How to access offline help on AutoCAD

What if your workstation doesn't have an internet connection and you need to use help from Autodesk? Now, on recent To get the most out of the new online Help system, you will need to be connected to the Internet. If you cannot be connected to the Internet, you should switch to and use the locally installed files. These files for the most part look and feel like their online counterpart. To switch between the locally installed or online help files, do the following:

On the command line of AutoCAD, type "Options" (without quotes). Make sure no command is active before doing this. In the Options dialog box, click the System tab (shown on Figure 1 below). Under the Help section, clear "Access online content (including Help) when available" if you want to use the locally installed files. All online connectivity is disabled, unless you click an external link which will load a requested page.

Figure 1

Check "Access online content (including Help) when available" to use the online version of the help documentation. If you would like to know it's url then It is located at http://docs.autodesk.com/ACD/2011/ENU. For the Help Browser section, select if you want to use Windows Internet Explorer or your Default System Browser. Default System Browser means, you can use either Firefox or Chrome if it is set as your default Web browser on your workstation. Click OK to save your changes.

It may differ slightly on earlier versions of AutoCAD like 2011. It looks like this (see Figure 2 below).

Figure 2 (AutoCAD 2011)

Here's an animation below for you to follow.

Animation ACAD offline help

Good luck!

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How to quickly memorize AutoCAD commands

Have you ever experience forgetting AutoCAD commands that you recently used? And what's funny is that you stop working. Stare at the monitor and think of that specific command. These might be those commands that you rarely use. I have been using AutoCAD for so long but what makes it funny is that I still experience these kind of moment while using it. Well, maybe there are a lot of reasons a person could slightly or temporarily forget something right? Your mind is full of these things or ideas that might have been getting in your way while working. Some call it day dreaming. Funny but it happens.

I could still remember those early years where I first learned AutoCAD. I couldn't let that Autocad user manual far from where my station is. I always check it from time to time until I got grip to most of the basic commands that I always use. For those times I remember writing most of those commands on a "post-it" and stick it on to the frame of my monitor. For multiple step commands, I wrote the steps on a small notepad which is always sit next to my keyboard for easy access whenever I need it. What I hear others do is to make a note on a piece of paper and tape it on their desk, type it on windows notepad program then save it to their desktop, use notes gadget on windows vista or windows 7 and the most uncommonly is that to access notes on a smart phone (very techie huh?).

Recently, on AutoCAD 2012. There is a new feature called Automatic Command Line Completion (see image Figure 1 below) wherein you type the first to three letters of the command that you have in mind and AutoCAD gives you a list of valid choices displayed from which you can choose and complete the command for you. I will discuss this more on the next post.

Figure 1

Either of these methods could help you depending on your current environment and resources. Maybe you could use it all at once. It really depends on what is the most effective method for you by how you apply it.

If you think of other methods which is not listed here. Please start sharing it in the comments box below. You could also share interesting topics, ideas, tech information relating to cad by going to this site or to facebook.

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Road map to Autodesk Certification

As follow up to my last topic about Autodesk Certification here is another pointers that a candidate should be aware of. Like any other certification programs available out there. Autodesk recommends that a candidate should experience an actual hands on training of the product that they chose and be able to apply their skill learned. There should be AutoCAD course or equivalent plus 100 hours of hands on training if you are taking the Associate certification and an AutoCAD course or equivalent plus 400 hours of hands on training if you opt Professional certification. Either way Associate certification should be taken first before upgrading up to Professional certification. More specific information could be found on my last blog (Autodesk Associate/Professional Certification) or at Autodesk website.

Below are the specific Autodesk products that offer certification.

AutoCAD
AutoCAD Civil 3D
Autodesk 3ds Max
Autodesk Inventor
Autodesk Revit Architecture
Autodesk Maya

Road maps for each of these products could be found at http://usa.autodesk.com.

For those who have experience using the product and chooses to take certification right away. You can contact Autodesk Training Center (ATC) near you or use the Autodesk center search tool to find one.

For those who don't have the experience yet but would like to be certified. First, you need to familiarize yourself with the software by using it. The good news is Autodesk offers free downloads of these software products. The only limitation is you could have it used for thirty (30) days only. Enough for you to practice and be familiar with it and apply for the Associate certification.

Don't forget to contact ATC near you for more details about training, certification and pricing.

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