whatsinside autocad 2007-v12

W h a t ' sI n s i d e ?A u t o C A DA u t o C A DA u t o C A DA u t o C A DA u t o C A D

2 0 0 72 0 0 72 0 0 72 0 0 72 0 0 7

a research paper from upFront.reSearchan imprint of upFront.eZine Publishing, Ltd.

Ralph Grabowski

March 23, 2006

What’s Inside?AutoCAD 20072

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ProductionTechnical Reviewer Ralph Grabowski

Copy Editor Herbert Grabowski

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Table of Contents

Executive Overview 7Strangely Familiar 7New AutoCAD 2007 Features 8

#1 — Dashboard 8#2 — 3D Construction and Editing 8#3 — Rendering and Animation 9

Most Intriguing Unannounced Features 9#1 — DGN Import and Export 10#2 — Vault 10#3 — Removed Commands and Tough Specs 10

Most Useful Changed Commands 10#1 — CUI Corrections 11#2 — PDF Export 11#3 — DWF Underlays 11

Related Software 11DWF Viewer 11AutoCAD LT 2007 12

The Shipping Manifest 12Product Leverage 13Road Map of Future Releases 13

AUGI Wishlist 14

1: New Commands and RelatedSystem Variables 15

Dashboard 15Dashboard 15DashboardClose 15

3D Modeling 16Helix 16Loft 16PolySolid 18Pyramid 19Sweep 20Thicken 20

Surfaces 21PlaneSurf 21ConvToSurface 21

3D Editing 22PressPull 22Imprint 22SectionPlane 23LiveSection 24JogSection 25FlatShot 26BRep 26ConvToSolid 26XEdges 26

3D Viewing 273dFOrbit 273dMove 273dRotate 27

ChSpace 28Camera 29

Visual Styles 30VisualStyles and -VisualStyles 30VsCurrent 30VsSave 30VisualStylesClose 31

Rendering 33Materials 33MaterialMap 34MaterialAttach 34ConvertOldMaterials 34MaterialsClose 35LightList 35DistantLight 35PointLight 35Spotlight 36ConvertOldLights 36LightListClose 36SunProperties 36SunPropertiesClose 37GeographicLocation 37RenderPresets 38RenderEnvironment 39RenderCrop 39RenderWin 40RPrefClose 40

Animation 41WalkFlySettings 413dWalk 413dFly 41AniPath 42

DWF Underlays 43DwfAttach and -DwfAttach 43DwfAdjust 43DwfClip 443dDwf 44

Layers 45Miscellaneous 46

ExternalReferences 46ExternalReferencesClose 46ClassicImage and ClassicXref 46Dimensions 46

2: User Interface Changes 47

Changes to the User Interface 483D Cursor/Colors 483D Workspace 49Layout Tabs 49Scroll Bars 50Clean Screen and DUCS 50


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Menus and Toolbars 50Docked AutoHide 51Grid Behavior 51First Time Help Windows 52Icons on Palette Titlebars 52Options 53

New Interactivity for 3D Objects 54Triangle Grips 54Dynamic Grips 54Grip Tools 55

3: Changed and RemovedCommands 56

Background 56BEditor 56Box, Cone, Cylinder, Sphere, Torus, andWedge 56Camera 56Change and ChProp 57ChSpace 57CleanScreenOn and CleanScreenOff 57CUI 57Dimensions 57DrawingRecovery 57DSettings 58

Snap 58Grid and Grid Behavior 58

DsViewer 58Dynamic Input 58eTransmit 59Explode 59Extrude 59Export 59Field 59Fog 60Grid 60Hide 60HlSettings 60Image and ClassicImage 60Insert and MInsert 60Interfere 61Layers 62Light 62LsEdit, LsLib, and LsNew 62MatchProp 62Move and Move3D 62MText 62New 62Options 62

Files tab 62Display tab 62Open and Save tab 62Plot and Publish tab 62System tab 63

User Preferences tab 63Drafting tab 633D Modeling tab 63Selection tab 63Profiles tab 63

OSnap 63Plot 63Preview 63Properties 64Publish 64Purge and -Purge 65QNew 65QSelect 65Rename and -Rename 66Render and RendScr 66Replay 66Revolve 66RMat and MatLib 66Rotate and 3dRotate 66RPref 66SaveAs 66SaveImg 66Scene 67SetUV 67ShadeMode 67SheetSet 67Slice 67Stats 67TableStyle 68Text 68ToolPalette 68UCS 69View and -View 69

-View Command 71XRef and ClassicXref 723dAlign 723dConfig and -3dConfig 723dDwfPublish 733dOrbit 733dsOut 73

4: Changed System Variables 74

AcadVer 74CalcInput 74DelObj 74DimABlk 74DTextEd 74DwgCheck 75FaceTRatio 75HaloGap 75HidePrecision 75IntersectionColor 75IntersectionDisplay 75


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MTextFixed 76ObscuredColor 76ObscuredLType 76OleQuality 76SnapAngle 76TextEval 76

5: Alias, Keyboard, and SystemChanges 77

New Aliases 77New and Changed Keyboard Shortcuts 78

Walk and Fly 78New Terms 78New Startup Switch 78Minimum System Requirements 79

CPU 79RAM 79Drives 79Graphics Board 79Pointing Device, Other 79Operating System 79

New File Types 79New Templates 79New Sample Drawings 80

AutoCAD 2007 Object Model 80New Objects 80

Appendices

A: Alphabetical Summary of NewCommands 82

B: Alphabetical Summary of NewSystem Variables 87

C: Alphabetical Listing of Com-mands and System VariablesUndocumented by Autodesk 91

Important Notice To the ReaderThe content of this ebook is accurate to the best of the knowledge of those who prepared it. upFront.eZinePublishing does not, however, warrant the accuracy of the information contained in this ebook.

This ebook was prepared using a beta of AutoCAD 2007. Autodesk is free to change the features ofAutoCAD 2007 at any time, and may do so without warning. Do not rely on the contents of this ebook;rather, use it as a guide to many of the features that are new and changed from the previous release ofAutoCAD.

This ebook was prepared independent of Autodesk, Inc. “AutoCAD,” “Autodesk,” and other registerednames are acknowledged as trademarks of their respective owners.

About upFront.reSearchThis research paper was prepared by upFront.reSearch, an imprint of upFront.eZine Publishing, Ltd.upFront.reSearch has prepared research papers on behalf of Autodesk, Graphisoft, IMAGINiT Technolo-gies, IMSI, IntelliCAD, and SolidWorks.

Its founder, Ralph Grabowski, has 20 years experience in the computer-aided design industry. He is theauthor of 80 books on CAD, the editor of two industry newsletters, publisher of upFront.eBooks, andmanager of three WorldCAD Access weblogs.

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Executive Overview

AutoCAD 2007 continues Autodesk’s promise of a new release every twelve month — or so. Regularupdates are important for Autodesk in keeping its promise to subscribers, who renew annually.

With this twenty-first release, Autodesk appeared to have fallen behind in coding AutoCAD. Beta soft-ware was made available to us two months later than normal. An Autodesk executive admitted that theannual release cycle is becoming too much, and that we should expectfewer new features in next year’s release.

Strangely FamiliarWith every release, Autodesk’s marketing department emphasizes cer-tain features, and downplays others. The new 3D solid modeling andrendering features are being emphasized; the tweaks to existing com-mands are being downplayed.

The key word in AutoCAD 2007 is “familiarity” — perhaps becausethere are so many changes. (Recall that “spin” means “opposite.’) Thenew 3D interface is unfamiliar; many commands are changed, removed,or undocumented.

Autodesk marketing hopes that AutoCAD users will become familiarwith the 3D tools in AutoCAD 2007, which then makes it easier toleverage customers to the more expensive 3D Inventor or Revit soft-ware.

AutoCAD 2007 is stricter in accepting .dwg files from non-Autodesksources. Each time a drawing is opened, one of several messages greetsusers, such as this one:

Autodesk DWG. This file is a Trusted DWG last savedby an Autodesk application or Autodesk licensed ap-plication.

And when DwgCheck is set to 2:Non Autodesk DWG. This DWG file was saved by a soft-ware application not developed or licensed by Autodesk.Use of this file with AutoCAD software may result instability issues.

We note that none of these messages appear for drawings created byold releases of AutoCAD.

The View from Autodesk:The View from Autodesk:The View from Autodesk:The View from Autodesk:The View from Autodesk:New FNew FNew FNew FNew Featureseatureseatureseatureseatures

Autodesk groups AutoCAD 2007’s new featuresin five categories:

CreateCreateCreateCreateCreateCreate 3D objectsModify 3D solids and surfacesCreate sections from 3D Models3D modeling aids

ManageManageManageManageManageExternal reference improvementsUser interface

PPPPProduceroduceroduceroduceroduceLightingMaterialsEnhanced navigationUpdated camera functionalityDWF publishing improvements

PPPPPresentresentresentresentresentAnimation and walkthroughRendering

ShareShareShareShareShareAutodesk Vault (subscribers only).DWF underlays


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New AutoCAD 2007 Features — The Top 3Here, in our opinion, are the three most important new features.By no coincidence, they match those considered most importantby Autodesk marketing:

#1 — Dashboard

Over the last several releases, Autodesk has keenly added pal-ettes of all kinds; AutoCAD 2007 adds more.

The most visible is the Dashboard, a one-stop palette that holds140 commands and options for 2D/3D drawing, editing, and ren-dering.

The dashboard consists of these control panels:

• 2D Draw• 3D Make• 3D Navigate• Light• Visual Style• Materials• Render

> Our ViewThe dashboard is useful in putting together all 3D-relatedactivities in one area, further reducing the user’s dependence onthe command line. The drawback, however, is its confusingprofusion of icons, and the amount of significant space it takesfrom the drawing area. •

#2 — 3D Construction and Editing

Borrowing from Inventor, Autodesk has implemented much improved systems for drawing and editing3D solids (and, in some cases, 3D surfaces). The drawing commands are interactive: as users draw 3Dshapes, AutoCAD 2007 previews the placement and size. Several 3D drawing commands now mimic the2D equivalents; for example, drawing 3D cylinders displaysprompts similar to those of the 2D Circle command, in-cluding its 3P and TTR options.

Editing 3D models is now interactive through the use of grips and dynamic UCS. Triangular grips werefirst seen on 2D arcs and dynamic blocks in AutoCAD 2006; now they populate all 3D solids (but areextended to more 2D objects).

Dynamic UCS makes it easy to (1) select the face or edge to edit; and (2) automatically draw or edit onthe selected face — without having to execute the UCS command.


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Commands are added for drawing pyramids and cones, and for editing 3D solids and surfaces. Somecommands draw 3D solids or 3D surfaces, depending on the parameters. And new commands convertsolids to surface, and vice versa.

In addition, users can now draw and edit in the perspective viewing mode.

> Our ViewUpdating 3D was long overdue; the previous system had been in place forover a decade. Autodesk was reluctant to improve 3D in AutoCAD inorder to avoid cannibalization of its more expensive 3D-specific software.It became apparent, however, that AutoCAD users are not keen toupgrade to 3D. (The Autodesk CEO speaks of it taking ten years.)Autodesk could not bring the user to 3D, so they brought 3D to theuser. •

#3 — Rendering and Animation

Borrowing from its Viz software, Autodesk improved the render-ing facilities and added animation. Much of the rendering tech-nology in AutoCAD 2007 is licensed from mental ray.

Many rendering-related commands (scenes, lights, cameras,materials, and so on) are similar to former commands, buthave new user interfaces and many more options.

AutoCAD 2007 also adds visual styles, which collect rendering options into stylenames. Some of the visual styles are quite artistic, as illustrated by the chair, below. We especially likedthe XRay mode, which renders 3D models transparently. (Also illustrated by the chair below.)

Animations are walkthroughs: users draw a path, or specify points of interest and have AutoCAD 2007run the camera along the path. The animations are rendered and can be played back or saved in one ofseveral movie file formats.

> Our ViewUpdating rendering was also long overdue. AutoCAD badly lagged the competi-

tion and older releases of itself. For instance, easily placing cameras and lights wasfound in competitor MicroStation years ago, and animation existed in AutoCADRelease 12 (but was removed in Release 13). We had predicted that a form of Vizwould make its way into AutoCAD eventually, and it finally happened with 2007. •

Most Intriguing Unannounced Features— The Top 3We scan through each new release of AutoCAD and its sup-port files to search out undocumented commands and hints ofunannounced features. Typically, these features are turned offin anticipation of future releases, or are turned on as undocu-

mented test features. Here, in our opinion, are the three most intrigu-ing hidden features in AutoCAD 2007. See Appendix C for the com-plete list.


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#1 — DGN Import and Export

Autodesk has indicated that AutoCAD 2007 will be able to readMicroStation V8 design files, and export drawings in .dgn format. Thetranslator is currently in alpha, will go to beta in the Summer of 2006,and following that become a free add-on. Autodesk has indicated thatonly 2D drawings will be supported; no 3D and no AutoCAD proxyobjects.

The AutoCAD code already contains as-yet-unactivated commandsand system variables for reading and writing .dgn files. From the nameof the DgnAttach command, we surmise that .dgn files will be at-tached to drawings in a manner similar to DWF underlays. This meansthat the MicroStation design files are not translated, but displayedonly — much like images.

It would appear that the DgnFrame system variable toggles the framearound the DGN image, while DgnOsnap toggles osnapping of theDGN frame.

AutoCAD drawings will, however, be translated to DGN format —from the name of the DgnExport command. This is possible be-cause the internal structure of the V8 DGN format encompasses theDWG format.

#2 — Vault

The Vault technology [autodesk.com/vault] was developed byAutodesk’s mechanical CAD division for centralized organization draw-ings and data. It is available for AutoCAD 2007, but to members ofAutodesk’s annual subscription program only.

#3 — Removed Commands and Tough Specs

The number of commands that are changed and removed fromAutoCAD 2007 is astounding — as well as undocumented. In theonline help files, Autodesk no longer marks new commands; there is

no indication of changes to existing commands; and removed commands are not noted.

To fully appreciate 3D, computers must have high speed and high-end graphics boards. For example, shadowscasting is disabled for slower graphics boards. Autodesk recommends a minimum 3GHz CPU with 2GBRAM and 128MB OpenGL-compatible graphics board. At autodesk.com/hardcert/db.html, Autodesk has alist of recommended graphics cards, such as the nVidia Quadro 4 980GL or ATI FireGL V7350. One of ourcomputers has the 128MB ATi Radeon 8500, but it’s not good enough for AutoCAD’s performance tuner:

Your machine contains a 3D Device that is not certified.

Geometry acceleration: Not recommended and off

Smooth line display: Not available

Gooch shader: Software emulation in use

Full-shadow display: Not available

Most Useful Changed Commands — The Top 3With each release of AutoCAD, a number of old commands are changed. Some changes are important;others merely provide compatibility with new aspects in AutoCAD. Here are, in our opinion, the threemost important changes.

The View from Autodesk:The View from Autodesk:The View from Autodesk:The View from Autodesk:The View from Autodesk:PPPPProduct Differentiationroduct Differentiationroduct Differentiationroduct Differentiationroduct Differentiation

Autodesk needs to convince its customers thatmore expensive software is better. Here is howthey differentiate them, from lowest to highest:

2D Drafting2D Drafting2D Drafting2D Drafting2D DraftingAutoCAD LT

Horizontal CADHorizontal CADHorizontal CADHorizontal CADHorizontal CAD(with conceptual design, presentation, and API)

AutoCAD

Intelligent ObjectsIntelligent ObjectsIntelligent ObjectsIntelligent ObjectsIntelligent ObjectsArchitectural DesktopBuilding SystemsMechanicalElectrical

Information ModelingInformation ModelingInformation ModelingInformation ModelingInformation ModelingRevitInventorCivil 3DMap 3D

ShareShareShareShareShareVaultStreamline and PartStreamBuzzsaw


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#1 — CUI Corrections

The Customize User Interface (CUI) dialog box was changed wholesale in AutoCAD 2006, and itsunfinished nature created headaches for users. Autodesk corrected a number of problems with a mid-release Service Pack, and makes additional changes with AutoCAD 2007.

Commands can be dragged from the CUI to tool palettes. A new Double-click Action allows users toredefine the meaning of double-clicking objects.

#2 — PDF Export

Several years ago, Autodesk unwisely waged a marketing war against Adobe and its overwhelminglypopular Acrobat PDF (portable document format). Autodesk’s attitude has changed to the point thatAutoCAD 2007 includes PDF export, albeit implemented as a plotter driver.

#3 — DWF Underlays

Autodesk keeps adding features to its DWF (design Web format) technology [autodesk.com/dwf]. Inearlier releases, marked-up .dwf files could be viewed in the drawing. With AutoCAD 2007, Autodeskeases the restriction: .dwf files can be attached as underlays — much like images and externally-refer-enced drawing files.

Users have control over the fade and lineweight of DWF files, as well as whether to convert them to asingle color (monochrome).

Related SoftwareAutoCAD works with other Autodesk software. DWF Viewer ships in the package, while many sites useAutoCAD LT as a lower-cost alternative.

DWF Viewer

DWF Viewer has been updated to slice 3D models. It also displays ads on the toolbar, as illustrated below.Clicking the ad takes users to related Autodesk Web pages.


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The extra-cost DWF Composer has been renamed DWF Design Review to better represent thecapabilities of the redlining software.

AutoCAD LT 2007

Autodesk defines AutoCAD LT as “single-user, 2D design tool to create technical drawings and docu-mentation.” In discussions with us, Autodesk emphasized that LT is meant for 2D drafting, and anyenhancements will reflect that.

AutoCAD LT 2007 gets these features from AutoCAD 2006:

• Creation of dynamic blocks.• Layer commands from Express Tools.

The Shipping ManifestThe following products are due to be available for licensing and upgrading the same day that AutoCAD2007 ships (March 23) or by the end of April:

• AutoCAD LT 2007• DWF Viewer 6.5• VIZ 2007

Civil and Mapping Software

• Civil 3D 2007• Civil 3D 2007, Civil Design Companion• Land Desktop 2007• Map 3D 2007• Raster Design 2007• Survey 2007

Architectural Software

• Architectural Desktop 2007• AutoCAD-Revit Series, Building 9• AutoCAD-Revit Series, Structure 3• AutoCAD-Revit Series, Systems Plus• Building Systems 2007• Revit Building 9• Revit Structure 3

2D Mechanical Software

• AutoCAD Electrical 2007• AutoCAD Mechanical 2007

3D Mechanical Software

• Inventor Series 11• Inventor Professional 11• Inventor Professional 11 for Simulation• Inventor Professional 11 for Routed Systems• Productstream 5• Streamline 7• Vault 5


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Other Software Releases• DWF Design Review• DGN Translator• Buzzsaw• Vespa• DWG TrueConvert• DWG TrueView• RealDWG

Product LeverageAutoCAD is Autodesk’s cash cow. As an executive told us during prelaunch meetings, AutoCADrevenues are what make possible the development of the company’s 3D software.

But Autodesk would rather that AutoCAD users upgrade to 3D software, whichcarries higher ASPs (average selling price) and higher margins, as Autodesktold analysts during its FY2006 conference call. High ASPs means higherrevenues for the company; higher margins mean higher profits

Thus the company is working to leverage the multimillionAutoCAD user base by making it easier for it to switch to 3Dsoftware from Autodesk, and harder to switch to 3D software fromcompetitors.

Moves by Autodesk include:

• AutoCAD’s new 3D environment is more like Inventor’s, under thetheory that users are more likely to switch if Inventor already seemsfamiliar.

• AutoCAD’s new rendering environment is more similar to that ofArchitectural Desktop.

• Inventor 11 and AutoCAD 2007 exchange drawings more easily.• Similarly, Revit 9 and AutoCAD 2007 are more easily able to exchange

drawings.• DWF is becoming the universal data exchange format between Autodesk software

packages, although some still use XML.• DWG source checking casts suspicion on non-Autodesk software.• Centralized products, such as Vault and Buzzsaw, help lock users into the Autodesk

universe.• Daily or weekly communication between AutoCAD and Autodesk’s Communication

Center.• Challenging the competition’s designs on AutoCAD users through counter-slogans, such as

Inventor’s “2D or 3D? Yes.”

Road Map of Future ReleasesAutodesk executive are pleased to have mapped out the next four releases of AutoCAD following 2006.At time of printing, the road map looks like this:

1. Fall of 2006 — MicroStation V8 DGN import and export (limited to 2D).2. March 2007 — AutoCAD 2008.3. March 2008 — AutoCAD 2009.4. March 2009 — AutoCAD 2010.


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Some features that Autodesk roadmapped internally did not make it into earlier releases of AutoCAD.We may see them either in future releases, or the features have been cancelled entirely. Some of thesemay include dependent drawing versions, balloon leaders, and extruded text.

What We Guess

From hints and guesses, we think the following features will appear in future releases of AutoCAD. Someguesses are left over from the previous edition of this ebook.

• Security is all-or-nothing right now; perhaps we can expect varying levels of permission applied todrawings, such as view-only and plot-only.

• Autodesk’s Generic CADD had curves and Beziers for its multilines; why not in AutoCAD? Also,multilines need the automatic cleanup long found in AutoCAD LT’s DLine (double line) command.

• The #1 request we get from users is help with complex linetypes. The restrictions on the look ofcomplex linetypes need to be dropped, and an integrated linetype development environment needsto be added.

• TabletPC support continues to be unofficial, and no further along than in AutoCAD 2006. (Checkout commands like InkGesture and InkReco.) Perhaps this will change with AutoCAD 2008, whichis sure to work with Windows Vista, which includes native support for TabletPCs.

AUGI Wishlist

The AutoCAD User Group International [augi.com] thrice-annually posts lists of the feature most-requested by members. One such list reads as follows:

1. Multiple leader lines per leader.2. Translucent layers.3. Spell check zooms to misspelled words.4. 3D dynamic blocks.5. Linetypes with modifiable text.6. Preset table styles.7. Change layout order by dragging tabs, as in Excel.8. Independent paragraph spacing in MText.9. Right click a layout tab and add it to the current sheet set.10.Better dual monitor support.


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Chapter 1

New Commands andRelated System Variables

AutoCAD 2007 introduces 59 new commands, and converts another 18 from Express Tools to corecode. (By comparison, AutoCAD 2006 had 38 new commands, plus 17 specific to the block editor.)

In this section, we’ve grouped the new commands by function; see the appendices for alphabetical sum-maries.

• Dashboard• 3D Modeling• Surfaces• 3D Editing• 3D Viewing• Visual Styles• Rendering• Animation• DWF Underlays• Layers• Miscellaneous

DashboardThe Dashboard appears to be an extension of the Tool Palettes. Rather than semi-random collectionsof hatch patterns, blocks, and commands, the Dashboard groups commands in a sequence: 2D draw-ing, 3D making, 3D navigating, adding lights, applying visual styles, attaching materials, and then render-ing.

The many icons may prove, however, to be confusing to users, especially the unfamiliar icons associ-ated with new commands. The Dashboard palette cannot be customized.

Dashboard

The Dashboard command opens the Dashboard palette with its control panels. There is no keyboardshortcut, perhaps because Autodesk feels this palette should be open at all time. Right-click to accessa shortcut menu that selects the control panels to display or hide.

DashboardClose

The DashboardClose command closes the Dashboard palette.

NEW SYSTEM VARIABLE

DashboardState reports whether the Dashboard is open:

0 - Closed.

1 - Open (displayed).


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3D Modeling

Helix

The Helix command draws wireframe spirals in 2D and 3D. Helixes can be flat (2D spirals) or 3D (withheight).

Left: 2D spiral.Right: 3D helix.

Command: helixhelixhelixhelixhelixNumber of turns = 3.0000 Twist=CCWSpecify center point of base: (Pick a point.)Specify base radius or [Diameter] <1.0000>: (Enter a value.)Specify top radius or [Diameter] <3.3429>: (Enter another value.)Specify helix height or [Axis endpoint/Turns/turn Height/tWist] <1.0000>: (Enteran option or pick a point.)

As with all 3D modeling commands, AutoCAD 2007 previews the shape in realtime.

Left: AutoCAD 2007 previews helixes and other 3D solids in realtime.Right: A coil spring made with the Helix and Sweep commands.

Users can fatten up helixes by applying the Sweep command.

Loft

The Loft command creates 3D solids and surfaces through lofting two or more curves. If the cross-section curves are closed, AutoCAD 2007 creates a solid; if open, then a surface. This command cancreate 3D terrains from elevation data.


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Command: loftloftloftloftloftSelect cross-sections in lofting order: (Pick an object.)Select cross-sections in lofting order: (Pick an object.)Enter an option [Guides/Path/Cross-sections only] <Cross-sections only>: (Enteran option.)

The Cross-sections only option displays the following dialog box:

NEW SYSTEM VARIABLES

LoftAng1 stores the default angle for the first lofting cross section; range is 0 to 359.9 degrees; default = 90.

LoftAng2 stores the default angle for the second lofting cross section; range is 0 to 359.9 degrees; default = 90.

LoftMag1 specifies the magnitude of the first loft angle; range is 1 to 10; default = 1.

LoftMag2 specifies the magnitude of the second loft angle; range is 1 to 10; default = 1.

LoftNormals specifies where loft normals are placed:

0 - Ruled.

1 - Smooth (default).

2 - First normal.

3 - Last normal.

4 - Ends normal.

5 - All normal.

6 - Use draft angle and magnitude.


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LoftParam specifies the shape of the loft:

1 - Minimize twist between cross sections.

2 - Align start to end direction of cross-section curves.

4 - Produce simple solids and surfaces rather than spline solids and surfaces.

8 - Close the solids and surfaces between first and last cross-sections.

PolySolid

The PolySolid command converts lines, arcs, circles, and polylines in to 3D solids with thickness. And itcan draw plain “walls” (rectangles with height). While corners are mitered, it does not allow intersectingwalls.

Command: polysolidpolysolidpolysolidpolysolidpolysolidSpecify start point or [Object/Height/Width/Justify] <Object>: (Pick a point, orenter an option.)Specify next point or [Arc/Undo]: (Pick another point, or enter an option.)Specify next point or [Arc/Close/Undo]: (Etc.)

Users can predefine the height and width; the Justify option aligns the walls relative to the path: to theleft, right, or centered.

The Object option creates the walls along a path; this makes it easier to convert a 2D architecturaldrawing into 3D; subtract boxes from the walls to make openings for doors and windows.


PSolHeight specifies the default height for PolySolid objects; default = 4 (80 for metric drawings).

PSolWidth specifies the default width for PolySolid objects; default = 0.25 (5 for metric drawings).


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Pyramid

The Pyramid command creates 3D solid pyramids and cones.

Command: pyramidpyramidpyramidpyramidpyramid 4 sides CircumscribedSpecify center point of base or [Edge/Sides]: (Pick a point or enter an option.)Specify base radius or [Inscribed] <7.0116>: (Pick another point.)Specify height or [2Point/Axis endpoint/Top radius] <15.0375>: (Pick a point orenter an option.)

The following system variables apply to all 3D solid models in AutoCAD 2007.


ShowHist determines whether solids have history:

0 - Off; original objects used to create the solid cannot be viewed.

1 - Doesn’t override individual Show History property settings for solids; default.

2 - Displays history of all solids; overrides individual Show History settings.

SolidHist toggles history for solids:

0 - No history is retained for any solid.

1 - Records history of original objects for every solid; default.

When Record History and Show History are turned on (in the Properties palette), AutoCAD 2007reveals the solid primitives that constitute the 3D model. There is no user-accessible history tree.


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Sweep

The Sweep command creates 3D solids and surfaces by sweeping 2D and 3D objects along paths. Unlikethe Extrude command, the object and the path must lay in the same plane, which, quite frankly, is theeasier approach.

This command creates solids or surfaces: solids are created when the source object is closed; when open,surfaces are created.

Left: Object (circle) and path (spline).Center: Solid swept from circle and spline.Right: Surface swept from arc and spline.

Command: sweepsweepsweepsweepsweepCurrent wire frame density: ISOLINES=4Select objects to sweep: (Pick an open or closed object.)Select sweep path or [Alignment/Base point/Scale/Twist]: (Pick another object orenter an option.)

Valid sweep objects include lines, arcs, 2D polylines, 2D splines, circles, ellipses, planar 3D faces, 2D solids,traces, regions, and planar surfaces of solids. Permitted path objects include lines, arcs, 2D and 3D polylines,2D and 3D splines, circles, ellipses, helixes, and edges of solids and surfaces.

Thicken

The Thicken command creates 3D solids by thickening surfaces. It is similar to the old Extrude command,except that Thicken works only with surfaces, and not any closed objects. (The easy way to create asurface is with the PlaneSurf command.)

Command: thickenthickenthickenthickenthickenSelect surfaces to thicken: (Select one or more surfaces.)Specify thickness <1.0000>: (Enter a value.)

Unlike other 3D solids command, Thicken does not preview the height in realtime.

Left: Surface plane.Right: Box thickened from the plane.


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SurfacesAutoCAD 2007 introduces a new object type called “sweptsurface.” This is the first change to surfacesin over a decade. The old surfaces are now called “meshes.”

See also the Sweep and Loft commands, above.

PlaneSurf

The PlaneSurf command creates flat surface areas (short for “PLANE SURFace”). Users can createrectangles or convert objects.

Command: planesurfplanesurfplanesurfplanesurfplanesurfSpecify first corner or [Object] <Object>: (Pick a point.)Specify other corner: (Pick another point.)

This command is good for creating floors or flat surfaces on which to cast shadows. The followingobjects can be converted to surfaces: lines, circles, arcs, ellipses, elliptical arcs, 2D and planar 3D polylines,and planar splines — in other words, they have to be flat.

ConvToSurface

The ConvToSurface command converts 2D solids, regions, lines, polylines, arcs, and flat 3D faces tosurfaces (short for “CONVert TO SURFACE”). Three-D objects can be converted, after they have beenexploded with the Explode command.


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3D EditingAutoCAD 2007 adds new ways to edit 3D solids, and makes solids editing more interactive, replacingsome of the command-line oriented commands.

PressPull

The PressPull command presses and pulls bounded areas.Command: presspullpresspullpresspullpresspullpresspullClick inside bounded areas to press or pull. (Pick inside an area, and then dragthe mouse.)

Users can hold down the Ctrl+Alt keys as a keyboard shortcut for this command.

Left: Hole created by subtracting a cylinder.Center: Grasping the face of the cylinder hole.

Right: Pulling the cylinder out of the hole.

The command is tricky to figure out, until the user pick sa point inside the area to be changed. In thefigure above, pick the inside of the hole (negative cylinder), and then drag the mouse.

Imprint

The Imprint command imprints objects on the faces of 3D solids. It appears to be updated from the Body| Imprint option of the old SolidEdit command. Once the solid is imprinted, users can manipulate it as ifit were two parts.

The following objects can be used for imprinting: arcs, circles, lines, 2D and 3D polylines, ellipses, splines,regions, and 3D solids. This means users can imprint the edges of one solid onto the face of anothersolid. In the figure below, the edge of a solid sphere was imprinted on the solid rectangle.


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Command: imprintimprintimprintimprintimprintSelect a 3D solid: (Select a solid to be imprinted.)Select an object to imprint: (Select the imprinter object.)Delete the source object [Yes/No] <N>: yyyyy

The second prompt is a bit misleading: “Select an object to imprint” sounds like users are to select theobject to be imprinted; rather, this is the object that will be doing the imprinting.

SectionPlane

The SectionPlane command creates section objects independent of the 3D model. It appears to beupdated from the old Section command.

This command is extremely flexible, creating several kinds of sections: slice, area (boundary), and volume.In addition, the section can be easily moved and have jogs.

Command: sectionplanesectionplanesectionplanesectionplanesectionplaneSelect face or any point to locate section line or [Draw section/Orthographic]:(Pick a point or enter an option.)Specify through point: (Pick another point.)Specify point in direction of section view: (Pick a point on either side of thesection plane.)

After creating the section plane, select it and notice the dynamic grips. Drag one of the square grips(found at either end of the plane) to rotate the section plane:


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Drag the triangular grip to move the section plane:

Click the arrowhead grip to change the portion of the solid that will be removed when live sectioning isturned on.

Click the down-arrow grip to change the type of section plane:

• Section plane — a transparent plane; in theory, the cutting plane extends in all four directions toinfinity.

• Section boundary — 2D box limited in the x,y extents, but infinite in the x axis.• Section volume — 3D box limited in the x,y,z directions.

Double-click the unselected section plane to remove a portion of the solid at the section plane; double-clicking a selected section plane displays its properties. To remove a section plane, select it, and thenpress Del.

LiveSection

The LiveSection command activates live sectioning for the selected section, displaying the interior of slicedobjects — 3D solids, surfaces, and regions in model space. This command can be activated by double-clickingan unselected section plane. (“Live section” is Autodesk’s term for turning on sectioning.)

Command: livesection

A single object can have more than one section plane, but only one can be live at a time. Also, only oneobject can have a live section at a time.


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Two section planes; the section plane in the foreground is “live.”

JogSection

The JogSection command adds 90-degree jogs to sections.Command: jogsectionjogsectionjogsectionjogsectionjogsectionSelect section object: (Pick one selection plane.)Specify a point on the section line to add jog: (Pick a point along the section.)

We find this command somewhat unpredictable in how it places the jog; users can, however, edit the jogafterwards if AutoCAD’s attempt is undesirable.

Applying a jog to a section plane.


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FlatShot

The FlatShot command creates a 2D block of 3D objects at the current viewpoint. The dialog boxprovides options, following which Insert-like commands take over. Following insertion, the block canbe moved and edited like any other AutoCAD block.

Left: The 2D block representation of...Right: ...the 3D model.

BRep

The BRep command deletes construction history from 3D solid bodies so that its primitives can nolonger be edited (short for “Boundary REPresentation”). This is an alternative to setting SolidHist off,but applies to individual models.

ConvToSolid

The ConvToSolid command converts polylines and circles with thickness to extruded 3D solids (shortfor “CONVert TO SOLID”).

Command: convtosolidconvtosolidconvtosolidconvtosolidconvtosolidSelect objects: (Select polylines and circles with thickness.)

XEdges

The XEdges command creates wireframe geometry from the edges of 3D solids and surfaces, and 2Dregions (short for “eXtract Edges”).

Command: xedgesSelect objects: (Pick one or more solids.)


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3D ViewingAutoCAD 2007 has new commands for viewing in 3D, adds functions to the 3dOrbit command, andsemi-documents commands that had been left undocumented in AutoCAD 2006.

3dFOrbit

The 3dFOrbit command displays an arcball for realtime view changes in 3D (short for “3D Free ORBIT”;updated from the old 3dOrbit command). This command differs from 3dOrbit in that it doesn’t con-strain changes in view along the x,y-axis or the z direction. Objects cannot be edited when this com-mand is active.


Perspective toggles perspective mode; default = off.

3dMove

The 3dMove command displays the move tool on selected objects so that they can be moved in 3Dspace (updated from the old Align command).

Notice the second UCS-looking icon in the center of the pyramid. Autodesk calls this the “move griptool.” It has three axis handles (red = x, green = y, and blue = z); click a handle to constrain movementto that axis. (If users do not see the grip tool, they need to change GtAuto to 1.)

Command: 3dmove3dmove3dmove3dmove3dmoveSelect objects: (Select one or more objects.)Specify base point or [Displacement] <Displacement>: (Pick a point.)Specify displacement <0.0000, 0.0000, 0.0000>: (Pick a second point.)

3dRotate

The 3dRotate command displays the rotate tool on selected objects so that they can be rotated in 3Dspace. (This is not the same as the old Rotate3D command.)

Notice the rotary grip tool with its three axis “handles” — even though they are round — with thesame color-coded meaning: red = x, green = y, and blue = z. Click a handle to constrain rotation to thatplane; the handle turns yellow.

The center of the grip tool is the base point about which rotation takes place.Command: 3drotate3drotate3drotate3drotate3drotateCurrent positive angle in UCS: ANGDIR=counterclockwise ANGBASE=0Select objects: (Select one or more objects.)Specify base point: (Pick a point.)Pick a rotation axis: (Pick the x, y, or z handle.)Specify angle start point: (Pick a point.)Specify angle end point: (Pick another point.)


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GtDefault controls whether 3dMove (3dRotate) or 2D Move (Rotate) are the default commands:

0 - AutoCAD executes the command entered by the user.

1 - AutoCAD executes the 3dMove command when users enter Move; same for 3dRotate and Rotate.

ChSpace

The ChSpace command moves objects between paper space and model space, scaling them appropri-ately; available as an Express Tool in earlier releases of AutoCAD (short for “Change SPACE”). Thiscommand works only in layouts, and does not apply to viewports.

Command: chspacechspacechspacechspacechspaceSelect objects: (Select one or more objects.)1 object(s) changed from PAPER space to MODEL space.Objects were scaled by a factor of 2.73513409192029 to maintain visualappearance.

The following commands were undocumented in AutoCAD 2006 by Autodesk, but were listed in our “What’sInside? AutoCAD 2006” PDF book:

3dOrbitTransparent changes the 3D view in realtime.

3dPanTransparent pans 3D views in realtime.

3dSwivelTransparent swivels the 3D viewpoint in realtime.

3dZoomTransparent zooms the 3D view in realtime.


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Camera

The Camera command sets camera and target locations for 3D perspective views (updated from theCamera option of the old DView command).

Command: cameracameracameracameracameraCurrent camera settings: Height=0.0000 Lens Length=50.0000 mmSpecify camera location: (Pick a point.)Specify target location: (Pick a point.)Enter an option [?/Name/LOcation/Height/Target/LEns/Clipping/View/eXit]<eXit>:(Enter an option, or press Enter to exit.)

Multiple cameras can be placed in drawings by giving them unique names by which to identify them.

To see what the camera sees, double-click the camera glyph (icon). Users can manipulate the camera andtarget while watching the Camera Preview window.


CameraDisplay toggles display of camera glyphs; default = 0 (off).

CameraHeight specifies the default height of cameras; default z = 0.


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Visual StylesThe visual style is an improved version of the ShadeMode command. While the old command displayed3D drawings in several modes, such as hidden-lines removed and flat shaded, users can now define visualstyles and save them by name.

While there are just a few “VS” commands, there many VS-related system variables that define visualstyles. The extra-cost Vespa program extends visual styles external to AutoCAD.

VisualStyles and -VisualStyles

The VisualStyles command defines and edits visual styles used for renderings; displays the Visual StylesManager palette. This command operates in a palette or at the command line.

Command: -visualstyles-visualstyles-visualstyles-visualstyles-visualstylesEnter an option [set Current/Saveas/Rename/Delete/?]: (Enter an option.)

As the user creates new visual styles, they are added to the preview pane at the top of the palette.Unused visual styles can be removed from drawings with the Purge command.

The -VisualStyles, VsCurrent, and VsSave commands are meant for use by macros and scripts.

VsCurrent

The VsCurrent command applies a named visual style to the current viewport (short for “Visual StyleCURRENT”; updated from the old ShadeMode command).

Command: vscurrentvscurrentvscurrentvscurrentvscurrentEnter an option [2dwireframe/3dwireframe/3dHidden/Realistic/Conceptual/Other]<Conceptual>: (Enter an option.)

VsSave

The VsSave command saves a visual style by name in model space only (short for “Visual Style SAVE”).Command: vssavevssavevssavevssavevssaveSave current visual style as or [?]: (Enter a name.)


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VisualStylesClose

The VisualStylesClose command closes the Visual Styles Manager palette.


Negative values turn off the effect; similarly named sysvars, such as HaloGap from earlier releases now apply to2D wireframe displays only.

DragVs specifies the default visual style while creating 3D objects; default = current visual style.

InterfereObjVs specifies the visual style for interference objects by the Interference command; default = Realistic.

InterfereVpVs specifies the visual style during interference checking; default = Wireframe.

VsBackgrounds (1) determines whether backgrounds are displayed in visual styles:

0 - Off.

1 - On (default).

VsEdgeColor specifies the edge color; can be any ACI color; default = 7 (black/white).

VsEdgeJitter specifies the level of pencil effect; default = off.

1 - Low.

2 - Medium.

3 - High.

VsEdgeOverhang extension of pencil lines beyond edges; range is 1 to 100 pixels; default = off.

VsEdges specifies types of edges to display.

0 - No edges are displayed.

1 - Isolines are displayed (default).

2 - Facet edges are displayed.

VsEdgeSmooth specifies crease angle; range is 0 to 180 degrees; default = 1.

VsFaceColorMode (1) determines color of faces:

0 - Normal; face color is not modified.

1 - Monochrome; all faces displayed in color specified by the system variable (default).

2 - Tint; changes the hue and saturation of faces to the color specified by VsMonoColor.

3 - Desaturate; reduces saturation of face colors by 30%.

VsFaceHighlight specifies the color of highlights; range is 0 to 100, which 100 has the largest highlight; this setting is

ignored when VsMaterialMode is on; default is off.

VsFaceOpacity controls the transparency/opacity of face; range is 0 to 100, where 0 is transparent and 100 is opaque;

default is off.

VsFaceStyle determines how faces are displayed:

0 - No styles applied.

1 - Realistic styles with dark and light colors (default).

2 - “Gooch” with uses cool and warm colors.

VsHaloGap specifies the “halo” gap (gap between intersecting lines); range is 0 (default) to 100.

VsHidePrecision specifies the accuracy of hides and shades; values are 0 (default) and 1.

VsIntersectionColor specifies the color of intersecting polylines; default = 7; can be any color, plus these:

0 - BYBLOCK.

256 - BYLAYER.

257 - BYENTITY.

VsIntersectionEdges toggles the display of intersecting edges:

0 - Off (default).

1 - On.


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VsIntersectionLtype (1) specifies the linetype for intersecting polylines:

0 - Off

1 - Solid (default)

2 - Dashed

3 - Dotted

4 - Short Dash

5 - Medium Dash

6 - Long Dash

7 - Double Short Dash

8 - Double Medium Dash

9 - Double Long Dash

10 - Medium Long Dash

11 - Sparse Dot

VsIsoOntop toggles whether isolines are displayed:

0 - Off (default).

1 - On.

VsLightingQuality toggles the quality of lighting:

0 - Show facets.

1 - Smooth (no facets; default).

VsMaterialMode controls the display of material finishes:

0 - No materials are displayed (default).

1 - Materials are displayed, textures are not displayed.

2 - Materials and textures are displayed.

VsMonoColor specifies the monochrome tint; default is 255,255,255 (white).

VObscuredColor specifies the color of obscured lines; default = byentity.

VsObscuredEdges toggles the display of obscured edges:

0 - Off.

1 - On (default)

VsObscuredLtype specifies the linetype of obscured lines; default = 1 (continuous).

VsShadows determines the quality of shadows:

0 - No shadows are displayed (default).

1 - Ground shadows only are displayed.

2 - Full shadows are displayed (available only with hardware accelerated graphics).

VsSilhEdges toggles the display of silhouette edges:

0 - Off (default).

1 - On.

VsSilhWidth specifies the width of silhouette edge lines; range is 1 - 25; default = 5.

VsState reports whether the Visual Styles window is open:

0 - Closed.



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RenderingSince AutoCAD Release 13, 3D drawings could be rendered by simply entering the Render command.For a nicer job, though, users needed to attach materials, place lights, and fine-tune the rendering param-eters. In AutoCAD 2007, the user interface and rendering engine are new, but the process is much thesame.

Materials

The Materials command manages, applies, and edits materials; opens the Materials palette (updated fromthe old MatLib command). AutoCAD includes dozens of materials in tool palettes; we recommend usingView Options to maximize the size of the icons.

The brush cursor appears when “painting” objects with materials.

To apply a material, pick the sample in the tool palette, and then select objects in the drawing. The cursorchanges to a paintbrush, and AutoCAD prompts:

Select objects: (Pick one or more objects.)Select objects or [Undo]: (Press ENTER ENTER ENTER ENTER ENTER to exit.)

Left: The Materials palette should be called “Rendering Materials Manager.”Right: A palette of predefined materials.


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MaterialMap

The MaterialMap command maps materials to selected objects (updated from the old RMat command).This provides more control over how the mapping occurs, over the pick-and-click methods using thetool palettes. Materials can be applied to 3D solids and surfaces, faces, and 2D objects with thickness.

Command: materialmapmaterialmapmaterialmapmaterialmapmaterialmapSelect an option [Box/Planar/Spherical/Cylindrical/copY mapping to/Resetmapping]<Box>: (Enter an option.)Select faces or objects: (Pick one or more faces or objects).Accept the mapping or [Move/Rotate/reseT/sWitch mapping mode]: (Enter an option.)

MaterialAttach

The MaterialAttach command attaches materials to objects by layer name (updated from the old RMatcommand). Missing from AutoCAD 2007 is the ability to attach materials by color number, which isuseful for drawings not created by layers.

ConvertOldMaterials

The ConvertOldMaterials command converts material definitions from previous releases to AutoCAD2007 materials.

Command: convertoldmaterialsconvertoldmaterialsconvertoldmaterialsconvertoldmaterialsconvertoldmaterialsn object(s) updated.


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MaterialsClose

The MaterialsClose command closes the Materials palette.


CMaterial specifies the default material; default = bylayer.

MatState reports whether the Materials window is open.

LightList

The LightList command lists and edits lights in the Lights in Model palette; it does not create lights. Toedit lights, users need to right-click a light name, and then select Properties.

Left: The LightList palette.Right: Properties of the selected light.

DistantLight

The DistantLight command places distant lights in drawings, and specifies their options (updated fromthe DistantLight option of the former Light command).

Command: distantlightdistantlightdistantlightdistantlightdistantlightSpecify light direction FROM <0,0,0> or [Vector]: (Pick a point.)Specify light direction TO <1,1,1>: (Pick another point.)Enter an option to change [Name/Intensity/Status/shadoW/Color/eXit] <eXit>: (En-ter an option.)

PointLight

The PointLight command places point lights in drawings (updated from the Point option of the old Lightcommand). Shown below is the “glyph” for pointlights, the new term for icon, symbol, block.

Command: pointlightpointlightpointlightpointlightpointlightSpecify source location <0,0,0>: (Pick a point.)Enter an option to change [Name/Intensity/Status/shadoW/Attenuation/Color/eXit]<eXit>: (Enter an option.)


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Spotlight

The Spotlight command places spotlights in drawings (updated from the Spotlight option of the oldLights command).

Command: spotlightspotlightspotlightspotlightspotlightSpecify source location <0,0,0>: Pick a point.)Specify target location <0,0,-10>: (Pick another point.)Enter an option to change[Name/Intensity/Status/Hotspot/Falloff/shadoW/Attenuation/Color/eXit] <eXit>:(Enter an option.)

ConvertOldLights

The ConvertOldLights command converts light blocks in drawings created by older versions of AutoCADinto 2007 lights objects.

Command: convertoldlightsconvertoldlightsconvertoldlightsconvertoldlightsconvertoldlightsn light(s) converted.

LightListClose

The LightListClose command closes the Lights in Model palette.


DefaultLighting specifies that distant lighting is on.

DefaultLightingType toggles between old and new styles of default lighting.

LightGlyphDisplay toggles the display of light glyphs.

LightListState reports whether the Light List is displayed:

0 - Closed.


SunProperties

The SunProperties command sets the properties of the Sun light; opens the Sun Properties palette(updated from the Sun option of the old Lights command).


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SunPropertiesClose

The SunPropertiesClose command closes the Sun Properties palette.


CShadow specifies the default shadow treatment for 3D objects:

0 - Objects cast and receive shadows from other objects; default.

1 - Casts shadows only.

2 - Receives shadows only.

3 - Shadows are not cast.

NorthDirection specifies the angle of the sun relative to North; default = 0.

ShadowPlaneLocation specifies the height of the shadow plane; default = 0.

SunPropertiesState reports whether the Sun Properties window is open:

0 - Closed.


SunStatus determines whether the sun casts light; default = yes.

GeographicLocation

The GeographicLocation command specifies locations by latitude and longitude, city name, region, andso on; displays the Geographic Location dialog box (updated from an option of the old Light command).


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Latitude stores the last used latitude.

Longitude stores the last used longitude.

TimeZone stores the time zone; default = -8000.

RenderPresets

The RenderPresets command specifies the parameters for renderings; displays the Render Presets Man-ager dialog box (updated from the old Render command).


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RenderEnvironment

The RenderEnvironment command sets the fog options; displays the Render Environment dialog box(updated from the old Fog command).

RenderCrop

The RenderCrop command renders a rectangular area of the drawing (updated from the Window op-tion of the old Render command).

Left: Cropped rendering.Right: Unrendered portion of model.

Command: rendercroprendercroprendercroprendercroprendercropPick crop window to render: (Pick a point.)please enter the second point: (Pick a point.)


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RenderWin

The RenderWin command displays the Render window, which lists and illustrates the current and pre-vious renderings and parameters. (This window harkens back to the render window around the time ofAutoCAD Release 13.) The list of previous renderings allows users to easily review the effect of differentsettings.

RPrefClose

The RPrefClose command closes the Render Settings palette (short for “Render PREFerences CLOSE”).


RenderPrefsState reports whether the Render Preferences window is open:

0 - Closed.



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AnimationAnimation was included a long time ago in AutoCAD Release 11. Back then, a series of AutoLISP routinesrepositioned the viewpoint along paths defined by polylines. At each viewpoint, the 3D drawing wasrendered, a slow process. Each scene was collected into .fli file, Autodesk’s animation format. The movieswere of crude resolution with dithered color. The routines were removed with Release 13. After a longwait for users, animation has returned with high quality.

WalkFlySettings

The WalkFlySettings command specifies the settings for walk and fly animations; displays the Walk and FlySettings dialog box.

3dWalk

The 3dWalk command enters Walk mode, which stays on the x,y-plane.

3dFly

The 3dFly command navigates 3D drawings in fly-through mode, which escapes gravity and moves in 3Dspace.

Both commands work only in perspective mode; both display the Position Locator palette.


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Use these keys control walk and fly modes:

Arrow Key ActionDrag mouse ... Look around & turn.... F Toggle Fly mode.Up W Move forward.Left A Move left.Right D Move right.Down S Move backward.... Tab Display help window.

AniPath

The AniPath command creates animations along paths; displays the Motion Path Animation dialog boxand the Animation Preview window (short for “ANImation PATH”).

Top: Options for Motion Path Animation.Above: The path is shown in red; the camera position in blue.


StepSize specifies the length of steps in walk mode; default = 6 drawing units.

StepsPerSec specifies the speed of steps in walk mode; default 2.


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DWF Underlays

DwfAttach and -DwfAttach

The DwfAttach command attaches .dwf files to the current drawing. It displays the Select DWF File andAttach DWF Underlay dialog boxes.

Users can attach multiple .dwf files and sheets, but the underlays are visible only in 2D wireframe mode.

Command: -dwfattach -dwfattach -dwfattach -dwfattach -dwfattachPath to DWF file to attach: (Enter a file name or type ~~~~~.)Enter name of sheet or [?] <Blocks and Tables - Imperial>: (Enter a name.)Specify insertion point: (Pick a point.)Base image size: Width: 35.5438, Height: 23.1501, InchesSpecify scale factor or [Unit] <1.0000>: (Press Enter or type a value.)Specify rotation <0>: (Press Enter or type a value.)

DwfAdjust

The DwfAdjust command modifies the display of DWF underlays:

• Contrast ranges from 0 to 100 (most contrast); default = 15. We find there is little difference incontrast between the two extreme values.

• Fade ranges from 0 to 80 (most faded); default = 25.• Monochrome is on or off; default = off.

Left: DWF underlay in color.Right: DWF underlay in faded monochrome.


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Command: dwfadjustdwfadjustdwfadjustdwfadjustdwfadjustSelect DWF underlay: (Select one or more underlays.)Enter DWF Underlay option [Fade/Contrast/Monochrome] <Fade>: (Enter an option.)

DwfClip

The DwfClip command defines clipping boundaries of DWF underlays.

Left: Clipped DWF underlay.Right: Normal (unclipped) DWF underlay.

Command: dwfclipdwfclipdwfclipdwfclipdwfclipSelect DWF to clip: (Select one.)Enter DWF clipping option [ON/OFF/Delete/New boundary] <New boundary>: nnnnnEnter clipping type [Polygonal/Rectangular] <Rectangular>: pppppSpecify first point: (Pick a point.)Specify next point or [Undo]: (Pick another point.)Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: ccccc

3dDwf

The 3dDwf command exports drawings as 3D DWF files; displays the Export 3D DWF dialog box. Thisis not a new command, but the old 3dDwfPublish command renamed.


DwfFrame determines the display of the DWF frame:

0 - DWF frame is off.

1 - Frame is displayed and plotted.

2 - Frame is displayed, but not plotted; default.

DwfOsnap (1) determines whether osnaps apply to DWF underlays:

0 - No object snapping.

1 - Object snapping work with geometry in DWF attachments; default.

3dDwfPrec (2) specifies the precision of exported 3D DWF files:

1 - 1 4 - 0.1

2 - 0.5; default 5 - 0.01

3 - 0.2 6 - 0.001


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LayersThe following commands are all copied from Express Tools found in earlier releases of AutoCAD. Mostprompt users to select an object.

CopyToLayer and -CopyToLayer copy selected objects to another layer.

LayCur changes the layer of selected objects to the current layer (short for "LAYer CURrent").

LayDel erases all objects from the specified layer; purges layer from drawing (short for "LAYer DELete").

LayFrz freezes the layers of the selected objects (short for "LAYer FReeZe").

LayIso turns off all layers except of the ones holding selected objects (short for "LAYer ISOlate").

LayLck locks the layer of the selected object (short for "LAYer LoCK").

LayMch changes the layers of selected objects to that of a selected object (short for "LAYer MatCH").

LayMCur makes the selected object's layer current (short for "LAYer Make CURrent").

LayMrg moves objects to another layer; purges the original layer from the drawing (short for "LAYerMeRGe").

LayOff turns off the layer of the selected object.

LayOn turns on all layers.

LayThw thaws all layers (short for "LAYer THaW").

LayULk unlocks the layer of a selected object (short for "LAYer UnLocK").

LayUnIso turns on layers that were turned off with the last LayIso command (short for "LAYerUNISOlate").

LayVpi isolates an the selected object's layer in the current viewport (short for "LAYer ViewPort Iso-late").

LayWalk displays objects on selected layers.


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Miscellaneous

ExternalReferences

The ExternalReferences command displays the External References palette. It lists the names and detailsof attached .dwg, .dwf, and image files. This command replaces the old Image and Xref commands.

ExternalReferencesClose

The ExternalReferencesClose command may well be the longest command name in AutoCAD. It closesthe External References palette.


ERState reports whether the External References palette is open:

0 - Closed.


ClassicImage and ClassicXref

The undocumented ClassicImage command displays the old Image Manager dialog box, and ClassicXrefthe old Xref Manager.

Dimensions

In AutoCAD 2006, Autodesk forgot to include the following system variables for new dimension com-mands, but now they appear in AutoCAD 2007. (Default values in brackets.)

DimArcSym specifies the location of the dimension arc symbol.

DimFXL specifies the default length of fixed extension lines.

DimFxlOn determines whether fixed extension lines are used.

DimJogAngle specifies the default jog angle.

DimLtype specifies the name of the dimension line linetype.

DimLtEx1 specifies the name of the first extension line linetype.

DimLtEx2 specifies the name of the second extension line linetype.

DimTFill toggles background fill of dimension text.

DimTFillClr specifies the background color for dimension text.

See appendix A for an alphabetical list of all new commands; appendix B for system variables; andappendix C for undocumented commands and system variables.


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Chapter 2

User Interface Changes

Starting up AutoCAD 2007 for the first time can be overwhelming. Users face numerous decisions:

• What customizations do you want to upgrade to AutoCAD 2007? There is no None option;instead users have to turn off all check marks.

• From which release of AutoCAD do you want to make the upgrades?• Which workspace do you want to start in? 3D, Classic, or Don’t Show Again.• Do you want to run Performance Tuner to test your graphics board? Yes or No.• Do you want to know more about AutoCAD 2007? Yes, Maybe later, or No.

First time questions.(Postrio was Autodesk’s code name for AutoCAD 2007,

named after a San Francisco restaurant.)

We understand Autodesk’s need to optimize the user experience from the start, but this introductionfeels as if it were designed by committee.

Related to this, users now face eight user interfaces in AutoCAD:

• Model space.• Layouts in paperspace.• Layouts in modelspace.• Plot preview.• Block editor (added in AutoCAD 2006).• 3D modeling workspace (added in AutoCAD 2007).• Render window (added in AutoCAD 2007).• And, we suppose, it could be argued that the DWF Viewer provides yet another UI.


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AutoCAD’s new 3D Modeling workspace.

Then add the variety of sub-UIs, each with their own distinct user interface: dialog boxes, palettes, andwindows. There is even inconsistency between dialog boxes. For example, the Plot and Publish dialogboxes should be similar but are very different, with Publish using mostly icons for buttons.

It’s all pretty overwhelming.

Changes to the User InterfaceOnce users pass the gauntlet, the Dashboard is the most noticeable change to the UI (user interface). Asnoted in the previous chapter, it attempts to lead users along the design workflow: 2D, 3D, edit, visualize,and render. Except that’s not the workflow, is it? Missing is plotting and sharing. In any case, we find thevast number of icons confusing. Nor can the Dashboard be customized.

A small portion of the icon-laden Dashboard.

3D Cursor/Colors

More than 15 years have passed since Autodesk declared Release 10 the “3D AutoCAD.” With AutoCAD2007 (Release 21), it finally gets a 3D cursor that shows the z direction. Until now, users had to rely onthe UCS icon for showing the direction of z, an icon that wasn’t necessarily turned on.


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In 3D views, the cursor takes on colors: red = x, green = y, and blue = z. The cursor lines are shorter inthe negative direction, longer in the positive. In plan view (x, y) , the cursor reverts to all-black.

At left: The new tri-color cursor.At right: The tri-color scheme used by tooltip coordinates.

The color scheme is used elsewhere, as well. For instance, tooltips reporting coordinates show x in red,y in green, and z in blue. The colorization can be turned off through the Tint for X, Y, Z option of theOptions dialog box.

3D Workspace

Other changes are more subtle. The Workspace toolbar is now “official,” meaning it is on, by default, anddocked at the top of the window. It’s become official, because it provides the portal between AutoCAD’sclassic user interface and its new 3D modeling interface.

Indeed, we don’t know that there is any other easy way to get to the 3D workspace except through theWorkspace command.

Layout Tabs

In AutoCAD 2006, users could make the layout tabs disappear from the bottom of the window. In 2007,they can be positioned as icons on the status bar.

In the 3D Modeling workspace, the layout tabs are on the status bar. To hide the tabs, right-click one ofthem, as illustrated below:

Moving layout tabs to the status bar.


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A pair of icons and a pair triangles appear on the status bar,. The black icon represents model tab; thewhite represents layout tab; the pair of triangles provide access to additional layouts.

Right-click to return the classic tab layout.

We chuckled at Autodesk marketing describing the removal of layout tabs thusly: “You regain valuablescreen space by moving layout and model tabs.” Contrast the small amount of space taken up by the tabswith the enormous amount of space taken by the new Dashboard!

Scroll Bars

Curiously, the very useful scroll bars are turned off by default — useful for quickly panning the drawingwithout interrupting the workflow. To turn on the scroll bars: Tools | Options | Display | WindowElements | Display Scroll Bars in Drawing.

Clean Screen and DUCS

Access to “clean screen” has been added through an icon in the tray (at the right end of the status bar.).

Cleanscreen minimizes the number of user interface elements, leaving just the menu bar, status bar, andcommand prompt area.

Also new on the status bar is the DUCS button, which toggles dynamic UCS mode on and off.

Menus and Toolbars

Numerous changes have been made to the menu structure to accommodate the many new commands.For instance, access to palettes has been moved to a new Palettes submenu on the Tools menu. TheDraw menu has a new Modeling item to handle 3D solid and surface drawing commands.

New toolbars include:

Left: The new 3D Navigation toolbar.Right: The new Camera Adjustment toolbar.

Left: The new Layers II toolbar.Right: The new Mapping toolbar.


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Left: The new Visual Styles toolbar.Right: The new Walk and Fly toolbar.

Other toolbars, such as Lights and Solid Editing, have been updated with the new commands and relatedicons.

Docked AutoHide

AutoCAD 2007 now has 14 palettes. (From the menu, select Tools | Palettes.) If all were open, even adual-monitor set up would not be able to display them all. For this reason, palettes can now be auto-hidden in docked mode, as illustrated at right. When the cursor passes over the title bar, the paletteexpands out.

Another option makes them even smaller: show just their icons.

Grid Behavior

The grid now consists of lines; the traditional dots are only used when the visual style is set to 2Dwireframe.

The grid is more adaptable in AutoCAD 2007. It can display subgrids in a user-defined increment, al-though these minor grid lines look identical to standard grid lines. When zoomed out, the grid displayadapts to show fewer grid lines, instead of complaining that the grid is too dense to display.

The Limits command no longer limits the range of the grid. The line grid does not display when the snapangle is other from 0.

A red grid line shows the x axis and a green one the y. And the grid plane can be made to follow thechanges of the dynamic UCS.


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The grid is controlled by the Grid command (at the command line) and the DSettings command (in adialog box).


GridDisplay determines how the grid is displayed; default =3:

0 Grid display restricted to the rea specified by the Limit command.

1 Unrestricted by the Limits command.

2 Adaptive grid reduces the density when zoomed out.

4 Adds more closely spaced grid lines when zoomed in.

8 Grid plane follows the x,y-plane of dynamic UCS.

GridMajor specifies the number of minor grid line per major grid line; default = 5.

First Time Help Windows

As user interfaces become more subtle, features become invisible. As programs gain features, documen-tation becomes overwhelming. To help solve the problem, Autodesk has firstime help windows thatappear automatically when users use the cursor in a way that could be used differently, and perhapsmore efficiently.

For instance, the first time users pick a 3D solid, the following window appears:

This is not an ideal solution. Each time the user clicks the solid, the window appears. Checking the Don’tshow me this again button means the user never again encounters the helpful text. And the text ispartially cut off in its window. Still, it’s better than never being told.

Icons on Palette Titlebars

Each palette now has an icon on its titlebar, as illustrated under the Xs below. The icons perform nouseful function.


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Options

To handle the many new user interface options, the Options dialog box has a new 3D Modeling tab, plusa vastly revamped Drawing Windows Colors dialog box, as illustrated below.

While the Colors dialog box lists names and illustrates user interface elements, there is no connectionbetween them. For instance, which element is the “Autosnap marker”? It would be a nice touch ifAutodesk were to add linking: the user selects Autosnap Marker, and the related UI element is high-lighted in the preview image.

Left: Drawing Windows and Colors dialog box.Right: 3D Modeling tab of the Options dialog box.

By one count, the Options dialog box provides access to over 300 options. Which makes us ask, willCAD become too complex even as its programmers work to make it easier to use?


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New Interactivity for 3D ObjectsIn AutoCAD 2007, 3D solids can be interactively created and edited. The example below shows a wedgebeing created. Notice that the shading adjusts as the wedge changes its height (available when Visual Styleis set to Conceptual or Realistic.)

Left: Forming the baseCenter and right: Raising the height.

Triangle Grips

AutoCAD 2006 introduced triangle grips to arcs, which let users change the radius and length of arcs.AutoCAD 2007 adds similar grips to 3D solids, but does not extend them to any other 2D object.

Left: Triangle grips modify the size of 3D solids.Right: Stretching the wedge with the red grip.

Dynamic Grips

AutoCAD 2006 also introduced dynamic grips, which are found on dynamic blocks constructed with theBlock Editor. AutoCAD 2007 extends dynamic grips to non-block objects, such as section planes.

Dynamic grips are shown in light blue on this section plane.


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Grip Tools

It can be difficult to move and rotate objects in 3D space and so AutoCAD 2007 introduces grip tools:for 3D moving and 3D rotating.

Left: 3D move tool.Right: 3D rotate tool.

The 3D move grip has three handles (called “grip tools”), one each for x, y, and z using the same colorscheme as the tri-color cursor. Select one grip tool, and it turns yellow: this is the direction in which theobject will move in 3D space.

After selecting a grip tool, users can switch between 3dMove and 3dRotate by pressing the Spacebar —just as if they were using grips:

** MOVE **Specify move point or [Base point/Copy/Undo/eXit]: (Press Spacebar.)

** ROTATE **Specify rotation angle or [Base point/Copy/Undo/Reference/eXit]: (Enter an op-tion or press Spacebar.)

Notice the options available within the 3dMove and 3dRotate commands: copy, undo, and so on.

The grip tools can be moved: grab the small square at the center, and then drag it to a new location. Thesquare represents the basepoint for each command.

The new GtDefault system variable determines whether the 3dMove and 3dRotate commands areactivated automatically in 3D space when users enter the Move and Rotate command names. A similarinterface is not available for the Mirror3D command.


GtAuto toggles display of grip tools:

0 - Off.

1 - On (default).

GtLocation controls the location of grip tools:

0 - Grip tool placed at the UCS icon (default).

1 - Grip tool placed on the last selected object.

ImpliedFace toggles the detection of implied faces:

0 - Not detected.

1 - Detected (default).

LegacyCtrlPick determines the function of Ctrl+left pick:

0 - Select faces, edges, and vertices of 3D solids (default).

1 - Cycle through overlapping objects.

UcsDetect toggles dynamic UCS acquisition:

0 - Off.

1 - On (default).

ZoomWheel reverses the zoom direction relative to mouse wheel direction:

0 - Zooms in when the wheel rolls forward (default).

1 - Zooms out when wheel rolls forward.


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Chapter 3

Changed and Removed Commands

Commands removed from AutoCAD 2007 are highlighted by strikeout lines.

BackgroundThe Background command has been removed from AutoCAD 2007. Its functions are now provided bychanges to the View command.

BEditorAutoCAD 2007 includes more tutorials for creating dynamic blocks.

When creating multi-input lookup tables in the Block Editor, the Allow Reverse Lookup option is nowturned on by default.

Box, Cone, Cylinder, Sphere, Torus, and WedgeThe 3D modeling commands are now interactive. As the user moves the cursor, AutoCAD 2007 pre-views the shape, as described in the previous chapter. (This new interactivity does not apply to the 3Dmesh commands, such as 3D and Ai_Box.)

The prompts of the 3D modeling commands have been rewritten to be more similar to those of their2D counterparts.

As the user moves the cursor, the torus becomes fatter or thinner.

CameraThe Camera command now places camera glyphs, and has a new user interface. See Chapter 1.


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Change and ChPropThe Change and ChProp commands now allow users to change the material assigned to objects:

Command: chpropchpropchpropchpropchpropSelect objects: (Select one or more objects.)Enter property to change[Color/LAyer/LType/ltScale/LWeight/Thickness/Material]: mmmmmEnter new material name <ByLayer>: (Enter material name.)

ChSpaceA former Express Tool, the ChSpace command is now part of AutoCAD 2007’s core. It moves and scalesobjects between paper and model space of layout tabs. (The command does not work in model tab.)

CleanScreenOn and CleanScreenOffA button has been added to the tray to toggle cleanscreen mode.

CUIThe CUI command has a new item: Double Click Actions. This customizes the behavior when an objectis double-clicked, as in Visio. Double-click editing is toggled through the Options command’s User Pref-erences tab. (See Options command below for other changes.) Also, users can now drag commands fromCUI to tool palettes.

The double-click action is specified through macros.

DimensionsAutoCAD 2007 includes the forgotten system variables for new commands in AutoCAD 2006. SeeChapter 1.

DrawingRecoveryThe DrawingRecovery command now removes old recovered files automatically.


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DSettingsThe Snap and Grid tab of the Drafting Settings dialog box has new options.

Snap

Missing are options for setting the x,y base and angle for snap mode. Added is a new Equal X and YSpacing option.

Grid and Grid Behavior

Major line every — specifies the number of minor grid lines to display between regular lines.

Adaptive grid — displays fewer grid lines when zoomed out.

Allow subdivision below grid spacing — displays more grid lines when zoomed in.

Display grid beyond Limits — displays the grid beyond the limits set by the Limits command.

Follow Dynamic UCS — reorients the grid to match the current dynamic UCS.

But still no radial or polar grids, as in AutoSketch. See Chapter 2 for additional changes to the grid.

DsViewerThe Aerial View window does not operate in the new 3D Modeling workspace.

Dynamic InputDynamic input now highlights invalid entries with a red box.

The red box indicates invalid input.


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eTransmitThe eTransmit command now includes material texture files in the transmittal package.

ExplodeThe Explode command now explodes flat faces of solids into regions, and curved faces into surfaces.

ExtrudeThe Extrude command now creates surfaces when extruding open geometry; solids are produced fromclosed objects. Users can select numerous open and closed geometries, and the command produces theappropriate extrusion for each.

The extrusion distance and direction can be previewed.

This command now accepts solid and surface faces as objects to be extruded.

ExportThe Export command now supports 3D DWF, but removes the 3DS format.

FieldThe Field command now allows users to select objects from model and layout spaces. It also supportsAutoLISP and VLISP variables, as illustrated below.

AutoLISP and Visual LISP variables displayed by the Field dialog box.


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FogThe Fog command is now an alias for the new RenderEnvironment command, a very long name for thefog dialog box.

GridThe Grid command has new options (see also DSettings command):

Command: gridgridgridgridgridSpecify grid spacing(X) or [ON/OFF/Snap/Major/aDaptive/Limits/Follow/Aspect]<0.5000>: (Enter an option or a value.)

Major — specifies the number of minor grid lines to display between regular lines.aDaptive — displays more or fewer grid lines when zoomed out or in.Limits — displays the grid beyond the limits set by the Limits command.Follow — reorients the grid to match the current dynamic UCS.

See Chapter 2 for visual changes to the grid.

HideThe Hide command is now an alias for the VsCurrent command’s 3dHidden option.

HlSettingsThe HlSettings command is now an alias for displaying the palette of the VisualStyles command.

Image and ClassicImageThe Image command is now an alias for the ExternalReferences command.

To access the old Image Manager dialog box, use the undocumented ClassicImage command.

Insert and MInsertWhen users have the Properties palette open during the Insert (or MInsert) command, the palette nowdisplays properties of the block being inserted, and allows a small number of properties to be editedbefore the block is inserted in the drawing.

The properties are color, layer, linetype, and lineweight.


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Properties editable during block insertion.

InterfereThe Interfere command now can show a different color for the interference objects it creates. The coloris specified by the InterfereColor system variable.

The Interfere command displays interference objects (at right) in a specified color.

Users can now select solids nested in blocks and externally-referenced drawings.

The command now also displays a dialog box to assist users in determining which pairs of objects tocheck for interference. This was formerly handled by command-line prompts.

NEW SYSTEM VARIABLE

InterfereColor specifies the color of interference objects produced by the Interfere command; default = 1 (red).


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LayersInstead of black, the default BYLAYER color is now pale blue, HSL = 231,240,255.

All of the layer-related commands formerly in Express Tools are now part of the AutoCAD 2007 core.

LightThe Light command now places light glyphs, instead of blocks, and has a new user interface.

Vancouver BC has finally been added to the list of locations. See Chapter 1 for more details.

LsEdit, LsLib, and LsNewThe LsEdit, LsLib, and LsNew commands have been removed from AutoCAD 2007.

MatchPropThe Property Settings dialog box of the MatchProp command adds toggles for Material and ShadowDisplay.

Move and Move3DThe GtDefault system variable determines whether entering “move” executes the Move or 3dMovecommand in 3D views.

MTextThe MText command now allows users to press Shift+Tab to outdent indented levels.

NewThe New command has access to additional template files, such as acadiso3D.dwt and acad -Named PlotStyles3D.dwt.

OptionsThe Options dialog box now has a new 3D Modeling tab (as illustrated earlier), plus changes to thecontent of other tabs:

Files tab

• New file paths added to list.

Display tab

• Draw true silhouettes for solids and surfaces was previously for wireframe only.• New dialog box for Colors button.

Open and Save tab

• Save drawings in AutoCAD 2007 format (previously 2004).

Plot and Publish tab

No changes.


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System tab

• 3D Performance: new Performance Settings dialog box.

User Preferences tab

• Double-click editing added.• Hidden-line Settings button is removed.

Drafting tab

• AutoSnap Settings: Color button replaces droplist.• Ignore negative Z object snaps for Dynamic UCS option is new.• Lights Glyph Settings button is new.• Camera Glyph Settings button is new.• Settings button is renamed “Drafting Tooltip Settings.”

3D Modeling tab

Entirely new.

Selection tab

No changes, although we expected to see options for the new grip tools.

Profiles tab

No changes.

OSnapOsnap optionally works with elements in DWF underlays, depending on the setting of the new DwfOsnapsystem variable.

Object snaps and autotracking now work in the z-direction, including in perspective viewing mode.

NEW SYSTEM VARIABLE

OsOptions determines which objects are osnaped (default = 3):

0 - Hatches and objects with negative z values during dynamic UCS.

1 - Only objects with negative z values during dynamic UCS.

2 - Hatches only.

PlotAutoCAD 2007 exports drawings in PDF format, but not conveniently. Instead of a simple PDFoutcommand, the Plot command must be set up to employ the DWG to PDF.pc3 driver. We suspect this less-convenient method was selected by Autodesk to placate third-party developers with PDF export soft-ware.

There are no other changes to plotting. A good change would have been to automatically assign thesystem default printer, but None continues to be the default.

PreviewThis may be a bug in the beta software we tested, but the menu is missing from the Preview window.Clicking the blank menu area displays AutoCAD’s status bar, complete with coordinates, toggle buttons,and tray.


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PropertiesProperties for 3D solid models now include History and Show History. During block insertion, someproperties can be adjusted. Other properties, such as the angle of a line, still cannot be changed.

The palettes of the Properties command now lists 3D and visualization settings, as illustrated by thefigure below.

Material, shadow display, and visual style are new.

PublishThe Publish command’s dialog box has a new button for reversing the order in which sheets are pub-lished.

The Publish Options dialog box has new 3D DWF options, as illustrated below.


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NEW SYSTEM VARIABLE

PublishAllSheets toggles whether all sheets are published by the Publish command; default = yes.

Purge and -PurgeThe Purge and -Purge commands now handle materials and visual styles. The -Purge command displays atthe command prompt:

Command: -purgeEnter type of unused objects to purge[Blocks/Dimstyles/LAyers/LTypes/MAterials/Plotstyles/SHapes/textSTyles/Mlinestyles/Tablestyles/Visualstyles/Regapps/All]: (Enter an option.)

QNewThe QNew command opens new drawings using the new template file, acad3D.dwt, which starts inperspective, realistic mode:

QSelectThe Quick Select dialog box adds new properties: material, shadow display, solid type, history, showhistory, surface type, U isolines, V isolines, and more. The properties vary, depending on the objectsselected.


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Rename and -RenameThe Rename and -Rename commands now include Materials. The -Rename command displays at thecommand line:

Command: -rename-rename-rename-rename-renameEnter object type to rename[Block/Dimstyle/LAyer/LType/Material/Style/Tablestyle/Ucs/VIew/VPort]: mmmmmEnter old material name: (Enter current name.)

Render and RendScrThe Render command has been updated with rendering technology from Mental Ray, the same technol-ogy used in 3D max and VIZ.

The RendScr command is now an alias for the RenderWin command. See Chapter 1 for details.

ReplayThe Replay command has been removed from AutoCAD 2007.

RevolveThe Revolve command now produces solids or surfaces, in a manner similar to the Extrude command:revolve closed objects to produce solids, open objects for surfaces.

This command now accepts solid and surface faces as objects to be revolved.

RMat and MatLibThe RMat and MatLib commands have been updated with Mental Ray technology, and have new userinterfaces. See Chapter 1 for details.

RMat is now an alias for the new Materials command; MatLib has been discontinued.

Rotate and 3dRotateThe GtDefault system variable determines whether entering “Rotate” executes the Rotate or 3dRotatecommand in 3D views. (The new 3dRotate command is different from the old Rotate3D command.)

RPrefThe RPref command now displays a new palette-like dialog box for setting rendering preferences. SeeChapter 1.

SaveAsAutoCAD 2007 employs a new DWG format to accommodate the new 3D objects. The SaveAs com-mand now exports drawings to AutoCAD 2004 format.

SaveImgThe SaveImg command now displays a simple Render Output File dialog box to save images in TIFF, BMP,PCX, Targa, JPEG, and PNG formats. (The old Save Image dialog box handled only BMP, Targa, and TIFFformats.)

All formats have new Image Options dialog boxes, two of which are illustrated below:


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Left: Options for JPEG files.Right: Options for TIFF files.

SceneThe Scene command no longer operates in AutoCAD 2007.

SetUVThe SetUV command is now an alias for the new MaterialMap command.

ShadeModeThe ShadeMode command is now an alias for the new VisualStyles command. The functions of the oldShadeMode command are now carried out by the new -ShadeMode command.

SheetSetThe SheetSet command now allows users to select multiple sheets, and then drag them into new sets orsubsets.

SliceThe Slice command now accepts surfaces as the slicing object:

Command: sliceslicesliceslicesliceSelect objects to slice: (Pick one or more objects.)Specify start point of slicing plane or [planar Object/Surface/Zaxis/View/XY/YZ/ZX/3points] <3points>:

StatsThe Stats command has been removed from AutoCAD 2007. Its replacement is the rendering statisticsdisplayed by the Render command’s window.


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TableStyleThe Table command now allows formats for angles, dates, x,y,z points, whole and decimal numbers, andtext. In the Data tab, click the ... button next to Format.

Autodesk documentation indicates that AutoCAD 2007 includes predefined table styles, but we saw noevidence of them.

TextThe DTextEd system variable has a new value:

2 - Displays the in-place text editor, and allows users to click anywhere to start new text blocks.

While the Text command is active, users can press Tab and Shift+Tab to move between text blocks; alternatively, hold

down Alt and select a text block to edit it. The selected text block turns orange.

Press Tab to move to the next text block;press Shift+Tab to move to the previous one.

ToolPaletteThe TablePalette and other palettes can now automatically hide when docked. Tool palettes themselveshave been greatly expanded with more commands and rendering materials, as illustrated below.

Commands can be dragged from CUI to tool palettes.


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UCSThe Ucs command has recombined sets of options. The suboptions found in the New option are now inwith the main list of options. The new NAmed option reveals the Save, Restore, and other options.Clear? In short, the command has been reworked; it now looks like this:

Command: ucsCurrent ucs name: *WORLD*Specify origin of UCS or [Face/NAmed/OBject/Previous/View/World/X/Y/Z/ZAxis]<World>:

View and -ViewThe View command’s dialog box has a new user interface, now incorporating a Properties-like section.

The New View dialog box adds new functions in its lower half, including Live Section, Visual Style, andBackground.


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The View command takes over the functions of the old Background command, by allowing users tospecify a background color, gradient, or image — as illustrated below. (Missing is the Background command’sMerge option, which displayed a wireframe image under the rendered one.)

Left: Solid color background.Right: Gradient backgroundBelow: Image background

For the colors, users can chose from any of AutoCAD’s colors in the Select Color dialog box. For theimage, users can select from Targa, Bitmap, Portable Network Graphics, JPEG, and TIFF formats. Theimage can be further adjusted with the Adjust Image dialog box:


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-View Command

The -View command has changes in its prompts at the command line, as well as the new sEttingsoption:

Command: -view-view-view-view-viewEnter an option [?/Delete/Orthographic/Restore/Save/sEttings/Window]: eEnter an option [Background/Categorize/Layer snapshot/live Section/Ucs/Visualstyle]]: (Enter an option.)

Background options (new)Enter view name to edit Background or [?]: (Enter a named view.)Specify background type [Color/Gradient/Image/None]<None>: (Enter option.)

live Section options (new and undocumented)Enter view name to edit live section or [?]:Enter live section name or * for none, or [?]: <*>:

Visual style options (new)Enter view name to edit Layer snapshot or [?]: (Enter a named view.)Enter an option [Save/Delete] <Cancel>: sssss

The new Layer snapshot option is renamed from the old “lAyer state.”


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XRef and ClassicXrefThe Xref command is now an alias for the ExternalReferences command. To access the old Xref Managerdialog box, use the undocumented ClassicXref command.

3dAlignThe 3dAlign command now previews the destination alignment. (This effect does not work with theAlign command.)

Command: 3dalign3dalign3dalign3dalign3dalignSelect objects: (Pick one or more objects.)

Specify source plane and orientation ...Specify base point or [Copy]: (Pick a point.)Specify second point or [Continue] <C>: (Pick another point.)Specify third point or [Continue] <C>:( Pick another point.)

AutoCAD 2007 now previews the object:Specify destination plane and orientation ...Specify first destination point: (Pick a point.)Specify second destination point or [eXit] <X>: (Pick another point.)

Specify third destination point or [eXit] <X>: (Pick another point.)

3dConfig and -3dConfigAt the time of writing this ebook, only graphics boards from nVidia were certified by Autodesk to fullywork with AutoCAD 2006. Model numbers include Quadro FX540 through to Quadro4 980XGL. Ac-cording to the online help, “To display full shadows, hardware acceleration is required. When GeometryAcceleration is off, full shadows cannot be displayed.” To determine whether your graphics board works,run the 3dConfig command.

The 3dConfig command displays this dialog box:

The View Tune Log and Manual Tune buttons display the following dialog boxes:


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The new -3dConfig command lists prompts at the command line — just like the old 3dConfig command,but with one option named differently, as highlighted below:

Configure: -3dconfig-3dconfig-3dconfig-3dconfig-3dconfigEnter option [Adaptive degradation/Dynamic tessellation/General optionsGeneral optionsGeneral optionsGeneral optionsGeneral options/acceLeration/eXit] <Adaptive degradation>:

3dDwfPublishThe 3dDwfPublish command has been given the more sensible name of 3dDwf.

3dOrbitThe 3dOrbit command now has a constrained mode.

3dsOutThe 3dsOut command has been removed; the 3dsIn command remains.


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Chapter 4

Changed System Variables

Some of the changes noted below may have occurred in AutoCAD 2006 or earlier.

AcadVerNew value for the AutoCAD version is 17.0 (previous version number was 16.2).

CalcInputWhen set to 1, formulas are now evaluated after pressing the more intuitive Alt+Enter key combina-tion (previously the End key).

DelObjThis system variable now has three new values, and a modified meaning for 1:

1 — Profile curves and cross sections are erased; affects the Extrude, Loft, Revolve, and Sweepcommands.2 — All defining geometry is deleted.-1 — Users are prompted whether they want profile curves and cross sections erased.-2 — Users are prompted whether they want all defining geometry erased.

DimABlkTwo arrowhead types have been added:

Origin2 — a second type of origin indicator (above, left).Small — a small open dot (above, right).

DTextEdThis system variable has a new value:

2 — Displays the in-place text editor, and users can click elsewhere in drawings to start new textblocks. Users can switch between text blocks by pressing the Tab and Shift+Tab key, or byholding down the Alt key and selecting a text block.


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DwgCheckThis system variable has two new values:

2 — Warnings appear on the command line for non-Autodesk drawings:

Non Autodesk DWG. This DWG file was saved by a software application not developedor licensed by Autodesk. Use of this file with AutoCAD software may result instability issues.

3 — Warnings appear in a dialog box for drawings saved by applications other than from Autodesk.

Dialog box displayed when AutoCAD 2007 opens a non-Autodesk-generated .dwg file.

FaceTRatioThis system variable applies only to the display of 3D solids; the new 3dDwfPrec system variable affectsthe number of facets on exported 3D DWF files.

HaloGapThis system variable now applies only in 2D wireframe view; the new VsHaloGap system variable appliesto all other visual styles.

HidePrecisionThis system variable now applies only in 2D wireframe view; the new VsHidePrecision system variableapplies to all other visual styles.

IntersectionColorThis system variable now applies only in 2D wireframe view; the new VsIntersectionColor system vari-able applies to all other visual styles.

IntersectionDisplayThis system variable now applies only in 2D wireframe view; the new VsIntersectionEdges system vari-able applies to all other visual styles.


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MTextFixedPreviously considered obsolete by Autodesk, this system variable seems to have been given new life.When MTextEd = “internal”:

0 and 1— In-place text editor is used, and its text matches the size, position, and rotation of themtext in the drawing.2 — In-place text editor and difficult-to-read text is displayed horizontally at a legible size.

When MTextEd = “oldeditor”:0 — Multiline text editor is used, and difficult-to-read text is displayed horizontally at a legible size.1 and 2 — Multiline text editor is opened at its last position and size.

ObscuredColorThis system variable now applies only in 2D wireframe view; the new VsObscuredColor system variableapplies to all other visual styles.

ObscuredLTypeThis system variable now applies only in 2D wireframe view; the new VsObscuredLType system variableapplies to all other visual styles.

OleQualityThe meaning of this system variable’s options have changed:

0 — Monochrome mode.1 — Low graphics mode.2 — High graphics mode.3 — Automatically selected mode:

Text, spreadsheets, and tables set to 0.Color text and charts set to 1.Photographs set to 2.

(Previously, 0 = line art, 1 = text, 2 = graphics, 3 = photographs, and 4 = high quality mode.)

SnapAngleWhen this system variable is set to a value other than 0, the grid lines disappear from view; in 2DWireframe mode, the grid dots continue to be displayed, no matter the angle.

TextEvalThis system variable now applies only to the -Text command, unless the Text command is used in scriptsand LISP routines.


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Chapter 5

Alias, Keyboard, and System Changes

AutoCAD 2007 is the 21st release of the software; internally, the program refers itself as “17.2”.

New AliasesThe following command aliases are added to the acad.pgp file:

Command Alias(es)

Camera camCTableStyle ct

-ExportToAutocad aectoacadExternalReferences er

Flatshot fshot

GeographicLocation geo, north, northdir

List showmat

MaterialMap setuvMaterials finish, mat, rmat

PolySolid psolid

RenderCrop rcRenderEnvironment fogRenderPresets rfileopt, rpRenderWin rendscr, rw

SectionPlane splane

VisualStyles vsm-VisualStyles -vsmVsCurrent vs

3dMove 3m3dRotate 3r3dWalk 3dnavigate, 3dw


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New and Changed Keyboard ShortcutsAutoCAD 2006 does not introduce new keyboard shortcuts, such as Ctrl+A, but it does make numer-ous changes. These include:

New Shortcuts Keystroke Function Key

Select faces, vertices, and edges Ctrl ...

Deselect faces, vertices, and edges Ctrl+Shift ...

Push and pull bounded areas Ctrl+Alt ...

Cycle through 3D subfeatures Ctrl+Spacebar ...

Toggle dynamic UCS Ctrl+D F6

Changed Shortcuts Keystroke Previous Key

Cycle object selection Shift+Spacebar (previously Ctrl)

Toggle coordinates Ctrl+I (previously Ctrl+D)

Entering formulas Alt+Enter (previously End)

Note that none of the new palettes, such as the Dashboard and External References have shortcutsassigned to them.

Walk and Fly

The Walk and Fly window uses the following keyboard shortcuts to control movement through themodel:

Arrow Key ActionDrag mouse ... Look around & turn.... F Toggle Fly mode.Up W Move forward.Left A Move left.Right D Move right.Down S Move backward.... Tab Display help window.

New TermsAutoCAD introduces these new terms:

Glyph — block-like image used for cameras and lights.

Gooch – a visual style that uses cool and warm color tones to make rendered views easier to see.Named after its inventors, Bruce and Amy Gooch [www.cs.utah.edu/~gooch/SIG98/abstract.html].

Visual styles — named styles for visual effects, such as hidden-line removal.

New Startup SwitchAutoCAD 2007 adds /w as a startup switch. It specifies the name of the workspace to displayed. Twoworkspaces are included:

• 3D Modeling (new in AutoCAD 2007).• AutoCAD Classic


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Minimum System RequirementsWith the radical change to AutoCAD’s 3D capabilities, Autodesk has two sets of hardware recommen-dations: minimum, and for 3D use. (The system requirements for the previous release are shown in brackets.)

CPU

Minimum: 800MHz Pentium IV (up from 800MHz Intel Pentium III in AutoCAD 2006).

Recommended for 3D: 3.0GHz or greater.

RAM

Minimum: 512MB (same as previous release).

Recommended for 3D: 2GB

Drives

Minimum: CD-ROM drive and hard drive with minimum 750MB free(up from 500MB free space).

Recommended for 3D: Additional 2GB free disk space.

Graphics Board

Minimum: 1024x768 True Color (same as previous release).

Recommended for 3D: 128MB OpenGL, workstation-class.

Pointing Device, Other

Mouse, trackball, or similar.

Printer, plotter, digitizer, Internet access, network card.

Operating System

Windows XP Professional or XP Home edition, with Service Pack 1 or SP2.

Windows XP for TabletPC with Service Pack 2.

Windows 2000 with Service Pack 3 or SP4.

Internet Explorer 6.0 with Service Pack 1.

New File TypesThe DWG file format has changed in AutoCAD 2007. This means that drawings must be reverse-translated for AutoCAD 2004 - 2006.

AutoCAD 2007 appears to not add any new file types.

New Templates

AutoCAD 2007 adds two new .dwt template files:

acad3d.dwg — imperial 3D settings and viewpoint.acadiso3d.dwg — metric 3D settings and viewpoint.


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New Sample Drawings

The help\buildyourworld folder contains 24 new sample drawings, such as a campus, kitchen (shown be-low), and trees.

There are fewer drawings in the \Sample folder, but this may change with the shipping version.

There are many more texture files than before — some 338 JPG files. These are stored in the user folderC:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Autodesk\AutoCAD 2007\R17.0\enu\Textures\. Samplesare illustrated below:

Left: Exposed aggregate concreteCenter: Carbon fibre

Right: Herringbone cobblestone.

AutoCAD 2007 Object ModelChanges to the object model are shown in gray on the next page.

New Objects

AutoCAD 2007 adds these new object types:

CameraExtruded SurfaceHelixLightLofted SurfacePlanar SurfaceRevolved SurfaceSection ObjectSwept Surface


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Appendix A

Alphabetical Summaryof New Commands

AAniPath — (short for “ANImation PATH”) creates animations along paths; displays the Motion PathAnimation dialog box and the Animation Preview window.

BBRrep — (short for “Boundary REPresentation”) deletes construction history from 3D solid bodies sothat its primitives can no longer be edited.

CChSpace — (short for “Change SPACE”) moves objects between model space and paper space, scalingthem appropriately; available as an Express Tool in earlier releases of AutoCAD.

ConvertOldLights — converts light blocks in drawings created by older versions of AutoCAD into2007 lights objects.

ConvertOldMaterials — converts material definitions from previous releases to AutoCAD 2007materials.

ConvToSolid — (short for “CONVert TO SOLID”) converts polylines and circles with thickness toextruded 3D solids.

ConvToSurface — (short for “CONVert TO SURFACE”) converts 2D solids, regions, lines, polylines,arcs, and flat 3D faces to surfaces.

CopyToLayer and -CopyToLayer — copies selected objects to another layer; available as an ExpressTool in earlier releases of AutoCAD.

DDashboard — opens the Dashboard palette with these control panels: 2D Draw, 3D Make, 3D Navi-gate, Lights, Visual Styles, Materials, and Render.

DashboardClose — closes the Dashboard palette.

DistantLight — places distant lights in drawings, and specifies their options (updated from the DistantLightoption of the former Light command).

DwfAdjust — modifies the display of DWF underlays: contrast, fade, and monochrome.

DwfAttach and -DwfAttach — Attaches .dwf files to the current drawing; displays the Select DWFFile and Attach DWF Underlay dialog boxes.

DwfClip — defines clipping boundaries of DWF underlays.


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EExternalReferences — displays the External References palette for xrefs, images, and DWF underlays.

ExternalReferencesClose — closes the External References palette.

FFlatShot — (short for “FLATten snapSHOT”) creates 2D views of 3D objects in the current viewpoint;displays the Flatshot dialog box; updated from the Flatten command in Express Tools.

GGeographicLocation — specifies locations by latitude and longitude, city name, region, and so on;displays the Geographic Location dialog box; updated from an option of the old Light command.

HHelix — draws wireframe spirals in 2D and 3D.

IImprint — imprints 2D objects on the faces of 3D solids; updated from the Body | Imprint option of theold SolidEdit command.

JJogSection — adds 90-degree jogs to section lines.

LLayCur — (short for "LAYer CURrent") changes the layer of selected objects to the current layer;available as an Express Tool in earlier releases of AutoCAD.

LayDel — (short for "LAYer DELete") erases all objects from the specified layer; purges layer fromdrawing; available as an Express Tool in earlier releases of AutoCAD.

LayFrz — (short for "LAYer FReeZe") freezes the layers of the selected objects; available as an ExpressTool in earlier releases of AutoCAD.

LayIso — (short for "LAYer ISOlate") turns off all layers except of the ones holding selected objects;available as an Express Tool in earlier releases of AutoCAD.

LayLck — (short for "LAYer LoCK") locks the layer of the selected object; available as an Express Toolin earlier releases of AutoCAD.

LayMch — (short for "LAYer MatCH") changes the layers of selected objects to that of a selectedobject; available as an Express Tool in earlier releases of AutoCAD.

LayMCur — (short for "LAYer Make CURrent") makes the selected object's layer current; available asan Express Tool in earlier releases of AutoCAD.

LayMrg — (short for "LAYer MeRGe") moves objects to another layer; purges the original layer fromthe drawing; available as an Express Tool in earlier releases of AutoCAD.

LayOff — turns off the layer of the selected object; available as an Express Tool in earlier releases ofAutoCAD.

LayOn — turns on all layers; available as an Express Tool in earlier releases of AutoCAD.


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LayThw — (short for "LAYer THaW") thaws all layers; available as an Express Tool in earlier releases ofAutoCAD.

LayULk — (short for "LAYer UnLocK") unlocks the layer of a selected object; available as an ExpressTool in earlier releases of AutoCAD.

LayUnIso — (short for "LAYer UNISOlate") turns on layers that were turned off with the last LayIsocommand; available as an Express Tool in earlier releases of AutoCAD.

LayVpI — (short for "LAYer ViewPort Isolate") isolates an the selected object's layer in the currentviewport; available as an Express Tool in earlier releases of AutoCAD.

LayWalk — displays objects on selected layers; available as an Express Tool in earlier releases of AutoCAD.

LightList — places and edits lights; displays the Lights in Model palette.

LightListClose — closes the Lights in Model palette.

LiveSection — activates live sectioning for the selected section, displaying the interior of sliced objects.

Loft — creates 3D surfaces and solids through lofting two or more curves.

MMaterialAttach — attaches materials to objects by layer name; updated from the old RMat command.

MaterialMap — maps materials to selected objects; updated from the old RMat command.

Materials — manages, applies, and edits materials; opens the Materials palette; updated from the oldMatLib command.

MaterialsClose — loses the Materials palette.

PPlaneSurf — (short for “PLANE SURFace”) creates flat surface areas.

PointLight — places point lights in drawing; updated from the Point option of the old Light command.

PolySolid — converts lines, arcs, circles, and polylines in to 3D solids with thickness.

PressPull — presses and pulls bounded areas.

Pyramid — creates 3D solid pyramids and cones.

RRenderCrop — renders a rectangular area of the drawing; updated from the Window option of the oldRender command.

RenderEnvironment — sets the fog options; displays the Render Environment dialog box; updatedfrom the old Fog command.

RenderPresets — specifies the parameters for renderings; displays the Render Presets Manager dialogbox; updated from the old Render command.

RenderWin — displays the Render window, which lists and illustrates the current and previous render-ings and parameters.

RPrefClose — (short for “Render PREFerences CLOSE”) closes the Render Settings palette.


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SSectionPlane — creates section objects independent of the 3D model; updated from the old Sectioncommand).

-ShadeMode — command-line version of the old ShadeMode command.

Spotlight — places spotlights in drawings; updated from the Spotlight option of the old Lights com-mand).

SunProperties — sets the properties of the Sun light; opens the Sun Properties palette; updated fromthe Sun option of the old Lights command.

SunPropertiesClose — closes the Sun Properties palette.

Sweep — creates 3D solids and surfaces by sweeping 2D curves along paths.

TThicken — creates 3D solids by thickening surfaces.

VVisualStyles — defines and edits visual styles used for renderings; displays the Visual Styles Managerpalette.

-VisualStyles — displays prompts at the command line.

VisualStylesClose — closes the Visual Styles Manager palette.

VsCurrent — (short for “Visual Style CURRENT”) applies a named visual style to the current view-port; updated from the old ShadeMode command.

VsSave — (short for “Visual Style SAVE”) saves a visual style by name in model space only.

WWalkFlySettings — Specifies the settings for walk and fly animations; displays the Walk and Fly Settingsdialog box.

XXEdges — (short for “eXtract Edges”) creates wireframe geometry from the edges of 3D solids andsurfaces, as well as 2D regions.

33dDWF — exports drawings as 3D DWF files; displays the Export 3D DWF dialog box; renamed fromthe old 3dDwfPublish command.

3dFly — navigates 3D drawings in fly-through mode; displays the Position Locator window.

3dFOrbit — (short for “3D Free ORBIT”) displays an arcball for realtime view changes in 3D; updatedfrom the old 3dOrbit command.

3dMove — displays the move handle on selected objects so that they can be moved in 3D space.

3dOrbitTransparent — changes the 3D view in realtime; an undocumented transparent command.

3dPanTransparent — pans 3D views in realtime; an undocumented transparent command.


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3dRotate — displays the rotate handle on selected objects so that they can be rotated in 3D space.

3dSwivelTransparent — swivels the 3D viewpoint in realtime; an undocumented transparent com-mand.

3dWalk — enters Walk mode; provides access to the Walk Mode right-click menu.

3dZoomTransparent — zooms the 3D view in realtime; an undocumented transparent command.


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Appendix B

Alphabetical Summaryof New System Variables

The default value is shown in (brackets).

CCameraDisplay — (0) toggles display of camera objects.

CameraHeight — (0) specifies the default height of cameras.

CMaterial — (bylayer) specifies the default material.

CShadow — (0) specifies the default shadow treatment for 3D objects.

DDashboardState — (0) reports whether the Dashboard is open.

DefaultLighting — (1) specifies the distant lighting is on.

DefaultLightingType — (1) toggles between old and new styles of default lighting.

DIMThe following new system variables (dimvars) were forgotten in AutoCAD 2006:

DimArcSym — (0) specifies the location of the dimension arc symbol.

DimFXL — (1) specifies the default length of fixed extension lines.

DimFxlOn — (0) determines whether fixed extension lines are used.

DimJogAngle — (45) specifies the default jog angle.

DimLtype — ("") specifies the name of the dimension line linetype.

DimLtEx1 — ("") specifies the name of the first extension line linetype.

DimLtEx2 — ("") specifies the name of the second extension line linetype.

DimTFill — (0) toggles background fill of dimension text.

DimTFillClr — (0) specifies the background color for dimension text.

DragVs — specifies the default visual style while creating 3D objects.

DwfFame — (2) determines the display of the DWF frame.

DwfOsnap — (1) determines whether osnaps apply to DWF underlays.

EERState — (0) reports whether the External References palette is open.


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GGridDisplay — (3) determines how the grid is displayed.

GridMajor — (5) specifies the major grid line multiple of minor grid lines.

GtAuto — (1) toggles display of grip tools.

GtDefault — (0) controls whether 3dMove/3dRotate or Move/Rotate are the default commands.

GtLocation — (0) controls the location of grip tools.

IImpliedFace — (1) toggles the detection of implied faces.

InterfereColor — (1) specifies the color of interference objects.

InterfereObjVs — (Realistic) specifies the visual style for interference objects.

InterfereVpVs — (Wireframe) specifies the visual style during interference checking.

LLatitude — () stores the last used latitude.

LegacyCtrlPick — (0) determines the function of Ctrl+left pick.

LightGlyphDisplay — (1) toggles the display of light glyphs.

LightListState — (0) reports whether the Light List palette is displayed.

LoftAng1 — (90) stores the default angle for the first lofting cross section.

LoftAng2 — (90) stores the default angle for the second lofting cross section.

LoftMag1 — (1) specifies the magnitude of the first loft angle.

LoftMag2 — (1) specifies the magnitude of the second loft angle.

LoftNormals — (1) specifies where loft normals are placed.

LoftParam — (7) specifies the shape of the loft.

Longitude — () stores the last used longitude.

MMatState — (0) reports whether the Materials window is open.

NNorthDirection — (0) specifies the angle of the sun relative to North.

OOsOptions — (3) determines when objects with negative z-values are osnaped.

PPerspective — (0) toggles perspective mode.

PSolHeight — (4) specifies the default height for PolySolid objects.

PSolWidth — (0.25) specifies the default width for PolySolid objects.

PublishAllSheets — (1) toggles whether all sheets are published by the Publish command.


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RRenderPrefsState — (0) reports whether the Render Preferences window is open.

SShadowPlaneLocation — (0) specifies the height of the shadow plane.

ShowHist — (1) determines whether solids have history.

SolidHist — (1) toggles history for solids.

StepSize — (6) specifies the length of steps in walk mode.

StepsPerSec — (2) specifies the speed of steps in walk mode.

SunPropertiesState — (0) reports whether the Sun Properties window is open.

SunStatus — (1) determines whether the sun casts light.

TTimeZone — (-8000) stores the time zone.

UUcsDetect — (1) toggles dynamic UCS acquisition.

V(For the following variables, negative values turn off the effect. Similarly named sysvars, such as VsHaloGap fromearlier releases now apply to 2D wireframe displays only.)

VsBackgrounds — (1) determines whether backgrounds are displayed in visual styles.

VsEdgeColor — (7) specifies the edge color.

VsEdgeJitter — (-2) specifies the level of pencil effect.

VsEdgeOverhang — (-6) extension of pencil lines beyond edges.

VsEdges — (1) specifies types of edges to display.

VsEdgeSmooth — (1) specifies crease angle.

VsFaceColorMode — (1) determines color of faces.

VsFaceHighlight — (-30) specifies the color of highlights.

VsFaceOpacity — (-60) controls the transparency/opacity of face.

VsFaceStyle — (1) determines how faces are displayed.

VsHaloGap — (0) specifies the "halo" gap (gap between intersecting lines).

VsHidePrecision — (0) specifies the accuracy of hides and shades.

VsIntersectionColor — (7) specifies the color of intersecting polylines.

VsIntersectionEdges — (0) toggles the display of intersecting edges.

VsIntersectionLtype — (1) specifies the linetype for intersecting polylines.

VsIsoOntop — (0) toggles whether isolines are displayed.

VsLightingQuality — (1) toggles the quality of lighting.

VsMaterialMode — (0) controls the display of material finishes.

VsMonoColor — (255,255,255) specifies the monochrome tint.


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VObscuredColor — (byentity) specifies the color of obscured lines.

VsObscuredEdges — (1) toggles the display of obscured edges.

VsObscuredLtype — (1) specifies the linetype of obscured lines.

VsShadows — (0) determines the quality of shadows.

VsSilhEdges — (0) toggles the display of silhouette edges.

VsSilhWidth — (5) specifies the width of silhouette edge lines.

VsState — (0) reports whether the Visual Styles window is open.

ZZoomWheel — (0) toggles the zoom direction relative to mouse wheel direction.

33dDwfPrec — (2) specifies the precision of exported 3D DWF files.


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Appendix C

Alphabetical Listing of Commandsand System VariablesUndocumented by Autodesk

The following commands are undocumented by AutoCAD 2007’s online help. Some of them are de-signed to work with other software, such as the “aec” commands for Architectural Desktop; others arefor features that are not yet implemented, such as the “dgn” commands; still others are for features thatare being tested, such as as “ink,” or are unsupported. Some commands were written for use in AutoCAD’smenus. System variables are indicated by their italicized names.

Because they are not documented, we sometimes have to guess their purpose. From the command’sname and its prompts, it is sometimes possible to discern the purpose of the command. Some of thesecommands do not operate until their .arx file has been loaded with the AppLoad command; a very few ofthese commands cause AutoCAD to crash.

A

AcEtUcs-Back, AcEtUcs-Bottom, AcEtUcs-Front, AcEtUcs-Left, AcEtUcs-Right,and AcEtUcs-Top

This group of undocumented Express Tool commands reorients the UCS (and its UCS icon) to theindicated face: back, bottom, and so on. (AeEtUcs is short for “AutoCad Express Tool User DefinedCoordinate.”)

Left: AeEtUcs-RightRight: AcEtUcs-Top

AdcCustomNavigateCommand: adccustomnavigateadccustomnavigateadccustomnavigateadccustomnavigateadccustomnavigateNo custom applications registered

AutoCAD displays the DesignCenter palette.

Ai_Box, Ai_Cone, Ai_Dish, Ai_Dome, Ai_Mesh, Ai_Pyramid, Ai_Sphere, Ai_Torus,and Ai_Wedge

These commands have been in AutoCAD for many releases, and activated by the 3D command. Theydraw 3D mesh models indicated by their name: 3D box, cone, dish, and so on. (“Ai” is short for “Autodesk,Inc.”)


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Ai_CircTan

Draws circles tangent to three points; this command is an alternative to the Circle command’s 3P optionwith TANgent osnap.

Command: ai_circtanEnter Tangent spec: (Pick an object.)Enter second Tangent spec: (Pick aother object.)Enter third Tangent spec: (Pick another object.)

Ai_Custom_Safe, Ai_Product_Support, Ai_Product_Support_Safe, and Ai_Training_Safe

This group of commands accesses related Web pages at the Autodesk Web site.

• Ai_Custom_Safe — www.autodesk.com/developautocad• Ai_Product_Support — www.autodesk.com/autocad-support• Ai_Product_Support_Safe — www.autodesk.com/autocad-support• Ai_Training_Safe — www.autodesk.com/autocad-training

Web page displayed by Ai_Custom_Safe.

Ai_Fms, Ai_Pspace, and Ai_Tilemode1

This trio of commands allows macros to switch between model and paper space:

• Ai_Fms — in model tab: switches to a layout tab, and activates a viewport; in layout tab: activates aviewport.

• Ai_PSpace — switches to a layout tab.• Ai_Tilemode1 — switches to model tab.

Ai_InvokeNfw

Invokes the New Features Workshop. Displays the following dialog box:

After user selects an option, the New Features Workshop is displayed.


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Ai_Molc

Invokes the make object layer current command. This command is associated with the Make Object’sLayer Current button in the Layers toolbar.

Command: ai_molcai_molcai_molcai_molcai_molcSelect object whose layer will become current: (Pick an object.)10 WALLS is now the current layer

Ai_SelAll

The “select all” command; it is activated by Ctrl+A.Command: ai_selallai_selallai_selallai_selallai_selallSelecting objects...done.

_AuthorPalettePath

System variable: sepcifies the path to the customized tool palette folder. It must be used with SetVarcommand:

Command: setvarsetvarsetvarsetvarsetvarEnter variable name or [?] <TILEMODE>: _authorpalettepath_authorpalettepath_authorpalettepath_authorpalettepath_authorpalettepathEnter new value for _AUTHORPALETTEPATH <"C:\Documents andSettings\Administrator\Application Data\Aut...">: (Enter new path.)

“AEC” Object Enabler CommandsThe following commands are used by AutoCAD Archiectural Desktop (ADT) Object Enabler. A relatedtoolbar can be loaded with CUI from Documents and Settings\<username>\Application Data \Autodesk \AutoCAD2007\R17.0\enu\SupportAecArchXOE.cui. (AEC is short for “architecture, engineering, construction.”)

Left icon: AecDisplayManagerConfigsSelection command.Center icon: -AecExportToAutoCAD command.

Right icon: AecSetXrefConfig command.

-AecDwgUnits (alias: -DwgUnits)

This command sets the units for inserting ADT objects into AutoCAD drawings.Command: -dwgunits -dwgunits -dwgunits -dwgunits -dwgunitsDrawing units: 1. Inches 2. Feet 3. Millimeters 4. Centimeters 5. Decimeters 6. MetersUnit for length <1>: (Enter an option number.)Drawing unit display formats: 1. Scientific 2. Decimal 3. Engineering 4. Architectural 5. FractionalLinear display format <4>: (Enter an option number.)Architectural linear display precision formats: 0. 1" 1. 1/2" 2. 1/4"


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3. 1/8" 4. 1/16" 5. 1/32" 6. 1/64" 7. 1/128" 8. 1/256"Linear display precision <6>: (Enter an option number.)Scale objects from other drawings upon insert? [Yes/No] <Yes>: (Enter an option.)

-AecExportToAutoCAD

This command converts ADT custom objects to AutoCAD objects:Command: -aecexporttoautocad-aecexporttoautocad-aecexporttoautocad-aecexporttoautocad-aecexporttoautocadFile format: 2007Bind xrefs: YesBind type: InsertFilename prefix:Filename suffix:

Export options [Format/Bind/bind Type/Maintain/Prefix/Suffix/?] <Enter forfilename>: (Press Enter.)Export drawing name <filename.dwg>: (Press Enter.)

Format optionEnter file format [r14/2000/2004/2007] <2007>:

Bind optionBind xrefs [Yes/No] <Yes>:

bind Type optionBind type [Bind/Insert] <Insert>:

Maintain optionMaintain resolved properties [Yes/No] <Yes>:

Prefix optionFilename prefix <>:

Suffix optionFilename suffix <>:

? optionFile format: 2007Bind xrefs: YesBind type: InsertFilename prefix:Filename suffix:

AecDisplayManagerConfigsSelection (alias: DisplayManagerConfigsSelection)

Changes the display configuration; displays a one-item cursor menu: Standard.

AecFileOpenMessage

Toggles the display of a dialog box that warns about opening drawings from older releases of ADT.Command: aecfileopenmessageaecfileopenmessageaecfileopenmessageaecfileopenmessageaecfileopenmessageDisplay courtesy message when opening a file from a previous version of ADT[Yes/No] <Yes>: (Enter option.)

AecFileSaveMessage

Toggles the display of a warning message when saving to a previous version file.Command: aecfilesavemessageaecfilesavemessageaecfilesavemessageaecfilesavemessageaecfilesavemessageDisplay courtesy message when saving to a previous version file [Yes/No] <Yes>:(Enteroption.)


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AecObjectCopyMessage

Toggles the display of a warning mesage when saving to a newer version file.Command: aecobjectcopymessageaecobjectcopymessageaecobjectcopymessageaecobjectcopymessageaecobjectcopymessageDisplay courtesy message when copying AEC objects into a newer version drawing[Yes/No] <Yes>: (Enter option.)

AecObjRelDump (alias: ObjRelDump)

Sample output:Command: aecobjreldumpaecobjreldumpaecobjreldumpaecobjreldumpaecobjreldump************************************************************************************ DATABASE = 7EB3BFD0 ************************************************************************************Class: AecDbDimensionGroupClass: AecDbDoorClass: AecDbOpeningClass: AecDbWindowClass: AecDbWindowAssemblyPAUSE: Press <RETURN> to continue >>> (Press Enter.)

AecObjRelDumpEnhancedReferences (alias: ObjRelDumpEnhancedReferences)

Sample output:Command: aecobjreldumpenhancedreferencesaecobjreldumpenhancedreferencesaecobjreldumpenhancedreferencesaecobjreldumpenhancedreferencesaecobjreldumpenhancedreferences************************************************************************************ DATABASE = 75637338 ************************************************************************************PAUSE: Press <RETURN> to continue >>> (Press Enter.)

AecObjRelShow (alias: ObjRelShow)

Displays data about which ADT objects are related to each other, such as a door being part of a wall.Command: aecobjrelshowaecobjrelshowaecobjrelshowaecobjrelshowaecobjrelshowSelect an entity (or RETURN for Handle):Object <AcDbBlockReference 92 >Handle of database object:

AecObjRelShowEnhancedReferences (alais: ObjRelShoweEnhancedReferences)

Displays data about ADT xref objects.Command: aecobjrelshowenhancedreferencesaecobjrelshowenhancedreferencesaecobjrelshowenhancedreferencesaecobjrelshowenhancedreferencesaecobjrelshowenhancedreferencesSelect an entity (or RETURN for Handle):Object <AcDbBlockReference 92 >Handle of database object:

AecObjRelUpdate (alias: ObjRelUpdate)

Updates ADT objects.Command: aecobjrelupdateaecobjrelupdateaecobjrelupdateaecobjrelupdateaecobjrelupdateSelect entities to update or RETURN for all.Select objects: (Press Enter.)

AecPostDxfinFix (alias: PostDxfinFix)

Fixes problems with imported ADT drawings that cannot be repaired by the Audit command.Command: aecpostdxfinfixaecpostdxfinfixaecpostdxfinfixaecpostdxfinfixaecpostdxfinfix


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AecSetXrefConfig (alias: SetXrefConfig)

Allows the same xref to be displayed several times.Command: aecsetxrefconfigaecsetxrefconfigaecsetxrefconfigaecsetxrefconfigaecsetxrefconfigSelect an external reference: (Pick one.)Override display configuration of selected xref? [Yes/No] <Yes>:Enter index of display configuration for xref: (Enter 0 or 1.)

AecVersion

Reports the version number of the ADT object enabler.Command: aecversionaecversionaecversionaecversionaecversionCompanyName: Autodesk, Inc.FileDescription: AecBase DBXFileVersion: 5, 0, 241, 0LegalCopyright: © Autodesk, Inc. 1998-2006. All rights reserved.

“Ai” Dimensioning CommandsThis set of commands are used by AutoCAD in shortcut menus. Select a dimension, and then right-clickto see the following:

Ai_Dim_Textabove, Ai_Dim_Textcenter, and Ai_Dim_Texthome

This trio of commands moves dimension text relative to the dimension line. (On the shortcut menu:Dim Text position.)

Command: ai_dim_texaboveai_dim_texaboveai_dim_texaboveai_dim_texaboveai_dim_texaboveSelect objects: (Select one or more dimensions.)

• Ai_Dim_TextAbove — moves text above the dimension line, in compliance with the JIS standard.• Ai_Dim_TextCenter — centers text vertically on the dimension line.• Ai_Dim_TextHome — centers text horizontally on the dimension line.

AiDimFlipArrow

Flips the direction of the selected dimension arrow. (On the shortcut menu: Flip Arrow.)Command: aidimfliparrowaidimfliparrowaidimfliparrowaidimfliparrowaidimfliparrowSelect objects: (Select a dimension arrowhead.)

AiDimPrec

Changes the display precision of dimenion text. (On the shortcut menu: Precision.)Command: aidimprecaidimprecaidimprecaidimprecaidimprecEnter option [0/1/2/3/4/5/6] <4>:Select objects: (Select a dimension.)


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AiDimStyle

Stores and recalls dimension styles. (On the shortcut menu: Dim Style.)Command: aidimstyleaidimstyleaidimstyleaidimstyleaidimstyleEnter option [1/2/3/4/5/6/Other/Save] <1>: (Enter an option.)

Other optionDisplays dialog box listing names of dimension styles in current drawing:

Save optionSelect objects: (Select a dimension.)

Displays dialog box for specifying name of new dimension style:

AiDimTextMove

Moves dimension text relative to the dimension line. (On the shortcut menu: Dim Text position.)Command: aidimtextmoveaidimtextmoveaidimtextmoveaidimtextmoveaidimtextmoveEnter option [0/1/2] <2>: (Enter an option)Select objects: (Select one or more dimensions.)

0 — moves dimension text within dimension line (including outside extension lines) and changeslength of extension lines.1 — moves dimension text anywhere, and adds a leader line, if necessary.2 — moves dimension text anywhere without the leader line.

B

BgPlotReceive

Specifies the .dsd file to use for background plotting. (Short for “background plot receive. ) The .dsd filesare generated by the Publish command.

Command: bgplotreceivebgplotreceivebgplotreceivebgplotreceivebgplotreceiveDSD: (Enter filename of drawing set description.)

BgrdPlotTimeout

System variable: controls the timeout for failed background plots. Default = 20 seconds; range is from 0to 300 seconds.


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C

CrashBeta

Displays the following dialog box, and then closes AutoCAD as if it were crashing. CAUTION: CrashesAutoCAD! This command is in the beta version only, and was removed from the shipping version ofAutoCAD.

D

DefaultViewCategory

System variable: stores the default name for View Category in the View command’s New View dialog box.

DgnAttach

Attaches .dgn files in a manner similar to DWF underlays; not yet operational. This and the following gdn-commands and system variables are meant for the MicroStation V8 DGN translator, available later in2006.

DgnExport

Exports the drawing as a .dgn file; not yet operational.

DgnFrame

System variable: toggles the frame around the DGN image; default = 1 (on).

DgnOsnap

System variable: toggles the osnapping of the frame around the DGN image; default = 1 (on).

DimHorizontal, DimRotated, and DimVertical

The angle of dimension drawn by the DimLinear command depends on cursor picks by the user. Thesecommands draw their namesake linear dimensions without regard to cursor position:

• DimHorizontal — places horizontal dimensions.• DimRotated — places rotated dimensions.• DimVertical — places vertical dimensions.

+DSettingsCommand: +dsettings+dsettings+dsettings+dsettings+dsettingsTab Index <0>: (Enter a tab number.)

AutoCAD displays the Drafting Settings dialog box opened to the appropriate tab (the first tab is #0).


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E

EPlotExt

Demand loads ePlot extensions.

EntExts

System variable: controls how drawing extents are calculated (short for “entity extents”).

0 — Extents calculated every time; slows down AutoCAD, but uses less memory.

1 — Extents of every object are cached as a two-byte value (default).

2 — Extents of every object are cached as a four-byte value (fastest but uses more memory).

G

GF...

System variables: the following gf-related variables control gradient fills placed by the Gradient com-mand, as illustrated by this dialog box:

GfAng — controls the angle of gradient fill; 0 to 360 degrees; default = 0.GfClr1 — specifies the first gradient color in RGB format; default = "RGB 000,000,255".GfClr2 — specifies the second gradient color in RGB format; default = "RGB 255,255,153".GfClrLum — controls the level of gray in one-color gradients; ranges from 0 = black to 1 = white(default).GfClrState — specifies the type of gradient fill; either 0 = two-color or 1 = one-color; default.GfName — specifies the style of gradient fill; 1 = linear (default), 2 = cylindrical; 3 = invertedcylindrical; 4 = spherical; 5 = inverted spherical; 6 = hemispherical; 7 = inverted hemispherical; 8 =crved; 9 = inverted curved.GfAShift — controls the origin of the gradient fill; 0 = centered (default) or 1 = shifted up and left.

GlobCheck

System variable: global control of dialog boxes:

-1 — turns off local language.

0 — turn off global checking (default).

1 — warns if larger than 640x400.

2 — also reports size in pixels.

3 — additional information.


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GlyphCmd

Displays the Camera Glyphy Appearance dialog box:

Clicking Edit Glyph Colors button displays the Drawing Window Colors dialog box.

“GS” Graphic System CommandsThe gs-commands appear to test the graphics board. The gstext.arx application must be loaded first.

GsAutoOrbit and GsAutoZoomPan

• GsAutoOrbit — rotates 3D models about the x and y axes.• GsAutoZoomPan — zooms 3D models in and out.

GsB1, GsB2, GsB3, GsB4, and GsB5

These commands run AutoCAD through benchmarks at different speeds:Command: gsb1gsb1gsb1gsb1gsb1--------------------------------Wireframe : 1.982637 seconds, 363.657005 fpsGouraud Shaded : 2.259347 seconds, 319.118725 fps

Command: gsb2gsb2gsb2gsb2gsb2--------------------------------Wireframe : 0.410047 seconds, 353.618166 fpsGouraud Shaded : 0.452425 seconds, 320.494842 fps



Command: gsb5gsb5gsb5gsb5gsb5-------------------------------Wireframe : 0.821249 seconds, 362.862150 fpsHidden Line : 1.535549 seconds, 194.067425 fpsFlat Shaded : 0.945890 seconds, 315.047187 fps


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Gouraud Shaded : 0.990761 seconds, 300.778861 fps-------------------------------

Gsbxy, Gsbxyautomated, Gsbxyflat, Gsbxyg3, Gsbxygouraud, Gsbxyhidden,and Gsbxywireframe

Benchmark commands that rotate 3D models in a variety of rendered modes about the x and then they axes.

Sample output:Command: gsbxygsbxygsbxygsbxygsbxy--------------------------------Wireframe : 20.019244 seconds, 36.015347 fpsHidden Line : 13.142431 seconds, 54.860473 fpsFlat Shaded : 4.902146 seconds, 147.078436 fpsGouraud Shaded : 4.964807 seconds, 145.222153 fps

• GsBxy — rotates 3D model in all four rendering modes, as listed above.• GsBxyAutomated — CAUTION: Crashes AutoCAD.• GsBxyFlat — flat shaded mode.• GsBxyG3 — faster gouraud-shaded mode.• GsBxyGouraud — gouraud-shaded mode.• GsBxyhidden — hidden-line removal mode.• GsbYyWireframe — wireframe mode.

GsDolly

Moves the viewpoint along an axis.Command: gsdollygsdollygsdollygsdollygsdollyEnter Camera Dolly Distance: (Enter distance.)Enter Active Axis: (Specify x, y, or z axis.)

Gsclipback, Glclipbackon, GsFrontClip and GsClipFrontOn

Specifies back or front clipping plane; turns on the clipping.Command: gsfrontclipgsfrontclipgsfrontclipgsfrontclipgsfrontclipEnter Front Clipping Plane Position: (Enter distance.)

Command: gsclipfrontongsclipfrontongsclipfrontongsclipfrontongsclipfrontonFront Clip On: (Enter on or off.)


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GsOrbit

Rotates model by a given angle about a specified axis.Command: gsorbitgsorbitgsorbitgsorbitgsorbitEnter Orbit Angle (degrees): (Enter orbit angle.)Enter Active Axis: (Specify x, y, or z axis.)

GsPan

Pans model a given distance and along a specified axis.Command: gspangspangspangspangspanEnter Camera Pan Distance: (Enter pan distance.)Enter Active Axis: (Specify x, y, or z axis.)

GsTestBenchmark

Processes 3D model with a variety of movements and shade modes; reports results. Sample result:Command: gstestbenchmarkgstestbenchmarkgstestbenchmarkgstestbenchmarkgstestbenchmark-------------------------------Wireframe : 4748.204590 msWireframe : 38.330278 fpsHidden Line : 5923.948994 msHidden Line : 30.722749 fpsFlat Shaded : 5112.784167 msFlat Shaded : 35.597043 fpsGouraud Shaded : 2944.482050 msGouraud Shaded : 61.810531 fps-------------------------------

GsTestRegress

Rotates and zooms model in 3D space with different shade modes.

GsZoom

Prompts for a zoom factor:Command: gszoomgszoomgszoomgszoomgszoomEnter Camera Zoom Factor: (Enter a value.)

“INK” TabletPC CommandsThe ink-related commands are meant for use with a TabletPC and the Microsoft’s gesture toolkit. Usethe AppLoad command to load asdkTPCtest.arx. The commands work only in 2D and in the world coor-dinate system. The loaded application displays the following toolbar:

• InkBorderDisplay — toggles a border around the inked area.• InkColor — specifies the color of ink.• InkGesture — activates gesture-based commands, such as Copy and Paste.• InkHilite — draws ink highlights.• InkMake — starts drawing with ink?• InkOleCreate — inserts an OLE object?• InkPenWidth — specifies the width of ink.• InkReco — recognizes the selected ink.• InkRLine — draws ink redlines.• InkTransparency — specifies level of ink transparency.


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M

-Mt...2_Unused

This set of commands seems similar to the MText-related commands:

• MtEdit2_Unused — prompts to edit mtext.• MText2_Unused and -MText2_Unused — prompts to create mtext:

Command: -mtext2_unused-mtext2_unused-mtext2_unused-mtext2_unused-mtext2_unusedCurrent text style: "Standard" Text height: 9"Specify first corner:Specify opposite corner or [Height/Justify/Line spacing/Rotation/Style/Width]:

• MtProp2_Unused — prompts to select mtext.

N

NewView

Displays the New View dialog box, normally accessed through the View command:

NodeName

System variable (read-only): reports the name of the network node; range is one to three characters;default = "AC$".

NwfState

System variable: determines whether New Features Workshop displays when AutoCAD starts; 0 = no or1 = yes (default).


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O

OSnapNodeLegacy

System variable: toggles whether osnap snaps to Mtext insertion points; 0 = no or 1 = yes (default).

P

PlaceView

Places views in sheets; operates only in paper space.

PsProlog

System variable: specifies the PostScript prologue file name; default = "".

PsQuality

System variable: controls resolution of PostScript objects; specified in pixels.

<0 — display as outlines; no fill.

0 — not displayed.

>0 — display filled.

75 — default value.

+Publish

First, this command displays the Select List of Sheets dialog box; select a .dsd file, and then click Select.

Second, it displays the Publish dialog box with the drawings listed.

Q

QaFlags

System variable: controls the quality assurance flags:

0 — turned off (default).

1 — the ^C metacharacters in a menu macro cancels grips, just as if user pressed Esc.

2 — long text screen listings do not pause.

4 — error and warning messages are displayed at the command line, instead of in dialog boxes.

128 — screen picks are accepted via AutoLISP’s (command) function.

QkSetupWiz

Runs the Quick Setup wizard.

S

SelectLastMode

System variable: accepts a value of 1 or 0.Command: selectlastmodeselectlastmodeselectlastmodeselectlastmodeselectlastmodeEnter new value for SELECTLASTMODE <1>: 0Regenerating model.


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T

_ToolPalettePath

System variable: sets the path to the tool palette folder; must be used with SetVar command:Command: setvarsetvarsetvarsetvarsetvarEnter variable name or [?]: _toolpalettepath_toolpalettepath_toolpalettepath_toolpalettepath_toolpalettepathEnter new value for _TOOLPALETTEPATH <"C:\Documents andSettings\Administrator\Application Data\Aut...">:

V

VbaPref

Sets preferences for Visual Basic for Applications. Display this Options dialog box:

3

3dOrbitTransparent, 3dPanTransparent, 3dSwivelTransparent,and 3dZoomTransparent

This quartet of commands allows specific use of the 3dOrbit command from the command line.


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Copyright © 2006 by upFront.eZine Publishing, Ltd. All rights reserved worldwide.

The owner of the copyright does not give you permission to make electronic or print copies. You may not claim authorship orownership of the text or figures herein.

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