15 Favorite AutoCAD Tips & Tricks!

Recently I had an opportunity to present a special edition of the 30 min. Workout series focused on AutoCAD tips and tricks. During the session I walked through more than fifteen of my favorite AutoCAD tips, tricks & shortcuts. If you are interested, I’ve shared a recording of the session below. My hope is that it will provide some discoveries you can use on your next project. Topics and timestamps listed below...

2:22 – Zoom to selected objects using viewcube
2:32 – Add/Remove items from Quick Access Toolbar
5:03 – Find commands within interface using Application Menu
6:33 – Conserve screen real estate by collapsing palettes to a single icon
8:57 – Select from stacked objects using Selection Cycling
11:38 – Navigate to coordinates using FROM object snap
13:06 – Improve hatch appearance by adjusting its origin
14:58 – Limit geometry AutoCAD “sees” when hatching via. pick point
16:34 – Calculate coordinates & expressions using Geometric Calculator
22:04 – Calculate expressions within dialog boxes
22:47 – Select similar objects using Select Similar feature
24:28 – Create similar objects using Add Selected feature
25:39 – Edit text, dimensions, blocks & polylines via. “double-click”
26:47 – Span line types along short segment polylines
27:19 – Restore the last object deleted using OOPS
28:19 – Focus on specific entities in complex drawings using Isolate feature
29:38 – Identify owner of drawing using WHOHAS

Additional links you may be interested in...
Civil Immersion Blog

Solving Civil 3D / AutoCAD Problems using the Geometric Calculator

YouTube Channel

30 min. Workout Playlist

[beardyeighty]

Have you ever thought about narrating audiobooks? Your voice is clear and easy to follow. Excellent video.

[joegotz]

Finally, someone who I can understand!!!

[lydiaromany]

After 20 years using AutoCAD, I want to say: Thank you for the very clear explanation ever in AutoCAD.

[CNCRHE]

I have been using autocad since 1995. I feel ashamed for not knowing older and newer commands i show here.
. select objects, press top and zoom to them
.from
.hatch set origin
.select new boundary set
.text height calculations using alt+enter
.add selected
.oops (i knew about it but have never realized what it does)
I knew about all the other and have been using them for years but those commands above would make my life so much simpler...
Excellent presentation, as always.
Thank you so much!

[alexmcn]

Thanks Jeff, OOPS and WHOHAS are commands I didn't know existed but will definitely be using from now on.

[HoganNB]

WHOHAS the best CAD content? This guy 👍

[mehdizamir]

This video solves lots of my AutoCAD problems thanks Jeff for this wonderful video

[philipeddington]

Even after 30 years of using AutoCAD I learnt new things. I'll be sure to suggest the other CAD Techs in my firm subscribe to this channel and watch this video. Thanks for the very clear explanations

[mikhailkh]

Man! You made my morning, I hate selection cycling so much, and now I know how to turn this thing offf! Awesome!

[jeancoetzee]

I greatly appreciate the time and effort that is put into these sessions. The content is presented exceptionally well.

[AvyangShang]

I know for myself that I have alot of things to learn in autocad but man this new whole thing just make my life easier. You did very well explaining the autocad feature. most of them I already knew but the 'cal command, that I didn't know and it makes me smile. Glad I found your video. . hope you add more 'cal expression. thanks alot.

[buggin]

Jeff, for the hatching i typically like to use the isolate command and then just hatch. it also tends to hatch things a bit faster when dealing with bigger or more complex areas. we all know how that can go sometimes.. lol nice tips though! thanks!!

[jamesl]

Anchoring and turning to icon, that’s a game changer and will clear my frustration with that pallet - thank you.

[Biscuitkc]

You are amazing. I love watching your tips and tricks.

[Mukundanghri]

Such a great resource! Well explained, great presentation and great for a daily workout.

[mohamedshaheen]

To offset the object similar to the other one, you can type the command "offset" and instead of typing the value, you can pick the endpoint of both the lines, it saves you more time.

[jessie_]

Been working with autocad for very long time and still learning new things.

[bloke]

Good on you, Jeff, Many Thanks for yet another informative and concise tutorial, Much appreciated,

[markbankston]

Thank you Jeff, this is very well done.

[mohammadbataineh]

I really appreciate this video, thank you man