What's Inside? Autocad 2011 (2nd Edition) [2nd ed.]

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W h a t ' s I n s i d e ? AutoCAD 2011 Second Edition • April 30, 2010

Ralph Grabowski

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a research paper from upFront.reSearch an imprint of upFront.eZine Publishing, Ltd.

What’s Inside? AutoCAD 2011

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 upFront.reSearch This research paper was prepared financially independent of any CAD vendor. Public and private sources may have assisted in providing the information reported by this research paper. upFront.eZine Publishing, Ltd. provides this research paper as-is and does not guarantee its accuracy, and is not liable for any loss resulting from the use of its content. Note that the information and summaries may change over time. upFront.eZine Publishing acknowledges that the trademarks mentioned in this research paper are the property of their respective owners.

 Copyright Copyright © 2010 by upFront.eZine Publishing, Ltd. All rights reserved worldwide. The owner of the copyright does not give you permission to make electronic copies or more than one print copy.You may not claim authorship or ownership of the text or figures herein. First edition — 25 March 2010 Second edition — 30 April 2010 Technical Writer

Ralph Grabowski

Corrections

Ignacio Arrúe Matilla Kent Elrod

 Payment Price List • • •

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  Table

of Contents

Command names new to AutoCAD 2011 are shown in blue.

2. 261 NEW AND CHANGED COMMANDS AND SYSTEM VARIABLES 15 User Interface 16 Background Color 16 Grid and Axes 16 AutoCAD in Model Space 18

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 7

AutoCAD in Paper Space 20 Workspaces 22

The Top AutoCAD 2011 Features 7 3D Surfacing 7 Instant Hatching 7 Culling 7 Interactive Drafting Previews 8

Useful but Hidden Features 8

Ribbon 23 UCS ICON 24 Changed GIZMOS and new icons 25 Quick Properties 25 Navigation bar 26 Quick Access Toolbar 27 Navigation Cube 27

Switch Instantly Between Hatches and Gradients 8

Status Bar 27

Expressions 8

Visual styles 29

Manipulate NURBS Surfaces Directly 9 FBX Import and Export 9 Multitouch Support 11

Future Releases 11 General Executive Statements 11 The AUGI Wishlist 13

Rollover transparency 28 VSCURRENT,VISUALSTYLES 29 PAN, ZOOM 31

Other System Variables 32

Drafting, Editing, Properties, and Selecting 33 Drafting 33 OSNAP 33 SKETCH 33 SPLINE 34 FIELD 35

Editing 35 JOIN 35 PEDIT 36 SPLINEDIT 37 CVADD, CVREBUILD, -CVREBUILD, CVREMOVE, CVSHOW, CVHIDE 38 EXPLODE 40 FILLET, CHAMFER 40

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4 Surfaces 73 Selecting 40 SELECT 40 QSELECT, FILTER 41 SELECTSIMILAR,ADDSELECTED, HIDEOBJECTS, ISOLATEOBJECTS, UNISOLATE OBJECTS 42

Properties 44 MEASUREGEOM, PROPERTIES, CHANGE, CHPROP, MATCHPROP 44 OPTCHPROP 45 HATCH, HATCHGENERATEBOUNDARY, HATCHSETBOUNDARY, HATCHSETORIGIN, HATCHTOBACK 45 -HATCH 47 HATCHEDIT, -HATCHEDIT 48 GRADIENT 48 LAYER, -LAYER, CLASSICLAYER, LAYERSTATE, LAYTRANS, SETBYLAYER,VPLAYER 51 LINETYPE, LIST, SCALELISTEDIT, STYLE 51

Miscellaneous 52 CLIP-TAHOE+1, IMAGE

52

CONVTOMESH, CONVTONURBS 73 CVADD, CVREBUID, CVREMOVE, CVSHOW, CVHIDE 73 SURFBLEND 75 SURFEXTEND 75 SURFFILLET 76 SURFNETWORK 77 SURFOFFSET 77 SURFPATCH, SURFSCULPT 78 SURFTRIM, SURFUNTRIM 79 3DEDITBAR 80

Point Clouds 83 POINTCLOUD, POINTCLOUDATTACH, -POINTCLOUDATTACH, POINTCLOUDINDEX 83 PCLOUD 86

Rendering 87 EXPORT, IMPORT, FBXEXPORT, -FBXEXPORT, FBXIMPORT, -FBXIMPORT 87 IMPRESSION 90

Materials 90 MATBROWSERCLOSE, MATBROWSEROPEN, MATEDITORCLOSE, MATEDITOROPEN, MATERIALMAP, MIGRATEMATERIALS 90

Constraints and Parameters 53 CONSTRAINTSETTINGS 53 BEDITOR 54

Dimensional Constraints 54 DCDISPLAY 54 DIMCONSTRAINT, DCALIGNED, DCANGULAR, DCCONVERT, DCDIMATER, DCFORM, DCHORIZONTAL, DCLINEAR, DCRADIUS, DCVERTICAL 54

Geometric Constraints 56 AUTOCONSTRAIN 56 GEOMCONSTRAINT, GCCOINCIDENT, GCCOLINEAR, GCCONCENTRIC, GCEQUAL, GCFIX, GCHORIZONTAL, GCPARALLEL, GCPERPENDICULAR, GCSMOOTH, GCSYMMETRIC, GCTANGENT, GCVERTICAL 56

Parameters 58 PARAMETERS 58

3D Modeling and Rendering 59 LOFT, SWEEP 59

3D Object Snaps 60 3DOSNAP, -3DOSNAP 60

Analysis 61 ANALYSISOPTIONS,ANALYSISCURVATURE, ANALYSISDRAFT, ANALYSISZEBRA 61

3D Editing 66 CHAMFEREDGE 66 FILLETEDGE 67 IMPLIEDFACEX, PROJECTGEOMETRY 68 EXTRUDE, REVOLVE 69

Meshes 71 MESHCAP, MESHCOLLAPSE, MESHEXTRUDE, MESHMERGE, MESHSPIN 71

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Customization, Settings, Plotting, and Files 93 Customization 93 AI_EDITCUSTFILE CUI 93

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Settings 94 DSETTINGS, +DSETTINGS 94 GRAPHICSCONFIG, -GRAPHICSCONFIG OPTIONS 98

Visual Effects Settings Dialog Box 99 Grip Colors Dialog Box 100 Plotting 101 PLOT, PAGESETUP

101

Files 102 EXTERNALREFERENCES, NEW, OPEN, RECOVER 102

Miscellaneous 104 Help 104 HELP, WELCOMESCREEN, CUSTOMERINVOLVEMENTPROGRAM 104

Other 106 DUMPMEMALLOC

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New Terms 132 New Cursor and Editing Icons 132 Nnew Constrain Bar Icons 132

3. ALPHABETICAL SUMMARY OF 154 NEW AND CHANGED COMMANDS 107 4. ALPHABETICAL SUMMARY OF 107 NEW AND CHANGED SYSTEM VARIABLES 115

New Polyline and Spline Editing icons 133 New Smoothness Icons 133

New Grips 133 New Aliases 134

A. UNDOCUMENTED GRAPHICS COMMANDS 135

5. SYSTEM, FILE, AND OTHER CHANGES 129 System Requirements 129 Compatibility with Earlier Releases 130 API 130 DWG 130

New Keyboard Shortcuts 131 New Keyboard Abbreviations 131 New File Types 131

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Important Notice To the Reader The content of this ebook is accurate to the best of the knowledge of those who prepared it. upFront.eZine Publishing does not, however, warrant the accuracy of the information contained in this ebook. This ebook was prepared using the RC version of AutoCAD 2011.Autodesk is free to change the features of its software at any time, and may do so without warning. Do not rely on the contents of this ebook; rather, use it as a guide to many of the features that are new and changed from the previous release(s) of AutoCAD. This ebook was prepared independently of Autodesk, Inc. “AutoCAD,” “Autodesk,” and other registered names are acknowledged as trademarks of their owners.

About upFront.reSearch This research paper was prepared by upFront.reSearch, an imprint of upFront.eZine Publishing, Ltd. upFront.reSearch has prepared research papers on behalf of clients such as Adobe,Autodesk, Graphisoft, IMAGINiT Technologies, IMSI, IntelliCAD, and SolidWorks. Its founder, Ralph Grabowski, has 20+ years experience in the computer-aided design industry. He is the author of 100+ books on CAD, editor of two industry newsletters, publisher of upFront.eBooks, and manager of three WorldCAD Access weblogs. www.upfrontezine.com/reSearch upFront.reSearch

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 

Chapter 1

Executive Summary

AutoCAD 2011 is the 25th release of Autodesk’s most popular software.

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The Top AutoCAD 2011 Features

Here, in our opinion, are the most important new features. 3D SURFACING Autodesk has promised three releases in a row that concentrated on beefing up AutoCAD’s 3D design capabilities: AutoCAD 2010 — added 3D meshes. AutoCAD 2011 — added NURBS-based splines and surfaces, and 3D object snaps. AutoCAD 2012 — 3D dynamic blocks and constraints? In addition, there are many improvements scattered about existing commands, such as the new MOde option that toggles between surface and solids creation. INSTANT HATCHING Hatching is now nearly instant: 1. 2. 3.

Type h to start the hatch command. Pass the cursor over a closed area to preview the hatching. Press Enter, and the hatch pattern is applied.

Total elapsed time: about 1.0 seconds. CULLING Before this release, AutoCAD introduced the concept of subobject selection, which selects the vertices, edges, and faces of 3D objects — instead of the 3D objects themselves. New to AutoCAD 2011 are two more variations on restricted selections, culling and selection cycling. Culling determines whether hidden 3D subobjects are selected; normally, you keep the new CullingObj and CullingObjSelection system variables turned on (= 1) to avoid selecting hidden subobjects.

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What’s Inside? AutoCAD 2011

8 Selection cycling displays a small menu when the pickbox is on top of two or more objects. The new menu lets you choose which overlapping object to select. Curiously enough, the new SelectionCycling system variable is turned off, by default. A new cursor icon alerts you to overlapping objects, as illustrated below.

INTERACTIVE DRAFTING PREVIEWS In addition to instant hatching, a number of new and existing commands provide realtime drawing and editing functions, albeit to a limited extent. For instance, the new ChamferEdge and FilletEdge command preview the chamfer distances and fillet radii, and then allow users to interactively adjust them. Unfortunately, the interactivity ends after the commands end; users cannot interactively edit chamfers and fillets. As well, the existing Extrude and Revolve commands now interactively preview the extrusion distance and angle of revolution. > Our View While the improvements to AutoCAD’s 3D have been impressive, we wonder if the many methods will overwhelm the heads-down drafter, who now must choose from 3D solids, 3D surfaces, 3D meshes — on top of the collection of legacy objects, such as 3D polyfaces. The non-3D improvements, such as instant hatching, are of greater interest to the majority of drafters, but we wonder how many would pay the new steep upgrade fee just for faster hatch creation. •

 Useful but Hidden Features Each release of AutoCAD adds any number of commands, some of which serve utilitarian purposes or are truly useful for drafters. Here are some we think will get a lot of use or are especially intriguing, but may not be immediately apparent. SWITCH INSTANTLY BETWEEN HATCHES AND GRADIENTS The redesigned ribbon tab for hatch patterns is identical to that for gradients. A single droplist lists all patterns and gradients, allowing drafters to switch existing patterns to gradients and vice versa. EXPRESSIONS Hidden away in some commands is a new option, Expressions. Autodesk does not explain its purpose, other than to vaguely refer to the Parametrics command. Commands like Fillet and Extrude can now control the fillet radius and extrusion height through formulas — algebraic formulas (like 2*4) and parametric ones, such as upFront.reSearch

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d1 or d1*dia3/pi. This means that the height of an extrusion can match a parametrically-size dobject elsewhere in the drawing. MANIPULATE NURBS SURFACES DIRECTLY AutoCAD 2011 introduces a new gizmo for adjust 3D objects. During certain commands, such as Loft and SurfaceBlend, a triangular grip appears. Clicking the grip reveals a shortcut menu for adjusting the topology of the surface. Selecting the Draft Angle option displays the new adjustment gizmo. Drag to increase the magintude Drag to change the angle

Preview of change in angle

The new 3dEditBar command provides yet another surface editing gizmo, as described in Chapter 2. FBX IMPORT AND EXPORT Autodesk is positioning its open FBX format as a way to exchange 3D data between AutoCAD 2011 and other programs. Data from AutoCAD includes 3D objects, 2D objects with thickness, lights, and materials. (FBX is short for “filmbox,” and is native to Autodesk’s MotionBuilder software. Other software from Autodesk that reads and writes FBX includes MotionBuilder (natively), Maya and 3ds Max (via plug-ins), Softimage (via Crosswalk), and Mudbox. AutoCAD 2011 has the new FbxImport

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From Autodesk Marketing

Autodesk’s marketing department emphasizes the ability of AutoCAD 2011 to document and design. Here’s what they tell us: “Power your design projects from concept through completion with AutoCAD 2011 software. “Your ideas can take shape with greater clarity and accuracy than ever before, thanks to new surface modeling tools and point cloud support. New inferred constraints capabilities make working with parametrics easier, and updated productivity tools help you deliver final design documentation faster than ever. And major updates to materials and surfaces help you communicate design intent with the impact you demand. “With these and many other new capabilities you’ve been asking for, AutoCAD 2011 helps you take design and documentation further.”

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On Autodesk R emoving VBA from AutoCAD Removing

AutoCAD 2011 and AutoCAD-based verticals do not ship with VBA (Microsoft’s Visual Basic for Applications), but 32– and 64-bit versions are available as a download from www.autodesk.com/vba-download. VBA will not be supported by AutoCAD 2012; the VBA module will not be available as a download then. It still ships with Inventor 2011, however. The reason is entirely Microsoft’s fault, for they have discontinued the sale of new VBA distribution licenses back in 2007 and have stated that they plan no more enhancements. This leaves application companies and customers in a lurch. Microsoft had done much to promote the use of VBA as a “universal” programming language, but then abandoned it. This means that programmers need to (a) stop writing new VBA code now and (b) port their VBA code to other APIs eventually. At time of writing, Autodesk was unsure which of Microsoft’s APIs might be the most future-proof one: “We are still at an early stage in evaluating what (if any) in-product IDE should replace VBA. However, at this time, we do not expect to be embedding VSTA into Autodesk products. Revit software is currently the only Autodesk product that incorporates VSTA. However, our review of in-product IDEs will include an evaluation of whether VSTA is the best long-term IDE solution for Revit. Therefore, we encourage Revit add-in developers to concentrate on creating professional add-ins using Visual Studio rather than VSTA when possible.” The elimination of VBA does not affect AutoCAD’s ActiveX COM (common object model), which was also designed by Microsoft originally.

eplacement ecommended VBA R The R Replacement Recommended Autodesk’s recommends moving your VBA code to a .net language, such as VB.NET using Visual Studio 2008, including the free Express edition available from msdn.microsoft.com/enus/vstudio/aa718373.aspx. But .net add-ins run differently from VBA macros. Whereas VBA code is embedded in the VBA IDE (integrated development environment) and run using AutoCAD’s VbaRun command, .net code is more complex: 1. Choose which object model to use*. 2. Write the code in the external Visual Studio IDE. 3. Compile it to a DLL (dynamic link library). 4. Load it using AutoCAD’s NetLoad command. 5. Run it by entering its command name at the ‘Command:’ prompt. *) You have to choose one of the following object models: • When migrating VBA code to .net, use the same ActiveX APIs as before. • When writing new .net code, use AutoCAD’s new native .net APIs. This will involves a learning curve, but allows operations not possible with VBA. • Or mix COM Interop with native .NET, since it is also possible to employ both object models – familiar and advanced ....continued

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and FbxExport commands.Third-party developers can use the C++ and Python programming languages to integrate FBX into their applications. Autodesk has partially published the FBX specification through documenting the FBX reader/writer source code.

TIP Autodesk provides Mac and Windows QuickTime plug-ins for viewing FBX files exported from AutoCAD at area.autodesk.com/fbx.

MULTITOUCH SUPPORT AutoCAD 2011 rather discretely supports multitouch screens and digitizers, although the capability is not yet turned on, according to Autodesk. > Our View The new interactive technology employed by Hatch, Extrude, FilletEdge, and other commands continues the ongoing push to make AutoCAD drafting and editing realtime and interactive. (We first saw this with the improved 3D solid modeling a few releases ago.) Together with the new expressions feature, we foresee powerful new future for this 26-year-old software package. •

 Future Releases Autodesk executives have mapped out the features for the releases of AutoCAD following 2011, but have revealed few details to the public. We can guess at future features by general statements, from surveys Autodesk carries out, from the AUGI wishlist, and from mid-release feature sets made available to subscribers. For example, the Fillet command originally worked with 2D objects only; then Autodesk added support for filleting 3D solids.This release of AutoCAD has the new SurfFillet command for filleting surfaces; we expect surface filleting to be integrated into Fillet in a future release — as well as Extrude,Trim, Extend, and so on.

...continued VBA Migration Guides Autodesk provides the following resources for migrating VBA code to .net, and plans more in the future: • AutoCAD VBA to VB.NET Migration Basics – on using .net COM Interop to simplify migration . • AutoCAD .NET Developers Guide – contains many comparative samples of native .NET API and the VBA code required to perform the same task (docs.autodesk.com/ACD/ 2010/ENU/AutoCAD%20.NET%20Developer's%20Guide/index.html>. • Ask for advice using Autodesk’s ADN DevHelp Online support portal. • Employ a consultant to perform the porting. www.autodesk.com/developer

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

From Autodesk Sales

Autodesk plans to ship the following updated software packages this year: AutoCAD 2011 AutoCAD LT 2011 Architecture AutoCAD Architecture 2011 AutoCAD MEP 2011 Revit Architecture 2011 Revit MEP 2011 Revit Structure 2011 GIS AutoCAD Civil 3D 2011 AutoCAD Map 3D 2011 MapGuide Enterprise 2011 Topobase 2011 Mechanical AutoCAD Electrical 2011 AutoCAD Mechanical 2011 Inventor Suite 2011 Inventor Professional 2011 Navisworks 2011 Vault 2011 Other AutoCAD P&ID 2011 Digital Entertainment 3ds Max 2011 Entertainment Creation Suites 2011 FBX 2011 HumanIK 4.5 Middleware Kynapse 7 Middleware Maya 2011 MotionBuilder 2011 Mudbox 2011 Softimage 2011 www.autodesk.com/purchaseoptions

Automatically trimmed projection

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GENERAL EXECUTIVE STATEMENTS Autodesk now releases midterm upgrades to AutoCAD for the sole benefit of subscription customers; these enhancements become part of the next release. In addition, Autodesk previews new technology ideas at its labs.autodesk.com site, some of which find their way into future releases of its software. Autodesk conducts online surveys to ask users their opinions on possible new features. A survey late in 2008 asked about the following features. Several years later, some of them made it into AutoCAD 2011: • • •

Enhanced visual styles. Transparent hatch fills. 3D enhancements.

But many did not: • • • • • • •

Batch process drawings in AutoCAD (currently possible through scripts). Draw order by layer. Visual comparison of two drawings. 3D dynamic blocks. Conversion of PDF to DWG (partially implemented in AutoCAD 2010). Hatch pattern generator (available as an Express Tool). Linetype creator (the #1 request by our weblog readers).

THE AUGI WISHLIST The AutoCAD User Group International is another source for learning of Autodesk’s future plans. Autodesk typically includes 70% of the AUGI wishlist in the next release.The user group regularly posts lists of the features voted on by members.The most recent one is listed below : 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Join individually created hatch areas into a single hatch object. Add tool palettes to the CUI. Rotate the window and crossing selection boxes to align with rotated crosshairs. Create and change hatch patterns graphically (implemented in AutoCAD 2011). Fillet 3D polylines. Control whether text/attributes are mirrored with blocks. eTransmit to zip drawing packages with multiple formats of the drawing, such as PDF and DWF. 8. Add an editor for the creation of complex linetypes. 9. Set attributes horizontally relative to UCS regardless of the rotation of the block. 10. Rename anonymous blocks. — In mid-March 2011 we find out about AutoCAD 2012. In the meantime, let’s look at AutoCAD 2011 in detail.

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 

Chapter 2

261 New and Changed Commands and System Variables

AutoCAD 2011 introduces 86 new commands (documented and undocumented) and 89 new system variables. Around 86 existing commands and system variables experience a change of some kind. New Commands

New System Variables

Changed Commands & System Variables

AutoCAD 2011

86

89

86

AutoCAD 2010

58

70

100+

AutoCAD 2009

46

42

AutoCAD 2008

35

40

AutoCAD 2007

77*

*) Includes18 converted from Express Tools.

This chapter details new and changed commands and system variables, grouping them by function. The following chapters summarize new and changed commands and system variables in alphabetical order. New commands and system variables are indicated by the blue color in this book. Existing commands that have changes are shown with boldface names. Commands and system variables not documented by Autodesk are indicated by italics. The sole command removed from AutoCAD 2011 is flagged with strikethrough text. The functional groups are as follows: •

User Interface

•

Drafting, Editing, Properties, and Selecting

•

Constraints and Parameters

•

3D Modeling and Rendering

•

Customization, Settings, Plotting, and Files

•

Miscellaneous

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 User Interface AutoCAD 2011’s user interface looks dramatically different from 2010 due to the change in background color, the new lined grid, and new navigation bar — as well as from other changes that are less noticeable. BACKGROUND COLOR Reacting to demands from users, Autodesk again changes the background color to dark, this time a very dark blue (RGB = 33,40,48). Many users prefer the dark background for it makes the colors of lines stand out.

AutoCAD’s new default user interface (new 3D Basics workspace shown)

The background in AutoCAD 2010 was a pale yellow, but the Restore Classic Colors button (Options | Display | Colors) changes the background to black. GRID AND AXES Several releases ago, the grid had changed from dots to lines for 3D display modes; now the lined grid comes to 2D display mode: model space, the Block Editor, and layout mode. The 2D version has all the same attributes as that of 3D: major and minor grid lines, adaptive grid, sizing and colored axes (red = x, green = y). By default, the grid is now turned on.

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AutoCAD’s new default user interface in Block Editor (transparent palette shown) In layout mode, you can now turn on the grid so that it covers the entire drawing area. This is in addition to the grid in paper space.

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18 AUTOCAD IN MODEL SPACE

Changed: Workspace droplist located to here

AutoCAD 2011 user interface (at right)

Changed: SaveAs added to toolbar

Changed: Application menu has restyled icons

Changed: Background color is dark blue

Changed: 2D grid is lined; has subdivisions; is turned on by default

New: 2D space now has green (y) and red (x) axis lines

AutoCAD 2010 default user interface (below)

New: Toggle 3D osnaps New: Toggle transparency New: Toggle selection cycling

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New: Simplified ribbon for 3D modeling

Changed: Aspects fo the ribbon's tabs and panels Changed: Help now uses HTML

Changed: Navigation cube displays in 2D workspace

New: Navigation bar

New: I ntegrated support for 3D mice from 3Dconnexion

New: Toggle hardware graphics acceleration

New: I solate objects

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What’s Inside? AutoCAD 2011

20 AUTOCAD IN PAPER SPACE AutoCAD 2011 default user interface (at right)

Changed: Background color is light gray

Changed: 2D grid is lined; has subdivisions; is turned on by default

New: Paper space has grid (normally turned off)

AutoCAD 2010 default user interface (below)

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New: Navigation bar

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What’s Inside? AutoCAD 2011

22 TIP You can change the grid back to the less obtrusive dot pattern, as follows: 1.

Enter the DSettings command, and then choose the Snap and Grid tab.

2.

In the new Grid Style area, turn on one or more of the following options:

3.

•

2D model space.

•

Block editor.

•

Sheet/layout.

Click OK.

WORKSPACES The WorkSpace command’s Settings dialog box and Quick Access toolbar droplist now include a new 3D Basics workspace. This workspace displays a ribbon with fewer buttons and options.

Above: The Home tab of the 3D Basics ribbon Below: Home tab of the full 3D Modeling ribbon

The workspace droplist is moved from the status bar up to the Quick Access toolbar.

Workspace droplist on the Quick Access toolbar. The Workspace button remains on the status bar, however, and still provides access to workspaces.

Workspace button on the status bar.

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The new WsAutosave system variable allows you to instruct AutoCAD 2011 to automatically save changes that you make to the current workspace. This new feature is turned off, by default. RELATED SYSTEM VARIABLE

WsAutosave toggles automatic saving of changes to workspaces: 0 – off (default). 1 – on.

RIBBON Autodesk continues to add to the ribbon, for AutoCAD 2011 has new controls and new tabs. As noted above, the new 3D Basics workspace displays a simplified ribbon layout to help overcome the overwhelming number of buttons and options on the 3D modeling ribbon.The Hatch, Gradient, and HatchEdit commands have redesigned tabs, as described later. The ribbon has a new panel display mode, helped along by a new menu next to the ribbon control button.

The new ribbon control menu. The new display mode shows panel buttons (the Minimize to Panel Button option). Click on a button to view the entire tab in droplist format.

Above: The new Panel Buttons mode. Below: Accessing a panel from its button.

APPLICATION MENU Export FBX is added to the application menu.

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What’s Inside? AutoCAD 2011

24 UCS ICON Both the 2D and 3D UCS icons are redesigned in AutoCAD 2011; the paperspace UCS icon is unchanged. In 2D visual styles, the UCS icon now takes on the red-green colors to indicate the x and y axes:

Left: 2D UCS icon in AutoCAD 2010... Right: ...and in AutoCAD 2011. In 3D visual styles, the UCS icon loses the optional cones:

Left: 3D UCS icon in AutoCAD 2010... Right: ...and in AutoCAD 2011. The UcsIcon command’s Properties dialog box has new options: • •

The Cone option is removed. The new Apply Single Color option toggles the icon between tricolored and black.

Left: UCS icon properties dialog box in AutoCAD 2010... Right: ...and in AutoCAD 2011. The cones appear on the 3D move gizmo:

Left: 3dMove gizmo in AutoCAD 2010... Right: ...and in AutoCAD 2011.

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CHANGED GIZMOS AND NEW ICONS AutoCAD 2011 changes the look of gizmos and introduces new cursor icons. Gizmos are used for 3D rotation, scaling, and moving, and for applying material mapping; here are the changes to the move and scale gizmos (the rotate gizmo is unchanged):

Move gizmos from AutoCAD 2010 and 2011.

Scale gizmos from AutoCAD 2010 and 2011.

The material mapping gizmos have similar-looking changes, as illustrated later in this ebook. All of the new cursor icons are illustrated in the last chapter of this ebook, and here are a couple of examples: Location of the new control vertices of splines. G0 level of smoothness on blended surfaces. QUICK PROPERTIES The QpMode system variable changes its default values from 1 to -1. This means that the Quick Properties palette is now turned off by default, but remembers its setting (1 or 2).

Quick Properties now support the new NURBS surface objects and transparency property.

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What’s Inside? AutoCAD 2011

26 NAVIGATION BAR The new NavBar command toggles the display of the new navigation bar. Enter an option [ON/OFF] : (Enter ON or OFF.) Close navigation bar Turn on Navigation Cube interface (NavSCube) Flyout of additional modes Start Pan command

Start Zoom command

Start 3D Orbitcommand

Turn on Show Motion interface (NavSMotion) NavBar options

The navigation bar is the newest “toolbar” in AutoCAD. The translucent navigation bar appears at the right edge of the drawing area. Several buttons that previously appeared on the status bar are relocated here. You can turn off the navigation bar, and can relocate it with the options menu.

The options of the navigation bar. RELATED SYSTEM VARIABLE

NavBarDisplay toggles the display of the navigation bar; applies to all viewports and layouts (the NavBar command applies to the current viewport or space): 0 – off. 1 – on (default). upFront.reSearch

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QUICK ACCESS TOOLBAR The Quick Access toolbar gains the Workspaces droplist and the SaveAs button.

NAVIGATION CUBE The navigation cube is now turned on in 2D display modes. Although it initially appears in plan view, you can manipulate it to show 3D viewpoints.

The initial appearance of the navigation cube in 2D display mode. RELATED SYSTEM VARIABLE

NavVCubeDisplay now allows the ViewCube to be displayed in 2D modes. 0 – not displayed. 1 – displayed in 3D visual styles, but not 2D 2 – displayed in 2D visual styles, but not 3D (new to 2011). 3 – displayed in 2D and 3D visual styles (new to 2011; default).

STATUS BAR The status bar gains and loses buttons in AutoCAD 2011. The following buttons are added to the left end of the status bar: Infer Constraints toggle (right-click to access Settings). 3D Osnap toggle (right-click to access Settings). Transparency toggle. Selection Cycling toggle (right-click to access Settings). And these are the buttons added to the right end of the status bar: Hardware Acceleration toggle (right-click to access Settings). Isolate and Hide Objects toggle. The Pan, Zoom, Steering Wheel, and ShowMotion buttons move from the status bar to the new navigation bar.

Above: The changed status bar in AutoCAD 2011. Below: The status bar from AutoCAD 2010.

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What’s Inside? AutoCAD 2011

28 ROLLOVER TRANSPARENCY In previous releases of AutoCAD, the PaletteOpaque system variable determined the translucency of palettes. AutoCAD 2011 adds new system variables to set a different level of translucency when the cursor moves over palettes, as illustrated below:

RELATED SYSTEM VARIABLE

RolloverOpacity specifies the translucency of palettes when cursor moves over them; range is 0 to 100: 0 – (default). GlobalOpacity sets the default level of translucency for all palettes (when transparency is turned on): 0 – fully transparent (default). 100 – fully opaque. ApplyGlobalOpacities toggles all palettes between opaque and translucent: 0 – opaque (default). 1 – translucent.

VISUAL STYLES VSCURRENT, VISUALSTYLES

The VsCurrent command gets five new predefined styles: Command: vscurrent Enter an option [2dwireframe/Wireframe/Hidden/Realistic/Conceptual/Shaded/shaded with Edges/shades of Gray/SKetchy/X-ray/Other] (Enter an option.)

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Left: Shaded visual style. Right: Shaded with edges.

Left: Shades of gray Right: Xray

Sketchy visual style The VisualStyles command’s palette has been redesigned.

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Left: Visual Styles Manger in AutoCAD 2010... Right: ... and in AutoCAD 2011. RELATED SYSTEM VARIABLES

VsEdgeLEx specifies the length of line extensions of edges in visual styles (negative number turns off extensions); range is 0 to 100 pixels: -6 – six pixels, but turned off (default).

Left: 6-pixel extensions. Right: 100-pixel extensions. VsOccludedColor specifies the color of hidden (occluded) lines in visual styles; uses ACI, RGB, HSL, or ColorBook values: “Byentity” – default. upFront.reSearch

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“None” or “.” – no background color (default). 1 through 255 – AutoCAD Color Index Name – name of the first seven colors, such as “Red.” RGB: or HSL: – red-green-blue or hue-saturation-luminosity, such as "RGB:130,200,240"; range is 000 to 255. Colorbook – PANTONE, DIC, or RAL color specifications, such as "DIC COLOR GUIDE(R)$DIC 43". VsOccludedEdges toggles the display of hidden (occluded) edges in visual styles: 0 – off. 1 – on (default).

Occluded edges shown with dashed linetype in cyan (light blue). VsOccludedLtype determines the linetype of hidden (occluded) lines in visual styles. Changing this system variable creates a new unsaved visual style. Range is 1 to 11: 1 – solid lines (default for most visual styles). 2 – dashed lines (default for hidden and shaded with edges). 3 – dotted lines. 4 – short Dash lines. 5 – medium Dash lines. 6 – long Dash lines. 7 – double Short Dash lines. 8 – double Medium Dash lines. 9 – double Long Dash 10 – medium Long Dash 11 – sparse Dot

PAN AND ZOOM

3dPan2 (undocumented) command pans drawings in realtime. Command: 3dpan2 (Press Esc to exit the command.)

3dZoom2 (undocumented) command zooms drawings in realtime. Command: 3dzoom2 (Press Esc to exit the command.)

OTHER SYSTEM VARIABLES ClassicKeys toggles the meaning of Ctrl+C: 0 – copies objects (default).

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What’s Inside? AutoCAD 2011

32 1 – cancels commands. Digitizer reports the style of digitizer attached to AutoCAD (read-only): 0 – none (default). 1 – integrated touch. 2 – external touch. 4 – integrated pen. 8 – external pen. 16 – multiple input. 128 – input devices are ready. MaxTouches reports the number of touch points supported by multi-touch digitizers (read-only): 1 – (default).

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 Drafting, Editing, Properties, and Selecting DRAFTING OSNAP

The Osnap command’s modes now apply matching constraints automatically when the new InferConstraints option is turned on. For example, turn on CENter osnap and AutoCAD 2011 automatically applies the center constraint during drawing and editing commands. See the new ConstraintSettings command for more details. AutoCAD 2011 now separates 3D object snaps from 2D ones. The DSettings command’s dialog box has a new tab that accommodates 3D osnaps; see the new 3dOsnap command. SKETCH

The Sketch command now draws splines when the SkPoly system variable is set to 2. Sketch line (green)

Resulting spline (black)

The resulting splines can be editing with the new spline editing grips and options; see Spline command. When the sketch type is set to 1, the resulting polylines can be edited with the polyline editing grips new to AutoCAD 2011; see PLine/PEdit command. The prompts have changed from (AutoCAD 2009): Command: sketch Record increment : Sketch. Pen eXit Quit Record Erase Connect . 154 lines recorded.

The old drawings options (Pen, Erase, Connect, etc) no longer work. Instead, you hold down the mouse button to sketch; green lines appear. Press Enter to end the command; the sketch lines become the current color. The new prompts are as follows: Command: sketch Type = Lines Increment = 0.1000 Tolerance = 0.5000 Specify sketch or [Type/Increment/toLerance]: (Hold down left mouse button and draw.) Specify sketch: (Press Enter to end sketching.) 154 lines recorded.

The Type option chooses the sketching object: Enter sketch type [Lines/Polyline/Spline] : (Enter an option.)

• • •

Lines option draws line segments. Polyline option draws connect polyline segments. Spline option draws splines (new to AutoCAD 2011). upFront.reSearch

What’s Inside? AutoCAD 2011

34 The Increment option specifies the length of line and polyline segments Specify sketch increment : (Enter any positive real number.)

The new toLerance option determines how closely the spline fits the sketch; applies to splines only: Specify spline fit tolerance : (Enter a real number between 0 and 1.) RELATED SYSTEM VARIABLES

SkPoly now allows splines as one of the types of objects created by the Sketch command: 0 – lines (default). 1 – polylines 2 – splines (new to 2011). SkTolerance specifies how closely a spline fits to a freehand sketch; range is 0 to 1: 0.5000 – (default).

SPLINE

The Spline command’s splines can now be created with control vertices with a range of degrees, and can have knots and kinks. Control vertices are needed when splines form the basis of the new NURBS surfaces. (See the SplinEdit command for information on the new methods of editing splines.) Control vertex

Spline

It is no longer necessary to specify start and end tangency points; they are now ignored by default. (In the past, you pressed Enter at the ‘Specify start tangent’ and ‘Specify end tangent’ prompts to ignore the tangencies.) The command displays new and reworded prompts in AutoCAD 2011: Command: spline Current settings: Method=Fit Knots=Chord Specify first point or [Method/Knots/Object]: (Pick a point or enter an option.) Enter next point or [start Tangency/toLerance]: (Pick another point or enter an option.) Enter next point or [end Tangency/toLerance/Undo/Close]: (Press Enter to end the command.)

The new Method option specifies how the spline is created; prompts you: Enter spline creation method [Fit/CV] : (Enter F or C.)

• •

Fit option draws splines using the method from AutoCAD 2010 and earlier. CV option (short for “control vertices) is preferred for creating splines that will be used to create 3D NURBS surfaces using the new

TIP You toggle the display of control vertices with the new CvShow and CvHide commands.

When Method = Fit, then the new Knots option appears, which specifies the spacing of editing points along the spline. Prompts you: Enter knot parameterization [Chord/Square root/Uniform] : (Enter an option.) upFront.reSearch

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• • •

Chord option spaces edit points according to their location on the curve. Square Root option spaces edit points based on the square root of the chord length between knots. Uniform option spaces edit points evenly.

When Method = CV, then the new Degree option appears, which specifies the number of “bends” in each span; range is 1 to 3. Prompts you: Enter degree of spline : (Enter 1, 2, or 3.)

• • •

1 option spans a line; bends = 0; control vertices = 2. 2 option draws a parabola; bends = 1; control vertices = 3. 3 option draws a cubic Bezier; bends = 2; control vertices = 4.

The new start Tangency and end Tangency options replace the old ‘Specify start tangent’ and ‘Specify end tangent’ prompts. RELATED SYSTEM VARIABLES

SplDegree specifies the default degree for new splines created with control vertices; range is 1 to 5: 3 – (default). SplKnots specifies the default knot setting when specifying fit points for new splines: 0 – chords (default). 1 – square root chords. 2 – uniform. SplMethod toggles the default type of new splines: 0 – fit (default). 1 – control vertices.

FIELD

The Field command now supports the transparency property.

EDITING JOIN

The Join command now joins 3D polylines to other open objects, such as lines, elliptical arcs, and splines; the most complex curve must be selected first (such as a 3D polyline), because the attached curves are elevated to its status. For example, joining a polyline to a spline turns the polyline into a spline (complete with kinks), as illustrated below: Spline Join point Polyline

TIP AutoCAD does not let you join a more complex object to a simpler one. Joining the spline to the polyline results in the following error message: “0 segments added to polyline.” You have to do the reverse: join simpler objects to complex ones. upFront.reSearch

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Some objects being joined are no longer required to be coplanar. This command’s prompts vary, depending on the initial object selected: Source Object

Prompt

Straight objects: Line

Select lines to join to source

Polyline segment

Select objects to join to source

3D polyline

Select any open curves to join to source (new to AutoCAD 2011)

Curved objects: Arc

Select arcs to join to source or [cLose]

Polyline arc

Select objects to join to source

Ellipical arc

Select elliptical arcs to join to source or [cLose]

Spline, Helix

Select any open curves to join to source

PEDIT

The Pline/PEdit commands’ polylines now have a grip at the mid point of each segment; pausing the cursor over a grip lets you convert between line and arc segments, add a vertex, and stretch. New segment editing grip Polyline

Right-click menu for polyline segments

Right-click menu for editing polyarcs

Segments can now be selected through the Ctrl key. Icons now indicate the editing action., as copied from AutoCAD 2010’s cursor icons for editing the boundaries of non-associative hatch patterns. Press Ctrl to switch between editing modes:

Polyline Editing Mode

Cursor Icon

Stretching a vertex or segment Adding a vertex Removing a vertex Converting an arc segment to a line Converting a line segment to an arc

TIP When adding vertices, hold down the Ctrl key to add multiple vertices.

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www.upfrontezine.com/wia11 37 SPLINEDIT

The SplinEdit command changes the order of prompts and adds more options. The prompt from AutoCAD 2010: Enter an option [Fit data/Close/Move vertex/Refine/rEverse/Undo]:

and now in AutoCAD 2011: Enter an option [Close/Join/Fit data/Edit vertex/convert to Polyline/Reverse/ Undo/eXit] :

The new Join option joins splines with lines, arcs, elliptical arcs, polylines, splines, and other open objects whose endpoints meet (coincident); the result is a single spline with the new kink feature at the join points. Select any open curves to join to source: (Choose one or more open objects.) Arc

Single pline object

Coincident end point Kink

Line

Spline Kink

Left: Line, arc, and spline with coincident end points. Right: Thee objects joined into a single spline, with kinks. The new convert to Polyline option converts splines into polylines, after you specify the precision value: Specify a precision : (Enter an integer between 0 and 99.)

Precision determines how closely the polyline fits the source spline; higher values are more accurate, but may slow down AutoCAD. The spline is converted to polyline or polyarc segments, depending on the setting in the PlineConvertMode system variable. (0 = lines; 1 = arcs). The original spline is retained when the DelObj system variable is set to 0. Grips editing of splines now displays shortcut menus during grips editing of splines:

Splines have a new grip that displays options for showing fit points or control vertices:

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What’s Inside? AutoCAD 2011

38 CVADD, CVREBUILD, -CVREBUILD, CVREMOVE, CVSHOW, CVHIDE,

The CvAdd command adds control vertices to NURBS splines. (This command also applies to NURBS surfaces, but displays different prompts; see Surfaces.) CV is short for “control vertices.” Command: cvadd Select a NURBS surface or curve to add control vertices: (Choose a spline.) Select point on spline or [insert Edit point]: (Pick a point, or type E.)

The insert Edit point option toggles the type of vertex to be added: Select point on spline or [insert Control vertex]: (Pick a point, or type C.)

• •

insert Control vertex adds the vertex on the spline; displays a brown circle. insert Edit point adds the vertex to the frame between two vertices; displays an orange dot.

Left: Orange dot on control frame. Right: Brown circle on spline. The CvRebuild command rebuilds the shapes of NURBS splines. (This command also applies to NURBS surfaces, but displays a different dialog box; see Surfaces.) Command: cvrebuild Select a NURBS surface or curve to rebuild: (Chose one surface or curve.) Selecting a surface displays the following dialog box:

The Curve Geometry Details options: • •

Control Vertices count specifies number of control vertices; range is Degree+1 to 32767: Degree specifies number of control vertices per span; range is 1 to ControlVertices-1.

The Options option: •

Delete Original Geometry toggles whether defining geometry (paths and guide curves) is deleted following editing.

The Maximum Deviation item reports the maximum deviation between the original curve and the new one.

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The -CvRebuild command rebuilds the shapes of NURBS splines at the command line. This command uses the values stored in Rebuild2dCv (number of control vertices) and Rebuild2dDegree (the degree of the NURBS curve) system variables. Command: -cvrebuild Select a NURBS surface or curve to rebuild: (Pick a spline.)

Given that Rebuild2dCv = 6 and Rebuild2dDegree = 3, the spline is rebuilt as follows:

Left: Original spline with 5 control vertices and degree 2. Right: Rebuilt spline with 6 control vertices and degree 3.

The CvRemove command removes control vertices from NURBS splines: Command: cvremove Select a NURBS surface or curve to remove control vertices: (Choose a spline.) Select point on the curve: (Pick a point.)

Left to right: Removing control vertices, from 4 to 3 to 2. TIP A spline must have at least two control vertices; attempting to reduce a spline to one vertex results in the following error message, “Not enough Control Vertices to support a remove operation.”

The CvShow and CvHide commands show and hide control vertices of selected NURBS curves. CvShow operates on selected NURBS objects, while CvHide applies to all. Command: cvshow Select NURBS surfaces or curves to display control Vertices: (Choose one or more NURBS objects.) Select NURBS surfaces or curves to display control Vertices: (Press Enter.)

Command: cvhide

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What’s Inside? AutoCAD 2011

40 EXPLODE

The Explode command now explodes NURBS surfaces into splines. The Xplode command does not work with NURBS surfaces, curiously enough. FILLET, CHAMFER

The Fillet and Chamfer commands now support expressions when filleting or chamfering 3D solids. Here is an example using the Fillet command: Command: fillet Current settings: Mode = TRIM, Radius = 0.0000 Select first object or [Undo/Polyline/Radius/Trim/Multiple]: (Choose the edge of a 3D solid.) Enter fillet radius or [Expression]: e Enter expression: 2*pi Select an edge or [Chain/Radius]: (Press Enter.)

SELECTING SELECT

The Select command now supports persistent selection sets through the PickAdd system variable’s new 2 option. PickAdd adds a persistent mode to its options: 0 – off (hold down Shift to add objects to the selection set). 1 – on (hold down Shift to remove objects from the selection set). 2 – persistent; keeps objects selected after the Select command ends (hold down Shift to remove objects from the selection set; new to 2011; default).

Other new selection modes are controlled through new system variables: •

Subobject selection now has new Ctrl+selection modes through an addition to the LegacyCtrlPick system variable: LagacyCtrlPick adds option 2: 0 – Ctrl+click selects faces, edges, and vertices (subobjects). 1 – Ctrl+click cycles through overlapping objects. 2 – Ctrl+click selects subobjects when SubObjSelectionMode = 0; otherwise, selects subobjects when Ctrl is not held down.

•

Selection cycling displays a context menu listing the names of overlapping objects. As you pass the cursor over each object name, the related object is highlighted in the drawing.

SelectionCycling toggles selection cycling: 0 – off (default). 1 – on but does not display the list dialog box. 2 – on and display the list dialog box of objects that you be selected.

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•

Culling highlights only subobjects (faces, edges, and vertices) that are normal to the current view under these two conditions: (a) when the cursor passes over objects and (b) when objects are selected. CullingObj toggles whether to highlight subobjects when they are not normal to the current view: 0 – not culled. 1 – culled (default).\ PreviewFaceEffect toggles preview selection highlighting of face subobjects: 0 – faces are not highlighted. 1 – faces are highlighted with texture fill (default).

•

Multifunctional Grips provide additional editing options when you pause the cursor over a grip on polylines, splines, and non-associative hatch boundaries made of polylines. This type of grip was introduced in AutoCAD 2010 for the hatch boundary polylines; new to AutoCAD 2011 is the GripMultifunctional system variable that controls what happens. GripMultifunctional controls multifunctional grips: 0 – disabled. 1 – allows Ctrl cycling and the hot grip shortcut menu. 2 – allows the dynamic menu and the hot grip shortcut menu. 3 – allows Ctrl cycling, the dynamic menu, and the hot grip shortcut menu (default).

QSELECT, FILTER

The QSelect and Filter commands now have the new Transparency property.

Transparency property added to Quick Select dialog box.

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Transparency property added to Object Selection Filters dialog box. SELECTSIMILAR, ADDSELECTED, HIDEOBJECTS, ISOLATEOBJECTS, UNISOLATE OBJECTS

The SelectSimilar command adds similar objects to the selection set based on their properties.This is a simpler version of the QSelect command. For example, select a circle when Name and Layer settings are turned on.AutoCAD will then also select all other circles on the same layer. Command: selectsimilar Select objects or [SEttings]: (Select one or more objects, or enter SE for settings dialog box.) Select objects or [SEttings]: (Select additional objects, or press Enter to exit.)

The SEttings option displays the Select Similar Settings dialog box:

Toggle the items whose properties should determine the selection set. “Object Style” refers to text styles, dimension styles, and the like. “Name” refers to the object type, such as line or circle. RELATED SYSTEM VARIABLE

SelectSimilarMode determines the matchable properties for the SelectSimilar command (bitcode): 0 – object type 1 – color 2 – layer 4 – linetype 8 – linetype scale 16 – lineweight 32 – plot style upFront.reSearch

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64 – text styles, dimension styles, table styles, and so on. 128 – names of referenced objects, such as blocks, xrefs, and images. 130 – (default) 2+128 = layer and name of referenced objects.

The AddSelected command creates new objects based on the object type and properties of the selected object. Command: addselected Select object: (Choose one object, such as a line. AutoCAD launches the command needed to create the same object, such as the Line command:) _line Specify first point: Specify next point or [Undo]: (etc.)

The HideObjects command hides selected objects. Command: hideobjects Select objects: (Choose one or more objects.) Select objects: (Press Enter to end command.)

TIPS

Use the HideObjects and IsolateObjects commands to quickly hide objects without needing the Layers dialog

box. When objects are hidden, the new lightblub icon on the status bar changes from yellow to red:

Left: All objects visible. Right: Drawing contains hidden objects. Left or right-click the lightbulb icon for a shortcut menu:

The IsolateObjects command displays selected objects across layers; unselected objects are hidden: Command: isolateobjects Select objects: (Choose one or more objects.) Select objects: (Press Enter to end command.)

The UnisolateObjects command displays objects hidden with the HideObjects and IsolateObjects commands: Command: unisolateobjects 9 object(s) unisolated.

Alternatively, hidden objects can be revealed when you click the lightbulb icon on the status bar. RELATED SYSTEM VARIABLES

CullingObjSelection toggles whether hidden objects are selected when a selection window is dragged. It is not possible to select hidden objects by picking. Turning off this system variable allows you to select hidden objects through windowed selection modes. 0 – not culled; hidden objects are selected (default). 1 – culled; hidden objects are not selected ObjectIsolationMode toggles the display of hidden and isolated objects between drawings sessions: 0 – hidden and isolated for the current drawing session only (default). 1 – hidden and isolated settings saved for the next drawing session. upFront.reSearch

What’s Inside? AutoCAD 2011

44 PROPERTIES MEASUREGEOM, PROPERTIES, CHANGE, CHPROP, MATCHPROP

The MeasureGeom command now measures surfaces. The Properties command’s palette now has the new Transparency property.

The Change and ChProp commands now have the new TRansparency property. Command: chprop Select objects: Enter property to change [Color/LAyer/LType/ltScale/LWeight/Thickness/TRansparency/Material/Annotative]:

TIP You can toggle transparency by clicking the new button on the status bar:

RELATED SYSTEM VARIABLES

CeTransparency sets the level of translucency for new objects, except for the hatch pattern, which has its own translucency setting (new HpTransparency system variable). ByLayer – determined by the object’s layer (default). ByBlock– determined by the block in which the object resides. 0 – fully opaque (not translucent) 1 - 90 – range of translucency, as a percentage. Translucency is limited to a maximum of 90% to avoid confusion with hidden and frozen objects. TransparencyDisplay toggles the display of translucency in objects, which Autodesk calls “transparent”: 0 – off. 1 – on (default).

The MatchProp command now has a more colorful cursor:,

Left: The old monochrome cursor from AutoCAD 2010. Right: The new colorful cursor in AutoCAD 2011.

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The new Transparency property in its Property Settings dialog box:

OPTCHPROP

The OptChProp (undocumented) command changes the styles of objects at the command line: text, dimension, table, or multiline style. This command is meant for use in macros. Command: optchprop Select objects: (Choose one or more objects.) Select objects: (Press Enter to continue.) Enter property to change [Textstyle/Dimstyle/tAblestyle/Mlstyle]: d Enter dimension style name: (Enter name of new style.)

HATCH, HATCHGENERATEBOUNDARY, HATCHSETBOUNDARY, HATCHSETORIGIN, HATCHTOBACK

The Hatch and Gradient commands now have a new command-line prompt, additions to their dialog boxes, and new ribbon tabs. Hatch is supported by many new system variables; Autodesk continues to leave the Gradient-related system variables undocumented, even though they are used by the new ribbon interface. Hatches can now be grip-edited for pattern rotation and scaling. When accessed from the ribbon, both commands now display a new command-line prompt, shown below. Instead of immediately displaying the Hatch and Gradient dialog box, options are now displayed on the new context-sensitive ribbon tab. (When you enter hatch or gradient at the ‘Command:’ prompt, AutoCAD continues to go to the dialog box.) Command: hatch Pick internal point or [Select objects/seTtings]: (Enter an option.)

AutoCAD 2011’s new way of placing hatches works like this: 1.

Pause the cursor over closed areas, and AutoCAD 2011 immediately fills the area with a pattern of the current settings.

Left to right: Cursor passes over closed areas, instantly displays hatch pattern. 2.

Change the pattern’s options through the ribbon tab; the hatch is updated in real-time. upFront.reSearch

What’s Inside? AutoCAD 2011

46 3.

Press Enter to place hatch.

To see the dialog box, enter T. New dialog box options include the following: • •

Layer option specifies the name of the layer for the new hatch pattern. Transparency option specifies the translucency of the hatch pattern.

In addition, the dialog box sports a few redesigned icons and graphics, as highlighted below.

The HatchGenerateBoundary command creates objects from the boundaries of hatch patterns. The boundary is made from polylines or regions, depending on the setting of the HpBound system variable. Command: hatchgenerateboundary Select hatch objects: (Select one or more hatches.) Select hatch objects: (Press Enter.)

Generated boundary shown in black. The HatchSetBoundary command creates new hatch boundaries from existing objects, and then fills it with a pattern selected from another object. Command: hatchsetboundary Select hatch object: (Select a hatch object.) Select objects to be used for the new boundary: (Select one or more objects.) Select objects to be used for the new boundary: (Press Enter.) Erase selected linework? [Yes/No] : (Type Y or N.)

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The HatchSetOrigin command relocates the origin of selected hatch patterns. Command: hatchsetorigin Select hatch objects: (Select one or ore hatch objects.) Select hatch objects: (Press Enter.) Select new hatch origin: (Pick a point in the drawing.)

The HatchToBack command sets the draw order for all hatches in the drawing behind all other objects. Command: hatchtoback 1 hatch object(s) sent to back

-HATCH

The command-line oriented -Hatch command has these new options: Command: -hatch Current hatch pattern: ANSI31 Specify internal point or [Properties/Select objects/draW boundary/remove Boundaries/Advanced/DRaw order/Origin/ANnotative/hatch COlor/LAyer/Transparency]:

The hatch COlor option prompts you: New color [Truecolor/COlorbook/. (for use current)] : (Specify the foreground color.) New background color [Truecolor/COlorbook/. (for none)] : (Specify the background color.)

For the foreground and background colors, you can specify the color in many ways: • • • • •

“None” or “.” for current foreground or no background color. 1 through 255 for the AutoCAD Color Index colors. Name of the first seven colors, such as “Red.” RGB: or HSL: to specify red-green-blue or hue-saturation-luminosity, such as "RGB:130,200,240"; range is 000 to 255. Enter a PANTONE, DIC, or RAL color specification, such as "DIC COLOR GUIDE(R)$DIC 43".

The LAyer option prompts you: Specify layer or [. (for use current)] : (Enter the name of a layer.)

The Transparency option prompts you: Specify transparency value (0-90) or [. (for use current)] : (Enter an integer between 0 and 90.)

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48 HATCHEDIT, -HATCHEDIT

The HatchEdit command displays the HatchEdit dialog box, as before. If you double-click a hatch or gradient, however, AutoCAD 2011 now displays the Hatch Editor tab on the ribbon, and brings up the Properties palette. The -HatchEdit command gets the same three new options does the -Hatch command: Command: -hatchedit Select hatch object: (Select a hatch or gradient.) Enter hatch option [DIsassociate/Style/Properties/DRaw order/ADd boundaries/Remove boundaries/recreate Boundary/ASsociate/separate Hatches/Origin/ANnotative/ hatch COlor/LAyer/Transparency] :

GRADIENT

The Gradient command has the same changes as the Hatch command. When you now pause the cursor over a closed area, AutoCAD 2011 immediately fills the area with a gradient with the current settings. Use the new ribbon tab to modify the settings.

TIP You can switch between gradients and hatch patterns by selecting a different swatch from the Pattern panels of the Hatch Creation tab.

RELATED SYSTEM VARIABLES

HpAnnotative determines whether new hatch patterns take on annotative scale factors: 0 – nonannotative (default). 1 – annotative. HatchBoundSet (undocumented) reports the contents of the hatch boundary set (read-only): 0 – current viewport (default). 1 – existing set. HatchCreation (undocumented) reports whether the Hatch command is active (read-only): 0 – hatching is not active (default). 1 – hatching is underway (Hatch command is active). HatchType (undocumented) specifies the type of hatch pattern (read-only): 0 – predefined (default). 1 – user defined. 2 – custom.

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HpBackgroundColor specifies the background fill color for hatch patterns: “None” or “.” – no background color (default). 1 through 255 – AutoCAD Color Index Name – name of the first seven colors, such as “Red.” RGB: or HSL: – red-green-blue or hue-saturation-luminance, such as “RGB:130,200,240”; range is 000 to 255. Colorbook – PANTONE, DIC, or RAL color specifications, such as “DIC COLOR GUIDE(R)$DIC 43”. HpBackgroundColor (gray)

HpColor (red)

HpTransparency

HpBoundRetain toggles whether boundary objects are created for new hatches (HpBound system variable determines whether the boundaries are region or polylines): 0 – not created (default). 1 – created. HpColor specifies the default color for new hatch patterns: “Use Current” or “.”– use the color defined by CeColor system variable (default). “ByLayer” or “ByBlock” – used color of the associated layer or block. 1 through 255 – AutoCAD Color Index Name – name of the first seven colors, such as “Red.” RGB: or HSL: – red-green-blue or hue-saturation-luminance, such as “RGB:130,200,240”; range is 000 to 255. Colorbook – PANTONE, DIC, or RAL color specifications, such as “DIC COLOR GUIDE(R)$DIC 43”. HpDlgMode determines when the Hatch and Gradient and the Hatch Edit dialog boxes are displayed by the Hatch, Gradient, and HatchEdit commands: 0 – dialog boxes are never displayed; enter the seTtings option to display them. 1 – Hatch and Gradient dialog boxes are displayed; Hatch Edit is not. 2 – dialog boxes are displayed when the ribbon is not active (default). HpIslandDetection determines how islands are hatched: 0 – alternating islands are hatched (Normal mode). 1 – outermost island only is hatched (Outer mode; default). 2 – everything is hatched (Ignore mode). HpIslandDetectionMode toggles the type of island detection; controls HpIslandDetection: 0 – legacy island detection. 1 – shiny new island detection method (default). HpLastPattern (undocumented) reports the name of the last hatch pattern used (read-only): “Ansi31” – (default). HpLayer specifies the name of the layer to use for new hatches and fills. “Use Current” – (default). HpObjWarning now has a default value of 10000, up from 1000 in previous releases; range is 1 to 1073741823.

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What’s Inside? AutoCAD 2011

50 HpOriginStoreAsDefault (undocumented) specifies whether the user-defined hatch origin is stored as the default value: 0 – not stored (default). 1 – store specified origin as default. HpQuickPreview toggles the display of hatch previews when the cursor is inside boundaries: Off – no preview. On – preview (default). HpRelativePs (undocumented) toggles whether hatch pattern scaling is relative to the paper space scale factor (read-only): Off – hatch patterns are not scaled (default). On – hatch patterns are scaled HpTransparency sets the default translucency percentage for new hatches; has no effect on existing patterns: “Use current” or “.” – uses the translucency specified by the CeTransparency system variable (default). “ByLayer” or “ByBlock” – uses the translucency specified by the associated layer or block. 0 to 90 – range of translucency from 0 (none) to 90 (mostly transparent). MirrHatch toggles the mirroring of hatches: 0 – retains hatch angle (default). 1 – mirrors hatch angle. Mirror line

HpMirror = 1 (pattern mirrored)

Original hatch patterns

HpMirror = 0 (pattern not mirrored)

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www.upfrontezine.com/wia11 51 LAYER, -LAYER, CLASSICLAYER, LAYERSTATE, LAYTRANS, SETBYLAYER, VPLAYER

The ClassicLayer dialog box and Layer palette now have the new Transparency and VP Transparency columns, as does their Layer Filters Properties sub-dialog box.

The LayerState, LayTrans, and SetByLayer commands also get the new Transparency property in their dialog boxes. The -Layer command now has the new TRansparency option: Command: -layer Current layer: "0" Enter an option [?/Make/Set/New/Rename/ON/OFF/Color/Ltype/LWeight/TRansparency/MATerial/Plot/ Freeze/Thaw/LOck/Unlock/stAte/Description/rEconcile]: tr Enter transparency value (0-90): (Enter an integer between 0 and 90.)

The VpLayer command also gets the new TRansparency property: Command: vplayer Enter an option [?/Color/Ltype/LWeight/TRansparency/Freeze/Thaw/Reset/Newfrz/Vpvisdflt]: RELATED SYSTEM VARIABLES

SetByLayerMode adds transparency to its list of modes: 128 – includes transparency property.

LINETYPE, LIST, SCALELISTEDIT, STYLE

The Linetype command now supports the new “U” parameter in complex linetypes, which forces text and shapes in linetpes to be displayed “upright.” *GAS_LINE,Gas line ----GAS----GAS----GAS----GAS----GAS----GAS-U =0.0,X=-0.1,Y=-.05],-.25 A,.5,-.2,["GAS",STANDARD,S=.1,U

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What’s Inside? AutoCAD 2011

52 The List command now has the new Transparency property. The ScaleListEdit command now allows the creation of customized scale lists. The Style command’s dialog box now notes which fonts are missing from the drawing.

MISCELLANEOUS CLIP-TAHOE+1, IMAGE

The Clip-Tahoe+1 (undocumented) command is a placeholder for the unified Clip command from older releases of AutoCAD. Command: clip-tahoe+1 AutoCAD unified clip command goes here.

The Image command supports both kinds of transparency, to the background color and to the overall image:

• •

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Transparency property now applies to the entire image. Background Transparency is the new name for the property that applies to a single color; formerly the Transparency property (and command).

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 Constraints and Parameters CONSTRAINTSETTINGS

The ConstraintSettings command’s dialog box’s Geometric tab has new options:

The Infer Geometric Constraints option causes AutoCAD 2011 to infers geometric constraints as you draw and edit geometry. For example, using the Rectang command to draw a rectangle now automatically applies horizontal, parallel, and perpendicular constraints to ensure it remains a rectangle when grip-editing it. Parallel contraint Horizontal constraint

Perpendicular constraint

The Show Constraint Bars When Objects are Selected option displays the constraint bars of the selected objects temporarily. This is useful when you have the display of constraint bars turned off (to reduce clutter in the drawing). AutoCAD 2011 removes the Show All Dynamic Constraints option.

RELATED SYSTEM VARIABLES

ConstraintCursorDisplay (undocumented) toggles the display of the constraint icons that appear next to the cursor: 0 – off. 1 – on (default). upFront.reSearch

What’s Inside? AutoCAD 2011

54 ConstraintInfer toggles the inference of geometric constraints as objects are drawn and edited: 0 – not inferred (default). 1 – inferred.

BEDITOR

The BEditor command’s Parameters palette adds the Show and Order columns for toggling the display and determining the order in which constraints appear in the Properties palette.

Icons are now displayed for action parameters, attributes, and user parameters, as they were in the drawing editor version of this palette. DIMENSIONAL CONSTRAINTS DCDISPLAY

The DcDisplay command toggles the display of selected dynamic constraints; it does not work with annotational dimensional constraints (use layers to hide them). Command: dcdisplay Select objects: (Select one or more dimensional constraints.) Select objects: (Press Enter.) Enter an option [Show/Hide]: (Type S or H.) TIP This command contains two hidden options, Showall and Hideall, which show and hide all dynamic constraints at once. Enter either option at the ‘Select objects’ prompt; there is no need to select objects.

DIMCONSTRAINT, DCALIGNED, DCANGULAR, DCCONVERT, DCDIMATER, DCFORM, DCHORIZONTAL, DCLINEAR, DCRADIUS, DCVERTICAL

The DimConstraint command has a new option, Convert, for converting associative dimensions to dimensional constraints: Command: dimconstraint Current settings: Constraint form = Dynamic Enter a dimensional constraint option [Linear/Horizontal/Vertical/Aligned/ANgular/Radius/Diameter/Form/Convert] c :c Select associative dimensions to convert: (Choose one or more dimensions.) Select associative dimensions to convert: (Press Enter.) 4 associative dimensions converted

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This command’s options can now be accessed directly through new commands that begin with DC, such as DcLinear, as listed below. The DcAligned command constrains the distance between two points on objects. Command: dcaligned Specify first constraint point or [Object/Point & line/2Lines] : (Enter an option.) Specify second constraint point: (Pick a point.) Specify dimension line location: (Pick a point.) Dimension text = 16.5897

The DcAngular command constrains the angle between objects. Command: dcangular Select first line or arc or [3Point] : (Enter an option.) Select second line: (Select a point.) Specify dimension line location: (Pick a point.) Dimension text = 90

The DcConvert command converts associative dimensions to dimensional constraints. Command: dcconvert Select associative dimensions to convert: (Choose one or more dimensions.) Select associative dimensions to convert: (Press Enter.) 3 associative dimensions converted

The DcDiameter command constrains the diameters of circular objects. Command: dcdiameter Select arc or circle: (Choose a circle or arc.) Dimension text = 6.5786 Specify dimension line location: (Pick a point.)

The DcForm command toggles the creation of dimensional constraints between dynamic and annotational, and then carries on with the prompts form the DimConstraint command: Command: dcform Enter constraint form [Annotational/Dynamic] : (Type A or D.) Current settings: Constraint form = Dynamic Enter a dimensional constraint option [Linear/Horizontal/Vertical/Aligned/ANgular/Radius/Diameter/Form/Convert] : etc.

The DcHorizontal command constrains the horizontal distance between objects. Command: dchorizontal Specify first constraint point or [Object] : Select object: (Select an object.) Specify dimension line location: (Pick a point.) Dimension text = 16.5897

The DcLinear command constrains objects horizontally, vertically, or rotationally. Command: dclinear Specify first constraint point or [Object] : (Enter an option.) Select object: (Select an object.) Specify dimension line location: (Pick a point.) Dimension text = 9.4634

The DcRadius command constrains the radii of curved objects. Command: dcradius Select arc or circle: (Choose a circle or arc.) Dimension text = 3.2893 Specify dimension line location: (Pick a point.)

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56

The DcVertical command constrains the vertical distance between two objects or two points on an object. Command: dcvertical Specify first constraint point or [Object] : (Enter an option.) Select object: (Select an object.) Specify dimension line location: (Pick a point.) Dimension text = 9.4634

GEOMETRIC CONSTRAINTS AUTOCONSTRAIN

The AutoConstrain command now supports the Equal constraint.

GEOMCONSTRAINT, GCCOINCIDENT, GCCOLINEAR, GCCONCENTRIC, GCEQUAL, GCFIX, GCHORIZONTAL, GCPARALLEL, GCPERPENDICULAR, GCSMOOTH, GCSYMMETRIC, GCTANGENT, GCVERTICAL

The GeomConstraint command’s options can now be accessed directly through new commands that begin with GC, such as GcCoincident, as listed below. Geometric constraints can now applied be applied to ellipses and text. These constraints are now applied automatically to geometry, such as those created by the Rectang and Fillet commands, as illustrated earlier. Ensure the Infer Geometric Constraints option is turned on in this dialog box’s Geometric tab. The GcCoincident command constrains selected objects to points: lines, polyline segments and arcs, circles, arcs, ellipses, splines, and two constraint points. Command: gccoincident Select first point or [Object/Autoconstrain] :

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The GcColinear command constrains selected objects to lie along the same line: lines, polyline segments, ellipses, and multiline text. Command: gccolinear Select first object or [Multiple]:

The GcConcentric command constrains two arcs, circles, or ellipses to the same center point. Command: gcconcentric Select first object:

The GcEqual command constrains selected objects to the same size or radius: lines, polyline segments and arcs, circles, and arcs. Command: gcequal Select first object or [Multiple]:

The GcFix command locks selected objects in one position. Command: gcfix Select point or [Object] :

The GcHorizontal command constrains selected objects to be horizontal: lines, polyline segments, ellipses, multiline text, and two valid points. Command: gchorizontal Select an object or [2Points] :

The GcParallel command constrains selected objects to be parallel to each other: lines, polyline segments, ellipses, and multiline text. Command: gcparallel Select first object:

The GcPerpedicular command constrains selected objects to be perpendicular to one another. Command: gcperpendicular Select first object:

The GcSmooth command constrains splines to be contiguous (and maintain G2 continuity) with other splines, lines, arcs, and polylines. Command: gcsmooth Select first spline curve:

The GcSymmetric command constrains selected objects to be symmetrically constrained about a line of symmetry. Command: gcsymmetric Select first object or [2Points] :

The GcTangent command constrains two curves to maintain tangency to each other, or their extensions. Command: gctangent Select first object:

The GcVertical command constrains selected objects to be vertical. Command: gcvertical Select an object or [2Points] :

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What’s Inside? AutoCAD 2011

58 AutoCAD 2011 adds an orange dot to the cursor icons of fix, horizontal, and vertical constraints so that you can distinguish between point and object constraints. Constraint

Point Icon

Object Icon

Fix Horizontal Vertical

There are now three icons for symmetry constraint, to distinguish between point, object, and line symmetry: Constraint

Point Icon

Object Icon

Line Icon

Symmetry

PARAMETERS PARAMETERS

The Parameters command’s palette has a new Filters section for creating groups of parameters, and a search box for finding parameters. The command-line oriented -Parameters command does not gain these new features.

(In Block Editor, the palette adds the Show and Order columns for toggling the display and determining the order in which constraints appear in the Properties palette.)

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 3D Modeling and Rendering LOFT, SWEEP

The Loft and Sweep commands can now select subobjects, such as edges, as profiles and curves. In addition, both have the new MOde option, which allows you to specify solids or surfaces as the result of the lofting operation. (See the Extrude command.) A new droplist menu grip that lets you specify the curvature of NURBS surface loft. Surfaces generated by other commands also feature this new menu:

Some of the variations are illustrated below:

Left to right: Smooth fit; Normal* to all sections; Normal to start and end sections; Draft angle. (* Normal means at 90 degrees.) The Draft Angle option allows you to interactively adjust the angle between the surface edge and its guide. Drag to increase the magintude

Drag to change the angle

Preview of change in angle

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What’s Inside? AutoCAD 2011

60 3D OBJECT SNAPS 3DOSNAP, -3DOSNAP

The 3dOsnap command selects 3D object snap modes in the Drafting Settings dialog box.

The -3dOsnap command sets 3D object snap modes at the command line. Command: -3dosnap Enter list of object snap modes: (Enter the names of modes.)

To enter more than one mode at a time, separate them with commas. The modes are: Icon

3D Osnap Name

Abbreviation

Meaning

Zvertex

ZVER

Snaps to vertices.

Zmidpoint

ZMID

Snaps to the midpoints on face edges.

Zcenter

ZCEN

Snaps to the centers of faces.

Zknot

ZKNO

Snaps to spline knots.

Zperpendicular

ZPER

Snaps to perpendicular faces.

Znear

ZNEA

Snaps to the objects nearest to a face.

Znone

ZNON

Turns off all 3D object snap modes.

RELATED SYSTEM VARIABLES

3dOsMode specifies the current 3D object snaps modes (bitcode): 0 – enables all 3D osnap modes. 1 – temporarily disables all 3D osnap modes (keyboard = ZNON) 2 – snaps to vertices (ZVER) 4 – snaps to midpoints of edges (ZMID) 8 – snaps to centers of faces (ZCEN) 16 – snaps to spline knots (ZKNO) 32 – snaps to the perpendiculars of faces (ZPER). 64 – snaps to objects nearest to faces (ZNEA). 128 – turns on all 3D osnap modes. 11 – (default) 1 + 2 + 8 = center of a face and vertex. upFront.reSearch

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ANALYSIS ANALYSISOPTIONS, ANALYSISCURVATURE, ANALYSISDRAFT, ANALYSISZEBRA

The AnalysisOptions command changes display options for curvature, draft, and zebra analysis through a dialog box. As you change settings, the effects change in realtime.

Zebra Tab Zebra analysis illustrates three styles surface continuity: G0 (position), G1 (tangent), and G2 (curvature).

Left: Chrome Ball type with thinnest size. Right: Cylinder type with thickest size.

The Select Object to Analyze button selects objects in the drawing. The Stripe Display options control the look of the zebra stripes: • • • • •

Stripe Direction slider specifies the angle of cylindrical stripes; ranges from 0 to 90 degrees. (To change the angle of chrome ball stripes, use the VsZebraDirection system variable.) Type droplist selects the type of zebra stripes, either Cylinder or Chrome Ball. Size droplist selects the width of zebra stripes, ranging from Thinnest to Thickest. Color 1 and 2 droplists select the strip colors. Clear Zebra Analysis button removes the stripes from the objects, returning them to their original color.

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What’s Inside? AutoCAD 2011

62 Curvature Tab Curvature analysis illustrates Gaussian, minimum, maximum, and mean U and V surface curvatures. Positive curvatures are bowl-shaped, and are colored green, while negatives ones are saddle shaped and are colored blue. Areas of zero curvature are flat (red).

Left: Automatically determined range of curvature. Right: Mean style with maximum range of curvature.

The Select Object to Analyze button selects objects in the drawing. The Color Mapping options control the look of curvature colors: • • • • • •

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Display Style droplist specifies the display style, Gaussian, Mean, Max Radius, and Min Radius. Maximum curvature value displays green areas. Minimum curvature value displays blue areas. Auto Range button assigns 80% of values between high and low ranges. Max Range button determines the maximum and minimum ranges of all objects. Clear Curvature Analysis button removes the curvature analysis display from the objects returning them to their original color.

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Draft Analysis Tab If the surface is parallel to the construction plane with surface normals facing in the same direction as the current UCS, the draft angle is 90.0. When perpendicular, it is 0. If the surface is parallel to the current UCS with surface normals facing in the opposite direction than the current UCS, the draft angle is -90.0. Maps green to the highest draft angle, red to the medium draft angle, and blue to the lowest draft angle. The draft angle is the angle in degrees between the surface normal and the UCS plane.

The Select Object to Analyze button selects objects in the drawing. The Color Mapping option controls the color of draft angles: • •

Angle sets the high (green) and low (blue) draft angles. Clear Draft Angle Analysis button removes the analysis colors from the objects, returning them to their original color. Curvature is greater than 1 degree

Curvature is less than 1 degree

The AnalysisCurvature command displays color curvature gradients on 3D solid and surface models; this command does not work with meshes and other 3D objects. Command: analysiscurvature Select solids, surfaces to analyze or [Turn off]: all Select solids, surfaces to analyze or [Turn off]: (Press Enter.)

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What’s Inside? AutoCAD 2011

64

RELATED SYSTEM VARIABLES

VsaCurvatureHigh (short for “visual style analysis”) specifies the value above which surface curvature is displayed in green; range is any real number: 1.0000 – (default). VsaCurvatureLow specifies the value below which surface curvature is displayed in blue; range is any real number: -1.0000 – (default). VsaCurvatureType determines the type of curvature analysis used by the AnalysisCurvature command: 0 – Gaussian evaluates areas of high and low curvature (default). 1 – Mean evaluates mean curvature of u and v surface values. 2 – Maximum evaluates maximum curvature of u and v surface values. 3 – Minimum evaluates minimum curvature of u and v surface values.

The AnalysisDraft command displays color spacing gradients between parts and molds. Command: analysisdraft Select solids, surfaces to analyze or [Turn off]: all Select solids, surfaces to analyze or [Turn off]: (Press Enter.) Draft angle is greater than 3.0 degrees

Draft angle is 0 degrees

Draft angle is less than 3.0 degrees

The Turn off option turns off the analysis colors, returning the model to its original colors.

VsaDraftangleHigh specifies the draft angle above which portions of the model is displayed with green during draft analysis: -90 – surface is parallel to the UCS with surface normal facing the opposite direction from the construction plane. 0 – surface is perpendicular to the construction plane. 3 – (default). 90 – surface is parallel to the construction plane with surface normal facing the same direction as the UCS. VsaDraftangleLow specifies the draft angle below which portions of the model is displayed with blue during draft analysis: -90 – surface is parallel to the UCS with surface normal facing the opposite direction from the construction plane. -3 – (default). 0 – surface is perpendicular to the construction plane. 90 – surface is parallel to the construction plane with surface normal facing the same direction as the UCS.

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The AnalysisZebra command displays black and white surface continuity stripes on 3D models. Command: analysiszebra Select solids, surfaces to analyze or [Turn off]: all Select solids, surfaces to analyze or [Turn off]: (Press Enter.)

RELATED SYSTEM VARIABLES

VsaZebraColor1 specifies one color of zebra analysis stripes; uses ACI, RGB, HSL, or ColorBook values. “Rgb:255,255,255” – white (default). VsaZebraColor2 specifies second color of zebra analysis stripes; uses ACI, RGB, HSL, or ColorBook values: “Rgb:0,0,0” – black (default). VsaZzebraDirection specifies the angle of zebra stripes; range is 0 to 90 degrees: 0 – horizontal. 90 – vertical (default). VsaZebraSize specifies the width of stripes in zebra analysis displays; range is 1 to 100 pixels. 45 – (default). VsaZebraType determines the type of zebra analysis display: 0 – chrome ball effect. 1 – cylinder effect (default).

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What’s Inside? AutoCAD 2011

66 3D EDITING CHAMFEREDGE

The ChamferEdge command interactively bevels the edges of 3D solids and surfaces. Command: chamferedge Distance1 = 1.0000, Distance2 = 1.0000 Select an edge or [Loop/Distance]: (Pick an edge.)

AutoCAD previews the chamfered edge. Select an edge belongs to the same face or [Loop/Distance]: (Press Enter.)

AutoCAD places the chamfer.

TIPS

At the ‘Select an edge’ prompt, you can select multiple edges, but they must all be part of the same face.

Instead of entering chamfer distances at the ‘Distance’ prompt, you can drag the chamfer’s grips. The chamfer cannot, unfortunately, be interactively edited following this command.

Left: Selecting multiple edges of the top face. Right: Dragging the chamfer grips.

• •

The Loop option chamfers all edges of a single face. The Distance option prompts you: Specify Distance1 or [Expression] : (Enter a distance, or type E.) Specify Distance2 or [Expression] : (Enter a distance, or type E.)

•

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The Expression option determines chamfer distances through mathematical expression; see boxed text.

www.upfrontezine.com/wia11 67 FILLETEDGE

The FilletEdge command rounds and fillets the edges of solid objects. (Use SurfFillet on surfaces.) Command: filletede Radius = 1.0000 Select an edge or [Chain/Radius]: (Select one or more edges.)

AutoCAD previews the filleted edge. Press Enter to accept the fillet or [Radius]: (Press Enter or adjust radius.)

AutoCAD places the filet . TIPS

At the ‘Select an edge’ prompt, you can select multiple edges, but they must all be part of the same face.

At the ‘Radius’ prompt you can drag the fillet’s grips.

Left: Selecting multiple edges of the top face. Right: Dragging the fillet’s grip.

RELATED SYSTEM VARIABLE

FilletRad3d reports the current fillet radius used by the new FilletEdge and SurfFillet commands; range is any real number. 1.0000 – default.

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Using Expressions

Several commands now support expressions, such as ChamferEdge and Extrude. Enter: • • •

Basic arithmetic expressions, such as 1+2. User variables created in the Parameters palette, such as Var1+0.25. Dimensional constraint parameters, such as D1 and D2. upFront.reSearch

What’s Inside? AutoCAD 2011

68 IMPLIEDFACEX, PROJECTGEOMETRY

The ImpledFaceX (undocumented) command extracts loops from 3D solids to create regions. Curiously, this command lacks a prompt: Command: impliedfacex (Select a face...

AutoCAD creates a region of the selected face. ...and then drag it.)

AutoCAD extrudes the region as a new part of the body. The ProjectGeometry command projects points, lines, or curves onto 3D solids and surfaces: Command: projectgeometry SurfaceAutoTrim = 0 Select curves, points to be projected or [PROjection direction]: (Select one or more objects.) Select curves, points to be projected or [PROjection direction]: (Press Enter to continue.) Select a solid, surface, or region for the target of the projection: (Select an object.) Specify the projection direction [View/Ucs/Points] : (Enter an option.) 1 object(s) projected successfully.

A circle imprinted on a 3D solid.

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The purpose of this command is to project points and curves onto a 3D solid or surface, and then optionally trim the 3D object. (To trim surfaces, change SurfaceAutoTrim = 1.) You can project the following objects: points, lines, arcs, circles, ellipses, 2D and 3D polylines (including splined and curve-fit polylines) splines, and helixes. The PRojection direction option prompts you: Specify the projection direction [View/Ucs/Points] : (Enter an option.)

• • •

Project to UCS option projects the geometry up or down the z axis of the current UCS. Project to View option projects the geometry along the current view direction. Project to Two Points projects the geometry along a straight path specified by two points. You can use object snaps to pick points on objects. You are prompted: Specify start point of direction: (Pick a point.) Specify end point of direction: (Pick another point.)

TIPS

This command differs from the Imprint command, in that Imprint requires the imprintable object to lay on the

solid. Following the ProjectGeometry command, you can use the ImpliedFaceX command to extrude the imprinted object.

EXTRUDE, REVOLVE

The Extrude command now selects subobjects, such as edges, as profiles and curves. It has a new MOde option, and can determine extrusion heights parametrically through the new Expression option. Command: extrude Current wire frame density: ISOLINES=4, Closed profiles creation mode = Solid Select objects to extrude or [MOde]: (Select one or more objects.) Select objects to extrude or [MOde]: (Press Enter to continue.) Specify height of extrusion or [Direction/Path/Taper angle/Expression] : (Enter a distance, or enter an option.)

•

The MOde option determines whether extruded objects become solids or surfaces: Closed profiles creation mode [SOlid/SUrface] : (TypeSO or SU.)

The circle (imprinted by the ProjectGeometry command) extruded as a surface by the Extrude command.

TIP When this command extrudes objects as surfaces, then you can control whether they become NURBS or procedural surfaces through the SurfaceModelngMode system variable.

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What’s Inside? AutoCAD 2011

70 The Revolve command now selects subobjects, such as edges, profiles, and curves. It also has the new MOde option, and can determine extrusion heights parametrically thorugh the new Expression option. Command: revolve Current wire frame density: ISOLINES=4, Closed profiles creation mode = Solid Select objects to revolve or [MOde]: (Select one or more objects.) Select objects to revolve or [MOde]: (Press Enter to continue.) Specify axis start point or define axis by [Object/X/Y/Z] : (Enter an option.) Specify angle of revolution or [STart angle/Reverse/EXpression] : (Enter an option.)

•

The MOde option determines whether revolved objects become solids or surfaces: Closed profiles creation mode [SOlid/SUrface] : (TypeSO or SU.)

The circle (imprinted by the ProjectGeometry command) revolved by the Extrude command.

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AutoCAD 2011 Displays Isoparms on Surfaces

The Properties palette allows you to change the wireframe display of surfaces between Isolines and isoparms (short for “isoparametric curves”).

Left: Blue surface shows isolines; orange surface isoparms. Right: Changing display modes in the PProperties roperties palette. Isoparms are lines that run across the width of NURBS surfaces parallel to either the U or V direction.

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MESHES MESHCAP, MESHCOLLAPSE, MESHEXTRUDE, MESHMERGE, MESHSPIN,

The MeshCap command creates mesh faces that connect open edges. Command: meshcap Select connecting mesh edges to create a new mesh face: (Choose one or more edges.) Select connecting mesh edges to create a new mesh face: (Press Enter.)

Left to right: Mesh cylinder; selecting edges; capped mesh.

The MeshCollapse command merges vertices of 3D mesh faces or edges.This command works with one face or one edge at a time. Command: meshcollapse Select mesh face or edge to collapse: (Choose a face or an edge.)

Left to right: Face selected on mesh cylinder; collapsed face; collapsed edge.

The MeshExtrude command extrudes mesh faces. Command: meshextrude Adjacent extruded faces set to: Join Select mesh face(s) to extrude or [Setting]: (Choose one or more faces, or type S.) Select mesh face(s) to extrude or [Setting]: (Press Enter.) Specify height of extrusion or [Direction/Path/Taper angle] : (Enter an option, or enter a positive or negative real number.)

Left to right: Mesh cylinder; selecting faces; joined extruded faces.

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What’s Inside? AutoCAD 2011

72 The Setting option determines if adjacent faces are included in the extrusion: Join adjacent mesh faces [Yes/No] : (Type Y or N.)

• •

Yes means adjacent faces are extruded as a single face. No means each face is extruded independently.

Adjacent faces extruded independently (not joined).

The MeshMerge command merges adjacent mesh faces into a single face. Command: meshmerge Select adjacent mesh faces to merge: (Select two or more faces.) Select adjacent mesh faces to merge: (Press Enter.)

Left to right: Pyramid mesh; four faces selected (outlined in blue); merged face. The MeshSpin command rotates adjoining edges of adjacent triangular mesh faces. Note that this command operates only on 3D meshes with triangular faces; use the MeshSplit command to divide rectangular faces into triangular ones. (The cylinders illustrated above have rectangular faces.) Command: meshspin Select first triangular mesh face to spin: (Choose one triangular mesh.) Select second adjacent triangular mesh face to spin: (Choose adjacent triangular mesh.)

Left to right: Original mesh; rectangular face split into two (outlined in blue); rotated faces.

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SURFACES CONVTOMESH, CONVTONURBS

The ConvToMesh command now converts surfaces to 3D mesh objects. (This command is also known as “MeshSmooth.”) The ConvToNurbs command converts 3D solids and surfaces into NURBS (nonuniform rational Bspline) surfaces. Command: convtonurbs Select objects to convert to: (Choose one or more solids and surfaces.) Select objects to convert to: (Press Enter.)

Left: 3D solid... Right: ...converted to NURBS surface. CVADD, CVREBUID, CVREMOVE, CVSHOW, CVHIDE

The CvAdd command adds control vertices to NURBS surfaces. (This command also applies to splines, but presents different prompts; see Spline Edit earlier.) Command: cvadd Select a NURBS surface or curve to add control vertices: Select a NURBS surface or curve to add control vertices: Adding control vertices in U direction Select point on surface or [insert Knots/Direction]:

The CvRebuild command rebuilds the shapes of NURBS surfaces. (This command displays a different dialog box when a spline is selected.) Command: cvrebuild Select a NURBS surface or curve to rebuild: (Chose one surface .) Selecting a surface displays the following dialog box:

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What’s Inside? AutoCAD 2011

74 The Control Vertices Count options specify the number of U and V control vertices; range is 4 to 32767: • •

In U Direction specifies number of control vertices in U direction (local X). In V Direction specifies number of control vertices in V direction (local Y).

The Degree option specifies number of control vertices per span.; range is 2 to 3: • •

In U Direction specifies degree in U direction. In V Direction specifies degree in V direction.

The Options options specify the build options: • •

Delete Input Geometry toggles whether defining geometry (paths and guide curves) is deleted following editing. Retrim Previously Trimmed Surface toggles whether trim history is maintained .

The Maximum Deviation item reports the maximum deviation between the original surface and the new one. The -CvRebuild command rebuilds the shapes of NURBS surfaces at the command line. It uses the values stored in the Rebuild2dDegree and Rebuld2dCv system variables. Command: -cvrebuild Select a NURBS surface or curve to rebuild: (Choose a surface.)

The CvRemove command removes control vertices from NURBS surfaces: Command: cvremove Select a NURBS surface or curve to remove control vertices: (Choose a surface.) Removing control vertices in U direction Select point on surface or [Direction]: (Pick a point or type D.)

•

Direction option determines whether control vertices are removed from the U or V directions.

The CvShow and CvHide commands show and hide control vertices of selected NURBS surfaces. CvShow operates on selected NURBS objects, while CvHide applies to all. Command: cvshow Select NURBS surfaces or curves to display control Vertices: (Choose one or more surfaces and/or curves.) Select NURBS surfaces or curves to display control Vertices: (Press Enter.) Command: cvhide

Left: CvShow displays control vertices of the selected surface. Right: CvHide hides the vertices.

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www.upfrontezine.com/wia11 75 SURFBLEND

The SurfBlend command adds continuous blend surfaces between two existing surfaces. Command: surfblend Continuity = G1 - tangent, bulge magnitude = 0.5 Select first surface edges to blend: (Choose one or more edges of a surface.) Select first surface edges to blend: (Press Enter.) Select second surface edges to blend: (Choose the edges of a second surface.) Press Enter to accept the blend surface or [CONtinuity/Bulge magnitude]: (Press Enter, or enter an option.)

Left: Two surfaces. Right: Two edges of surfaces blended. •

CONtinuity option determines the level of smoothness of where the blend surfaces meet the original surfaces; prompts you: First edge continuity [G0/G1/G2] : (Enter an option.) Second edge continuity [G0/G1/G2] : (Enter an option.)

Icon

Levels of Smoothness Meaning G0

Position (not tangent or curved)

G1

Tangent

G2

Continuous curvature

TIP To set the level of curvature, you can enter a G number, or else click the triangular grip and then choose an option from the context menu.

•

Bulge magnitude option specifies the roundness of where the blend surfaces meet the original surfaces; prompts you: First edge bulge magnitude : (Enter a real number between 0 and 1.) Second edge bulge magnitude : (Enter a real number between 0 and 1.)

SURFEXTEND

The SurfExtend command lengthens surfaces by specified distances. Command: surfextend Modes = Extend, Creation = Append Select surface edges to extend: (Choose one or more edges.) Select surface edges to extend: (Press Enter to continue.) Specify extend distance [Expression/Modes]: (Specify a distance or an option.)

• •

Expression option allows you to enter a Parametric-like formula. Modes option switches between Extend and Stretch modes; prompts you: upFront.reSearch

What’s Inside? AutoCAD 2011

76 Extension mode [Extend/Stretch] : (Type E or S.) Creation type [Merge/Append] : (Type M or A.)

Extend continues the shape of the surface; Stretch extrudes the surface. Merge extends the surface; Append creates a new surface adjacent to the original.

Left: Appended surface. Right: Merged surface. SURFFILLET

The SurfFillet command adds surface fillets between pairs of surfaces. The radius must be equal to or larger than the gap between them. Command: surffillet Radius = 0.5000, Trim Surface = yes Select first surface or region to fillet or [Radius/Trim surface]: (Pick an object or enter an option.) Select second surface or region to fillet or [Radius/Trim surface]: (Pick an object or enter an option.) Press Enter to accept the fillet surface or [Radius/Trim surfaces]: (Press Enter, or enter an option.)

Above: Two surfaces before being filleted... Below: ...and after being filleted with automatic trimming.

•

Trim option trims the two surfaces at the fillet; prompts you: Automatically trim surfaces to fillet edge [Yes/No] : (Type Y or N.)

•

Radius option specifies the fillet radius; prompts you: Specify radius or [Expression] : (Enter a radius or type E.)

TIPS

At the ‘Press Enter to accept the fillet surface’ prompt you can interactively adjust the fillet radius by dragging the

blue triangle grip. The result of this command is an independent surface.

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www.upfrontezine.com/wia11 77 SURFNETWORK

The SurfNetwork command creates surfaces between several curves defined by surfaces and edges of solids (in the U and V directions). Command: surfnetwork Select curves or surface edges in first direction: (Choose one or more curves.) Select curves or surface edges in first direction: (Press Enter.) Select curves or surface edges in second direction: (Choose one or more curves.) Select curves or surface edges in second direction: (Press Enter to continue.)

Left: Defining curves... Right: ...and the resulting surface. SURFOFFSET

The SurfOffset command creates parallel surfaces at a specified distance from the original. Command: surfoffset Connect adjacent edges = No Select surfaces or regions to offset: (Choose one or more surfaces.) Select surfaces or regions to offset: (Press Enter.) Specify offset distance or [Flip direction/Both sides/Solid/Connect/Expression] : (Enter a distance or an option.) 1 object(s) to offset. 1 offset operation(s) successful.

Above: Surface showing normal vectors. Below: Offset surface (colorized in gray to distinguish it from the original surface)

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What’s Inside? AutoCAD 2011

78

• • •

Flip direction flips the direction of the arrows, placing the offset in the opposite direction. Both Sides option creates two offset surface, one above and one below the original. Solid option creates 3D solid model from the offset by thickening the surface by the offset distance.

The surface offset into a solid. •

Connect option keeps the original and offset surface connected. If multiple surfaces are being offset, the offset surfaces will remain connected if the original surfaces are connected. Keep adjacent edges connected [No/Yes] : (Type Y or N.)

•

Expression option specifies the offset distance through an equation: Enter expression: (Enter a parametric equation.)

SURFPATCH, SURFSCULPT

The SurfPatch command creates new surfaces by fitting caps over surface edges that form closed loops. Command: surfpatch Continuity = G0 - position, bulge magnitude = 0.5 Select surface edges to patch or : (Select one or more edges.) Select surface edges to patch or : (Press Enter to continue.) Press Enter to accept the patch surface or [CONtinuity/Bulge magnitude/CONStrain geometry]: (Press Enter or enter an option.)

See SurfBlend command for details of these options: • • •

CONtinuity option specifies the level of smoothness between surfaces. Bulge magnitude option specifies the roundness of the patch. CONStrain Geometry option selects curves to define the shape of the patch; prompts you: Select curves or points to constrain patch surface: (Select one or more objects.)

Left: Cylinder. Right: Cap on top of cylinder with bulge set to 1.0. upFront.reSearch

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The SurfSculpt command creates 3D solids by trimming and combining surfaces (that bound watertight areas), as well as solids and 3D meshes. Command: surfsculpt Mesh conversion set to: Smooth and optimized. Select surfaces or solids to sculpt into a solid: (Choose one or more objects.) Select surfaces or solids to sculpt into a solid: (Press Enter.) TIP This command fails when surfaces have a continuity of G1 or G2.

SURFTRIM, SURFUNTRIM

The SurfTrim command trims at the intersections of surfaces and other geometry. Command: surftrim Extend surfaces = Yes, Projection = Automatic Select surfaces or regions to trim or [Extend/PROjection direction]: all Select surfaces or regions to trim or [Extend/PROjection direction]: (Press Enter to continue.) Select cutting curves, surfaces or regions: all Select cutting curves, surfaces or regions: (Press Enter to continue.) Select area to trim [Undo]: (Pick surfaces areas to trim.) Select area to trim [Undo]: (Press Enter to exit the command.)

Left: Intersecting surfaces. Right: Trimmed surfaces. You use this command to trim surfaces and regions. Cutting objects can be any of the following: lines, arc, circles, ellipses, 2D and 3D polylines (including splined and fit-curve polylines), splines, helixes, surfaces, and regions. •

Extend option trims cutting objects to meet at edges of trimmed surfaces; prompts you: Extend trimming geometry [Yes/No] : (Type Y or N.)

•

PROjection direction option projects cutting objects to the surface; prompts you: Specify the projection direction [Automatic/View/Ucs/None] : (Enter an option.)

Automatic — determines how to project cutting objects based on the current view type. View — projects cutting objects in the direction of the current viewpoint. UCS — projects cutting objects along the z axis of the current UCS. None — does not project cutting objects; trim works only when they lie on the surfaces. upFront.reSearch

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80

The SurfUntrim command replaces surface areas removed by the SurfTrim command. Command: surfuntrim Select edges on surface to un-trim or [SURface]: (Select one or more edges, or type SUR.)

•

SURface option select surfaces: Select surfaces to un-trim: (Choose one or more surfaces.)

TIP This command is not reliable. Autodesk notes that this command does not work when trimmed edges are dependent on other surface edges that are also trimmed; when areas were removed by the SurfAutotrim system variable; or when removed by the ProjectGeometry command. You may want to use the U command instead, if possible.

3DEDITBAR

The 3dEditBar command reshapes, scales, and edits the tangency of NURBS surfaces. Command: 3deditbar Select a NURBS surface to edit: (Select a NURBS surface.) Select point on NURBS surface. (Pick a point, as illustrated below.)

Selecting a point on the NURBS surface. Move gizmo to change point location or [Base point/Displacement/Undo/eXit]: (Manipulate gizmo or enter an option.)

The 3D Editbar gizmo.

Manipulating the gizmo.

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The 3D Editbar gizmo has the following functions:

Magnitude grip Expander grip

Move grip

Right-click the triangle Expander grip for the following menu:

• • • • • • • •

Move Point Location moves the base point to reshapes the surface. Move Tangent Direction moves the base point to change the tangency. U Tangent Direction moves the edit bar to the U axis. V Tangent Direction moves the edit bar to the V axis. Normal Tangent Direction moves the edit bar to the tangent of the curve normal. Set Constraint constrains changes to x, y, z planes or xy, yz, zx planes. Relocate Base Point moves basepoint, and then adds a new control vertex. Align Gizmo With world UCS, current UCS, or face.

RELATED SYSTEM VARIABLES

Rebuild2dCv specifies the number of control vertices per spline; range is 2 to 32767: 6 – (default). Rebuild2dDegree specifies the degree for splines; range is 1 to 11: 1 – splines are like straight lines (no bends). 2 – splines are parabolic (one bend). 3 – splines are cubic Beziers (two bends; default). Rebuild2dOption toggles how splines are rebuilt: 0 – original curves not deleted. 1 – original curves are deleted (default). RebuildDegreeU specifies the U-direction degree for NURBS surfaces; range is 2 to 11: 3 – (default). RebuildDegreeV specifies the V-direction degree for NURBS surfaces; range is 2 to 11: 3 – (default). RebuildOptions determines the fate of original surfaces and trimmed areas on rebuilt surfaces: 0 – keeps original surfaces; trimmed areas are not applied. 1 – deletes original surfaces; trimmed areas are not applied (default). 2 – keeps original surfaces; trimmed areas are applied to the rebuilt object. 3 – deletes original surfaces; trimmed areas are applied.

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82 RebuildU specifies default number of lines in the U direction for NURBS surfaces; range is 2 to 32767: 6 – (default). RebuildV specifies the default number of lines in the V direction for NURBS surfaces; range is 2 to 32767: 6 – (default). SurfaceAssociativity toggles surface associativity: 0 – no associativity to other surfaces. 1 – surfaces adjust automatically to modifications made to related surfaces (default); value of DelObj is ignored. SurfaceAssociativityDrag specifies how associative surfaces react during dragging (move) operations: 0 – not previewed; display updated following the drag operations. Use this setting for faster operation. 1 – previews first surface only; other surfaces updated following drag operation (default). 2 – previews all surfaces. SurfaceAutoTrim toggles the automatic trimming of surfaces by projected geometry: 0 – not trimmed (default). 1 – trimmed. SurfaceModelingMode determines the default 3D surface type: 0 – creates procedural surfaces (default). 1 – creates NURBS surfaces. SurfOffsetConnect (undocumented) toggles connection between offset surfaces: 0 – off (default). 1 – on. SurfTrimAutoExtend (undocumented) toggles automatic extension of trim geometry: 0 – off. 1 – on (default). SurfTrimProjection (undocumented) toggles projection of trim entities onto surfaces: 0 – off (default). 1 – on.

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POINT CLOUDS AutoCAD 2011 now imports point cloud data directly. (This was possible with older releases of AutoCAD by using third-party add-ons.) Point clouds are created by laser scanners, which collected thousands and millions of 3D points of bridges, chemical plants, and buildings. The result looks ghostly:

The point cloud data is attached to AutoCAD like an externally-referenced drawing, complete with insertion point, scale, and rotation angle. Acceptable file extensions are Point Cloud (.icd), Autodesk Pointcloud Database (.pcg,) .fls, .fws, .las, and .xyb. Once attached, it is used as the basis of new drawings. You can use the following commands with point clouds: Block, Copy, CopyClip, CutClip, Erase, Move, PasteClip, Rotate, Scale and Stretch. (The Mirror command appears to work, but does not actually mirror the cloud.) Clouds cannot be edited when locked. You can osnap to points using the NODe object snap mode.You can generate a sample point cloud with the PCloud command, as described below. POINTCLOUD, POINTCLOUDATTACH, -POINTCLOUDATTACH, POINTCLOUDINDEX

The Pointcloud command displays options for attaching indexed point cloud files through the command line. Command: pointcloud Enter an option [Attach/Index/Density/Lock]: (Enter an option.)

The Attach option inserts indexed point cloud file into the current drawing; displays the Select Point Cloud File dialog box (see PointcloudAttach command). The Index option converts .las indexed laser scan files into point clouds files; displays the Select Data File dialog box (see PointcloudIndex command). The Density option limits the number of points displayed at a time; see the PointcloudDensity system variable. Prompts you: Enter point cloud density : (Enter an integer between 1 and 100.)

The Lock toggles locking of the point cloud; when locked, the cloud cannot be moved, rotated and s on. Lock point cloud after attaching? [Yes/No] : (Type Y or N.) upFront.reSearch

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84 The PointcloudAttach command inserts indexed point cloud files through a dialog box. Acceptable file extensions are .icd, and .pcg. Command: pointcloudattach (Displays the Select Point Cloud File dialog box; choose a file, and then click Open.)

(Displays the Attach Point Cloud dialog box; enter options, and then click OK.)

(Displays a bounding box that approximates the point cloud.)

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Specify insertion point : (Pick a point.) Current insertion point: X = 133.3288, Y = 23.7229, Z = 0.0000 1 point cloud attached

The point cloud of a scanned bust. TIP Point clouds cannot be rendered, and ignore visual style settings, because they consist only of points.You can change the color of the entire cloud by changing the Point Cloud Color property to ByColor.

The -PointcloudAttach command inserts indexed point cloud files into the current drawing through the command line. Command: Path to point cloud file to attach: (Enter path and name of .pcg or .isd file.) Insertion Point: (Pick a point in the drawing.) Scale Factor: (Specify the scale factor.) Rotation Angle: (Enter a rotation angle.) TIP Enter a ~ (tilde) at the ’Path to point cloud file to attach’ prompt to display the Select Point Cloud File dialog box.

The PointcloudIndex command creates indexed point clouds files from PCG or ISD scan files. Acceptable file extensions are .fls, .fws, .las, and .xyb. Command: pointcloudindex (Displays the Select Data File dialog box; choose a file, and then click Open.) (Displays the Create Indexed Point Cloud File dialog box; enter a file name, and then click Save.) Converting C:\filename.las to C:\filename.isd in the background. (When done, the following balloon is displayed on the status bar.)

(Click the balloon, and AutoCAD launches the PointCloudAttach command automatically.)

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86 RELATED SYSTEM VARIABLES

PointCloudAutoUpdate toggles the automatic regeneration of point clouds manipulation and realtime panning, zooming, and orbiting: 0 – manual regeneration required; has no effect on PointCloudRtDensity. 1 – automatically regenerated (default). PointCloudDensity specifies the percentage of points to display simultaneously. The percentage is of 1,500,000, the maximum number of points per drawing (the default of 15 means 15%, or 225,000 points.) This value is distributed among all point clouds in the drawing; range is 1 to 100: 15 – (default). PointCloudLock toggles locking of point clouds: 0 – not locked (default). 1 – locked; point clouds cannot be edited, moved, or rotated. PointCloudRtDensity specifies the percentage of points to display during realtime zooming, panning, or orbiting. The percentage is of 1,500,000, the maximum number of points per drawing (the default of 5 means 5%, or 75,000 points.) To improve performance, set this variable to a lower value than PointCloudDensity; range is 1 to 100: 5 – (default).

PCLOUD

The PCloud command (undocumented) displays a point cloud made of RenderBuffer objects. See Appdendix A. Command: pcloud Number of points : (Press Enter.) Colors [Single/Multiple] : (Type S or M.) Specify center point: (Pick a point.) Specify radius: (Pick another point.)

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RENDERING EXPORT, IMPORT, FBXEXPORT, -FBXEXPORT, FBXIMPORT, -FBXIMPORT

The Export and Import commands now support the FBX format. The FBX file format (Motionbuilder FilmBoX format) imports and exports 3D objects and 2D objects with thickness, along with lights, cameras, and materials between AutoCAD 2011 and 3ds Max. The file format supports points, meshes, NURBS curves and surfaces, subdivided meshes, target cameras, lights, and materials. From AutoCAD, 3D solids are exported as 3D meshes. TIP To export any 2D object to FBX, use the ChProp or Properties commands to change the thickness from 0. This makes it appear as a 3D object, which can then be exported.

The FbxExport command creates .fbx files of selected objects through dialog boxes. Command: fbxexport (Displays the FBX Export dialog box; enter a file name, and then click Save.) (Displays the FBX Export Options dialog box; click OK.)

The Export droplist determines which objects are exported: • •

Selected Entities exports objects selected by the user; click the Select Objects button to select objects to export. Visible Entities selects all visible objects in the current viewport.

The Export by Type options specifies the objects to export: • • • •

Objects option exports 3D objects and 2D objects with thickness, according to the setting of the Export droplist. Lights option exports lights (Distant, Photometric, Point, Sky, Spot, and Sun), according to the setting of the Export droplist. Cameras option exports cameras and camera views, according to the setting of the Export droplist. Materials option exports materials applied to objects, according to the setting of the Export droplist.

TIP The current camera is exported as “Camera0.” Note that the FBX exporter rotates objects, lights, cameras, and materials by 90 degrees around the z axis.

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What’s Inside? AutoCAD 2011

88 The Textures options determines how material textures are exported: • • •

Embed option embeds textures in the .fbx file. Reference option references textures; they are not embedded. Copy Textures to a Single Location option copies textures to the folder specified by the Location text box. (Click Browse to locate the folder.)

When the drawing contains no valid objects, AutoCAD displays the following dialog box:

The -FbxExport command creates .fbx files of selected objects in the current drawing at the command line. See FbxExport command for the meaning of options. This command is meant for use with macros. Command: -fbxexport Enter what should be exported? [Selected/Visible] (Type S or V.) Current export type settings: Objects=Yes, Lights=Yes, Cameras=Yes, Materials=No Specify types to export [Settings, All types] : (Type S or A.) Following types will be exported: Objects, Lights, Cameras Enter path and name of file to export: (Enter path and file name.)

The Settings options: Export objects? [Yes/No] : (Type Y or N.) Export lights? [Yes/No] : (Type Y or N.) Export cameras? [Yes/No] : (Type Y or N.)

The FbxImport command imports .fbx files containing objects, lights, camera and materials through a dialog box. Command: fbximport (Displays the FBX Import dialog box; choose a file and then click Open.) (Displays the FBX Import Options dialog box.)

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The Import options specifies the properties to import. The numbers in parentheses indicate the number of items in each category to be imported : • • • •

Objects imports objects. Lights imports lights, including point, spot, distant, photometric, sun, and sky lights. Cameras imports cameras. Materials imports materials.

TIPS

Use the LightingUnits system variable to determine whether lights are imported as regular (0) or photometric (1

or 2) lights. The plot glyph, glyph display, targeted, and render shadow details properties for lights are determined by the AutoCAD settings. To ensure cameras are accurately imported into AutoCAD, create them as target cameras in 3ds Max. The plot property for the imported cameras is determined by the AutoCAD settings.

The Assign Objects To Layers option determines how layers are assigned to imported objects. The name displayed in parentheses is both the file name and the new layer name. • • •

New Layer assigns imported objects to a new layer. Current Layer assigns imported objects to the current layer. By Material creates a new layer for every material name; objects are places on layers according to their material.

The Unit Conversion options specifies the conversion of imported units.The units displayed are those for the import file and the current drawing. • •

FBX File Units reports the units in the FBX file. Current Drawing Units reports the units in the drawing.

The Block options determines if the FBX file is imported as a block: • •

Insert File As Block inserts the FBX file as a block definition table. To see the imported objects, use the Insert command to place the block. Name specifies the name of block definition.

The data of the FBX file is imported into AutoCAD as 3D mesh objects. The -FbxImport command imports .fbx files at the command line. See FbxImport command for the meaning of options. This command is meant for use with macros. Command: -fbximport Enter path and name of file to import: (Enter path and file name.) Current import type settings: Objects=Yes, Lights=Yes, Cameras=Yes, Materials=Yes Specify types to import [Settings, All types] : (Type S or A.) Enter layer assignment to [New layer/Current layer/by Material] : (Enter an option.) Enter unit conversion (FBX file: Inches, Current Drawing: Inches) : (Enter a conversion factor.) Insert file as block? [Yes/No] : (Type Y or N.) Name the block: (Enter a name for the block.) Import of C:\Drawing1.fbx succeeded. 1 Objects, 0 Materials, 0 Lights, 1 Cameras

The Settings options: Import objects? [Yes/No] : (Type Y or N.) Import lights? [Yes/No] : (Type Y or N.) Import cameras? [Yes/No] : (Type Y or N.) upFront.reSearch

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90 RELATED SYSTEM VARIABLES

FbxImportLog toggles the creation of log files that report the status of imported .fbx files: 0 – off. 1 – on (default).

IMPRESSION

The Impression command has been removed from AutoCAD 2011. MATERIALS MATBROWSERCLOSE, MATBROWSEROPEN, MATEDITORCLOSE, MATEDITOROPEN

The MatBrowserOpen command opens the new Materials Browser palette. Command: matbrowseropen

The MatBrowserClose command closes the new Materials Browser palette. Command: matbrowserclose

RELATED SYSTEM VARIABLES

MatBrowserState reports on the state of the new Materials Browser palette (read-only): 0 – closed (default). 1 – open. MaterialsPath reports the path to the material library folder (read-only): “” – C:\Program Files\Common Files\Autodesk Shared\Materials2011 (default).

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The MatEditorOpen command opens the new Materials Editor palette. Command: mateditoropen

The MatEditorClose command closes the new Materials Editor palette. Command: mateditorclose RELATED SYSTEM VARIABLES

MatEditorState reports on the state of the new Materials Editor palette (read-only): 0 – closed (default). 1 – open.

The Materials and MaterialsClose commands are now hardcoded aliases for the new MaterialBrowserOpen and MaterialBrowserClose commands, which have a redesigned palette, the ability to edit materials, and a new collection of material files.This palette does not open when the Autodesk Material Library is not installed. TIP The two new materials palettes separate the old Materials palette into two functions: MatBrowerOpen browses existing materials and (b) MatEditorOpen defines new ones.

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92 MATERIALMAP

The MaterialMap command now displays a material mapping gizmo to adjust the mapping on a face or an object. Command: materialmap Select an option [Box/Planar/Spherical/Cylindrical/copY mapping to/Reset mapping]:

Left: Box mapping. Right: Planar mapping.

Left: Spherical mapping. Right: Cylindrical mapping.

MIGRATEMATERIALS

The MigrateMaterials command converts legacy materials in the Tools palette to AutoCAD 2011’s new style of materials, and then add them to the Materials Browser. Command: migratematerials n materials migrated to the Materials Browser

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 Customization, Settings, Plotting, and Files CUSTOMIZATION AI_EDITCUSTFILE

The Ai_EditCustFile (undocumented) command edits custom files. Command: ai_editcustfile Custom File to edit: (Enter name of file.)

CUI

The CUI command toggles the new navigation bar through workspaces:

The navigation bar is not customized through CUI, but by clicking the bar’s customization button.

Icons in the Command List pane are now larger. upFront.reSearch

What’s Inside? AutoCAD 2011

94 SETTINGS DSETTINGS, +DSETTINGS

The DSettings command’s dialog box has two new tabs, and redesigns to existing tabs. Snap and Grid tab The Snap and Grid tab has new options for the new 2D grid style:

The Grid Style options turn on the traditional dotted grid pattern: 2D model space Block editor Sheet/layout See the User Interface section of chapter for more about changes to the grid in AutoCAD 2011. 3D Object Snap tab The new 3D Object Snap tab toggles the new 3D object snap modes. The new 3dOsnap command is a hardwired alias for accessing the DSettings command’s 3D Object Snap tab (+DSettings = 5). The 3D Object Snap On option toggles all 3D object snaps on and off; when off, it remembers which modes were turned on. The 3D Object Snap Modes options toggle individual 3D osnap modes on and off: • • • • • •

Vertex snaps to the nearest vertex on 3D objects. Midpoint on Edge snaps to the midpoint on the nearest edge of a face. Center of Face snaps to the center of the nearest face. Knot snaps to the nearest knot on splines. Perpendicular snaps from the nearest face to the perpendicular on another object. Nearest to Face snaps to the nearest point on 3D object face.

The Select All button turns on all 3D object snap modes. upFront.reSearch

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The Clear All button turns them all off.

Selection Cycling tab The new Selection Cycling tab controls the enhanced selection cycling feature:

The Allow Selection Cycling option toggles selection cycling mode. SELECTIONCYCLING system variable. The Selection Cycling option determines which user interface elements are displayed during selection cycling: • •

Display Selection Cycling List Box toggles the display of the Selection Cycling List box. Cursor Dependent positions the list box near the cursor: upFront.reSearch

What’s Inside? AutoCAD 2011

96 •

Quadrant droplist selects the location of list box: Top-right Top-left Bottom-left Bottom-right

• •

Distance in Pixels specifies the distance of the list box from the cursor. Static keeps the list box in one place; useful for dual-monitor setups. You can drag the list box into any convenient location. Show Title Bar toggles the display the list box’s title bar.

•

Left: List box with title bar... Right: ...and without title bar. TIP Selection Cycling can be toggled through the new icon on the status bar:

Quick Properties tab The Quick Properties tab now has Quick Properties turned off by default. RELATED SYSTEM VARIABLES

GridStyle switches the grid between dotted and lined (bitmode): 0 — Lined grid is displayed (default). 1 — Dotted grid displayed in 2D model space. 2 — Dotted grid displayed in block editor. 4 — Dotted grid displayed in sheets and layout tabs.

The +DSettings command has two new options Command: +dsettings Tab Index :

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Tab Index

Tab Displayed

0

Snap and Grid (default)

1

Polar Tracking

2

Object Snap

3

Dynamic Input

4

Quick Properties

5

3D Object Snap

6

Selection Cycling

www.upfrontezine.com/wia11 97 GRAPHICSCONFIG, -GRAPHICSCONFIG

The GraphicsConfig command sets options for 3D display performance through a dialog box; this is shortcut for the 3dConfig command’s Manual Tune button for displaying the Manual Performance Tuning dialog box. Command: graphicsconfig

The -GraphicsConfig command sets options for 3D display performance through the command line. Command: -graphicsconfig Configure: -GRAPHICSCONFIG Enter option [General options/acceLeration] :(Enter an option.)

The General options option prompts you: Enter option [Discard backfaces/Smooth faces/Transparency quality/eXit] :

The acceLeration option prompts you: Enter option [Hardware/Software/eXit] :

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98 OPTIONS

The Options command’s dialog box has new options in some of its tabs. System tab The System tab has a new section on help, as highlighted below. See the section on help later in this chapter.

Left: System tab in AutoCAD 2010. Right: Updated tab in AutoCAD 2011. 3D Modeling tab In the 3D Modeling tab, there are additions to the Display ViewCube or UCS Icon section and a new Surface Analysis button, as illustrated below:

Left: 3D Modeling tab in AutoCAD 2010. Right: Updated tab in AutoCAD 2011. The addition to the Display ViewCube or UCS Icon section toggles their display in 2D model space. The new Surface Analysis button executes the SurfaceAnalysis command, as described earlier. upFront.reSearch

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Selection tab In the Selection tab, the Visual Effects Settings button displays a redesigned dialog box, as described later. In addition, there are changes to the Grips section, and the word “Show” now replaces “Enable.”

Left: Selection tab in AutoCAD 2010. Right: Updated tab in AutoCAD 2011. The Grips section’s new Grip Colors button displays a dialog box that replaces the grip color droplists of earlier releases. There is a new checkbox, Allow Ctrl+cycling behavior that is linked to the LegacyCtrlPick system variable. VISUAL EFFECT SETTINGS DIALOG BOX The Visual Effect Settings dialog box is redesigned to accomodate the new Face Highlighting option.

Above: Visual Effect Settings dialog box in AutoCAD 2011.

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What’s Inside? AutoCAD 2011

100 Below: Same dialog box in AutoCAD 2010.

GRIP COLORS DIALOG BOX The new Grip Colors dialog box replaces the grip color droplists of earlier AutoCADs.

Left: Grip color droplists in AutoCAD 2010. Right Grip color dialog box in AutoCAD 2011. The dialog box adds the new Grip Contour Color droplist, which specifies the color that outlines grip squares. Unselected grip color (blue)

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Grip contour color (black)

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PLOTTING PLOT, PAGESETUP

The Plot and PageSetup commands get the new Plot Transparency option.

TIP When Plot Transparency is turned on, AutoCAD 2011 rasterizes the entire drawing in order to create the transparency effects. This may cause the plotting time to increase.

RELATED SYSTEM VARIABLE

PlotTransparencyOverride determines how translucent objects are plotted: 0 – does not plot translucency. 1 – uses the settings of the PageSetup and Plot commands (default). 2 – plots object transparency; converts drawings to raster, which can take longer to complete.

The Preview command now has larger icons in its toolbar.

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102 FILES EXTERNALREFERENCES, NEW, OPEN, RECOVER

The ExternalReferences command’s palette now highlights selected references (DWG, DWF, DGN, PDF, images, and data extraction tables) in the drawing, and vice versa.

The highlighting of external references is too subtle to notice. Data extraction tables can now be detached from drawings.

RELATED SYSTEM VARIABLE

ErHighlight toggles whether external references are highlighted when selected in the External References dialog box – and vice versa: 0 – not highlighted. 1 – highlighted (default).

The New command now adds scale factors to template-less drawings based on the setting of the Measure system variable, metric or Imperial.

RELATED SYSTEM VARIABLE

Measure now specifies Imperial or metric scale factors automatically when new drawings are created without a template.

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The Open command now provides the option to ignore all missing SHX fonts and shapes when FontAlt system variable is none.

The Export and Import commands now support the FBX format. In addition, the application menu adds an item for exporting FBX files.

The Recover command now has more options, which are controlled by the new RecoverAuto system variable: RELATED SYSTEM VARIABLE

RecoverAuto displays recovery notifications of damaged drawing files: 0 – displays a dialog box when opening damaged files; interrupts running scripts (default). 1 – recovers damaged files automatically; displays dialog box report on recovered file; does not interrupt scripts. 2 – recovers damaged files automatically; displays report on the recovered file at the command prompt.

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 Miscellaneous HELP HELP, WELCOMESCREEN, CUSTOMERINVOLVEMENTPROGRAM

Help now uses HTML instead of CHM for the help format, which means that it displays in your default Web browser, as illustrated below.

The Options dialog box’s System tab has options for controlling the source of the help files:

The Use Online Help from Autodesk Website When Available option accesses help from the Autodesk through the Internet. This allows Autodesk to provided updated help rapidly. The Help Browser option determines which Web browser displays help files, the officially supported browser from Microsoft, or the default system browser (a.k.a., the one you prefer to use). Upate: The new HTML help has shown to not work correctly, and so Autodesk has released a CHM version on its support Web site.

RELATED SYSTEM VARIABLES

HelpPrefix specifies the path to the help file, which can also be changed through Options | Files | Help and Miscellaneous File Names option | Help Location. “C:\Program Files\Autodesk\Autocad 2011 \Help\Index.Html” – (default). WbDefaultBrowser (undocumented) specifies whether the default Web browser is used for the new Web-based help system (read-only): 0 – no (default). 1 – yes. upFront.reSearch

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WbHelpOnline (undocumented) toggles whether Web-based help is accessed online (read-only): 0 – offline. 1 – online (default). WbHelpType (undocumented) toggles the source of Web-based help files (read-only): 0–? 1 – ? (default).

The WelcomeScreen command displays the Welcome Screen dialog box; requires that WelcomeScreen be installed. This series of Flash-based videos replace the New Features Workshop of earlier releases.

The dialog box for the CustomerInvolvementProgram command has been redesigned.

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106 OTHER DUMPMEMALLOC

The DumpMemAlloc (undocumented) command performs memory dumps at the command line. Command: dumpmemalloc Profile(ON/OFf/CapDump/CapFmt/CapStat/Memdump/CRTLevel/CRTFreq/CRTCheck/ Affinity): (Enter an option.)

The Memdump option dumps a record of the memory to a text file: File: : (Enter a file name.) Success.

The other options are not available. MTEXT

Perhaps forgotten in earlier releases, the Stack button is now included with the Text Editor tab on the ribbon.



Command and System V ariables Deprecated in AutoCAD 2011 Variables

Autodesk notes that the following commands and system variables are deprecated, meaning that they still work but really shouldn’t be used any more: DynConstraintDisplay system variable toggles the display of constraint icons; it continues to operate in AutoCAD 2011; replaced by the new DcDisplay command. Impression command formerly launched the Impression toolbar; now no longer works in AutoCAD 2011. RMat command formerly displayed the Render Materials palette; now an alias for the new MatBrowserOpen command. upFront.reSearch

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Chapter 3

Alphabetical Summary of 154 New and Changed Commands Command names new to AutoCAD 2011 are indicated by the maroon color. Command names undocumented by Autodesk are indicated by the italicized text. Command names updated from earlier releases are shown in boldface. Command names removed from AutoCAD 2011 are struckthrough.

 A AddSelected command creates new objects based on the object type and properties of selected objects. Ai_EditCustFile (undocumented) command edits custom files. AnalysisCurvature command displays color curvature gradients on 3D models. AnalysisDraft command displays color spacing gradients between parts and molds. AnalysisOptions command changes display options for curvature, draft, and zebra analysis; displays a dialog box. AnalysisZebra command displays black and white surface continuity stripes on 3D models. AutoConstrain now supports the Equal constraint.

 B BEditor command’s Parameters palette adds the Show and Order columns for toggling the display and determining the order in which constraints appear in the Properties palette. Icons are now displayed for action parameters, attributes, and user parameters, as they were in the drawing editor version of this palette. BRep now removes associativity from surfaces.

 C ChamferEdge command interactively bevels the edges of 3D solids and surfaces. Change command now has the new TRansparency property. ChProp command now has the new TRansparency property. ClassicLayer dialog box now has the new Transparency and VP Transparency columns.

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108 Clip-Tahoe+1 (undocumented) command is a placeholder for the unified Clip command from older releases of AutoCAD. ConstraintSettings command’s dialog box has new options: Infer geometric constraints, Show constraint bars when objects are selected, and Equal autoconstraint. ConvToMesh (aka MeshSmooth) command now also converts surfaces to mesh objects. ConvToNurbs command converts 3D solids and surfaces into NURBS surfaces. CUI command now toggles the new navigation bar in workspaces; sports larger icons in the Command List pane. CustomerInvolvementProgram command has a redesigned dialog box. CvAdd command adds control vertices to NURBS surfaces and splines. CvHide command hides control vertices for all NURBS surfaces and curves. CvRebuild command rebuilds the shapes of NURBS surfaces and curves; displays a dialog box. -CvRebuild command rebuilds the shapes of NURBS surfaces and curves at the command line. CvRemove command removes control vertices from NURBS surfaces and curves. CvShow command shows control vertices of selected NURBS surfaces and curves.

 D DcAligned command constrains the distance between two points on objects. DcAngular command constrains the angle between objects. DcConvert command converts associative dimensions to dimensional constraints. DcDiameter command constrains the diameters of circular objects. DcDisplay command toggles the display of dynamic constraints. DcForm command toggles the creation of dimensional constraints between dynamic and annotational. DcHorizontal command constrains the horizontal distance between objects. DcLinear command constrains objects horizontally, vertically, or rotationally. DcRadius command constrains the radii of curved objects. DcVertical command constrains the vertical distance between two objects or two points on an object. DimConstraint command has a new option, Convert, for converting associative dimensions to dimensional constraints; this command’s options can now be accessed directly through new commands that begin with DC, such as DcLinear. DSettings command’s dialog box has new tabs names 3D Object Snap and Selection Cycling; the Snap and Grid tab has new options for Grid Style. DumpMemAlloc command controls memory dumps at the command line.

 E Explode now explodes NURBS surfaces to splines. Export now exports drawings as FBX files. ExternalReferences command’s palette now highlights selected references (DWG, DWF, DGN, PDF, images, and data extraction tables) in the drawing, and vice versa; data extraction tables can now be detached from drawings.

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Extrude command now selects subobjects, such as edges, as profiles and curves; now supports expressions for determining the extrusion distance.

 F FbxExport command creates .fbx files (Motionbuilder FilmBoX format) of selected objects through dialog box. -FbxExport command creates .fbx files of selected objects in the current drawing at the command line. FbxImport command imports .fbx files containing objects, lights, camera and materials through a dialog box. -FbxImport command imports .fbx files at the command line. Field now supports the transparency property. Fillet now supports expressions for determining the fillet radius on 3D solids. FilletEdge command rounds and fillets the edges of solid objects (and surfaces?) Filter command now has the new Transparency property in its Select Filter droplist.

 G GcCoincident command constrains selected objects to points. GcColinear command constrains selected objects to lie along the same line. GcConcentric command constrains two arcs, circles, or ellipses to the same center point. GcEqual command constrains selected objects to the same size or radius. GcFix command locks selected objects in one position. GcHorizontal command constrains selected objects to be horizontal. GcParallel command constrains selected objects to be parallel to each other. GcPerpedicular command constrains selected objects to be perpendicular to one another. GcSmooth command constrains splines to be contiguous (and maintain G2 continuity) with other splines, lines, arcs, and polylines. GcSymmetric command constrains selected objects to be symmetrically constrained about a line of symmetry. GcTangent command constrains two curves to maintain tangency to each other, or their extensions. GcVertical command constrains selected objects to be vertical. GeomConstraint command’s options can now be accessed directly through new commands that begin with GC, such as GcFix. Geometric constrains can now be applied to ellipses and text, and are now applied automatically to geometry, such as those created by the Rectang and Fillet commands. New icons differentiate between point and object constraints. Gradient command now has a new command-line prompt, additions to its dialog box, and new ribbon tab; supported by many new system variables. GraphicsConfig command sets options for 3D display performance through a dialog box; shortcut for the 3dConfig command’s Manual Tune button. -GraphicsConfig command sets options for 3D display performance through the command line.

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 H Hatch command now has a new command-line prompt when using it from the ribbon, additions to its dialog box, and new ribbon tab; supported by many new system variables. Hatches can now be gripedited for pattern rotation and scaling. -Hatch has new prompts and options at the command line. HatchEdit and -HatchEdit now support the new features added to the Hatch and Gradient commands. HatchGenerateBoundary creates objects from the boundaries of hatch patterns. HatchSetBoundary creates new hatch boundaries from existing objects, and then fills it with a pattern selected from another object. HatchSetOrigin relocates the origin of selected hatch patterns. HatchToBack sets the draw order for all hatches in the drawing behind all other objects. Helix can now display control polylines through the SplFrame system variable; helixes can now be joined with 3D polylines. HideObjects hides selected objects

 I Image supports both kinds of transparency, to the background color and to the overall image. ImpledFaceX (undocumented) extracts loops from 3D solids to create regions. Import now imports FBX files. Impression command is removed from AutoCAD. IsolateObjects displays selected objects across layers; unselected objects are hidden.

 J Join command now joins 3D polylines to other open objects, such as lines, elliptical arcs, helixes, and splines; the 3D polyline must be selected first; some objects no longer need to be coplanar.

 L Layer palette command now has the new Transparency and VP Transparency columns, as does its Layer Filters Properties sub-dialog box. -Layer command now has the new TRansparency and rEconcile options. LayerP command now undoes changes to transparency by layers. LayerState command now has the new Transparency column in its Edit Layer State sub-dialog box. LayTrans command’s dialog box gets the new Transparency column in its Edit Layer State sub-dialog box. Linetype command now supports the new “U” parameter in complex linetypes, which forces text and shapes in linetypes to be displayed “upright.” List command now has the new Transparency property. Loft command now selects subobjects, such as edges, as profiles and curves; now offers a new droplist grip for modifying the loft; includes a new MOde option for creating solids or surfaces.

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 M MatBrowserClose closes the new Materials Browser palette. MatBrowserOpen opens the new Materials Browser palette. MatchProp command now has the new Transparency property in its Property Settings dialog box. MatEditorClose closes the new Materials Editor palette. MatEditorOpen opens the new Materials Editor palette. MaterialMap now displays a material mapping gizmo to adjust the mapping on a face or an object. Materials and MaterialsClose commands are now a hardcoded alias for the new MaterialBrowserOpen and MaterialBrowserClose commands, which have a redesigned palette, the ability to edit materials, and a new collection of material files. This palette does not open when the Autodesk Material Library is not installed. MeasureGeom command now measures surfaces. Mesh objects can now display smoothed version with the SplFrame system variable. MeshCap creates mesh faces that connect open edges. MeshCollapse merges vertices of mesh faces and edges. MeshExtrude extends mesh faces into 3D space. MeshMerge merges adjacent mesh faces into a single face. MeshSpin rotates adjoining edges of triangular mesh faces. MigrateMaterials converts legacy materials in Tool Palettes to new style of materials, and then added to the Materials Browser.

 N NavBar provides access to navigation and orientation tools from a single interface. New command now adds scale factors to template-less drawings based on the setting of the Measure Init system variable, metric or Imperial.

 O Open command now provides the option to ignore all missing SHX fonts and shapes when FontAlt system variable is none. OptChProp (undocumented) changes the styles of objects at the command line: text, dimension, table, or multiline style. Options command’s dialog box has new options. Osnap command’s modes apply matching constraints automatically when the new InferConstraints. (For example, turn on CENter osnap, and AutoCAD 2011 automatically applies the center constraint.) Three-D osnaps are now separate from 2D ones (see the new 3dOsnap command).

 P PageSetup command gets the new Plot Transparency option. Parameters command’s palette has a new Filters section for creating groups of parameters, and a search box for finding parameters. In Block Editor, the palette adds the Show and Order columns for toggling the display and determining the order in which constraints appear in the Properties palette. (The command-line oriented -Parameters command does not gain these new features.)

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112 PLine/PEdit commands’ polylines now have a grip at the mid point of each segment; right-clicking the grip lets you convert between line and arc segments, add a vertex, and stretch. Icons now indicate the editing action. Segments can now be selected through the Ctrl key. Frames of splined polylines are no longer displayed with SplFrame; use the CvSHow and CvHide commands instead. Plot command’s dialog box gets the new Plot Transparency option. Pointcloud command displays options for attaching indexed point cloud files through the command line. PointcloudAttach command inserts indexed point cloud files through a dialog box. -PointcloudAttach command inserts indexed point cloud files into the current drawing through the command line. PointcloudIndex command creates indexed point clouds files from PCG or ISD scan files. Preview command now sports larger icons on its toolbar. ProjectGeometry command projects points, lines, or curves onto 3D solids and surfaces. Properties command’s palette now has the new Transparency property.

 Q QSelect command’s dialog box now has the new Transparency property. QuickProperties is now turned off by default.

 R Revolve command now selects subobjects, such as edges, profiles and curves; it now previews the angle through which solids are rotated; sports the new MOde option for creating solids or surfaces; now supports expressions for determining the rotation angle.

 S ScaleListEdit command now allows the creation of customized scale lists. Select command now support persistent selections sets through PickAdd’s new 3 option; holding down the Ctrl key now selects polyline segments. SelectSimilar command adds similar objects to the selection set based on their properties. SetByLayer command gets the new Transparency property in its Settings dialog box. Sketch now draws splines. Spline command’s splines can now be created with control vertices with a range of degrees, and can have knots and kinks. Frames of splines are no longer displayed with SplFrame; use the CvSHow and CvHide commands instead. SplinEdit command now supports shortcut menus during grips editing of splines; splines can now have kinks added; splines have a new grip that displays options for showing fit points or control vertices. Style command’s dialog box now notes which fonts are missing from the drawing. SurfBlend command adds continuous blend surfaces between two existing surfaces. SurfExtend command lengthens surfaces by specified distances. SurfFillet command adds surface fillets between pairs of surfaces. SurfNetwork command creates surfaces between several curves defined by surfaces and edges of solids (in the U and V directions).

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SurfOffset command creates parallel surfaces at a specified distance from the original. SurfPatch command creates new surfaces by fitting caps over surface edges that form closed loops. SurfSculpt command creates 3D solids by trimming and combining surfaces that bound watertight areas. SurfTrim command trims at the intersections of surfaces and other geometry. SurfUntrim command replaces surface areas removed by the SurfTrim command. Sweep command now selects subobjects, such as edges, as profiles and curves, and has the new MOde option for generating either solids or surfaces.

 U UnisolateObjects command displays objects hidden with the IsolateObjects command.

 V VisualStyles command gets five new predefined styles; the palette has been redesigned. VpLayer command gets the new TRansparency property

 W WelcomeScreen command displays the Welcome Screen dialog box; requires that WelcomeScreen be installed. WorkSpace command’s Settings dialog box now includes the new 3D Basic workspace.

 # 3dEditBar command reshapes, scales, and edits the tangency of NURBS surfaces. 3dOsnap command sets 3D object snap modes in the Drafting Settings dialog box. -3dOsnap command sets 3D object snap modes at the command line. 3dPan2 (undocumented) command pans drawings in realtime. 3dZoom2 (undocumented) command zooms drawings in realtime.

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 

Chapter 4

Alphabetical Summary of 107 New and Changed System Variables System variables new to AutoCAD 2011 are indicated by the blue color. Undocumented systems variables are indicated by italicized text; we cannot guarantee their meaning. Changed system variables have boldfaced names.

 A ApplyGlobalOpacities toggles all palettes between opaque and translucent: 0 – opaque (default). 1 – translucent.

 C CeTransparency sets the level of translucency for new objects*: ByLayer – determined by the object’s layer (default). ByBlock– determined by the block in which the object resides. 0 – fully opaque (not translucent) 1-90** – range of translucency, as a percentage *) Except for hatch patterns; use the new HpTransparency system variable to control their translucency. **) Translucency is limited to a maximum of 90% to avoid confusion with hidden and frozen objects.

ClassicKeys toggles the meaning of Ctrl+C: 0 – copies objects (default). 1 – cancels commands.

ConstraintCursorDisplay (undocumented) toggles the display of the constraint icons that appear next to the cursor: 0 – off. 1 – on (default).

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116 ConstraintInfer toggles the inference of geometric constraints as objects are drawn and edited: 0 – not inferred (default). 1 – inferred.

ConstraintSolveMode no longer toggles the inference of temporary constraints. Instead of three options, it now has these two: 0 – geometry size not retained when constraints are applied or modified. 1 – geometry size is retained, even when constraints are applied or modified (default).

CullingObj toggles whether to highlight subobjects when they are not normal to the current view: 0 – not culled. 1 – culled* (default). *Culling highlights only subobjects (faces, edges, and vertices) that are normal to the current view under these two conditions: (a) when the cursor passes over objects and (b) when objects are selected.

CullingObjSelection toggles whether hidden objects are selected when a selection window is dragged*: 0 – not culled; hidden objects are selected (default). 1 – culled; hidden objects are not selected * It is not possible to select hidden objects by picking. Turning off this system variable allows you to select hidden objects through windowed selection modes.

 D Digitizer reports the style of digitizer attached to AutoCAD (read-only): 0 – none (default). 1 – integrated touch. 2 – external touch. 4 – integrated pen. 8 – external pen. 16 – multiple input. 128 – input devices are ready.

 E ErHighlight toggles whether external references are highlighted when selected in the External References dialog box – and vice versa: 0 – not highlighted. 1 – highlighted (default).

 F FbxImportLog (undocumented) toggles the creation of log files that report the status of imported .fbx files: 0 – off. 1 – on (default).

FilletRad3d reports the current fillet radius used by the new FilletEdge and SurfFillet commands: 1.0000 – (default).

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 G Gf... represents a set of system variables that are neither new nor changed, but are finally documented by Autodesk after many releases: GfAng – gradient rotation angle. GfClr1 – first gradient color. GfClr2 – second gradient color 2. GfClrState – number of gradient colors, 1 or 2. GfColorLum – shade of gray for one-color gradients. GfName – gradient style. GfAShift – location of gradient origin.

GlobalOpacity sets the default level of translucency for all palettes (when transparency is turned on): 0 – fully transparent (default). 100 – fully opaque.

GridMajor now applies to display modes where previously only grid dots were displayed. GridMode changes its default setting from off (in AutoCAD 2010 and earlier) to on: 0 – off. 1 – on (default).

GridStyle switches the grid between dotted and lined (bitmode): 0 — Lined grid is displayed (default). 1 — Dotted grid displayed in 2D model space. 2 — Dotted grid displayed in block editor. 4 — Dotted grid displayed in sheets and layout tabs.

GripContour specifies the color of the grip outline; range is 1 to 255, default is color 251. GripMultifunctional controls access to multifunctional grips: 0 – disabled. 1 – uses Ctrl cycling and the hot grip shortcut menu 2 – uses the dynamic menu and the hot grip shortcut menu. 3 – uses Ctrl cycling, the dynamic menu, and the hot grip shortcut menu (default).

Grips now has an added option: 0 – grips are not displayed. 1 – grips are displayed, except polyline midpoint segment grips. 2 – midpoint grips are displayed on polyline segments (default).

GripSubObjMode adds two modes for determining when grips are hot automatically during subobject selection: 0 – grips not displayed as hot when subobjects selected. 1 – face, edge, or vertex grips displayed as hot when subobjects of solids, surfaces, and meshes selected (default). 2 – lines and arc segment grips displayed as hot when 2D polylines selected. 3 – combines actions of options 1 and 2. upFront.reSearch

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GripTips adds Ctrl-cycling to display grip tips when the cursor pauses over multifunctional grips: 0 – grip tips and Ctrl-cycling tooltips not displayed. 1 – grip tips and Ctrl-cycling tooltips displayed (default).

 H HatchBoundSet (undocumented) reports the contents of the hatch boundary set (read-only): 0 – current viewport (default). 1 – existing set.

HatchCreation (undocumented) reports whether the Hatch command is active (read-only): 0 – hatching is not active (default). 1 – hatching is underway (Hatch command is active).

HatchType (undocumented) specifies the type of hatch pattern (read-only): 0 – predefined (default). 1 – user defined. 2 – custom

HelpPrefix specifies the path to the help file, which can also be changed through Options | Files | Help and Miscellaneous File Names option | Help Location. "C:\Program Files\Autodesk\Autocad 2011 \Help\Index.Html" – (default).

HpAnnotative determines whether new hatch patterns take on annotative scale factors: 0 – nonannotative (default). 1 – annotative.

HpBackgroundColor specifies the background fill color for hatch patterns: “None” or “.” – no background color (default). 1 through 255 – AutoCAD Color Index Name – name of the first seven colors, such as “Red.” RGB: or HSL: – red-green-blue or hue-saturation-luminosity, such as "RGB:130,200,240"; range is 000 to 255. Colorbook – PANTONE, DIC, or RAL color specifications, such as "DIC COLOR GUIDE(R)$DIC 43".

HpBoundRetain toggles whether boundary objects are created for new hatches; the HpBound system variable determines whether the boundaries are region or polylines: 0 – not created (default). 1 – created.

HpColor specifies the default color for new hatch patterns: "Use Current" or “.”– use the color defined by CeColor system variable (default). “ByLayer” or “ByBlock” – used color of the associated layer or block. 1 through 255 – AutoCAD Color Index Name – name of the first seven colors, such as “Red.” RGB: or HSL: – red-green-blue or hue-saturation-luminosity, such as "RGB:130,200,240"; range is 000 to 255. Colorbook – PANTONE, DIC, or RAL color specifications, such as "DIC COLOR GUIDE(R)$DIC 43".

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HpDlgMode determines when the Hatch and Gradient and Hatch Edit dialog boxes are displayed by the Hatch, Gradient, and HatchEdit commands: 0 – dialog boxes are never displayed; enter the seTtings option to display them. 1 – Hatch and Gradient dialog boxes are displayed; Hatch Edit is not. 2 – dialog boxes are displayed when the ribbon is not active (default).

HpIslandDetection determines how islands are hatched: 0 – alternating islands are hatched (Normal mode). 1 – outermost island only is hatched (Outer mode; default). 2 – everything is hatched (Ignore mode).

HpIslandDetectionMode toggles the type of island detection (controls HpIslandDetection): 0 – legacy island detection. 1 – shiny new island detection method (default).

HpLastPattern (undocumented) reports the name of the last hatch pattern used (read-only): "Ansi31" – (default).

HpLayer specifies the name of the layer to use for new hatches and fills. "Use Current" – (default).

HpObjWarning now has a default value of 10000, up from 1000 in previous releases; range is 1 to 1073741823. HpOriginStoreAsDefault (undocumented) specifies whether the user-defined hatch origin is stored as the default value: 0 – not stored (default). 1 – store specified origin as default.

HpQuickPreview toggles the display of hatch previews when the cursor is inside boundaries: Off – no preview. On – preview (default).

HpRelativePs (undocumented) toggles whether hatch pattern scaling is relative to the paper space scale factor (read-only): Off – hatch patterns are not scaled (default). On – hatch patterns are scaled

HpTransparency sets the default translucency percentage for new hatches; has no effect on existing patterns: “Use current” or “.” – uses the translucency specified by the CeTransparency system variable (default). “ByLayer” or “ByBlock” – uses the translucency specified by the associated layer or block. 0 to 90 – range of translucency from 0 (none) to 90 (mostly transparent).

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 L LagacyCtrlPick adds option 2: 0 – Ctrl+click selects faces, edges, and vertices (subobjects). 1 – Ctrl+click cycles through overlapping objects. 2 – Ctrl+click selects subobjects when SubObjSelectionMode = 0; otherwise, selects subobjects when Ctrl is not held down.

 M MatBrowserState reports on the state of the new Materials Browser palette (read-only): 0 – closed (default). 1 – open.

MatEditorState reports on the state of the new Materials Editor palette (read-only): 0 – closed (default). 1 – open.

MaterialsPath reports the path to the material library folder (read-only): "" – C:\Program Files\Common Files\Autodesk Shared\Materials2011 (default).

MatState is no longer documented by Autodesk; it is replaced by the MatBrowserState and MatEditorState system variables. MaxTouches reports the number of touch points supported by multi-touch digitizers (read-only): 1 – (default).

MeasureInit now specifies Imperial or metric scale factors automatically when new drawings are created without a template. MirrHatch toggles the mirroring of hatches: 0 – retains hatch angle (default). 1 – mirrors hatch angle.

 N NavBarDisplay toggles the display of the navigation bar; applies to all viewports and layouts (the NavBar command applies to the current viewport or space): 0 – off. 1 – on (default).

NavVCubeDisplay now controls the display of the ViewCube according to the current visual style*: 0 – not displayed. 1 – displayed in 3D visual styles, but not 2D 2 – displayed in 2D visual styles, but not 3D (new to 2011). 3 – displayed in 2D and 3D visual styles (new to 2011; default). *) There is no system variable that reports the current visual style.

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 O ObjectIsolationMode toggles the display of hidden and isolated objects between drawing sessions: 0 – hidden and isolated for the current drawing session only (default). 1 – hidden and isolated settings saved for the next drawing session.

 P PickAdd adds a persistent mode to its options: 0 – off (hold down Shift to add objects to the selection set). 1 – on (hold down Shift to remove objects from the selection set). 2 – persistent; keeps objects selected after the Select command ends (hold down Shift to remove objects from the selection set; new to 2011; default).

PlotTransparencyOverride determines how translucent objects are plotted: 0 – does not plot translucency. 1 – uses the settings of the PageSetup and Plot commands (default). 2 – plots object transparency; converts drawings to raster, which can take longer to complete.

PointCloudAutoUpdate toggles the automatic regeneration of point clouds manipulation and realtime panning, zooming, and orbiting: 0 – manual regeneration required; has no effect on PointCloudRtDensity. 1 – automatically regenerated (default).

PointCloudDensity specifies the percentage of points to display simultaneously. The percentage is of 1,500,000, the maximum number of points per drawing (the default of 15 means 15%, or 225,000 points.) This value is distributed among all point clouds in the drawing; range is 1 to 100: 15 – (default).

PointCloudLock toggles locking of point clouds: 0 – not locked (default). 1 – locked; point clouds cannot be edited, moved, or rotated.

PointCloudRtDensity specifies the percentage of points to display during realtime zooming, panning, or orbiting. The percentage is of 1,500,000, the maximum number of points per drawing (the default of 5 means 5%, or 75,000 points.) To improve performance, set this variable to a lower value than PointCloudDensity; range is 1 to 100: 5 – (default).

PreviewFaceEffect toggles preview selection highlighting of face subobjects: 0 – faces are not highlighted. 1 – faces are highlighted with texture fill (default).

 Q QpMode changes its default value from 1 to -1, which means that the Quick Properties palette is now turned off by default.

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 R Rebuild2dCv specifies the number of control vertices per spline; range is 2 to 32767: 6 – (default).

Rebuild2dDegree specifies the degree for splines; range is 1 to 11: 1 – splines are like straight lines (no bends). 2 – splines are parabolic (one bend). 3 – splines are cubic Beziers (two bends; default).

Rebuild2dOption toggles how splines are rebuilt: 0 – original curves not deleted. 1 – original curves are deleted (default).

RebuildDegreeU specifies the U-direction degree for NURBS surfaces; range is 2 to 11: 3 – (default).

RebuildDegreeV specifies the V-direction degree for NURBS surfaces; range is 2 to 11: 3 – (default).

RebuildOptions determines the fate of original surfaces and trimmed areas on rebuilt surfaces: 0 – keeps original surfaces; trimmed areas are not applied. 1 – deletes original surfaces; trimmed areas are not applied (default). 2 – keeps original surfaces; trimmed areas are applied to the rebuilt object. 3 – deletes original surfaces; trimmed areas are applied.

RebuildU specifies default number of lines in the U direction for NURBS surfaces; range is 2 to 32767: 6 – (default).

RebuildV specifies the default number of lines in the V direction for NURBS surfaces; range is 2 to 32767: 6 – (default).

RecoverAuto displays recovery notifications of damaged drawing files: 0 – displays a dialog box when opening damaged files; interrupts running scripts (default). 1 – recovers damaged files automatically; displays dialog box report on recovered file; does not interrupt scripts. 2 – recovers damaged files automatically; displays report on the recovered file at the command prompt.

RolloverOpacity specifies the translucency of palettes when cursor moves over them; range is 0 to 100: 0 – (default).

 S SelectionCycling toggles selection cycling: 0 – off (default). 1 – on, but does not display the list dialog box. 2 – on, and displays the list dialog box of objects that you have selected.

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SelectSimilarMode determines the matchable properties for the SelectSimilar command (bitcode): 0 – object type 1 – color 2 – layer 4 – linetype 8 – linetype scale 16 – lineweight 32 – plot style 64 – text styles, dimension styles, table styles, and so on. 128 – names of referenced objects, such as blocks, xrefs, and images. 130 – (default) 2+128 = layer and name of referenced objects.

SetByLayerMode adds transparency to its list of modes: 0 – excludes all selected. 1 – includes color property. 2 – includes linetype property. 4 – includes lineweight property. 8 – includes material property. 16 – includes plot style property. 32 – changes ByBlock to ByLayer. 64 – includes blocks when changing ByBlock to ByLayer. 128 – includes transparency property.

SkPoly now adds splines to the types of objects created by the Sketch command: 0 – lines (default). 1 – polylines 2 – splines (new to 2011).

SkTolerance specifies how closely a spline fits to a freehand sketch; range is 0 to 1: 0.5000 – (default).

SmState (undocumented) reports the state of show motion (read-only) 0 – closed (default). 1 – open.

SplDegree specifies the default degree for new splines created with control vertices; range is 1 to 5; default value = 3. SplFrame no longer applies to polylines and splines*; it now applies to helixes and smoothed mesh objects: 0 – does not display control polygon of helixes; displays smoothed mesh objects; and does not display invisible edges of 3D faces or polyface meshes. 1 – displays control polygon of helixes; displays unsmoothed mesh objects that are smoothed; displays edges of 3D faces and polyface meshes. * Use the new CvShow and CvHide commands for splines and splined polylines.

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124 SplKnots specifies the default knot setting when specifying fit points for new splines: 0 – chords (default). 1 – square root chords. 2 – uniform.

SplMethod toggles the default type of new splines: 0 – fit (default). 1 – control vertices.

SurfaceAssociativity toggles surface associativity: 0 – no associativity to other surfaces. 1 – surfaces adjust automatically to modifications made to related surfaces (default); value of DelObj is ignored.

SurfaceAssociativityDrag specifies how associative surfaces react during dragging (move) operations: 0 – not previewed; display updated following the drag operations. Use this setting for faster operation. 1 – previews first surface only; other surfaces updated following drag operation (default). 2 – previews all surfaces.

SurfaceAutoTrim toggles the automatic trimming of surfaces by projected geometry: 0 – not trimmed (default). 1 – trimmed.

SurfaceModelingMode determines the default 3D surface type: 0 – creates procedural surfaces (default). 1 – creates NURBS surfaces.

SurfOffsetConnect (undocumented) toggles connection between offset surfaces: 0 – off (default). 1 – on.

SurfTrimAutoExtend (undocumented) toggles automatic extension of trim geometry: 0 – off. 1 – on (default).

SurfTrimProjection (undocumented) toggles projection of trim entities onto surfaces: 0 – off (default). 1 – on.

 T TransparencyDisplay toggles the display of translucency in objects, which Autodesk calls “transparent”: 0 – off. 1 – on (default).

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 V VsaCurvatureHigh specifies the value above which surface curvature is displayed in green; range is any real number: 1.0000 – (default).

VsaCurvatureLow specifies the value below which surface curvature is displayed in blue; range is any real number: -1.0000 – (default).

VsaCurvatureType determines the type of curvature analysis used by the AnalysisCurvature command: 0 – Gaussian evaluates areas of high and low curvature (default). 1 – Mean evaluates mean curvature of u and v surface values. 2 – Maximum evaluates maximum curvature of u and v surface values. 3 – Minimum evaluates minimum curvature of u and v surface values.

VsaDraftangleHigh specifies the draft angle above which portions of the model is displayed with green during draft analysis: -90 – surface is parallel to the UCS with surface normal facing the opposite direction from the construction plane. 0 – surface is perpendicular to the construction plane. 3 – (default). 90 – surface is parallel to the construction plane with surface normal facing the same direction as the UCS.

VsaDraftangleLow specifies the draft angle below which portions of the model is displayed with blue during draft analysis: -90 – surface is parallel to the UCS with surface normal facing the opposite direction from the construction plane. -3 – (default). 0 – surface is perpendicular to the construction plane. 90 – surface is parallel to the construction plane with surface normal facing the same direction as the UCS.

VsaZebraColor1 specifies one color of zebra analysis stripes; uses ACI, RGB, HSL, or ColorBook values. "Rgb:255,255,255" – white (default).

VsaZebraColor2 specifies second color of zebra analysis stripes; uses ACI, RGB, HSL, or ColorBook values: "Rgb:0,0,0" – black (default).

VsaZzebraDirection specifies the angle of zebra stripes; range is 0 to 90 degrees: 0 – horizontal. 90 – vertical (default).

VsaZebraSize specifies the width of stripes in zebra analysis displays; range is 1 to 100 pixels. 45 – (default).

VsaZebraType determines the type of zebra analysis display: 0 – chrome ball effect. 1 – cylinder effect (default). upFront.reSearch

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126 VsEdgeLEx specifies the length of line extensions of edges in visual styles (negative number turns off extensions); range is 0 to 100 pixels: -6 – (default).

VsOccludedColor specifies the color of hidden (occluded) lines in visual styles; uses ACI, RGB, HSL, or ColorBook values: "Byentity" – (default).

VsOccludedEdges toggles the display of hidden (occluded) edges in visual styles: 0 – off. 1 – on (default).

VsOccludedLtype determines the linetype of hidden (occluded) lines in visual styles. Changing this system variable creates a new unsaved visual style. Range is 1 to 11: 1 – solid lines (default for most visual styles). 2 – dashed lines (default for hidden and shaded with edges). 3 – dotted lines. 4 – short Dash lines. 5 – medium Dash lines. 6 – long Dash lines. 7 – double Short Dash lines. 8 – double Medium Dash lines. 9 – double Long Dash 10 – medium Long Dash 11 – sparse Dot

 W WbDefaultBrowser (undocumented) specifies which Web browser is used for the new Web-based help system (read-only): 0 – default system browser (default). 1 – Internet Explorer.

WbHelpOnline (undocumented) toggles whether Web-based help is accessed from Autodesk when online (readonly): 0 – local access only. 1 – local and Autodesk online access (default).

WbHelpType (undocumented) toggles the source of Web-based help files (read-only): 0 – CHM (traditional compiled help files). 1 – HTML (default).

WsAutosave toggles automatic saving of changes to workspaces: 0 – off (default). 1 – on.

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 # 3dOsMode specifies the current 3D object snaps modes (bitcode): 0 – disables all 3D osnap modes. 1 – temporarily disables all 3D osnap modes (keyboard = ZNON) 2 – snaps to vertices (ZVER) 4 – snaps to midpoints of edges (ZMID) 8 – snaps to centers of faces (ZCEN) 16 – snaps to spline knots (ZKNO) 32 – snaps to the perpendiculars of faces (ZPER). 64 – snaps to objects nearest to faces (ZNEA). 128 – turns on all 3D osnap modes. 11 – (default) 1 + 2 + 8 = center of a face and vertex.

3dSelectionMode was meant to be just for AutoCAD 2010, but continues to work in AutoCAD 2011; it is no longer slated to be removed from a future release.

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 

Chapter 5

System, File, and Other Changes

AutoCAD 2011 is the 25th release of the software; internally, the program refers to itself as version “18.1.” DWG and DXF files are identified by version number AC1024.

 System Requirements Autodesk recommends the following hardware and software for installing AutoCAD 2011. Windows XP continues to be supported. Separate installs of AutoCAD are required for 32- and 64-bit versions of Windows. Windows Operating Systems 7 Vista Enterprise, Business, Ultimate, or Home Premium (SP1) XP Professional or Home (SP2 or later) •

With non-English language versions, Autodesk recommends that the Windows’ code page match that of AutoCAD 2011’s. (Code pages support character sets for different languages.)

•

Windows XP Professional and Vista requires that Microsoft’s .NET Framework 3.0 be installed on your computer

•

AutoCAD 2011 requires Adobe’s Flash Player for some tutorials, which is not installed automatically. You can download Flash from www.adobe.com or from the Flash installer on the AutoCAD 2011 DVD.

32-bit CPUs Intel Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon Dual Core XP: 1.6 GHz or faster Vista and 7: 3.0 GHz or faster

64-bit CPUs With SSE2* technology: AMD Athlon 64 or Opteron Intel Pentium 4 or Xeon with Intel EM64T** support. *) SSE2 (streaming SIMD [single instruction, multiple data] extension 2) instruction set architecture for CPUs enables hardware-assisted computing of certain math functions and vector transformations used by CAD applications. AutoCAD does not run on CPUs lacking SSE2. **) EM64T (Extended Memory 64 Technology) refers to Intel CPUs that support 64-bit operating systems.

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130 Drives Minimums

DVD-ROM drive 3GB free disk space for 32-bit install 3.5GB free disk space for 64-bit install

Graphics Boards Minimum

1024x768 True Color

For 3D modeling

1280x1024 with 32-bit color, 128MB or greater Direct3D-capable workstation-class graphics card

•

For graphic cards that support hardware acceleration, DirectX 9.0c or later must be installed on your computer. Installing from the ACAD.msi file does not install DirectX; you must manually install DirextX to configure hardware acceleration.

•

Autodesk recommends checking www.autodesk.com/autocad-graphicscard for the list of supported graphics board and latest display drivers. If Autodesk does not include one for your computer’s graphics board, check with the board manufacturer’s Web site and possibly with the computer manufacturer’s site.

Pointing Devices, Other MS-Mouse compliant Internet access AutoCAD sometimes uses Microsoft’s Internet Explorer 7.0 (or later) even when it is not the default Web browser on your computer. TIP You can run AutoCAD 2011 on netbook computers, provided you take the following limitations into account: • During installation, attach an external monitor. Netbooks are limited to 1024x600 or lower resolution, and the install dialog boxes are larger than this. • When AutoCAD starts, a dialog box appears complaining the screen resolution is too low. Click OK, and AutoCAD continues normally. • 2D operations work well, but 3D operations tend to be sluggish, because netbooks use Atom (or other underpowered CPUs), have integrated graphics not meant for 3D manipulation, and have just 1GB RAM. • You can improve the netbook’s performance by inserting a Class 6 SD memory card, and dedicating it to ReadyBoost (WIndows Vista and 7 only).

 Compatibility with Earlier Releases API AutoCAD 2011 is binary compatible with AutoCAD 2010, but apps developed for AutoCAD 2011 with ObjectARX will not work in prior releases. Recompile apps with the most recent ObjectARX libraries provided by the Autodesk Developer Network. www.autodesk.com/adn The 64-bit version of AutoCAD 2011 does not support Microsoft’s Jet 4.0 OLE DB Provider and OLE DB Provider for ODBC Drivers. Substitute the SQL Server for OLE DB.

DWG AutoCAD 2011 uses the AutoCAD 2010 drawing file format, which is incompatible with releases prior to 2010. Use the SaveAs command to save to earlier releases.

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 New Keyboard Shortcuts AutoCAD 2011 adds these meanings to the Ctrl key: Ctrl

Cycles through editing modes while a polyline grip is hot (red). Selects polyline segments.

The following keyboard shortcuts are new in AutoCAD 2011: Shift+F1

Selects no subobjects

Shift+F2

Selects vertex subobjects

Shift+F3

Selects edge subobjects

Shift+F4

Selects face subobjects

Shift+F5

Toggles solid history

Ctrl+Shift+1

Toggles inference of constraints

The following keyboard shortcut changes in AutoCAD 2011: F4

Toggles 3D object snap (previously toggled tablet mode)

 New Keyboard Abbreviations The new 3D object snap modes introduce the following keyboard abbreviations (the ‘z’ refers to the third dimension): Abbreviation Meaning znon

3dOsMode

Temporarily disables all 3D osnap modes

1

zver

Snaps to vertices

2

zmid

Snaps to midpoints of edges

4

zcen

Snaps to centers of faces

8

zkno

Snaps to spline knots

16

zper

Snaps to the perpendiculars of faces

32

znea

Snaps to objects nearest to faces

64

 New File Types AutoCAD 2011 registers these new file types: FBX

Motionbuilder FilmBoX files

ISD

ICEM Shape Design format for pointcloud files

PCG

Autodesk’s Point Cloud format for pointcloud files

FLS

Cloud data file.

FWS

Cloud data file.

LAS

Cloud data file.

XYB

Cloud data file.

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 New Terms AutoCAD 2011 introduces these new terms: Background Transparency The new name for the old transparency function that applies to bitonal images attached to drawings (Transparent command), to replace the new transparency function. Clear? Bulge

Determines the curvature between two surfaces.

Continuity

Determines the smoothness between two surfaces.

Control Vertex

Points that control the placement of splines.

Culling

Reduces the number of subobjects (faces, edges, and vertices) that are highlighted normal to the current view, under these two conditions: (a) when the cursor passes over objects and (b) when objects are selected.

Curvature Analysis

Red and green areas that illustrate Gaussian, minimum, maximum, and mean U and V surface curvatures.

Draft Analysis

Red and blue areas that illustrate the angle difference from the face normals. Draft angle is 90 degrees when the surface is parallel to the UCS plane; 0 when perpendicular; and -90 when surface normals face the opposite direction.

Gaussian Curvature

Positive curvature indicates bowl shapes; negative Gaussian curvature indicates saddle shapes; zero curvature indicates flat surface in one direction. Cones, Cylinders, and planes zero Gaussian curvature.

Degree

Specifies how often the spline segment bends; 1 = no bends, 2 = 1 bend, and so on.

Kink

A sharp corner in an otherwise smooth spline.

Knot

Points on splines where the polynomial segments meet.

Network

Surface that bridges curves and edges between surfaces or solids

Occluded Lines

Hidden lines in visual styles

Zebra Analysis

Black and white stripes that illustrate surface continuity in terms of G0 (position), G1 (tangent), and G2 (curvature); misaligned stripes indicate failure.

 New Cursor and Editing Icons NEW CONSTRAIN BAR ICONS AutoCAD 2011 adds an orange dot to the cursor icons of fix, horizontal, and vertical constraints so that you can distinguish between point and object constraints. Constraint

Point Icon

Object Icon

Fix Horizontal Vertical

There are now three icons for symmetry constraint, to distinguish between point, object, and line symmetry: Constraint Symmetry

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Point Icon

Object Icon

Line Icon

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NEW POLYLINE AND SPLINE EDITING ICONS Copied from AutoCAD 2010’s cursor icons for editing the boundaries of non-associative hatch patterns, AutoCAD 2011 now display the icons during grip editing of polyline segments (press Ctrl to switch between editing modes): Editing Mode

Cursor Icon

Stretching a vertex or segment

(none)

Adding a vertex Removing a vertex Converting an arc segment to a line Converting a line segment to an arc

Splines can now have control vertices, whose points are displayed by the new CvShow command: Spline

Icon

Control vertex

NEW SMOOTHNESS ICONS Certain commands, such as SurfBlend, display icons that indicate the level of smoothness between adjoining surfaces: Icon

Level of Smoothness

...

Meaning

G0

Not smooth or continuous (Position)

G1

Tangent

G2

Continuous curvature

G3

Same rate of curvature (not supported by AutoCAD)

 New Grips The midpoints of polyline segments now have a bar grip for stretching the segment, adding a vertex, and converting the segment between lines and arcs:

Associative hatches now have a round grip in their centers:

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 New Aliases The following new command aliases were added to AutoCAD 2011’s acad.pgp file: Command

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Alias

AnalysisCurvature

CurvatureAnalysis

AnalysisDraftangle

DraftangleAnalysis

AnalysisZebra

Zebra

CvAdd

InsertControlPoint

CvHide

PointOff

CvrRbuild

Rebuild

CvRemove

RemoveControlpoint

CvShow

PointOn

HatchToBack

Hb

IsolateObjects

Isolate

MatBrowserOpen

Mat

PointcloudAttach

PcAttach

PointcloudIndex

PcIndex

Pointcloud

Pc

SurfBlend

BlendSrf

SurfExtend

ExtendSrf

SurfFillet

FilletSrf

SurfNetwork

NetworkSrf

SurfOffset

OffsetSrf

SurfPatch

Patch

SurfSculpt

Createsolid

UnisolateObjects

Unhide, Unisolate

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 

Appendix A

Undocumented Graphics Commands

AutoCAD contains a host of undocumented commands for testing the performance of your computer’s graphics system. The commands are stored in Gs_Test_Group. Use the AppLoad command to load GsTest.arx for these command to operate. Antz controls the ViewCube orientation from the command line; displays all SteeringWheels at once. Command: antz [ViewCube/SteeringWheel/Refresh]: (Enter an option.)

The ViewCube option can be used by macros to change to standard viewpoints. Click on ViewCube part or [?]: (Enter a number or type ?.) Enter a number to orient the ViewCube and the drawing to the related viewpoint: Front=0 Back=1 Bottom=2 Top=3 Left=4 Right=5 FrontBottom=6 FrontTop=7 BackBottom=8 BackTop=9 BottomFront=10 BottomRight=11 TopLeft=12 TopRight=13 LeftFront=14 LeftBack=15 RightFront=16 RightBack=17 FrontBottomLeft=18 FrontBottomRight=19 FrontTopLeft=20 FrontTopRight=21 BackBottomLeft=22 BackBottomRight=23 BackTopLeft=24 BackTopRight=25 East=26 West=27 South=28 North=29 CCW=30 CW=31 Home=32

The SteeringWheel option’s Show Wheel options displays all seven SteeringWheels on the screen at once: [Show wheels/SImulate operation]: (Type S or SI.)

The SImulate option animates sample operations. Enter one of the following numbers: Pan=0 Orbit=1 Look=2 Fly=3 Dolly=4 Zoom=5 Zoom2D=6 Height=7

The Refresh option does not to appear to have an effect.

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136 CaptureTransients command issues the following prompt: Command: capturetransients Enter status of capture transients [oN/oFf] : (Enter N or F.)

FbxListMaterials command lists the names of materials in the current drawing: Command: fbxlistmaterials Materials available are: ByBlock ByLayer Global

FbxSetMaterial command sets the default material for the current drawing: Command: fbxsetmaterial Material name: (Enter the name of a material.)

GlClipBackOn command toggles the back clipping plane: Command: glclipbackon Back Clip On: (Press Enter to toggle on or off.)

GlClipFront command prompts you to position the front clipping plane: Command: glclipfront Enter Front Clipping Plane Position: (Enter a distance.)

GsAutoOrbit command rotates the contents of the current viewport around the x and y axes. Command: gsautoorbit

GsAutoZoomPan command zooms and pans the contents of the current viewport. Command: gsautozoompan

Gsb1 – Gsb5 commands spin the content of the current viewport, and then report the time and speed results, where fps = frames per second: Command: gsb1 Wireframe : 0.556681 seconds, 217.359543 fps Gouraud Shaded : 0.546196 seconds, 221.532253 fps

GsbXy command spins the content of the current viewport, and then reports the time and speed results: Command: gsbxy Wireframe Hidden Line Flat Shaded Gouraud Shaded Realistic Conceptual

: : : : : :

0.551614 0.565170 0.552445 0.557033 0.563588 0.570478

seconds, seconds, seconds, seconds, seconds, seconds,

219.356165 214.095008 219.026183 217.222413 214.695756 212.102712

fps fps fps fps fps fps

GsbXyAutomated command spins the content of the current viewport, and then reports the time and speed results: Command: gsbxyautomated -------------------------------SW -- BC N -------------------------------Wireframe : 0.900274 seconds, Hidden Line : 0.632454 seconds, Flat Shaded : 0.629681 seconds, Gouraud Shaded : 0.623166 seconds, Realistic : 0.629882 seconds, upFront.reSearch

134.403561 191.318385 192.160766 194.169719 192.099413

fps fps fps fps fps

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Conceptual

: 0.628120 seconds, 192.638305 fps

-------------------------------SW -- BC Y -------------------------------Wireframe : 0.526804 seconds, Hidden Line : 0.389133 seconds, Flat Shaded : 0.402841 seconds, Gouraud Shaded : 0.406112 seconds, Realistic : 0.392624 seconds, Conceptual : 0.410698 seconds, -------------------------------HW -- BC N -- GA N -------------------------------Wireframe : 0.626574 seconds, Hidden Line : 0.538070 seconds, Flat Shaded : 0.592528 seconds, Gouraud Shaded : 0.525823 seconds, Realistic : 0.499608 seconds, Conceptual : 0.507953 seconds,

229.686990 310.948032 300.366288 297.947030 308.182985 294.620522

fps fps fps fps fps fps

193.113553 224.877961 204.209717 230.115311 242.190064 238.210832

fps fps fps fps fps fps

-------------------------------HW -- BC Y -- GA N -------------------------------Wireframe : 0.495734 seconds, Hidden Line : 0.502644 seconds, Flat Shaded : 0.499067 seconds, Gouraud Shaded : 0.493050 seconds, Realistic : 0.499708 seconds, Conceptual : 0.495339 seconds,

244.082446 240.726890 242.452636 245.411166 242.141428 244.277008

fps fps fps fps fps fps

-------------------------------HW -- BC N -- GA Y -------------------------------Wireframe : 0.973210 seconds, Hidden Line : 0.494404 seconds, Flat Shaded : 0.511661 seconds, Gouraud Shaded : 0.495045 seconds, Realistic : 0.527085 seconds, Conceptual : 0.615240 seconds,

124.330766 244.739021 236.484709 244.422122 229.564549 196.671278

fps fps fps fps fps fps

-------------------------------HW -- BC Y -- GA Y -------------------------------Wireframe : 0.517366 seconds, Hidden Line : 0.604602 seconds, Flat Shaded : 0.796884 seconds, Gouraud Shaded : 0.647558 seconds, Realistic : 0.603331 seconds, Conceptual : 0.552567 seconds,

233.877103 200.131665 151.841389 186.855852 200.553119 218.977802

fps fps fps fps fps fps

GsbXyConceptual, GsbXyCurrent, GsbXyFlat, GsbXyG3, GsbXyGouraud, GsbXyHidden, GsbXyRealistic, and GsbXyWireframe commands spin the content of the current viewport, and then reports the time and speed result, as above. GsClipBack command prompts you to position the back clipping plane: Command: gsclipback Enter Back Clipping Plane Position: (Enter a distance.)

GsClipFrontOn command toggles the front clipping plane: Command: gsclipfronton Front Clip On: (Press Enter to toggle on or off.) upFront.reSearch

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138 GsDebug and GsTest commands prompt you to select a debugging mode: Command: gsdebug Command [Bias/CloudFailure/deVice/GrabImage/HUD/Multisample]: (Enter an option.)

The Bias option presents this prompt: Bias: (Enter a value.)

The CloudFailure option presents this prompt: nVerts: (Enter a value.)

nVerts appear to specify the the number of vertices. The deVice option switches bewteen OpenGL, DirectX 9, and DirectX 10: Device [OGL/Dx9/Dx10]: (Enter an option.)

The GrabImage option saves the screen image as a PNG file: Grab Image file: (Enter a file name.) Successfully wrote C:\Users\login\Documents\acad.png.

The HUD option adds a heads-up display that reports the frames-per-second speed in realtime: Level [Off/oN]: (Enter O or N).

The Multisample option prompts you for a multisampling rate: Multisampling rate: (Enter a number.)

(From yougamers.com/dictionary: Multisampling is the way DirectX does full-scene anti-aliasing. Multiple samples, called subsamples, of rendered pixels are taken, and blended together before being output to the screen. …the only pixels that are updated are the ones on the edges of visible polygons and not every pixel in the frame…) GsDolly, GsOrbit, GsPan, GsTestBenchmark, GsTestRegress, GsZoom zoom, pan, and/or rotate the current viewport in a variety of display modes. A typical report looks like this: Commandf: gsdolly ------------------------------Wireframe : 750.234080 ms Wireframe : 242.590952 fps Hidden Line : 743.738414 ms Hidden Line : 244.709694 fps Flat Shaded : 751.678699 ms Flat Shaded : 242.124727 fps Gouraud Shaded : 761.111116 ms Gouraud Shaded : 239.124086 fps -----------------------------–

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GsVsTest command displays arrays of boxes, spheres, teapots, and other shapes made of VsTestEntity objects. (Caution: this command may appear to lock up your computer; just wait a few minutes.)

PCloud command displays a point cloud made of RenderBuffer objects: Command: pcloud Number of points : Colors [Single/Multiple] : Specify center point: Specify radius:

Resize command resizes the AutoCAD window: Command: resize AutoCAD drawing area (screensize) is 2027 x 839 AutoCAD window size is 2064 x 1128 AutoCAD drawing area (screensize) is now 942 x 534

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140 TCloud command displays a point cloud made of triangles: Command: tcloud Number of triangles : Colors [Single/Multiple] : Specify center point: Specify radius:

TIP The objects created by the GsVsTest, PCloud, and TCould commands can be removed from the drawing with the Erase command.

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