AutoCAD: Tips & Tricks

Work smarter, not harder, with AutoCAD. Discover weekly tips, techniques, and workarounds to make designers more effective and more productive.

HATCH command tools [AutoCAD 2025]

• 377 DRAFTING

Introduction

• Welcome

May 2016

• Using ARRAY and ARRAYCLASSIC
• Using FIELDS in MTEXT
• Freezing layers in the current viewport
• Using WBLOCK to edit and replace blocks
• Using DesignCenter with AutoCAD blocks

June 2016

• Using measure to obtain accurate drawing information
• Using layer properties for layer management
• Using the new centerline commands
• Using DIMREASSOCIATE to maintain dimension accuracy

July 2016

• Using the QAT to set up a customized workspace
• Using markup tools to create a revision schedule
• Utilizing named views to manage the Model tab

August 2016

• Using the AutoCAD calculator to your advantage
• Using Quick Select to speed up the selection process
• Using layer settings for effective layer control
• Setting AutoCAD point styles

September 2016

• Setting multiple point objects
• Using the MEASURE command
• Using the DIVIDE command
• Creating different revision cloud types

October 2016

• Creating a region from 2D objects
• Using EXTRUDE to create 3D solids
• Using visual styles to develop 3D views
• Using Match Properties effectively

November 2016

• Using transparency in AutoCAD drawings
• Using Hide and Isolate to draw effectively
• Using the Group Manager to set up groups in AutoCAD
• Using LTGAPSELECTION in AutoCAD

December 2016

• Using SELECTIONOFFSCREEN in AutoCAD
• Using PDFSHXTEXT in AutoCAD
• Using the DIMBREAK command

January 2017

• Using the DIMSPACE command
• Creating a dimension jog line
• Using DesignCenter
• Working with insertion scales

February 2017

• Creating a simple block palette
• Creating named views
• Working with batch plotting
• Working with BYLAYER

March 2017

• Rotating with Copy and Reference
• Working with layer settings
• Using the OFFSET command
• Setting up a metric text style

April 2017

• Setting up a metric dimension style
• Setting up a metric multileader style
• Using the STARTUP variable
• Customizing the Quick Access Toolbar

May 2017

• Adding your own AutoCAD workspace
• Working with the new AutoCAD 2018.1 XREF commands
• Working with the new AutoCAD 2018.1 view and viewport commands
• Demonstrating the hi-res monitor support in AutoCAD 2018.1

June 2017

• Working with the 3D graphics support on the AutoCAD 2018.1 update
• Working with the PDFSHXTEXT command
• Converting text to MTEXT with the TXT2MTXT command
• Enclosing text with an object such as a circle, slot, or rectangle

July 2017

• Developing and extruding a simple region in a 3D solid
• Using the layer controls in the Layers panel in the ribbon
• Adding blocks to a tool palette for design reuse

August 2017

• Changing the INSUNITS variable when working with blocks
• Using the Sheet Set Manager to develop a sheet set
• Working with the interface panel and display options
• Using AutoCAD tools to fix broken reference paths

September 2017

• Finding and replacing reference files
• Working with AutoCAD centerlines and adjusting their settings
• Working with the Named Views panel
• Using the PUBLISH command

October 2017

• Using the ETRANSMIT command
• Working with the ARRAYPATH command
• Working with the FIELD command to display object data
• Creating tool palettes from drawings in AutoCAD DesignCenter

November 2017

• Using the Markup Set Manager in AutoCAD with Autodesk Design Review
• Creating blocks with attributes for design content
• Working with the Enhanced Attribute Editor to enhance block attributes
• Using Quick Select to find and select objects quickly

December 2017

• Using the SPELL command to check and review AutoCAD designs
• Interface: Editing Polar Arrays
• Interface: Editing rectangular arrays

January 2018

• Content: Using DWG Compare
• Content: Working with DWG Compare results
• Content: Creating DWG Compare tables
• Management: Working with AutoCAD options

February 2018

• Content: Calculating areas
• Content: Layer and panel tools
• Content: Invisible block attributes
• Content: Editing block attributes

March 2018

• Plotting: Simple batch plotting
• Interface: Automatic dimensioning
• Interface: Using edge extensions
• Interface: Editing path arrays

April 2018

• Using the DWG Compare command
• Working with your Autodesk Account
• Saving your files to AutoCAD web and AutoCAD mobile
• Setting up model space viewports with a 3D model

May 2018

• Using named views to navigate your AutoCAD drawings
• Using a DWS file to check standards in your AutoCAD drawings
• Working with the Page Setup Manager in AutoCAD
• Exporting your DWG files to DWF and PDF file formats

June 2018

• Using the DIMREASSOCIATE command
• Working with the Layer States Manager
• Setting up an effective METRIC dimension style
• Setting up an effective IMPERIAL dimension style

July 2018

• Working with annotative dimensions in your AutoCAD drawings
• Using shared views in AutoCAD
• Using the Autodesk Viewer

August 2018

• Using Arc Aligned
• Converting text to MTEXT
• Using the Modify Text drop-down menu tools
• Using the Move/Copy/Rotate command in Express Tools

September 2018

• Using Auto Number with AutoCAD text objects
• Enclosing text inside objects with the Enclose in Object command
• Aligning your layout viewports with the Align Space command
• Matching up layout viewports with the Synchronize Viewports command

October 2018

• Using the Merge Layout command to merge layout viewports
• Using the Save to Web & Mobile command
• Taking a DWG file in to AutoCAD web app
• A brief introduction to using DWG files in AutoCAD web app

November 2018

• Using the drawing utilities provided by AutoCAD in a DWG file
• Use layer states to highlight objects in drawings
• Use the LAYISO and LAYUNISO commands in your drawings
• Use auto constrain and add and remove other constraints

December 2018

• Work with constraints in your drawings
• Work with dimensional constraints in your drawings
• Convert dimensions to dimensional constraints in your drawings

January 2019

• Add parameters and expressions to dimensional constraints
• Show and hide constraints in your AutoCAD drawings
• Develop PDF page setups using the Page Setup Manager
• Use the new blocks palette in AutoCAD 2020

February 2019

• Work with the WBLOCK command in AutoCAD 2020
• Use DWG Compare in AutoCAD 2020
• Use the QDIM command for quicker dimensioning
• Fast data response with the new Quick Measure tool in AutoCAD 2020

March 2019

• Work with geometric constraints in an AutoCAD drawing
• Work with dimensional constraints in an AutoCAD drawing
• Use the Parameters Manager to manage constraints in a drawing
• Use the calculator provided in AutoCAD

April 2019

• Use Quick Select for easy object selection in drawings
• Generate 2D views from a 3D object in the layout tab
• Scale the 2D views generated in the layout tab
• Use the enhanced PURGE command in AutoCAD 2020

May 2019

• Design reuse: Working with insertion options in the BLOCK command
• Drafting: The advantages of using polylines
• Drafting: Enjoying your donuts
• Drafting: Working with regions

June 2019

• Drafting: Aligning objects in 2D
• Layout: Adding named views to a layout
• Annotation: Generating an annotative dimension style
• Web: Saving a drawing to use in the AutoCAD web app

July 2019

• Design Reuse: Using PDFs in your drawings
• Layout: Freezing layers in the current viewport
• Interface: Working with the Interface panel

August 2019

• Annotation: Spell-checking your drawings
• Annotation: Reassociating your dimensions
• Parametric: Using the Parameters Manager
• Human interface: Using MBUTTONPAN, ZOOMWHEEL, and ZOOMFACTOR

September 2019

• Human interface: Customizing the right-hand mouse button
• Drafting: Running object snaps (OSNAPs)
• Interface: Using the QUICKCALC command in AutoCAD
• Drafting: Working with the snap overrides in AutoCAD

October 2019

• Drafting: Using the REGION command to your advantage
• Interface: Using the Visual Effect Settings dialog in AutoCAD
• Selection: Using selection settings in AutoCAD
• Selection: Working with GRIPS and grip editing in AutoCAD

November 2019

• Drafting: Working with OFFSET and its command options
• Layers: Using the LAYTRANS command in AutoCAD
• Layers: Using the LAYWALK command in AutoCAD
• Express Tools: Using The SUPERHATCH command from the Express Tools tab

December 2019

• Interface: Using the scale list In viewports and annotation
• Blocks: Using DesignCenter and palettes for blocks in AutoCAD
• Drafting techniques: Working with orthographic projection in AutoCAD

January 2020

• Drafting techniques: Using first angle projection in AutoCAD
• Layout: Using third angle projection in AutoCAD
• Layout: Working with the Create View tools in the Layout tab
• Layout: Working with the Modify View tools in the Layout tab

February 2020

• Layout: Updating views created in the layout with the Update panel tools
• Layout: Working with the Styles and Standards panel in the layout
• Layout: Working with different types of viewports in your layouts
• Layout: Adding named views to your layouts in your drawings

March 2020

• Blocks palette: Working with blocks in a current drawing
• Blocks palette: Working with blocks from recent drawings
• Blocks palette: Working with blocks from other drawings
• Blocks: Using the Block Attribute Manager (BATTMAN); no cape needed!

April 2020

• Annotation: Working with fields to add useful data to AutoCAD tables
• Annotation: Using the DIMENSION command for quick annotation
• Modify: Streamlined Trim and Extend (AutoCAD 2021)
• Annotation: REVCLOUD enhancements (AutoCAD 2021)

May 2020

• Modify: Break objects at a single point (AutoCAD 2021)
• Measure geometry: Working with the new Quick Measure option (only AutoCAD 2021)
• Management: Managing DWG file history using DWG History support (subscription only)
• System: The new RTREGENAUTO system variable (AutoCAD 2021)

June 2020

• Blocks: Syncing AutoCAD blocks in the Blocks palette (AutoCAD 2021), part 1
• Blocks: Syncing AutoCAD blocks in the Blocks Recent folder location (AutoCAD 2021), part 2
• Blocks: The new Blocks Libraries function (AutoCAD 2021)
• External references: XREF Compare function (AutoCAD 2021)
• Collaboration: DWG Compare, working with snapshots (AutoCAD 2020)
• Management: Working and saving back with older DWG file formats (AutoCAD 2020)

July 2020

• Annotation: Working with the DIMASSOC system variable allows for different types of dimension annotation
• Annotation: Working with associative dimensions in your AutoCAD drawings
• Annotation: Working with annotative dimensions in your AutoCAD drawings
• Annotation: Working with some of the other useful tools in the Dimensions panel
• Annotation: Working with subfamilies in your dimension styles in AutoCAD

August 2020

• Layers: Using layer states to enhance your AutoCAD drawings
• Annotation: Using viewport scales to set your annotative scaling in your drawing
• Annotation: Working with annotative object scales to add annotative scales to dimension objects in your drawings

September 2020

• Annotation: Using the DIMBREAK and DIMSPACE commands in your AutoCAD drawings
• Annotation: Working with the MLEADER command to develop and use annotative multileaders in your drawings
• Properties: Using the LTSCALE value in your object properties to enhance object display in your layout tabs
• Management: Using the DWGCONVERT command to change the DWG file format of your drawings

October 2020

• Output: Using the PUBLISH command to print and plot multiple drawings and saving the settings for future output
• 210 Output: Setting up a simple titleblock with PDF page setup and viewports
• 211 Annotation: Using fields to occupy table data cells
• 212 Customization: Working with the AutoCAD cursor and UCS
• 213 Web App: Opening your web app DWG file in your AutoCAD desktop

November 2020

• 214 Catalogs: AutoCAD Electrical, using the Catalog Browser
• 215 Interface: Using sticky panels and saving workspaces
• 216 3D Design: Generating a section plane and creating section views
• 217 3D Design: Applying materials to surfaces using the Materials Browser to enhance your renders

December 2020

• 218 3D Design: Using visual styles to enhance your 3D model views
• 219 3D Design: Setting up a camera view and adding it to a layout titleblock
• 220 3D Design: Generating 3D solids using regions, Presspull, and Extrude
• 221 3D Design: Using Boolean functions In 3D AutoCAD

January 2021

• 222 Interface: Using your file tabs in AutoCAD
• 223 Project: Developing a simple gasket plate with polylines and circles in 2D
• 224 Project: Converting a 2D gasket plate to AutoCAD regions
• 225 Project: Using 3D Boolean functions to tidy up AutoCAD regions

February 2021

• 226 Project: Using EXTRUDE and PRESSPULL in 3D to convert a 2D region to a 3D solid
• 227 Project: Developing a title block with four viewports
• 228 Project: Working with 3D views and visual styles
• 229 Project: Adding annotation styles for text and dimensioning

March 2021

• 230 Project: Working with annotative dimensioning
• 231 Project: Setting up page setups for your title block
• 232 Project: Working with page setups to plot drawings
• 233 Project: Working with PUBLISH to batch plot drawings

April 2021

• 234 Project: Working with eTRANSMIT to publish project drawings
• 235 Project: Working with Design Review to check and review design intent
• 236 Markup: Working with the WIPEOUT command in your drawings
• 237 Markup: Working with the REVCLOUD command in your drawings

May 2021

• 238 History: Using DWG History to maintain a DWG audit trail
• 239 Mobile: Saving your drawings to the web and mobile apps
• 240 Express tools: Replacing blocks in your AutoCAD drawings
• 241 Interface: Working with the Quick Access Toolbar (QAT) and workspaces

June 2021

• 242 Interface: Creating your own AutoCAD workspace with sticky panels
Working with and optimizing your AutoCAD options
• 243 MANAGEMENT
• 244 Customization: Setting up the AutoCAD Status Bar to suit your drafting needs
• 245 Utilities: Using MEASURE to calculate distances and areas in your drawings
• 246 Utilities: Using Quick Select to work smarter and faster in your AutoCAD drawings
July 2021
• 247 Content: Using the COUNT command to calculate the number of blocks in your drawings (AutoCAD 2022 only)
• 248 Collaborate: Using the TRACE function in AutoCAD for markup and review (AutoCAD 2022 only)
• 249 Interface: Working with the floating drawing tabs in AutoCAD (AutoCAD 2022 only)
August 2021
• 250 Collaborate: Sharing your current drawing to the AutoCAD web app (AutoCAD 2022 only)
• 251 Collaborate: Sending drawings to Autodesk Docs (AutoCAD 2022 only)
• 252 Collaborate: Creating shared views in your AutoCAD drawings
• 253 Modify: Updating associative arrays in your AutoCAD drawings
September 2021
• 254 Content: Using the Blocks palette to centralize your block libraries
• 255 Modify: Using the STRETCH command to move openings in your AutoCAD drawings
• 256 Measure: Using the Measure tools in AutoCAD to calculate room areas
• 257 Measure: Tabulating polyline areas using the FIELD command
• 258 Annotation: Using annotative text labels in the Model tab
October 2021
• 259 3D Modeling: Using FLATSHOT to create 2D snapshots of your 3D model in your drawing
• 260 Interface: Working with your file tabs
• 261 Annotation: Working with the DIMENSION tool in AutoCAD
• 262 Interface: Using your tooltips in AutoCAD
November 2021
• 263 Graphics: Working with Windows and GRAPHICSCONFIG
• 264 Interface: Mouse customization and MBUTTONPAN
• 265 Express Tools: Working with the Layout panel in Express Tools
• 266 3D Modeling: Working with section tools and your 3D model
December 2021
• 267 Drafting: Drafting different drawing views using drafting standards
• 268 3D Modeling: Creating 3D primitives
• 269 3D Modeling: Using TABSURF to generate a mesh from a line or a curve
• 270 3D Modeling: Using PROJECTGEOMETRY in your 3D models
January 2022
• 271 Collaboration: Using the cloud to store your DWG files, using web and mobile folders and Microsoft OneDrive
• 272 Design reuse: Developing a cloud-based blocks library
• 273 Design reuse: Setting up your Blocks palette to use your block libraries (AutoCAD 2022)
• 274 Design reuse: Working with the Blocks palette and blocks libraries (AutoCAD 2022)
February 2022
• 275 Tool palettes: Setting up a simple tool palette for your AutoCAD blocks
• 276 Tool palettes: Customizing your tool palettes with a block library drawing
• 277 Tool palettes: Getting tool palettes out to your team
• 278 Tool palettes: Creating a command tool palette
March 2022
• 279 Design reuse: Working with AutoCAD DesignCenter
• 280 Design reuse: Quick tool palette creation from DesignCenter
• 281 Design reuse: Setting up multiunit tool palettes with blocks
• 282 Design reuse: Reusing blocks with the INSUNITS setting
• 283 Design reuse: Counting blocks in your drawings
April 2022
• 284 Automation: Using the command macros palette to automate design processes in AutoCAD 2023
• 285 Layout: Joining viewports in the Model tab
• 286 Output: Developing your own transmittal style for eTransmit
• 287 Utilities: Using the Quick Measure and Measure Area tools
May 2022
• 288 Annotate: Working with center marks, centerlines, and their associated settings
• 289 Annotate: Working with multileaders, and their associated styles and settings
• 290 Annotate: Working with regular leaders such as QLEADER, and their associated styles and settings
• 291 Standards: Working with CAD standards in your AutoCAD designs
• 292 Layers: Translating layers in your AutoCAD drawings
June 2022
• 293 Drafting: Working with the Selection Cycling and Hide and Isolate tools in AutoCAD
• 294 Automation: Using the Action Recorder to automate repetitive tasks in AutoCAD
• 295 Recovery: Making sure you can recover your drawings when things go wrong
• 296 Annotation: Working with dimension style families
July 2022
• 297 Collaboration: Using the Trace function in the desktop app (AutoCAD 2023)
• 298 Collaboration: Using trace management tools (AutoCAD 2023)
• 299 Markup: Working with the import and markup tools (AutoCAD 2023)
• 300 Collaboration: Developing a simple revision path using Trace (AutoCAD 2023)
August 2022
• 301 Content reuse: Working with the new Count features (AutoCAD 2023)
• 302 Interface: Working with some of the newer features (AutoCAD 2023)
• 303 References: Distinguishing between Insert and Bind when using External References (XREFs)
• 304 3D Design: Using the REGION command, part 1
• 305 3D Design: Using the REGION command, part 2
September 2022
• 306 Layers: Working with Named Views and setting layer snapshots
• 307 Import: Importing a PDF into AutoCAD and utilizing the PDF image data
• 308 Import: Importing a PDF underlay into AutoCAD
October 2022
• 309 Annotation: Working with dimension-style overrides
• 310 Annotation: Setting up dimension-style families
• 311 Annotation: Working with center marks and centerlines
• 312 Interface: Using the ribbon floating panels and workspaces in AutoCAD to your advantage
• 313 Interface: Utilizing floating drawing windows (AutoCAD 2023)
November 2022
• 314 Content reuse: Setting up a simple blocks library from the Blocks palette (AutoCAD 2023)
• 315 Content reuse: Working with the Group command to reuse drawing content
• 316 Properties: Using object transparency in your drawings to your advantage
• 317 Annotation: Working with the QLEADER command
• 318 Properties: Calculating simple areas from polylines
December 2022
• 319 Content reuse: Using the Block Attribute Manager (BATTMAN) with your blocks
• 320 Output: Batch plotting with the PUBLISH command and setting up a DSD file
Adding field data to AutoCAD tables
• 321 ANNOTATION
Working with Model Viewports in 3D
• 322 INTERFACE
Developing an effective table style for your drawings
• 323 ANNOTATION
Adding blocks and formulas to an AutoCAD table
• 324 ANNOTATION
Calculate areas with polylines, boundaries, and hatches
• 325 ANNOTATION
Updating the status bar from default settings
• 326 INTERFACE
Using POLAR, OSNAP, and OTRACK for accurate design
• 327 ACCURACY
Working with 3D Object Snaps when modelling in AutoCAD
• 328 ACCURACY
Working with Named Views in AutoCAD
• 329 NAVIGATION
Working with Property and Group Filters in the Layer Properties Manager
• 330 LAYERS
Working with the settings in the Layer Properties Manager
• 331 LAYERS
Working with the Match Properties tool in AutoCAD
• 332 PROPERTIES
Working with the Clipboard in AutoCAD
• 333 CONTENT REUSE
Editing text using the AutoCAD Express Tools
• 334 ANNOTATION
Modifying text using the AutoCAD Express Tools
• 335 ANNOTATION
Creating effective text labels with Express Tools
• 336 ANNOTATION
Masking text with the AutoCAD Express Tools
• 337 ANNOTATION
Activity Insights in AutoCAD
• 376 MANAGEMENT
Synchronizing block attributes in your drawings (ATTSYNC command)
• 338 CONTENT REUSE
Managing block attributes in your drawings (BATTMAN command)
• 339 CONTENT REUSE
Creating itemized lists with the TCOUNT command
• 340 ANNOTATION
Working with display settings in the AutoCAD Options dialog
• 341 INTERFACE
Working with tools on the Text Ribbon panel
• 342 ANNOTATION
Working with the layer translator
• 343 LAYERS
Working smarter with the Properties palette
• 344 INTERFACE
Working with multileaders in your drawings
• 345 ANNOTATION
The difference between dimension associativity, associative dimensions, and annotative dimensioning
• 346 DIMENSIONS
Working with geometric and dimensional constraints in drawings
• 347 PARAMETRIC
Using the new tabs in AutoCAD 2024
• 348 INTERFACE
Using the COUNT command to tabulate the block count in a drawing
• 349 CONTENT REUSE
Using the block replacement tool in AutoCAD 2024
• 350 CONTENT REUSE
Working with wipeouts and revision clouds
• 351 MARKUP
Using the block placement tool in AutoCAD 2024
• 352 CONTENT REUSE
Dimension Text Editing and the DIM command
• 353 ANNOTATION
Working with the DIMBREAK and DIMSPACE tools
• 354 ANNOTATION
Using Named Views in larger drawings
• 355 NAVIGATION
Creating a simple drawing template (DWT) file
• 356 CONTENT REUSE
Working with STRETCH and SCALE to edit drawing geometry
• 357 DRAFTING
Creating effective page setups
• 358 OUTPUT
Smart Blocks to search and convert [AutoCAD 2025]
• 373 CONTENT REUSE
Smart Blocks for object detection [AutoCAD 2025]
• 374 CONTENT REUSE
Autodesk Assistant [later AutoCAD versions]
• 375 INTERFACE