Autodesk AUTOCAD 2010 - PREVIEW GUIDE User manual

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AutoCAD®2010
Preview Guide

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Table of Contents
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................3
User Interface .....................................................................................................................................................3
Initial Setup.....................................................................................................................................................3
Workspaces....................................................................................................................................................4
Application Menu............................................................................................................................................4
Ribbon............................................................................................................................................................5
Quick Access Toolbar.....................................................................................................................................7
New Features Workshop ................................................................................................................................9
Document..........................................................................................................................................................10
Parametric Drawing......................................................................................................................................10
Dynamic Blocks............................................................................................................................................16
Annotation Tools...........................................................................................................................................20
Color Selection .............................................................................................................................................22
Measure Tools..............................................................................................................................................23
Reverse Tools ..............................................................................................................................................24
Spline Editing Tools......................................................................................................................................25
Purge Tools ..................................................................................................................................................27
Viewport Rotation Tools................................................................................................................................28
External References.....................................................................................................................................28
Sheet Sets....................................................................................................................................................30
Quick Views..................................................................................................................................................31
Communicate....................................................................................................................................................31
PDF Support.................................................................................................................................................31
Drawing File Format .....................................................................................................................................33
3D Printing....................................................................................................................................................34
eTransmit......................................................................................................................................................35
Autodesk Seek .............................................................................................................................................35
Explore..............................................................................................................................................................37
Conceptual Design .......................................................................................................................................37
Free-Form Design.........................................................................................................................................40
Customize.........................................................................................................................................................44
CUIx File.......................................................................................................................................................44
Action Macros...............................................................................................................................................44
Online License Transfer................................................................................................................................46
Summary...........................................................................................................................................................47

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Introduction
With AutoCAD®2010 software, you can tackle your most challenging problems with ease. Your designs can
now exist in any shape imaginable, thanks to free-form design tools. Many critical features have been
automated, making your workflow more efficient and the move to 3D design even smoother. Sharing and
working on projects with colleagues has never been easier, thanks to multiple upgrades to our PDF capabilities
and the incredible addition of 3D printing. With these and countless other new capabilities you’ve been asking
for, AutoCAD 2010 takes any idea and turns it into a reality faster than ever before.
User Interface
Initial Setup
Easily tailor the AutoCAD environment to meet your needs using Initial Setup, which is displayed the first time
you launch AutoCAD. With Initial Setup you can choose your industry as well as workspace and drawing
template preferences. The choices you make in the Initial Setup affect the default settings of various AutoCAD
functionality, including drawing templates, Autodesk®Seek filters, Autodesk Developer Network partners, the
Unified Online Experience portal, and workspaces.
Figure 1. Initial Setup
You can access Initial Setup from the User Preferences tab of the Options dialog box.

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Figure 2. Initial Setup on User Preferences tab of the Options dialog box
Workspaces
When you specify Initial Setup options, AutoCAD automatically creates a new workspace based on your
choices and sets it current. The name of the current workspace is displayed in the status bar next to the
Workspace Switching icon and you can select it to access the Workspace menu.
Figure 3. Workspace menu
Application Menu
The Application menu, in the upper left corner of the AutoCAD display, has been streamlined to provide easy
access to common tools. You can create, open, save, print, and publish AutoCAD files, send the current

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drawing as an email attachment, and produce electronic transmittal sets. In addition, you can perform drawing
maintenance, such as audit and purge, and close drawings.
A search tool at the top of the Application menu enables you to query the Quick Access toolbar, Application
menu, and the currently loaded ribbon to locate commands, ribbon panel names, and other ribbon controls.
Buttons at the top of the Application menu provide easy access to Recent or Open documents and a new option
in the Recent Documents list enables you to sort by access date in addition to size, type, and ordered list.
Figure 4. Application menu
Ribbon
The ribbon has been updated to provide greater flexibility, easier access to tools, and consistency across
Autodesk applications.
You can drag a ribbon panel off the ribbon to display it as a sticky panel. Sticky panels remain displayed, even
when selecting a different tab, until you select the option to Return Panels to Ribbon.

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Figure 5. Ribbon and sticky panels
The vertical ribbon, which can be displayed by undocking the ribbon from its horizontal position, has been
updated to show the tab names along the side. The panel titles are displayed by default and those with
additional tools include slide-out panels. When resizing the vertical ribbon, buttons automatically flow to the next
or previous row and other elements, such as slider bars, automatically shorten or lengthen.
Figure 6. Vertical ribbon with slide-out panel

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If you customized the Dashboard in AutoCAD 2008, you can easily convert your custom dashboard panels to
new ribbon panels using the Transfer tab in the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor. The newly converted
panels are then displayed under the Ribbon Panels node in the same CUIx file as the dashboard panels. Once
converted, you can add the new panels to a tab or transfer them to another CUIx file.
Figure 7. Dashboard conversion
Enhanced ribbon functionality in AutoCAD 2010 enables you to customize contextual ribbon tab states which
control the display of ribbon tabs and panels based on either the type of object selected in the drawing window
or the active command. You can display a ribbon tab that is assigned to a ribbon contextual tab state either on
its own tab or with its panels merged onto each of the ribbon tabs in the current workspace. To add a ribbon
tab, drag it from the Tabs node in the Customizations In pane to the contextual tab state. For example, if you
want the Home tab to become active whenever you select an Arc object, drag the Home-2D ribbon tab to the
Arc selected node under the Contextual Tab States. Select it and modify its display type to indicate if it should
be displayed as its own tab or merged onto each ribbon tab.
Figure 8. Ribbon Contextual Tab States
Quick Access Toolbar
The Quick Access toolbar has been enhanced with more functionality and to ensure consistency with other
Windows®applications. The Undo and Redo tools include history support and the right-click menu includes new
options that enable you to easily remove tools from the toolbar, add separators between tools, and display the
Quick Access toolbar above or below the ribbon.

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Figure 9. Quick Access toolbar right-click menu
In addition to the right-click menu, the Quick Access toolbar includes a new flyout menu, which displays a list of
common tools that you can select to include in the Quick Access toolbar. The flyout menu provides easy access
to additional tools using the Command List pane in the CUI Editor. Other options enable you to show the menu
bar or display the Quick Access toolbar below the ribbon.
Figure 10. Quick Access toolbar flyout menu
You can further customize the Quick Access toolbar using the new Quick Access toolbars node in the CUI
Editor. Create multiple versions of the Quick Access toolbar and then add them to the appropriate workspaces.

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Figure 11. Quick Access toolbar customization
New Features Workshop
The New Features Workshop has been updated to include AutoCAD 2010 functionality. This interactive
learning tool helps you discover the newest functionality with minimal effort. You can access the New Features
Workshop from the drop-down menu on the InfoCenter toolbar, to the right of the Help button.
Figure 12. Access to the New Features Workshop

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Document
AutoCAD is synonymous with documentation for good reason. Drive your projects from concept to completion
with the powerful documentation tools in AutoCAD 2010. Work faster with automation, management, and
editing tools that minimize repetitive tasks and speed your time to completion. No matter your project’s size or
scope, you can meet the challenge with AutoCAD—continuously leading and innovating documentation for over
25 years.
Parametric Drawing
Powerful new parametric drawing functionality in AutoCAD 2010 enables you to dramatically increase
productivity by constraining drawing objects based on design intent. Geometric and dimensional constraints
help ensure that specific relationships and measurements remain persistent even as objects are modified. The
tools for creating and managing geometric and dimensional constraints are available on the Parametric ribbon
tab, which is automatically displayed in the 2D Drafting and Annotation workspace.
Figure 13. Parametric ribbon tab
Establishing Geometric Relationships
Geometric constraints establish and maintain geometric relationships between objects, key points on objects, or
between an object and the coordinate system. Pairs of key points on or between objects can also be
constrained to be vertical or horizontal relative to the current coordinate system. For example, you could specify
that two circles must always be concentric, that two lines are always parallel, or that one side of a rectangle is
always horizontal.
Applying Geometric Constraints
Geometric relationships are defined with geometric constraints, located on the Geometric Panel of the
Parametric tab of the ribbon, or with the GEOMCONSTRAINT command. When applying constraints, an icon
appears next to the cursor to help you remember which constraint you selected.
Figure 14. Concentric geometric constraint icon
When applying a constraint to points, a temporary marker identifies the closest valid point when rolling over an
object. It generally corresponds with points that can be used as object snaps.
Whether selecting objects or points on objects to constrain, the order and pick location affects how the objects
update: the second object selected updates to satisfy the constraint. After the constraint is applied, though,
either object will update when the other is modified.

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Figure 15. Applying a parallel constraint
Figure 16. Applying a coincident constraint
Figure 17. Applying a concentric constraint
AutoConstrain
You can significantly automate the process of applying constraints using the AutoConstrain functionality,
available on the Geometric panel of the Parametric tab. AutoConstrain automatically applies constraints to
geometry that falls within specified tolerances. For example, applying AutoConstrain to a rectangle consisting of
four lines generates the appropriate coincident, horizontal, parallel, and perpendicular constraints to maintain
the rectangular shape through various edits. You can control which constraints are available, in what order they
are applied, and a tolerance to determine whether constraints are automatically applied. These controls are
available on the AutoConstrain tab of the Constraint Settings dialog box, which you can access from the
Parametric tab or using the CONSTRAINTSETTINGS command.
Figure 18. Access to Constraint Settings dialog box

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Figure 19. Constraint Settings dialog box, AutoConstrain tab
Constraint Bars
Constraint bars show the constraints applied to an object. You can control the display of constraint bars using
the CONSTRAINTBAR command or the Show, Show All, and Hide All options on the Geometric panel of the
Parametric ribbon tab.
When constraint bars are displayed, you can pass the cursor over a constraint to view the constraint name and
the objects that it affects.
Figure 20. Constraint bar
You can further control the display of constraint bars on the Geometric tab of the Constraint Settings dialog box.
Options include the ability to individually specify which types of constraints can be displayed in the constraint

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bar, apply transparency, and automatically show the constraint bars after applying constraints to selected
objects regardless of the current constraint bar visibility setting.
Figure 21. Constraint Settings dialog box, Geometric tab
Establishing Dimensional Relationships
Dimensional relationships put limits on measurements of geometry. For example, you could use a dimensional
constraint to specify the radius of an arc, the length of a line, or that two parallel lines are always 15 mm apart.
Changing the value of a dimensional constraint forces a change in geometry.
You can create dimensional constraints from the Dimensional panel of the Parametric tab or with the
DIMCONSTRAINT command. There are seven types of dimensional constraints, similar to the different kinds of
dimensions: Linear, Aligned, Horizontal, Vertical, Angular, Radial, and Diameter. In fact, you can use the
DIMCONSTRAINT command to convert a traditional dimension to the corresponding dimensional constraint.
Dimensional constraints are assigned a name when created. The text of a dimensional constraint can display its
name, value, or its name and expression (name = formula or equation or value). A “lock” icon appears next to
all dimensional constraints to help you visually distinguish them from regular dimensions. By default,
dimensional constraints are displayed with a fixed system style that is zoom-invariant—it stays the same size
relative to the screen when you zoom in and out so it is always readable.

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Figure 22. Dimensional constraints
You can control the display of dimensional constraints, including the visibility of the lock icon, from the
Dimensional tab of the Constraint Settings dialog box.
Figure 23. Constraint Settings dialog box, Dimensional tab
Easily edit a dimensional constraint using grips or by double-clicking on the dimension text to enter values.
When you double-click, the constraint name and expression are automatically displayed regardless of the
constraint format setting. You can enter just a value, or a name and value using the format name=value (for
example, Width=1.5 or Width=Length/3). You can rename dimensional constraints, and use those names in

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formulas to set the values of other constraints. For example, if you have a rectangle with constraints named
“length” and “width,” you could define the value of “width” as “length/3” to constrain the rectangle’s width to 1/3
of its length.
User-Defined Parameters
The Parameters Manager, available from the ribbon, enables you to manage dimensional parameters as well
as create and manage user-defined parameters. You can provide a meaningful name for the parameter and
then assign a numeric value or formula as its expression. A parameter’s expression can reference other
parameters so that its value automatically updates when the other parameter values change.
Figure 24. Parameters Manager
Constraint Forms
Dimensional constraints can take one of two forms: Annotational or Dynamic. Both forms control geometry in
the same way, but they differ in their appearance and they way they are managed.
Dynamic dimensional constraints are not intended to be used as plotted annotation and they have a predefined
style that cannot be modified. The display height is controlled by the BPARAMETERSIZE system variable. The
visibility of dynamic constraints can be controlled in a variety of ways. First, you can show or hide all dynamic
constraints with two icons on the ribbon. Second, even if dynamic constraints are hidden, you can choose to
display them when a constrained object is selected, by using the checkbox in the Constraint Settings dialog or
the DYNCONSTRAINTMODE system variable. Finally, even if dynamic constraints are set to “Show All,” they
will only appear if at least one of the constrained objects is visible (on a layer which is On and Thawed).
Annotational constraints look just like dimension objects, and are managed the same way. They have all the
same properties as regular dimensions, including Style. Annotational constraints are intended to be used for
plotted dimensional constraints.

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Figure 25: Rectangle with one annotational and one dynamic dimensional constraint
You can specify which constraint form is applied by default using the CCONSTRAINTFORM system variable.
Additionally, you can specify the constraint form when using the DIMCONSTRAINT command to create a new
dimensional constraint. Even after you have created a dimensional constraint, you can easily change its
constraint form using the Properties palette.
Dynamic Blocks
Dynamic blocks have been enhanced to support geometric and dimensional constraints. They also support the
ability to define a table of variations of the dynamic block, and some general enhancements have been made to
the block editing environment.
Figure 26. Block Editor ribbon tab
Geometric Constraints
You can apply geometric constraints to objects in the Block Editor in the same way as in the Drawing Editor.
Constrained geometry in the Drawing Editor that is copied into the Block Editor, or selected when creating a
block with the Block command, will remain constrained in the Block Editor.
Constraint Parameters
You can apply dimensional-type constraints, called constraint parameters, to objects within a block. Constraint
parameters behave like dimensional constraints but they also expose their name as a property for the block
reference similar to dynamic block parameters. You can access constraint parameters from the Dimensional
panel of the Block Editor tab in the ribbon or with the BCPARAMETER command. Constraint parameter options
include Linear, Aligned, Horizontal, Vertical, Angular, Radial, and Diameter.
Construction Geometry
Sometimes it is helpful to add construction geometry when constraining geometry to achieve the behavior you
desire. The Block Editor provides a construction geometry tool (BCONSTRUCTION command) that enables
you to convert existing objects to construction geometry. The construction geometry is visible in the Block Editor
and can be constrained, but it does not display or plot in the block reference.
Parameters Manager
A Parameters Manager is available in the Block Editor. It lists user parameters, legacy action parameters, block
constraint parameters, and attributes. Using the Parameters Manager, you can control whether or not a
parameter is displayed in the Properties palette for a selected block reference and you can specify the order in
which the parameters appear.

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Figure 27. Block Editor Parameters Manager
Test Blocks
A new Test Block tool (BTESTBLOCK command) enables you to test a block definition while authoring dynamic
blocks. When you use this tool, AutoCAD opens a temporary window, similar to a drawing window, with the
block reference already inserted. The Test Block Window is easily identifiable by the title bar, background color,
and the contextual ribbon tab which includes a button to Close Test Block. When you close the test block,
you’re automatically returned to the Block Editor.
Block Properties Table
A new Block Table tool has been added to the Block Editor. Accessible from the Dimensional panel of the
ribbon, or the BTABLE command, it displays the Block Properties Table where you can define different
variations of a property set for the block reference. You can enter properties manually or copy and paste from a
Microsoft®Office Excel®spreadsheet.

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Figure 28. Block Properties Table
A menu grip on the inserted block reference enables you to switch between different sets of values or rows in
the table.
Figure 29. Block Properties Table grip
Selecting “Properties table..” from the grip menu displays the Block table, enabling you set the block to the
values defined by any row in the table.
Action Bars
The display and positioning of Action objects in the Block Editor is enhanced to be consistent with Constraint
bars. Action objects are no longer placed individually in the Block Editor; rather they are automatically grouped

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into Action bars based on the parameters with which they are associated. You can toggle between the new and
old display styles by setting the BACTIONBARMODE system variable prior to entering the Block Editor.
Figure 30. Action bars
When viewing the block definition with Action bars turned on, you can quickly tell which actions are associated
with which parameters and how many actions each of the parameters affects. You can also see which
parameter has its “Chain actions” property enabled. If you roll over an action in an Action bar, both the
associated parameter and affected geometry are highlighted.
Block Editor Settings
A new dialog box, launched with the command BESETTINGS, enables you to control all the settings for the
Block Editor environment in one place. You can apply colors to objects based on their constraint status, making
it easy to identify objects that are partially, fully, or over-constrained, or that have no constraints at all. The
system variable BCONSTATUSMODE controls whether this shading is used.

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Figure 31. Block Editor Settings
Authoring Blocks with Constraints versus Parameters and Actions
When creating dynamic blocks using geometric and dimensional constraints, it is generally recommended that
you don’t mix them with parameters and actions. For example, if you apply geometric constraints to the
geometry in the block definition, you should use constraint parameters to define custom properties for the block
instead of the action parameters. It is also recommended you add a Fix constraint to the definition and fully
constrain the block. You can check whether the block is fully constrained by clicking on the Constraint Status in
the ribbon.
Annotation Tools
Find and Replace
Find and Replace functionality has been enhanced for increased efficiency. You can use the new Zoom button
to zoom to a highlighted text object, similar to double-clicking on the item within the results list. Additional
buttons enable you to quickly create a selection set that includes all of the objects in the results list or only
those that are highlighted.
Multileaders
Edit the properties of individual Multileader segments by using the CTRL key to select the segment and then
accessing the Properties window. New grips at each corner of the leader text enable you to resize the text box
in the same way you resize a simple mtext object.
Mleader styles have been enhanced to provide you with more control over the leader connections. On the
Leader Structure tab, you can specify Vertical attachment in addition to the traditional Horizontal attachment.
On the Content tab, when a Block multileader type is selected, you can specify a scale. The block scale is also
displayed as a Multileader property in the Properties window. A new button on the Content tab provides direct
access to the Text Style dialog box enabling you to create and modify text styles without exiting the Multileader
Style dialog box.