Datasheet

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Chapter 1: Introducing AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT
AutoCAD 2012 once again has presents for both the 2D and the 3D crowds, in
the new “in-canvas” viewport controls (not in AutoCAD LT), a selectable user
coordinate system icon, a powerful Content Explorer feature, and the
Inventor Fusion plug-in that helps you generate 2D drawing views from exist-
ing 3D models. (Note: Inventor Fusion is not included in AutoCAD LT, and I
don’t have room to cover it in this book). Here’s a short list of some of
AutoCAD 2012’s new features, along with where you can go to find out more:
✓ Content Explorer: If you’re running in Windows Vista or Windows 7,
you’re familiar with the new and fast Search feature. Content Explorer
is like Windows Search for drawings. You tag folders to be watched
in the Content Explorer palette. Then, after they’ve been indexed (a
background operation that can take some time to 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 book, 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 duplicates in a linear pattern. And the NCOPY command, for
copying objects nested inside 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 information.
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