Lynn Allen's Blog

Do you know everything you can do with the Mouse Wheel in AutoCAD?

We are all mouse wheel experts - aren't we?  We use it all day long to zoom and pan in AutoCAD (as well as other programs).  But did you know that with a few clever mouse wheel and key combinations you open the door to so much more functionality?

Check out my latest Cadalyst video to make sure you are getting the most out of your powerful Mouse Wheel!

And besides - this week there is a bonus - there's a puppy in my video!  (and how can any resist an AutoCAD tip with a puppy in it!)

 

And I am loving the attractive look on my face right here...Sigh...

Happy New Year! (and a wrap on AUx Dubai)

My last trip before the holidays was an Autodesk University Extension event in Dubai - and what a way to end the Autodesk year!  I have spent a fair amount of time in the Middle East in my early AutoCAD days - and it's funny how I felt right back at home in no time.

Of course the fantastic, enthusiastic AUx attendees had everything to do with that!  Check out this short video on AUx Dubai.

I offered up three presentations - the keynote on Autodesk 360 and embracing The Cloud, A BIM presentation and of course an AutoCAD presentation.  The attendees were truly the highlight for me though.

Although there were many involved in making this the great day of learning that it was - a personal thanks goes out to Sajan Sadiq of OMNIX International who tirelessly worked on the event.  And to Dr. Jayant Deshpande who was also a driving force (and host) for AUx Dubai.

Miikka Arala (below) of Autodesk was instrumental behind the two AU extensions I attended - and these were truly events well done!  Hopefully you'll find an AU extension coming to a neighborhood near you!  (After all - not everyone can make it all the way to Las Vegas to attend an AU).

When I showed up for my keynote - the nicest young man presented me with a bouquet of flowers (talk about a great way to kick the event off!).  Louis - a million thanks to you!

Autodesk University Extension (AUx) Johannesburg

I attended 3 different Autodesk Universities this year:  AU Brazil, AU Russia and of course AU Las Vegas.  While I certainly loved these exciting (and quite large) events - I must admit I am also a big fan of the AU Extensions. Smaller - true -  (around 400 to 500) people but just as filled with energy and enthusiasm from the attendees as the full fledged AUs!

AUx Johannesburg was a fabulous event (put on by WorldsView Technologies) that included a day of classes and a keynote (the Future of Design taught by yours truly).  The attendees were entertained by Zulu dancers at lunch time - and ended the day with a great cocktail networking reception. I sat in on an AutoCAD Tips and Tricks session where I learned a few new tips myself!  It was an exciting day of learning for everyone (myself included!)

I never really quite understood what these red covered people were supposed to be (although I remember being immediately deemed uncool when I asked).  They were all over the AUx Johannesburg conference and added a nice touch.

  

The flight from Johannesburg to Las Vegas is so long (I can vouch for that!) and so expensive that very few get to attend the original AU.  AU extensions allow us to bring a sample of AU to them - and that is a very good thing indeed!

 I was thanked by so many attendees for being there.  It was my pleasure for sure as the attendees and WorldsView made it a day to remember. Nicely done everyone!  That said - a special shout out to Richard Smedley-Williams who did a great job as hosting and Dale Welch for all of his great marketing efforts.  The folks from Penguin were amazing as well (thank you for taking such great care of me!)

 

 

 

 

 

Open an Autodesk 360 account &Autodesk will contribute to Engineers without Borders!

You get...We give...and this is the perfect season for exactly that.  All you have to do is open an Autodesk 360 account and Autodesk will give $1 to Engineers without Borders.  Now that is a total Win-Win!

Autodesk 360 is an easy-to-use cloud based service where you can store up to 3GB of files and easily access them from anywhere you have an internet connection.  It's also a great collaboration workspace so you can share your files with others all over the world.  You decide at the last minute that you want to work from home?  No problem!  Just log onto your Autodesk 360 account and download your files.  You can even set your Autodesk software up to automatically sync with your Autodesk 360 account so you'll always have the most up to date files available.

Give it a try - what have you got to lose?  Tis the season to help others and that's exactly what Engineers without Borders-USA is all about.  Help build a world in which all communities have the capacity to meet the basic human needs.

Set up your Autodesk 360 account now! 

 

Did you miss Autodesk University? Catch it on AU Virtual!

Of course not everyone can go to Autodesk University in Las Vegas...no budget for it, company won't let you go, too many projects in the office, the list goes on and on.  I do find that wherever I travel though that most everyone WANTS to go to AU.  No worries if you couldn't make it as most of the classes are recorded including the AU Keynote sessions, Innovation Forums and the fantastic Platinum Sponsor Technology Showcase (I'm a little biased about that one though).

All this can be found on AU Virtual (and at no charge).  So now you just have to make time!  So grab a coffee, sit back, relax and get caught up on all things AU!

You'll find Yours Truly towards the end of the AU keynote - and hosting the fantastic Platinum Sponsor Showcase.  In the latter - you'll get to hear all the latest from HP, Dell, Intel and Lenovo (you'll have to scroll down to find it at the very end of the list).

Maybe watch them while you're wrapping presents?  : )

 

 

Join me for AU Freshman Orientation!

OK - I admit it - you don't have to be an AU Freshman to join us for the Freshman Orientation!  You might just want to be one of the smart AU attendees who wants to make sure you know all about the most popular events and activities going on at Autodesk University!  Or you might want to have a chance to win one of 3 AU 2013 passes we'll be giving away.Or you just might want to start your networking early with a drink and 500 (or more) of your closest AU friends!

Don't miss out on the fun and information you'll find at the AU Freshman Orientation!  Last year it was standing room only so be sure and get there early.  I want to see you there!

When:  Monday, November 26,

 

 

 

5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Where: South Convention Center, Mandalay Bay E, Level 2

Join me for the AU Platinum Partner Technology Showcase

Wednesday evening at Autodesk University I have the privilege of hosting this year's Platinum Partner Technology Showcase!  Get a sneak peak into the latest technology from our Platinum Partners Dell, HP, Intel and Lenovo. Join us for cocktails and then make yourself comfortable as we learn how new and emerging technologies are affecting and enhancing the way we design. (It's sure to be a lively and interesting discussion as well!)

When?  5:45 pm to 7:00 pm
Where? So. Convention Center, Mandalay Bay G, Level 2

I look forward to seeing you there!  (it's definitely not to be missed)

Going to Autodesk University? Check out the AU Primer!

If you want to be certain you don't miss out on any of the cool things going on at AU - be sure to check out my AU Primer!  Here you'll find info on everything from what to pack to what must-see events are going on. 

So check it out before you go - and you'll definitely be "in the know"!  I look forward to seeing you at AU!

 

On my way to Autodesk University extension Johannesburg!

It's a 36 hour trip for me - but I'm still looking forward to meeting all the Autodesk product users who plan on attending Autodesk University extension in Johannesburg!  If you live in South Africa - it's not too late to sign up (I hear there is room for a few more).

  I'll be talking all about the latest Autodesk Cloud technology and sharing my popular "60 AutoCAD Tips in 60 minutes" during the conference.  I've also brought along plenty of my AutoCAD 2013 Tips and Tricks booklets to share (making my suitcase QUITE heavy!).  Everyone is excited about the strong turn-out and I hope to see you there!  And since i don't really know anyone in So. Africa - please be sure to come up and introduce yourself! 

APPHACK at AU! (Say What?)

You heard me correctly...APPHACK!   (Gesundheit)  Here is your chance to win as much as $5,000.00 for your cool app or plugin for AutoCAD.  If you are an awesome hacker - be sure to join in on the fun (and awesome prizes!).  What have you got to lose?

Here is the deal: 

1. Write a cool app/plugin for AutoCAD. Or dig one out that you’ve already written. Extra credit points for keeping the theme of Connecting AutoCAD to the Cloud in mind!

2. Make a 5-min (or less) video that demonstrates the capabilities of the app/plugin and upload it on this site. Be creative!

3. Upload your compiled app files as a .zip to the Buzzsaw repository (you will be given credentials after you submit your video on this site).

4. Print, sign, and return the Competition Participation Agreement that will be emailed to you after you sign up. REVIEW THE OFFICIAL RULES CAREFULLY!

5. If you’re selected as a finalist, perform a live demo of your app at Autodesk University in Las Vegas!

Contest Starts

October 29, 2012 @ 12:01 am (PDT)

Contest Ends

November 14, 2012 @ 11:59 pm (PST)

Need more Details?

Go to the posting for more info.

Check out APPHACK!  (Gesundheit!)