Between the Lines

Ellen Finkelstein's AutoCAD 2007 and AutoCAD LT 2007 Bible is Released

Congratulations Ellen!

Amazon.com link AutoCAD 2007 and AutoCAD LT 2007 Bible

AutoCAD Wish List: June 2006 Results

There were 270 wishes were submitted over the past few months and the top ten according to the voting at AUGI.com AutoCAD wishlist are as follows:

1. Dimensions on the correct layer
   
   Summary: An option to place all dimensions on a user defined layer, eliminating the need to change layers when dimensioning an object.
   Description: Placing Dimensions on a given layer has always been on task we all dread trying to remember.
   A button in the Dimension Dialog Box would allow all Dimension to be placed on a given layer.
   But just like dimensions they would allow for an override.
   How Used: Allow a check box for Dimensions to be on a given layer, and then key-in that layer name, or allow a pull-down from the Layers Manager.
   But allow for Overrides.
   Submitted By: Kirk Crawford on February 5, 2006
2. Valid Hatch Boundary Error
   
   Summary: When a valid hatch boundary not found error occurs, show why the boundary is invalid so it can be fixed.
   Description: That the Boundary Definition Error "valid hatch boundary not found" show the reasons why the boundary is invalid so as to enable me to fix it immediately.
   How Used: This would save a great deal of time and drawing space. I would not have to redraw borders and hatch to the new object, or try to discover the reason for the error and find the hidden opening in a complex object, rather I would fix the boundary and move on to the next.
   Submitted By: Lisa Cameron on February 7, 2006
3. Break symbol in dim lines
   Summary: The ability to add a break symbol to a dimension line and still maintain the correct dimension.
   Description: Break Symbol in the Dimension line
   How Used: There are times when I will have to use a break symbol on my drawing but I want to be able to dimension the item. I think it would be useful to have the ability to dimension and be able to chose a dimension line with a break symbol and enter the value.
   Submitted By: Donald Boyer on April 3, 2006
4. Better insertion of word or excel files into AutoCAD
   
   Summary: The ability to insert word or excel files without having the appearance of them change in AutoCAD
   Description: insert a Microsoft Excel or Microsoft Word file in a drawing as an AutoCAD entity without effecting the format of the inserted file.
   How Used: I would like to insert a Microsoft office or excel file as AutoCAD entity without changing the format or the look of the original file.
   Submitted By: Sarmad Gorial on January 4, 2006
5. Compare Drawings
   
   Summary: The ability to compare two drawings and visibly show the changes between the drawings.
   Description: I want to see the ability to compare two drawings, nothing fancy, just compare line for line and generate a new drawing showing the differences. Use three colors for unchanged, added, and deleted.
   How Used: We frequently have several drawings in different states of revision. It would be helpful to be able to see what has changed.
   Submitted By: Jerry Runnels on March 23, 2006
6. Draworder setting for layers
   
   Summary: The ability to set a draworder to specific layers
   Description: Layers having a Draworder Settings.
   How Used: When creating layers, the user would assign a draworder value to that layer. For example, layers will have a hierarchy value of 1 thru 3. Value 1 will always be on the bottom, 2 in the middle and 3 always being on top. IF this does not create a performance issue, then it would be nice to have even a greater issue of control, such as a hierarchy value of 1 thru 5.
   Submitted By: Ted Krush on January 18, 2006
7. 3D to 2D conversion tool
   Summary: A better way to convert 3D drawings to 2D drawings when not using solids.
   Description: I would like to have an exact 3D to 2D conversion tool in model space.
   How Used: There is only an OLD and inaccurate DXB (or WMF) option to do such conversions in model space. Layouts support it, but only for solid models. Such a conversion would be a great feature for architects with possibility to convert solids as well as surfaces (terrains) or objects with thickness. 2D projection drawings would offer a wide possibility making use of the new 2D presentation graphics capabilities.
   Submitted By: Vesna Kriznar on February 3, 2006
8. Double click to open dimensions
   
   Summary: The ability to double click on a dimension and have it open in the text editor.
   Description: I wish that when you double click the text on dimensions that it would open the text editor.
   How Used: I would double click the text on the dimension.
   Submitted By: Ted Wessale on January 26, 2006
9. Create hatches
   
   Summary: The ability to create hatches in AutoCAD
   Description: The ability to create hatch
   How Used: I would like to be able to creates hatches such as plywood or other materials easily with a hatch editor/creator.
   Submitted By: Alex Guard on March 31, 2006
10. Default Printer when opening drawing with unrecognized printer
    Summary: When opening a drawing that has an unrecognized printer, the default printer should be used instead of "none"
    Description: Provide a default printer/plotter name to be assigned when you open a drawing with an unrecognized printer instead of selecting "None" at the moment.
    How Used: It would make plotting other people's work much easier
    Submitted By: George Drayton on March 31, 2006

(BLAUGI: AutoCAD Wish List: June 2006 Results)

I know you can do some of these items already one way or another but the customer wishes are loud and clear to do it better or add them to core AutoCAD such as the break dimension lines which is already in AutoCAD Mechanical.

If you want to see some of the behind the scenes discussions on these items and their possible implementation join the Autodesk MyFeedback (http://myfeedback.autodesk.com)  for providing your feedback to the product teams and also beta testing new releases and help shape the future of the products. Thanks to the users and AUGI for this great list and I will see what we can do to fulfill the wishes.

Cheers,
Shaan Hurley
Autodesk, Inc.
http://myfeedback.autodesk.com
http://labs.autodesk.com

There were 270 wishes were submitted over the past few months and the top ten according to the voting at AUGI.com AutoCAD wishlist are as follows:

1. Dimensions on the correct layer
   
   Summary: An option to place all dimensions on a user defined layer, eliminating the need to change layers when dimensioning an object.
   Description: Placing Dimensions on a given layer has always been on task we all dread trying to remember.
   A button in the Dimension Dialog Box would allow all Dimension to be placed on a given layer.
   But just like dimensions they would allow for an override.
   How Used: Allow a check box for Dimensions to be on a given layer, and then key-in that layer name, or allow a pull-down from the Layers Manager.
   But allow for Overrides.
   Submitted By: Kirk Crawford on February 5, 2006
2. Valid Hatch Boundary Error
   
   Summary: When a valid hatch boundary not found error occurs, show why the boundary is invalid so it can be fixed.
   Description: That the Boundary Definition Error "valid hatch boundary not found" show the reasons why the boundary is invalid so as to enable me to fix it immediately.
   How Used: This would save a great deal of time and drawing space. I would not have to redraw borders and hatch to the new object, or try to discover the reason for the error and find the hidden opening in a complex object, rather I would fix the boundary and move on to the next.
   Submitted By: Lisa Cameron on February 7, 2006
3. Break symbol in dim lines
   Summary: The ability to add a break symbol to a dimension line and still maintain the correct dimension.
   Description: Break Symbol in the Dimension line
   How Used: There are times when I will have to use a break symbol on my drawing but I want to be able to dimension the item. I think it would be useful to have the ability to dimension and be able to chose a dimension line with a break symbol and enter the value.
   Submitted By: Donald Boyer on April 3, 2006
4. Better insertion of word or excel files into AutoCAD
   
   Summary: The ability to insert word or excel files without having the appearance of them change in AutoCAD
   Description: insert a Microsoft Excel or Microsoft Word file in a drawing as an AutoCAD entity without effecting the format of the inserted file.
   How Used: I would like to insert a Microsoft office or excel file as AutoCAD entity without changing the format or the look of the original file.
   Submitted By: Sarmad Gorial on January 4, 2006
5. Compare Drawings
   
   Summary: The ability to compare two drawings and visibly show the changes between the drawings.
   Description: I want to see the ability to compare two drawings, nothing fancy, just compare line for line and generate a new drawing showing the differences. Use three colors for unchanged, added, and deleted.
   How Used: We frequently have several drawings in different states of revision. It would be helpful to be able to see what has changed.
   Submitted By: Jerry Runnels on March 23, 2006
6. Draworder setting for layers
   
   Summary: The ability to set a draworder to specific layers
   Description: Layers having a Draworder Settings.
   How Used: When creating layers, the user would assign a draworder value to that layer. For example, layers will have a hierarchy value of 1 thru 3. Value 1 will always be on the bottom, 2 in the middle and 3 always being on top. IF this does not create a performance issue, then it would be nice to have even a greater issue of control, such as a hierarchy value of 1 thru 5.
   Submitted By: Ted Krush on January 18, 2006
7. 3D to 2D conversion tool
   Summary: A better way to convert 3D drawings to 2D drawings when not using solids.
   Description: I would like to have an exact 3D to 2D conversion tool in model space.
   How Used: There is only an OLD and inaccurate DXB (or WMF) option to do such conversions in model space. Layouts support it, but only for solid models. Such a conversion would be a great feature for architects with possibility to convert solids as well as surfaces (terrains) or objects with thickness. 2D projection drawings would offer a wide possibility making use of the new 2D presentation graphics capabilities.
   Submitted By: Vesna Kriznar on February 3, 2006
8. Double click to open dimensions
   
   Summary: The ability to double click on a dimension and have it open in the text editor.
   Description: I wish that when you double click the text on dimensions that it would open the text editor.
   How Used: I would double click the text on the dimension.
   Submitted By: Ted Wessale on January 26, 2006
9. Create hatches
   
   Summary: The ability to create hatches in AutoCAD
   Description: The ability to create hatch
   How Used: I would like to be able to creates hatches such as plywood or other materials easily with a hatch editor/creator.
   Submitted By: Alex Guard on March 31, 2006
10. Default Printer when opening drawing with unrecognized printer
    Summary: When opening a drawing that has an unrecognized printer, the default printer should be used instead of "none"
    Description: Provide a default printer/plotter name to be assigned when you open a drawing with an unrecognized printer instead of selecting "None" at the moment.
    How Used: It would make plotting other people's work much easier
    Submitted By: George Drayton on March 31, 2006

AutoCAD 2007 and the /3GB Expanded Memory

AutoCAD 2007 is /3GB switch aware if you make the boot.ini file changes recommended by Microsoft (see link below). Of course the only gain is you can load larger models into memory but there is no real performance gains. A strong word of caution is you could effect other applications on your system that are not "LargeAddressAware" with this OS boot.ini switch.

http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/system/platform/server/PAE/PAEmem.mspx

Google Maps on your Mobile Device

Get real time traffic conditions on your mobile device currently for 30 US cities. It even works on my Blackberry 8700c. Pretty neat use of technology.

 “Detailed directions: Whether you plan to walk or drive, your route is displayed on the map itself, together with step-by-step directions.

Integrated search results: Local business locations and contact information appear all in one place, integrated on your map.

Easily movable maps: Interactive, draggable maps let you zoom in or out, and move in all directions so you can orient yourself visually.

Satellite imagery: Get a bird's eye view of your desired location.

Real-time traffic:  See where the congestion is, and estimate delays in over 30 major US metropolitan areas. “

(via Google Maps)

Vespa Beta 5 has been released

For members that have signed up at http://myfeedback.autodesk.com and used beta code vespa05 they will have access to a new beta build to play with and provide feedback. It Isa not too late to sign up but please do not use a free or anonymous email as we need to know who you are before handing over the keys to our pre-release software.

Many thanks to all of you who downloaded and provided feedback on Vespa Beta 4.  We are now in the process of identifying specific areas of the application that need performance tuning.  Look for an invitation in the near future to participate in an interview that will assist us in this determination.

The development group that has been working very hard on Vespa will be taking some well deserved vacations.  We will be making a few more beta releases prior to the commercial release and will resume posting after our batteries are recharged.

Thanks for your continued contributions to the beta forum and the image gallery.  The images there are really starting to show the vision of the program!

With Vespa you can go from CAD drawing to conceptual art in just a few minutes by mapping layers to styles and blocks to conceptual entourage.

From a boring CAD design

Mapping styles to layers and blocks

And the final nice looking result

ObjectDCL is going open source

I hope Chad is doing fine.

From Jimmy Bergmarks JTB World Blog:
According to a post in the newsgroups ObjectDCL (an interactive replacement of the DCL language for developing dialog boxes within AutoCAD using AutoLISP) is going open source…read more at JTB World: ObjectDCL is going open source

AutoCAD 2007 Service Pack 1 Beta

We have just made the beta of the AutoCAD 2007 Service Pack available to members of the ACAD Futures discussion forums on http://myfeedback.autodesk.com. If you would like to participate in ACAD Futures discussions with almost 4000 other AutoCAD users as well as test the Service Pack please make sure to sign up at http://myfeedback.autodesk.com and select AutoCAD as the product you wish to provide active feedback on.

I will provide more details on this service pack in a  future post including many of the highlights of this Service Pack.

Cheers,
Shaan

AutoCAD 2007 Hotfix - Cut and Paste

New AutoCAD 209097 Hotfix Available

This hotfix will correct a problem where cut and paste, copy and paste, block and insert, wblock and insert, and drag and drop operations fail in drawings that are saved in AutoCAD® 2000 and AutoCAD® Release 14 file formats.

(via Autodesk - AutoCAD - Hotfix - Cut and Paste)

Back Home with Jetlag

Just got back about 24 hours ago from a 3 week Asia trip to Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, and Korea. My body says it is 3:54PM but my clock is saying it is 12:54AM here.

I have the hardest time adjusting back from Asia trips. For some reason it is much easier when traveling to Europe and back than headed the other direction and same distance. I will take some herbal melatonin as that usually helps reduce the impact.

-Shaan

Plotting Multiple Layouts in AutoCAD

Just posting a recent AutoCAD Knowledge Base document while preparing to catch a flight to Hong Kong China today after spending a great day yesterday in Kyoto Japan with members of AUGI Japan.

Published date: 2006-07-12
ID: TS1058702

Applies to:
AutoCAD® 2007
AutoCAD® 2006
AutoCAD® 2005

Issue
When you selected multiple layout tabs, the Plot option on the shortcut menu was not available.

Solution
To plot multiple layouts, you should use the Publish selected layouts option on the shortcut menu.

Follow these steps:

• Select the required layout tabs and right-click.
• Click Publish Selected Layouts.
• In the Publish dialog box, click the Publish button.

See also
Plot multiple layouts simultaneously

Traveling Asia

Last week I was in Singapore this week I am in Tokyo then later today headed for the Osaka and Kyoto region by bullet train. Things have been very busy but I have been meeting some great fellow Autodesk employees, resellers and customers. I even get to meet with AUGI Japan members multiple times.

On Saturday I will be headed for Hong Kong China and then later next week Seoul Korea before heading back to the United States.

I have been posting some photos to my Asia 2006 Photo Gallery but have not had time to annotate the photos yet but will soon.

Asia 2006 Gallery

Regards,
Shaan

A New Autodesk Blog is Born, Through the Interface

Kean has now joined the Autodesk blogs world.  Those who Kean will agree with me and know I am definitely not spouting fluff when I say he knows his topic ObjectARX and the AutoCAD APIs as well as being a very nice and helpful guy.

Through the Interface

http://blogs.autodesk.com/through-the-interface
Subject:  Developer blog
Host: Kean Walmsley

DbView for AutoCAD 2007

DbView is a tool when loaded into AutoCAD used to look into your DWG file and spot problems with the underlying file database.

Please be careful in using it as it can edit the DWG and also corrupt them if you are not aware of what you are doing. The code for this tool is included in the free ObjectARX SDK from http://www.autodesk.com/objectarx.

Download dbview.zip

Missed Me...

I have arrived safe and sound in Singapore after crossing the Sea of Japan from Tokyo down to Singapore a few hours ago. It seems North Korea decided to test fire 3 missiles into the Sea of Japan as well.

Today I am taking a day of vacation to explore Singapore and perhaps Malaysia. I will post photos into my Asia 2006 photo gallery later tonight.

-Shaan

DWF Viewer Independance "Project Freewheel"

So what you are about to see is a new work in progress codenamed "Project Freewheel Technology Preview" soon to reside in the http://labs.autodesk.com.

http://DWFit.com

You can have a server render a 2D DWF remotely without a client DWF viewer required on your local machine. You can do this as well but please note this is very early and not a release ready product. Currently it only works in Internet Explorer and Firefox but Safari should be following from what I understand and you could use Firefox on a Mac or Linux. Imagine posting your DWF files on your server and then on your web page including some simple HTML to embed your DWF files so your visitors or customers can view the DWF and zoom and pan around. The http://DWFit.com server is doing all the work for you. This will be a great way to make the DWF viewing operating system and device independent so that any one with a browser can view the DWF.

Cool Stuff!!!!!

Ramblings at 35,000 Feet and 532 MPH

Having 18 hours on a plane to read, work, sleep and eat I thought I would channel a small burst of energy into a post before falling asleep while over the middle of the North Pacific ocean 3432 miles from Tokyo then I head to Singapore from there.

Traveling Today

Today I am traveling to Singapore via Tokyo. It will be about 16 hours flight time. I will be traveling on business in Asia for the next 3 weeks and will be visiting many locations including Tokyo, Osaka, Seoul, Hong Kong and others. I will definitly be blogging and posting photos during the trip.

Cheers Shaan

Posted via my Blackberry phone.

-------------------------- Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld

It's Amazingly Easy to take your Designs and Make Them Artistic Hand Renders > Vespa Beta 3 Now Released

The above nice image is from Autodesk Employee Lance Thompson who is a Vespa Wizard. This was created from 2D line work in a DWG file.

It works with DWG files, DWF files, output from other products and makes them look phenomenal. Revision to the design take only minutes to update the Vespa output instead starting over with markers or post editing of a postscript file. Take what used to be a several hour or many day process into about 20 minutes. You can assign styles to layers or blocks, convert hatches to styles, have a block insert replaced by another block randomly scaled and rotated to prevent that same tree copied look. It is just plain fun and effective.

To beta test the unreleased code named Vespa product, sign up at http://myfeedback.autodesk.com. Use the Beta Code "Vespa03B" in your sign up. If you are already a member of the MyFeedback portal, log in and select the User button to edit your profile and change your Beta Code to "Vespa01B". Spread the word to others who might benefit from this new product and wish to participate and provide feedback during pre-release beta testing.

Vespa Beta 3 was released just last week! Some of the beta customers are already creating works of art with little effort other than import of their DWG or DWF file.

Past blog post on Vespa:

New Autodesk Product Beta Coming Soon, Codenamed Vespa