SuperCharging AutoCAD

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Introduction to AutoCAD
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3D Basics

Introduction to AutoCADl

Introduction to AutoLISP
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Intermediate
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Refresher/Update for AutoCAD 2000-2002

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Using AutoCAD DesignCenter to Create Libraries
The simplest way to improve AutoCAD productivity is to develop one or more collections of commonly used objects.  Commonly known as block libraries, the objects in these collections are typically grouped by type or function.  For example, an architect might create libraries of doors, windows or wall details.

Prior to AutoCAD 2000i, block libraries were actually drawing libraries.  Block objects occur within a drawing file, much like a layer or dimension style.  A drawing file inserted into the current drawing creates a block within the current drawing.

AutoCAD DesignCenter gives users access to the content contained within drawings.  Blocks, dimension styles, layers, layouts, linetypes, text styles and layouts are all examples of drawing content that may be accessed using AutoCAD Design Center.

Blocks viewed using AutoCAD DesignCenter can be displayed in list, detail or preview format, offering using several methods to select the desired block.

The AutoCAD DesignCenter palate at the right shows the House Designer library, included with AutoCAD, in the Preview format.

Blocks can be inserted into the current drawing, just by clicking on the block icon and dragging it into the drawing.

Blocks can also be inserted by double-clicking on the block icon or right-clicking and selecting Insert Block… from the menu.  Both of these methods allow scale and rotation options for inserting the block.

Libraries included with
AutoCAD DesignCenter
House Designer, Kitchens, Fasteners - US, Hydraulic - Pnuematic, Basic Electronics,  Home - Space Planner, Landscaping,  HVAC, Plant Process,  Fasteners -  Metrics, Welding, Pipe Fittings, Electrical Power, Analog Integrate Circuits and CMOS Integrate Circuits.

The Today Window
The Today Window is the easiest way to use AutoCAD Design Center to insert blocks.  If you have the Today Window turned off, select Today from the Standard toolbar or type TODAY at the command line.

The Symbols tab of the Today window organizes the block libraries.

Clicking on one of the library names will open the drawing containing the blocks in AutoCAD Design Center.

Adding to the Symbol Libraries in Today
It's really very simple to add a library to the Today Window, but before you can add a library you must create it.

1. Begin a new drawing
   
2. Insert drawings to make blocks
   
3. Draw objects and convert to blocks
   
4. Copy objects from other drawings and convert to blocks
   
5. Rename blocks they have unique, descriptive names (Tip: Spaces are allowed and you can use more than 31 characters.)
   
6. Save the drawing (Tip: Locate the drawing on a shared network drive so your co-workers can use it too!)
   
7. Click on Edit… in the Today Window.
   

The DesignCenter Symbols Libraries are really just links to drawings containing blocks.  Once you have created and saved your container drawing, you can create a link to it. 

8. Click on the Add link… button.
   
9. Find the drawing containing the blocks.
   
10. Use the Move up or Move down buttons to arrange the list of libraries.