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!

Ideas for AutoCAD

Has Autodesk has run out of ideas for improving AutoCAD?  Not likely.  However, they are interested in the ideas of their users.  They better be.  The users are the one's using the software.  Say what you will about Autodesk but they have made a great effort in trying to reach out to their clients for input.  Not a month goes by where I don't receive an email about a new survey they are conducting.  Not a day goes by where Autodesk hasn't reached out via social media in one way or another.  

Autodesk has realized that the internet is a great tool for providing information to clients.  That's an easy discovery to make.  They have also discoverd that the internet is an even greater tool for collecting information.  Autodesk has asked for emails, beta testing, surveys, telephone calls and more in the past.  Now they have set up a website using Google Moderator called Ideas for AutoCAD.  Google Moderator is a site where people (or companies) can set up a way for readers to provide thoughts, feedback, and ideas.  

How odes it work?  Google Moderator lets you set up a series about anything you want or are interested in.  It provides a means for other interested people to submit questions, ideas or suggestions.  Anyone can come to the site and submit a question or comment.  They can even vote on submissions.  You can set up multiple topics or go with a single topic.  

Autodesk is trying this out.  They want your thoughts and ideas on AutoCAD, for MAC and Windows.  If you have a killer idea that will make AutoCAD better, stop on by and submit your idea.  If you have a question, stop on by.  While there, check out some other people's ideas and thoughts.  Vote on them, or not. Comment on them, or not.  It's up to you.

Autodesk takes these things seriously.  I suggest you go and participate.  Even if you feel you don't have a great idea, vote on the ideas that are there.  

Ideas for AutoCAD

Cadalyst to host TwitterChat

Cadalyst Magazine is hosting their first ever TwitterChat.  What's a TwitterChat?  It's an organized event where twitter users are purposefully using the same HashTag to have a conversation with other Twitter users.  Cadalyst has put together a webpage (click this link) where they describe the ins and outs of their TwitterChat.

This TwitterChat is scheduled to begin on Thursday, June 23 at 1 p.m. PST/4 p.m. EST.  The Hashtag will be:

 #DellCAD

This TwitterChat is sponsored by Dell and presented by Cadalyst  (@cadalyst_mag).  The chat will be hosted by Lynn Allen (@Lynn_Allen)

The topic of conversation will be centered around collaboration, specifically using AutoCAD WS.  To join the conversation remember to search on twitter for the hashtag #DellCAD ! Everyone is invited! If you miss the chat, don't worry.  The hashtags shouldn't go anywhere, there just won't be anyone live tweeting.  I think Cadalyst is going to create a transcript of the chat for later.  Cadalyst is also planning to have more of these chats.  If you are on "the twitter", join in and ask some questions.

Autodesk Facecast today - June 13th

Autodesk is going to make an announcement today live via Facecast.  They have had Facecasts before (see link)  but today's Facecast is to make a big announcement (I think I know what it is)

A Facecast is a live video stream presented through Facebook.  Go to Autodesk's Facebook page to watch it.

Or, if you don't have a Facebook account, or if your boss has blocked Facebook, you can watch the live video stream right here!!

You're welcome.  Enjoy the news.

Watch live streaming video from autocad at livestream.com

Make sure to watch the Facecast here on June 13th at 1 pm PST.

Autodesk launches an AutoCAD Marketplace – the Apps Tab

UPDATE: Autodesk has expanded the Autodesk Exchange App Store to include more than just AutoCAD.  Click the link for the new Autodesk Exchange App Store.


Autodesk announces their June 13th release of the Autodesk Apps Tab that runs within AutoCAD 2012 (only.)  Initially, it will be available for AutoCAD 2012 only.  The Autodesk Apps Tab is an online marketplace where users can purchase, sell and rate apps from within AutoCAD 2012.  These “apps” are companion products for AutoCAD that have been created to provide additional functionality to AutoCAD.  At its launch, the Autodesk App Tab is expected have approximately 150 different apps to choose from ranging in price with several apps being free.

The AutoCAD Apps Tab in AutoCAD 2012

The Autodesk App Tab is an effort by Autodesk to centralize the distribution of AutoCAD add on applications.  It is also an attempt to provide a safe means of distribution for these apps.  It is also an opportunity for users to share and or sell the applications they have created.