tailoring
AutoCAD 2006

the customizing e-book by ralph grabowski

 

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Table of Contents
-Tailoring AutoCAD 2006

About the Author
- Ralph Grabowski

Sample Pages

Click thumbnail for full-size view.

Chapter 1
Introduction to Tailoring AutoCAD

 

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 Chapter 2
 Changing AutoCAD's Environment

 

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Chapter 3
Creating Command Aliases

 

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Chapter 4
Customizing the User Interface

 

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Chapter 5
Creating Dynamic Blocks

 

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Chapter 6
Customizing Linetypes

 

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Chapter 7
Making Hatch Patterns

 

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Chapter 8
Creating Shapes and Fonts

 

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Chapter 9
Using Script Files

 

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Chapter 10
Employing Diesel Expressions

 

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Chapter 11
AutoLISP Programming

 

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Chapter 12
Managing CAD

 

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Chapter 13
Calculations with Cal & QuickCalc

 

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Chapter 14
Understanding DXF

 

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Chapter 15
Coding Field Text

 

about the author

Ralph Grabowski has authored and co-authored 70+ books on CAD management, ArchiCAD, AutoCAD, Generic CADD, IntelliCAD, MicroStation, TurboCAD, VDraft, Visio, HTML, and VRML. He is the editor of two e-newsletters, upFront.eZine and iCommunique .

Mr Grabowski received his B.A.Sc ('80) degree in civil engineering from the University of British Columbia. He currently works and lives in the beautiful Central Fraser Valley region of British Columbia, Canada.

You can visit his Web site at upfrontezine.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tailoring AutoCAD is our most popular e-book updated for AutoCAD 2006. 

The 372-page e-book is expanded with this additional material:

  • Features added to AutoCAD 2006.
  • Creating dynamic blocks.
  • Using the QuickCal (visual calculator) command.
  • Customization the user interface with with CUI command.
  • Maintaining workspaces.
  • Expanded section on Diesel.

The book features

  • More tips and figures!
  • Updated for AutoCAD 2006 with 2006 icon marking new items.
  • All illustrations in full color.
  • Formatted for printing on standard 8.5x11 paper.
  • Margins designed for three-hole punching. 

Also available:

Tailoring AutoCAD for AutoCAD Release 13 through 2002.
Tailoring AutoCAD 2004 for AutoCAD 2004.
Tailoring AutoCAD 2004 Workbook edition and Instructor's Guide for classroom use.
Tailoring AutoCAD 2005 for AutoCAD 2005. 

Available as mini-eBooks: same content as selected chapters from Tailoring AutoCAD 2006. Fewer pages = lower price.

Remember: If you bought Tailoring AutoCAD 2006, you don't need any of three titles above.

ordering the book

To order the 372-page Tailoring AutoCAD 2006 e-book:

  • Web Download Price: Sent to you by email in Acrobat PDF format: US$37.20 (6.0MB download).
  • On CD in Acrobat PDF format: US$42.25 (incl. shipping). 
  • Add US$20 for CD delivery by FedEx.
  • Bulk pricing available; contact the editor.

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feedback

I welcome your feedback for correcting and improving the text. Send your email to grabowski@telus.net  

table of contents

 chapter 1: introduction to tailoring autocad

The Many Ways of Customization. Which Customization?. Shortcut Tips. Tip #1: Placing Arcs . Tip #2: Placing Text . Tip #3: Replacing Text . Tip #4: Using PostScript Fonts. Tip #5: Template Drawings . Tip #6: Fast Custom Drawing Sheets. Tip #7: Collapsing Multilines. Tip #8: Changing Layers . Tip #9: Quick Trim . Tip #10: Get the Big Picture   . Tip #11: Install Express Tools   . Tip #12: Disable View Transitions   . Tip #13: Alternating Line Colors.

 

extensive new content!     chapter 2: changing autocad’s environment   

Starting AutoCAD.
Startup Switches. Tutorial: Using Command-line Switches. /b Switch . /c Switch . /layout Switch . /ld Switch .  /nologo Switch . /nossm Switch. /p Switch . /r Switch . /s Switch . /set Switch  . /t Switch . /v Switch .
Support File Paths. Search Path Options. Support File Search Path & Working Support File Search . Device Driver File Search Path . Project Files Search Path . Customization Files. Help and Miscellaneous File Names . Text Editor, Dictionary, and Font File Names . Default Support File Paths for AutoCAD. Print File, Spooler, and Prolog Section Names . Printer Support File Path. Automatic Save File Location . Color Book Locations. Data Sources Location . Drawing Template Settings . Tool Palettes File Location. Authoring Palettes File Location   . Log File Location . Plot and Publish Log File Location  . Temporary Drawing File Location . Temporary External Reference File Location . Texture Maps Search Path . i-drop Associated File Location.
Where Are My Support Files?. Finding Support Files. Method 1: Move the Folders. Method 2: Shortcut to the Folders.
Setting Templates for New Drawings . Tutorial: Specifying the Template File. Customizing Template Files. Importing Layers .
Drafting and Selection Preferences. AutoSnap Settings. Grips Settings.
Changing Window and Layout Elements. Changing Screen Colors. Command Line Font . Command Line Transparency. UCS Icon.
Rearranging Toolbars and Windows. Moving Toolbars Around. Toggling Toolbars. Moving Windows Around. Setting and Restoring Profiles.
Workspaces . Saving Workspaces. Restoring Workspaces. Controlling Workspaces. Customize the User Interface .
Catalog of Template Drawings. Generic Templates. American  National Standards Institute templates. Chinese Standard Templates. German industrial Standards templates. International Organization of Standards Templates. Japanese industrial Standards Templates.

 

chapter 3: creating command aliases

About Customizing Aliases. The Alias Format. Alias Suggestions. Creating New Aliases. Tutorial: Alias Creation by Dialog Box  . Tutorial: Alias Creation by Hand. Aliases Defined by Autodesk.

 

new chapter!    chapter 4: customizing the user interface

About CUI. About Cui Files. Collection of Cui Commands. Related System Variables.
Touring the Customize User Interface Dialog Box. Customizations Pane. Reducing the Infoglut. Command List Pane. Properties Pane. Customizing With Cui.
Toolbars. Stage 1: Create New Toolbar. Toolbar Properties. General Properties. Appearance Properties. Advanced Properties. Stage 2: Add Buttons to Toolbars. Toolbar Button Properties. General Properties. Macros. Images. Creating Flyouts. Stage 3: Writing Toolbar Macros. Basic Macros. Including Options. Adding New Commands. Using System Variables. Including Hidden Options. Additional Metacharacters. Advanced Macros. Adding Separator Lines. Stage 4: Edit Icons. Leave Icon As-is. Borrow Icons from Other Commands. Import Images as Icons. Create Custom Icons . Stage 5: Testing and Debugging. Testing Toolbar Buttons. Testing Toolbar Flyouts.
Menus. Stage 1: Create Menus. Menu Properties. General Properties. Advanced Properties. Stage 2: Add Commands to Menus. Menu Item Properties. General Properties. Macro Properties. Images Properties. Stage 3: Write Macros. Basic Menu Macros. Including Options. Metacharacters - ^ and $. Including Coordinates and User Input - \. Providing Input to Users: ^H. Submenus. Separator Lines: --. Shortcuts - &. Shortcut Keystrokes - \t. Grayed-out Text - ~. Check Mark Toggles - !.. Stage 4: Edit Icons. Stage 5: Test and Debug.
Shortcut Menus.
Keyboard Shortcuts. Shortcut Keystrokes. Stage 1: Drag Commands. Stage 2: Edit Properties. Stage 3: Test and Debug.. Temporary Override Keys  . Mouse Buttons. Stage 1: Add Buttons. Stage 2: Modify Properties. Stage 3: Test and Debug.
LISP Files. Stage 1: Select.lsp Files.
Workspaces . Stage 1: Create New Workspaces. Workspace Properties. General Properties. Display Properties. Stage 2: Make Changes. Stage 3: Save and Test.
Legacy Customization.

 

new chapter!  chapter 5: creating dynamic blocks

History of Dynamic Blocks. Trying Out Dynamic Blocks. Actions of Dynamic Blocks.
Introduction to Block Editor. Guided Tour of Block Editor. Block Editor Toolbar.
Commands Specific to Block Editor. Utility Commands. Parameter and Action Commands. Grips Commands. Visibility Commands. Attribute Commands. Relationship Between Parameters and Actions. Block Editor Authoring Palette. Summary of Actions. Disabled Commands.
Comprehensive Parameter Reference. Common Parameter Options. Further Options. The BParameter and BAction Commands. Point Parameter. Point-Move Action. Point-Stretch Action. Linear Parameter. Unique Options. Linear-Array Action. Linear-Move Action. Linear-Scale Action. Linear Stretch Action. Polar Parameter. Unique Prompts. Polar-Array Action. Polar-Move Action. Polar-Polar Stretch Action. Polar-Scale Action. Polar-Stretch Action. XY Parameter. Unique Prompts. XY-Array Action. XY-Move Action. XY-Scale Action. XY-Stretch Action. Rotation Parameter. Unique Prompts. Rotation-Rotate Action. Alignment Parameter. Unique Prompts. Flip Parameter. Unique Prompts. Flip-Flip Action. Visibility Parameter. Lookup Parameter. Base Parameter.
Comprehensive System Variable Reference.
BEditor Tutorials. Tips on Creating Dynamic Blocks. Block Authoring Palette. Placing Parameters. Placing Actions. Viewing Relationships. How Parameter Sets Work. Debugging Dynamic Blocks. Move-Point Tutorial.
Starting AutoCAD and Entering Block Editor. Assigning the Point Parameter. Assigning the Move Action. Testing the Dynamic Block. Stretch-Linear Tutorial. Changing the Parameter Label. Using Ortho Mode. Double-click to Apply the Stretch Action. Testing the Dynamic Block. Rotate-Rotation Tutorial. Using Parameter Sets. Double-clicking to Activate Rotation. Editing Parameters with Properties & Restricting Movement. Alignment Tutorial. Add the Alignment Action. Aligning Blocks to Objects. Flip-Flip Tutorial. Entering Commands at the Keyboard. Adding the Flip Action. Visibility Tutorial. Opening Drawings in Block Editor. Placing the Visibility States Parameter. The Visibility States Dialog Box.
Catalog of Dynamic Blocks.

 

chapter 6: customizing linetypes

Commands that Affect Linetypes. System Variables Affecting Linetypes. The Special Case of Polylines.
Customizing Linetypes. Tutorial: Making Linetypes with -Linetype Command. Tutorial: Testing New Linetypes. Tutorial: Making Linetypes with MkLType . Tutorial: Making Linetypes with a Text Editor.
Simple (1D) Linetype Format. Line1 – Header. Line 2: Data. Complex (2D) Linetype Format. Text. Text Style. Text Scale Factor. Text Rotation Angle. Text Orientation. Text Offset Distance. Embedding Shapes. 3D Linetypes. Tutorial: Attempting a Parallel Linetype.

 

chapter 7: making hatch patterns

About Hatch Patterns. Commands and System Variables. Non-associative and Associative and Patterns.
Creating Custom Hatch Patterns. Tutorial: Creating Patterns with Hatch. Tutorial: Creating Patterns with Hatch. Tutorial: Creating Patterns with SuperHatch .
Understanding the acad.pat File. Comment and Header Lines. The Hatch Data. Tips on Creating Pattern Codes. Adding Custom Patterns to the Dialog Box. Hatch Patterns and Gradient Fills.

 

chapter 8: creating shapes & fonts

About Shape Files. Tutorial: Creating Shapes .
The Shape File Format. Header Fields. Definition Lines. Vector Codes. Instruction Codes. 0/000: End of Shape. 1/001: Draw Mode. 2/002: Move Mode. 3/003: Reduced Scale. 4/004: Enlarged Scale. 5/005: Save (Push). 6/006: Recall (Pop). 7/007: Subshape. 8/008: X,y Distance. 9/009: X,y Distances. 10/00A: Octant Arc. 11/ 00B: Fractional Arc. 12/00C: Bulge Arc. 13/00D: Polyarc. 14/00E: Flag Vertical Text Flag.

 

chapter 9: using script files

What Are Scripts? Script Files. Drawbacks to Scripts. Strictly Command-Line Oriented.
Script Commands and Modifiers. Script. RScript. Resume. Delay. Special Characters. (space). ; (semicolon). ' (apostrophe). * (asterisk). Backspace. Esc.

 

extensive new content!    chapter 10: employing diesel expressions.

The History of Diesel. Is Diesel a Programming Language?. What Diesel Does.
Brief List of Diesel Functions. Math Functions. Logic Functions. Numeric Conversion Functions. String (Text) Functions. System Functions.
ModeMacro: Displaying Text on the Status Bar. Reporting Values of System Variables.
Error Messages. $?. $(functionName)??. $(functionName,??). $(++). Debugging Diesel.
Using Variables.
Diesel Functions. Math Functions. + (Addition). - (Subtraction). * (Multiplication). / (Division). Logic Functions. = (Equal). < (Less than). > (Greater Than). != (Not Equal). <= (Less Than or Equal). >= (Greater Than or Equal). and (Logical Bitwise AND). eq. if. or (Logical Bitwise Or). xor (Logical Bitwise Xor).
Conversion Functions. angtos. fix. rtos. String Functions. index. nth. strlen. substr. upper. System Functions. edtime. eval. getenv. getvar. linelen.
Diesel Programming Tips. Diesel in Menus and Toolbars. Parsing the Name Macro. $(if,... !.). $(eq,... 1),. $(getvar,attmode),. &Normal. Parsing Diesel in Macros. Bitcode Macros. Diesel in AutoLISP. Via the Setvar Function. Concatenate Two Diesel Strings. Via the MenuCmd Function.

 

chapter 11: autolisp programming

The History of AutoLISP. The AutoLISP Programming Language.
Simple AutoLISP: Adding Two Numbers. AutoLISP in Commands. Remembering the Result: SetQ.
AutoLISP Functions. Math Functions. Geometric Functions. Conditional Functions. String and Conversion Functions. External Command Functions. Accessing System Variables. GetXXX Functions. Selection Set Functions. Object Manipulation Functions. Advanced AutoLISP Functions.
Writing a Simple AutoLISP Program. Why Write Programs?. The Id Command. Planning the Attack. Obtaining the Coordinates. Placing the Text. Putting Them Together. An Alternative to LISP Programming.
Sprucing Up Code. Conquering Feature Bloat. Wishlist Item #1: Naming AutoLISP Programs. Wishlist Item #2: Saving AutoLISP Programs to Disk. Wishlist Item #3: Automatically Loading AutoLISP Programs. Wishlist #4: Using Car and Cdr
Saving Data to Files. Three Steps to Writing Data Files. Step 1: Opening Files. Step 2: Writing Data to Files. Step 3: Closing Files. Putting It Together. Wishlist #5: Specifying Layers. Wishlist #6: Setting the Text Style.
Tips on Using AutoLISP. Use ASCII Text Editors. Loading LSP Code into AutoCAD. Toggling System Variables. Be Neat and Tidy. Suppress That nil. Read-Write-Append Files. Quotation Marks as Quotation Marks. Keep Variables to Six Characters. Tabs and Quotation Marks.
Listing of AutoLISP Functions.

 

chapter 12: managing cad

CAD Standards. How CAD Standards Work. What CAD Standards Cannot Do. Step 1: Create the Standards Drawing. Linetype Standards. Layer Standards. Text Style Standards. Dimension Style Standards. Step 2: Save the Drawing as a Standard. Step 3: Apply the Standards. Step 4: Checking Standards. Setting Options for Standards Checking.
Employing DesignCenter and Tool Palettes. DesignCenter. Tool Palettes. Tab Customization. Icon Customization. Palette Customization. Titlebar Customization. Commands and Programs on Palettes. Tools by Example. New Tool Properties. Tool Flyouts. Other Content. Command Tools. Adding Commands. Adding Programs and Macros. Changing Icons. Organize Tools. XTP File Format. XML Metacharacters. XTP Section 3: Palette Data.

 

extensive new content!     chapter 13: calculations with cal & quickcalc

Introduction to Cal. Cal Functions. Using Cal. Performing Calculations Transparently. Calculations in Dialog Boxes. Architectural Calculations. Converting to Inches. Converting Between Units. Format of acad.unt File.
Cvunit - Acad.unt. System International Prefixes.
Geometric Calculations. Working with Angles. Vector Calculations. Using AutoLISP and System Variables. Remembering Results. Reading System Variables.
Additional Functions. Conversion Functions. Vector Functions. Coordinate Functions. Geometry Functions. Shortcut Functions.
QuickCalc. Opening and Closing QuickCalc. Related System Variables. Number Pad. Scientific. Using QuickCalc for Basic Calculations. Entering Calculations in the Input Box. Interacting with Drawings and Commands. Toolbar. Shortcut Menu.
Unit Conversions. Working with Constants and Fomulas.
Using Variables. Controlling Variables. Creating Variables. Constants. Formula.

 

chapter 14: understanding dxf

Introduction to DXF. DWG and DXF File Formats. Miscellaneous Comments on DWG and DXF.
The DXF Format. Object Properties. Header Section of DXF Files. Group Codes. HEADER Section. Version Numbers. CLASSES Section. TABLES Section. BLOCKS Section. ENTITIES Section. OBJECTS Section. THUMBNAILIMAGE Section. EOF.

 

chapter 15: coding field text

Creating Field Text. Field. Text and MText. AttDef. Dimensions and Leaders. Available Fields. Date and Time Codes. Changing Field Text. Double-clicking. Properties Window.
Customizing Field Text Updates. UpdateField. FieldEval. FieldDisplay. The Meaning of ---- and ####.
Creating Custom Field Text. Copying and Pasting Code. Tutorial: Modifying Field Codes. Modifying Field Codes: Dialog Box. Modifying Field Codes: By Hand.
Understanding Field Codes. Groups. Metawords. Formatting. Format Codes. %tcn — Text Case. %lun — Linear Units. %dsn — Decimal Separator. %aun — Angular Units. %lwn — Line Weight units. %qfn — scale Factor. %ctn — ConverT. %ptn — PointTs (xyz coordinates). %.n — decimal places. %prn — display PRecision. %fnn — File Names. %byn — BYtes (file size). href - Hyperlinks. Date & Time Format Codes. Objects and Property Names.

No appendices.

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