Course Content
BURST Command
The BURST command in AutoCAD is used to "explode" blocks or attributes into their individual components while preserving the original properties, such as color, layer, and line type.
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DIMJOGGED Command
The DIMJOGGED command in AutoCAD is used to create a jogged (or "jog") dimension line for circular objects, like arcs and circles, to represent the radius when the center point is off the drawing or otherwise inconvenient to display.
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NCOPY Command
The NCOPY command in AutoCAD (short for Nested Copy) allows you to copy objects from an external reference (Xref) or block reference directly into the current drawing.
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OVERKILL Command
The OVERKILL command in AutoCAD is used to clean up and optimize drawings by removing redundant or duplicate geometry.
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Mastering the Wipeout Command
Among AutoCAD's vast array of tools is one often overlooked yet powerful command: Wipeout. This nifty feature can clean up your drawings by hiding parts of your work you don't want to showcase.
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Less Known but Powerful Features
By exploring these lesser-known features, you can unlock the full potential of AutoCAD and become a more efficient and productive user.
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DIMSTYLE Editor
How to effectively use the DIMSTYLE editor to customize dimension styles
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PURGE
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WBLOCK
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Hidden Keyboard Shortcuts
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AutoCAD Secrets – Master the Hidden Gems

Hidden Keyboard Shortcuts and Command-Line Techniques in AutoCAD

Here are some powerful yet lesser-known keyboard shortcuts and command-line techniques to boost your AutoCAD efficiency:

Keyboard Shortcuts:

  • Quick Object Snap: Press SHIFT while selecting objects to cycle through different object snap modes (endpoint, midpoint, intersection, etc.).
  • Cycle Through Commands: Press ESC multiple times to cycle through recently used commands.
  • Toggle Orthogonal Mode: Press F8 to toggle between orthogonal and free-form drawing.
  • Toggle Object Snap Tracking: Press F11 to toggle object snap tracking on and off.
  • Toggle Dynamic Input: Press F12 to toggle dynamic input on and off.
  • Zoom Extents: Press Ctrl+Shift+Z to quickly zoom to extents of the drawing.
  • Pan: Press Spacebar and then drag the mouse to pan the view.
  • Zoom Window: Press Z and then select a window to zoom in on.

Command-Line Techniques:

  • Command Aliases: Create custom aliases for frequently used commands to save time. For example, L for LINE, C for CIRCLE, etc.
  • Direct Input: Use direct input to quickly specify coordinates and other parameters without using dialog boxes.
  • Script Files: Create script files to automate repetitive tasks.
  • Lisp Programming: Use AutoLISP to customize AutoCAD’s behavior and create custom tools.
  • Command Line Options: Use command-line options to modify the behavior of commands. For example, LINE 0,0 10,10 draws a line from (0,0) to (10,10).

Additional Tips:

  • Customize Your Workspace: Create custom toolbars and menus to organize your favorite commands.
  • Use the Quick Access Toolbar: Add frequently used commands to the Quick Access Toolbar for easy access.
  • Explore the Options Dialog Box: Customize various settings, such as units, precision, and display options.
  • Learn Keyboard Shortcuts: Master keyboard shortcuts to speed up your workflow.
  • Practice Regularly: The more you practice, the faster and more efficient you’ll become.

By mastering these hidden techniques, you can significantly improve your productivity and efficiency in AutoCAD.