Tips & Tricks - Updated January 2012

“Here are a couple neat little tricks to help you increase your productivity.”

Tip #1:  MATCH PROPS ACROSS MULTIPLE DRAWINGS
The Match Properties command works across any number of open drawings. In other words, use the command as usual, then while still in the command, press Ctrl + Tab to get to the next drawing. Continue to use the Match Properties command in another drawing, and so on. Selected objects in other drawings will match the entity, and if there is no such layer (line type, color, etc.) it will be brought into these drawings.

Tip #2:  SUBSCRIPTS AND SUPERSCRIPTS
Here’s a little trick. Have you ever needed a superscript or subscript and didn’t know how to do it in AutoCAD? 
To get, for instance, a “squared” sign...

1. Using MText, type in E=MC2^ (with a space at the end)
2. Highlight the “2^ “ (including the space)
3. Pick the “stack” button (b/a) on the tool bar.
4. You now have E=MC²

You can make a subscript by placing the “^ “ before the letter or number (also with a space after) and follow steps 2-4.

Tip #3:  GRIPS TRICKS

1. Highlight an object to activate the grips, make one of the grips 'hot' by clicking it, press Enter, and move your mouse. That will start moving the object.
2. While moving the mouse, press Enter again (make sure Ortho is off); the selected object will rotate instead of moving, using the hot grip as the center of rotation.

If you press Enter a third time, you will be able to scale the object, again, using the hot grip as a base.

“We will be changing these monthly, so keep checking back for new ideas to make you more efficient.”