The idea of Quick Properties is to help you work with properties quickly. However, it should not interfere with our work. Let’s explore more settings that allow you to work comfortably.
COLLAPSING PALETTES You can set any palette to collapse so it will only show a minimum number of rows. When you move your pointer above the palette, it will expand automatically.
PRODUCT FOCUS
AutoCAD 2013
Unfortunately, we cannot arrange the order of the rows. It would be great if we could easily move our most frequently used fields to the top. However, this feature is still useful when we activate the Quick Properties tool and want it to appear at minimal size when we are not using it.
EDITING OBJECT LIST In the Palette Display section of the Drafting Settings dialog box, you can set palettes to display themselves only when you select objects with specific properties or all objects. Now how we can determine which object to show quick properties? First, open the CUI again. In the CUI dialog box, above the object type list, click the “Edit Object Type List” button.
Now you can edit which objects will be shown. Uncheck everything you do not need.
Now you will see only objects that belong to the object types that you selected for use with Quick Properties.
January 2013
Close the CUI dialog box. Try selecting some AutoCAD objects. The Quick Properties dialog box will not be displayed unless you choose an object type that is on the list. In the example above, it will only appear when you select a line or polyline object.
CONCLUSION The features discussed here are Windows-compliant methods and concepts and are easily understood by most Windows users. The good thing about Windows-compliant features is they are similar across different software. If you are already familiar with one software package, it should be easy to learn and use others. While these tools are very useful when you only have basic knowledge, experienced users can still benefit from them daily. These tools allow the user to do many more things with fewer tools. And that type of working habit can often make you more productive.
Edwin Prakoso has used AutoCAD since R14. Currently he works for PT Nusantara Secom InfoTech, an Autodesk reseller in Indonesia. When he’s not having a training class or presentation, he shares his experiences on his blog “CAD notes.” On his blog, his focus is to help other users to be more productive. You can reach him at cadnotes.com or follow him on Twitter at @CADnotes. www.augiworld.com
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