{"id":32833,"date":"2023-02-07T14:55:14","date_gmt":"2023-02-07T13:55:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.architect-us.com\/blog\/?p=32833"},"modified":"2022-11-23T11:50:32","modified_gmt":"2022-11-23T10:50:32","slug":"3-quick-easy-and-actionable-tips-for-autocad","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.architect-us.com\/blog\/2023\/02\/3-quick-easy-and-actionable-tips-for-autocad\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Quick, Easy and Actionable Tips For AutoCAD"},"content":{"rendered":"

AutoCAD<\/strong> was developed and marketed by Autodesk<\/strong> for architects, engineers, and construction professionals to create precise 2D and 3D drawings. \u00a0Even if everyone talks about Revit, Grasshopper, Rhino, and all the sorts of BIM or 3D modeling software, AutoCAD is still utilized in firms all across the world.<\/p>\n

Being familiar with AutoCAD can establish a good foundation for other programs. It\u2019s important to note that the images below are stitched to illustrate the process better, so it will not look the same when attempting this.<\/p>\n

Shortcuts + Customization<\/h2>\n

How do you set up your own shortcuts? When you open up AutoCAD, you\u2019ll want to click on the \u201cManage\u201d tab, then click on \u201cEdit Aliases,\u201d and this window should pop up.<\/p>\n

From here, you can customize all the shortcuts you need to one or a few keys to do multiple tasks. It\u2019s important to make sure there are no duplicates in this notepad, or AutoCAD will be confused about what you are attempting to achieve.<\/p>\n

Interface Customization<\/h2>\n

Just like shortcut customization, interface customization is the next best thing to get situated with. Type \u201cSettings\u201d in the command bar, and a window will pop up, which will give you multiple options to adjust the display, drafting, or user preferences settings. Make sure to explore all the different options on your own.<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. This button controls the ribbon area, and you can cycle through multiple settings depending on how you like it. I normally go with the ribbon option shown in the image because it\u2019s easier to navigate than the others.<\/li>\n
  2. This option is available for most pop-up tabs that occur in AutoCAD. This symbol essentially asks if you\u2019d like this window to be added to your sidebar. It also toggles whether you want the tool window to stay locked or hidden when not used.<\/li>\n
  3. The sidebar is where you\u2019d find any anchored tool window you\u2019d like. I usually keep my properties tab locked but place my \u201cLayer Properties\u201d and \u201cExternal References\u201d anchored and automatically withdrawn if not used to the side for quick access.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Utilizing Blocks<\/h2>\n

    Blocks allow you change many different objects at the same time, instead of repeatedly deleting and copying objects. Blocks essentially allow you to edit multiple instances of the same block at once.<\/p>\n

    There are two ways to access it: option 1 is found under the \u201cHome\u201d ribbon, where you can go over to the block tab to create or insert any blocks. Option 2 is housed under the \u201cInsert\u201d ribbon \u2014 there\u2019s a bigger block tab that can help you learn what the image stands for, but either option will get you to the same result. Ideally, you\u2019d want to create the object first using any tools under the option and modify tab. Once you\u2019ve done that, select the lines, then click the \u201cCreate Block\u201d button and this window should pop up.<\/p>\n

    You can choose to select the object after, but I find it easier and quicker to select the lines or objects first before creating the block.<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Click this button for the \u201cBlock Definition\u201d window to pop up after selecting the lines and\/or objects for the block.<\/li>\n
    2. This is where you should name the block so it will save you time finding it!<\/li>\n
    3. These are some settings you\u2019d want to adjust eventually; for your sake, the settings shown will be ideal before adjustments.<\/li>\n
    4. It\u2019s ideal to uncheck this box because it\u2019s unnecessary to edit the block right away if you\u2019ve drawn it correctly beforehand. Don\u2019t worry, you can always edit the block by right-clicking the object and finding the \u201cEdit Block\u201d option.<\/li>\n
    5. Make sure to select this option to set the base point of the block. Otherwise, it may cause complications later on!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      These three tips may seem simple but they allow you to accomplish a lot more in the time you have. Thus, you can focus on more complex operations and improve quicker.<\/p>\n

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