Cadalyst -- CAD Video Gallery: Lynn Allen's Tips and Tricks
Each Tuesday, a new video tip goes live in the Cadalyst Video Gallery. Tips offer step-by-step help in a user-friendly video format for users of AutoCAD and other CAD software.

  • Improving on the Leader Command
    The Leader command in AutoCAD has left much to be desired over the years, and hopefully you’ve discovered the more versatile and powerful MultiLeader tool. Join Lynn Allen as she takes you through the basics of creating and editing multileaders and shows you how much better this newer tool is. (Available in AutoCAD 2008 and later.)

  • Fixing Gaps in Hatch Boundaries
    Nothing is more tedious than searching for a hole in a hatch boundary -- especially when there is no need to do so! Lynn Allen will show you how to hatch an area even if there is a gap in the boundary. (Available in AutoCAD 2004 and later.)

  • Manage System Variables
    System variables in AutoCAD are key to a comfortable work environment, yet we all like our system variables to be set to different values. Join Lynn Allen as she explains the System Variable Editor, a handy Express Tool that makes it easy to set and store all your system variables. Lynn will even share a few handy system variables you can put to use right away.

  • Are Your Attributes in Order?
    If you work with block attributes, you realize the importance of the order of those attributes. Join Lynn Allen as she shows you two different methods to control the order of your attribute information, along with a system variable to ensure your attributes display in a user-friendly dialog box.

  • Make Friends with the AutoCAD Ribbon
    Are you using the new ribbon that came out in AutoCAD 2009? Join Cadalyst contributing editor Lynn Allen as she takes you through some UI tips and techniques that will help you get the most out of the new, smarter, task-oriented ribbon.

  • Purge Your Drawing Files
    For maximum productivity in AutoCAD, it's important to keep your drawings as clean as possible. The Purge command helps you get rid of the garbage that shows up in your drawing files, and Lynn's added tips will ensure your drawings are extra-clean! (Available in AutoCAD 2004 and later.)

  • AutoCAD's Application Menu
    Introduced in AutoCAD 2009, the Application menu is a great way to quickly access previously viewed drawings and search for commands in the ribbon. A key system variable must be set for maximum productivity. Tune in to find out more! (Available in AutoCAD 2009 and later.)

  • Edit Your Command Aliases
    If you occasionally key in commands, you are no doubt using the AutoCAD command aliases. Command aliases are shortened versions of the full-length commands and are completely customizable. Join Lynn as she shows you the easiest way to set up your command aliases so they work the way you do! (Works in AutoCAD 2000 and later.)

  • Delete Stubborn Layers in AutoCAD
    When you need to remove a layer from an AutoCAD drawing and Purge won't work, call on the Layer Delete (Laydel) command and watch your layer disappear for good. (Works in AutoCAD 2004-2010.)

  • Customize the Quick Access Toolbar
    Add and delete commands in AutoCAD's Quick Access Toolbar so you have all your favorite and frequently used tools at your fingertips. (Works in AutoCAD 2009-2010.)