Are you an architect, designer, or engineer? Maybe you’re just someone who fiddles with design software for fun. If so, you’re probably familiar with AutoCAD. With the help of AutoCAD, creating complex machinery, designs, or structures is as simple as a few clicks on your computer. To do that, users employ various AutoCAD tips to help them work faster.
Maybe you just booted up AutoCAD for the first time and don’t know where to start. On the other hand, you might consider yourself an AutoCAD pro. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, there are always new AutoCAD tips to learn. Check out this article to know some of the top AutoCAD tricks to work faster!
What is AutoCAD?
AutoCAD is a 2D and 3D design software from the software corporation Autodesk. It allows you to draw and edit digital 2D and 3D shapes. Launched in 1982, AutoCAD quickly became a breakthrough in the world of computer-aided design (CAD). Now, it’s a vital tool across a wide range of industries.
Before using computer-aided design software, people used to sketch out their designs by hand. The work was slow and prone to inaccurate measurements. Think of AutoCAD as a digital canvas upon which designers, engineers, and architects draw their ideas. Now, after learning AutoCAD tips, it’s a staple for beginners and professionals who want a precise and quick design process.
AutoCAD has a vital role across multiple industries, but did you know that its roots began in the architecture industry? The first version of AutoCAD was designed for architects. Now, architects and engineers use AutoCAD to draft blueprints. In the manufacturing and design industry, professionals use AutoCAD to create prototypes. You may be a beginner now, but with these AutoCAD tips, you can start creating your own designs on AutoCAD!
AutoCAD tips to work faster
AutoCAD is a versatile software that has changed the entire working process in the design, architecture, and engineering communities. You can even say that the industry experienced a revolution, because AutoCAD introduced quick commands to create 2D and 3D designs. Using these AutoCAD tips has helped people save the time they would spend on manual labour.
Before AutoCAD, designers and drafters came up with an idea, then spent a lot of time sketching, measuring, erasing, and sketching again until it was on a blueprint. AutoCAD makes it possible for them to spend more time coming up with fresh ideas instead. As AutoCAD and technology advance, more and more features arise to help designers and drafters work faster. You can apply these AutoCAD tips during the setup, drafting, and even printing process of your work.
Use the Quick Access Toolbar
Looking to learn AutoCAD hacks to work faster? The first thing you should know is how to make good use of the Quick Access Toolbar. Just as the name suggests, the Quick Access Toolbar lets you arrange and keep the tools you use most often. This way, your most frequently used tools are just one click away.
You can even customise this toolbar to include tools you use most often. Follow these AutoCAD tips to add or remove functions on the Quick Access Toolbar.
- On the ribbon interface, find the tool or function you want to add or remove.
- Right-click the item. You will see a drop-down list.
- Select “Add to Quick Access Toolbar” to add the function to the toolbar.
- Select “Remove from Quick Access Toolbar” to remove the function from the toolbar. It will still be available on the ribbon interface.
Master the keyboard shortcuts
With just a few clicks on the keyboard, you can make AutoCAD run a series of specific commands that will improve your workflow. If you want to learn AutoCAD tips to help you work even faster, use these more advanced shortcuts!
- OOPS: Use this if you want to restore something you have already erased. OOPS will undo only a delete command, not any other work you’ve done since deleting.
- ID: Use this command to display point coordinates in your system design. Coordinates help you work more precisely.
- OVERKILL: There are AutoCAD tips that allow you to tackle multiple actions at once. For example, type OVERKILL in the command line to delete all overlapping and duplicate items.
- EXPLODE: This command breaks down complex objects or blocks into separate components. Type “X” followed by clicking Enter. Then, select the object you want to explode.
- BURST: This command is similar to EXPLODE. However, it explodes the blocks or objects while keeping the layers and values.
- MATCHPROP: AutoCAD tips like MATCHPROP help you work faster by matching the attributes of one element with another.
- ORTHO MODE: Ortho mode is triggered by clicking the F8 key on your keyboard. You use this to create straight lines so your drawings can be accurate.
- OBJECT SNAP: OSNAP allows you to snap specific points on objects more accurately. Toggle OSNAP on and off with the F3 key.
- SKETCH: Instead of creating a perfect box, what if you want to do some freehand drawing? Toggle off ortho mode and use the SKETCH command.
- CLOSEALL: AutoCAD tips don’t just help you work quicker, but end your work faster, too. Instead of closing individual drawings, use the CLOSEALL command to close everything you’re working on.
AutoCAD tips to fix spelling errors
Working with computer-aided design software like AutoCAD involves typing a lot of commands. Are you a sloppy speller? Don’t worry, there are AutoCAD tips to handle that, too. Unlike other software, you can still find the right commands even if you misspell the name. AutoCAD also remembers words you misspell often. It even starts including frequently misspelled words as options for starting commands. You can edit the list of synonyms and autocorrected words from the Manage tab.
Save your work with autosave
Few things are more frustrating than losing hours of your work because your computer crashes or the power goes out. Fortunately, there are AutoCAD tips that help you protect your hard work! You don’t need to keep remembering to manually save your work. By setting up the Autosave feature, AutoCAD can automatically save your work for you
To modify your Autosave settings, you can use the SAVETIME command. Change the setting to any interval length to set how often Autosave should save your work. You can also do this by clicking the Open and Save tab in the Options dialogue box. Of course, you can still manually save when you want. Just use the QSAVE or SAVEALL commands.
Final thoughts: Where to learn AutoCAD tips quickly?
There are many resources to learn AutoCAD tips, like the courses at College of Contract Management where you can learn how to utilise AutoCAD for design and engineering. You can also check out Autodesk’s Support page. It provides frequently asked questions about AutoCAD. You can search articles related to your question or just browse through their list of resources. For further help, you can ask the Autodesk Assistant. However, remember that online tips and tricks can usually only answer certain questions you have about AutoCAD.
If you want to master AutoCAD, you can sign up for online courses at the CC. We offer courses in design and engineering that will utilise computer-aided design tools such as AutoCAD. If you want to enhance your skills and confidently bring your designs to life, navigate AutoCAD with guidance from industry experts in a flexible and affordable manner. Visit our site to learn more and enrol today!
