Michael’s Corner

Michael Beall 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…

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 May 2012

PICKFIRST

It's been 5 years since I've covered this ornery variable, so let me first say, I think the optimum setting for this variable is <1>. If, however, this variable is ever set to <0>, here's what that will do:

Disables the ‘double-click to edit’ feature on objects. The most obvious frustration will be the inability to double-click on a text object — Single Line or Mtext — to edit it.

Note: Do not confuse this with the variable DBLCLKEDIT — Double Click Edit — which is a variable that specifically addresses that ability. Or the lack, thereof.
Disables the right-click menu if configured in Options. My preference for the Right-click menu is, essentially, to make it as useful as it was back in Release 14. [See screen capture for the Right-Click Customization feature found in OptionsUser Preferences tab].

With PICKFIRST set to <0>, if you select an object, then right-click for a menu, you won't get the expected menu, per the setting under Edit Mode shown in the figure.
Disables click ‘n’ drag. If you want to simply ‘scoot’ selected objects to another location, you should be able to simply select them, then click on one of the highlighted lines and drag the selection. But you can't do that if PICKFIRST is set to <0>.
Disables ‘click to view’ of layer property. Although Rollover Tips that came along back in A2010 or so, many users simply click on an object to find what layer it's drawn on. The image on the left indicates the situation if PICKFIRST is set to <0>. Set it to <1> and you see a less confusing response in the layer dropdown list.