OSNAPs Assigned to F-Keys

Do you find yourself not using the F-Keys in AutoCAD? I assigned OSNAPs to my F-Keys. I left F2 and F8 as default.

F1 = Endpoint
F3 = Intersection
F4 = Intersection
F5 = Center
F6 = Perpendicular
F7 = Midpoint
F9 = Insertion
F10 = Tangent
F11 = Quadrant
F12 = Node

Steps
1. Save the F-Keys.cuix to your desktop.
2. Launch AutoCAD.
3. Type CUI in the command line to launch the Customize User Interface.
4. Click the Transfer tab along the top.
5. In the left panel (Main File), expand Keyboard Shortcuts then Shortcut Keys.
6. In the right panel, open the saved F-Keys.cuix.

7. Expand Keyboard Shortcuts then Shortcut Keys.
8. Select the shortcut keys.
9. Drag the shortcut keys to Keyboard Shortcuts\Shortcut Keys on left panel. I placed the keys to the bottom of the list so I can easily find them.

10. Click the Save button on the left panel.
11. Click OK to close the Customize User Interface.

To reassign the OSNAPs with different F-Keys follow these steps.

1. Type CUI in the command line to launch the Customize User Interface.
2. Click the Customize tab along the top.
3. In the top left panel, expand Keyboard Shortcuts\Shortcut Keys.
4. Find the OSNAP F-Keys.
5. Click the desired OSNAP F-Key to change.
6. In the right lower Properties panel, click the button to the right of Key(s).

7. In the pop-up window, press the desired F-Key.

8. Click OK to close the dialog box..
9. Since another OSNAP is assigned with that F-Key, you’ll need to change the other OSNAP with a different F-Key.

10. Click OK to close the notice.
11. Click OK to close the Customize User Interface.

A link to the F-Keys.cuix file.

If you have a hard time remembering which key is which, create a template for the keyboard.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Cleanup old and unused files associated with AutoCAD

AutoCAD/Civil 3D will create a number of files along the way. Some files log certain events and other files are left behind due to a crash or failure. I’ll often search these files then decide if they are needed. This can be a time consuming task depending on the amount of data and projects. Below is a list of AutoCAD files.

·         Plot.log (AutoCAD Plot Log File)
·         Acad.err (AutoCAD Error Log File)
·         sav*.tmp (AutoCAD Temporary Save File) In the event of a crash while saving a drawing, AutoCAD will leave the Temporary Save File in the same location as the DWG file.
·         *.adt (AutoCAD Audit Log File)
·         *.dwl & *.dwl2 (AutoCAD Drawing Lock Files) In the event of a crash, AutoCAD will leave Drawing Lock Files for unsaved drawings. Old drawings locks are usually overlooked because the file's attributes are set to hidden. Set the file manager to display “Hidden Files”.

The plot and audit log files can be turned off through the AutoCAD options and plot settings but make sure these files are not being utilized for company standards before doing so. Here are the system variables.

·         Audit Log Setting: "auditctl" "0".
·         Plot Log Setting: “-PLOTSTAMP” “Log File” “No” “Plot.Log”

Below is a simple batch command to automate the search and delete process. Copy and paste the script to a blank ASCI text file using Notepad then change the P: and P:\ (shown in red) to the desired drive and path. Save the file as AutoCAD File Cleanup.bat.

@echo on
cd\
P:
del "P:\acad.err" /s
del "P:\*.adt" /s
del "P:\*.dwl" /s /a
del "P:\*.dwl2" /s /a
del "P:\*.tmp" /s
del "P:\plot.log" /s
cd\

The batch file switches are as followed.

/s            Delete specified files from all subdirectories.
/a           Selects files to delete based on attributes.


Let me know if you have any questions.

Autodesk University 2016

My Autodesk University 2016 class proposals are in!

Civil 3D 2017!

I finally have Civil 3D 207 installed. I'm looking forward to the new grading tool and the new PDF to DWG tool. I'll post a few tips on the new features in the coming weeks.

Autodesk Stingray

I started playing Autodesk Stingray after Autodesk University 2015. I'm finally making ground. The project was created in Civil 3D project then exported to 3D Studio Max via the Civil View plug-in. While in 3D Studio Max, I added texturing a few other items then exported to an FBX file format for Stingray. The workflow is strait forward. A detailed workflow coming soon.

 

  

Slow Selection in AutoCAD/Civil 3D 2015-2016?

Have you noticed latency when selecting objects in Civil 3D 2015 and 2016? Civil 3D seems to analyze the layer list when executing the move, copy and other commands thus causing latency. I have found a solution for the issue. Create a layer filter with no XREF layers then set it current then AutoCAD will only analyze the layers in the current file. I have created a LISP file to create the No XREF Layer filter. Place the LISP file in the Tool Palette to easily run in CAD files. I would also create the filter in the drawing template (.DWT) file so every new file will have the filter.

Copy the text below for the lisp file.

;Import No XREF Layer Filter
;
;
(defun C:lfilters ()
(command "-LAYER" "filter" "N" "P" "All" "NAME==\"~*|*\"" "No XREF Layers" "x" "")
  
   (princ)
)

Autodesk University 2015 Photo

Random shots from AU 2015.

My Autodesk University 2015 Class - CI10949-L: Keep Track of the Vehicles Using Vehicle Tracking

Here's my class material from Autodesk University 2015. I presented a lab on Autodesk Vehicle Tracking 2016.

Class Description
In this hands-on lab, you’ll learn how to generate parking lots, sweep vehicles around a site, and create a roundabout junction corridor. Step by step, you’ll learn how to choose a parking-lot style that is right for your site. Select the appropriate vehicle to check for turning movements and height clearances. Create a roundabout junction corridor to add to an existing AutoCAD Civil 3D software road corridor. You’ll also generate reports and customize the settings and standards for a specific project.

Learn how to create parking lots

Learn how to sweep vehicles through the site

Learn how to create roundabout junction corridors

Learn how to change object styles

CI10949-L: Keep Track of the Vehicles Using Vehicle Tracking
 
Materials
Class Presentation

Class Handout

Additional Class Material


Let me know if you have any questions.