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Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
Sacramento City College Engineering Design Technology Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
Objectives Identify and manage AutoCAD file and system settings. Assign colors and fonts to the text and graphics windows. Control AutoCAD system variables. Set options that control display quality and AutoCAD performance Control shortcut menus Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
OSNAP The Options dialog box All changes take place after clicking Apply or OK. Settings that are stored within the drawing file have the AutoCAD drawing icon next to them. Settings without the icon affect all AutoCAD drawing sessions. Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
System Variables System variables Store values that control AutoCAD functions. Can be changed by: Typing the name of the variable at the Command: prompt. Specifying a value Many variables are changed dynamically by choices made in a dialog box. Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Managing AutoCAD File and Folder Paths
Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
File and Folder Paths Options dialog box - Files Tab Some files reside on a network drive. Other files reside locally and are specifically created for a particular AutoCAD user. Locations can be specified. Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
File and Folder Paths Paths For support and driver files Text fonts Menus AutoLISP files Object ARX files Blocks Linetypes and Hatch Patterns Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Support File Search Path
Search paths are searched sequentially. \support \fonts \help \express \support\color Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Support File Search Path
Folders can be added to this list Suppose you create a folder named Blocks All of your blocks could be stored there. Adding a file Click ADD button Click Browse button Path C:\Blocks Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Support File Search Path
Add… button Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Support File Search Path
Browse Button: Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
Other File Settings Device drivers Are specifications for peripherals that work with AutoCAD Plotters Digitizer tablets Other hardware By default are stored in the \DRV folder Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
Device Driver Path Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Working Support File Search Path
Lists the active support paths AutoCAD is using. Are only listed for reference; they cannot be changed. Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Project Files Search Path
Options dialog box – Project Files List folder locations for project folders. Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
Customization Files Options dialog box – Customization Files Specifies the names of the main and enterprise customization files. Specifies the location of custom icon files. Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Help and Misc File Names
Options dialog box – Help/Misc Files Specifies which files are used for the help file and default Internet location. Also specifies the location of the configuration file Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Text Editor, Dictionary, Font Files
Options dialog box – Text Editor/Dictionary Specifies which files are used for the text editor application Main and custom dictionaries Alternative font file Location of font mapping file. Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Print File, Spooler, Prolog Section Names
Options dialog box – Print/Spooler Files Sets the file names for the plot file for legacy plotting scripts The print spool executable file The PostScript prolog section name. Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Printer Support File Path
Options dialog box – Printer Support File Path Specifies the print spool file path The printer configuration search path The printer description file search path The plot style table search path. Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Automatic Save File Location
Options dialog box – Automatic Save File Location Specifies path where the autosave (.sv$) file is stored. An autosave file is only created if the Automatic save option is checked in the Open and Save tab of the Options dialog box. Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
Color Book Location Options dialog box – Color Book Location Specifies paths for Color Book files that can be used when specifying colors in the Select Color dialog box. Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
Data Sources Location Options dialog box – Data Sources Location Specifies the path for database source (.udl) files Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
Template Settings Options dialog box – Template Settings Specifies the default location for drawing and sheet set template files and the file names for the defaults. Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Tool Palettes File Locations
Options dialog box – Tool Palettes Specifies the path for tool palette support files. Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
Log File Location Options dialog box – Help/Misc Files Specifies the path for the AutoCAD log file. A log file is only created if the Maintain a log file option is checked in the Open and Save tab of the Options dialog box. Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Action Recorder Settings
Options dialog box – Action Recorder Specifies search and storage paths for the action recorder macro (.actm) files. Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Plot and Publish Log File Locations
Options dialog box – Plot/Publish Log Files Specifies the path for the log file for “plot and publish” operations. A log file is only created if the Automatically save plot and publish log check box in the Plot and Publish tab of the Options dialog box is checked. Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Temporary Drawing File Location
Options dialog box – Temporary Drawing File Specifies the folder where AutoCAD stores temporary drawing files. Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Temporary External Reference File Location
Options dialog box – Temporary Xref File Specifies the location where temporary external reference files are placed. Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Texture Maps Search Path
Options dialog box – Texture Map Search Path Specifies the folder where AutoCAD stores texture map files for rendering. 3D applications Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
Web File Search Path Options dialog box – Web File Search Path Specifies the folders to search for files associated with photometric weblight lighting. Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing the Graphics Window
Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing Graphics Window
Tools > Options > Display Tab Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing Graphics Window
Window Elements Controls the color scheme Color scheme controls the outline color of the ribbon and status bar. Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing Graphics Window
Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing Graphics Window
On/Off choices Scroll bars on/off Drawing status bar on/off Large/small buttons for toolbars Resizing ribbon icons Showing tooltips Showing shortcut keys Extended commands in tooltips Showing roll-over tooltips. Cross-hair size Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing Graphics Window
Colors Select a context Context is one of the environments or modes that is set current when a new drawing is started based on the acad3D.dwt template. Context: list Names of all contexts. Model Space Layout Space Block Editor Command line Plot preview 3D parallel projection / 3D perspective projection Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing Graphics Window
Interface elements An item that is visible in a given context. Uniform background Crosshairs Viewport control Grid major lines Grid minor lines Autotract vector 2d Autosnap marker 3d Autosnap marker Dynamic dimension lines Drafting tool tip Drafting tool tip background Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing Graphics Window
Restore current element Resets to default color Restore current context Resets all elements to default colors Restore all contexts Resets all elements in all contexts to defaults. Restore classic colors Traditional black background in 2D model space Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing Graphics Window
Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing Graphics Window
Changing Fonts Font used in the Command: prompt window Has NO effect on the drawing text. Default is Courier New 10 point. Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing Graphics Window
Layout Display Settings Affects layout space Display Layout and Model Tabs Display printable area Display paper background Display paper shadow Show Page Setup Manager for new layouts Create viewport in new layouts. Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Display Resolution/Performance
Arc and circle smoothness Segments in a polyline curve Rendered object smoothness Display performance Pan and Zoom with raster and OLE Highlight raster image frame only Apply solid fill Show text boundary frame only Draw true silhouettes for solids and surfaces Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
File Saving Options Default Settings for Saving Files AutoCAD 2010, 2011, 2012 files are all compatible Maintain visual fidelity for annotative objects Determines how drawings with individual objects greater than 256 MB are handled. Previous versions could not have objects larger than 256 MB. If save drawing to a legacy format (2009 or earlier), will have compatibility with large drawing objects (> 256 MB) Checking this option maintans compatibility with earlier versions by telling AutoCAD to check for large objects. If large objects exist, an alert will be generated requiring resolution of this issue before drawing can be saved. Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
File Saving Options Maintain drawing size compatibility Variable - LARGEOBJECTSUPPORT. Thumbnails Preview Settings dialog box Save a thumbnail box If checked thumbnail will be generated. Use View when drawing last saved Bases thumbnail on the last zoom when saved. Use Home View Bases thumbnail on the view defined as the home view. Set current View as Home Sets home view to the current view. Reset Home to default Resets home view to default setting Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
File Saving Options Generate Sheet, Sheet View and Model View Thumbnails Thumbnail Preview Settings When checked, thumbnails are based on one of three choices. Middle position – (default setting) thumbnails are updated when they are accessed Left Position – thumbnails must be manually updated Right position – thumbnails are updated when drawing is saved. Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
File Saving Options Variable – UPDATETHUMBNAIL settings: 0 – The Generate sheet, Sheet View, and Model View Thumbnails check box is unchecked. 7 – The check box is checked and the slider is in the left-hand position 15 – The check box is checked and the slider is in the middle position. 23 – The check box is checked and the slider is in the right hand position Maximum size in pixels slider: Controls size of thumbnails 0 = 64, 1 = 128, 2 = 256 pixels Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
Autosave Settings When working in AutoCAD, data loss can occur if power outage occurs. Automatic save check box If checked, AutoCAD automatically creates a backup file at the specified time interval. Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
Autosave Settings Minutes between saves edit box Sets the time between automatic saves Does not overwrite the source drawing file with incremental saves. Saves temporary files instead, which have extension .sv$ Temporary files can be renamed to .dwg and opened. Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
Autosave Settings Time interval value Set to the maximum amount of work you are willing to redo. If set too long, will lose a lot of work If set too soon, computer will constantly be unavailable because of file saves. Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
Autosave Settings Backup Files Can automatically be created when current drawing is saved. Has a .bak extension Backup is not overwritten when a different drawing is opened or saved. Create backup copy with each save When checked, backup file is created Good idea to have this option enabled. Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
CRC Validation CRC – cyclic redundancy check Verifies that the number of data bits sent is the same as the number received. Useful when drawing files are being corrupted, and a hardware or software problem is suspected. Check is performed every time data are read into the drawing. Ensures all data are correctly received. Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
Log Files Log files Record of command actions Can be used for Finding the source of drawing errors that produce the incorrect results. By a CAD manager to determine the need for staff training or customization of a system. Evaluating potential employees for CAD competence. Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
Log Files Maintain a log file check box. File requires a name Extension: .log Variables LOGFILEON LOGFILEOFF Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
Security Settings Can be used to apply a password and digital signature to the drawing. Display digital signature information When checked, shows this information when opening a drawing that has a digital signature. Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
File Opening Settings File Open Area – Number of recently-used files Controls the number of drawing files listed in the File pull-down menu. 0 to 9 files Display full path in title Controls whether the entire drawing file path or just the file name is displayed in the title bar of the AutoCAD window. Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Application Menu Settings
Controls the number of drawing files displayed in the Recent Documents entry in the application menu. Range: 0-50 Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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External Reference Settings
External References Area Demand load Xrefs: Affects system performance Affects the ability of another user to edit a drawing currently referenced into another drawing. Enabled Disabled Enabled with Copy Variable: XLOADCTL Ex Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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External Reference Settings
Retain changes to Xref layers option If checked, xref layer settings are saved with the drawing file. Allow other users to Refedit current drawing Controls whether or not the drawing can be edited in-place when it is referenced by another drawing. Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
System Settings System Settings - Options for Pointing device Graphics settings General system options dbConnect and Web-based help Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
System Settings Options for default Pointing device Usually the mouse Could be a digitizer tablet Layout Regen Options Controls what is regenerated and when it is regenerated when working with layout tabs. Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
System Settings Options for dbConnect Store Links index in drawing file When checked, the database index is saved within the drawing file. This makes the link selection operation quicker, but increases the drawing file size. Open tables in read-only mode Determines whether tables are opened in read-only mode. Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
System Settings Options for General system options Control general system function Hidden meesages Settings When checked, the Hidden Message Settings dialog box is displayed. All messages hidden by the user when picking the “do not show again” option in a message box are available in this dialog box. Allows you to re-enable display of the “do not show again” messages even though they have been disabled by previous users. Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
System Settings Options for General system options Display OLE Text Size Dialog When inserting an OLE object, the OLE Text Size dialog box is displayed. Beep on error in user input Specifies whether AutoCAD alerts you of incorrect user input with an audible beep. Default setting is off Load acad.lsp with every drawing Turns the persistent AuoLISP feature on/off Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
System Settings Options for General system options Allow long symbol names If checked, symbol names can be 255 characters. If unchecked, symbol names can only be 31 characters. Access online content (including Help) Determines how assistance is obtained with Help Command. If checked, a web browser is opened, and online help from the Autodesk’s website will be displayed. If unchecked, local help file is used Default browser can be selected. Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
System Settings Options for General system options Balloon notifications Button opens the InfoCenter Settings dialog box. Enable balloon notification for these sources If checked, balloon notifications are enabled. Live update channel Software updates enable on/off Did you know Messages and tips enabled on/off Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
User Preferences AutoCAD allows users to optimize the way they work in the program. Double-click editing Shortcut menu functions Insertion units Hyperlink icon display Working with fields Coordinate data entry Associative dimensions Undo/redo control Block editor settings Default lineweight settings and Scale list settings Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
User Preferences Double-click editing Opens the most appropriate editing tool for that object type. Often is the Properties palette. Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
User Preferences Double-click editing Opens the most appropriate editing tool for that object type. Often is the Properties palette. Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
User Preferences Short-cut menus Displayed by right-clicking Are context sensitive. The options available in the shortcut menu are determined by the active command, cursor location or selected object. If off Right-click is like [Enter] Generally not recommended Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
User Preferences Right-click Customization Turn on time-sensitive right-click. Quick click = [Enter] Long click = [shortcut menu] Duration of long click is set in milliseconds. Default No objects are selected, and no command is active Repeat Last Command Activates the last command issued. Shortcut Menu Displays the shortcut menu Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
User Preferences Edit Mode An object is selected, but no command is active Repeat Last Command Activates the last command issued. Shortcut Menu Displays the shortcut menu Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
User Preferences Command Mode A command mode is active Enter option [right-click] = [Enter] Shortcut Menu: always enabled Always displayed Shortcut Menu: enabled when command options are present The shortcut menu is only displayed when command options are available on the command line. If no commands are active, a right-click is the same as pressing [Enter] Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
User Preferences Insertion Scale Unit values can be set for objects when they are inserted into drawings. Either Unitless objects dragged from the Design Center OR Inserted objects using the i-drop method. Source content units: Specifies the units for objects being inserted into the drawing. Target drawing units: Determines the units in the current drawing. Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
Hyperlinks User Preferences Tab - Hyperlink area Controls whether or not the hyperlink cursor and tooltip are displayed when the cursor is over a hyperlink. Display hyperlink cursor, tooltip, and shortcut menu If enabled, the hyperlink icon appears next to the crosshairs when over a hyperlink object. Tooltip is displayed. Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
Fields Field Is a special type of text object that displays a specific property value, setting or characteristic. Can display Information related to a specific object General drawing properties Information related to the current user or computer. Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
Fields User-preferences – Fields Can control whether or not a field is displayed with a non-plotting background Display background of fields When checked, the field background is displayed light gray. Field Update Settings dialog box Can set when fields are automatically updated. Open Save Plot eTransmit Regen Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Coordinate Data Priority
User Preferences – Priority for Coordinate Data Entry Controls how AutoCAD responds to input of coordinate data. Three options Running object snap Object snaps always override coordinate entry Keyboard entry Coordinate entry always overrides object snaps Keyboard entry except scripts Coordinate entry will override object snaps except object snaps contained within scripts Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Associative Dimensioning
By default, all dimensions are associative The dimension value automatically changes when a dimension’s defpoints are moved. This option can be turned off User Preferences – Associative Dimensioning When unchecked, dimensions do not have associativity. Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
Undo/Redo User Preferences – Undo/Redo Control how multiple consecutive zooms and pans are handled within the UNDO and REDO commands. Combine zoom and pan commands When checked back-to-back zooms and pans are considered a single operation for undo and redo purposes. When unchecked, each zoom and pan are separate events when using UNDO and REDO. Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
Undo/Redo User Preferences – Undo/Redo Combine layer property change When checked, all changes made in the Layer Properties Manager palette are considered one operation. When unchecked, all changes made in the Layer Properties Manager palette are considered as separate events when using UNDO and REDO. Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
Block Editor Settings User Preferences - Lineweight Settings Can set default lineweight. Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
Block Editor Settings User Preferences - Edit Scale List Controls list of scales that appear in various dialog boxes. Used with viewports, page setups and plot scaling. Custom scales can be added / removed. You may want to remove scales from the list that are never used in your work. Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
Block Editor Settings User Preferences - Block Editor Settings Lineweight Settings and Edit Scale List Customizing the AutoCAD Environment
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