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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 August 2007

A2008 Mtext Multiple Columns

Columns Button

Since its introduction in the waning days of DOS, the Multiline Text object has grown to be quite the dominant feature on the AutoCAD landscape. In AutoCAD 2008, we have an extensive array of features that enable us to customize an Mtext object to have multiple columns. When dynamic columns are configured, the Columns button will then appear with a yellow lightning icon on it (rather than the red slash). Here are a few insights to get your curiosity up.

Instructions to Use Columns in the Mtext Editor

  1. Double-click an Mtext object to open the Editor and the Text Formatting toolbar.
  2. Click the Columns button to open the shortcut menu from which you can choose from Dynamic Columns or Static Columns.
Dynamic Columns

Auto Height

Auto Height - Adjust the width and height of the columns using the horizontal and vertical controls, and AutoCAD maintains the same height in the leading columns.

Manual Height

Manual Height - Independently adjust the width and height of the columns using the horizontal and vertical controls. AutoCAD adds columns as necessary.

Tip: To create a second column when using Dynamic Columns, position your cursor where you want the break, then press ALT+Enter.

Static Columns

Static Columns

Specify the number of columns - You can adjust the width and height of the columns as well as the separation between columns and the height goes where it will.

Grip editing columns

Note: Any Mtext - using either Dynamic or Static columns - can be edited with the associated grips.

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