TheSwamp

CAD Forums => CAD General => Topic started by: JohnK on November 30, 2021, 03:49:02 PM

Title: [rant] What happened to AutoCAD
Post by: JohnK on November 30, 2021, 03:49:02 PM
I took a job that made me switch back to using AutoCAD--instead of Revit--after years away. The last AutoCAD I used was about 2012. I used a few versions here and there but it was mostly for construction admin or answering RFIs (-i.e. nothing close to full time use).

1. What happened to block insert? I'm trying to get use to this "library interface" but this is ridiculous. I believe CAB had a block program so if I find a good routine, I'll modify this post.

2. The ribbon is very cumbersome to use (and takes up too much real estate) . Made the switch back to using old menus and toolbars already.

3. So far I have a love/hate relationship with multileaders.
Title: Re: [rant] What happened to AutoCAD
Post by: Rob... on November 30, 2021, 05:01:41 PM
Don't get caught going down the rabbit hole trying to set it up like you remember. Much better off putting that time into learning the new interface.
Title: Re: [rant] What happened to AutoCAD
Post by: framednlv on November 30, 2021, 05:09:19 PM
Ribbon, I hate the way it changes when you select xrefs or different types of entities.
Block insertion, create new Tool Palettes
Multileaders, I've got them using custom lisp:

Title: Re: [rant] What happened to AutoCAD
Post by: kdub_nz on December 01, 2021, 12:34:03 AM


1. What happened to block insert? >>>>

I use  CLASSICINSERT . . . changed  the .PGP

I"ve been dragged out of retirement . . . first thing I complained about too :)
Title: Re: [rant] What happened to AutoCAD
Post by: It's Alive! on December 01, 2021, 02:51:14 AM
Hate the ribbon  :crazy2:

when I was drafting I used cleanscreen and autohotkey to customize my num pad for command shortcuts.
Title: Re: [rant] What happened to AutoCAD
Post by: huiz on December 01, 2021, 07:25:46 AM
Nobody praises the possibilities of AutoCAD to fully customize the User Interface? :-)


You might hate the Ribbon or Palettes or love it, but unlike other applications AutoCAD can be fully customized. There are still commands available to the old Layer dialog or Block dialog. You don't need to use Ribbons, you don't need to use the button bars, you don't need to use the Command Line, you don't need to use... <anything>, it is a choice. And what you want to use, is editable or programmable.


 :mrgreen:
Title: Re: [rant] What happened to AutoCAD
Post by: JohnK on December 01, 2021, 09:46:19 AM
@rob
The ribbon is gone. It was one command to make it disappear but workspaces make it easy to get back. I always been a keyboard guy so it was just taking up space.

@framednlv
I forgot about tool palettes. Nice!
I may want to steal that lisp from you.

@kerry
classicinsert. nice! :)
lol Oh no. You are obviously a wanted man. That has to make you feel good (and tell you how good you were at your job)!
Trying out my Aussie babblefish:
G’day Galah, ya old ripper. Put back on yous Knickers and get back to bonzo.

@daniel
Clean screen is a good idea. I'm going to use that.

@huiz
You can shorten that first statement to: "Nobody should praise AutoCAD".

Yes, programming is an option and I've been thinking about a programming project to work on and I may have an idea. I've been half-trying to get my AutoLisp skills back but maybe I'll use this chance to document the experience so everyone can watch me fall down (a lot) while I attempt to write a AutoLisp program. :)
Title: Re: [rant] What happened to AutoCAD
Post by: Daniel J. Ellis on December 01, 2021, 09:52:03 AM
Nobody praises the possibilities of AutoCAD to fully customize the User Interface? :-)


You might hate the Ribbon or Palettes or love it, but unlike other applications AutoCAD can be fully customized. There are still commands available to the old Layer dialog or Block dialog. You don't need to use Ribbons, you don't need to use the button bars, you don't need to use the Command Line, you don't need to use... <anything>, it is a choice. And what you want to use, is editable or programmable.


 :mrgreen:

QFT

I leave the Ribbon minimised.  There are a few things that are easier through it (editing hatches comes to mind),so you save the real-estate but it;s there when you need/want it.

dJE
Title: Re: [rant] What happened to AutoCAD
Post by: Lonnie on December 01, 2021, 11:29:06 AM
 :hahanot:
You sound like my people after every new release. Embrace the change. :sick:

GD&R

Title: Re: [rant] What happened to AutoCAD
Post by: Krushert on December 01, 2021, 12:02:37 PM
When I fire up AutoCad, Most of my time is spent trying to get back on the bycicle.    :uglystupid2:
Title: Re: [rant] What happened to AutoCAD
Post by: ronjonp on December 01, 2021, 07:06:37 PM
Nobody praises the possibilities of AutoCAD to fully customize the User Interface? :-)


You might hate the Ribbon or Palettes or love it, but unlike other applications AutoCAD can be fully customized. There are still commands available to the old Layer dialog or Block dialog. You don't need to use Ribbons, you don't need to use the button bars, you don't need to use the Command Line, you don't need to use... <anything>, it is a choice. And what you want to use, is editable or programmable.


 :mrgreen:
QFT

I leave the Ribbon minimised.  There are a few things that are easier through it (editing hatches comes to mind),so you save the real-estate but it;s there when you need/want it.

dJE
I minimiz(s)e it as well .. although I'm still a toolbar person when I'm not on the command line.
Title: Re: [rant] What happened to AutoCAD
Post by: RGUS on December 02, 2021, 02:26:25 AM
I never really got out of the digitizer interface from DOS days when AutoCAD use to "sing"
This "digitizer" interface I use is fast, full of embedded LISP code that out performs most pull-down, slide-side-ways, scroll down to find the command type draughting... it utilizes DOSLIB, OPENDCL and iDwgTAB to make draughting fun again... but then, I'm an old bugger, set in my ways.
Title: Re: [rant] What happened to AutoCAD
Post by: CAB on December 02, 2021, 11:05:06 AM
Now that is beautiful, I love buttons!
Title: Re: [rant] What happened to AutoCAD
Post by: MSTG007 on December 02, 2021, 02:45:09 PM
WOW.
Title: Re: [rant] What happened to AutoCAD
Post by: Matthew H on December 03, 2021, 09:56:09 AM
I never really got out of the digitizer interface from DOS days when AutoCAD use to "sing"
This "digitizer" interface I use is fast, full of embedded LISP code that out performs most pull-down, slide-side-ways, scroll down to find the command type draughting... it utilizes DOSLIB, OPENDCL and iDwgTAB to make draughting fun again... but then, I'm an old bugger, set in my ways.

Is the right side of your screen the "iDwgTAB" or something else? I think I might have to try that out.

Title: Re: [rant] What happened to AutoCAD
Post by: BlackBox on December 03, 2021, 10:32:29 AM
I never really got out of the digitizer interface from DOS days when AutoCAD use to "sing"
This "digitizer" interface I use is fast, full of embedded LISP code that out performs most pull-down, slide-side-ways, scroll down to find the command type draughting... it utilizes DOSLIB, OPENDCL and iDwgTAB to make draughting fun again... but then, I'm an old bugger, set in my ways.

Is the right side of your screen the "iDwgTAB" or something else? I think I might have to try that out.

Long time fan of iDwgTab, which has been re-branded as Express Document Tab and is no longer a free app:

https://apps.autodesk.com/ACD/en/Detail/Index?id=6897317942183966705&os=Win32_64&appLang=en

Express Document Bar (by same developer) is free though:

https://apps.autodesk.com/ACD/en/Detail/Index?id=1740020613822001899&appLang=ko&os=Win32_64
Title: Re: [rant] What happened to AutoCAD
Post by: DeeGeeCees_V.2.0 on December 03, 2021, 11:49:29 AM
30+ years of using the command line and my own lisp routines helps to keep me from having a learning curve for every new release, but then again it also stifles learning any new processes and methods as well. Old dogs aint too fond of new tricks.
Title: Re: [rant] What happened to AutoCAD
Post by: RGUS on December 03, 2021, 01:56:47 PM
I never really got out of the digitizer interface from DOS days when AutoCAD use to "sing"
This "digitizer" interface I use is fast, full of embedded LISP code that out performs most pull-down, slide-side-ways, scroll down to find the command type draughting... it utilizes DOSLIB, OPENDCL and iDwgTAB to make draughting fun again... but then, I'm an old bugger, set in my ways.

Is the right side of your screen the "iDwgTAB" or something else? I think I might have to try that out.

Yes,
The Left-hand side with layer disciplines is written with OpenDCL, has "slide-out" menus for sub-layer selection. It switches to the selected layer if it exists or changes gripped entities to the selected layer or creates the layer if it doesn't exist and can change gripped entities to a new selected layer.  This function was created out of a strict need for layer management. That way only layers that are required exist in the drawing file.

The middle section is using AutoCAD's standard toolbar functionally, but also gets increased speed with "QuikPik" (https://www.manusoft.com/software/quikpik.html), is speeds selection from the toolbar amongst other ACAD enhancements.

The Right-hand side is "iDwgTab" and is a must for visual selection and changing to drawings quickly.

All sections are movable and can be repositioned programmatically, so there is no need to stay with the screen layout as shown, though most monitors have resolutions that support the "A" series paper sizes and still allow these customization areas sufficient screen real-estate.

Title: Re: [rant] What happened to AutoCAD
Post by: JohnK on December 06, 2021, 01:51:08 PM
Did something happen to osnaps?! It seems like I have to be super precise and most times it...glitchy.

That's quite the interface.

I took the opposite approach (-i.e. went super clean).
Code: [Select]
Steps to get AutoCAD back to looking classic.
1. `ribbonclose`
2. `filetabclose`
3. `menuload` = 1
Title: Re: [rant] What happened to AutoCAD
Post by: GDF on January 29, 2022, 02:59:47 PM
Even though I'm retired now...the enclosed PDF file illustrates my approach to customization.
Title: Re: [rant] What happened to AutoCAD
Post by: Mark on June 06, 2022, 10:43:09 AM
I"ve been dragged out of retirement . . .
Say it ain't so! What the hell is going on over there?