Tips and Tricks For Using AutoCAD 2008 Software User Interface New 3D Workspace If you are using only 2D AutoCAD® commands, why not use the new 2D Drafting & Annotation workspace? This capability displays powerful 2D tools on the Dashboard. 3D Dashboard Control Panels New 2D control panels provide easy access to layers and include controls for annotation scaling, text, dimensions, multiple leaders, tables, 2D navigation commands, object properties, and block attributes. When you select a tool from the Dashboard, the corresponding tool palette also displays, where applicable. User Interface Tool Palettes When you drag geometry to an inactive tool palette, it is automatically activated for easy placement—just give it an extra second to switch.

• A new Specify Image option on the shortcut menu makes it easy to assign an image to any tool. • The location of tools on a tool palette is now saved in the tool catalog (and the profile), making it easier to share your tool palettes with others and maintain the same look and feel. • Use TPNAVIGATE to set a tool palette current at the command line (for programming purposes). Clean Screen Use the Clean Screen button located in the lower-right corner of the screen to turn off everything except for the status and menu bars and the command window. This feature comes in handy when showing files to a client and you need to quickly clean up your interface. User Interface User Interface Controlling Toolbar and Tool Palette Placement Anchor your palettes to the left or right side of the drawing area for quick access. Palettes roll open or closed as the cursor moves over them, keeping them out of the way. You can easily stack several on each side of the screen for maximum productivity. Simply right-click the name bar, and choose Anchor Left or Anchor Right from the shortcut menu.

Download pdf AutoCAD 2008 Tutorial Tips n Tricks