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Michael’s Corner

Michael BeallMichael's Corner is a monthly publication written by Michael E. Beall, Autodesk Authorized Author and peripatetic AutoCAD trainer. Michael travels all over the USA, bringing his fantastic experience and great understanding of AutoCAD to his clients. Michael's Corner brings together many of the tips, tricks and methods developed during these training sessions for the benefit of all users.

Michael's Corner provides something for every AutoCAD user. Every month, a number of articles cover a wide range of topics, suitable for users at all levels, including "The Basics" for those just starting out. Essentially, the aim of Michael's Corner is to help all AutoCAD users work smarter and faster.

This month…

October - One-derful!!!

It's a God-thing.

I had no idea that 14 years ago I would be given the opportunity to make an impact on the professional lives of so many. Only God knew what was ahead, and hopefully, the contributions I have made through Michael's Corner have equipped many of you to be more productive and a bit more savvy using AutoCAD. And apart from all the AutoCAD bashing that is going on, I'm sure it has a long life ahead.

So, in an effort to keep the AutoCAD fires burning, here's what I have for my final installment…

…A reminder on how to customize your hot keys
…Three Power Tools — one for Zoom, one for editing, and one for Layers
…Two Odd Spots — one for Layers and one for Hatching
…Buried text treasure
…And how to Search 14 years of the Archives

As for what's ahead for me, I will continue to present a variety of AutoCAD sessions — Fundamentals, Intermediate, Customizing, Updates, and 2D & 3D. I will also keep training CAP Designer, 20-20 Worksheet, Visual Impression (those three from 20-20 Technologies, Inc.), and some Revit Fundamentals. Next year I'm looking forward to being very involved in training CET (from Configura, Inc.) when Herman Miller joins the growing number of manufacturers embracing this software that is being touted as the ‘Future of Space Planning’. Personally, I'm looking forward to spending a bit more time with Donna, my lovely bride of 30 years. When this posts, we'll probably be within days of going on our 30th Anniversary vacation to the Tanque Verde Ranch in Tucson; Ee-Hah! We had such a good time when we went for our 20th, we figured we'd do it again!

Ah, and I'm hoping to have The AutoCAD Workbench, Final Edition out before snow flies.

And with that, Mike drop! …so to speak.

The LORD bless you and keep you;
The LORD make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The LORD lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26

This month's articles

Change F1 to ESC
Smoother Zoom
Stretch with Extension
Lock Layers with a Crossing Window
Layer Columns & Hatch Background Color
Text Frame on Mtext

From the Vault

Originally published June 2006

Bargain tips and tricks IV

Open BoxPots & Pans

Zoom to an Object

Zoom Object

Beginning in AutoCAD 2006, an option was introduced to the Zoom command called "Object". You can either click the button on the Zoom toolbar, or launch the Zoom command and then enter O for the Object option. You can use any object selection procedure, but as soon as you press <Enter> those objects fill the drawing window!

Mtext from Area

AreaUse the Area command to query an area and the result is displayed on the Command line.

Instructions to put Area Text into the Drawing
  1. Hit F2 to go to the Text Window, then highlight the text, right-click and click Copy.
  2. Come back to the drawing window and either hit Ctrl+V or click the Copy button on the Standard AutoCAD toolbar. Beginning in A2005, it will attach the text to your cursor for you to place it on the drawing.
  3. Double-click the Mtext to open the Editor window and make the necessary changes to the height and content.
Area Text

Express Tools Not Loaded on First A2006/A2007 Installation

This is the strangest thing. If you didn't install Express Tools in A2006/A2007 when you first installed the program, if you put in the install CD, it will Auto-Launch and tell you that AutoCAD is already installed… and won't let you Add a program.

OK, so put in the A2006/A2007 Installation CD, then go to Windows Explorer. Double-click ACAD.MSI to run the "Add or Remove Programs" from the CD, and check "Express Tools". OK then Finish.

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