CADTutor: The best free help for AutoCAD on the web
Michael's Corner RSS Feed

Michael’s Corner

Michael BeallMichael'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…

October - One-derful!!!

It's a God-thing.

I had no idea that 14 years ago I would be given the opportunity to make an impact on the professional lives of so many. Only God knew what was ahead, and hopefully, the contributions I have made through Michael's Corner have equipped many of you to be more productive and a bit more savvy using AutoCAD. And apart from all the AutoCAD bashing that is going on, I'm sure it has a long life ahead.

So, in an effort to keep the AutoCAD fires burning, here's what I have for my final installment…

…A reminder on how to customize your hot keys
…Three Power Tools — one for Zoom, one for editing, and one for Layers
…Two Odd Spots — one for Layers and one for Hatching
…Buried text treasure
…And how to Search 14 years of the Archives

As for what's ahead for me, I will continue to present a variety of AutoCAD sessions — Fundamentals, Intermediate, Customizing, Updates, and 2D & 3D. I will also keep training CAP Designer, 20-20 Worksheet, Visual Impression (those three from 20-20 Technologies, Inc.), and some Revit Fundamentals. Next year I'm looking forward to being very involved in training CET (from Configura, Inc.) when Herman Miller joins the growing number of manufacturers embracing this software that is being touted as the ‘Future of Space Planning’. Personally, I'm looking forward to spending a bit more time with Donna, my lovely bride of 30 years. When this posts, we'll probably be within days of going on our 30th Anniversary vacation to the Tanque Verde Ranch in Tucson; Ee-Hah! We had such a good time when we went for our 20th, we figured we'd do it again!

Ah, and I'm hoping to have The AutoCAD Workbench, Final Edition out before snow flies.

And with that, Mike drop! …so to speak.

The LORD bless you and keep you;
The LORD make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The LORD lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26

This month's articles

Change F1 to ESC
Smoother Zoom
Stretch with Extension
Lock Layers with a Crossing Window
Layer Columns & Hatch Background Color
Text Frame on Mtext

From the Vault

Originally published September 2006

Snapping to hatch patterns

There are several applications for this, but Tim Z., one of my readers in New Zealand, was the first to mention this particular approach so I thought I would pass it along.

Ignore hatch objectsAlong about AutoCAD 2004, there appeared a setting on the Drafting tab of Options for Ignore Hatch Objects and by default it's turned On. This setting would need to be turned off if you want to snap to the intersection of a hatch. For example, one application would be for 2' x 4' light fixtures in a ceiling grid. Another one is seen here as a method to add shrubs to a planting bed. If you don't have a drawing with an area about 60' x 30', draw a rectangle and check it out (this works in every version from A2004 and on; even LT!).

Instructions to Snap Blocks to a Hatch Pattern

  1. On the Drafting tab of Options, turn off the setting for Ignore Hatch Objects.
  2. Set the desired layer to current, then launch the Hatch command.
Hatch angle
  1. Set the Type to User-Defined, then set the angle to something like 60, put a check in the box for Double, then set the spacing to 6'.
  2. Click the Add:/Pick Points button then click inside the area to add the hatch.
  3. Insert a block for the desired plant (or just draw a circle if you don’t have a block).
  4. Set the Object Snap to Intersection, then use the Copy command and copy the block to the intersections! Neat, huh?
Snap to hatch

Top of page

Local Navigation

Options

Sponsored Links

The Basics

Accessibility statement

Valid XHTML 1.0!Valid CSS!Creative Commons Licence