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 November 2009

Assigning a Quick Access Toolbar to a Workspace [A2010]

In AutoCAD 2010, each workspace can be assigned a unique Quick Access Toolbar. After populating your Quick Access Toolbar with the tools you like (see Michael's Corner, December 2008), here's how to assign it to a workspace.

Instructions to Assign a Quick Access Toolbar to a Workspace

If you have yet to do so and you want to just experiment with this, create a new Workspace (Workspace SwitchingSave Current As) such as MC_Nov09.
Enter CUI to open the Customize User Interface, then click your workspace name in the Workspaces list.
Right-click the Quick Access Toolbar node, then click New Quick Access Toolbar and enter a name such as My Favorites. Click the plus sign (+) to display the default tools in your new QA Toolbar.
To quickly customize this Quick Access Toolbar - so it looks different than the default - from the Command List, drag one of your favorite commands up from the list, and release it somewhere in your My Favorites Quick Access Toolbar list of commands. In the figure, you will see that I'm dragging up the Hyperlink command.
Now, click on your Workspace name (up in the list of workspaces) to display Workspace Contents on the right.
Drag your "My Favorites" Quick Access Toolbar over and release it next to the Quick Access Toolbar which then applies your Quick Access Toolbar name.
Click OK to save your edits and close the CUI. You should now see your additional tool(s) on the Quick Access Toolbar.