If the thread was "I'm really frustrated with ACAD, what are my alternatives.' then it *might* be appropriate. It takes a little more learning or a savy employee if you don't have the time yourself. AutoCAD is the only one that is robust and mature enough for me. With virtually every other product you are at the mercy of the developer to determine how you are going to work, what you are going to see and how it is going to be printed.
For all it's faults, AutoCAD is the only design software I know of with multiple API's that allow the savy user to really take control of their drawing environment and process. This is advantageous for using the view buttons to control view direction and to set coordinate systems at the same time. If you work in 3d this lisp changes ucsbase at the same time as changing ucs. I use this lisp to quickly change between World and "1"
Whenever I deal with skewed geometry I save a UCS named "1". (defun C:11() Toggles section 11 layers on or off If it is off, turn it and all layers with _kw-s11 in the name on. Layer visibility toggle - Test layer _kw-s11. (I've mapped "c" to call this lisp in my acad.pgp) (command "rectangle" 2x4P1 - always copy multiple, just esc to quit. (setq 2x4P1 (getpoint "\Insertion point:") Most have 10 different variations, I've just posted sample code: (Besides a well thought out drafting system) Here are some of my favorites. To count the nails you would have to create a new formula in Softlist based on the recomended nailing pattern.īill - For AutoCAD I think the single best productivity tool is a basic understanding of lisp. Each material can be given an individual "fudge" factor and/or a global percentage can be used. SoftList will calculate the necessary starter strip, J-molding, drip cap, and outside and inside corners, You can also go into the wall/edit list and turn on and off individual items to be counted in SoftList.
To turn individual walls off, select edit/item, click on the wall you don't want to count, uncheck the softlist checkbox, select ok. By default, SoftList will count every wall. To measure siding I would take advantage of the SoftList module. You can also edit the reference edges individually to measure to different materials on each wall individually.
Once the area is drawn, select edit/item, click on the area to edit, now you can choose to automatically measure to the interior, outer bearing material, or outside edge - the display will update the sq. Select/draw and choose one of the 16 areas. In SoftPlan we can perform a similar function using area mode.