Tailoring AutoCAD is a popular eBook in the the upFront.eZine series of eBooks for AutoCAD. It is available in several editions, depending on your version of AutoCAD. For AutoCAD 2010, see Tailoring AutoCAD 2010.

In Tailoring AutoCAD 2008, you will learn how to customize AutoCAD - from user interfaces to dynamic blocks. With your purchase you will also receive a free subscription to upFront.eZine!

All illustrations are in full-color, and the eBook is formatted for printing on standard 8.5x11 in paper, which margins designed for three-hole punching.

eBook Chapters

• Chapter 1: Welcome to Tailoring AutoCAD
• Chapter 2: Changing AutoCAD's Environment
• Chapter 3: Working with CUI
• Chapter 4: Authoring Dynamic Blocks
• Chapter 5: Customizing Linetypes
• Chapter 6: Making Hatch Patterns
• Chapter 7: Creating Shapes & Fonts
• Chapter 8: Writing Command Aliases
• Chapter 9: Coding Field Text
• Chapter 10: Calculations with Cal & QuickCalc
• Chapter 11: Managing CAD
• Chapter 12: Introduction to DFX

Additional Information

• About the Author

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Chapter 1 - Welcome to Tailoring AutoCAD

• The Many Ways of Customization
• Which Customization?
• Shortcut Tips:
  1. Placing Arcs
  2. Placing Text
  3. Replacing Text
  4. Using PostScript Fonts
  5. Template Drawings
  6. Fast Custom Drawing Sheets
  7. Collapsing Multilines
  8. Changing Layers
  9. Quick Trip
  10. Get the Big Picture
  11. Install Express Tools
  12. Disable View Transitions
  13. Alternating Line Colors

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Chapter 2 - Changing AutoCAD's Environment

• Animation Preview Window
• Changing Window and Layout Elements
• Drafting and Selection Preferences
• Rearranging Toolbars and Windows
• Setting Templates for New Drawings
• Starting AutoCAD
• Startup Switches
• Support File Paths
• Where Are My Support Files?
• Workspaces

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Chapter 3 - Working with CUI

• About CUI
• Customizing Dashboard Panels
• Double-Click Action
• Keyboard Shortcuts
• Legacy Customization
• LISP Files
• Menus
• Shortcut Menus
• Toolbars
• Touring te Customize User Interface Dialog Box

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Chapter 4 - Authoring Dynamic Blocks

• BEditor Tutorials
• Catalog of Dynamic Blocks
• Comprehensive Parameter Reference
• History of Dynamic Blocks
• Introduction to Block Editor
• Starting AutoCAD and Entering Block Editor

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Chapter 5: Customizing Linetypes

• Commands that Affect Linetypes
• Customizing Linetypes
• Simple (1D) Linetype Format

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Chapter 6: Making Hatch Patterns

• About Hatch Patterns
• Creating Custom Hatch Patterns
• Understanding te acad.pat File

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Chapter 7: Creating Shapes & Fonts

• About Shape Files
• The Shape File Format

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Chapter 8: Writing Command Aliases

• About Customizing Aliases

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Chapter 9: Coding Field Text

• Creating Custom Field Text
• Creating Field Text
• Customizing Field Text Updates
• Understanding Field Codes

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Chapter 10: Calculations with Cal & QuickCalc

• Additional Functions
• Cal Functions
• Cvunit - Acad.unt
• Geometric Calculations
• Introduction to Cal
• QuickCalc
• Unit Conversions
• Using Variables

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Chapter 11: Managing CAD

• CAD Standards
• Employing DesignCenter and Tool Palettes

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Chapter 12: Introduction to DFX

• DWG and DXF File Formats
• DXF Format

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About the Author

Ralph Grabowski received his B.A.Sc ('80) degree in civil engineering from the University of British Columbia. He has authored and co-authored 100+ books and ebooks on CAD management, ArchiCAD, AutoCAD, Generic CADD, IntelliCAD, MicroStation, TurboCAD, VDraft, Visio, HTML, and VRML.

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