Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
New:
Create a new drawing from a list of templates or create a new
sheet set
(a
named collection of drawing layouts derived from one or more drawing files that
can be printed or archived at one go). Sheet sets are included in AutoCAD LT 2012,
but I don't cover them in this topic.
Open:
Open an existing drawing or sheet set for editing, or import data from a Mi-
croStation DGN file into a new AutoCAD drawing.
Save:
Save the current drawing in the current location; if the current drawing
hasn't been saved, you're prompted for a filename and a location.
Save As:
Save the current drawing to a new filename and/or location and make the
newly named or located file the current drawing. Also save the drawing as a tem-
plate (DWT) or standards (DWS) file, or export a paper space layout to a new
drawing.
Use the new DWG Convert tool to save drawing files to different DWG
formats from AutoCAD 2007 back to Release 14. Yes, you can already do that with
the regular SAVEAS command, but DWG Convert can do batch conversions of
groups of files and entire file folders.
Export:
Save the current drawing to a variety of Design Web Format (DWF) files, a
PDF, a DGN, or other file format. I discuss most of these formats in Chapters 18
and 20.
AutoCAD 2012 exports to FBX format (that's one I don't discuss in this topic). FBX
is specifically designed to export lights and materials — even animation data (and
haven't we come a long way from lines and circles?) from AutoCAD drawings to
more specialized 3D programs like Autodesk Maya or Max. In short: If you need
this format, you already know about it.
Publish:
Send a 3D model to an outside 3D printing service or create an archived
sheet set. (AutoCAD LT doesn't support 3D.) Use eTransmit to create a package
that includes all files referenced by the selected drawings, or e-mail the current
drawing using your configured e-mail client.
Print:
Print a single drawing or batch plot multiple drawings, create or modify
named page setups, and manage plotters and plot styles. I cover most of these op-
erations in Chapter 16.
Drawing Utilities:
Set file properties or drawing units; purge unused blocks, layers,
and styles from the current drawing; and audit or recover damaged drawings.
