file will override the display of those objects to match your desired BYLAYER setting without actually changing the referenced file itself. XREF layers also no longer appear inside PROPERTIES Palette since they cannot be selected there (they will remain on display in the Ribbon Layers List but greyed out for quick visual distinction).
Click to see a video of these and previous enhancements in AutoCAD/LT2016. LT2016 (and Autodesk) are finally embracing PDF file fully: PDF underlays are more nimble inside DWG files. PDF files from LT2016 now are improved as well: you can search text inside these new PDF files regardless of whether you use TTF or SHX fonts, Unicode Characters, and whether you use MTEXT or TEXT to create those words. Plotting to PDF is now faster with built-in optimizations that better handle complex shapes and hatches. You can also include hyperlinks and bookmarks into your PDF files when your PLOT or PUBLISH to that format. PDF options (like whether to turn on layers, set LineMerge and more) are readily available from the PLOT or PUBLISH dialog pop-ups, and PLOT command in LT2016 has (4), yes four, preset different output options for PDF files for you to pick from so you don't have to reset when you need higher or lower resolution results.
CLOSEALLOTHER command has been added so you can close all the other open files but keep your current one open. With GALLERYVIEW variable turned off, you can finally hide all the Ribbon previews of Blocks, Text Styles, Dim Styles, Mleader Style and others. HELP has been enhanced to assist you to find where buttons and icons in the Ribbon or the Status bar are located even if there are not visible when you seek them. The new Graphics Engine first introduced in LT2015 has been improved in LT2016 to run better, smoother, and hopefully run better on your system than the previous version. We noticed an improvement on many of our systems. SYSVARMONITOR variable has been added: this is a great way to start keeping an eye on those critical variables that seem to create havoc when they change.
LT2016 now gives you, the user, a way to store your favorite setting and show you in a pop-up if that variable has changed. You can add or drop variables from this pop-up as you see fit. Do you ever wish you could get an outline of your text as closed Polylines, but that hollow TTF Windows TrueType Font (or Autodesk's SHX stick fonts) you found on your PC or the internet is just not doing it for you?
AutoCAD/LT can do this with the classic WMFOUT command that creates a WMF file with exploded objects, then you use WMFIN command to reimport those exploded objects back in. Well, not quite: somewhere between the two commands a little scaling and resizing takes place, and with fonts you also need to tweak and adjust the width or WMFIN will just bring that text back as TEXT entities. Here is what appears to be a very long method to do it correctly: once you get a hang of the steps, this is indeed quite a simple task. Setup the text style to use an width other than exactly 1. It can be.9999 or 1.000001 for example. Create the text or use property painter to 'paint' the new info to existing text. Some where in the drawing, create a line that will be used for reference later.
THIS IS IMPORTANT. At the command prompt, type WMFOUT. Select the text and the reference line (real easy if you have the text on a separate layer).
Erase (or freeze) the 'real' text but keep the reference line. At the command prompt, type WMFIN & select the wmf file you just created. Notice the wmf doesn't come in at the same scale - the reason for the reference line. After selecting the base point, use the default scale & rotation. Now, move the block made by importing the WMF so one endpoint of the wmf's ref line matches up with the corresponding endpoint of the original ref line.
At the command prompt, type SCALE and select the wmf block. For the base point, select the endpoint you used to match up ref lines with - the common endpoint. At the command prompt, type R for reference. Pick the 'common' endpoint. Pick the other endpoint of the wmf's ref line. Lastly pick the other endpoint of the original ref line.
Now you can explode the block and the text should be lines. If you're using True Type fonts, you'll get lots of little lines.
To clean it up easily do the following from 19-26 unless you really want to just sit there erasing and cleaning up manually. After the explode, use CHPROP or PROPERTIES and select the objects with the PREVIOUS selection option. Put these objects on a layer by themselves for easy removal. Draw a rectangle around the text.
Use the BOUNDARY command and pick a point between the rectangle and the text. Freeze or lock every layer but the layer the text is on and erase it. Change the boundary you created to that layer for easy removal later.
Use the boundary command again and pick 'inside' the outline of the text. Freeze or lock every layer but the layer the first boundary is on and erase it. You now have the text in a outline that you can use as you wish. ◦ How to Explode Text to outlines in LT. Do you enjoy reading?
Are you interested in topic specific blogs? Have a Twitter account but not sure what to do with it? Google+ not being a plus in your life? What about Pinterest?
In no particular order, we are going to list some of our favorite social media authors and where you can find them on the big wide web. Pick one, pick a few, each is delivered differently so you decide which best suits your needs and lifestyle. But first, since you are reading our, here are the other locations where we post if you are interested in exploring with us:. Blogs If you like a good read, and like to seek them out, blogs are great: they get into a level of detail you can find useful and helpful. Our favorite AutoCAD/LT specific blogs are:.: almost daily tips here, with pictures.: Tips, how-Tos, and news/.: you guessed what it does by the name.: News and tips.: Heidi Hewett, AutoCAD Technical Marketing Manager, writes this one.
Twitter This is a great way to follow others that post often, read what they offer when you want, without going out hunting for them. At 140 character limit, these posts do tend to be short, sweet and to the point. You never have to post anything to stay on, but if you do, remember that the entire planet can see, forever.
Consider following these folks:.: CAD news from Roopinder Tara and Ralph Grabowski.: Celebrating 30 years of delivering news, advice, tips, and product insight.: Tips, Tricks and Tutorials for AutoCAD and Autodesk Inventor.: Useful tips and LISP routines for everyday AutoCAD users.: Tutorials, tips and tricks to increase students and professionals productivity.: CAD Writer, blogger, trainer & Author of AutoCAD Fundamentals & Advanced AutoCAD Techniques.: Customer service crew at your beck & call 24/5 M-F in English. Ask them anything. Google+ Do you live and breathe everything Google? Gmail and Google Apps a part of your daily routine? Google+ is made for you.
Not as easy to understand as the other social media sites, and somewhat clunky, it's catching on and worth using if you are already a Google freak.: yes, they are even here, you might as well follow them soon.: news, views and information about current and future products.: Cad Setter Out owners and blogger.: Get the insider scoop from the Labs at Autodesk.: tips and tricks and info about AutoCAD.: catch them here too, 24/5 M-F. If you'd rather join and participate in communities instead, consider joining some of these:.: Talk about AutoCAD, tech support, wishes, ideas.etc Pinterest So if you are not familiar with this social media site, think of it as a visual 'favorites' pin-up board for websites you want to keep track of for future reference. It can be organized into specific categories or if you like it can just be a dumping ground for future reference.: news, information and more.: Autodesk User Group International, there are many good tips and videos posted here.: just as the name implies.: learn how to use features in the program.: who doesn't need more blocks.: Video tutorials from all over the web. YouTube This video website has many Channels dedicated to many items, AutoCAD being no exception Here are some of our favorites:.: a great collection of videos for beginners and advanced users.: videos to get you familiar with this variant.: Get to know these better.: Help videos when you need them most.: Tutorials for AutoCAD in Windows and Mac. Facebook Not just for connecting with friends and family, many companies and users offer professional pages for you to 'like' and connect with other users.: They are everywhere.: Tips, news and more.: sn interesting page with topics ranging from CAD to just about anything else.: Share DWG files with others here. LinkedIn The site for Professionals to network and stay connected, they also host many professional and software forums like AutoCAD.
Check these out:.: Network with fellow users and ask questions.: Great location to ask those unique questions.: Ask and you will get an answer.: Users helping other users to get it done. OTHERS For sites with no specific host, we recommend the following:.: In my opinion, the premier location to get help with your Autodesk software needs.: Video tips by Lynn Allen.: AutoCAD LT specific videos, tips and more, hosted at Autodesk.: Tech support articles direct from Autodesk. ◦ Favorite AutoCAD/LT social media sites. In we discussed the new trend of 4K High-res displays and how they work in Windows 8.1. We continue with our review with hands-on use of AutoCAD/LT 215 and see if there have been any improvements with it and the use of Touchscreens. Touchscreens With the retirement of my last full Windows 7 touch screen tablet due to fading battery life, it was time to purchase a replacement. My criteria have not changed: modest screen size (no larger than 13') so I can use it in tight spots like airplane trays, job site shelving/sheet-rock stacks, overall light weight, long battery life, Windows 8.1, USB3 ports, built-in keyboard that can disappear when I don't need it (AutoCAD is still very keyboard-centric), and equipped with a high speed processor: light weight and small power brick if possible would be a bonus.
A 2-in-1 360-degree rotating keyboard laptop quickly became the ideal choice for me. A full laptop that could be converted easily to a tablet without the need to keep track of additional loose peripherals is going to be what I needed. After some effort reading reviews and trying out many units at computer stores and trade shows, I chose the, equipped with the latest generation Intel mobile processor, a High Res display, 512GB SSD harddrive, thin, light weight, long battery life, and a great built-in keyboard that tucks away. Unlike the Surface Pro and other Tablet-only mobile PCs, the keyboard is solid, built-in, not a plastic cover 'Bluetooth' that doesn't work in your lap or while standing with it in your hands. It flips away when I only need to use the device in Tablet/Touch mode. The experience you’ll have is all about the size of the High Res/4K display and how your computer’s operating system can deal with it. For example, if you have a small High Res Display like that on the Microsoft Surface Pro or this Lenovo Yoga 3 Pro, everything will be extremely tiny on it.
You’ll fit a lot of content on the screen, but at the cost of barely being able to read any of it — only if you get up close and squint. Windows OS and many applications offer a variety of tweaks to make life better on the higher-resolution displays popping up on High-Res laptops and tablets. These features help fix the problem of tiny interface elements, making them appear larger — but still sharper than they’d look on a lower-resolution display. Has the best scaling features of any version of Windows yet, and even it isn’t perfect. Many applications — even Microsoft’s own applications included with Windows — on a high-resolution display. AutoCAD/LT is one program that offers little to help fix this problem. Here is a screenshot of AutoCAD/LT2015 running on my Lenovo without any 3rd party fixes, click on it to enlarge so you can see the issues.
Since this is not a laptop/tablet used for production, these limitations do not bother me as much but it does illustrate the need for Microsoft, in conjunction with Autodesk, to address this display issue urgently and in more detail. Microsoft does offer tips to address these limitations for Surface Pro users, but based on reports and feedback posted online to date these also appear to be partial measures. AutoCAD/LT Usage So how does AutoCAD/LT 2015 work? As good as it did on: average use time on battery is over 2.5 hours with a mix of AutoCAD, MSOffice and light Illustrator/Photoshop use while I'm on site, in a car or on a plane.
AutoCAD still is not designed for touchscreens, even with the added 'Touch Select Mode' button that appears only on touchscreen-equipped computers/laptops. Zooming, Panning and Moving objects is similar to my previous experiences with tablets, but this time being able to have a full time keyboard at the ready simply speeds up drafting immensely. Right-Clicking is a chore on touchscreens using your fingers, and precision drafting/moving/copying is all but impossible with a finger unless yours as the size of a child's. I use a stylus equipped with a small rubber tip to navigate and draft in AutoCAD: the Ribbon makes touch-use easier to do, but if you are an AutoCAD user still stuck on classic toolbars/buttons and pulldown menus your frustration level will escalate rapidly and may help turn your tablet into a free-flying frisbee sooner than you wish or can afford. Here is how to simulate the use of a tablet PC on your desktop PC, so you can understand personally what the challenges I mentioned above are:.
Move your keyboard out of reach. Really, out of reach. tape up/do not use the mouse right-click button: if you have a scroll wheel you can use it, it will replace a touchscreen's easy zoom in/out and pan ability. Now use AutoCAD to draft your next half-dozen tasks in your file. Every time you need to use the keyboard, move the keyboard to type, and as soon as you hit move it back out of reach before you continue on screen.
Repeat working like this for 15-30 minutes. Now raise your hand if you still want a Tablet without a built-on hardware keyboard. Do you use a Windows OS Tablet like the Microsoft Surface Pro with AutoCAD?
What's been your experience? Leave a comment.
◦ 4K and Touch Screens, Part Two: is AutCAD/LT up to the task?
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