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The Tutorials section provides over 100 original tutorials for AutoCAD, 3ds Max and other design applications such as Photoshop and Bryce. Michael’s Corner is a monthly article that brings you the best up-to-date AutoCAD tips and tricks. The Forums are a lively bulletin board where AutoCAD users can ask questions and get answers. The Download area provides free AutoCAD blocks, free AutoLISP routines and free digital images.

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Michael’s Corner - July 2011

Software Fireworks!

So, it's July already and we have another dose of up-to-the-minute articles from our good friend Michael Beall. This month, Michael takes an in-depth look at one of AutoCAD 2012's most interesting new features - associative arrays. I know some people don't like them and are hankering after the old array dialog box but once you start working with associative arrays, you'll soon see how neat they are and why there's no longer any need for a dialog box. Remember - change is good (mostly). Well, I get all nostalgic for AutoCAD R12 but let's be pragmatic; modern AutoCAD is pretty darn good.

Summer is a quieter time here at CADTutor - students have finished their studies and many of our professional visitors are away on holiday so why not take the opportunity to mooch around the place while it's less crowded - you never know, you might stumble upon something new. Have a great holiday if you're away this month.

Video Tutorials - 14th August 2009

We've added a new Video Tutorials section to CADTutor! Some of our users have asked for video tutorials in addition to the text-based tutorials already on the site. Check them out and let us know what you think. Also, for those of you who prefer to watch your online video at YouTube, why not visit the CADTutor YouTube channel?

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Tip of the Day

Lock your viewports!

The zoom factor of your viewports is crucial because it affects the plotted scale of your drawing. So, once you have set your viewport scale, it's a good idea to lock your viewport so that you don't inadvertently change it. To lock a viewport, select it in paper space by picking on its boundary and then right-click anywhere within the viewport. Select "Properties" from the right-click menu and the Properties panel will appear. In the "Misc" section, click on "Display locked" to activate the pull-down and set the value to "Yes".

Today's tip is by David Watson

Missed a Tip?

Did you miss yesterday's tip? Maybe you forgot to drop by or maybe you don't visit over the weekend. If so, you can now see all the tips published during the past week. Also, if you have a tip you'd like to share with us, you can post it on our forum and if we like it, we'll publish it here.