book

AutoCAD® 2009 & AutoCAD LT® 2009 All-in-One Desk Reference for Dummies®

by Lee Ambrosius

May 2008

Intermediate to advanced

913 pages

20h 54m

English

For Dummies

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About This BookFoolish AssumptionsConventions Used in This BookMenu browser accessRibbon accessToolbar accessMenu bar ("classic menu") accessHow This Book Is OrganizedBook I: AutoCAD BasicsBook II: 2D DraftingBook III: Annotating DrawingsBook IV: LT DifferencesBook V: 3D ModelingBook VI: Advanced DraftingBook VII: Publishing DrawingsBook VIII: CollaborationBook IX: Customizing AutoCADBonus ContentIcons Used in This Book
1.1. Starting AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT1.1.1. Accessing the right tools for the right job1.1.2. Creating a new drawing1.1.3. What is created should be saved1.2. Drawing Setup1.2.1. Getting snappy and griddy1.2.2. Establishing the limits1.2.3. Organizing objects with layers1.3. Drawing and Editing Objects1.3.1. Walking the straight and curved1.3.1.1. Don't be a square1.3.1.2. Multiply segments, one object1.3.1.3. Going straight from point A to point B1.3.1.4. Just a circle thing1.3.1.5. Going around the arc1.3.2. Modifying objects1.3.2.1. Duplicating objects1.3.2.2. Here's looking at you1.4. Annotating with Text and Dimensions1.4.1. Expressing yourself through text1.4.2. Entering the drafting dimension1.5. Fast Track to Plotting
2.1. Understanding AutoCAD Files and Formats2.2. Seeing the LT2.3. Using AutoCAD's Latest-and-Greatest Feature Set
3.1. Starting the Application3.1.1. Creating Start menu shortcuts3.1.2. Using desktop shortcuts3.1.3. Accessing files from Windows Explorer3.2. Touring the AutoCAD Interface3.2.1. Title bars3.2.2. AutoCAD menus and menu browser3.2.3. AutoCAD toolbars3.2.4. Quick Access toolbar3.2.5. Palettes3.2.6. Drawing area3.2.7. Crosshairs3.2.8. The floating command window3.2.9. The status bar3.3. Communicating with Your Software3.3.1. The command line3.3.2. Dynamic input3.3.3. Dialog boxes3.4. Running AutoCAD Commands3.4.1. Grasping the AutoCAD difference3.4.2. Repeating a command3.4.3. Canceling a running command3.4.4. Invoking transparent commands3.5. Reaching for AutoCAD Help3.5.1. Using built-in Help3.5.2. Tooltips3.5.3. InfoCenter3.5.4. Finding online resources
4.1. File Types in AutoCAD4.2. Starting a New Drawing4.2.1. Starting from scratch4.2.2. Using a wizard4.2.3. Using a drawing template4.3. Saving a Drawing4.3.1. Save4.3.2. Save As4.3.3. QSAVE4.4. Opening an Existing Drawing4.4.1. Open command4.4.2. Recent drawings4.4.3. Using Windows Explorer4.4.3.1. And a double-click to open4.4.3.2. What a drag (and drop)4.5. The Multiple-Drawing Environment4.6. Closing Windows4.7. File Management for AutoCAD4.7.1. Naming drawing files4.7.2. Storing your files4.8. Backing Up Is Hard to Do . . .

5.1. Drawing Lines5.2. Creating Circles5.3. Taking a Closer Look5.3.1. Checking out realtime zoom5.3.2. Using realtime pan5.4. Modifying Objects5.5. Erasing and Unerasing Stuff5.5.1. Using the digital eraser5.5.2. Unerasing objects5.6. Ready . . . Undo, Undo, Redo . . .
6.1. Choosing Units of Measurement6.1.1. AutoCAD units6.1.2. Imperial or metric6.1.3. System variables6.1.4. Setting units in your drawing6.2. Setting Limits for Your Drawings6.3. Understanding Drawing Scale6.3.1. Scaling on the drawing board6.3.2. Scaling in AutoCAD6.3.3. Scale factors6.3.4. Using scale factors to establish drawing settings6.4. Lost in Space: Model or Paper?6.5. A Layered Approach6.5.1. Creating layers6.5.2. Defining layer properties6.5.3. Setting layer modes6.5.4. Modifying layer settings6.5.4.1. Setting layer color6.5.4.2. Setting linetype6.5.4.3. Setting lineweight6.5.4.4. Setting layer modes6.5.5. The Layer Control drop-down list6.5.6. Layer tools6.6. Object Properties6.6.1. Using AutoCAD's color systems6.6.2. Using linetypes6.7. Setting Up Standards
7.1. Understanding Accuracy and Precision7.2. Understanding Coordinate Systems7.2.1. The world coordinate system7.2.2. Entering coordinates7.2.2.1. Entering absolute x,y coordinates7.2.2.2. Entering relative x,y coordinates7.2.2.3. Entering relative polar coordinates7.2.3. Direct distance entry7.2.4. Dynamic input and coordinate entry7.3. Setting Grid and Snap7.4. Understanding Ortho and Polar Tracking7.4.1. Using ortho mode7.4.2. Using polar tracking7.5. Working with Object Snaps7.6. Using Point Filters7.7. Working with Object Snap Tracking Mode
1.1. Locating and Using the Drawing Tools1.2. Let's Get Primitive1.2.1. Keeping to the straight and narrow1.2.2. Going around in circles1.2.3. Arcs of triumph1.2.4. The point of the exercise1.3. Creating Construction Geometry1.3.1. Xlines for X-men1.3.2. A little ray of sunshine1.4. Without a Trace1.5. A Bit Sketchy1.6. Drawing Parallel Lines1.7. Complex Curves1.7.1. Lucy, you have some splining to do!1.7.2. Solar ellipses1.7.2.1. Drawing ellipses1.7.2.2. Drawing elliptical arcs1.8. Complex Objects and Shapes1.8.1. 2D solids1.8.2. Rectang, Polygon, Donut1.8.2.1. Rectangles1.8.2.2. Polygons1.8.2.3. Donuts1.8.3. Polylines1.8.4. Ahhhh . . . Wipeout
2.1. Setting Selection Options2.2. Selecting Objects2.2.1. Selecting multiple objects2.2.2. Object selection modes2.2.3. Selection preview2.2.4. Object groups2.3. AutoCAD's Editing Commands2.3.1. Removing stuff2.3.2. Relocating and replicating2.3.2.1. MOVE2.3.2.2. COPY2.3.2.3. MIRROR2.3.2.4. OFFSET2.3.2.5. ARRAY2.3.3. Rotating and resizing2.3.3.1. ROTATE2.3.3.2. SCALE2.3.3.3. STRETCH2.3.3.4. LENGTHEN2.3.4. Breaking, mending, and blowing up real good2.3.4.1. BREAK2.3.4.2. JOIN2.3.4.3. EXPLODE2.3.5. Double-barrel commands2.3.5.1. TRIM and EXTEND2.3.5.2. FILLET and CHAMFER2.3.6. Specialized commands2.3.7. Changing properties2.3.7.1. MATCH PROPERTIES2.3.7.2. PROPERTIES2.3.7.3. Quick Properties2.3.7.4. SETBYLAYER2.3.8. Changing your mind2.4. Coming to Grips with Grips
3.1. A Zoom of One's Own3.1.1. Wheeling through your drawing3.1.2. Realtime zooming3.2. Pan in a Flash3.3. Get a Grip on the Wheel and Hang On3.4. Name That View3.4.1. Creating views3.4.2. Other view options3.5. Having AutoCAD Put on a Show3.6. To Regen or to Redraw . . . That Is the Question
1.1. Text in AutoCAD1.1.1. Getting familiar with text terminology1.1.2. Will that be one line or two?1.1.3. Justification1.1.3.1. Justifying single-line text1.1.3.2. Justifying multiline text1.1.4. Where should text go?1.1.4.1. Scaling text for model space1.1.4.2. Adding text to paper space1.2. Fonts1.2.1. Types used by AutoCAD1.2.2. Using fonts in drawings1.3. Working with Text Styles1.4. Creating Single Line Text1.5. Working with Multiline Text1.6. Creating Multiline Text1.6.1. Formatting options1.6.2. Numbered and bulleted lists1.6.3. Controlling the flow of text1.6.4. Fields, masks, and other multiline text delights1.6.4.1. Fields1.6.4.2. Background masks1.7. Editing Text1.7.1. Editing single-line text1.7.2. Editing multiline text1.8. Turning the Tables1.8.1. Setting the table with styles1.8.2. Creating and editing tables1.8.3. Link me up Scotty1.9. Finding Text and Spell Checking
2.1. Understanding What a Dimension Is Made Of2.2. Types of Dimensions2.2.1. Associative dimensions2.2.2. Nonassociative dimensions2.2.3. Exploded dimensions2.3. Creating New Dimensions as Associative2.4. Using and Creating Dimension Styles2.4.1. Working with Dimension Style Manager2.4.2. Creating a dimension style2.4.3. Stylizing dimensions2.4.3.1. The Lines tab2.4.3.2. The Symbols and Arrows tab2.4.3.3. The Text tab2.4.3.4. The Fit tab2.4.3.5. The Primary Units tab2.4.3.6. The Alternate Units tab2.4.3.7. The Tolerances tab2.4.4. Defining the scale for dimensions2.4.5. Dimension variables2.4.6. Setting a dimension style current2.4.7. Modifying a dimension style2.4.7.1. Dimension style overrides2.4.7.2. Dimension substyles2.4.8. Renaming a dimension style2.4.9. Deleting a dimension style2.4.10. Comparing dimension styles2.4.11. Importing a dimension style2.5. Creating Dimensions2.5.1. Linear and aligned dimensions2.5.2. Baseline and continued dimensions2.5.3. Angular dimensions2.5.4. Arc length dimensions2.5.5. Radius, diameter, and jogged dimensions2.5.5.1. Radius dimensions2.5.5.2. Diameter dimensions2.5.5.3. Jogged dimensions2.5.5.4. Center marks2.5.6. Ordinate dimensions2.5.7. The Quick Dimension command2.5.8. Trans-spatial dimensions2.6. Editing Dimensions2.6.1. Adding overrides to a dimension2.6.2. Editing the dimension text2.6.3. Using grips to edit dimensions2.6.4. Associating dimensions2.6.5. Breaking and spacing dimensions2.6.6. Inspecting dimensions2.7. Leaders2.7.1. Make way for multiple leaders2.7.1.1. Multileader styles2.7.1.2. Multileaders2.7.1.3. Modifying multileaders2.7.2. Legacy leaders2.8. Working with Geometric Tolerances
3.1. Adding Hatch Patterns and Fills3.1.1. Adding hatch to a drawing3.1.2. Hatching and tool palettes3.1.3. Hatching and DesignCenter3.1.4. Advanced settings for additional control3.1.4.1. Being annotative3.1.4.2. Specifying the origin of a hatch object3.1.4.3. Island detection3.1.4.4. Others settings available for defining a hatch object3.2. Working with Hatch Patterns and Solid Fills3.2.1. Predefined patterns3.2.2. User-defined patterns3.2.3. Custom hatch patterns3.3. Using Gradient Fills3.4. Editing Hatch Patterns and Fills
4.1. The What, With, and Why of Annotation Scaling4.2. Making Styles and Objects Annotative4.2.1. Annotative styles and block definitions4.2.2. Annotative objects4.3. Adding and Removing Annotation Scales4.4. Controlling the Annotation Scale for Output
1.1. Understanding the Boundaries and Limitations of AutoCAD LT1.2. Determining Whether AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT Is Best for You
2.1. Customizing AutoCAD LT2.1.1. It's all in the script2.1.2. Linetype and hatch patterns2.1.3. Blocks and DesignCenter2.1.4. Tool palettes2.1.5. Changing the user interface with the CUI Editor2.1.6. Diesel2.1.7. Command aliases2.1.8. Desktop icons2.2. Object Enabler Technology2.3. Additional Utilities Available from Autodesk2.3.1. DWG TrueView 20092.3.2. Viewers2.4. Companion Products from Autodesk2.4.1. Autodesk Symbols 20002.4.2. Autodesk VIZ 20082.4.3. Autodesk Impression2.5. Third-Party Custom Solutions2.5.1. Block utilities/libraries2.5.2. Viewers
3.1. Using AutoCAD LT and AutoCAD in the Same Office3.1.1. Budgeting3.1.2. Training3.1.3. Communication3.1.4. Environment3.1.5. Customization3.1.6. Installation and deployment3.2. Making the Trip from AutoCAD to AutoCAD LT3.2.1. 2D drafting3.2.2. 3D modeling3.2.3. Annotation3.2.4. Viewing3.2.5. Visualization3.2.6. CAD Standards3.2.7. Collaboration and sharing
1.1. Understanding the Different Types of 3D Models1.2. Entering Coordinates above the x,y Plane1.2.1. Manually inputting coordinates1.2.1.1. Absolute x, y, and z coordinates1.2.1.2. Relative x, y, and z coordinates1.2.1.3. Cylindrical coordinates1.2.1.4. Spherical coordinates1.2.2. Point filters1.2.3. Object snaps1.2.4. Object snap tracking and moving orthogonally1.2.5. Elevation . . . going up
2.1. Setting Up AutoCAD for 3D2.1.1. Orienting yourself in the drawing window2.1.2. Customizing crosshairs and dynamic input2.1.3. Using workspaces to switch between 2D and 3D drafting2.1.4. Introducing toolbars and ribbon tabs for 3D2.1.5. Accelerating your hardware2.2. Understanding What the UCS Icon Is Telling You2.2.1. Orientating yourself with the UCS icon2.2.1.1. Model space and 2D wireframe visual style2.2.1.2. Model space and a 3D visual style2.2.1.3. Paper space layout2.2.2. Controlling the display of the UCS icon2.3. Using the Coordinate System for 3D Drawing2.3.1. Understanding the coordinate system2.3.1.1. World coordinate system (WCS)2.3.1.2. User coordinate system (UCS)2.3.2. Adjusting the UCS2.3.2.1. Commanding the UCS2.3.2.2. Using named UCSs2.3.2.3. Using the dynamic UCS feature
3.1. Expressing Your Point of View3.1.1. Using preset views3.1.1.1. Specifying a standard view preset3.1.1.2. Changing with the Viewpoint Presets dialog box3.1.2. Finding your way with the compass and tripod3.1.3. Cameras3.1.3.1. Creating a camera3.1.3.2. Adjusting the view of a camera3.1.4. Perspective versus parallel3.2. Orbiting around a 3D Model3.3. Navigating a 3D Model3.4. Hugging the Corners with the SteeringWheels3.5. Cube with a View3.6. Adding Color and Style to a 3D Model3.6.1. Visual styles in AutoCAD3.6.2. Shademode in AutoCAD LT
4.1. Working with Regions4.1.1. Creating regions4.1.2. Modifying regions4.1.2.1. Union4.1.2.2. Subtract4.1.2.3. Intersect4.1.3. Getting more information about regions4.2. 3D Polylines and Helixes4.2.1. 3D polyline4.2.2. Helix4.3. Creating 3D Objects from 2D Objects4.3.1. Thickness4.3.2. Extrude4.3.3. Loft4.3.4. Sweep4.3.5. Revolve4.4. Creating 2D Objects from 3D Objects4.4.1. Flatshot4.4.2. Section Plane4.4.3. Solid Draw, Solid View, and Solid Profile4.5. 3D Modify Commands4.5.1. 3D Move4.5.2. 3D Rotate4.5.3. Align4.5.4. 3D Align4.5.5. 3D Mirror4.5.6. 3D Array
5.1. Creating Solid Primitives5.1.1. Polysolid5.1.2. Box5.1.3. Wedge5.1.4. Cone5.1.5. Sphere5.1.6. Cylinder5.1.7. Torus5.1.8. Pyramid5.2. Editing Solids5.2.1. Solid editing5.2.2. Using grips to edit 3D solids5.2.3. Complex solids5.2.4. Filleting and chamfering5.2.5. Slice
6.1. Lighting a Scene6.1.1. Default lights6.1.2. User lights6.1.3. Sunlight6.2. Getting the Right Look with Materials6.3. Setting Up a Backdrop6.4. Rendering the Final Scene
1.1. Working with Reusable Content1.2. Creating Blocks1.2.1. Accessing the Block Definition dialog box1.2.2. Exploring some advanced options1.3. Inserting Blocks1.4. Managing Blocks1.4.1. Renaming a block definition1.4.2. Redefining a block definition1.4.3. Purging a block definition1.4.4. Exporting a block definition1.5. Enhancing Blocks with Attributes1.5.1. Adding an attribute to a block definition1.5.2. Inserting a block with attributes1.5.3. Editing an attribute's value in a block1.5.4. Managing attributes in blocks1.5.5. Extracting attribute data from blocks
2.1. What Makes a Block Dynamic?2.2. Block Editor Environment2.2.1. Components of the Block Editor2.2.2. Editing a block definition2.3. Going Dynamic2.3.1. Adding parameters2.3.2. Adding actions2.3.3. Using parameter sets2.3.4. Visibility states2.4. Using Dynamic Blocks2.4.1. Inserting a dynamic block2.4.2. Modifying a dynamic block2.4.2.1. Using a dynamic block's custom grips2.4.2.2. Resetting a dynamic block2.5. Dynamic Blocks in Older Releases
3.1. Blocks versus External References3.2. Working with External References3.2.1. Path to success with xrefs3.2.2. Attaching an xref3.2.3. External reference notification3.2.4. Editing an xref3.2.4.1. Editing a reference in-place3.2.4.2. Opening a reference3.2.5. Clipping an xref3.2.5.1. Clipping a drawing reference (xref)3.2.5.2. Editing a clipped xref3.2.6. Increasing the performance of xrefs3.2.7. Binding an xref3.3. Raster Images3.3.1. Attaching a raster image3.3.2. Clipping a raster image3.3.2.1. Clip a raster image3.3.2.2. Editing a clipped raster image3.3.3. Controlling the appearance of a raster image3.4. DWF and DWFx Underlays3.4.1. Attaching a DWF underlay3.4.2. Clipping a DWF underlay3.4.2.1. Clip a DWF underlay3.4.2.2. Editing a clipped DWF underlay3.4.3. Controlling the appearance of DWF underlay3.5. DGN Underlays3.5.1. Attaching a DGN underlay3.5.2. Clipping a DGN underlay3.5.2.1. Clip a DGN underlay3.5.2.2. Editing a clipped DGN underlay3.5.3. Controlling the appearance of a DGN underlay3.6. Draw Order3.7. Object Linking and Embedding (OLE)3.8. Managing External References Outside AutoCAD
4.1. Why Bother to Organize Drawings?4.2. Using the Windows Clipboard4.2.1. Copying objects from a drawing4.2.2. Cutting objects from a drawing4.2.3. Pasting objects into a drawing4.3. AutoCAD DesignCenter4.3.1. Locating resources in drawings4.3.2. Adding resources to drawings4.3.3. Inserting hatches and loading linetypes4.4. Using the Tool Palettes Window4.4.1. Blocks, xrefs, images, tables, and hatches4.4.2. Command and flyouts tools4.4.3. Modifying tools on a tool palette4.4.4. Customizing and organizing tool palettes
1.1. Preparing for Output with Page Setups1.1.1. Options of a page setup1.1.2. Working with page setups1.1.2.1. Creating a page setup1.1.2.2. Importing a page setup1.1.2.3. Assigning a page setup to a layout1.1.2.4. Editing a page setup1.2. Organizing a Drawing with Layouts1.2.1. Working with layouts1.2.1.1. Creating a layout by using the Create Layout Wizard1.2.1.2. Importing a layout1.2.1.3. Modifying a layout1.2.1.4. Navigating layouts1.2.1.5. Appearance of layouts1.3. Looking at a Model through Viewports1.3.1. Defining a viewport's shape1.3.1.1. Creating a rectangular viewport1.3.1.2. Creating an irregular viewport1.3.2. Controlling scale1.3.3. Controlling the display within a viewport1.3.4. Modifying a viewport
2.1. Overview of a Sheet Set2.2. Sheet Set Manager2.3. Creating a Sheet Set2.3.1. Starting from scratch2.3.2. Starting from an existing sheet set2.4. Managing Drawings with a Sheet Set2.4.1. Opening a sheet set2.4.2. Importing existing drawings as sheets2.4.3. Organizing with subsets2.4.4. Setting up a sheet set and subset for adding new sheets2.4.4.1. Setting up drawing template settings for a sheet set2.4.4.2. Setting up drawing template settings for a subset2.4.5. Adding a new sheet2.4.6. Opening a sheet2.4.7. Removing, renaming, and renumbering a sheet2.4.8. Sheet set and sheet properties2.4.9. Setting up callouts and label blocks2.4.9.1. Setting up label blocks2.4.9.2. Setting up callout blocks2.4.10. Adding resource drawings2.4.11. Adding model views to a sheet2.5. Publishing, eTransmitting, and Archiving a Sheet Set
3.1. You Say Printing, I Say Plotting, They Say Publishing3.1.1. Working with drivers3.1.2. Configuring a printer or plotter3.1.2.1. Determining which printers and plotters are available3.1.2.2. Setting up a nonsystem printer3.1.2.3. Editing a nonsystem printer configuration3.1.3. Putting style in your plots3.1.3.1. Setting up a plot style3.1.3.2. Editing a plot style3.2. Output Made Easy3.2.1. Plotting the Model tab3.2.2. Plotting a paper space layout3.2.3. Scaling your drawing3.2.4. More plotting options3.3. Publishing Drawings
1.1. Getting a Handle on the Basics of CAD Management1.2. Managing the Drafting Environment1.3. Creating a Good Foundation1.3.1. Creating a drawing template file1.3.2. Using a drawing template file1.3.3. Specifying a drawing template file for use with QNEW1.3.4. Specifying the location of drawing template files
2.1. CAD Standards Overview2.2. Using AutoCAD's CAD Standards Tools2.2.1. Drawing standards (DWS) files2.2.2. Managing standards2.2.2.1. Configuring standards2.2.2.2. Checking standards2.2.3. Translating layers2.2.4. Batch checking drawings
3.1. It's All in the Name: File-Naming Conventions3.2. Part of a Drawing Can Be a Good Thing: Working with Partial Open3.3. Controlling What Happens during a Save3.3.1. Getting a handle on drawing file formats3.3.2. Indexing the contents of a drawing3.4. Protecting Your Drawings3.4.1. Password-protecting3.4.1.1. Assigning a password to a drawing file3.4.1.2. Working with a password-protected drawing3.4.2. Digital signatures3.4.2.1. Obtaining a digital signature from VeriSign3.4.2.2. Digitally signing a drawing file3.4.2.3. Opening a digitally signed drawing file3.4.2.4. Digitally signing a batch of drawings
4.1. Sharing Drawings with Non-AutoCAD-based Products4.2. Taking Drawings to the Internet4.2.1. Using an FTP site4.2.2. Publishing drawings to the Web4.2.3. Using Web-based project sites4.3. Emulating Paper Digitally4.3.1. Design Web Format (DWF and DWFx)4.3.2. Portable Document File (PDF)4.3.3. Head-to-head comparison4.4. Working with DWF and DWFx Files4.4.1. Creating a DWF or DWFx file4.4.2. Viewing a DWF or DWFx file4.4.3. Electronically marking up a DWF or DWFx file
1.1. Why Customize AutoCAD?1.2. Customizing the AutoCAD Startup Process1.2.1. Startup options1.2.2. Using command line switches1.2.2.1. Creating a new desktop shortcut1.2.2.2. Modifying a desktop shortcut1.3. Changing Options and Working with User Profiles1.3.1. Launching the Options dialog box1.3.2. Overview of AutoCAD options1.3.3. Working with user profiles1.3.3.1. Creating a user profile1.3.3.2. Setting a user profile current1.3.3.3. Exporting and importing a user profile1.4. Creating and Managing Command Aliases1.4.1. Editing the PGP file1.4.1.1. Opening the PGP file1.4.1.2. Adding a new command alias1.4.2. Working with the AutoCAD Alias Editor
2.1. Influencing Your Status (Bar)2.1.1. Displaying the drawing status bar2.1.2. Toggling the display of a control on the status bars2.1.3. Powering the status bar with DIESEL2.2. Training Your Toolbars, Panels, and Dockable Windows to Stay2.2.1. Locking toolbars, panels, and dockable windows2.2.2. Locking and unlocking toolbars, panels, and dockable windows2.3. Controlling the Appearance of AutoCAD and the Drawing Window2.3.1. Window elements2.3.2. Layout elements2.3.3. Size of the crosshairs2.3.4. Other settings2.4. Organizing Your Space2.4.1. Using the Workspaces toolbar2.4.1.1. Creating a new workspace2.4.1.2. Saving changes to an existing workspace2.4.2. Using the Customize User Interface Editor2.4.2.1. Creating a new workspace2.4.2.2. Changing the order of pull-down menus2.4.2.3. Other workspace properties2.4.3. Maximizing the drawing space
3.1. How Customizing the User Interface Has Changed3.2. Getting to Know the Customize User Interface Editor3.2.1. The Customizations In pane3.2.2. The Command List pane3.2.3. The Dynamic pane3.2.4. Launching the CUI Editor3.2.5. Commands in the CUI Editor3.2.5.1. Understanding a command macro3.2.5.2. Creating a new command3.2.5.3. Assigning an image to a command3.2.5.4. Assigning a help string to a command3.3. Customizing Toolbars, Pull-Down and Shortcut Menus, and the Ribbon3.3.1. Quick Access toolbar3.3.2. Toolbars3.3.2.1. Creating a new toolbar3.3.2.2. Creating a new flyout3.3.3. Menus3.3.3.1. Creating a new menu3.3.3.2. Creating a new submenu3.3.3.3. Using special characters with a menu item's name3.3.4. Shortcut menus3.3.5. The Ribbon3.3.5.1. Ribbon panels3.3.5.2. Ribbon tabs3.3.6. Separator bars3.4. Creating a New Shortcut Key3.5. Customizing Double-Click Actions3.6. Customizing the Quick Properties Panel and Rollover Tooltips3.7. Migrating and Transferring Customization3.8. Working with Partial and Enterprise Customization Files3.8.1. Loading an enterprise customization file3.8.2. Loading a partial customization file
4.1. Working from a Script4.1.1. What's in a script?4.1.2. Creating a script file4.1.3. Loading and running a script file4.1.4. Running a script file at startup4.2. Getting Familiar with Shapes4.3. Working with Express Tools4.3.1. Installing Express Tools4.3.2. Block tools4.3.3. Text tools4.3.4. Layout tools4.3.5. Dimension tools4.3.6. Selection tools4.3.7. Modify tools4.3.8. Draw tools4.3.9. File tools4.3.10. Web tools4.3.11. Tools4.3.12. Command line only tools
5.1. Actions and Action Recorder5.2. Recording and Managing Action Macros5.2.1. Recording actions5.2.2. Managing and editing action macro files5.2.3. Managing the location of action macro files5.3. Editing Actions and Recorded Values5.4. Just Press Play
1.1. Creating Primitive Surfaces1.1.1. 3D face1.1.2. 3D mesh1.1.3. Planar surface1.1.4. Box1.1.5. Wedge1.1.6. Cone1.1.7. Sphere1.1.8. Dish and dome1.1.9. Torus1.1.10. Pyramid1.2. Creating Complex Surfaces1.2.1. Tabulated Mesh1.2.2. Revolved Mesh1.2.3. Ruled Mesh1.2.4. Edge Mesh1.3. Editing Surfaces1.3.1. Controlling the visibility of edges1.3.2. Using grips to edit surfaces1.3.3. Working with convert to surface1.3.4. Thicken
2.1. Discovering What You Can Do by Programming AutoCAD2.1.1. The advantages of using APIs2.1.2. The other side of the story2.2. Getting to Know the Available Programming Interfaces2.2.1. AutoLISP2.2.2. ActiveX automation2.2.3. VBA2.2.4. ObjectARX and ObjectDBX2.2.5. .NET2.3. Comparing Strengths and Weaknesses of the Programming Interfaces2.4. Deciding Which Programming Interface Is Best for You
3.1. Identifying Application Files3.2. Loading and Unloading Applications3.2.1. The Load/Unload Applications dialog box3.2.1.1. Launching the Load/Unload Application dialog box3.2.1.2. Loading an application file3.2.1.3. Determining which application files are loaded3.2.1.4. Unloading an application file3.2.2. Loading an AutoLISP file3.2.3. Loading and unloading a VBA project file3.2.3.1. Using VBALOAD and VBAUNLOAD with a VBA file3.2.3.2. Loading a VBA file3.2.3.3. Loading a VBA project file by using AutoLISP3.2.3.4. Unloading a VBA project file3.2.4. Loading and unloading an ObjectARX file3.2.4.1. Using the ARX command3.2.4.2. Loading an ObjectARX file by using AutoLISP3.2.4.3. Unloading an ObjectARX file by using AutoLISP3.2.4.4. Loading a .NET file3.3. Automatically Loading Application Files3.3.1. Using the Startup Suite3.3.2. Getting AutoCAD to do some of the work3.3.2.1. Automatically loading AutoLISP files3.3.2.2. Automatically loading VBA files3.3.2.3. Automatically loading ObjectARX files3.4. Running a Program in an Application File
4.1. Accessing the AutoLISP Development Environment4.1.1. Launching the Visual LISP Editor4.1.2. Loading an existing AutoLISP application file4.2. Using the VLIDE4.2.1. Controlling color-coding in the text window4.2.2. Controlling text size and font style for the text window4.2.3. Navigating the text window4.3. Creating a Basic Program4.3.1. Creating a new AutoLISP file4.3.2. Anatomy of an AutoLISP expression4.3.3. Adding comments4.3.4. To command or just to function4.3.5. Creating your first AutoLISP program4.4. More Than Just the Essentials of AutoLISP4.4.1. Supported data types4.4.2. Math functions4.4.3. String functions4.4.4. List functions4.4.5. Data conversion functions4.4.6. Saving and accessing values for later4.4.7. Exchanging information with AutoCAD4.5. Getting Information to and from the User4.5.1. Giving feedback to the user4.5.2. Other functions to note4.6. Using the Debug Tools in the Visual LISP Editor4.6.1. Breakpoints4.6.2. Watch what is happening4.6.3. Setting up breakpoints and using watch4.6.4. AutoLISP error messages4.7. Going GUI with DCL4.7.1. Basics of DCL4.7.2. Adding comments4.7.3. Using DCL to add interaction to AutoLISP4.8. Using ActiveX Automation with AutoLISP4.8.1. Referencing the AutoCAD application4.8.2. Using methods of an object4.8.3. Setting and retrieving a property of an object4.8.4. Revising the BCIRC command
5.1. AutoCAD Commands for VBA5.1.1. VBAIDE5.1.2. VBALOAD5.1.3. VBAUNLOAD5.1.4. VBARUN5.1.5. VBAMAN5.1.6. Other commands5.2. Working with the IDE5.2.1. Exploring the IDE5.2.2. Project Explorer5.2.3. Properties window5.2.4. Editor windows5.2.5. Object Browser5.3. Parts of a VBA Project5.3.1. Standard code module5.3.2. Class code module5.3.3. Procedure (subroutine and function)5.3.4. Declaring variables5.3.5. Data types5.3.6. Assigning a value to a variable5.3.7. The basics of working with objects5.3.8. Adding comments5.4. Introducing the AutoCAD Object Model5.4.1. Creating a basic VBA project5.4.2. Working with the new VBA project in the editor5.4.3. Adding a new procedure to a code module5.4.4. Running the new procedure
6.1. Filtering Objects during Selection6.1.1. Quick Select6.1.2. Filter6.2. AutoCAD Calculator6.2.1. Using QuickCalc with the Properties palette6.2.2. Using QuickCalc with a command6.3. Purging Named Objects6.4. Auditing and Recovering Drawings6.4.1. Auditing a drawing6.4.2. Recovering a drawing6.4.3. Using Drawing Recovery Manager
7.1. It's All in the Linetype7.1.1. Simple linetypes7.1.1.1. Simple linetype structure7.1.1.2. Creating a simple linetype7.1.1.3. Using a custom linetype file7.1.2. Complex linetypes7.2. Getting Familiar with Shapes7.3. Creating Custom Patterns7.3.1. The structure of a hatch pattern7.3.2. Creating a hatch pattern7.3.3. Using a custom hatch pattern file

Content preview from AutoCAD® 2009 & AutoCAD LT® 2009 All-in-One Desk Reference for Dummies®

Chapter 5. Visual Basic for AutoCAD

Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), an extension of the popular programming language Visual Basic (VB), has been around for some time. VBA is defined as an object-oriented programming (OOP) language. The concept behind OOP is that a computer program is developed by using a collection of individual units, or objects, as opposed to a listing of instructions. Each one of the objects has the capability to receive messages, process data, and transmit messages to other objects. The objects are self-contained units that can be easily reused and modified for many purposes, thus saving time and effort.

Note

This chapter is aimed at AutoCAD users only. Sorry, AutoCAD LT users — the programming interfaces are limited to AutoCAD.VBA is part of the programming and development tools provided by Microsoft. Its origins date back to QBasic and MS-Basic, which were both introduced during and prior to the MS-DOS era. VB has been around much longer than VBA and, unlike VBA, VB can be used to build standalone applications that are not dependent on a host application.

A host application is a program that allows the VBA environment to run inside it; AutoCAD is one example. Many other popular Windows-based programs have VBA technology built into them. Some of these other applications are Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD-based vertical products such as AutoCAD Architecture (formally known as Autodesk Architectural Desktop), and Microsoft Word and Excel.

VBA in AutoCAD has been ...