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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 September 2007

Copy with Basepoint

This has been around for awhile, but just in case anyone missed it, here's how to copy objects easily from Drawing A into Drawing B… and specify a basepoint on the objects being copied.

Before You Begin… This procedure requires that the variable PICKFIRST be set to 1. Every now and then when folks try this and can't make it work, I find that their Pickfirst variable was set to 0.

Also… If you are in the habit of clicking the Minimize button for a drawing, the "tiling" of the drawings cannot take place. Maximize the drawing, then try WindowTile Vertically again. Then stop using that Minimize button and try that handy process of CTRL + TAB to cycle between open drawings!

Shortcut MenuAnd Finally… Your Right-click Customization, OptionsUser Preferences needs to have the right-click setting for the Edit Mode set to Shortcut Menu.

Instructions to Use the Copy with Basepoint Feature

  1. First, you will need to have two drawings open. Now to up to the Window menu, then click Tile Vertically so you can see the two drawings side-by-side.
  2. In Drawing A, select the objects to be copied. If there are less than 100 grips, you will see them. If there are more than 100 grips, you won't. The maximum number of grips setting can be adjusted in OptionsSelection tab.
  3. Right-click in that drawing where you selected the objects, then click Copy With Base Point. If the grips are displayed you can specify one as the base point, or you can use your object snap method of choice.
  4. Now click in Drawing B, then you can either click Paste on the Standard toolbar or use CTRL+V to paste the selected objects into the target drawing… and you will see that your cursor is attached to the specified base point.

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