INTRODUCTION

After completing this chapter, you will be able to do the following:

• Create, customize, and use tool palettes

• Partial Load drawings

• Manage drawing properties

• Manage named objects

• Delete unused named objects

• Use the utility display commands

• Use object properties

• Use X,Y,Z filters

• Use the SHELL command

• Set up a drawing by means of the MVSETUP utility

• Use the Layer Translator

• Use the TIME and AUDIT commands

• Customize AutoCAD settings

• Export and Import data

• Understand CAD Standards

• Use script and slide commands

• Set up and use workspaces

• Use Calculator

TOOL PALETTES

Tool palettes are tabbed areas within the Tool Palettes window that provide an efficient method for organizing, sharing, and placing blocks and hatches, executing a single command or a string of commands, and using custom tools provided by third-party developers. For example, one tool palette is named Architectural, with blocks representing doors, windows, and fixtures.

A special facility of tool palettes is the ability to preload a palette with objects with specific properties. When these objects are selected and dragged into the drawing area, they take their properties with them. For instance, if a green polyline on layer 7 is selected and dragged onto a tool palette, then dragging it back into the drawing area invokes the PLINE command, and the resulting polyline will be green and on layer 7, regardless of the current layer or color control. The following objects can be dragged onto a tool palette:

• Blocks

• Dimensions

• External references

• Hatch Patterns...