Freeze Specified Layers in a Layout Viewport

A major benefit to using layout viewports is that you can selectively freeze layers in each layout viewport. You can also specify default visibility settings for new viewports and for new layers. As a result, you can view different objects in each layout viewport.

You can thaw or freeze layer in current viewport and future layout viewports without affecting other viewports. Frozen layers are invisible. They are not regenerated or plotted. In the illustration, the layer showing terrain has been frozen in one viewport.


Thawing the layer restores visibility. The easiest way to freeze or thaw layers in the current viewport is to use the Layer Properties Manager.

In the Layer Properties Manager, on the right side, use the column labeled VP Freeze to freeze one or more layers in the current layout viewport. To display the VP Freeze column, you must be on a layout tab. Specify the current layout viewport by double-clicking anywhere within its borders.

Freeze or Thaw Layers Automatically in New Layout Viewports


You can set visibility defaults for specific layers in all new layout viewports. For example, you can restrict the display of dimensions by freezing the DIMENSIONS layer in all new viewports. If you create a viewport that requires dimensions, you can override the default setting by changing the setting in the current viewport. Changing the default for new viewports does not affect existing viewports.

Create New Layers That Are Frozen in All Layout Viewports

You can create new layers that are frozen in all existing and new layout viewports. Then you can thaw the layers in the viewports you specify. This is a shortcut for creating a new layer that is visible only in a single viewport.

To freeze or thaw layers in the current layout viewport

1. Double-click within a layout viewport to make it current.
2. Click Home tab  Layer panel  Layer Properties.
3. In the Layer Properties Manager, select the layers to freeze or thaw.
4. Hold down CTRL to select more than one layer. Hold down SHIFT to select a sequence of layers.
5. Click the icon in the VP Freeze column for one of the selected layers.
6. Click OK.

To view a list of layers that are frozen in the current viewport

1. Click a layout tab.
2. Double-click within a layout viewport to make it current.
3. Click Home tab  Layer panel  Layer Properties.
4. In the Layer Properties Manager, look at the VP Freeze column for the Freeze/Thaw in Current Viewports icon.
5. Click OK.

To freeze or thaw layers in all viewports

1. Click a layout tab.
2. Click Home tab  Layer panel  Layer Properties.
3. In the Layer Properties Manager, select one or more layers to freeze or thaw.
4. Hold down CTRL to select more than one layer. Hold down SHIFT to select a sequence of layers.
5. In the Freeze column, click the icon to freeze or thaw.

To freeze or thaw layers in paper space

1. Click a layout tab.
2. Make sure that you are in paper space. (On the status bar, PAPER is on.)
3. Click Home tab  Layer panel  Layer Properties.
4. In the Layer Properties Manager, select the layer or layers you want to freeze or thaw.
5. In the Freeze column, click the icon to change a layer's state. The sun icon means that a layer is thawed; the snowflake icon means that a layer is frozen.
6. Click OK.

To freeze or thaw layers in all new viewports

1. Click a layout tab.
2. Click Home tab  Layer panel  Layer Properties.
3. In the Layer Properties Manager, select the layer or layers you want to be automatically frozen or thawed in new viewports you create.
4. Hold down CTRL to select more than one layer. Hold down SHIFT to select a sequence of layers.
5. In the New VP Freeze column, click the icon to change a layer's state. The sun icon means that a layer is thawed; the snowflake icon means that a layer is frozen.
6. Click OK.

 To create new layers that are frozen in all viewports

1. Click a layout tab.
2. Click Home tab  Layer panel  Layer Properties.
3. Click the New Layer button to create a layer.
4. Rename the new layer.
5. Click the icon in the Freeze column to change the layer's state to frozen. The sun icon means that a layer is thawed; the snowflake icon means that a layer is frozen.
6. Click OK.

You may also be interested in these posts: 

Use shortcut keys to switch viewport in CAD layout quick
how to lock and unlock viewport in autocad
How to turn off layer in viewport in CAD?

convert dwg to pdf

By Cora Maureen, an architecture designer and CAD software user

I am excited that PDF plotting has finally come true in ZWCAD, convert AutoCAD to PDF is an important function that I have expecting for many years since I switch from AutoCAD to ZWCAD. It helps me a lot when I need to share designs with customers and bosses.

During the design, I usually need to send several drafts of my drawings to project leaders and customers, so that they can check and confirm whether the design meets their needs. It is not possible to install CAD software on each of their computers just to check my work. 

Older versions of ZWCAD provide some file formats that I could use for drawing reviews, such as JPEG. But now I can PDF Plotting with Layers. It has these advantages over the other formats:

a) PDF (portable document format) is a commonly used file format, and there are many free readers for viewing it. 

b) With PDF plotting, I can choose the plot area I want, which is not supported by “Export” command. Easily convert AutoCAD DWG to PDF. 

c) With PDF plotting, I can set many properties, such as DPI (dot per inch), which makes the PDF image clearer with higher resolution. In addition, PDF plotting includes layer support, which is also not supported by “Export” command.
The PDF printer is automated installed after the installation of ZWCAD 2011, it can be found in the drop-down list in plot dialog box like below:

When convert dwg to pdf, to enhance the quality and readability of PDF file, make the settings as shown in the following figure. To get to the Custom Options dialog box, follow these steps:

1) Select PDF plotter.

2) Click Properties.

3) Click the Custom Properties button in the dialog box.

In the settings, you can find that the maximum resolution can reach up to 4800. This is enough for ordinary images and displaying hatches. I often use the default settings, which have met my needs so far.

One more thing I want to share is that all user-defined layers in drawing files can be transferred to PDF files. Plot dwg to pdf with layers is the most important feature that caught my eye.
Here is an example of the result by PDF plotting. Notice that it supports all entities in drawings.  

You might be also interested in these topics:
convert PDF to DWG
transform pdf to dwg

ZWCAD+ 2014 SP1 Released for a More Solid and Flexible Workflow

Guangzhou, China: November 6, 2013 -- ZWCAD Design, an innovative supplier of CAD solutions for the MCAD and AEC industries, today announced the release of ZWCAD+ 2014 SP1. With new features and enhancements such as IPv6 networking and SkyDrive storage support, ZWCAD+ 2014 SP1 will provide users a more solid and flexible workflow that streamlines the product design process.

ZWCAD+ 2014 SP1 has added new features aiming directly at improving the user experience of the software and the design workflow. Users will find more convenient ways to manage their licenses, share drawings through the Cloud, as well as customize their ribbon interface. Highlighted new features inside ZWCAD+ 2014 SP1 include:

Compatibility with IPv6 Networking --- Users can now get the fluent and flexible licensing experience in the IPv6 networking environment, solving authorization issues with less effort and time;

SkyDrive Storage Support --- ZWCAD+ 2014 SP1 integrates SkyDrive storage support to give users one more choice to share their drawings. SkyDrive users can now use ZWCAD+ Syble to synchronize drawing files and their custom profiles to the Cloud service they have been using without making a switch;

Other features such as ZOOMWHEEL can specify the direction of the zoom operation when using the mouse wheel. .Net API has also been enhanced with new functions allowing developers to customize applications faster and easier. All of these new features will help users gain the maximum benefit from ZWCAD+.

“ZWCAD+ is renowned for its easy-to-use features and simplified workflow. And this time’s new service pack is also in line with this principle,” said Daniel Huang, Product Manager of ZWCAD+. ”It offers a more fluent experience by improving licensing management and online storage support, helping users optimize the efficiency and productivity of their workflow and their use of ZWCAD+ technologies. “

ZWCAD+ 2014 SP1 is now available. For more information about this new service pack, please click here or follow ZWSOFT Facebook.

About ZWCAD Design

ZWCAD Design Co., Ltd., the wholly-owned subsidiary of ZWSOFT, is an international CAD software provider through its network of over 300 partners in 80+ countries and regions. Its product ZWCAD+ is used by CAD designers across the AEC and MCAD industries.

Contacts:

ZWCAD Design

Kenyth He, 

+86-20-38289780

heluetao@zwsoft.com

http://www.zwsoft.com

ZWCAD+ 2014 SP1 Release Notes, What's New in ZWCAD+ 2014 SP1?

Welcome to ZWCAD+ 2014 SP1. This release contains bug fixes, enhancements and newly added features such as 3rd party cloud service support with SkyDrive, compatible with IPv6 networking, and more.

ZWCAD+ 2014 SP1 Release Notes, what's new in ZWCAD+ 2014 SP1?

1. New Features
1.1 Support 3rd party cloud service SkyDrive

From now on, you can synchronize drawing files or user's custom profiles between your local directory and SkyDrive with ZWCAD+ Syble. Currently ZWCAD+ provides two choices of cloud storage: Dropbox or SkyDrive.

1.2 Compatible with IPv6 Networking

Working in the IPv6 networking environment with the old version, you may have found some authorization issues, for example the workstation could not get the floating license from the server, or the standalone soft-key could not be activated properly. ZWCAD+ 2014 SP1 is now compatible with IPv6, and solves the authorization issues.

For ZWCAD+ network version users, to ensure the authorization you need to upgrade ZWCAD+ to 2014 SP1 version, as well as the Network License Manager.

1.3 New System Variables control ribbon appearance and others

ZWAPPPLUSHIDE Controls the display of the APP+ tab on ZWCAD Ribbon

ZWRIBBONTABHIDE Controls the display of the panels on the Ribbon. The next time you start up ZWCAD+, it displays/hides the panel according to the variables that you previously set.

ZOOMWHEEL Specify the direction of the transparent CAD zoom operation when you use the mouse wheel, for example, you can specify scrolling wheel forward as zooming in, backwards as zooming out, or vice versa.

1.4 Newly supports CAD .Net interface 

RasterImage.ImageTransparency

Line.Angle

2. Enhancements 

Allows you to select a raster image by click selecting or window selecting, even the image frame is set as hidden

Create tooltips for the full path 

When you hover your cursor over the document tab, a tooltip will be displayed with the full path of this document.

zpvb compatibility 

Ensures the zpvb files created by ZWCAD+ 2012 can be loaded and run on ZWCAD+ 2014

Adjust the column width and it will be remembered 

In the Layer Properties Manager dialog box, you can adjust the column width and the result will be remembered, so the next time you open the dialog box, it will display as it was last set.

Different ribbon layout for standard version and professional version 

In the old version, the standard version and professional version had exactly the same ribbon layout, while some functions in the standard version were disabled, which may confuse our users. From now on, we have rearranged the ribbon for the standard version. In the ZWCAD CUI editor, if you attempt to add a command which is not support in the standard version, you will get an alert.

3. Bug Fixed (100 issues) 

Online update 

Fixed some bugs involving the online update. Users can now update ZWCAD+ to the latest version using the online update function.

6021: copy ZWCAD+ entity and paste it in office application, double click this entity, ZWCAD+ crashes

4669: extend: window select the object to extend, it extends to the wrong position

4894: find: in some specific drawing, after doing " find & replace ", ZWCAD+ would create an extra symbol ";"

5426: laymrg: in some specific drawings, command "laymrg-t" takes a long time to get a response

6193: Group: the filter "Display unname group" does not work with the unnamed group created by command "groupunname"

6212: Plotstyle\Stb: cannot set the default plot style as STB for a newly created drawing

Join ZWCAD Touch Photo Competition and Win a Prize

Guangzhou, China: November 4, 2013 -- ZWCAD Design, an innovative supplier of CAD solutions for the MCAD and AEC industries, announced on November 4 that ZWCAD Touch Photo Competition will run from November 1 to December 1, aiming to discover how users are using their free iPhone and iPad .dwg editor, ZWCAD Touch.

In partnership with Lightworks, a supplier of rendering solutions for developers of advanced 3D computer graphics software, ZWCAD will award the top 5 photo producers, together with 5 randomly-selected entrants, the ZWCAD+ 2014 license and a copy of the rendering software Lightworks Artisan, which is now available in ZWCAD+ 2014, enabling them to flexibly design more diverse architectural and interior tasks and use high-quality rendering to present their ideas. Besides, the winner will also receive an iPad mini.

Participants are required to take photos of themselves using ZWCAD Touch away from their desk and upload them to the ZWSOFT Facebook page, and these photos will be voted on by fans of ZWSOFT.

“We hope more users can join this competition to seize every happy moment with ZWCAD Touch and share with us,” said Daniel Huang, Product Manager of ZWCAD+. “We believe happiness is contagious and every participant can be the spreader of happiness to all the CAD users.”

The information supplied by participants will be used for further development of ZWCAD Touch. The highly popular application for iPhone and iPad allows for fast viewing and editing of drawings and includes compatibility with .DWG files, and it is closely integrated with 3rd-party cloud storage.

This competition coming midway through the 15th anniversary celebrations of ZWSOFT  is a way of giving back to the strong and loyal customer base, and a step in improving its product offering. Big prizes are waiting for you, don’t miss this chance. For more information about this competition, please visit ZWSOFT Facebook.

About ZWCAD Design
ZWCAD Design Co., Ltd., the wholly-owned subsidiary of ZWSOFT, is an international CAD software provider through its network of over 300 partners in 80+ countries and regions. Its product ZWCAD+ is used by CAD designers across the AEC and MCAD industries.

Contacts:
ZWCAD Design
Kenyth He
+86-20-38289780
heluetao@zwsoft.com
http://www.zwsoft.com

Transfer and Migrate Customization, migrate autocad cui

You can transfer and migrate data from a customization or menu file from an earlier release using the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor and the Migrate Custom Settings dialog box.

Transfer Customization

The Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor can be used to transfer data in a CUI, MNU, or MNS file to a CUIx file without modifying the original customization or menu file. The new customization file that is created has the same name as the original file, but with a .cuix extension.
You can also transfer customization information between files. For example, you can transfer toolbars from a partial CUIx file to the main CUIx file so that the program can display the toolbar information. In addition, you can move customizations from the main CUIx file to partial CUIx files, or from a partial CUIx file to another partial CUIx file.

Note: All elements can be transferred between two CUIx files with the exception of the property settings defined under the Quick Properties and Rollover Tooltips nodes.

If you transfer user interface elements that reference other user interface elements, such as a flyout, all the relevant information for that interface element is also transferred. For example, if you transfer the Draw toolbar, which references the Insert toolbar, the Insert toolbar is also transferred.

Note: Button images may not appear in the program when you transfer a toolbar, pull-down menu, or ribbon panel from a CUIx file. If the images are loaded from an image file, those images must reside in a folder that is defined in the Options dialog box, Files tab under Support File Search Path or Custom Icon Location. If the images come from a third-party resource DLL, contact the party who created the resource DLL.

The following is an example of the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor, Transfer tab. You use this tab to transfer user interface customization.

Migrate Customization

As you make changes to the customization in a CUIx file, the changes are automatically tracked. The tracked changes are used when migrating customization from release to release with the Migrate Custom Settings dialog box. In the Migrate Custom Settings dialog box, you can migrate any changes made to the standard CUIx files that come with the program with the new shipping versions of the files with the same name. You can avoid manually migrating customization, which might result in the loss of customization.

Note: The Migrate Custom Settings dialog box can be used to migrate user interface customization from previous releases. To access the Migrate Custom Settings dialog box, click Start menu (Windows)  All Programs (or Programs)  Autodesk  AutoCAD 2010  Migrate Custom Settings.

where is autocad .cui file
Convert CUI to MNU

Create and Use Calculator Variables in AutoCAD

To evaluate mathematical expressions in a dialog box

If necessary, set the CALCINPUT system variable to 1.

In a dialog box, in an area where you can enter a numeric value, enter a mathematical expression in the following format: =expression (for example, =5+3).

Press Alt+Enter on the keyboard.

The expression is evaluated and its value is displayed.



drawing equations in autocad
lisp math
autolisp math functions

How to Insert Title Block on Paper Space in AutoCAD

If you are drawing or designing a 3-D object in AutoCAD, you may wish to view or edit it in “Paper Space” mode. This mode compresses it into a 2-D image, approximating what your design would look like as a drawing on paper. You can still edit the design in Paper Space, including the insertion of title blocks. Because AutoCAD title block appear separately from the main drawing, you will not need to modify them when you return to 3-D or “Model Space” mode.

You can also see more autocad title block tutorial, check more about how to make a title block in autocad. 

Instructions

Step 1. 
Open your design in AutoCAD. Click the text input window.

Step 2. 
Type “tilemode” (leave out quotes in all commands) and hit Enter. Then type “0” and hit Enter. This takes you into Paper Space mode.

Step  3. 
Type “mvsetup” and hit Enter. Type “titleblock” and hit Enter. Then type “insert” and hit Enter. A window will appear, allowing you to choose the title block.

Step 4. 
Click the title block to insert it. You can also choose from an autocad title block template. 

Step 5. 
Select your plot scale in the next window that appears.

Step 6. 
Hit Enter to insert the title block.

AutoCAD limits command

AutoCAD drawing limits command is used to sets and controls the limits of the grid display in the current Model or layout tab, to set up autocad extents for the drafting space. 

How to access LIMITS: 

You can access to LIMITS function by two way, from the menu, or by inputting command in command line. 

Approach 1: Menu: Format  Drawing Limits
Approach 2:　Command entry: limits (or 'limits for transparent use)

After accessing to LIMITS, setting drawing limits in autocad as following instruction: 

Specify lower left corner or [ ON/ OFF] <current>: Specify a point, enter on or off, or press ENTER

Lower-Left Corner
Specifies the lower-left corner for the grid limits.
Specify upper right corner <current>: Specify a point or press ENTER

On
Turns on limits checking. When limits checking is on, you cannot enter points outside the grid limits. Because limits checking tests only points that you enter, portions of objects such as circles can extend outside the grid limits.

Off
Turns off limits checking but maintains the current values for the next time you turn on limits checking.

How to Learn AutoCAD 3D

AutoCAD 3D is powerful design software used for architecture, civil engineering, industrial design and more. With AutoCAD's 3D tools, you can render 3D models of buildings, design any type of product or create a 3D rendering of an existing structure. There are many ways to learn AutoCAD 3D, from taking an online or instructor-led class to completing cad exercises in a workbook.

Instructions
1. Visit the Autodesk website (see Resources). Download a free 30-day trial of AutoCAD Civil 3D or AutoCAD 2010. You will need a PC computer that runs Windows XP Home Edition, Windows XP Professional or Windows Vista.

2. Take an AutoCAD 3D online course from Autodesk University Online. Choose from classes that teach the basics of AutoCAD 3D or take classes that will teach you how to use specific tools of AutoCAD.

drawing exercises   

3. Purchase the book "AutoCAD 3D Modeling Workbook for Dummies." Follow along as the workbook teaches you how to create renderings in 3D, import and export designs, and make 3D models. Watch the bonus DVD for video demonstrations of AutoCAD 3D techniques mentioned in the book.

4. Read the book "AutoCAD 2008 in 3D." Study the book's detailed descriptions on modeling techniques and complete the suggested exercises and tutorials.

autocad drawing exercises   

5. Take an AutoCAD 3D class from a local technical college or trade school. Look for classes offered from experienced instructors who work in the design industry. Expect the class to include demonstrations of AutoCAD 3D features, one-on-one or small group instruction in front of the computer and homework assignments.

How to Copy One Layer to Another Layer with AutoCAD LT

AutoCAD LT is a program for creating high-precision drawings used in the engineering and manufacturing industries. Among its many tools for producing such drawings are those for creating and managing layers. AutoCAD LT's drawing layers can be understood by thinking of the layers of transparent drawings used in overhead slide projectors. Each layer contains a set images. The resulting composite image displays all images on all layers within a single frame. Maintaining different layers for different parts of your drawing keeps your drawing organized. One aspect of managing layers involves copying the objects from one layer onto another, autocad copy layer to another drawing. Copying all objects on a layer effectively copies the layer itself.


Instructions
Step 1. Open AutoCAD LT and create two objects on the default layer: Click the "Rectangle" tool on the "Draw" tab, then click-and-drag in the drawing window to create the rectangle. Click the mouse to complete the rectangle.

Step 2. Create a circle next to the rectangle by clicking the "Draw" panel's "Center, Radius" tool, then clicking-and-dragging in the drawing window. Click again to finish the circle.

Step 3. Display the layer manager by clicking the top-left icon in the "Home" tab's "Layer" panel.

Step 4. Create a new layer by clicking the "New Layer" button. (The button's icon displays an orange sun over a blue sheet of paper.) Notice that the layer manager now displays a new item with the name "Layer 1."

Step 5. Copy the first layer to the second layer: In the main drawing window, select all objects on the current drawing layer (called layer "0") by typing "Select," then pressing "Enter." (Note that you don't need to type into a command prompt, because AutoCAD LT accepts keyboard commands in its default state.)

Step 6. Click the circle and rectangle, then press "Enter" to complete the selection of both shapes.

Step 7. Click the small, downward-pointing arrow next to the "Layer" label at the bottom of the "Layers" panel. This action exposes the full set of layer commands.

Step 8. Click the "Copy Objects to New Layer" tool, then hover the mouse pointer over the drawing window.

Step 9. Enter "n" at the prompt "Select object on destination layer." This will display a dialog box for selecting the layer you want to copy the original layer to.

Step 10. Click the "Layer 1" item in the "Copy to Layer" dialog box, then click "OK."

Step 11. Click the light bulb icon for layer 0 in the layer manager window. This will make layer 0--the layer you originally drew the circle and rectangle one--invisible. The new layer, "Layer 1," will remain visible.

Step 12. Notice that the rectangle and circle remain in the drawing area, indicating that you've copied them onto layer 1, which is now the only visible layer.

How to Draw in Feet and Inches in AutoCAD

Many AutoCAD users in the United States need to be able to create drawings in feet and inches. By default, AutoCAD is configured to work in decimal units, which is most appropriate for mechanical design applications or for those creating metric drawings. Designers who work in other disciplines need to be able to reset the units to meet their requirements, check following guide about autocad feet and inches.

Instructions
Step 1.
In AutoCAD, from the "File" menu, choose "New" to start a new drawing. By default, the drawing will be configured to use decimal units.

Step 2.
From the "Format" menu at the top of the screen, choose "Units." You will note that there are many unit types to choose from, including fractional, engineering and architectural. Select architectural feet and inches, then choose "OK."

Step 3.
Move your mouse; you should see that the coordinates displayed on your cursor, or in the lower left corner of the screen, are measured in feet and inches. You should also see that you are working in a very small area that measures just a few inches from corner to corner.

Step 4.
From the "Format" menu, choose "Limits." Enter 0,0 to identify the lower left corner of your drawing area. Enter 80',60' to specify the upper right corner of your drawing area.

Step 5.
From the "Zoom" menu, choose "Zoom All." It will not look as if anything has changed, but if you move your mouse, you should see that you are now working in an area large enough to draw a small house.

convert dwg to pdf

By Cora Maureen, an architecture designer and CAD software user

I am excited that PDF plotting has finally come true in ZWCAD, convert AutoCAD to PDF is an important function that I have expecting for many years since I switch from AutoCAD to ZWCAD. It helps me a lot when I need to share designs with customers and bosses.

During the design, I usually need to send several drafts of my drawings to project leaders and customers, so that they can check and confirm whether the design meets their needs. It is not possible to install CAD software on each of their computers just to check my work. 

Older versions of ZWCAD provide some file formats that I could use for drawing reviews, such as JPEG. But now I can PDF Plotting with Layers. It has these advantages over the other formats:

a) PDF (portable document format) is a commonly used file format, and there are many free readers for viewing it. 

b) With PDF plotting, I can choose the plot area I want, which is not supported by “Export” command. Easily convert AutoCAD DWG to PDF. 

c) With PDF plotting, I can set many properties, such as DPI (dot per inch), which makes the PDF image clearer with higher resolution. In addition, PDF plotting includes layer support, which is also not supported by “Export” command.
The PDF printer is automated installed after the installation of ZWCAD 2011, it can be found in the drop-down list in plot dialog box like below:

When convert dwg to pdf, to enhance the quality and readability of PDF file, make the settings as shown in the following figure. To get to the Custom Options dialog box, follow these steps:

1) Select PDF plotter.

2) Click Properties.

3) Click the Custom Properties button in the dialog box.

In the settings, you can find that the maximum resolution can reach up to 4800. This is enough for ordinary images and displaying hatches. I often use the default settings, which have met my needs so far.

One more thing I want to share is that all user-defined layers in drawing files can be transferred to PDF files. Plot dwg to pdf with layers is the most important feature that caught my eye.
Here is an example of the result by PDF plotting. Notice that it supports all entities in drawings.  

You might be also interested in these topics:
convert PDF to DWG
transform pdf to dwg