Fading Away in 2010

If you used fading for locked layers in previous version of AutoCAD you may run into and issue when you first start using 2010. Your Xrefences may  not be responding to changes to the laylockfadectl system variable. This may be because 2010 has introduced an Xreference display option that will fade Xreferences. 

Here is the break down from the help file.

Xref Display

Specifies the fading intensity value of externally referenced drawings. (XDWGFADECTL system variable)

This option only affects the display on the screen. It does not affect plotting or plot preview. The XDWGFADECTL system variable defines the fade percentage of the DWG xrefs. The valid range is an integer between -90 and 90. The fading value is limited to 90 percent to avoid confusion with layers that are turned off or frozen. 

0  Locked layers are not faded

>0 When the value is positive, controls the percent of fading up to 90 percent

<0 When the value is negative, locked layers are not faded, but the value is saved for switching to that value by changing the sign

When XDWGFADECTL is set to a negative value, the Xref Fading feature is not turned on, but the setting is stored.

In-place Edit and Annotative Representations

Specifies the fading intensity value for objects during in-place reference editing. Objects that are not being edited are displayed at a lesser intensity. (XFADECTL system variable)

With in-place reference editing, you can edit a block reference or external reference from within the current drawing. The valid range is 0 through 90 percent. The default setting is 50 percent.

Laylockfadectl

Controls the amount of fading for objects on locked layers.

Fades the objects on locked layers to contrast them with objects on unlocked layers and reduces the visual complexity of a drawing. Objects on locked layers are still visible for reference and for object snapping.

Hope this helps.

AutoCAD 2010 - The Fun Begins

I have evaluated the 2010 version of AutoCAD and implemented it and right away. Which might just be the fun part for CAD Managers everywhere. If you are getting ready to push a new version out, here is  my check list.

• Get a new Licence file from Autodesk.
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• Authorize your new software. It should prompt you after the install.
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• You'll probably need new print or plot drivers. I have KIP plotters and found the drivers I needed here by scrolling down to where it says KIP AutoCAD on the link above.
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• If you skipped 2009 (As I did), the ribbon needs to be seriously reviewed. Any custom content you have should also find a home in the ribbon. I'm looking at it as a chance to put everything into a work flow and organize it as it should have been all along. I image this is what Autodesk was think when they implemented the ribbon.
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• Updated workspaces, profiles and deployments for all. 
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• Centralization of new CUIs. I am a control freak, and like to keep these files on a read only drive.
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• Check all the resources. There is the new features workshop, Cool things cards in with your disc and you can have manuals mailed to your office for awesome late night reading. Click here for the online version.
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• Lots of testing. I usually set everything up to work out the big bugs, and then release the new version to a select group to catch the things I didn't think of before pushing it out to everyone.
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• Training for users. This also means selling the dream., and making them want it. Chances are there are a few folks that won't want to do it. Be sure to demonstrate the cool feature that will make their life better. I like constraints and PDF enhancements.
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• Document any additions to your standards and revise anything that needs to be changed.

Good luck to all.