Supported by the ever popular “Lynn Allen’s Tips & Tricks” pocket reference guide (always a big hit), Lynn did a fine job of discussing the coolest new and underutilized features available in the AutoCAD 2006 suite.

The following are a few of the cool features in AutoCAD 2006 that the typical user and would-be user should be aware of:

Dynamic Input – Simply put, this entails having the command line conveniently follow your cursor. This is HUGE! Now, don’t freak out… your command line isn’t gone… even better, you can now move it to pretty much any place on the screen that you like or, it can float and appear where your cursor happens to be positioned. You old-timers will no doubt want to keep your command line in the lower-left position “where it belongs” and your in good company as this is where Lynn likes it as well! In addition to the floating dynamic input, additional command options are available via a handy dialog pull down. Hint – to turn on Dynamic Input simply hit the F12 key (a tip: set “show command prompting” & “enable pointer input” – ON). Also, is your command line gone... don’t worry, simply key in Ctrl+Q.

Sheet Sets – A big surprise at the session was that hardly anyone in attendance would admit to using Sheet Sets… hard to believe and Lynn was visibly shaken (well, not quite) by this! Powered by a handy sheet set wizard, users can optionally elect to use an existing set or define their own. Multiple users can access and edit sheet sets at the same time, however, keep in mind each drawing can belong to only one sheet set. A sheet set index can be automatically generated (available to users of 2005 & 2006) enabling users to easily navigate in/out of sheets. This functionality is highly under-used… I can’t help but imaging how much easier my job would have been a number of years ago when I was creating gas pipeline alignment sheets here in British Columbia if I would have had this tool at my disposal (I was using AutoCAD 13 at the time). Hint: to access the Sheet Set Manager use the SSM command or hit Ctrl+4.

Intelligent Table Objects – Lynn didn’t jump into this topic but it is in the tip book. On a side note, be advised, if you’re currently not using intelligent tables and are still drawing tabular grids by hand then you need a SLAP! Driven by a Table Style Dialog, table definition and property assignment is now a breeze. Text is editable using the MTEXT command and mathematical formulas are supported. Even cooler, Excel tables are easily copied into a table and the TABLEEXPORT command enables output via TXT format for subsequent use in Excel or Access. Hint: select the Table Style option from the Format Menu.

Other cool stuff!

XREF Notification – Notification bubbles now pop-up when an externally referenced (XREF) file is changed or updated… handy!

Zoom – Smooth zoom transition makes for fast, simple, and pretty eye catching navigation around your digital design data. This won’t save you much time but it looks pretty slick!

Dynamic Blocks – Powerful, flexible, intelligent blocks enable the user to reduce the number of blocks to manage and maintain. One block can now have multiple definitions – For example, instead of maintaining twin, double, queen, and king size block definitions simply create a block called “Bed” that has options for various sizes which are pre-defined. Blocks now support multiple insertion points and a slick, simple-to-use Block Definition Editor (BEDIT) provides an environment to create and manage your block definitions.

QuickCalc – this utility is now accessible using the QC command or Ctrl+8. The utility provides a wide range of calculations (including scientific calcs) as well as conversion routines.

Publish to DWF – this is simple and very useful for sharing your design data with users and non-users alike. DWFPUBLISH or 3DDWGPUBLISH is all it takes. DWF composers will appreciate the simple SNAPSHOT tool to easily generate a DWF from the current display.

Other cool things too numerous to get into detail:

• - lock angle during COGO input
• rollover highlights – simply put your cursor over an object and it will be highlighted for you
• lock-down toolbars
• transparent polygons (just kidding.. sorry… this is still in progress.. be sure to send your emails requesting improvements
• Text input is even more WYSYWIG
• Improved DWG recovery (crash) management
• Much improved BHATCH with options like create separate hatches while within the command will prevent you from wanting to use that tempting BEEOTCH command!!

Lynn Allen is AutoDesk’s Technical Evangelist… if you ever attend one of her sessions make sure you pay attention and watch for the rabbit! CAD users in Winnipeg, Lynn apologizes for not being able to attend the tour date there but she had a commitment in Spain at the same time... Winnipeg or Spain… hmmmm tough choice! LOL

Tips & Tricks for using AutoCAD 2006 Software is a great desktop companion!

Do you have an AutoCAD 2006, Map 3D, Raster Design, or DWF Composer trick or tip to share? Please send em to Glenn

Bonus: You never know what you might win when you attend an Autodesk event! I was lucky enough to pick up a door prize - check out my spanky new USB hub and USB light courtesy of HP... cool! (Click to Enlarge)

Related Articles:

• Lynn Allen’s Top 10 Tips for AutoCAD 2005
• Realizing Ideas… Report 1 from the Autodesk Realize Your Ideas Tour, Vancouver, BC, Canada - Keynote
• Lynn Allen's Top 10 Reasons To Upgrade to AutoCAD 2004
• Images from Autodesk University 2004
• Lynn's Blog
• Images from The Vancouver show and more in Glenn's Photo Blog