Michael’s Corner

Michael's Corner is a monthly publication written by Michael E. Beall, Autodesk Authorized Author and peripatetic AutoCAD trainer. Michael travels all over the USA, bringing his fantastic experience and great understanding of AutoCAD to his clients. Michael's Corner brings together many of the tips, tricks and methods developed during these training sessions for the benefit of all users.

Michael's Corner provides something for every AutoCAD user. Every month, a number of articles cover a wide range of topics, suitable for users at all levels, including "The Basics" for those just starting out. Essentially, the aim of Michael's Corner is to help all AutoCAD users work smarter and faster.

This month…

From the Vault

Originally published October 2011

Transparent Command Line

Not sure why you'd do this, but then, that's why I call it the Odd Spot… and sometimes I find things that are ‘odder’ than others. In this case, adjusting the Transparency setting of the Command line if you float it in the drawing.

How to Set the Transparency of a Floating Command Line

1. On the left edge of the Command line, click on the vertical bar, then drag it into the drawing area. This will result in a floating Command Line window.

2. Right-click anywhere in the Command line, then click Transparency to open the Transparency dialog box (which can also be used for tool palettes and – curiously – the Properties palette).

3. Adjust the upper slider for the transparency of the palette, then click OK to close and apply your setting. In this figure, I set the transparency to 60% Opacity.

4. Now position the Command line over some objects in the drawing and you'll see through the Command line!

Note: When you approach the Command line with your cursor it becomes more opaque, and when you click in Command line, it becomes completely solid. I welcome any ideas on a practical application for this feature, (unless you figure they did it just because they could!)

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