CAD Tips

John Damman sent this tip, which he uses for AutoCAD Land Desktop 2007, though it also works in vanilla AutoCAD 2007 and later. "The routine to grip, copy, then hold the Shift key works for additional quickleaders for labeling multiple like objects. This works for multiple copies. Or you can use Qlattach (quick leader attach) to attach the new leader to the text of the first quick leader mtext so that when the label needs to be relocated, all of the leaders follow.

"Qlattach even works if the leader is to label an object in the opposite direction. Merely draw the quick leader without a tail, then use Qlattach in the same manner. The new leader gains a tail and moves to the beginning of the mtext of the original quickleader. Then move the tail end to the other end of the mtext. This leader will move with the others. The routine to grip, copy, and then hold the Shift key works again in this position as well, and Qlattach should be employed again. All the new leaders move with the mtext."

NOTES FROM CADALYST TIP PATROL: Good tip! It will definitely save time with future editing of already completed drawings.

Follow-Up: Quick Leader Attach
As an alternative to the original  tip, Michael Grutter sent LEADER_NONE.LSP, which works with all versions since AutoCAD 2000. "To create a new quick leader, pick the arrowhead location first, then pick a location anywhere in the drawing. You're prompted to select the annotation to attach to the new leader. You will jump to the insert of the annotation based on its justification setting.

"This is also a viable alternative to the Mleader option in AutoCAD 2008 and later if you are using leaders for annotation and not balloon callouts. Note that this routine still uses the Qlattach command from Express Tools, which needs to be loaded regardless of which method you choose. The header of the AutoLISP file has a defun line to add to your ACAD.LSP or ACADDOC.LSP file."