Quick Tip - Delete Layer

When working in AutoCAD or one of it's vertical platforms, have you ever had a layer that you couldn't get rid of?  If happens.  You can delete a layer if it is empty, meaning that there is nothing using it.  Sometimes it's a block that has an object in it that's on that pesky, non-deleting layer.  If you are 100% sure you have an empty layer and you still can't get rid of it "nuke" it with the LAYER DELETE command.  Just type LAYDEL on the command line.  It will fully purge the layer and delete it.  LAYDEL used to be an Express Tool, but now it's a core command in AutoCAD.

Quick Tip - Delete Layer

When working in AutoCAD or one of it's vertical platforms, have you ever had a layer that you couldn't get rid of?  If happens.  You can delete a layer if it is empty, meaning that there is nothing using it.  Sometimes it's a block that has an object in it that's on that pesky, non-deleting layer.  If you are 100% sure you have an empty layer and you still can't get rid of it "nuke" it with the LAYER DELETE command.  Just type LAYDEL on the command line.  It will fully purge the layer and delete it.  LAYDEL used to be an Express Tool, but now it's a core command in AutoCAD.

Quick Tip - "Shift+Spacebar" To select Stacked Objects

How many times have you tried to pick an object that was underneath another object? Some times it's not so easy, especially if you have several objects in a busy area.

Solution: Start your command (move, copy, delete, whatever). Place your cross hair over the desired object (or stack of objects).

If you can't select the proper object, press the shift key and spacebar (Shift+Spacebar) simultaneously to toggle through the stacked objects. When the object you want is highlighted, pick it and you are on your way.

Happy CADDing.

(I had to edit this post because I wrote that you press the CTRL+Shift to do this - what a Moron I am. Sorry about that.)

Quick Tip - "Shift+Spacebar" To select Stacked Objects

How many times have you tried to pick an object that was underneath another object? Some times it's not so easy, especially if you have several objects in a busy area.

Solution: Start your command (move, copy, delete, whatever). Place your cross hair over the desired object (or stack of objects).

If you can't select the proper object, press the shift key and spacebar (Shift+Spacebar) simultaneously to toggle through the stacked objects. When the object you want is highlighted, pick it and you are on your way.

Happy CADDing.

(I had to edit this post because I wrote that you press the CTRL+Shift to do this - what a Moron I am. Sorry about that.)

Quick Tip - Open Pallets With Shortcuts

If you need to open the Tool Pallets pallet, Properties Pallet, Design Center, Sheet Set Manager, or one of several pallets in AutoCAD, here is a guide to use. Simply Press the Control Key (ctrl) + (a number key) to open or close specific pallets. It helps to spend less time looking for the button, ribbon panel, or menu when your most frequently used pallets are but 2 keystrokes away.

ctrl + 1 = Properties Pallet
ctrl + 2 = Design Center
ctrl + 3 = Tool Pallet
ctrl + 4 = Sheet Set Manager
ctrl + 5 = empty (perhaps you can find a use for it)
ctrl + 6 = db Connection Manager
ctrl + 7 = Mark Up Set Manager
ctrl + 8 = Quick Calculator (2008 and up only)
ctrl + 9 = Command Line
ctrl + 0 = Clean Screen

Happy CADDing.