#AutoCAD Tip of the Month = ClassicInsert Command
From time to time, Autodesk developers leave seasoned AutoCAD users like me wondering, "Who moved my cheese?" This happens with almost every release. However, the worst case of "feeling like an idiot," took place for me during the transition from AutoCAD 2000i to 2002. I believe the product was still called AutoCAD Architectural Desktop. Without warning, I felt pretty lost. Fortunately, in my case, I tend to favor command prompt input, which tends to change slower than other Graphical User Interface (GUI) elements.
If you would like to use the INSERT command without being surprised, then use the new command CLASSIC INSERT.
I hope you enjoy being warned about the sudden, unexpected "cold shower." ;-) The good news is, block are a kind of old technology you should most likely avoid in favor of Smart, Parametric, AEC objects or dynamic blocks.
One of these days I will update my super list of AutoCAD Commands and System Variables. If you know of a public link where the list already exists, please share the URL in the comments. Merely reading such a list is a humbling and learning experience. I guess it is time I devote my two-hour and lunch breaks to studying the F1 Help System whenever possible. It is about the only way to keep up. The learning, especially AutoCAD's, never ends.
Please share in the comments whether you were surprised when you first tried INSERT'ing a block after this feature was released. Do you like how this feature "upgrade" was implemented? I am concerned we spend a lot of time and money learning our favorite CAD software. Changing or moving things around can create a lot of pain and render old routines, scripts and macros obsolete. Autodesk has made changes and improvements very carefully in the past to avoid confusion and unnecessary rework. In this particular instance, I don't think the "surprise" was worth the potential benefit. I would have preferred a new NEWINSERT (NewInsert) command.
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5 年Some of the classic commands are far superior IMO. Many of the new commands were added by developers who don't understand how AutoCAD works and often impose artificial limitations.?
Lead Tech/Designer at Perteet Inc
5 年When I first saw the new insert command I thought it would be really useful, but after a few days, I reverted to ClassicInsert and created a keyboard shortcut for it. With the new Insert, if I need a block that is on my computer I first have to find the file to add it to the list, then click it again to insert it. I don't like the extra step. I'm not sure if it is just my computer, but if I use any of the new Insert icon views I have to wait for the icons to update as I scroll through the list. The List view is quicker but I would have to memorize all the block names which isn't realistic with the number of similarly named blocks we have. If I had them memorized I could just type them at the command line to insert them. Hmm, maybe I need to work on my memorization...