i have autocad 2011 install but its the 'unregistered version.' how do i get a license? (or better yet, how do i get the free 3 yr student trial?)

I am learning XData, and there is several things i do not understand about it. The help file is not much of a help, so can someone please give me an example to create a simple (string/integer type) Xdata, that would be a big helpOr at the very least, please tell me how to check if a XData is working or not. Right now, i got some code without bug, but I do not know this is because i got the code right or simply forgot to add some critical line.

Hi, I have a patterned extrusion in a part. I need to supress the first occurence in this pattern but the option to do so in the context menu is not available when right clicking the 1st occurence  The remaining occurences are suppressable. Is this normal behavoir when patterning in a part file? Thank you Craig

Hello I love designing just about anything recently i finally decided to start learning alias i do sketches of cars but i want to learn how to create 3d models of those cars and i was wondering if there is a way i can start learning things i'm very familiar with Inventor but thats the only software i've used so far so please if anyone can tell how i can learn and get well at Alias Automotive Please help Thanks

With 2 different types of curtainwall joining at the corner, we are unable to have the horizontal mullion mitred join with the vertical corner mullion. Is there a way to cut of the redundant bit? Or any work-around that you know of?

Hoping someone can advise.I work in an engineering company.I sometimes am given drawings which are done in a software package called LSS of which I do not know much, these drawings are  usually to show a model of a bund, by using contours of a site on which I am working and are saved by LSS in a dxf format so I can then import them into my autocad drawing. The problem I have is that I also have drawings of the same site from a surveyor which has the buildings new and existing, but they are in different units. The surveyors drawing for instance the grid measures 100000mm whereas the LSS model drawings the grid is 100m. This means the coordinates are different so it is dificult to match them up , the only way is I have found is to rescale the LSS drawing up by 1000, then find a common intersection ie corner of boundary line. This is not always very accurate. The guys who do the LSS drawings tell me they cannot change the units to mm. Does anyone know if this is correct.

I am trying to make this: L:\Engineering\0208037\SURVEY\DRAWINGS turn into this: L:\Engineering\0208037\DRAWINGS I am using the dwgprefix and it returns the first string and i want to make it in the second string as a new variable or replace the old variable so i can use it in a save as routine i am working on.The problem is sometimes them project number (0208037) will be longer or shorter so i can't use the substr command 2012 all sp's.and thanks to you all.

Hello,We PDF drawings to send to clients.  Of course we have a concern for the resulting presentation quality.An example of the problems we encounter occur with the elevation drawings.  Most of them contain hatches  & patterns that need to be displayed in the final drawing.  However, when we plot to a PDF drawing from within AutoCAD, many of those patterns will disappear in the PDF copy.I am aware that if we plot a drawing to PDF the quality will be better.  However, my file size increases exponentially - starting with a 300+k DWG file - it suddenly balloons to a 1.0mb PDF file.  If I use the "Export - PDF" option - the resulting PDF file is smaller (within the same files size range as the original DWG).  But, I consistently lose many of my hatch patterns.My question:How do I maintain my hatch patterns when creating a PDF?How do I reduce (optimize) my PDF files? Thank you

The percentage format doesn’t appear in the table I’m wondering to show the calculated numbers in the table in the percentage format (%) Thank you in advance, Best Jamal     

The AutoCAD doesn’t show the “intersect osnap” at certain zoom! I’m not sure about this behavior The “intersection osnap” between a “hatched rectangle” and a “DASHDOT2” line appears and disappears depending on the amount of zoom! As I zoom out the “intersection osnap” appears but when I zoom in, it disappears Is there any explanation for this behavior? Why the "intersection Osnap" should disappear as I zoom in? Thank you Regards Jamal    

Hi all, Apologies for the brain fade... What is the variable that controls the order in which objects are selected? In other words, I want to be able to always select the last object created by default when objects are overlapping without using object cycling... ThanksJohn

Hey! I've been using Autocad for about 3 years now, i recently got a Mac. I'm getting really annoyed with the constant apperance of the spinning wheel of death whenever i copy/paste. Now i'm having an even more worrying problem, everytime i draw anything i'm getting the spining wheel of death. its really annoying and it takes me ages to complete a drawing!system details:Mac OS X version 10.7.7Processor 2.3 GHz Intel Core i7Memory 8 GB 1333 MHz DDR3 the drawing i'm working on atm is only 3 MB so its not even that big!I really need to solve this problem, i'm a 3rd year architecture student so i spend loads of time using this programme.  please help! 

I have LT on 1 monitor and the layer dialogue permanent open on another. Sometimes when I create a new layer and color, then start drawing the drawing screen does not take on the properties as defined.I then have to change the color to a random value then change it again for it to update. Any suggestions? Is this an LT problem or ATI driver prob?

Is it possible to use ApprenticeServerComponent to create 3D DWF files?  if so where can I find an example? 

Show on Place ComponentIf I set this to true, then when I "place iLogic component", I don't get the form displayed or the parameter table or the model preview.  Any ideas why?  If set True, displays the form when placing this model as a component in an assembly. This setting affects Place Component and Place iLogic Component. If the template file has a form, this setting also affects Create In-Place Component.  

I am trying to link a hole feature in a part in an assembly with the number of a particular feature in another part within the assembly.  Let me clarify that, I have a base plate part with a coutersunk hole feature that I want to pattern by linking it to the number of bosses in another part within the same assembly.  Any suggestion on how to do this?  I have tried and tried to figure it out myself but haven't succeeded.  Thanks.

I have several 2007 inventor models and drawings.  I don't have Autodesk, but I downloaded the 2008 Autodesk View since that was the oldest version available for download.  I have Solidworks 2012 also.  Neither of these options allow me to view 2007 Inventor files.  Does anyone know how I can view these?

I've got a 24X36in portrait sheet style set up with 0 margins. I've also got plot-by-page style set up with the minimum grid spacing and 0 for the distance between pages and distance between rows and columns. Why the &*%$ can't I get two columns on each sheet? It just plots one column per page and a bunch of open space. There is plenty of room to fit two columns so what is stopping it? TIA

Hi Everyone, I can't seem to get my profile start and end station labels to appear even after I checked "Label start station" and "label end station" in the profile view properties.  Any thoughts? Thanks in advance, Stu

When I change my survey database working folder it also changes the working folder for my vault projects and visa versa.  This has been causing problems lately if someone is using survey databases and forgets to set the working folder back to their local drive before checking their drawing out of vault.  The result ends up with vault project folders (normally created on our local drives) being created in the same location of all of our survey database folders (normally created on our project server). Is their any way to have the working folders for vault projects and survey databases separate from each other? Thanks, Alicia

I have an Existing Surface i created from survey data. I have a Proposed Surface i created with feature lines. Now i want to create grading around the outside portions of my Proposed Surface. I create the Grading Group and specified a projection surface and selected a Criteria Set for a 3:1 slope to match back to Existing Surface. I select the Feature Line i wish to create the grading from and progress through the cut and fill prompts and nothing happens. Nothing gets created. I have tried an audit on the drawing to see if errors are causing the problem and there are no errors. What am I doing wrong here. I use this tool all the time and this problem comes up frequently. Especially if i have made any surface adjustments. Please help.

I used to be able to drag my leader wires with grips on my wire labels.  Now I cannot.  Is there a variable setting that I need to change?  (See attached)

I am still new to Revit. (that being said) I have a job that we LINKED the Clients Revit Model into our Revit Model, I only need their Precast slab and Precast wall to show up dark in my drawings. What is the best way to accomplish this? The client's model is the Central model. we are not doing any fancy real time update. They send the file, I replace it, it updates in my link, but right it's showing to much unnecessary information. some of the precast is in "system model groups" in their file, some is not. How do i control this in the mu views. After looking picking apart their job more, Maybe I can be a little more clear about my Request. I have a linked Revit Model into my job that has worksets in it (the worksets are in the linked revit model). I would like to turn off certain type of categories, and only show others, in my views.

I have Vault set-up on my server at home. The router is configured to pass through on port 80. I am able to log into Vault from within the server, and from other machines on the local network. Outside of the network, IIS is visible- feel free to have a look: http://184.17.89.171/ But when I try to log into Vault from outside the network- I constantly get the "server not found" message. I figured if I can see IIS, and AutodeskDM then it Inventor should be able to log in. Is there a configuration I am overlooking that would allow local network users to log-in but exclude external users, even though external users can successfully see IIS on the machine? Thanks,

Hi my question is how vault manage the files and models, for example, if my files are stored in the server, when i open this files, a temporal copy is created in my computer to work?  can i have two file storage servers on diferent places, and if i need to work in place1 take the model in the server1, and if i work in the place2 take the model in the server2? can this work with a VPN on diferent countries? Tanks a lot. 

Hi All,We've recently converted all our microstation drawings to autocad now that the company has decided to go with one cad program company wide. One of the issues we are having after getting the drawings back from the this co. converting them is the cells to blocks convertion inside the drawing. when we open a drawing and see a "Fuse" block for instance and if it a has multiple inserts, it named them:FuseFuse_1Fuse_2 etc.... is there a lisp routine or some command that would replace the "Fuse_*" blocks with "Fuse"I've been searching the forums and know about the express tool Replace Block but need to be able to automate somehow.I thought about trying to rename each of the "Fuse_*" but of course it won't let you rename to a block name that already exists...thanks in advance for any help!!

I have my Autosave set to 5 min. If I Save does the timer start then and Autosave 5 min for the time a Saved? Or does it Autosave every 5 min from the time I open AutoCAD? Thanks Matt

Check out the self-paced guide “My First Plug-in”

http://www.autodesk.com/myfirstautocadplugin

Are you an AutoCAD® power user with an interest in becoming even more productive? Would you like to automate or extend the capabilities of AutoCAD, but are new to computer programming? If so, then this guide is designed for you.
 
“My First Plug-in” is a self-paced tutorial guide for a smooth introduction to the programming world. This is a “one-stop shop” learning path for users who know Autodesk products but are absolutely new to programming and are thinking about taking the plunge. In this guide, you will be working with the AutoCAD .NET Application Programming Interface (API) and the Visual Basic .NET programming language to create a ‘plug-in’ – a module that loads into AutoCAD to extend its functionality. Once you have finished this tutorial, you will understand the basics of .NET programming and how they are applied to AutoCAD.
 
There are many resources available on the web for you to learn about the AutoCAD .NET API. However, these resources tend to be designed for people who already know programming. This guide is different: it assumes no previous programming knowledge and yet helps you build your first plug-in quickly, without swamping you with details. You’ll have a working application within an hour of starting this material, irrespective of your current level of programming expertise.
 
The guide will start by reviewing the benefits of customizing Autodesk software before moving on to lessons covering the use of the AutoCAD .NET API. The lessons will start by building a working plug-in before covering more detailed explanations of the underlying principles and further developing the plug-in’s functionality.
 
Product: AutoCAD 2012* Programming Language: Visual Basic .NET Application Programming Interface (API): AutoCAD .NET API *This guide was created for ‘vanilla’ AutoCAD 2012. However, all steps in this guide are applicable to any AutoCAD ‘vertical’ product (AutoCAD Architecture, AutoCAD Civil 3D, etc.). The AutoCAD .NET API is common to all these products; each vertical adds its own specialized API on top of the AutoCAD .NET API. The code shown will also work in AutoCAD 2010 and 2011 (just substitute 2010 or 2011 whenever you read 2012).

If you have any feedback on this new guide let us know at myfirstplugin@autodesk.com

Check out the self-paced guide “My First Plug-in”
http://www.autodesk.com/myfirstautocadplugin

Are you an AutoCAD® power user with an interest in becoming even more productive? Would you like to automate or extend the capabilities of AutoCAD, but are new to computer programming? If so, then this guide is designed for you.
 
“My First Plug-in” is a self-paced tutorial guide for a smooth introduction to the programming world. This is a “one-stop shop” learning path for users who know Autodesk products but are absolutely new to programming and are thinking about taking the plunge. In this guide, you will be working with the AutoCAD .NET Application Programming Interface (API) and the Visual Basic .NET programming language to create a ‘plug-in’ – a module that loads into AutoCAD to extend its functionality. Once you have finished this tutorial, you will understand the basics of .NET programming and how they are applied to AutoCAD.
 
There are many resources available on the web for you to learn about the AutoCAD .NET API. However, these resources tend to be designed for people who already know programming. This guide is different: it assumes no previous programming knowledge and yet helps you build your first plug-in quickly, without swamping you with details. You’ll have a working application within an hour of starting this material, irrespective of your current level of programming expertise.
 
The guide will start by reviewing the benefits of customizing Autodesk software before moving on to lessons covering the use of the AutoCAD .NET API. The lessons will start by building a working plug-in before covering more detailed explanations of the underlying principles and further developing the plug-in’s functionality.
 
Product: AutoCAD 2012* Programming Language: Visual Basic .NET Application Programming Interface (API): AutoCAD .NET API *This guide was created for ‘vanilla’ AutoCAD 2012. However, all steps in this guide are applicable to any AutoCAD ‘vertical’ product (AutoCAD Architecture, AutoCAD Civil 3D, etc.). The AutoCAD .NET API is common to all these products; each vertical adds its own specialized API on top of the AutoCAD .NET API. The code shown will also work in AutoCAD 2010 and 2011 (just substitute 2010 or 2011 whenever you read 2012).

If you have any feedback on this new guide let us know at myfirstplugin@autodesk.com

Is it possible to migrate settings from Autocad 2011 to Autocad 2012 on 2 different computers.Bought new computer and installed Autocad 2012. I never installed Autocad 2012 on old computer.Am I forced to load 2011 on new computer, migrate settings from old computer and then migrate settingsto Autocad 2012. Please advise. Thanks

We are trying to test AutoCAD LT 2012 trial before we commit, and because of our network security settings the firewall is blocking ports 1494 and 2598.  We have full and LT versions of AutoCAD 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010 and have never ran into this problem.  Before the director will allow those ports to be opened he wants to know why AutoCAD LT 2012 trial requires them.  I've contacted customer support but they didn't have an answer.  I know the ports are used by Citrix ICA, but how is that incorporated with AutoCAD LT 2012 trial?  Will these ports be required in the non trial versions? 

We moved your post to the Installation & Licensing forum where there is likely to be more active feedback on the topic.

Ok i had a ipart that i already published into the content center library, how do i go back and edit the model? not all the published data but the ipart model its self 

I'm looking to add the name of the person printing the document as well as the date to any paper copies printed.  However, since everythign is stored in Vault, this needs to be done without making any changes to the document that require saving the document. Ideally this would be automatic(requiring no user input). I've used both iLogic and built Inventor Addins before.  Any suggestion for where I should start?

There was an old post regarding 3d grips...but I followed that thread to no resolution.My issue is that there is no 3D grip option in my marking menu. I have the option enabled under Application Tools -> parts and have also made sure the Data Interoperabilty is loaded. It is a shared computer and a colleague can log in under his profile and he does have the 3D Grips, so it is something user specific but I cannot seems to find the issue.

Hello!Is it possible to pull out the x,y,z coordinates to text file from a inventor part. I am aware about this that it maybe need some programming but what kind of programming Language is the best to use ? is it possible to use the build in programming Language called Ilogic? Or is it better to use some .net or what do you suggest? At my work we use PDMS to do plant modelling and we want to use inventor for modelling the machines and doing the workshop drawings ect. And we want to be able to take the inventor part coordinates and transfer them to PDMS because it can model the machines just by coordinates taken from a text fil. Thx in Advance for the answers

Hi Guys, Really dumb question, but is it possible to hide the dimension lines like in the attached picture? Thanks,Rob 

When opening from Vault, it's often necessary to arrange files by type, name, or other properties.  Currently, you can't sort by type, only filter by type. The shortcuts pane is nice, but it would be really nice to be able to add custom columns to the browser that can be sorted (such as type, part number, filename, vendor, etc...). Anyone else wishing for the same?  I ran a quick search in the forums for previous posts, but didn't find the exact topic.  Found some people struggling with the ability to sort by filename back in 2008 and some other posts with no responses.  Please forgive me if this is a repost.

Hello everyone, Does anyone know how to change the default template (Ctrl + N or icon) to whatever in house template we may have set up? Thanks

Ok, again I am attempting to use the spec editor to create a PE pipe spec.  What I am trying to avoid is modeling each and every fitting needed.  So I am trying out the <Create New Compoent> <Use Plant 3D Parametric Graphics> The pipe lengths turn out great.  no issue.  The pipe fittings always have issues.Compoent Category <fittings>Piping Comonent <Elbow>Primary End Type <BV> and I set my size range, which I edit in the <size> area of the <Editing Piping Compoent Sizes>So for a 90 Ell, all the ports have the same properties.I enter the Nominal Diameter / Matching Pipe OD / wall thickness also testing the pipe spec ( only 2 components currently pipe length and 90 ell ) there is a sizeable gapbetween the fitting and the pipe length. for the pipe lengths, I did not touch the <Size Parameter> and the pipe always comes out the right size.but for the 90 Ell, it is way to large.  this happens every time.  Do I have to re edit the 7 size parametersfor every pipe fitting?  if so, I will just model myself the 25 pipe fittings for each type of fitting since it would be less time. I would have guessed it would scale the <size Parameters> to match the <matching pipe OD> am I wrong or just doing something very wrong.

Hello,I'm getting ready to install AutoCAD Civil 3D on my computer and I like using the AutoCAD classic toolbars instead of the newer ribbon.  Does AutoCAD 2012 still have the classic toolbar that you can switch to? Thank you.

C3D 2010I have a alignemnt that I need to move the starting point 120' east of where it is now.I've treid a slew of thing to no avail. Can this be easily done?I already have existing profiles for the current alignment. TIA Bo

I had some problems with the xml's civ3d is exporting for other software. Are there option as to what goes in the xml that is exported? Someone is telling me that I need try just getting the points and breaklines in the xml from CIV3d. Am I missing something here?

Hello, I created an enclosed "object" adding break lines to two different surfaces. (Please refer to the attached drawing) The blue surface shown on the attached drawing is a set of break lines added to "Surface A" and then the red is the other set of break lines added to "Surface B". I have already generated the volume enclosed within the surfaces by doing a surface to surface volume calculation. My Question: I want to combine the enclosed volume created by Surface A & Surface B into a 3D "Block" that give me the volume information. Is there a way? Thank you

does this make sense to you experienced Civil 3d users: for every code (1410) that brings in a symbol (ex Iron pins, ex hydrants) I would create an individual point style for that point with a layer for the marker/symbol and a layer for the label... then I would create a single point style for points that do not create symbols (ground shots, tops and toes, centerline shots)...in this style I would have the marker and the label be placed on layer "0" and let the description key file place it on a specific layer based on the code... that way I avoid making a point style for 50 -100 different codes that I essentially want to display the same way...

When we set up a central file we put (central) after the file name as we have been doing in all of or revit models since 2009, now we are in revit 2012 and seem to be having problems Renaming the files after we name it with the (central) and than make local copies on to or own local computers and rename the file with or initials IE; (JWM) after the file only one person can do it after that no one else can make a local copy and rename it with there initials.this only happens in 2012. does anyone know why this is and what can be done to fix it?. this is how we have been doing it with no problems in any other version and we all can work in or local copies and sync to central, now we have this problem.

The OOTB junction box family (square) seems to be floor based, although I see no floor or face in the family file itself. The standard option to Edit Work Plane or change face is not available when creating an instance or afterward. And I see no option to rotate the instance, like a steel angle or something.  Am I missing something here? For something so simple, I was hoping I wouldn't have to create another family.

When I go to save my parent document (assembly or drawing), sometime Inventor prompts you to save a reference file (model) you never edited.  Sometimes you can simply open an assembly and some of the reference say they need saving (how is that even possible, I didn't modify a thing)!  Based on the message (Yes, Write Enabled not checked out from Vault) it made me think somehow the file's read-only attribute somehow got turn off but alas read-only is on as it should be.  What does this message even mean? I know I can do a checkout then check it back in to resolve the situation but it's undesirable to populate the Vault with unwanted extra versions just to resoves some qerks.  What causes this and is there a better workararond?

Hello, I have an FDO layer which I am styling like so:Concat ( FDO_LAYER1,  Concat ( '\n',  FDO_LAYER2  )   ) This layer is styled so that all text is centered. In this case, FDO_LAYER2 is having it's text left aligned. I'm pretty sure this is due to the '\n' method I am using for a new line. Is there something else I can use to break the line and maintain the center styling? Using a second point for FDO_LAYER2 is not an option. Thanks.

I'm the GIS manager for a state agency, and until now we have been importing our .dwg files into ArcGIS 10 and using a spatial adjust to georeference the drawings and then push them out to our web mapper.  Recently I've decided to give a try working with the data in it's native environment and they managed to move a Map3D license that wasn't getting used over to me.  So far I have been able to use the rubber sheet tool to georeference the files after they have been loaded as Xrefs that are overlays.  We're doing it this way so that if our engineers or architects update the asbuilt data the changes will automatically show up in Map3D. The issue I'm having now is using MAPEXPORT to convert the georeferenced xref .dwgs to a shapefile so we can push that data up to ArcGIS server.  When I try to export the data I get an AutoCAD Map Warning "No entity to Export".  I've selected the data I want under the Data tab and have the Object type selected as Line.  The only time this doesn't give me an error is when I have the Object Type set to Point, and when I open that file in ArcMap there is only a single point.  Is it possible to export a group of xrefs to a .shp file? and if so how?  If this isn't possible is there a way to move all the xrefs into a single .dwg and then export that? Ultimately  my goal is to have this process scripted so that daily, if changes are made, the data will be exported and pushed up to our server so that the web mapper will have the most up to date asbuilt data. Thanks for the help in advance.

I need to add more extensive data to my pipes and add some more points to my gas module for information that we need for Federal reporting.  I am working with the gas module and linear referencing is needed on the transmission lines.  My debate is to add more categories to the database (Oracle) itself, build in SDF with object data or something else. Is anyone else using the gas module and thinking or already proceeded with type of a situation.

We moved your post to the Installation & Licensing forum where there is likely to be more active feedback on the topic.

I have forgotten how to append I’m assuming its not write-line but append line could somebody confirm this. And also I’m having trouble recording the date variable… I keep getting error bad argument type stringp nil ; Appends usage count by DATE long variable...
(setq g(open "C:/ICT/AutoCAD_Architecture_suite_2012/CUSTOM/WOOD Clones/PEN/USSAGELOG.PEN" "w"))
(setq MYDATE DATE)
(write-line MYDATE g)

; AS ABSOLUTE LAST WE NEED TO CLOSE THE TEXTFILE...
(close g)

I have the following code snippet I’m trying to append the file named USAGELOG.TXT to record the date of executions 

Hi ..when I open the the layer drop down and move my mouse over the various layers, it turns the line black and I can't read the text.....can anyone tell me if there is an option to change that ..see attached.......I have looked under options > colours but haven't found the solution yet thanksRandy "....yes it is a Freak show, but it is THEIR Freak show".......G. Pritchett

In Help Autocad 2012:DWGCHECK = 0If a drawing that you try to open has a potential  problem, you are warned before the drawing is opened.  Is that correct? The correct phrase is not it?If a drawing that you try to open has a potential  problem, you are NOT  warned before the drawing is opened.   

Hello all,I'm attempting to map keyboard shortcuts in AutoCAD 2007, and I've found that no matter what I do, CTRL+SHIFT+D will always toggle DUCS when I'm in the middle of another command. I've deleted the default keyboard shortcut 'Toggle DUCS' of CTRL+D, I've set the USCDETECT variable to 0, and I've even gotten my intended shortcut (snap to perpendicular) to work when no other commands are in progress. However, the same keystroke has a different function when I'm in the middle of a _LINE command or when I'm using a grip point. I've generally been able to mold the AutoCAD interface to my preferences pretty easily, but this DUCS toggling business has been weirdly obstinate. Has anyone has this problem before?

Hello, I'm installing 2007 AutoCAD and LD on a Windows 7 x64 machine. While not officially supported, I was able to get it to run in compatability mode and within the XP virtual PC. We use a network license but when I start AutoCAD it asks to Buy, activate or run as a trial. How do I get it to use our network license server that is currently up and running without issues?- I've added the system variable ADSK_LICENSE_FILE and @ourserver. Didn't seem to work.- I installed it on the computer from the disk and choose StandAlone installation- I also have an installation of AutoCAD 2012 on the computer as well Any help is appreciated?Thanks!

Hi All,We've recently converted all our microstation drawings to autocad now that the company has decided to go with one cad program company wide. One of the issues we are having after getting the drawings back from the this co. converting them is the cells to blocks convertion inside the drawing. when we open a drawing and see a "Fuse" block for instance and if it a has multiple inserts, it named them:FuseFuse_1Fuse_2 etc.... is there a lisp routine or some command that would replace the "Fuse_*" blocks with "Fuse"I've been searching the forums and know about the express tool Replace Block but need to be able to automate somehow.I thought about trying to rename each of the "Fuse_*" but of course it won't let you rename to a block name that already exists...thanks in advance for any help!!

Does anybody know of any commands or 3rd party applications that would allow me to move or stretch objects that reside in an XREF?The cherry on top would be the ability to do this to only specific layers. Dustin

In 2011 AutoCAD Mechanical, I used to be able to match dimension override properties including the entered text.  Not sure how it worked, but the manual entered text would be matched/transferred to the new default dimension.  Now using 2012 and this function is not working.  This feature is quite handy for the type of work we do. All match property settings are enabled.   Any help is appreciated.

Among about a dozen ACAD users in my office, one is missing the "Arch D (landscape)" paper size that accompanies the PC3 file we generally use.  I have checked that the roll size and other settings in the machine in question and all of that looks good.  I don't want to edit this PC3 as it works for everyone else and don't want to create a new PC3 for this one user.  Any Ideas?

We are trying to test AutoCAD LT 2012 trial before we commit, and because of our network security settings the firewall is blocking ports 1494 and 2598.  We have full and LT versions of AutoCAD 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010 and have never ran into this problem.  Before the director will allow those ports to be opened he wants to know why AutoCAD LT 2012 trial requires them.  I've contacted customer support but they didn't have an answer.  I know the ports are used by Citrix ICA, but how is that incorporated with AutoCAD LT 2012 trial?  Will these ports be required in the non trial versions? 

Hello! I am the lone IT guy for a building company. In my year here, I've never had to rebuild a PC for drafting until now. We are using a VERY old batch processing program called ScriptEase. However, on the rebbuilt PC, when processing a batch, AutoCAD will not prceed because it stops and says:"Can not use None device for plotting" How, in the plot settings, can the correct printer and paper sized be saved? I've looked all over and cannot get it to save. Under the options and Print and Plot Devices, it is there but when manually going to PLOT, it just says NONE and will not remember the default printer.We are using AutoCAD LT 2007Not sure if this is a problem in the script or in AutoCAD, so wanted to begin here.Thanks!Brian 

As the subject asks: is there a way to choose black as a layer color (for text)?  I frequently print USGS map sections with notes added on.  I would prefer the text simply be black rather than dark gray (or any of the other dark colors).  Typically my drawings are all monochrome, so its not an issue.  However, USGS prints are all in color, white text is not automatically recognized as black due to the colored background.  Therefore it prints white (absence of color over background) and can't be easily read. Currently I use color 250.  Is there a trick or add-on that would let me select straight black for my text or layer color? Thanks in advance. Aaron

My auto save keeps shutting off.I drawing in Model Space, Plot or Publish in paper space. Some times I Plot if just print one tab, but if printing multiple tabs I publish. What could be causing Auto Save to turn off? Is there a fix? AutoCAD 2009 Thanks in advance. Matt

We updated our operating system a few weeks ago.  We're running Win XP 64 bit, Iv R2010 64 bit, SP0.  Suddenly, we're having all kinds of stability issues with larger drawings.  When we make a few section or detail views, Iv hangs up and we have to shut it down.  Does anyone remember any specific issues or patched from XP 64 that caused issues with Inventor?  We thought we had it narrowed to the View Representations, nut we took all of them out, it worked for a drawing, then "adapted" and started givinh trouble on the next drawing.  Now we've taken out the two Level of Detail Reps, and we're trying it again.  I'd like to know if anyone else has had these problems.  Thanx.

New installation on a new computer.  First was crashing when I adjusted som Applicatin Options.  Ran Service Pack 1.  That seemed to help.  But now I cannot even open up one *.ipt file without it crashing. HELP!!!!!!  Totally stuck now!!!!!!!!!!

I just recently upgraded the operating system on my workstation from Windows Xp to Windows 7 Professional 64 bit. I am using the latest release of Autodesk Inventor 2012 and done clean install after the new operating system was installed. When I choose the default program in windows explorer (Inventor 2012) to open files associated with inventor instead of the Autodesk Inventor View 1.0, all of the icons for all files become the same, it is very hard to tell apart .ipt, .idw,.iam, .ipn files as they all have the same icon. I would like to know if there is a fix to correct the icons back to what we are use to seeing them.  Any information that you could provide me with would be greatly appreciated. Regards, Henry

We have some getting started videos now available for Navisworks which cover some of the basic concepts and functionality: -
 

• Customize and Save the Display Layout
• Combine and Manage Your Projects
• Creating Intelligent Groups of Objects
• Creating Animations
• Using Viewpoints

 See the link in the next post...

After I export the both the gyp ceiling and the acoustical ceiling tiles as NWC file from Revit and append it into Navisworks, the grid pattern of the acoustical ceiling tiles doesn't show up.  So the gyp ceiling and acoustical ceiling tiles look the same visually. Is there a way to make those ceiling tiles lines show up in Navisworks? Thanks in advance.

Good to allI have the Navisworks installed 2012 three versions of 64bits in a computer with operating system windows 64bits The first time that I them execute me work well, but if I close them and try them to open again they do not start message of mistake nor goes out ningun, in the administrator of tasks it starts the roamer.exe of navisworks but suddenly it disappears.When I return to restart the computer the first time happens to me same they start me well...But the computer give me a mistake when I started for the second time

is there a way to bring symbols into a drawing when importing points that are not attached to the point...???... in LDD they were two seperate entities, and if we wanted to send someone a drawing, but not necessarily our points we would freeze off the points and block out the drawing we wanted to send... if I understand it correctly in Civil 3d you get your choice of using a point marker or a symbol, and either wai it is one entity...is that correct...???... 

I tried to import the Lane Toward Crown subassembly to my Lanes tab, but the import function looks for *.pkt files and all I have in the Stock Subassemblies folder are *.vb files. How can I get the *.pkt files?

I'm using Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite 2012-64 bit (the Civil 3D 2012 inside it).  I can't figure out how to insert an image that is georeferenced, e.g. a Mr. Sid image.  In the past, I have just downloaded the object enabler, but that didn't work this time around.  Can someone tell me how to insert a Mr. Side image?

I have been using corridors in basic situations. I am trying to understand them better, and understand all of the parameters, codes, etc. I don't know what ETW, BL, RG, Top, Pave, etc actually apply to. I also really need to understand the targets, merging corridors with feature lines and other corridors etc. Where shall I look? The help doesn't really explain, and the tutorials all seem to apply to "simple" corridors. Where do I go to learn more?

I would like to have it where we could reverse specific feature lines differently in different layoutslike one sewer line in one layout reads correctly. when I turn the corner on the next layout its upside downthanks so much               dj

So does anyone know why a line drawn perpendicular to a spiral curve in C3D is not radial?  If so, what is it perpendicular to?  It can result in several feet of difference.  Also, labeling an alignment along a spiral using the automatic routines appears to run perpendicular (whatever that is - not radial). Perhaps I'm not looking at the math right (its been awhile since spiral curves in college) but it seems to me that a curve of diminishing radius should be labeled radially.  Is that not how C3D sees it? The only other thing I can think is that C3D is running perpendicular to the small tangents or arcs that it puts in to approximate a spiral curve.  What say you?

We moved your post to the Installation & Licensing forum where there is likely to be more active feedback on the topic.

Working on my first batch of programming with the API.  Hit my first question that I cannot answer with Google. I am trying to place a repeating detail.  I read this http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/Autodesk-Revit-API/Place-repeating-detail-using-the-API/td-p/3313195 And it mostly made sense.  The problem is, in the code sample it says "// fine (sic) the family symbol here" as a comment in the code.  I cannot figure out how to pick the family symbol I want.  I've spent a lot of time with FamilySymbol, but no luck. Any guidance on selecting the symbol I want to use?  And feel free to speak slowly.  Like I said, this is my first dive in the Revit API.  Thanks. 

Could anyone please give me some pointers on how I go about accessing all of the system families in a template file? I haven't found anything in the SDK samples as yet and Googling has turned up nothing helpful. What I'd like to do is read through a template file extracting information about all of the system families in that template and then add parameters and values to them.I can't see anything obvious when looking at the document properties and the FamilyManager is not available. I was expecting some kind of collection as a property of the template document but can't see anything. Also, are parameters added to system families in the same way as loadable familes? (I'm guessing not).I can add parameters to Standard families (using the SDK sample). I'm very new to Revit programming so any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Unless I missed it, it looks like you can tag a Room from the Arch model through the link but cannot do this with Tag All Not Tagged. It would be a great add to be able to do this as it's pretty time consuming to click on each instance.

Is there a way to add new parameters to revision schedule

Hi, I have a problem with a job processor. i can't create a dwf file with a job processor.  Best regards Arnold ledanEGISFrance

Greetings Can an equation be used to calculate equal distances when using the rectangular pattern.Regarding the attached .ipt file i would like to place 25 holes in the X direction with equal gap size between each hole.Also how to calculate the number of holes in the Y direction again with equal distance between each hole.I have not done this before with equations but was thinking that i would need to use the Length x Width in the equation.Do i need to add figures into the Parameters box also?The attaced file with the Hole feature the sketch is not constrained for the purpose of using an equation so i know how far from the start of the part to get equal distances between each hole to the end of the part . Any help with the equation would be great Ray AD INVENTOR 2012 STUDENT

IT has asked the question, and I also posted a similar question on the Vault board because this has some cross relevence. When a DWF is created from Vault, does it take more memory... or more processor to finish the job? Large assemblies tend to crap out on me during dwf creation when checking in to Vault 2011 Pro.  I'm trying to narrow down where the trouble lies.  We have 12g RAM and Quad cores... but I know Inventor only uses the one (sigh). I have had problems sporadically whether I create the DWF locally, or queue it to the Job Processor, so the hold up appears to be Inventor.  Both open a session on IV to do this... and that's when it seems to bog down.  So do I throw money at memory increases... or cry in my scotch because IV can't do multi threading?

Is there an event that fires when a node in the browser is expanded?  I've tried watching the BrowserPanesEvents and none of them seem for fire off. The last piece of the puzzle is to know when nodes are expanded so I can update only the node which has changed. Does anyone know how to do this? Thanks

Please look at the vifdeo file attached. I have not problem to create one component fade out (from 100% to 0%). But how to show the another component fade in (from 0% to 100%)? Studio does not allow fade from 0% to 100%. Thanks

How do I get the project manager to undock in P&ID 2011. I try to grab on to it like I've done in the previous 2009 and 2010 installations but it won't move. I want to free up as much screen real estate as I can for the drawing and usually have it on the right side of the right monitor.

I created some tables in the attached AutoCAD Map 3D 2011 drawing by copying and pasting cells from an Excel 2007 workbook. I have been able to update the tables in AutoCAD and print without any problems. However, when a second user opened the drawing, the table text was missing (the lines were present). Any idea what may be wrong with the drawing and how to fix it? Note: We are saving our files in AutoCAD 2010 format for compatibility with some LT users.  

I am looking for the following AOTCs, if anyone knows anybody that has them please guide me to them. I tried Autodesk and their suppliers but have come up empty. The following is what I am looking for: AOTC Autodesk Productstream Essentials 2009AOTC Autodesk Vault Essentials 2009 Thank you  

Hi, I have been charged with improving a Vault 2009 server performance.  The first thing I can see to do is to stop the validation running every night.  I can remove this from the backup script which runs but I am unsure as to a couple of the commands in there and what they do.  My recent experience is with 2011+ This is the old and revised line in the .bat file.  Can anybody please tell me if it is the correct modification? @Set OptVaulMan1=-VUadministrator -VP####### -S -VAL -L"D:\AutodeskVaultBackups\LATEST\BACKUPLOG.txt"Set OptVaulMan1=-VUadministrator -VP###### -S -L"D:\AutodeskVaultBackups\LATEST\BACKUPLOG.txt" Thanks Guy  

I have Autocad Civil 3d 2011 and recently the software was corrupted so our IT guy reinstalled everything. Now when I attempt to attach a PDF I get an error box that reads     This file cannot be opened.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------     The problem can be caused by several things:     -  The data in the file is corrupted     -   The file is an earlier format that is no longer supported     -   The file format is not supported      Try to obtain a better copy of the file, recreate the file using     different settings, or convert the file to a supported file format.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Now before the reinstall, I never had an issue...never saw this message before and have attached hundreds of PDFs to drawing. The only thing I will add is around the time of the reinstall, I also had installed NITRO PDF software. I believe this installation came after the problems started...just cant remember, so I wanted to throw that out just in case.Our authorized dealer didnt have any answers and even contacted Autodesk and didnt have any answers....other then do a repair reinstall.Thanks,Randy  

I'm thankful that there is a true 64-bit version of C3D, but now Autodesk needs to start utlizing multi-core processors!!!!  Nothing like C3D chugging away and only 1/4 of my processor being used. New features are great, but a stable 64-bit multi-core version would be a no brainer to upgrade to, even with no new features. Keith YheulonAviation Design ManagerRW Armstrong 

I have an old dwg that I used to add new data to. I also inserted a block produced by Revit to get a building elevation. I am not sure when or how it happend, but my drawing scale units are stuck on arch. I am talking about the bottom right hand corner of the screen on the status bar where there is the spot to set drawing scale. When I open by clikcing the arrow all the scales are in architectural units. I can add a custom scale of 1"=100', but it does not otherwise appear in the list. I wasn't going to wrry about it, but when I layout a plan/pro series they do not seem to be scaling correctly (and I cannot find a place to specify what scale I want the views to be at). UNITS, -DWGUNITS & -AECDWGUNITS don't fix it, they are all set to decimal, etc. Using the seetings tab to change the drawing settings, everything is set to feet, there is no place to specify arch units, the 100 scale drawing is shown as a custom scale. This is C3D release 2012, on a 64bit Win7 Pro machine, everything is up to date. Does anyone know where I can change the units for the drawing scale?

OK, I've been working in C3D for about 5 yrs now, and one thing that drives me absolutely nuts about it is how to get the correct layers to display when plotting different sheets out of the same drawing, regardless of the layer state of my model.  I worked in Terramodel for about 5 years prior to coming back to AutoCAD and became spoiled by the ease with which layers displayed on different sheets in the same drawing.  You assigned a layer state to the viewport and that viewport always plotted that way.  It didn't matter what layers were on or off, frozen or thawed in the model view, once you jumped over to the sheet it always looked the same once you set it up.  In C3D I've tried viewport overrides, jumping into the viewport and setting the layers then saving the layer state...  All sorts of different approaches, but I've never found anything that really works.  My projects are typically small enough that I have all of my sheets in the same drawing but want different layer settings on different sheets.  Any input on how other people handle this would be appreciated.  (I guess this maybe should have gone on the vanilla ACAD board, but whatever)

Can you reverse a feature per layoutI have some sewer lines in a layout that are upside down ( we do have 6"ss in the line)but if I reversefeature them it will make them upside down in the next layoutthanks have a great day                        dj

I wonder if this is possible. In my title block I have a attribute with the name project_Number. Now what I want to do is the following. When I edit my block with the project number. The project number should automatically be added to a text box without me typing in the project number twice. E.g.. This Drawing is part of the consulting services provided for Project[Project_Number] and may not be used or applied for any other purpose without prior consultation. in other word the project number should be reference in the text box from the attribute. Is this possible???

Is it possibel to select all objects by style (all text objects by style 'Roman' for examble) and then just change style for all them? II also have heard that I can somehow get rid of unused styles (which are already in drawing) by applying "standard enforcement". How can I doo that?Are there any other ways to accomplish what I want (replace/remove styles)?