Lynn Allen's Blog

Attend the See the Difference with AutoCAD 2010 Virtual!

Yesterday I presented at a See the Difference event in Rochester, NY (Henrietta actually).  Adraft did a great job at this half day event that was focused on all things AutoCAD.  Robert Green kicked the event off with a presentation on keeping your skills up to date and making yourself more valuable to your company.  I followed with my AutoCAD 2010 presentation and the day was finished off by some great breakouts that tackled topics such as Annotation Scaling, Dynamic Blocks and Parametrics.  The topics all sounded so compelling I couldn't decide which one to attend!

Below is a picture of the Adraft staff- I just couldn't say enough nice things about how well they ran this event.  It was an absolute pleasure working with them and I hope to do so again in the future. Adraft CEO Julia Grant, front center, starting using AutoCAD over 20 years ago!  Robert Green is on my right.

If you missed the See The Difference with AutoCAD 2010 Tour events - be sure to join us virtually on Tuesday, November 17.

 

As an added attraction - you'll get to hear from fellow blogger Heidi Hewett who will do an entire session on 3D AutoCAD!  I think I just might need to tune into that!

Check out this virtual event - it's as close to LIVE as you can get!
 

Prepare for Autodesk Certification in Advance!

If you happen to be in the Rochester, New York area - be sure to join me tomorrow for a presentation for Adraft. 

My colleague and friend Robert Green will also be presented on CAD Management (which I'm looking forward to!).  This is the second presentation this year where I have been fortunate to share the stage with Robert.

If you are going to Autodesk University - I'm hoping you plan on taking at least one Certification Exam.  These exams are no charge (also known as FREE!) at Autodesk University and a great opportunity for you to beef up your resume.  Don't you want a means of proving your level of expertise with Autodesk software?

 

If you do plan on taking the Certification Exam you are going to want to get prepared as much as possible before you go. Check out all the information available to help you be prepared.

Click HERE to get info on preparing for the Autodesk Certification Exams

I'm off to Rochester (Henrietta actually!).  So far the weather seems quite nice (so why did I bring my HEAVY coat?)

An AutoCAD Hip Tip on the Application Menu

I have to start my blog by wishing my father a Happy Birthday (Happy Birthday Papa!).  Not that he reads my blog, mind you, but let's face it - it's just the right thing to do!

Autodesk University is getting closer and I'm dutifully working on my AU presentations. I'll be doing a presentation on AutoCAD 2010 and today's Hip Tip is certainly relevant to my AU presentation.

An AutoCAD Hip Tip on the Application Menu.

In the upper left hand corner of AutoCAD 2009 and 2010 you'll find a nice big red "A".  This is where the Application Menu can be found. 

This Application Menu is very similar to those found in the Microsoft Office 2007 products such as MS Word.  Autodesk is trying to provide a consistent interface - which ultimately will make your life easier as you move around from product to product.  Within the Application menu you'll find easy access to your recently viewed files (including sheet sets!). 

Note:  Be careful not to click on the "A" twice or you'll find yourself leaving AutoCAD!

I strongly encourage watching the video for an easy overview of the ins and outs of the Application menu (aren't videos more fun than actually reading?)

If you're having issues finding a command in the ribbon - the Application Menu has a speedy lookup tool that will show you exactly where the command is hiding.

And in the video I mention that the default for the number of recently viewed files is 9 - a horrible default if you ask me.  You'll want to make sure you go into Options and change that to something much higher (as high as 50).

Be sure to get comfortable with the Application Menu so you can make sure you are getting the most out of AutoCAD 2009 or 2010!
  
 
 

Try Autodesk Project Cooper for Free!

So what exactly is Project Cooper?  A simple, low stress drawing package that produces drawings in DWG format.  We all know some non-CAD folks out there who could benefit from an easy-to-use drawing package (it sure beats drawing on a napkin!) and this just might be the perfect match for them.

  
 
 The best news is that it can be downloaded from Autodesk Labs so you can give it the good old college try for free!  Below you'll also find a cool video that demonstrates Project Cooper running on a Tablet PC.

What kind of name is Project Cooper?  Well it isn't the official name of the product - in fact you can help give Project Cooper a name. Just participate in a short survey to help give this great new product a name!

Give Project Cooper a try - tell your non-drafting friends and coworkers. Maybe you need to do a quick sketch of your kitchen, - or maybe this is the perfect software for your kids to get started on...I've only worked with it a little here and there - but I certainly love how easy it is to use!