Best of both worlds

Have a design meeting at your desk?

2012-01-19T15:02:00.000-06:00

Need to clear up some real estate in Autocad real quick, try using Ctrl+Shift+H to toggle interface tools and have more room to display drawings!

It's been a while

2011-06-15T21:22:00.000-05:00

Alright sorry for being M.I.A. for a while and not posting anything lately, but I have been very busy tinkering with Microstation V8i and Civil 3D 2011 and soon I will be testing Civil 3D 2012! But I do plan on posting some tips and tricks on both Microstation V8i and Autocad products in the near future.

Autocad WS for Android is here!

2011-04-20T09:24:00.000-05:00

Autocad WS for Android is now available from the market.

Check it out!

Autocad WS for Android

It's about time!

2011-03-29T13:27:00.000-05:00

This is exciting news for those of us that choose to go with the Android OS and long overdue.
If you want to be the first to know when this is available, follow the link.

Autocad WS for Android

AutoCAD 2012!

2011-03-23T21:33:00.000-05:00

Well readers it is mid-March 2011 and you know what that means, Autodesk is bombarding us with Autocad 2012!

There are of course all new commands, new system variables and a few commands that even went away! But thank goodness the file format remains unchanged from the last version, Autocad 2010.

I will be posting more details and 2012 tips soon. But to check out the 2012 product line, follow the link.

AutoCAD 2012

Sketchbook O???

2011-01-13T15:51:00.000-06:00

No, that is not a typo you see, Autodesk has teamed up with Oprah and they have released Sketchbook O. This is basically Sketchbook Express but they have rebranded it for a contest that is running in O magazine. But check it out if you want.

Sketchbook O

A Case Study in Road Reconstruction

2011-01-13T11:30:00.005-06:00

Check out the Civil 3D webcast, discussing Road Reconstruction, this should be a great webcast, and it's FREE!

A Case Study in Road Reconstruction

Christmas Shopping and a Microstation Tip: Toggle Selection Mode

2010-12-20T15:54:00.000-06:00

Who is ready for Christmas? Not me, I will be heading out to fight the crowds after I get thru with this post. Procrastination at it's finest!

A little known but convienent Microstation tip, if you double-click in a blank area of your drawing, the selection mode toggles between Block and Individual.

Autodesk launches Sketchbook Mobile for Android users!

2010-12-02T16:38:00.000-06:00

Autodesk has released Sketchbook Mobile for the Android market. Sketchbook is essentially a digital sketchpad that allows you to paint or draw on the go using the same paint engine as Sketchbook Pro! This is a nice little app for quick sketching and getting ideas across. There are both free and pay apps available on the Android market.

For more information follow the link!

Sketchbook Mobile

Microstation Tip: Place a line at a specific XY coordinate

2010-10-29T15:08:00.000-05:00

Have you ever needed to start a line at a given XY coordinate in Microstation? Well the easiest way I have found to do this in XM is by using the keyin: XY=(your coordinates). Then just press Reset to complete this command, and you can snap to the end of the line or element to verify the coordinates are correct.

Believe It!!!

2010-10-25T12:49:00.000-05:00

The Texas Rangers are finally going to the World Series!!! The Rangers dominated the Yankees in game 6 of the ALCS to advance to their first trip to the great Fall Classic.

This picture will replace the picture of my family above our fireplace.

Autocad for Mac

2010-10-21T11:22:00.000-05:00

It's official AutoCAD is now available for Mac! I can just hear the PC's being thrown into the trash as I type this out. While this is a big development and is something different in Autodesk's overkill of annual releases. I do not see this as making a huge difference in the workplace. I mean my company will not go out and start ordering everyone Mac's! I can't even remember the last time I opened just basic AutoCAD. Now if Autodesk were to release Civil 3D or Revit for Mac, that may be an entirely different story.

To download the free trial click on the link
AutoCAD for Mac

Missing Handles in XM?

2010-10-19T14:38:00.000-05:00

Do you find yourself suddenly without your handles (Autocad users, these are Microstation's equivalent of "grips") when you select an element in Microstation? Well you might check your Element Selection dialog box, and see if the Disable Handles icon was accidentally selected. Just deselect the icon in the top right, and you should have your handles back.

You might also have activated the Disable Handles tool if you pressed "N" on your keyboard while having Microstation elements selected.

What I would like to know is why does Microstation even have this option to begin with???

Go Rangers!!!

2010-10-15T10:02:00.013-05:00

Well my beloved Rangers have finally won a playoff series, and tonight they will play in game 1 of the ALCS against the hated Yankees. This is the Rangers first trip to the ALCS EVER!!! Hopefully Mr. October (Cliff Lee) can take them all the way to the World Series!

Autocad WS

2010-10-11T11:19:00.008-05:00

Unless you have been extremely busy lately or living under a rock you have definitely heard of AutoCAD WS! This is the latest technology from Autodesk that was originally previewed on Autodesk Labs.

AutoCAD WS basically uses "cloud computing" technology to allow users to edit, view and share DWG files through a web browser or other mobile device. If nothing else at least now you can justify needing an iPad for work!

For more information check out the link.
AutoCAD WS

Autocad 2011 DRAWORDER

2010-09-30T14:23:00.010-05:00

There are a few new additions to the DRAWORDER command in Autocad 2011. Along with the usual Bring to Front and Send to back. We have a few new commands:

TEXTTOFRONT-Forces text or dimension objects to be displayed in front of all other objects.

HATCHTOBACK-Forces all hatches to be displayed behind all other objects.

These are found under the Home tab in the Modify panel.

Tip: When using Civil 3D 2011, I found that I needed to switch workspaces from the standard Civil 3D workspaces to the 2D Drafting & Annotation to get these new commands to appear in the ribbon.

Civil 3D 2011 Update 1!

2010-09-27T13:52:00.009-05:00

Autodesk has released Civil 3D Update 1. This will include all fixes in Autocad 2011 update 1.1 and Autocad Map 3D 2011.

Also keep in mind that if you want to return Civil 3D 2011 to it's pre-update status, you will need to uninstall Civil 3D completely and then reinstall it.

Civil 3D 2011 Update 1

Microstation Tip: Element Selection

2010-09-20T10:49:00.019-05:00

Here is a Microstation quick tip on selecting multiple objects by Element Type, Bylevel, Bycolor, Linestyle or Lineweight!

This is a very useful tool if you need to quickly select multiple objects to delete them, move them or take them into a Autocad file.

First, expand the Element selection dialog box using the arrow at the bottom.

Next, you should see the various tabs you have at your disposal to use to select multiple elements!

Once you have selected a Level, or Element Type all the objects on that level or that element type should instantly be selected on your screen! It is that easy.

Now for those of you familiar with Autocad this is very similar to the Quick Select tool found in the Properties dialog box of Autocad.

Snap It Screen Capture 3.7

2010-09-15T10:42:00.011-05:00

This is a little off topic from my usual Autocad or Microstation rants but this is a great product worth mentioning.

If you find yourself constantly cropping images from the web, I recommend Snap It Screen Capture software! Snap It let's you easily take a screen capture of what you want in just one click! For more information follow the link.

http://www.digeus.com/products/snapit/snapit_screen_capture_3_5.html">

Autocad for iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch!

2010-09-08T13:06:00.003-05:00

Autodesk has announced that this fall they will begin offering a free app (for students and educators) that will allow you to edit and share Autocad files on the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch.

AutoCAD for Apple

Bentley Substation V8i: Live Seminar

2010-08-05T10:37:00.003-05:00

Register for Bentley's live seminar and find out what's new in the latest SELECT series 3 release!
For more information click on the link.

Bentley Substation V8i: Live Seminar

Civil 3D 2010, Update 3

2010-07-26T09:40:00.002-05:00

Update 3 for Civil 3D 2010 has been released.

Civil 3D 2010 Update 3

MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 2) Available!

2010-07-23T11:04:00.005-05:00

Here is a quick description from Bentley's website.

"MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 2), includes state-of-the-art licensed technologies – introducing the Pointools Vortex engine for referencing point clouds, significant Luxology visualization enhancements, and Autodesk ® RealDWG 2010 libraries for increased interoperability along with support for ProjectWise Clash Resolution* and ProjectWise Schedule Simulation* (*requires a ProjectWise Visa)."

To find our more information. Follow the link.

MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries 2)

I'm back!

2010-07-08T14:00:00.004-05:00

Okay, so I haven't been the best blogger lately, but I have been really busy at work trying to meet some ridiculous deadlines. I also took a (much needed) week off of work in which I didn't even look at a computer screen!

But I did wanna mention this website I came across the other day called CAD Notes. Some of you may have already seen this but I just came across it, and there is a great post title "The Best, The Rest, The Rare: 100 Autocad tips you should know." this may be one of the best articles I have come across!

CAD Notes

Microstation Tip: Levels

2010-05-24T14:59:00.016-05:00

I have been posting quite a bit of info on Autocad and Civil 3D lately but this blog is supposed to be "The Best of Both Worlds" meaning I cover both Autodesk and Bentley products. So here is a Microstation tip for the Autocad user.

Need to quickly turn a level or layer (whatever you want to call it)off in Microstation? Well first, turn on the Level Display dialog (the stack of yellow papers on the Primary Tools tool bar.)

Next, in the Level Display dialog right-click in the level names area, and select Off by Element. Then just select an element on the layer you want turned off.

Check out the Autocad Civil 3D channel!

2010-05-12T21:56:00.012-05:00

There is a new channel on YouTube that covers Civil 3D! So far, all the videos I have seen are only covering Civil 3D 2011.

They also have videos covering new features in Map 3D 2011.

Civil 3D channel

Autocad Tip

2010-04-26T21:22:00.016-05:00

Okay, sorry I haven't been blogging lately but I have been really busy with work and learning Civil 3D as well as putting together a Civil 3D presentation for my office. But don't worry I did not forget about my readers!

Here is another preview of one of the new features in Autocad 2011.

Polylines in Autocad 2011 now have extra grips that makes editing them easier! Autodesk has added additional grips at the midpoints of polylines, that when selected, offer a menu of additional functions.

You can activate the new grip menus by selecting the grips. Then you can cycle thru the new options using the Ctrl key!

Happy Birthday Autodesk!

2010-04-26T21:14:00.001-05:00

Today in 1982 Autodesk was born!

Autocad 2011 Tips and Tricks!

2010-04-08T09:38:00.005-05:00

The Autocad 2011 Tips and Tricks book by Lynn Allen is available for download from the Autocad Exchange.

Autocad 2011 Tips and Tricks

Autocad 2011-Transparency

2010-04-05T21:40:00.021-05:00

In Autocad 2011 they have included the ability to make an object Transparent. (Finally! Micorstation added this feature in version XM) You can set the Transparency of an object bylayer, byblock or for an individual object. The transparency settings range from 0-90% the default being 0.

Here are just a few of the ways that you can apply Transparency to an object:

In the Layer Properties Manager, Autodesk has added a new Transparency column.
On the Ribbon, Autodesk added a Transparency control on the Properties panel in the Home tab.
You can also control Transparency of an object in the Properties box.

Autocad 2011!

2010-03-26T08:47:00.022-05:00

Well I watched a little bit of the Autodesk webcast yesterday (I occasionally do have to work) where Autocad 2011 was unveiled. They have made many improvements across the board, but here is an overview of one of my favorite updates.

Hatching
In Autocad 2011 they have streamlined the hatch tool. Instead of displaying the hatch dialog box, everything will be available in the ribbon! From hatch creation to hatch editing.

Autocad 2011 has also improved the grip functionality with a new center grip that allows you to manipulate hatch objects. By hovering over the new center grip you will be allowed to stretch or move the hatch or change the origin, angle, and scale of the hatch. These options will be available by selecting the grip and hitting CTRL.

This is just one of the many new updates and features in Autocad 2011. With the addition of 175 new commands expect more entries in the near future.

Bentley V8i now compatible with AutoCAD 2010

2010-03-23T11:52:00.006-05:00

Since the gurus at Autodesk decided to change file formats in 2010, this has made life that much more difficult for those of us that work in both Microstation and Autocad, or even if your using any Autocad product that isn't 2010!

But Bentley has come thru as they always do and recognized that their users needed to be able to work with Autocad 2010 files. So they released Bentley V8i (SELECTseries 1) this is an update that allows the V8i products to be able to open and create Autocad 2010 files.

Find more information about this update at the links.

FAQ

Downloads

Autocad Tip

2010-03-19T23:33:00.014-05:00

Here is a quick tip that will help you work a little bit faster in Autocad 2010. If you are getting used to the ribbon interface (if you haven't already given up and gone back to the Autocad classic workspace) and find yourself always going to the "Home" tab just to change layers, why not add it to the quick access toolbar!

Just right click on your layer pull-down and select Add to Quick Access Toolbar, it's that simple!

Hope to see you there!

2010-03-16T22:10:00.006-05:00

I will be attending this years AUGI CAD Camp in Dallas this Thursday. I will be sitting in on some classes on Civil 3D and Lynn Allen's 75 tips in 75 minutes presentation! So hopefully I will come back with some good tips for yall!

Community Commands

2010-03-02T20:29:00.006-06:00

Checkout the Community Commands plug-in for AutoCAD. This nifty little plug-in looks at how you are using Autocad commands and will recommend new commands that you might find helpful. It also compares the way you are using AutoCAD to fellow users.

Community Commands

Blizzard of 2010!

2010-02-12T13:43:00.008-06:00

I have lived in Texas all my life and we have had bad icestorms and even an inch or 2 of snow when I was growing up, but nothing like this. There was a record 9" of snow fall in Dallas, TX in one day! Check out the pics.

You can see how much snow was on my car in the morning, and it continued to snow throughout the day.

Get ready for Bootcamp!

2010-02-01T20:06:00.009-06:00

Well not really, but AUGI CAD Camp is back!
AUGI CAD Camp is an intense full day of Autodesk training with some of Autodesk top instructors.
You will also get to see new products and updates and network with fellow AutoCAD users!

They will be in Dallas, TX ON 3/18.
For more information check out the link.
AUGI CAD Camp

Create a WBLOCK in Microstation

2010-02-01T13:07:00.023-06:00

Here is a great tip that will benefit the Autocad and Microstation user!
If you have Microstation elements that you would like to insert into a DWG file or turn them into a block for Autocad. Just use a selection set or fence to select your desired elements and then use the key-in DWG WBLOCK!

Then adjust the settings in the DWG WBLOCK dialog as neccessary.

Project Butterfly

2010-01-27T09:21:00.004-06:00

Checkout the latest innovation from Autodesk, made available thru Autodesk Labs.

Here is a quick overview from the Project Butterfly blog:

"Project Butterfly from Autodesk is a Web-based application that enables CAD editing without any installation or download of any kind. Apart from web access, Project Butterfly has features that accelerate the design process by allowing multiple users to work on the same drawing simultaneously or separately."

Project Butterfly Blog

Place a cell at true north in Microstation

2010-01-18T15:21:00.015-06:00

Well I hope 2010 is going good for you, mine was until my beloved Cowboys got embarrassed by the Vikings (Favre, just retire already!), but now I can watch more Maverick games and this years NBA All Star game is just down the road at "Jerry World" this year!

But onto the real reason you read my blog, here is a quick tip for locating true north while placing a north arrow cell in your Microstation files. This trick comes in handy on rotated views as well!

To accomplish this place your north arrow cell just as you normally would but before you set the cell origin, type PLACE CELL ABSOLUTE TMATRIX in the key-in window!

Microstation Tip on Copying and Pasting elements

2010-01-13T08:52:00.015-06:00

If you like copying and pasting elements from one file to another but also need them to be at the same location here is a tip.

Select your objects you want to copy, but don't click anywhere.
Tenative (left and right mouse click in XM) to a common point in your files, maybe the corner of a border.
Finally, just paste it into your desired file and snap to the common point you used!

p.s. You can accomplish this task in Autocad using the COPYBASE command.

Cowboys Ware out the Saints!!! 24-17

2009-12-19T22:51:00.018-06:00

This is a late post but I just had to let everyone know that the Cowboys just dominated the Saints perhaps there most complete game of the season. The offense got off to a great start, and the defense led by Demarcus Ware held the Saints offense to just 3 points in the first half!

About the only negative I can pull from this game is our soon to be unemployed kicker Nick Folk who nearly cost the Cowboys the game, with his miss from 24 yards! They should make him find his own way home.

Work Faster in Autocad!

2009-12-17T15:50:00.017-06:00

Here is a quick tip on making your Right Mouse Button (RMB) work twice as hard in Autocad! Some of you may have your RMB set to resemble hitting the "Enter" key or you may just have it pull up a short-cut menu. But like the title of my blog, why not have "The Best of Both Worlds".

Simply go into the Options dialog box and under the User Preferences tab, select the Right-Click Customization button.

In the following dialog box, select the Turn on time-sensitive right-click. Simple as that!

Now I will warn you this may take some getting used to, but once you do get used to it, you will find yourself working faster.

New Member of the Family

2009-12-07T21:54:00.008-06:00

Meet Carly our 8 wk old mini doberman pinscher and the newest member of my family!!!

Autodesk Blogs

2009-12-07T21:34:00.003-06:00

For more Autocad information and some great blogs, checkout the link.

Autodesk Blogs

Create a bridge from a corridor

2009-11-19T12:03:00.006-06:00

Check out the Bridge Modeler add-on for Civil 3D 2010!
This lets you create a bridge from a Civil 3D corridor object.

Bridge Modeler for Civil 3D

Civil 3D!!!

2009-11-17T15:53:00.006-06:00

I realize I haven't talked much about Civil 3D but that's because I am still learning the software myself. I know, I know I am way behind, but that's what happens when you try and keep up with both Microstation and Autocad products.....It's a vicious cycle.

But here shortly I will be using C3D 2010 on my very first project!!! I have had some training and limited exposure to C3D and all its glory, but this will be my first project where I get to push C3D to it's limits or crash my computer, which ever happens first.

But look forward to some Civil 3D news and tips in the near future.

Autocad Tip

2009-11-16T14:18:00.018-06:00

Move around faster when opening DWG's!
Some of you may know this, but I'm sure there are those of you who are still using the pull-down in the Select File dialog box to go find your files. LAME!

In the Select File dialog box, you get the default directories on the left-hand side. Now I don't know about you guys but I never use any of those! So why not change them to something you will use like, I don't know a Drawings folder or Base files folder?
To do this simply Right-click on the folder, and you should get the options to Remove, Add current folder, or Add. They will even let you Restore Standard Folders, not sure why you would wanna do that. But you can pretty much add any folder or drive you want!
So why not get rid of those default directories and folders and add something you will use. Instead of going through the pull-down to find your files just hop over to your Drawings folder or Base files folder with one-click!!!

It's the little things that count...

2009-11-05T13:13:00.015-06:00

With all the new features in the latest release of AutoCAD there are alot of things to love, the intuitive ribbon, the hatch improvements, and the PDF output to name a few. But just as this post says it's the little things that count.

While all the new features and improvements are great, one of the minor things that Autodesk has done is pretty cool, and that is making the Layer Pulldown automatically adjust to the length of the layer name!

I added a layer in the bottom picture, and the pulldown automatically adjust itself so you can read the entire layer name! Greatness!

Autodesk does not need to barrage me with annual releases packed with so many new features that by the time I get around to using them, the beta version for the next release is already out. Just send me a few new commands or tools and I will be satisfied.

Use the Escape key to cancel commands

2009-11-03T08:53:00.007-06:00

Here is a quick tip that might make the Autocad user feel more at home in Microstation.

You can set the Esc key to cancel your commands, just like in Autocad,
by going to the Workspace menu-->Preferences

In the Preferences dialog box, select the Input category then select the option to
Allow ESC key to stop current command.

It's that time of year!!!

2009-10-29T21:25:00.011-05:00

Nope, I'm not talking about Halloween or Fall, here in Dallas, Texas the end of October means one thing, the beginning of another Mavs Season! MFFL baby!

I just hope the Mavs can actually go deep in the playoffs this year, with an aging core and the signing of more veterans, I don't think the core of the team has many years left. But I am still optimistic about this season. Go Mavs!

Automating logical names

2009-10-29T13:56:00.008-05:00

Here is a quick tip for the Microstation user on logical names, we use logical names on every project at my company so when I came across this tip I found it very useful.

Just simply right-click on the Model name, and select Properties.

In the Model Properties dialog box just give your file the desired logical name, and each time you reference in that file it will come in automatically with that logical name.

Going Back to School!

2009-10-22T16:19:00.006-05:00

Well not really like that, but I am going to some Civil 3D 2010 training next week!!!
This is really over due, I havent had to much experience with Civil 3D, but I can't wait to go and it's always nice to get out of the office every now and then.

Funny Graphs

2009-10-14T16:32:00.005-05:00

Big News from the Ballpark

2009-10-14T14:04:00.006-05:00

Well it is official the Texas Rangers and their hitting instructor Rudy Jaramillo have parted ways. Rudy was offered a 1 year contract extension but declined, there was also a rumored pay cut. Jaramillo has been the Rangers hitting instructor for the past 15 years.

This really comes as no surprise to me considering how the Rangers offense was M.I.A the last month of the season. In a year when the Rangers had good solid outings from their pitchers it was there offense and the untouchable Rudy who failed the team. Rudy will no doubt find a place on another team but I think the Rangers were over do for a change.

Who is Bill???

2009-10-07T11:53:00.007-05:00

So I was fake working in Autocad like I often do when I get tired of staring at the same files. So I typed in ME into the command line thinking it might throw me into the measure command, but instead of prompting me for a command my command line reads "Thanks Bill!"

Who is this "Bill"???

Multi-snap

2009-10-05T15:30:00.007-05:00

Here is a Microstation tip that may make the Autocad user feel a little more at home in XM. Try using Multi-snap, this is basically the equivalent of OSNAP in Autocad.

In the Snap Mode tool bar, toggle on Accudraw, then select the Multi-snap icon and right-click and select properties. Then choose the snaps you would like to set active.

Autocad tip: OSNAPZ

2009-10-05T14:58:00.004-05:00

If you want a quick and true distance between 3D lines, just type in OSNAPZ and set the default to 1. Then just use the distance command.

LAYDEL vs LAYMRG

2009-09-30T14:21:00.010-05:00

So your trying to delete a layer but there are objects on that layer, well most of you know you can simply type in LAYDEL select an object on that layer and get rid of that layer and anything on it.

Well you might just find LAYMRG a little faster. Simply put this will merge a selected layer onto another layer, and the layer you selected to merge into the target layer is deleted. Autocad will even give you a nice little warning, about what you are going to do.

Autocad Civil 3D 2010 Update 2

2009-09-28T11:49:00.005-05:00

Autodesk just released their second update for Civil 2010.

Autocad Civil 3D 2010 Update 2

This should resolve over 40 known issues. Such as loss of data, unexpected failures, or a change in functionality.

Maybe they consider testing their software a little more before deployment???

Autocad Tip

2009-09-25T22:41:00.013-05:00

For the CAD Keyboarder who doesn't mind a little typing.

TSPACEINVADERS-Creates a selection set of texts with overlapping geometry.

NCOPY-This command let's you copy objects that are referenced or nested into your current drawing.
XOPEN-This command let's you open any xref in a separate window just by clicking on it. Would be nice if it would take you to that exact location you are selecting though.
XLIST-Will list object data such as Layer, Linetype, and Color of a nested xref or block.
BLOCKREPLACE-Does just what it says, replaces one block with another block.
LAP-Let's you quickly change the Bylayer Color and Linetype of an object, even if it is nested.

Rangers Collapse

2009-09-23T14:32:00.008-05:00

Well I was looking forward to the potential of there actually being a Rangers post season this year but they have let me down yet again. A few weeks ago they were right in the hunt but now they are 7 games back in the division, after just about giving up in the recent series against the Angels. Now it just appears that the pitchers are auditioning for next year.

I know it's only 2 games into the season, but the Cowboys do not look so good, their defense has been non-existent Ware has been a non factor in the first two games and all Barbie Carpenter managed to do is signal the crowd to get louder. Also does Jason Garrett know that he has Felix Jones on his team? I mean he only has 13 touches in two games, I know you have Marion and Tashard to give touches to but we have to get Felix the ball.

Follow Up

2009-09-15T16:14:00.008-05:00

A quick follow up to my previous Autocad tip on the LAP command, I found out that this will not work in Civil 3D. You will just get Unknown Command in your command line in Civil 3D.

On another note in Autocad if you type MH in your command line, you will get a list of Autocad Macros.

Autocad Tip

2009-09-02T21:29:00.012-05:00

Here is a quick tip on changing the Bylevel Color or Linetype of an object quickly. Instead of going to the Layer Properties Manager and searching thru all your layers just to change the color or linetype, try using the macro LAP.

Just key-in LAP and select the object you want to edit then hit Enter or right-click, and you should get the dialog box below. If the objects you are selecting are in a reference make sure you have Pick Nested Entities checked.
Next, just click OK and go to the next dialog boxes to change your Bylevel Color or Linetype.

My other Passion

2009-09-02T21:05:00.008-05:00

Well it has been a great season and perhaps one of the best for the Texas Rangers. But with the Rangers right in the middle of the pennant race things just got a little bit harder, Michael Young will be out 2-3 weeks with a strained hamstring and tonight Josh Hamilton hurt his back and is day to day.

Young is the unquestioned leader of the clubhouse and Hamilton seemed to just be getting his bat back, there is no doubt there absence will hurt. Hopefully the Rangers youth that has helped them so much this season can continue to do so.

Autocad Tip

2009-08-24T16:11:00.012-05:00

This tip is for the Autocad user who dedicates their left-hand to the keyboard, as many of you do. The Command Alias Editor allows you to create custom keyboard shortcuts for Autocad commands. For example, I always set "C " to intiate the copy command and "PL" for polyline.
You will find the Command Alias Editor under the Express menu, then Tools and Command Alias Editor, you should see the dialog box below.
To add a shortcut simply click Add, and in the New Command Alias dialog box type in your desired Alias (or keyboard shortcut), then select the Autocad command you would like it to intiate.

Squirrel MMA

2009-08-24T11:05:00.004-05:00

Ummm.....I don't really know what to say about this picture, I thought it was cool though. Feel free to leave a caption!

2009 Roads and Bridges Conference

2009-08-19T13:53:00.005-05:00

Registration is now open for the 2009 Bentley Roads and Bridges Conference.
Microstation, GEOPAK, and InRoads are just some of the Bentley products that will be featured.

A quick tip for the Autocad user trying to learn Microstation, to quickly select multiple objects without having to go to the "Element Selection" dialog box. Just hold down "Ctrl+shift" while you window multiple objects and they will be selected!

Basic Terminology

2009-08-18T16:41:00.006-05:00

Below are some basic Microstation terms and there Autocad equivalents. These are not all the terms you may need to know, but just some common ones to get you started.

Exchange

2009-08-13T09:50:00.006-05:00

Here is a quick Microstation tip and a useful tool. In XM, Microstation brought us the "Exchange" tool. The neat thing about this is if you need to edit a reference, the exchange command will take you to the exact location in the selected reference!

Basically you just click an object in your desired reference, then right click and choose Exchange, and it will close your active file and open up your reference file at that exact location.

Tiger wins 2nd in a row!

2009-08-10T21:56:00.004-05:00

On a separate note, Congratulations to Tiger for his 16th victory. This is his 7th consecutive win on this course! I look forward to watching him this week at the PGA Championship.

Autocad Sheet Sets

2009-08-10T08:48:00.016-05:00

Autocad Sheet Set is one of my favorite features of Autocad. I will always take time to create a sheet set for my projects even if it's just a few sheets. Being able to group sheets together and automatically update sheet numbers, sheet titles, sheet index, make this one of my favorite features. By now most Autocad users are pretty familiar with the concept and process of the Sheet Set Manager so I will not go into that. But I wish Microstation would have done something similar to the Sheet Set Manager, in Microstation XM they added "fields" to the list of new features. Basically the same concept as Autocad fields, you can link them to different file and element properties. But the one thing missing is a central location to edit these fields. You can create fields for just about anything in XM, but if you need to edit or change these fields (which is always the case) you have to go back into each individual file to accomplish this. This could have been a great feature Bentley. Score 1 Autodesk!

Gotta love Thursday morning traffic!

2009-08-06T13:13:00.003-05:00

Always love the Thursday morning traffic jam on the way into work!!!

Autocad 2010

2009-08-05T12:12:00.009-05:00

Well Autocad 2010 is out and has many new features and tools. While I can't wait to get my hands on some of the new features (my company will not deploy the software until this fall). I can't help but think that this is just another round of new features and tools that may pass me by. While I am trying to be efficient in both Autocad and Microstation, I find myself using less and less of the newer tools that come out with Autocad, and mainly because they are coming out with new features and tools every year. I just endup using only the tools that are applicable to what I do and I endup spending more time fighting my way thru the new features and constant changes. Am I still considered efficient then? I can still move around in Autocad and get my job done efficiently but I am not familiar with the action recorder and I never really got to comfortable with the ribbon interface. Does anyone else out there think that Autocad is pushing out there software to fast? Or is this just the result of trying to keep up with Autocad and Microstation?

Autocad commands in Microstation

2009-08-04T08:53:00.004-05:00

Here is a quick tip for those Autocad users who may need to move around in Microstation.

Microstation has a built in set of key-ins that will let you execute Autocad commands! All you need to do is go to the Utilities menu and select Key-in. Then in the Key-in window type in dwg and then autocad command, then hit enter.