The Autodesk Uninstall Tool

Uninstalling AutoCAD, or any Autodesk product, is cumbersome. There are multiple files, folders, applications, and packages that have to be removed to fully uninstall it. It is easy to miss something. Sometimes you even have to mess with the Windows registry to get everything.

Here is a video I created for Autodesk that covers a full uninstall of AutoCAD.
This video covers removing peripherals, material libraries & products. It also looks at repairing products. The video is just under five minutes long.

Learn how to use AutoCAD Sheet Sets

AutoCAD Sheet Sets is an out-of-the-box project management tool that will enable your users to work together more efficiently and help to manage project data. The Sheet Sets tool is available in AutoCAD, AutoCAD LT, and AutoCAD for Mac. It is also available to AutoCAD verticals (like Map, Civil3D, Architecture, etc.) It may look slightly different across these different platforms, but it is there and is very powerful.

Sheet Sets can provide the following:

• File Management
• Batch Printing Tools
• File Archiving
• Project Data Management
• File Creation
• Standardization
• View Management
• Project Collaboration
• Recurring Information
• Automation

AutoCAD Sheet Sets – Questions are Answered

Novedge was kind enough to invite me to host a Webinar for them.  I did and as far as I can tell it went well.  There was a great response and the attendees asked fantastic questions.  I was the one presenting the information but I was able to learn a few things from their questions.  That’s why I love doing things like this.

AutoCAD 2013 and AutoCAD LT 2013 Training Videos

My latest AutoCAD training videos are out and ready for you to purchase.  They are “Learning Autodesk AutoCAD 2013” and “Learning Autodesk AutoCAD LT 2013”.  Each video contains about 15 hours of in-depth training on how to use AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT.  They took a look at the latest tools that were added to Autodesk’s latest release of its premier design program.

Each video title contains 15 chapters of hands on training and instruction.  We start off by introducing you to AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT, how to install it, and what to expect when you turn it on.  We then describe the latest features and tools that Autodesk added to AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT 2013.

TechSmith Releases Camtasia Studio 8

TechSmith has released its latest version of its screen capturing and video editing software Camtasia Studio 8 for Windows. It is available now. You can try it free for 30 days or purchase it for $300 (U.S.D.) Owners of Camtasia Studio 7 can upgrade for $99 (U.S.D.) but this is a limited-time only price. Upgrade now or spend more later.
I use Camtasia Studio to create my AutoCAD Training videos so I can’t wait to start using Camtasia Studio 8. I am literally going to start my next video title this weekend and I will be using Camtasia 8 to do so. I plan on giving a full hands on review in the future.

Learning AutoCAD 2012 and Advanced AutoCAD 2012 Training Videos

Obviously you want to learn more about AutoCAD because you came to CAD-a-Blog.com.   If you are interested in more in-depth AutoCAD training then take a look at my AutoCAD 2012 training Videos;
Learning AutoCAD 2012 and Advanced AutoCAD 2012.

Each video contains about thirteen hours of training sessions and come with hands on files to use during each session.  Many of the chapters end with a project that will incorporate what you learned.   The Learning AutoCAD title has a final project that incorporates several chapter projects.  These projects build on top of each other and naturally progress through the training sessions.  This helps to demonstrate the development process of making drawings in AutoCAD.  The Advanced title ends with a discussion and example of Best AutoCAD Practices.

If you’ve never used AutoCAD before and want to learn or it has been a long time then check out the Learning AutoCAD 2012 video.  If you have been using AutoCAD and want to know it better, check out the Advanced AutoCAD 2012 video.  Each vide comes on a DVD that can be played on a PC or on a MAC.

Don’t want to wait for the DVD to ship?  There is an instant download version available for each title.

Can’t decide which title to get?  Get both!  Don’t pay full price for each title.  Save some money and get the AutoCAD Bundle.  There are two; one fore AutoCAD 2011 and one for AutoCAD 2012.

Do you have an iPad?  The publisher of these videos, Infinite Skills, has a free iPad app that allows access to some of the AutoCAD training videos as well as a many other training titles produced by Infinite Skills.

Have an iPhone or an iPod Touch and want AutoCAD training?  There’s an app for that.  Check out the Learn AutoCAD 2011 Quickly and Easily app from Infinite Skills.  It takes my training videos and allows you to watch them on your iOS based device.  This app is available for the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad.  They are AirPlay enabled to allow you to view your videos on your television if you are set up to do so.  They also include the working files so you can watch the video on your iPad while you use AutoCAD on your computer.

Screen shot of iPhone App

Regardless of which video your purchase or on which platform you watch them on, you will be receive quality training.  Each video was scripted, prepared and taught by me, Brian Benton.  I have been working with AutoCAD professionally since the early 1990’s in many different design fields.  I write for Cadalyst magazine and am active with AUGI, writing for their publications and also serve as the Hotnews Manager.   You aren’t purchasing generic, low quality YouTube videos.  These are high quality screen recordings and voice overs.  Each lesson provides in-depth insight on the various AutoCAD tools.  I don’t just tell you about the command and where to click to start it.  I go into detail on why you want to use specific tools and when to use them.  I share with you my decades of experience in using AutoCAD in real life situations.  I show you what to do and what not to do!

Screen Shot of App running a training video

If you are in the market for high quality AutoCAD training you have come to the best place.  Check out the videos and purchase the one that is right for you.  Don’t forget about the bundles.  If you are getting the beginners videos then spend just a little more for a full training session that will take you from an AutoCAD noob to an AutoCAD expert!  Well, close anyway!  If you are not yet using AutoCAD 2012 there are also AutoCAD 2011 versions available.  We also have an AutoCAD 2010 video for beginners.

Learning AutoCAD 2012 - My new Training Video is HERE!!

My latest AutoCAD training DVD, LEARNING AUTOCAD 2012,  is out and ready for you to purchase, multiple times (to pass out as gifts to your friends of course.)  This new title has 111 lessons for a total training time of 13 hours!

Learning AutoCAD 2012 starts off with a basic tour of AutoCAD.  Then we take a look at the new features that were added to AutoCAD 2012.  From there we of navigating the AutoCAD 2012 user interface.  Once the student has figured out how to navigate inside AutoCAD we move on and learn to create fantastic designs.

The lessons are progressive, meaning that they build on top of each other.  Most chapters have a project at the end and several build on each other.  The title culminates with a final three part project using some of the chapter projects you created along the way.  Head over to the website to see some example videos from the title.

Chapter List:

01 Getting Started
02 New Features in AutoCAD 2012
03 Interfacing With AutoCAD
04 Basic Operations
05 Drawing & Drafting Tools
06 Editing Tools
07 Utilities: Tools To Know What's Going On
08 Precision Tools: Tricks To Help You Draw Accurately
09 AutoCAD: Using Layers
10 Annotations
11 Blocks
12 Model Space And Paper Space
13 Plot & Publish
14 Final Project
15 About The Author

If you are interested in learning how to use AutoCAD 2012 on your own time in a well thought out presentation, then check out Learning AutoCAD 2012.  

Need more in depth training?  My next title, Advanced AutoCAD 2012, will be available towards the end of the summer.  Stay tuned for details.  But in the meantime, you can check out Advanced AutoCAD 2011 Techniques now!

AutoCAD Video Tip - Text in ALL CAPS

Need to write AutoCAD Text in ALL CAPS?  Here is a Quick Video Tip on how to change the case of your text and to make sure you always type in ALL CAPS while working with AutoCAD.

Advanced AutoCAD Training Video

My next AutoCAD Training Video is here; Advanced AutoCAD.


This next AutoCAD Training Video of mine builds on top of my previous title, AutoCAD Fundamentals.  Any AutoCAD user that wants to take their skills to the next level will be interested in this new title.

This title contains ten hours of training time over 112 lessons.  Many of the chapters have a project for you to complete after you have gone through that training segment.  The title comes with all of the AutoCAD files that you will need for the sessions as well as other support files.

This video will go through and show you how to navigate through your files, advanced operations that can be done with the Application Menu, tips on working efficiently, as well as tools that will make you a better AutoCAD Operator.  We delve deeper into advanced tools like the Align command, Quick Select and filters.  We also discuss object visibility tools like the Hide/Isolate commands, transparency settings and draw order.  Since everyone needs to annotate their drawings we look deep into the complicated settings of Dimension Styles, fields, tables, and how to import and link text from a Word file!

I don’t want to bore you with information, but if you’ve ever wanted to export you AutoCAD data or linework then you will want to pay attention to chapter Nine, using Data.  And if you hate doing the same thing over and over again, then look at chapter ten: Dynamic Blocks and chapter 12: Action Recorder.  This chapter shows you how to record your work and have AutoCAD do it again for you.

In chapter Eleven: Parametric Constraints, I show you how to program your linework, locking in your design parameters.  If you are interested in customizing AutoCAD then don’t pass up chapter 13: Customization.  The last few chapters dig into file management and provide a look at free software from Autodesk that will help you view and markup drawings without ever opening AutoCAD!  Chapter 15: Introduction to 3D Design gives a great look at the 3D modeling features that are in AutoCAD.  It’s not just a 2D drafting tool you know!

Click here to view all of my Infinite Skills Training Videos.

AutoCAD Insider- New AutoCAD learning opportunity-Thanks heidi

Heidi Hewett, Technical Marketing Manager for Autodesk, was kind enough to write a post on her blog, AutoCAD Insider, about my new training video AutoCAD Fundamentals.

Thank you Heidi!!  AutoCAD Fundamentals puts the "FUN" in AutoCAD Fundamentals!  It is also geared for beginners.  Don't worry, Advanced AutoCAD Techniques is just around the corner, and I mean just around the corner!!  This newest video creation will look at more complicated and advanced tools and techniques.

I will keep you updated!

AutoCAD Exchange - What's New This Week

Here is what is new this week on AutoCAD Exchange.

  Ask the Expert: Waheed Akhtar

Waheed Akhtar is a Senior CAD Technician at McCormick Rankin Corporation. He has more than 15 years experience with AutoCAD, working on various projects that include tunnels and roads, bridges, canals and related structures, and buildings.
He specializes in the creation of new line types and hatch patterns, 3D drawing, digitizing, and CAD standards.

On the Home Page

New Series:

Ged Trias: Biography

Ged Trias is the Associate Director of Design at the Larson Darby Group, based in Rockford, Illinois. Here, Ged explains what his company does, and how long he's been using AutoCAD.

On YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuaWLW55I8Q

Ged Trias: Subscription Benefits

Ged Trias talks about his favorite features of the Autodesk Subscription Program and how it can save his company money.

New Videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVyPLE_G3Go

AutoCAD 2011: Create and Edit 2D Objects

Many operations in AutoCAD can be done directly with the mouse, or by using tools in the user interface and following prompts. This video demonstrates how to create, view, and modify 2D objects in a drawing.

On YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKUefrZrYts

AutoCAD: David Cohn - Realistic Lighting

David Cohn talks to Heidi Hewett about adding realistic lighting to AutoCAD visualizations.

On YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XbIVFQ_BL0

AutoCAD: Deni Cox - Tech Questions - Layout Tab

Deni Cox of CAD-1 talks about the questions she receives as a Technical Specialist, and how she fields questions about the Layout Tab.

On YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Gt899ha1qM

AutoCAD: Donnie Gladfelter - Restore Reset

Heidi Hewett of Autodesk talks to CAD consultant Donnie Gladfelter about how important it is to experiment with AutoCAD and customize the user interface. He also shares a tip for what to do if you need to undo a customization.

On YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVsh3nKZRPw

AutoCAD Fundamentals Training Video now Available

AutoCAD Fundamentals

AutoCAD Fundamentals

AutoCAD is an industry standard design and documentation software program that is easy to learn, but complex to master. In this video training CD, expert author Brian Benton takes you through the fundamentals of AutoCAD and gives you the tools you need to be on your way to becoming a fully functioning AutoCAD user. Starting with the basics of installation, Brian quickly teaches you the basics, and then dives right into applying them, with a chapter project that reviews everything you have learned in each section. Using a hands on approach, Brian allows you to more quickly learn how to apply the material, increasing your retention and understanding of AutoCAD. By the completion of this over 9.5 hour tutorial, you will be familiar and comfortable with AutoCAD, and capable of drawing, decorating and annotating an AutoCAD project. Also included are work files to allow you to work along side the author, and further understand what he is showing you, step by step.

Click here to Purchase this training Video

What You Will Learn

AutoCAD Fundamentals

Today I am taking a break from my massive online gaming and am working on a new bonus chapter for my training video from Infinite Skills. It's a training video that is about 10 hour long and it is an introductory title to AutoCAD. Pretty soon I will have it available for purchase on my blog. It covers all of the basic tools anyone needs to use AutoCAD. If you have never used AutoCAD but want to know how, this is the video for you. If you haven't used it in a long time and need a refresher, this is for you. If you need your employees AutoCAD skills improved, this is the one for you.

Stay tuned for more details and for some free giveaways!

yes, I said free!

Who Likes AutoCAD and Free Stuff?

A couple of blog posts ago I mentioned that I haven't been blogging much lately.  That's about to change.  All I have to really do is post once a week and my post count will go through the roof!  I have been using AutoCAD and other Autodesk products for about 17 plus years.  That experience, plus my training opened a door that I was happy to walk through.  I have authored and reordered my very first training video series called AutoCAD Fundamentals. I was able to work with a great group of people from a company called Infinite Skills.  Together we have created a nearly 10 hour training video.  It is a video that will take anyone that has never used AutoCAD before and make them into an AutoCAD user.  I'm going to blog about this title more and more as the days go on.  But suffice it to say, that I have plans to get some free copies out there to readers of CAD-a-Blog!!  Stay tuned for more information about the title and on how you could win a free copy.

AutoCAD 2010 - Parametrics Video

Shaan Hurley has posted a short (about 4 minutes) video demonstrating Dimensional and Geometric Parametric Constraints available in AutoCAD 2010. Here it is:


Thanks for sharing with us Shaan.

Does Autodesk Listen to its Customers? Part -2

I asked on a previous post if you thought Autodesk listened to its customers. I just spent a day at the Autodesk office in San Francisco taking with several people from Autodesk. I was also able to spend some time with fellow blogger Steve Johnson. He took the time to interview three key people at Autodesk. They were: Shaan Hurley, Eric Stover, and Jon Page. I wanted to make sure you had to opportunity to watch Steve's video interview. There are two of them and they provide a detailed response to this question.

Video 1

Video 2

Thank you Steve for conducting these interviews and for providing us with this valuable info. Great job as always Steve.

AutoCAD 2010 Online Videos

Autodesk has released several online resources for AutoCAD 2010. Now I know it doesn't release until March some time, but you can start learning about it and it's features.

Autodesk has released a preview guide and some demo videos. There was also a live webcast on February 5th announcing its release. They archived that webcast for us to view.

Live Webcast

AutoCAD 2010 Videos

I hope you find these online videos useful. Before you know it, subscription members will start receiving their copies of AutoCAD 2010.

Inventor Plastic Features Technology Preview coming soon

I received a link from Autodesk making an announcement about an announcement. I'm not sure what this is going to be, but if I hear anything I will keep you posted.

CAD Wars

Ok, I'm having a Geek moment here, but what do you expect from me? I am what I am. Here is a video that was created entirely in Autodesk Inventor 2009!



According to responses the creator left on the You Tube site, this is how long it took him to make this video:

40-50 hours
25 hours of rendering
2 gig bitmap data :)
resolution: 720 x 486

i did it in Inventor because i am trainer/supporter/evangelist for an Autodesk reseller who mainly sells... guess what?
Inventor :)

the explosion shows what i was able to do in that short of time i had... 1 week for modeling and animations, 2 days for rendering, 1 evening for editing and sounds&arrangement.. :))

I think this is wicked cool because Industrial Light and Magic, George Lucas' special effects company, work with Autodesk products like Maya and Studio max 3D. They also use their own software called Sabre. This isn't to far off from how Hollywood does things.

Great work. Can any of you make a video like this? Make one, or two, post it to You Tube and let me know. I'd be happy to link to it here.

Autodesk gives away FREE Video Camera!

Well I got mine. How about you? What’s the catch? Well, you have to use it. What? Sure, it’s that simple. The first place I heard about this promotion from Autodesk was on Heidi Hewett’s blog.

Here’s the idea of the giveaway. Autodesk sends you a free Flip Camera and you create a video on what you do with AutoCAD. The specifically ask for AutoCAD, not the verticals (Civil3D, Inventor, etc.) When you get the camera, make the video, but keep it short, five minutes or so. And the file can’t be any larger than 100 meg!! They suggest you break it up into several shorter videos if you need to. Then the camera is yours!!

If they choose your video, it will get displayed on the website and at Autodesk functions, etc. It’s a way for Autodesk to show its users, using their software.

I got my camera yesterday and have already started messing with it. It is extremely easy to use. It’s not advanced or high end, but it’s a very light and simple device. It even has a USB plug on it so you can quickly download the files to a computer.

Autodesk is giving out 100 cameras (I know of a few other people that already got theirs, so there are at most 98 left) so hurry up or they will all be gone.

Send your request to: autocad.video@autodesk.com

Give a high level overview of yourself and describe what you want to show in your video. Most requests should be returned in a few days.

If any of you get the video camera let me know. Maybe we can have a cross promotion on CAD-a-Blog. If you don’t get a camera from Autodesk, send me your videos too. When I get enough I can make some posts and links to them for all of us to enjoy.

>

Good luck, and Happy CADDING!