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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 December 2004

Node Snap on a Palette

Last month I updated my palette review to incorporate the new Tool Palette features found in A2005. One of the new features was the ability of putting commands on the palette as an alternative to making your own button on a toolbar.

One of the things we have to deal with constantly is what running object snap(s) are set. Sometimes we want Node to be on for awhile, then we want Endpoint for a pick or four. (And if you just want 'em Off, hit F3). It just so happens that the variable named Osmode holds the current condition of the Object Snaps The Osmode value for Node is 8. The Osmode value for Endpoint is 1. Here's how to make a palette tool to turn on Node as the running object snap.

Instructions to create a custom tool for Node Snap
  1. Right-click on the tool palette of choice, then select Customize from the shortcut menu to open the Customize dialog box.
  1. Click the Commands tab, then in the Categories listing, click User Defined near the bottom of the list to display the two User Defined command options: User Defined Button and User Defined Flyout.
  2. Drag and drop the User Defined Button onto your tool palette, then close the Customize dialog box.
  3. Right-click on the User Defined button and click Properties to open the Tool Properties dialog box.
  4. Enter a Name and Description for the tool, then in the Command String field, type OSMODE;8
  5. Click OK to save and close Tool Properties, then test it!

If you would like to share some of the custom tools you have created for a palette, please let me know and I'll pass them along to our readers.

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