Michael’s Corner

Michael'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…

From the Vault

Originally published September 2008

Triple Scoop

As summer winds down, I thought I'd pass along a triple scoop treat, courtesy of my customers at Union Pacific.

AutoCAD 2009 Pin-A-Drawing [A2009]

In A2009, I had yet to investigate the purpose of that push-pin used in the Recent Documents list displayed when you clicked the big red "A" (technically known as the "menu browser".)

As many of you know, the File menu/Menu Browser retains a list of the last nine (9) drawings you opened. As it turns out, Dave was opening drawings and noticed that when you click the pushpin for a drawing in the list, it won't let that drawing "drop off" the bottom when you have opened 8 additional drawings since you opened that one. It will stay in the listing until such time as you un-pin it!

Copy Multiple Layout Tabs with CTRL [A2008 + A2009]

One of the features I cover in training is the recent feature that enables you to move a layout tab by dragging it to another location.

In my training workbooks, I also mention that if you pick and drag a layout tab to another position… then hold down the CTRL key(!)… you will copy that layout tab.

As Michelle was experimenting with these features, she used CTRL to select more than one tab - something that was in the workbook - but then also used CTRL to copy both of the tabs she had selected. The things you can learn if you just keep pickin' & proddin'.

Ortho Off for Revcloud [A2009]

And finally, when introducing the Revision Cloud as we make our way toward putting it on a palette (see October 2007), one of the things I suggest is to turn off Ortho so you can move your cursor more smoothly to create the revision cloud. It was (graciously) pointed out to me that if Ortho is on when you launch the Revision Cloud command, it is automatically turned off… only available in A2009.

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