Learn how to zoom and pan by simply using your mouse wheel. This video tutorial quickly walks through zooming and panning basics to easily navigate your drawing in AutoCAD LT 2010.

If you aren’t so much for videos, here’s a text overview:

• ZOOM IN: scroll up on your mouse wheel
• ZOOM OUT: scroll down on your mouse wheel
• PAN: click and hold your mouse wheel, then drag to desired location (let go of the mouse wheel when you are finished dragging)
• REGENERATE: type “regenall” in the dynamic input to regenerate your drawing if arcs and circles lose their smoothness or there is limited zooming
• CENTER: double-click your mouse wheel to center your drawing within the window

View more video tutorials for AutoCAD LT 2010:
Dimensioning | Getting Started and Align Command

Follow us on YouTube for even more videos.

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This is a good week for recently unemployed CAD users in the architecture, engineering, design, and manufacturing communities. Both Autdesk and SolidWorks have released programs that give unemployed designers access to free software, software training, and discounted or free certification exams. Both programs are aimed at increasing CAD proficiency in unemployed designers to help them get back on their feet sooner.

The Autodesk Assistance Program offers a free 13-month software license of AutoCAD, Revit Architecture, Autodesk Inventor Pro, and/or AutoCAD Civil 3D. In addition to access to these software titles, Autodesk is also offering free online training that is available anytime, reduced cost classroom training at various locations, and discounted rates on certification programs.

To participate in this program you must meet certain eligibility requirements and fill out an application online. For more detailed information and to apply, see the Autodesk Assistance Program website.

The SolidWorks Engineering Stimulus Package also offers a free download of their SolidWorks Student Design Kit software with a 90 day license. Unlike the Autodesk program, SolidWorks is offering its software to anyone looking to become familiar with their software or brush up on their skills; there are no eligibility requirements, and no one will be calling your old HR department to verify that you were laid off.

Even though the software is only good for 90 days, SolidWorks offers a variety of online learning resources and a one-time free Certified SolidWorks Associate exam to prove your knowledge of SolidWorks. Their goal is to help you gain the skills necessary to get ahead of the competition and get a design job.

For complete info and to download the SolidWorks software, see the Engineering Stimulus Package website.

Both of these programs are great moves by these companies. It prevents piracy by unemployed designers who have their weekdays free and nothing by time on their hands, and also gives them access to valuable training resources. It’s good to see companies embracing the fact that it costs them almost nothing to offer free downloads with expiration dates; it only builds their user base and will eventually increase the number of engineers purchasing full licenses.

If you have some time on your hands and want to learn some new software skills, there is no better time than now.

The good people at Autodesk have set up some short-lived but high-impact deals that are really hard to pass up if you’re in the market for CAD software. With its 2010 product line freshly released, the manufacturer of the world’s top-selling 2D drafting and detailing products is helping you design without boundaries… including financial ones:

• Save $200 via mail-in rebate for each new license purchased of AutoCAD LT 2009 OR AutoCAD LT 2010.
• The price for AutoCAD LT 2009 has been reduced by $150 at SoftwareMedia.com.
• Save an additional $25 instantly on AutoCAD LT 2009 at SoftwareMedia with code ‘LT2009′
• Save an additional $25 instantly on AutoCAD LT 2010 at SoftwareMedia with code ‘LT2010′

This special pricing expires on 3/31 so don’t miss out!

In my last post about the new Punch! Home and Landscape Design Suite I gave you a basic run-down of getting started and some of the new features in this year’s release. For this installment, I thought I would give you a visual presentation of just how easy this software is to use. It’s also pretty fun to play around with the QuickStart feature to come up with cool home designs.

Check it out in HD!

Where this product really shines is in its ease of use for the novice CAD user. Literally anyone can create their dream house or model their own home in a matter of minutes. The software gets a little more technical when it comes to creating the details of a house, but Punch still keeps things simple with intuitive and easy to use controls. After about 30 minutes with the software I was totally comfortable with most of the advanced tasks.

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Yesterday, Synergis launched its new e-Learning courses for Autodesk software. These courses, geared towards engineers and designers, feature the latest training videos, demos and tutorials for a variety of Autodesk software platforms, inluding: AutoCAD, Inventor, Revit Architecture, Civil 3D and 3ds Max. Synergis has developed hundreds of lessons for each software platform. These lessons are designed to compliment hands-on training, which increases overall knowledge retention.

Since these courses are offered exclusively online, the cost is very reasonable when compared to other training systems or classes. A complete course for an individual software platform starts at $199, with access to the entire catalog topping out at $499. A subscription lasts for 1-year and includes anytime, anywhere access. For more information, see the Autodesk eLearning section of the Synergis website.

PRNewswire

Today I had the opportunity to try out the new Home & Landscape Design Suite by Punch! Software. I am an experienced CAD user with a background in many technical, engineering based software platforms, so I know how much time it takes to learn a new modeling software. I was definitely curious and a little skeptical about the Home Design Suite and its claim that you can model the basics of a house in 59 seconds.

The newest version of this award-winning series features a completely new way to get your project started quickly. Its called QuickStart, and it’s designed to get your dream home ideas from your head to your computer in a few easy steps. QuickStart launches as soon as you start a new file, and it’s basically a blank grid, ready for your room shapes.

To start my newest home creation, I just clicked on a room type and dragged the rectangle to the grid. The room types are color coded and sized appropriately, making it even easier to start. Once my blue 12′x14′ dining room was in place, I dragged in a green Kitchen box and resized it to 15′x14′. The color-coded boxes automatically snap to adjoining rooms and resize with a click of your mouse.

About 3 minutes later I had my floorplan completely done. I then hit the “Continue” button and the rudimentary floorplan was transformed into a 3D rendering, complete with a stylish roof! It took about 2 more minutes to add custom windows and doors all over the house, and my basic home was done in under 5 minutes. Not too bad.

Once your basic house is ready, it is super easy to modify, delete, or reshape walls. Then the fun begins: adding wall textures, flooring, furnishings, and landscaping. I will be experimenting more with the Home & Landscape Design Suite later this week (including its new “Going Green” features), so stay tuned for a more in-depth review.

Talk about smart software buying. Save up to $1,000 in mail-in rebates when you buy the latest version of AutoCAD LT.

If you’re currently using a different CAD program but seeking additional features and new highs in productivity, now is the time to make the switch. AutoCAD LT 2009 simplifies daily tasks with full DWG native file format compatibility, the new ribbon interface, menu browser, and enhanced layer dialog.

Offer ends 3/31/09. Rebate valid for new commercial seats only. Click here for the rebate form.