Customizing the AutoCAD Environment 1
Customizing the AutoCAD
Environment
Sacramento City College
Engineering Design Technology
Customizing the AutoCAD Environment 2
Objectives
Identify and manage AutoCAD file and system settings.
Assign colors and fonts to the text and graphics windows.
Control AutoCAD system variables.
Set options that control display quality and AutoCAD performance
Control shortcut menus
Customizing the AutoCAD Environment 3
OSNAP
The Options dialog box
All changes take place after clicking Apply or
OK.
Settings that are stored within the drawing file
have the AutoCAD drawing icon next to them.
Settings without the icon affect all AutoCAD
drawing sessions.
Customizing the AutoCAD Environment 4
System Variables
System variables
Store values that control AutoCAD functions.
Can be changed by:
Typing the name of the variable at the Command:
prompt.
Specifying a value
Many variables are changed dynamically by
choices made in a dialog box.
Customizing the AutoCAD Environment 5
Managing AutoCAD File and Folder
Paths
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File and Folder Paths
Options dialog box - Files Tab
Some files reside on a network drive.
Other files reside locally and are specifically
created for a particular AutoCAD user.
Locations can be specified.
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File and Folder Paths
Paths
For support and driver files
Text fonts
Menus
AutoLISP files
Object ARX files
Blocks
Linetypes and
Hatch Patterns
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Support File Search Path
Search paths are searched sequentially.
\support
\fonts
\help
\express
\support\color
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Support File Search Path
Folders can be added to this list
Suppose you create a folder named Blocks
All of your blocks could be stored there.
Adding a file
Click ADD button
Click Browse button
Path
C:\Blocks
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Support File Search Path
Add… button
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Support File Search Path
Browse Button:
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Other File Settings
Device drivers
Are specifications for peripherals that work with
AutoCAD
Plotters
Digitizer tablets
Other hardware
By default are stored in the \DRV folder
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Device Driver Path
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Working Support File Search Path
Working Support File Search Path
Lists the active support paths AutoCAD is using.
Are only listed for reference; they cannot be
changed.
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Project Files Search Path
Options dialog box – Project Files
List folder locations for project folders.
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Customization Files
Options dialog box – Customization Files
Specifies the names of the main and enterprise
customization files.
Specifies the location of custom icon files.
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Help and Misc File Names
Options dialog box – Help/Misc Files
Specifies which files are used for the help file and
default Internet location.
Also specifies the location of the configuration file
Customizing the AutoCAD Environment 20
Text Editor, Dictionary, Font Files
Options dialog box – Text Editor/Dictionary
Specifies which files are used for the text editor
application
Main and custom dictionaries
Alternative font file
Location of font mapping file.
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Print File, Spooler, Prolog Section Names
Options dialog box – Print/Spooler Files
Sets the file names for
the plot file for legacy plotting scripts
The print spool executable file
The PostScript prolog section name.
Customizing the AutoCAD Environment 22
Printer Support File Path
Options dialog box – Printer Support File Path
Specifies the print spool file path
The printer configuration search path
The printer description file search path
The plot style table search path.
Customizing the AutoCAD Environment 23
Automatic Save File Location
Options dialog box – Automatic Save File
Location
Specifies path where the autosave (.sv$) file is
stored.
An autosave file is only created if the Automatic
save option is checked in the Open and Save tab
of the Options dialog box.
Customizing the AutoCAD Environment 24
Color Book Location
Options dialog box – Color Book Location
Specifies paths for Color Book files that can be
used when specifying colors in the Select Color
dialog box.
Customizing the AutoCAD Environment 25
Data Sources Location
Options dialog box – Data Sources Location
Specifies the path for database source (.udl) files
Customizing the AutoCAD Environment 26
Template Settings
Options dialog box – Template Settings
Specifies the default location for drawing and sheet
set template files and the file names for the
defaults.
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Tool Palettes File Locations
Options dialog box – Tool Palettes
Specifies the path for tool palette support files.
Customizing the AutoCAD Environment 28
Log File Location
Options dialog box – Help/Misc Files
Specifies the path for the AutoCAD log file.
A log file is only created if the Maintain a log file
option is checked in the Open and Save tab of the
Options dialog box.
Customizing the AutoCAD Environment 29
Action Recorder Settings
Options dialog box – Action Recorder
Specifies search and storage paths for the action
recorder macro (.actm) files.
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Plot and Publish Log File Locations
Options dialog box – Plot/Publish Log Files
Specifies the path for the log file for “plot and
publish” operations.
A log file is only created if the Automatically save
plot and publish log check box in the Plot and
Publish tab of the Options dialog box is checked.
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Temporary Drawing File Location
Options dialog box – Temporary Drawing File
Specifies the folder where AutoCAD stores
temporary drawing files.
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Temporary External Reference File Location
Options dialog box – Temporary Xref File
Specifies the location where temporary external
reference files are placed.
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Texture Maps Search Path
Options dialog box – Texture Map Search
Path
Specifies the folder where AutoCAD stores texture
map files for rendering.
3D applications
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Web File Search Path
Options dialog box – Web File Search Path
Specifies the folders to search for files associated
with photometric weblight lighting.
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Customizing the Graphics Window
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Customizing Graphics Window
Tools > Options > Display Tab
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Customizing Graphics Window
Window Elements
Controls the color scheme
Color scheme controls the outline color of the
ribbon and status bar.
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Customizing Graphics Window
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Customizing Graphics Window
On/Off choices
Scroll bars on/off
Drawing status bar on/off
Large/small buttons for toolbars
Resizing ribbon icons
Showing tooltips
Showing shortcut keys
Extended commands in tooltips
Showing roll-over tooltips.
Cross-hair size
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Customizing Graphics Window
Colors
Select a context
Context is one of the environments or modes that
is set current when a new drawing is started based
on the acad3D.dwt template.
Context: list
Names of all contexts.
Model Space
Layout Space
Block Editor
Command line
Plot preview
3D parallel projection / 3D perspective projection
Customizing the AutoCAD Environment 43
Customizing Graphics Window
Interface elements
An item that is visible in a given context.
Uniform background
Crosshairs
Viewport control
Grid major lines
Grid minor lines
Autotract vector
2d Autosnap marker
3d Autosnap marker
Dynamic dimension lines
Drafting tool tip
Drafting tool tip background
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Customizing Graphics Window
Restore current element
Resets to default color
Restore current context
Resets all elements to default colors
Restore all contexts
Resets all elements in all contexts to defaults.
Restore classic colors
Traditional black background in 2D model space
Customizing the AutoCAD Environment 45
Customizing Graphics Window
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Customizing Graphics Window
Changing Fonts
Font used in the Command: prompt window
Has NO effect on the drawing text.
Default is Courier New 10 point.
Customizing the AutoCAD Environment 47
Customizing Graphics Window
Layout Display Settings
Affects layout space
Display Layout and Model Tabs
Display printable area
Display paper background
Display paper shadow
Show Page Setup Manager for new layouts
Create viewport in new layouts.
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Display Resolution/Performance
Display resolution
Arc and circle smoothness
Segments in a polyline curve
Rendered object smoothness
Display performance
Pan and Zoom with raster and OLE
Highlight raster image frame only
Apply solid fill
Show text boundary frame only
Draw true silhouettes for solids and surfaces
Customizing the AutoCAD Environment 49
File Saving Options
Default Settings for Saving Files
AutoCAD 2010, 2011, 2012 files are all compatible
Maintain visual fidelity for annotative objects
Determines how drawings with individual objects greater
than 256 MB are handled.
Previous versions could not have objects larger than
256 MB.
If save drawing to a legacy format (2009 or earlier), will
have compatibility with large drawing objects (> 256 MB)
Checking this option maintans compatibility with earlier
versions by telling AutoCAD to check for large objects.
If large objects exist, an alert will be generated requiring
resolution of this issue before drawing can be saved.
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File Saving Options
Maintain drawing size compatibility
Variable - LARGEOBJECTSUPPORT.
Thumbnails Preview Settings dialog box
Save a thumbnail box
If checked thumbnail will be generated.
Use View when drawing last saved
Bases thumbnail on the last zoom when saved.
Use Home View
Bases thumbnail on the view defined as the home
view.
Set current View as Home
Sets home view to the current view.
Reset Home to default
Resets home view to default setting
Customizing the AutoCAD Environment 51
File Saving Options
Generate Sheet, Sheet View and Model View
Thumbnails
Thumbnail Preview Settings
When checked, thumbnails are based on one of
three choices.
Middle position – (default setting) thumbnails are
updated when they are accessed
Left Position – thumbnails must be manually updated
Right position – thumbnails are updated when drawing is
saved.
Customizing the AutoCAD Environment 52
File Saving Options
Variable – UPDATETHUMBNAIL settings:
0 – The Generate sheet, Sheet View, and Model
View Thumbnails check box is unchecked.
7 – The check box is checked and the slider is in
the left-hand position
15 – The check box is checked and the slider is in
the middle position.
23 – The check box is checked and the slider is in
the right hand position
Maximum size in pixels slider:
Controls size of thumbnails
0 = 64, 1 = 128, 2 = 256 pixels
Customizing the AutoCAD Environment 53
Autosave Settings
When working in AutoCAD, data loss can
occur if power outage occurs.
Automatic save check box
If checked, AutoCAD automatically creates a
backup file at the specified time interval.
Customizing the AutoCAD Environment 54
Autosave Settings
Minutes between saves edit box
Sets the time between automatic saves
Does not overwrite the source drawing file with
incremental saves.
Saves temporary files instead, which have
extension .sv$
Temporary files can be renamed to .dwg and
opened.
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Autosave Settings
Time interval value
Set to the maximum amount of work you are willing to
redo.
If set too long, will lose a lot of work
If set too soon, computer will constantly be unavailable
because of file saves.
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Autosave Settings
Backup Files
Can automatically be created when current
drawing is saved.
Has a .bak extension
Backup is not overwritten when a different drawing
is opened or saved.
Create backup copy with each save
When checked, backup file is created
Good idea to have this option enabled.
Customizing the AutoCAD Environment 57
CRC Validation
CRC – cyclic redundancy check
Verifies that the number of data bits sent is the
same as the number received.
Useful when drawing files are being corrupted, and
a hardware or software problem is suspected.
Check is performed every time data are read into
the drawing.
Ensures all data are correctly received.
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Log Files
Log files
Record of command actions
Can be used for
Finding the source of drawing errors that produce
the incorrect results.
By a CAD manager to determine the need for staff
training or customization of a system.
Evaluating potential employees for CAD
competence.
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Log Files
Maintain a log file check box.
File requires a name
Extension: .log
Variables
LOGFILEON
LOGFILEOFF
Customizing the AutoCAD Environment 60
Security Settings
Can be used to apply a password and digital
signature to the drawing.
Display digital signature information
When checked, shows this information when
opening a drawing that has a digital signature.
Customizing the AutoCAD Environment 61
File Opening Settings
File Open Area – Number of recently-used
files
Controls the number of drawing files listed in the
File pull-down menu.
0 to 9 files
Display full path in title
Controls whether the entire drawing file path or just
the file name is displayed in the title bar of the
AutoCAD window.
Customizing the AutoCAD Environment 62
Application Menu Settings
Application Menu
Controls the number of drawing files displayed in
the Recent Documents entry in the application
menu.
Range: 0-50
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External Reference Settings
External References Area
Demand load Xrefs:
Affects system performance
Affects the ability of another user to edit a drawing
currently referenced into another drawing.
Enabled
Disabled
Enabled with Copy
Variable: XLOADCTL
Customizing the AutoCAD Environment 64
External Reference Settings
Retain changes to Xref layers option
If checked, xref layer settings are saved with the
drawing file.
Allow other users to Refedit current drawing
Controls whether or not the drawing can be edited
in-place when it is referenced by another drawing.
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System Settings
System Settings - Options for
Pointing device
Graphics settings
General system options
dbConnect and
Web-based help
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System Settings
Options for default Pointing device
Usually the mouse
Could be a digitizer tablet
Layout Regen Options
Controls what is regenerated and when it is
regenerated when working with layout tabs.
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System Settings
Options for dbConnect
Store Links index in drawing file
When checked, the database index is saved within the
drawing file.
This makes the link selection operation quicker, but
increases the drawing file size.
Open tables in read-only mode
Determines whether tables are opened in read-only
mode.
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System Settings
Options for General system options
Control general system function
Hidden meesages Settings
When checked, the Hidden Message Settings dialog box
is displayed.
All messages hidden by the user when picking the “do
not show again” option in a message box are available in
this dialog box.
Allows you to re-enable display of the “do not show
again” messages even though they have been disabled
by previous users.
Customizing the AutoCAD Environment 69
System Settings
Options for General system options
Display OLE Text Size Dialog
When inserting an OLE object, the OLE Text Size dialog
box is displayed.
Beep on error in user input
Specifies whether AutoCAD alerts you of incorrect user
input with an audible beep.
Default setting is off
Load acad.lsp with every drawing
Turns the persistent AuoLISP feature on/off
Default setting is off
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System Settings
Options for General system options
Allow long symbol names
If checked, symbol names can be 255 characters.
If unchecked, symbol names can only be 31 characters.
Access online content (including Help)
Determines how assistance is obtained with Help
Command.
If checked, a web browser is opened, and online help
from the Autodesk’s website will be displayed.
If unchecked, local help file is used
Default browser can be selected.
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System Settings
Options for General system options
Balloon notifications
Button opens the InfoCenter Settings dialog box.
Enable balloon notification for these sources
If checked, balloon notifications are enabled.
Live update channel
Software updates enable on/off
Did you know
Messages and tips enabled on/off
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User Preferences
AutoCAD allows users to optimize the way
they work in the program. Double-click editing
Shortcut menu functions
Insertion units
Hyperlink icon display
Working with fields
Coordinate data entry
Associative dimensions
Undo/redo control
Block editor settings
Default lineweight settings and
Scale list settings
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User Preferences
Double-click editing
Opens the most appropriate editing tool for that
object type.
Often is the Properties palette.
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User Preferences
Double-click editing
Opens the most appropriate editing tool for that
object type.
Often is the Properties palette.
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User Preferences
Short-cut menus
Displayed by right-clicking
Are context sensitive.
The options available in the shortcut menu are
determined by the active command, cursor location or
selected object.
If off
Right-click is like [Enter]
Generally not recommended
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User Preferences
Right-click Customization
Turn on time-sensitive right-click.
Quick click = [Enter]
Long click = [shortcut menu]
Duration of long click is set in milliseconds.
Default
No objects are selected, and no command is active
Repeat Last Command
Activates the last command issued.
Shortcut Menu
Displays the shortcut menu
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User Preferences
Edit Mode
An object is selected, but no command is active
Repeat Last Command
Activates the last command issued.
Shortcut Menu
Displays the shortcut menu
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User Preferences
Command Mode
A command mode is active
Enter option
[right-click] = [Enter]
Shortcut Menu: always enabled
Always displayed
Shortcut Menu: enabled when command options are
present
The shortcut menu is only displayed when command
options are available on the command line.
If no commands are active, a right-click is the same
as pressing [Enter]
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User Preferences
Insertion Scale
Unit values can be set for objects when they are
inserted into drawings.
Either Unitless objects dragged from the Design Center
OR
Inserted objects using the i-drop method.
Source content units:
Specifies the units for objects being inserted into the
drawing.
Target drawing units:
Determines the units in the current drawing.
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Hyperlinks
User Preferences Tab - Hyperlink area
Controls whether or not the hyperlink cursor and
tooltip are displayed when the cursor is over a
hyperlink.
Display hyperlink cursor, tooltip, and shortcut
menu
If enabled, the hyperlink icon appears next to the
crosshairs when over a hyperlink object.
Tooltip is displayed.
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Fields
Field
Is a special type of text object that displays a
specific property value, setting or characteristic.
Can display
Information related to a specific object
General drawing properties
Information related to the current user or computer.
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Fields
User-preferences – Fields
Can control whether or not a field is displayed with
a non-plotting background
Display background of fields
When checked, the field background is displayed light
gray.
Field Update Settings dialog box
Can set when fields are automatically updated.
Open
Save
Plot
eTransmit
Regen
Customizing the AutoCAD Environment 83
Coordinate Data Priority
User Preferences – Priority for Coordinate
Data Entry
Controls how AutoCAD responds to input of
coordinate data.
Three options
Running object snap
Object snaps always override coordinate entry
Keyboard entry
Coordinate entry always overrides object snaps
Keyboard entry except scripts
Coordinate entry will override object snaps except
object snaps contained within scripts
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Associative Dimensioning
By default, all dimensions are associative
The dimension value automatically changes when
a dimension’s defpoints are moved.
This option can be turned off
User Preferences – Associative Dimensioning
When unchecked, dimensions do not have
associativity.
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Undo/Redo
User Preferences – Undo/Redo
Control how multiple consecutive zooms and pans
are handled within the UNDO and REDO
commands.
Combine zoom and pan commands
When checked back-to-back zooms and pans are
considered a single operation for undo and redo
purposes.
When unchecked, each zoom and pan are separate
events when using UNDO and REDO.
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Undo/Redo
User Preferences – Undo/Redo
Combine layer property change
When checked, all changes made in the Layer Properties
Manager palette are considered one operation.
When unchecked, all changes made in the Layer
Properties Manager palette are considered as separate
events when using UNDO and REDO.
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Block Editor Settings
User Preferences - Lineweight Settings
Can set default lineweight.
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Block Editor Settings
User Preferences - Edit Scale List
Controls list of scales that appear in various dialog
boxes.
Used with viewports, page setups and plot scaling.
Custom scales can be added / removed.
You may want to remove scales from the list that are
never used in your work.
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Block Editor Settings
User Preferences - Block Editor Settings
Lineweight Settings and
Edit Scale List
Customizing the AutoCAD Environment 90
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