After spending countless hours in front of AutoCAD working on a project, you’re bound to have your own set of favorite commands to standardize a few steps. We also bet that you don’t have them all memorized or often forget them. To help you remember, we’ve made a list of 50 commands that can help you speed up your work game, discover new shortcuts, or come in use as a handy tool for when you forget what the command you need is called.

The following listing was developed and corroborated by our team for the 2013, 2014 and 2015 versions of AutoCAD in English. We also prepared a series of GIFs to visualize some of the trickier ones.

When you’ve finished reading, we would love to know what your favorite commands are (including those that we didn’t include). We will use your input to help us update the article!

APPLOAD

Defines which applications to load when starting / opening AutoCAD. Very useful if AutoCAD and your computer don’t get along so well.

AREA

Calculates the area and perimeter of a defined object or a surface that you select vertex by vertex, according to the metric units defined in settings.

BACKGROUND

Choose a background image for the work area. It can be a single color (Solid), a gradual color (Gradient) or an image (Image) from your computer.

BMPOUT

Generates a bitmap image (.bmp format) after selecting a series of objects, surfaces, or regions.

BOX

Creates a 3D box, defining height, width and depth.

BURST

Explodes a block or an object, but keeps its attributes intact after exploding it. Highly recommended.

CHSPACE

Moves objects from the layout to the model, and vice versa. The best part is that the objects are scaled automatically in the new space.

CLOSEALL

Closes all open AutoCAD windows. If there are changes to any of your files that you haven’t saved yet, you will be asked if you want to save them. Unlike QUIT, you won’t exit AutoCAD with this command, just return to Start.

COLOR

Choose a layer color for future objects, lines and surfaces.

DIMALIGNED

Creates a dimension aligned with an axis / line.

DIMANGULAR

Creates a dimension aligned with an arc or circle.

DIMBASELINE

Creates a linear, angular or coordinate dimension, starting from a baseline of an earlier dimension.

DIMRADIUS

Creates a radius dimension for circles and arcs. Not to be confused with DIMANGULAR and DIMBASELINE.

DIMTEDIT

Edits the text location of existing dimensions.

EDGESURF

Creates a three-dimensional polygonal mesh.

EXPLODE

Breaks up an object or block into each of its individual components. Before using, make sure you’re on the right layer.

ID

Displays the coordinates of any point on the worksheet.

LIGHT

Manage lights and lighting effects on 3D models. You will most likely be prompted to change the viewport, or turn off the default lighting.

LINETYPE

Create, organize, and select line types.

MATLIB

Import and export materials from and to a library.

MLINE

Creates multiple parallel lines.

MLEDIT

Edit multiple parallel lines.

MULTIPLE

Repeats the next command until you cancel (Esc)

MVSETUP

Sets up the layout of a drawing.

OOPS

Restores the most recently deleted items. Its advantage over U is that you can use it after using BLOCK (or WBLOCK, export selected items to a new .DWG file), because those commands can delete selected objects after creating a block.

Unfortunately, you can’t use OOPS after PURGE.

OVERKILL

Cleans up your drawings. It goes over your entire model and deletes any duplicate or overlapping items. An incredible help for those who are obsessed with order and clarity in planimetry.

PAGESETUP

Specifies the page layout, plus the plotting device, paper size, and other settings for each new layout.

PFACE

Creates a 3D mesh vertex by vertex.

PREVIEW

Shows how the drawing will look when printed or sent to a plotter. Before you do this, you need to have configured the layout of the page (PAGESTEUP).

PURGE

Remove unused objects in the drawing you are working on, through a series of filters: blocks, layers, materials, thickness of lines, texts, among others.

QDIM

Quickly creates a dimension, after selecting objects.

QLEADER

Quickly creates a leader, and a leader annotation.

QSAVE

Autosave the file. Very useful when AutoCAD stops working and you’ve gone hours without saving any work. If you haven’t named the file yet, it’s the same as SAVEAS.

QSELECT

Quickly select objects according to a list of available filters: colors, line type and layers, among others.

RECOVER

Recovers a damaged file.

RENDER

Creates a render of the model you’re working on.

REVOLVE

Creates revolved solids (3D) by rotating 2D objects around a user-defined axis.

RULESURF

Creates a surface that joins two curves previously defined by the user.

SAVEALL

Automatically saves all drawings you are working on.

SHOWMAT

Displays a set of information for a selected object, including line thickness, color, dimensions, radius, and area.

SKETCH

Create a series of freehand drawing segments.

SPELL

Checks the spelling in texts using the language settings from your operating system, not AutoCAD.

SUBTRACT

Creates a region from a solid, surface, or region by subtraction.

TABLET

Calibrates and configures a tablet or Wacom.

TIME

Displays a statistics table of the file you are working on: creation date, last update, and edit time. If you’re interrupted, you can activate / deactivate the stopwatch.

U

The same as Ctrl + Z, undoes the most recent operation.

UNDEFINE

Deletes an AutoCAD command, even this one. If you want to reverse your decision, REDEFINE.

VPORTS

Manages AutoCad windows for 2D and 3D models.

XLINE

Creates an infinite line.

3DSOUT

Export a file compatible with 3D Studio (.3ds format).

Created using information from Autodesk Knowledge Network.

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This article was originally published by Archipreneur as “The Pros and Cons of Starting out as a Freelance Architect.”

Freelancing can be a great option for architects looking for more autonomy and freedom in their work. Although there are drawbacks to this kind of work, there are specific strategies that you can use to overcome the challenges and uncertainties of going solo.

It is easy to look down on freelancing. Those who are employed by a traditional company or firm see freelancing as an inferior work model that automatically implies less financial security and suggests to employers a loose definition of responsibility. People often imagine freelancers as slumming it in their pajamas doing just a few hours of work per day, or as Jacks-of-all-trades, overworked and constantly chasing new commissions. While data from recent studies and surveys show that freelancers do indeed work fewer hours than those in traditional employment, the rising number of freelancers proves that this trend is not waning. In fact, according to recent reports, increasing numbers of US and European workers are choosing to go freelance.

A recent survey of the freelance economy, conducted by the NYC-based Freelancers Union and the freelancing platform Upwork, shows that the number of freelancers is growing, making up 35% of the US workforce. The survey also showed that freelancers are upping their rates and earning more than they did while in more traditional roles. Around 63% of surveyed freelancers said that they chose to go freelance, which is a significant jump from 53% in 2014. This also destroys the stereotype that freelancing is a primary consequence of the recession. Although the economic crisis did play a major role in the proliferation of freelancing, figures suggest that an increasing number of workers are not forced into freelancing by unfortunate circumstances.

Before getting into the nitty-gritty of what freelancing is, we should make a distinction between sole proprietorship and freelancing. A sole proprietor has to file appropriate paperwork with local and state authorities to register his firm and acquire the option of hiring workers. Freelancers don’t have the legal ability to hire employees. A freelancer can later choose to file the necessary paperwork to acquire a taxpayer identification number and a business license, in which case they are no longer registered as self-employed but as a sole proprietor. While sole proprietors have to register the address of their business, freelancers have the opportunity to work from anywhere in the country. Freelancers can telecommute, work from home or work part-time in an office while simultaneously pursuing their freelancing gigs outside work hours.

Working abroad depends on the type of requirements of each state, and will potentially require you to file for specific Visas and permits. Self-employed EU citizens have the right to work in any EU member state. As an EU national, you generally do not need a work permit to work in a country within the EU, with a few exceptions. There are also several freelancer associations that promote the interests of freelancers across the EU.

Infographic showing the results of <a href='http://ift.tt/2fmR6vA survey of the freelance economy</a> conducted by the Freelancers Union. Image via Archipreneur

Some of the main advantages of being a freelance architect are: greater control over every aspect of your business, more autonomy, and less bureaucracy that comes with running or working in a large firm. Although the financial insecurity of freelancing is typically linked to the volatile relationship between freelancer and client (as opposed to established, long-term contracts with a single company), around 53% of freelancers believe that having several employers is a more financially secure option than working full-time for one business. The truth is that every job post-recession is relatively insecure, as markets change and companies close or downsize.

However, having versatility and freedom also supposes a lack of employee support, as offered in companies and firms. Freelancing can, in addition, be quite lonely. Not having the opportunity to learn from superiors and talk things through with colleagues can be an isolating experience, causing freelancers to become less productive. Furthermore, managing work hours, figuring out rates, acquiring clients and protecting work can be tricky hurdles to overcome. To circumvent these problems, freelancers are advised to follow a few key guidelines:

Create Relationships and Affiliations

While there are many websites where you can find work, the best way to find work is the same as with any other form of employment: through networks, connections, and relationships with other architects, construction companies and builders. Keep in touch with former co-workers and colleagues, join professional associations, and consider teaming up with other professionals on new projects.

Figure out Your Rate

Some of the common mistakes that freelancers make is undercharging for their services, thus lowering the standard for the entire freelancing community. Set up a contract that ensures you get paid independently of the project development. Construction projects often take months to complete. If you offer design services and commit yourself to a project, you might consider asking for a monthly fee, or getting paid in installments. This will ensure you get paid even when the firm doesn’t need you at specific times, or if the project goes into overtime.

Protect Your Work

Don’t give usable digital copies of your work to anyone until you are paid. If you do give anything away, it must be in accordance with your contract. Create read-only versions of signature-protected files. Similarly, make sure to respect the intellectual property of your clients. Stealing projects, violating authorship regulations and passing off other people’s work as your own will not benefit you in the long run.

***

Setting up a freelancing business isn’t much different to running a firm. You’ll need expertise, a good marketing strategy, and good relationships to compete against others for work. It might be useful to start off by working full time in an office or studio before going into freelancing. This can be a great learning experience and a way to gather a number of contacts. What’s more, if you do decide to establish your own firm after a few years of freelancing, the transition will go much more smoothly because you will be aware of the similarities and differences.

Another smart strategy is to create additional income streams to support your freelancing career. Similar to archipreneurs, freelancing architects are on a less conventional career path, which brings with it a specific set of challenges. As with startups and small to medium-sized businesses, it is important that freelancers have contingency plans and income sources that get them through tough times. Start blogging, podcasting, and creating digital products to get steady income streams that free you up to work on the type of projects you want. Your brand identity and long-term success depend on it.

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VOID is an interactive sensory art installation created by New York-based artists Sergio Mora-Diaz, Oryan Inbar and Jordan Backhus, that manipulates light in physical space to generate an immersive interaction arena and a meditative, transcendent spatial experience, which reminiscent of the cosmic sky and streams of information. 

The installation is composed of an arrangement of translucent screens, digital generative images displayed through a projector and sensors that respond directly and visually to the proximities and movements of its users. 

Courtesy of Sergio Mora-Díaz

The experience takes place in a closed room with a single entrance and in complete darkness, where the only light source comes from the projector. The arrangement of screens gives light a three-dimensional effect in space, while allowing people to walk through the installation.

Courtesy of Sergio Mora-Díaz

Courtesy of Sergio Mora-Díaz

With their work, the artists seek to create an experience that connects to the physicality and emotions of the users, attracting their attention and use of the body as a conduit to the mind. 

Courtesy of Sergio Mora-Díaz

Given the scale of the installation, its arena, the immersive optical effects and the non-traditional display, it will appear that one is traveling through time and space.

Courtesy of Sergio Mora-Díaz

VOID has been exhibited in New York at the Tisch School of the Arts and Livestream Public as a part of Frieze Art Week in 2015. In their last showcase, the artists had the support of Performa and the collaboration of New York City Ballet choreographer Troy Schumacher, to exhibit the installation accompanied by a performance by New York Ballet dancers Sean Suozzi and Claire Kretzschmar.

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© Jann Averwerser

• Architects: Kunze Seeholzer Architekten
• Location: 80995 Munich, Germany
• Area: 198.0 m2
• Project Year: 2016
• Photographs: Jann Averwerser

• Client: Landeshauptstadt München
• Landscape Architects: fischer heumann landschaftsarchitekten, Munich
• Structural Engineeering: LEICHT structural engineering ans specialist consulting GmbH, Munich

© Jann Averwerser

© Jann Averwerser

With optimum orientation and reference to the height differences of the site the construction of the new Lifeboat Station on Lerchenauer See in Munich was designed. In the basement there is the boat garage, which can be operated directly from the lake. On the ground floor are located the common rooms and the control centre.  The functional structure follows the selection of the formative materials. The timber frame construction is fitted on a concrete base, formed from the hang out. Wood and stone are the key elements of the place – it can be found in the Lifeboat Station again and reflected in the water of the lake.

Section

© Jann Averwerser

Plan 0

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