LT Unlimited

Proxy Objects

Sometimes when you open a drawing, you get a pop-up notice warning you about "proxy objects" in the drawing.

Technical explanation: Proxy objects are placeholders for custom objects that are created by ObjectARX applications in such programs as AutoCAD Architecture (ACA, formerly known as Architectural Desktop). Basic explanation: In the originating program, these objects carry additional data or properties that are not supported in plain AutoCAD.

For example, a wall created in ACA can have height, thickness, windows, etc. -- much more information than is displayed by the two or more lines of the proxy. Regular AutoCAD can copy or move these objects, but they can create problems for xrefs or osnaps. If that is the case, the best thing to do is explode the proxy object. (I know...I said "explode"...shocking, isn't it?) However, you have to be careful, as the "intelligence" of these objects is lost when you explode them, and sometimes adds lines where they weren't before.

In short, the best thing to do with a proxy object is to ignore it, if you can. If you can't ignore it, ask the person who sent you the file to "Export to AutoCAD" before they send it. This will strip out the custom information and let you use the file more easily.

Command Options

When executing a command, options are accessible in three ways: at the command line, in the Dynamic Input drop-down (for you folks on 2006 or above), or through the right-click shortcut menus. You can have your menus always off, always on, or available with a time-delay. (These settings are located in Tools-->Options-->User Preferences.) I like the time delay, personally...sometimes you feel like a menu, sometimes you don't!

Stretch Multiple

A recent improvement (introduced sometime after version 2004) to the STRETCH command means that you no longer need to get exactly what you meant to stretch with the first crossing window. It now accepts multiple window selections, so if you either miss the first time, or have objects in different areas that can’t be selected with a single window, you don’t have to start the command over again.

Windows Explorer Start Folder

You can configure your Windows Explorer icon to start in any folder you like. If you right-click on the icon and select Shortcut, you'll see a line for "Target". It probably says "%SystemRoot%\explorer.exe" now. To change the start-up folder, add "/n, /e, " (no quotes needed), where "mypath" is the location of your favorite folder.

(Okay, another not-CAD tip, but I like not having to collapse the folder tree that opens up by default.)

MTEXT Sample Text

When you start MTEXT and pick the first point, you see “sample text” showing you the current text style and height. If “abc” is too boring, you can set the text to anything you want (up to 10 characters) with MTJIGSTRING.

Just for fun. :-)

Quick Fillet

When prompted to select the first object, type “c” (for crossing) instead. Use the crossing window to select the two objects to fillet.

Move or Copy with Click-and-Drag

You can move or copy an item without an active command! Simply click on the object (so that the grips are displayed), then left-click-and-hold somewhere on the object (not on a grip). You can now move the object to a new location, or copy it by holding CTRL. Warning: This technique cannot use OSNAPS, so be careful when you use it.

Offset to Current Layer

The OFFSET command now includes the option to put the new object on the current layer. (I think it showed up in 2005 or 2006.) Start the offset command, and before you enter the offset distance, type L (for layer). Your choices will be C (current) or S (source). Using the Current option is helpful for offsetting steel beams off a centerline, or footings off a wall, or all sorts of other things.

Inherit Hatch Properties

When hatching a drawing, the “paintbrush” icon – a.k.a. “Inherit Properties” – in the Hatch dialog allows you to select an existing hatch to use its pattern, scale, and angle for the new hatch. The inherited properties do not include layers, so you still have to pay attention to which layer is current.

The MULTIPLE Command

If you want to repeat a command over and over again, without having to hit Enter or right-click – there’s MULTIPLE. Simply type it at the command line and it will ask you for a command to repeat. It’ll keep going until you hit ESC – right-clicking and Enter won’t exit the “multiple” part of the command. MULTIPLE’s only limitation is that it doesn’t work with commands that use a dialog box.