Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
complete), you can find named blocks, layouts, text strings, styles, and so forth
pretty well instantly. I don't cover Content Explorer in detail in this topic, so check
out the online help for specific information.
Autocomplete:
Starting to type a command is now just like starting to type
someone's address in your e-mail program. AutoCAD 2012's Autocomplete feature
starts suggesting commands as you type. I wasn't convinced that this was such a
great addition until I noticed that I no longer had to type (or mistype!) command
and variable names like DRAWORDER or REMEMBERFOLDERS. I introduce you to
Autocomplete in Chapter 2.
Autodesk Exchange:
Autodesk Exchange for AutoCAD is a new front end for the
program that starts (by default) automatically when you start AutoCAD 2012. The
Home screen includes “what's new” videos and links to various Autodesk Web
pages. It also contains the AutoCAD version of the iTunes store, where you can
purchase
apps
— free or low-cost add-ins to make your work go more smoothly.
The online help system now runs in the Autodesk Exchange window.
Groups:
AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT have had a group function for many years, but
it's never been that easy to use. Now a simple Group panel on the Home tab makes
creating, viewing, and ungrouping objects a breeze. I cover groups in Chapter 10.
Copy enhancements:
The COPY command gets an Array option for making duplic-
ates in a linear pattern. And the NCOPY command, for copying objects nested in-
side blocks, formerly an Express Tool, moves to the core program — which means
that AutoCAD LT users have it for the first time. See Chapter 11 for more informa-
tion.
Delete duplicates:
The OVERKILL command is another Express Tool that's been
moved to the core (and so is available to LT users). This command searches your
drawing for objects drawn on top of other objects and (as its name suggests) de-
letes them. I cover this feature in Chapter 11.
Fillets, chamfers, blends, and joins:
FILLET and CHAMFER now include a preview
that shows you the effect of changing a fillet radius or chamfer distance before
you finish the command. The new BLEND command creates curved transitions
with tangent- or curve-continuity between lines, arcs, splines, and polylines. And
JOIN now incorporates the Join option of the PEDIT command: Select a bunch of
individual objects with common endpoints, and then run the JOIN command to
create a new polyline object. I cover these changed commands in Chapter 11.
Associative arrays:
Prior to AutoCAD 2012, the ARRAY command created simple
rectangular or circular patterns of selected objects. AutoCAD 2012 replaces the
old ARRAY with a new, complex command that creates a new associative array ob-
ject. I'm of two minds on this one. It has its uses, I'm sure, but the old ARRAY was
