New CAD = New Opportunity

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1 Jeanne Aarhus Aarhus Associates, LLC Length: 45 minutes VIRTUAL AC3796 Are you a Bentley MicroStation user moving to AutoCAD? Is your company using both CAD packages? One of the first steps to success is understanding the differences between these CAD packages and to learn to think like AutoCAD. This class will familiarize the experienced MicroStation user with AutoCAD and its functionality. Learn what makes AutoCAD such a successful CAD package and how you can be more productive in this environment. Learn how to leverage your MicroStation knowledge to make the transition less stressful. Attending this class is guaranteed to improve your understanding of AutoCAD, an essential skill if you are transitioning from another CAD package or working in a multi-cad environment. The class instructor has made the transition and can speak from personal experience. Learning Objectives At the end of this class, you will be able to: Use AutoCAD from a MicroStation perspective Think like AutoCAD to ease your transition Leverage your MicroStation skills in the AutoCAD environment About the Speaker Jeanne is known for keeping her training sessions fast moving and fun. She is a nationally known speaker and expert in CAD, and presents seminars and workshops on CAD productivity for managers and users in both corporate and college settings. She has over 25 years experience involving production drafting, user support, standards coordination, programming, and training in various CAD applications. Jeanne is an independent consultant offering training and implementation services and is certified in several Autodesk and Bentley products. She continues to be actively involved in international, national, and local CAD user groups and has been a popular speaker at AU for several years. jeanne@aarhusassociates.com

2 New CAD = New Opportunity The objective of this session is to overcome those MicroStation interface habits and modify your behavior to use the AutoCAD interface as if you have been doing it for years. While the interfaces initially appear very different, they really are very similar from the technical perspective. This might well be the most difficult aspect of the change you are making in CAD software. Remember, this change will be both technical and emotional in nature. Each and every MicroStation user should focus on the interface differences from a technical perspective rather than an emotional one. A tough goal since learning a new interface is as emotional as it gets! Using this Document AutoCAD COMMAND [MicroStation COMMAND] TIPS you need to know! 2

3 AutoCAD for MicroStation Users Preparing for a Successful Transition or Co-Existence First and foremost NO two CAD packages are exactly alike. But as technology progresses (and the Windows interface invades just about every application), AutoCAD and MicroStation are getting more and more similar with each new version. However, they are still different CAD packages in some ways, specifically in design and usage. Our goal is to help you make this transition as seamless as possible. Learn the possibilities, the limitations, and most importantly learn the differences and work with them. For this presentation we will compare AutoCAD Release 2012 and MicroStation V8i-ss2. We will also discuss some aspects of previous versions where necessary. We will look at: Learning to SPEAK their language User Interface Similarities Zooms - Windows Mouse Functions Command Line - Keyins Direct Distance Entry - AccuDraw Alias Commands - Shortcuts Viewports - Views Templates - Seed Files Object Snap - Tentative Snap Transparent Commands - View Commands Grips - Handles Layers - Levels Linetypes - Line styles Attributes - Tags and Enter Data Fields Color - LineWeight Xrefs - Reference Files DesignCenter - Cell Libraries Purge - Compress What s NEW in AutoCAD for MicroStation Users? Additional topics covered: DGN Enhancements Dynamic Blocks Text Editors <Double-Click> Editing Standards Checking 3

4 Learn to Speak THEIR Language One of the first barriers for AutoCAD and MicroStation users is the language barrier. The table below shows how a simple conversation can result in a multitude of misunderstandings on BOTH sides. Learning to speak the other language can minimize these misunderstandings and simplify the whole process. AutoCAD Objects or Entities Layers Properties Blocks or WBlocks Drawing File or Drawing Database Xrefs or Reference Files Prototype or Template File Explode Current Attributes Linetypes Text or Attributes (blocks) Zoom Extents Zoom Window N/A closet match are the Selection tools Window and Polygon Hatch 2D Solid or Solid Hatch Grips Selection Window Selection Fence Selection Crossing N/A EXCLUDE Window (Express Tools only) EXCLUDE Crossing (Express Tools only) N/A BYLAYER or BYBLOCK LEVEL 0 (zero) Modelspace (limited to one) Layouts N/A MicroStation Elements Levels Attributes Cells Active Design File Reference Files Seed File Drop Active Tags Linestyles Enter Data Fields (Cells) Fit Window Area Fence Pattern Solid Fill Selection Handles Fence or Selection INSIDE or Polygon Selection (PowerSelector) Line Selection (PowerSelector) Fence or Selection OVERLAP or Polygon Selection (PowerSelector) Fence or Selection CLIP VOID VOID OVERLAP VOID CLIP BYLEVEL or BYCELL DEFAULT level Models Sheets Drawings 4

5 How do Graphics Compare DWG DGN This table displays the comparable elements to objects found in AutoCAD and MicroStation. AutoCAD Objects or Entities Layers Properties Blocks or WBlocks Drawing File or Drawing Database Xrefs or Reference Files Prototype or Template File Explode Current Attributes Zoom Extents Zoom Window N/A closet match is the Selection Window/Crossing Hatch 2D Solid or Solid Hatch Grips Selection Window Selection Fence Selection Crossing N/A EXCLUDE Window (Express Tools only) EXCLUDE Crossing (Express Tools only) N/A BYLAYER or BYBLOCK LEVEL 0 (zero) MicroStation Elements Levels Attributes Cells Active Design File Reference Files Seed File Drop Active Tags Fit Window Window Area Fence Pattern Solid Fill Selection Handles Fence or Selection INSIDE or Polygon Selection (PowerSelector) Line Selection (PowerSelector) Fence or Selection OVERLAP or Polygon Selection (PowerSelector) Fence or Selection CLIP VOID VOID OVERLAP VOID CLIP BYLEVEL or BYCELL DEFAULT level 5

6 TOOL BOXES vs. TOOLBARs Frankly, these aren t that different isn t everything Windows-Like anymore? Let s take a look. AUTOCAD: Draw and Modify Toolbars MICROSTATION: Draw and Modify Toolboxes 6

7 Different Similarities? This section focuses on the areas of the interface that most affect the transitioning MicroStation user. With the introduction of the Windowslike interface; most computer applications resemble each other automatically. However, in AutoCAD there are some additional concepts that have been integrated into this environment to simplify use. For example, toolbars and fly-outs are similar in every windows application. Let s look at some of the extra features introduced by Autodesk. Places Bar The first difference is the functionality of the AutoCAD Places Bar in the File Open, Save dialogs. Autodesk introduced several versions ago the ability to control what places are saved in this shortcut bar. You can add your favorite places to this bar to quickly add your project folders for easy access. Similar to the directory history available in MicroStation and MicroStation Manager. If you have a large amount of favorite places to access you can also use the default Favorites icon to store the shortcuts to your favorite places or projects. Open Options Select Initial View Use this option to open a DWG file to a specific named view. If you used saved views in MicroStation you will love this option! It has recently been improved to save more settings than previous versions. Be sure to check out both Named Views and this Open option. Partial Open You can open a DWG file normally or you can partially open the DWG to increase performance and large file usability. Don t worry you can add additional parts of the file after it is open using File Partial Load. 7

8 Main Tool Frame and Task Navigator If you loved using your Main Tool Frame or the new Task Navigation then you might want to take a look at the AutoCAD Ribbon. This most represents the same functionality in the AutoCAD interface. Option 1 Use the new ribbon interface and dock it vertically on either side of the screen rather than horizontally at the top of the screen. Option 2 Use the DRAW and MODIFY toolbars and dock them. They don t provide all the tools found in the MicroStation MAIN; but they are a starting place. Option 3 Create a custom toolbar to replicate the MicroStation MAIN tool frame. I personally don t recommend this direction; since it will only delay your migration to the AutoCAD environment. But if you have to be productive immediately it might ease the transition initially. Command Line The command line in AutoCAD is displayed by default but can be turned off for MicroStation users that prefer to use buttons or pulldown menus. Just undock the command line and close it. You can use the <CTRL+9> shortcut key to re-open the command line at any time. I also recommend using the DYNAMIC INPUT command line option available in AutoCAD. You can use the buttons below to activate it. 8

9 AutoCAD commands are generally one or two characters in length. To use the dynamic input you need to start typing the command without a command line and using the <TAB> key to look up unknown commands. This feature is known as AUTO-COMPLETE. For example, to access the LINE command key in <L> and <ENTER> to start the command. If you key in <L> and then <TAB> you can look up all commands that start with the letter L. AutoCAD 2012 now automatically provides AUTOCOMPLETE whenever you begin typing a command. Refer to the AutoCAD Key-in Commands section for additional AutoCAD key-in capabilities. ESC to cancel One AutoCAD shortcut that is extremely beneficial is the use of the ESC key to end a command. 9

10 Taming the Mouse Zooming? The zoom and pan functionality is very similar to that in MicroStation XM or V8i. Users generally prefer to use a wheel mouse to perform the zoom and pan commands. Roll the wheel mouse away from you (forward) to zoom in and towards you (backward) to zoom out. Press the wheel mouse to access the PAN command. If you want to simulate the MicroStation pan method; use the <CTRL+ Press Wheel> and move the cursor in the OPPOSITE direction as in MicroStation. Yes, it is backwards from MicroStation; but you do get used to it eventually. <Double-Click> the wheel to access the ZOOM EXTENTS [FIT VIEW]. 10

11 AutoCAD OSNAP ENDpoint MIDpoint CENter NODe QUAdrant INTersection EXTension INSertion PERpendicular N/A TANgent N/A NEArest APParent Intersection PARallel N/A N/A Temporary Track Point From Midpoint between 2 Points Point Filters.X.Y.Z.XY.XZ.YZ 3D Osnap Vertex Midpoint on Edge Center of Face Knot Perpendicular Nearest to Face None MicroStation SNAP Keypoint Keypoint or Midpoint Keypoint or Center Keypoint Keypoint Intersection Use AccuDraw s Origin to simulate Extension Origin Perpendicular Perpendicular Point Tangent Tangent Point Nearest Intersection Parallel Point Through Point On Tentative Snap AccuDraw (ORIGIN) Tentative Snap AccuDraw (ORIGIN) AccuDraw (DIVIDE BY) Accudraw (SMART LOCK) Snap Keypoint Keypoint Keypoint/Centere Keypoint Perpendicular Keypoint None 11

12 Precision OSnaps AutoCAD automatically works like AccuSnap in MicroStation. Remember, AccuSnap provides the user with the ability to combine commonly used snap modes. This prevents the user from having to change the snap modes during typical design session operations. It also provides onscreen feedback to confirm accuracy during drawing and editing commands. Similar to MicroStation, AutoCAD has two methods for setting osnap modes; SINGLE-SHOT [SINGLE-SHOT] and running OSNAPS [MULTI-SNAPS]. Single-shot osnaps are available for one snap only; whereas running osnaps are continuously available until turned off. You can access the AutoCAD OSNAP settings using the following options. Option 1 <Right-Click> on top of the OSNAP ICON in the drawing status bar to access the individual snap modes; or the settings dialog. The settings dialog allows you to define what running osnaps are defined at the same time. Be careful though, more is not necessarily better! The icon displayed next to each osnap mode represents the onscreen feedback displayed when using each specific osnap mode. Option 2 You can use the <SHIFT> + <Right-Click> to access the same menu options; individual osnaps or the settings dialog. There is no exact equal to the old TENTATIVE SNAP in AutoCAD, and depending on how you used it in MicroStation you might want to investigate OTRACK and TEMPORARY TRACK POINTS. 12

13 AutoCAD Key-in commands It is common practice for an AutoCAD user to key in common commands instead of using the command buttons or pull-down menus. These AutoCAD commands are defined in the file ACAD.PGP and can be edited as needed. If you are already using the new MicroStation position mapping shortcuts you could define your favorites in the ACAD.PGP file to ease your transition! You can access this file using Express Tools Command Alias Editor. Get a Grip on Handles Most MicroStation users do not commonly use the handles provided on elements to make editing changes. However, that is not true with AutoCAD grips since they provide a very quick and easy way to make simple editing changes to any object type. If you hover on a grip, the tooltip will display what grip capabilities are available and the overall dimensions of the object. If you select the grip it will become a hot grip and a series of command options are available. Use the <Right-Click> menu to select a command, or the command line <Spacebar> to toggle between the grip commands; stretch, move, rotate, scale, or mirror. You can customize the size and colors of grips using the following settings. Tools Options Selection Tab 13

14 Smarter Grips AutoCAD 2012 introduces additional command functionality available when hovering on a grip. For example, inserting a vertex in MicroStation has been easy for a long time using the INSERT VERTEX command. Now AutoCAD supports the same capabilities (and a lot more) with the newly added GRIP functions. 14

15 Selection Sets There are several methods for selecting multiple objects for editing and manipulation. MicroStation users that are familiar with the Power Selection tools will be ready to go with AutoCAD selection. Individual Selection Select objects individually to add them to a selection set. You can use the <SHIFT> key to remove any object from the selection set. Window Selection This selection method is activated by dragging the cursor LEFT to RIGHT and is visually represented by a solid line and a blue fill type. A window selection includes everything that falls INSIDE the selection window. Use the key in WP to activate a non-rectangular window shape. Crossing Selection This selection method is activated by dragging the cursor RIGHT to LEFT and is visually represented by a dashed line and a green fill type. A crossing selection includes everything that falls INSIDE and OVERLAPS the selection window. Use the key in CP to activate a non-rectangular crossing shape. A Fence by Any Another Name AutoCAD does not provide the exact equivalent of the MicroStation Fence; but it does have a fence which can be used during the selection set commands. It is available whenever the command line prompts the user to SELECT OBJECTS. Just key in an F and you can select objects using the AutoCAD fence tool. This tool is equivalent to the MicroStation Power Selector LINE tool. Anything that OVERLAPS the defined fence line is selected or de-selected. Fence Selection Specify the window points in a linear configuration and you will automatically get a fence selection method that includes everything that OVERLAPS the selection fence. AutoCAD Fence This selection method is activated by drawing a line through elements in the drawing and is visually represented by a dashed line. MicroStation PowerSelect Tool Settings:hod: Pick the Method Line. Pick the Mode ADD. 15

16 Units and Angles AutoCAD uses a single default unit and does not breakdown the units into Master and Sub Units. When you key in a distance value it can be interpreted as either feet or inches depending on the user preference. Units are only defined in terms of Type and Precision in AutoCAD. You can access these settings using Format Units to define the type of units and angles; and their precision. Clear Selection Set Use the <ESC> key to clear any active selection set in AutoCAD. Quick Select Use the Quick Select tool to simulate the same functionality as found with Select By Attributes in MicroStation. This tool can be found in several places in AutoCAD. Option 1 Access the Quick Select command using the default <Right- Click> menu. Option 2 Quick Select is also available from the Properties dialog to create or tweak a selection set. 16

17 Locks There are several locks available in AutoCAD to control layers, grids, units, etc. You can activate and define these locks using various settings on the drawing status bar. Snap Lock [Grid Lock] The snap lock in AutoCAD is used to snap to grid and unit points. Snap lock is not the same as osnap and does not snap to individual objects. Grid Lock [Grid Lock] The grid lock is used to snap to defined grid points only. Ortho and Polar Lock [Axis Lock] The ortho and polar settings are used to snap to specific angles while drawing in AutoCAD. Ortho locks the angles to increments of 0 and 90. Polar locks the angles to increments defined by the user in the settings dialog. 17

18 Unit Lock Use the Polar and Polar spacing distance to define the unit lock. You must use the Polar axis lock in conjunction with these settings to snap to unit distances. Association Lock The use of associated objects is controlled by several different system variables and dialog settings depending on the object type. Dimensions use the system variables DIMASSOC to control dimension association. Hatch Patterns use the system variable HPASSOC to control hatches and pattern fill association. Layer Lock Use the layer manager to lock layers as needed during the design process. Layer locking is not the same in AutoCAD as it is in MicroStation; if fact, it is the opposite. In MicroStation, if you lock a level you no longer have access to any other level; you are locked to that level only. In AutoCAD, if you lock a layer you no longer have access to that layer; it is locked from access. 18

19 Tool Settings In MicroStation, you used the Tool Settings dialog to control all command options. In AutoCAD, this functionality is available as <Right-Click> menu options, or key in options using the AutoCAD command line. For example, if you want to draw a POLYLINE [SMARTLINE] you can use the <Right-Click> menu to toggle between straight lines and arcs during the drawing process. STEP 1: STEP 2: STEP 3: Start the POLYLINE [SMARTLINE] command. Identify a start point issuing a <Left-Click> [data point]. <Right-Click> to access the ARC option and draw an arc object in the polyline sequence. If you use the command line in AutoCAD you can use the following steps to perform the same command options STEP 1: STEP 2: STEP 3: Start the POLYLINE [SMARTLINE] command. Identify a start point issuing a <Left-Click> [data point]. Key in A to access the ARC option and draw an arc object in the polyline sequence. 19

20 If you use dynamic input in AutoCAD you can use the following steps to perform the same command options. STEP 1: STEP 2: STEP 3: Start the POLYLINE [SMARTLINE] command. Identify a start point issuing a <Left-Click> [data point]. Use the keyboard to access the ARC option and draw an arc object in the polyline sequence. Groups Graphic groups are used by most MicroStation users and are available in AutoCAD; though most AutoCAD users do not use this functionality because it wasn t as easy to use. However, now in AutoCAD 2012, you can use the same functionality and even assign the same shortcut keys to perform the GROUP and UNGROUP commands. STEP 1: STEP 2: STEP 3: STEP 4: Select the new GROUP command from the GROUPS panel on the ribbon. Select the objects that you want to group together. Select the new group to verify that it is all connected into a single object. Use the new UNGROUP command from the GROUPS panel to remove the group definition. Use the shortcut keys <CTRL+SHIFT+A> to toggle group recognition on and off. 20

21 Purge [Compress] Use the PURGE command to clean up your drawing files and maintain smaller more efficient file sizes. You might need to run this command two or three times to get the full benefit of a purge if the file contains many nested objects; or use the PURGE NESTED ITEMS and PURGE ALL to insure that all unused objects are purged from the file. View Commands Update View You will probably use the mouse wheel to perform the majority of your view manipulation commands such as zoom, pan and zoom extents. To update a view you must use the REGEN [UPDATE VIEW] command to refresh the screen when needed. You can access this command from View Regen or View Regen All. Zoom Window [Window Area] Use the Zoom Window command to perform a zoom to a specific drawing area. This is similar to the Window Area command in MicroStation. View Previous and View Next AutoCAD does not differentiate between primary commands and view commands. So UNDO and REDO will perform the MicroStation View Previous and View Next functions. 21

22 View command Comparison AutoCAD Regen All Zoom Window Zoom Extents UCS about Z with UCSFOLLOW ON Zoom Previous Zoom Next Zoom to Objects N/A 3D Orbit 3D Orbit Clip/Live Sections 3D Orbit Clip/Live Sections Live Sections Live Sections Camera 3D Orbit Clip/Live Sections 3D Orbit Clip/Live Sections MicroStation Update View Window Area Fit View Rotate View View Previous View Next N/A Copy View Change View Perspective (3D only) Set Display Depth (3D only) Set Active Depth (3D only) Show Display Depth (3D only) Show Active Depth (3D only) Camera Settings (3D only) Clip Volume Clip Mask View Attributes The settings that control the view display and appearance are controlled using the following. Tools Options Display Window Elements Pick the COLORS button to define and modify the colors of the view window elements. Select the interface element and modify the color using the color drop down list. Be careful on the color picker; AutoCAD allows you to set the view elements to any color choice and white on white is pretty hard to read! 22

23 Pick the FONTS button to define and modify the fonts used by the view window elements. UCS Icon Use the UCSICON system variable to turn on or off the coordinate system display icon. 0 No icon is displayed 1 On; the icon is displayed in the lower-left corner of the current viewport or layout 2 Origin; if the icon is on, the icon is displayed at the UCS origin, if possible Grid Use the GRID status bar button to turn the grid display on and off. Lineweights The display of lineweight in AutoCAD has been available for many years, even though the typical AutoCAD user chooses not to use this feature. Use the LINEWEIGHT status bar button to turn the lineweight display on or off. 23

24 Linestyles Use the LTSCALE system variable to display the non-continuous linetypes in AutoCAD. Plot or Annotation Scale LTSCALE Full Size 1: " = 1'-0" /2" = 1'-0" 3 1" = 1'-0" 4.5 3/4" = 1'-0" 6 1/2 = 1'-0" 9 3/8" = 1'-0" 12 1/4" = 1'-0" 18 3/16" = 1'-0" 24 1/8" = 1'-0" 36 1/16" = 1'-0" 72 PSLTSCALE Use the PSLTSCALE system variable to control linetype scales in paperspace viewports. 0 No special linetype scaling. Linetype dash lengths are based on the drawing units of the space (model or paper) in which the objects were created. Scaled by the global LTSCALE factor. 1 Viewport scaling governs linetype scaling. If TILEMODE is set to 0, dash lengths are based on paper space drawing units, even for objects in model space. In this mode, viewports can have varying magnifications, yet display linetypes identically. For a specific linetype, the dash lengths of a line in a viewport are the same as the dash lengths of a line in paper space. You can still control the dash lengths with LTSCALE MSLTSCALE Use the MSLTSCALE system variable to scale linetypes automatically based on the active annotation scale displayed on the model tab. 0 Linetypes displayed on the Model tab are not scaled by the annotation scale 1 Linetypes displayed on the Model tab are scaled by the annotation scale 24

25 Named Views I often wonder why AutoCAD users don t use named views more than they do. I consider this one of the most overlooked tools in the AutoCAD arsenal. So what are the differences between Named views and Saved views? The following is a list of what is saved with each view type. MicroStation s saved views store more information than their counterparts in AutoCAD. Saved Views can memorize window aspect ratios, size and position, camera position, view attributes, clip volume, levels, and reference settings. AutoCAD Named Views Category defines what Sheet Set category Location defines which model or layout Viewport defines any viewport association Layers defines what layer state is stored for both the active file and all reference files. UCS defines what coordinate system to use Perspective defines if view is in perspective N/A N/A Layer settings stored for reference files MicroStation Saved Views N/A Window N/A Levels Window Camera View Attributes Clip Volume Reference Settings View Rotation Below is a list of predefined view orientation settings that are available by default. AutoCAD Orientation Views Top Bottom Front Back Left Right Southwest Isometric Southeast Isometric Northwest Isometric Northeast Isometric 3D Orbit MicroStation Orientation Views Top Bottom Front Back Left Right Isometric Right Isometric Must be rotated manually Must be rotated manually Dynamic Be sure to use the new View Cube to rotate to the desired view orientation. Visual Styles [Render View] Use and define Visual Styles to view your 3D models in various shaded and rendered modes. You can access these tools using Views Visual Styles. 25

26 Persistant Commands One of the hardest interface differences to get accustomed to is the lack of persistant commands in AutoCAD. In MicroStation, when you select a primary command, it remains running until you select another primary command. AutoCAD stops and starts commands at the end of each object creation. There are a couple of options available to modify this if you find you can t live with this behavior. Option 1 If you are willing to adapt to the AutoCAD method for persistant commands, try using the <SPACEBAR> to recall the previous command and to stop the current command. Placing your thumb on the spacebar is an easy way to recall and stop commands in AutoCAD. This is so handy I find myself trying to use the spacebar this way in MicroStation! So give it a try. Option 2 You can customize many commands and make them persistant if you add an * (asterisk) as the first character of the icon macros. For example, the line command runs the following macro by default: ^C^C_line You can change this to a persistant line command by changing the macro syntax to the following: *^C^C_line 26

27 Reset Mouse Command Miss your RESET command? You can get the same mouse functionality by modifying the Options User Preferences Right-Click Customizations and turning ON the Time Sensitive Right Click option. You may need to modify the settings in this dialog to tweak how the <Right-Click> actually works for you. 27

28 Workspaces The AutoCAD Workspace does not compare to the MicroStation Workspace. Don t let the language trip you up! The AutoCAD Workspace is most comparable to the User Preferences in MicroStation; and the Task Navigation panels provided in the latest versions of MicroStation. The AutoCAD Profile is the feature most similar in function to the MicroStation Workspace. The AutoCAD Workspace AutoCAD Workspaces manage a set of menus, toolbars, palettes, and ribbon control panels that are grouped and organized to work in a task-oriented drawing environment. When you use a workspace, only the menus, toolbars, and palettes that are relevant to the task are displayed. In addition, a workspace may automatically display the ribbon, a special palette with task-specific control panels. The AutoCAD Profile Profiles allow you to configure and manage support paths, resources and other settings within the AutoCAD environment. Below are some of the settings most relevant to MicroStation users. Tools Options Display Tab Window Elements This section of the profile options allows you to define what windows items are visible in AutoCAD such as the following: Display Scroll Bars = View Scroll Bars Display Drawing Status Bar = MicroStation Status Bar Use Large Buttons Show Tool Tips (Rollover Tips) Colors & Fonts = View background color and other item colors and fonts Layout elements This section allows you to change the appearance and access method for models and layouts; similar to the design models and sheets in MicroStation. Display Layout and Model Tabs Display Paper Background Display Paper Shadow Create Viewport in new Layouts Display Resolution This section controls the display and resolution of objects in the AutoCAD file. Arc and Circle smoothness = controls the jagged appearance of curved objects I recommend you set this number higher than the default 1000; try but be aware of any performance issues if your graphics card is not the best it can be! 28

29 Tools Options Open & Save Tab File Safety Precautions This section allows you to set automatic saves and backups for the drawing file. Automatic Save = Create backup copy with each save = File Open Display Full path in Titlebar Tools Options Plot and Publish Default Plot Settings This section allows you to define your preferred default plotters, paper sizes, etc. Default Plot Device Last Successful Plot Settings Plot Stamp Settings These settings allow you to define plot stamp settings; but I recommend that you use the new field objects to define your plot stamp in a border file. Plot Style Table Settings Plot Style Tables are equivalent to the plot configuration files (.PLT) used in MicroStation. They allow you to define the final plot output appearance. Linetypes are defined in the drawing file using the linetype definition file (.LIN). Tools Options User Preferences Windows Standard Behavior These settings allow you to customize your mouse <Double-Click> settings and your mouse <Right-Click> settings. Double click editing = <Double-Click> on any object to edit <Right-Click> menus in drawing area = enables multiple <Right-Click> menus <Right-Click> Customizations = define and customize your preferences for using <Right-Click> menus 29

30 Insertion Scale This section controls the size or scale of blocks into a drawing file. This performs similar to the True Scale options in MicroStation. If you have blocks that are defined in FEET and you want to insert them into a drawing where the base unit is INCHES you should modify these settings accordingly. This automatically scales the blocks as needed upon insertion. Don t forget to set this setting to your DEFAULT preference. You can change it when needed. Fields These settings allow you to control the background shading on field objects; and when the fields update automatically. I recommend that you leave the shading turned on so you can distinguish the difference between text and fields. Lineweight Settings These settings allow you to control your display lineweight appearance; and does not necessarily have anything to do with plotting lineweight. Lineweight at plot time is determined by the selected plot style table. See the section on plotting for more on this topic. Edit Scale List These settings define your preferred annotation scales; and plot scales. Customize this list as needed and simplify it for your environment. You can use the following command to RESET the scale list. SCALELISTEDIT 30

31 OTRACK [AccuDraw] The introduction of OTRACK and POLAR tracking in AutoCAD provides a method for issuing graphical reference points for precision input. These temporary reference points allow the user to input coordinates or distances from existing objects similar to AccuDraw s Reference Origin. Temporary reference points are displayed on the screen as blips shown in the diagram below. The AutoCAD user can then use this OTRACK blip as a reference point for precision input. The diagram shows how you can reference an object endpoint and key in data referenced to that location. Direct Distance Entry The introduction of Direct Distance entry minimized the keyboard strokes required for precision input in AutoCAD. The dynamic screen feedback allows the user to easily sketch with precision and is very similar to AccuDraw feedback provided in MicroStation. Heads-Up Design The introduction of Heads-Up design in AutoCAD 2006 provides another input alternative and displays feedback previously displayed in the command line right on the cursor. This live feedback provides input data for coordinates, lengths and angles; similar to AccuDraw. 31

32 Coordinate Input To draw a 2-6 line starting at 0,0 use the following key-ins. 0,0 and 2.5 (representing 2.5 ) or 2 6 (representing 2-6 ) or 30 (representing 30 ) Relative Input To draw a 2-6 line at 20 degrees, starting at 0,0 use the following key-ins. 0,0 (representing 2.5 in the X direction and 0 in the Y direction) or 6,0 (representing 2 6 in the X direction and 0 in the Y (representing 30 in the X direction and 0 in the Y direction) Polar Input To draw a 2-6 line at 20 degrees, starting at 0,0 use the following key-ins. 0,0 <20 (representing 2.5 and 20 degrees) or 6<20 (representing 2-6 and 20 (representing 30 and 20 degrees) 32

33 Draw Command Comparisons LINE [LINE] Use OTRACK and Direct Distance Entry to specify precision input to specify Length and Angle. AutoCAD Line Line Home Draw Line AutoCAD Hints Use the SPACEBAR to not only recall the LINE command. Use an extra SPACEBAR to recall the last point. Command Options Command Close The CLOSE command option is implied and not noted in any menu. Description Use this option to close the line segments to the first point on the line. Key in C to access this option. Undo Command Line Use the UNDO and REDO commands to undo while running the command. By default they are transparent commands in AutoCAD. RC Menu 33

34 POLYLINE [SMARTLINE] Use the Polyline command to draw smartline-like objects in AutoCAD. AutoCAD Polyline PLine Home Draw Polyline AutoCAD Hints Use the SPACEBAR to not only recall the PLINE command. Use an extra SPACEBAR to recall the last point. Line Command Options Use the Polyline command with the Lines option which is equivalent to the MicroStation Segment Type: Lines Command Halfwidth Length Width Close Undo Description Use Halfwidth to simulate a thick lineweight appearance on the screen. You can use normal lineweight assigned as a property setting to get the same appearance. Use Direct Distance Entry to define specific line and arc lengths and sizes. Use width to simulate thick lineweight appearance on the screen. You can use normal lineweight assigned as a property setting to get the same appearance. Snap to the first point to close the polyline shape. Use the UNDO and REDO commands to undo while running the command. By default they are transparent commands in AutoCAD. 34

35 Arc Command Options Use the Polyline command with the Arc option which is equivalent to the MicroStation Segment Type: Arcs Command Angle Center Close Direction Line Radius Second Pt Description Use Dynamic Input to define the arc angle. Use OTRACK and Dynamic Input to define the Center point of the arc segment Snap to the first point to close the Polyline shape. Using POLAR you can draw in any direction. Use Direct Distance Entry to draw line segments. Use Dynamic Input to define the arc radius. Use this option to define the arc midpoint. Command Line RC Menu 35

36 CIRCLE [CIRCLE] Use the circle command in AutoCAD along with the Tool Settings dialog to find matching command options. AutoCAD AutoCAD Hints Circle Circle Home Draw Circle Command Options Command 3P Circle by 3 points 2P Circle by 2 points TTR Circle by Tangent-Tangent-Radius Undo Command Line Description Equivalent to the MicroStation Circle Method: By Edge tool setting. Equivalent to the MicroStation Circle Method: Diameter tool setting. Equivalent to the MicroStation Circle Method: By Edge tool settings + Radius definition + Tangent Snap mode Use the UNDO and REDO commands to undo while running the command. By default they are transparent commands in AutoCAD. RC Menu 36

37 Basic Object Editing COPY The copy commands are primarily identical between AutoCAD and MicroStation. AutoCAD AutoCAD Hints Copy COpy Home Modify Copy Command Options Command Basepoint Displacement Description Identify the copy from point. Identify the copy to point or key in the distance and angle using direct distance entry. mode Single Multiple Creates a single copy of selected objects and ends the command Overrides the Single mode setting. The COPY command is set to repeat automatically for the duration of the command. 37

38 MOVE The move commands are primarily identical between AutoCAD and MicroStation. AutoCAD AutoCAD Hints Move Move Home Modify Move Command Options Command Basepoint Displacement Description Identify the move from point. Identify the move to point or key in the distance and angle using direct distance entry. Command Line RC Menu 38

39 OFFSET [COPY PARALLEL] This command is equivalent to the COPY PARALLEL command found in MicroStation. AutoCAD Offset Offset Home Modify Offset AutoCAD Hints These commands are functionally identical. The copy option is automatic. Command Options Command Distance Through Erase Layer Description Key in the offset distance Use the T (Through) command option to graphically define the offset distance. Use the E (erase) option if you want to offset the original object. Use the L (Layer) option to create the new offset object on a different layer than the original. Be sure to set the new layer current before running the OFFSET command. Basepoint Displacement Identify the move from point. Identify the move to point or key in the distance and angle using direct distance entry. 39

40 Command Line RC Menu Differences There is no option to Chamfer or Fillet the corners during the offset command in AutoCAD. 40

41 SCALE The Scale commands are functionally identical between AutoCAD and MicroStation. AutoCAD AutoCAD Hints Scale SCale Home Modify Scale Command Options Command Basepoint Rotation Angle Copy Reference Description Identify the rotate about point. Key in the rotation angle required. Use this option to rotate a copy rather than the original object. Use this option to define the rotation angle using graphical input. Command Line RC Menu Differences There is no way to Scale About Center using the AutoCAD scale command. 41

42 ROTATE The Rotate commands are functionally identical between AutoCAD and MicroStation AutoCAD AutoCAD Hints Rotate ROtate Home Modify Rotate Command Options Command Basepoint Rotation Angle Copy Reference Description Identify the rotate about point. Key in the rotation angle required. Use this option to rotate a copy rather than the original object. Use this option to define the rotation angle using graphical input. Command Line RC Menu Differences There is no way to Rotate About Center using the AutoCAD Rotate command. 42

43 MIRROR The Mirror commands are functionally identical between AutoCAD and MicroStation. AutoCAD Mirror MIrror Home Modify Mirror Command Options Command Basepoint Second Point Erase Source Objects AutoCAD Hints The AutoCAD command does not distinguish between horizontal, vertical and about-a-line axis definitions. This requires the user to define two points for every mirror. The MIRRTEXT system variable in AutoCAD controls how text is handled during a mirror operation. Description Identify the mirror about point. Define the direction of the mirror axis Use this option to remove the original object(s) and keep just the mirror copy. Command Line RC Menu 43

44 ALIGN The Align command is VERY different from the command found in MicroStation. The AutoCAD Align command is intended primarily for 3D operations. It does work in 2D; just not what you will be expecting. I hate to say it, but you will not be too happy with this one after using the simple alignment available in MicroStation. AutoCAD ALign Home Modify Align AutoCAD Hints The Align command is buried in the 3D operations of AutoCAD and many users don t even know it is there. It requires that you define points on the objects to be aligned and points to define the alignment axis. Command Options Command One Pair of Points Two Pair of Points Three Pair of Points Command Line Description When you select only one source point and destination point pair, the selected objects move in 2D or 3D alignment from the source point (1) to the destination point (2). When you select two point pairs, you can move, rotate, and scale the selected objects in 2D or 3D to align with other objects. When you select three point pairs, you can move and rotate the selected objects in 3D to align with other objects. 44

45 RC Menu Differences The AutoCAD Align command is not an efficient way to align objects to a single axis. I recommend using OTRACK and POLAR to align objects in AutoCAD about an axis. 45

46 ARRAY The new Array command is actually better than what we had in MicroStation. It not only previews the array with the actual objects but is also associated now in You will love this new enhancement to the AutoCAD Array command. The array results can be distributed in 2D or 3D. Way too cool! AutoCAD AutoCAD Hints Array ARray Home Modify Array Command Options Command Rectangular Description Distributes object copies into any combination of rows, columns, and levels. You can dynamically define the opposite corner of the array in either the positive or negative direction. Basepoint Angle Count Number of Rows Number of Columns Row Spacing Column Spacing Spacing Redefine the basepoint of the array. Define the angle of the array. Define the number of items in the array. Define the number of Rows Define the Row Spacing graphically or with Direct Distance Entry. Define the spacing between rows dynamically using the cursor or with Direct Distance Entry. Define the spacing between columns dynamically using the cursor or with Direct Distance Entry. Define the spacing between rows and columns dynamically using the cursor or with Direct Distance Entry. ASsociative Levels Toggles ON and OFF the associativity of the array. Define the number and spacing of levels (Z direction) in the array. 46

47 Command Line Rectangle RC Menu 47

48 POlar Evenly distributes object copies in a circular pattern around a center point or axis of rotation. Total number of items and angle to fill Angle to fill and angle between items. You can graphically define the angle to fill in AutoCAD. The angle setting for a polar array is a delta angle between items not the entire polar angle to fill. Center Point Basepoint Keypoint Define the center of the polar array. Define the basepoint of the first item. For associative arrays, defines a valid constraint (or key point) on the source objects to use as the base point. If you edit the source objects of the resulting array, the base point of the array remains coincident with the key point of the source objects. Axis of Rotation Angle Between Fill Angle Rotate Items Command Line Specifies a custom axis of rotation defined by two specified points in a 3D plane. Define the angle between items in the polar array. Define the angle between the first and last object in the polar array. Define if individual items rotate in the array. 48

49 Polar RC Menu 49

50 PAth Evenly distributes object copies along a path or a portion of a path. Number of Items Define the number of items along the path. Orientation Define the alignment of items to the path. 2 Points Define two points to align the items with the starting point of the path. Normal Objects are aligned to be normal to the starting point of the path. Distance Between Items Define the distance between the items along the path. Command Line Divide Total Define the number of items along the path using a division factor. Define the total number of items along the path. Path RC Menu Differences The most notable difference is the ability to graphically define most settings using the AutoCAD Array dialog. 50

51 STRETCH The STRETCH commands are identical in functionality if using the new STRETCH modification command available in MicroStation. AutoCAD Stretch STRetch Home Modify Stretch Command Options Command Basepoint (Displacement) Second Pt Command Line AutoCAD Hints You must use a crossing window to stretch objects in AutoCAD. All objects inside the crossing window will be moved; similar to an overlap fence operation in MicroStation Description Define the basepoint or stretch from point on an object. Define the stretch to point from an object. RC Menu N/A 51

52 Thank you for your time Hope you enjoyed the session! aarhus ASSOCIATES Looking for customized Training and Standards consulting using your company standards and procedures? Call for affordable and flexible rates and schedules. Contact: åarhus ASSOCIATES, LLC Quail Drive Bellevue, NE Jeanne Aarhus (402) Copyright 2011 Aarhus Associates, LLC. Aarhus Associates and the Aarhus Associates Logo are registered trademarks of Aarhus Associates. All other product names are trademarks of their respective owners. Aarhus Associates believes the information in this docume nt is accurate as of its publication date. Such information is subject to change without notice and is subject to applicable technical product descriptions. Aarhus Associates is not responsible for inadvertent errors. 52