The Mad Cadder

TASKBAR System Variable

In AutoCAD 2005, the TASKBAR system variable will allow you to have multiple drawings open as separate items on the Windows taskbar.  By default, the system variable is set to <0>. With the default setting, you could use the CTRL-TAB or CTRL-F6 key combination to switch between the drawings, but with the system variable set to <1>, you can now use the CTRL-ALT key combination as well.

On the command line type "TASKBAR"

Variables:
0 - one taskbar item for all open drawings
1- multiple taskbar items for all open drawings.

DWF Viewer

Adobe may have PDF, but Autodesk has DWF and it's better...for drawings.

Sharing Autdesk drawings has become simple, just make a DWF (Design Web Format)!

DWF is a file format similar to PDF but specifically used for Autodesk files. You can PUBLISH or PLOT a drawing as a DWF and send it to anyone. You do not need AutoCAD to read a DWF file. All you need is the Autodesk DWF Viewer. The DWF Viewer is a free download from Autodesk.

To download the application click here: http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/item?id=3023925&siteID=123112&GP=IL13872

Batch Drawing Converter

Since the release of AutoCAD 2004, you no longer had the capability to SAVE AS Release 14 AutoCAD format. This was a decision made by Autodesk to persuade legacy users to upgrade their R14 version of the program. Those user who did upgrade were complaining that they could no longer convert drawings for those users that never made the switch.

Therefore, Autodesk has released DWG TrueConvert. This is a free application that can be downloaded directly from the Autodesk Website. It is used to convert AutoCAD drawing files (.DWG) to legacy formats like 2000 or R14. It is a very useful tool if you were to ever receive drawings created in AutoCAD 2004 or 2005 that had not been converted to 2000 format.

The Batch Drawing Converter is a separate program. AutoCAD does not need to be open to use this application. After installation, go to the START menu --> Programs-->Autodesk-->Migration Tools-->Batch Drawing Converter.

Once in the application, ADD all the DWG files you need to convert, choose the appropriate conversion (R14 or 2000) and click on the CONVERT button. That's it!

To download the application click here: DWG TrueConvert

NEW SNAP! Mid between two points

When trying to find the middle point between two points in the past, you might have cheated by drawing a line and using its midpoint or if you knew the distance to the middle point you could have used temporary tracking, but not anymore. With the release of AutoCAD 2005 a new snap has been developed to aid in CAD drafting, Mid Between Two Points.

The command line versions of this snap are MTP or M2P (both will work). The snap asks you for two points that will be used to calculate the middle point. This new snap is not available in the OSNAP Settings (F3) or the Object Snap Toolbar. The only way to use this snap is either on the command line or it is located in OSNAP shortcut menu (SHIFT+Right-click mouse button).

OSNAPHATCH - Ignore hatch patterns when using OSNAPS

How many times have you snapped to the end of the hatch pattern when you meant to snap to the end of a line or corner of a rectangle. In AutoCAD 2005 you now have the ability to have the Object Snaps (OSNAPS) disregard the hatch pattern.

The OSNAPHATCH system variable controls whether the OBJECT SNAPS will snap to the hatch pattern.

On the command line type "OSNAPHATCH"

Variables
0 - Ignore the hatch pattern when snapping
1- Snaps to hatch pattern

In the Beginning

      Welcome to THE MAD CADDER!

A place for CAD users to get information and post their thoughts!