AutoCAD Express Tools

          Proceeding with our next tricks and tips in using AutoCAD, here now comes the AutoCAD Express Tools. Wherein, you can input command using the shortened or the abbreviated words of the specified command. For example, you want to enter the command text explode, you can use the express command tool  "TXTEXP" instead of inputting the command text explode or by clicking the pull-down menu for express, under express you go to text and then click on explode text. So instead of doing those long procedures, AutoCAD gives us a faster way and this is what we call the "Express Tools". To be more precise, the express tools helps most of the draftsman or the designer to input command more efficiently and reliably. This additional utility from AutoCAD makes the way of designing more fun because aside from learning and making design faster, you'll become more enhanced and familiar in keyboard keys and in typing.Why? Because of the way you input command using keyboard shortcuts instead of clicking those icons. But sad to say that ExpressTools is not available in AutoCAD LT, yes AutoCAD LT, but hoping that this will be soon available for LT.

Going forward with our topic, here are some of the Express Tools that I commonly use:

Express Tools/Hotkeys - Function

LAYER

Layer Isolate (layiso)                     

          - use to isolate the selected layers from the drawing

Layer Unisolate (layuniso)

          - use to unisolate the selected layers from the drawing.

Layer Freeze (layfrz)

          - freezes the selected layer from the drawing

Layer Off (layoff)

          - turns to off state the selected layer

Layer Lock (laylck)

          - locked the selected layer from the drawing.

TEXT

Remote Text (rtext)

          - remotes the text from its external references once the current one is updated

Text Fit (textfit)

          - used to fit text into designated areas

Text Mask

          - creates a rectangular mask/background in your text

Text Explode (txtexp)

          - use to explode text into its individual arcs and lines

Arc-Aligned Text (arctext)

          - use to create text in curved/arc forms

Justify Text (tjust)

          - use to justify text using command line

Rotate Text (torient)

          - use to rotate text in absolute rotation

Enclose Text with Object (tcircle)

          - encloses the selected text with a circle, rectangle or slot

Automatic Text Numbering (tcount)

          - sequentially numbers text objects, with the number as a prefix, a suffix, or a replacement for the existing text object

That's it for now.. More hotkeys abut express tools to come.. Se you next time..