Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Saving a File as You Work
It's a good idea to save your file periodically as you work on it. You can save it under its original
name (choose File Save from the menu bar) or under a different name (choose File Save As
from the menu bar), thereby creating a new file.
By default, AutoCAD automatically saves your work at 10-minute intervals under a name
that is a combination of the current filename plus a number and that ends with the .sv$ file-
name extension; this is known as the Automatic Save feature. Using settings in the Application
Preferences dialog box or AutoCAD system variables, you can change the name of the autosaved
file and control the time between autosaves. See the section “The Look & Feel Options” in
Appendix B on the accompanying website for details.
“I CAN'T FIND MY AUTOMATIC SAVES!”
As an IT manager at ELS Architecture and Urban Planning, one of the most common questions I get is
“Where does AutoCAD put the Automatic Save files?” By default, the Automatic Save file is stored in
the Macintosh HD/Private/tmp folder. You can find the exact location for your system by typing
Savefilepath ↵ in the Command Line palette. The location is displayed in the Command Line palette
and in the Dynamic Input display. This file location is often set as a hidden folder, but you can get to
it using the Go To Folder command. While in the Finder, press Shift- -G. In the Go To Folder dialog
box, enter /tmp and click Go. You can also specify a different location for the Automatic Save files. See
Appendix B on the accompanying website for information on how to locate hidden files and specify a
location for your files.
Making Changes
You'll frequently make changes to your drawings. One of AutoCAD's primary advantages is the
ease with which you can make changes. The following exercise shows you a typical sequence of
operations involved in changing a drawing:
1. Use the Save As option in the File menu to save the current clip.dwg file under the name
MyFirst. For convenience, you can save your files in the Documents folder.
2. Make sure you are in the Drafting workflow, then from the Tool Sets palette, click
the Erase tool (the one with a pencil eraser touching paper). This activates the Erase
command.
Notice that the cursor has turned into a small square. This square is called the pickbox.
You also see Select objects: in the Command Line palette and the Dynamic Input dis-
play. This message helps remind new users what to do.
3. Place the pickbox on the crosshatch pattern of the clip (see Figure 1.26) and click. The
crosshatch changes in appearance to a light highlight. The pickbox and the Select
objects: prompt remain, indicating that you can continue to select objects.
4. Right-click and select Enter, or press ↵ or the spacebar. The crosshatch disappears. You've
just erased a part of the drawing.
 
Search WWH ::




Custom Search