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CAD Tips FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cadalyst's CAD Tips?
Cadalyst's CAD Tips is your first stop for CAD tips for AutoCAD and other computer-aided design software as well as AutoLISP and VBA customization code for AutoCAD. Our comprehensive library holds nearly 2,000 free tips and is growing every week!
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What are the guidelines regarding the use of Cadalyst's CAD Tips?
Downloads are free and are provided "as is" without warranty or support. Use all tips at your own discretion, please, and watch this site for updates and corrections.
Cadalyst and individual authors retain all copyrights to published code and other tips. Code can be reused as-is or modified by the user in conjunction with AutoCAD or other software programs to gain efficiencies in that software for professional or personal use, and code can be shared freely among users. However, users cannot republish code in any manner or format (such as on a blog web site or in a printed document) for personal or commercial gain without written permission from Cadalyst and the original author. As an alternative to republishing code on a blog or other online location, we suggest sharing the link to the full tip where it resides on this site.
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How do I find a tip?
To locate custom code or general tips, search Cadalyst's CAD Tips by keyword using the Search CAD Tips feature at the top of every CAD Tips page; use the CAD Tips Advanced Search; or Browse Tips by Category.
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Do I need to register? What if I have problems with my account?
CAD Tips are free to access and download for all site visitors, whether registered or not. To use the Rating and Add Comment features, users must create an account and log in.
If you experience problems logging in, consider these options:

  • Double-check that you do have an active account for Cadalyst CAD Tips. Accounts you have for other Cadalyst sites currently or in the past, such as Cadalyst Discussion Forums, are independent of this site and do not share user accounts.
  • Use the Forgot Password link in the Log In box to ensure you are using the correct log-in details.
  • If the Forgot Password attempt fails, try setting up a new account from scratch.
  • If these steps fail, contact the Cadalyst staff for assistance.

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Can I submit a tip?
Cadalyst is no longer publishing reader-submitted tips, including Hot Tip Harry LISP tips (but the existing library of tips on this site will remain accessible for the foreseeable future).
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How can I get help using Cadalyst's CAD Tips library?
If after reviewing this FAQ you still have questions or problems using this site, contact Cadalyst staff at webmaster@cadalyst.com. Please note that editors are unable to provide technical support for tips.
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How can I get help if I have problems using a tip?
Downloads are provided "as is" without warranty or support. Cadalyst staff cannot provide assistance with technical problems. Other CAD Tips users are often at the ready to provide assistance. For feedback regarding use of a specific CAD Tip, locate that tip page in the library and use the Add Comment feature to post your question or problem for review by other users. Note: Only registered users have access to the Add Comment feature. If you're having trouble downloading code, your system or network security settings could be to blame. Some systems are set up to prohibit downloads of the file formats associated with our code downloads (EXE, ZIP, LSP, etc.). Check your system settings or consult your IT department. If you've downloaded an AutoCAD customization routine (code) but are having trouble making it work, our Hot Tip Harry-Help Discussion Forum is designed to provide assistance. You can post your question there and see if Harry or other users have advice. (Forum use is free but requires registration. Note that your account must be verified before you are allowed to post; please expect a 24-48 hour delay, then watch for a verification e-mail.)
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Where can I find out more about programming and using AutoLISP and VBA customization code for AutoCAD?
General information is available using the following resources:

  • Check out the "CAD Manager Programming Topics" series from Cadalyst's CAD management expert, Robert Green.

    Part 1: If you've been thinking about learning programming but aren't sure whether you should, here's what you need to know.
    Part 2: AutoLISP -- Learn how to program your CAD tools, and you'll never have to wait for someone else to program a solution for you.
    Part 3: AutoLISP -- More tips on using AutoLISP codes to customize and control your CAD operations.
    Part 4: AutoLISP -- Set up customized AutoLISP code files for all your users without having to work at individual computers.

  • Harry's Code Class. Check out the archives of this e-newsletter by Cadalyst's Bill Kramer (aka "Hot Tip Harry") to help you develop your Visual LISP and VBA programming prowess. View Archives
  • Tony Hotchkiss provides in-depth AutoLISP programming examples in the archives of his AutoLISP Solutions tutorial series.
  • For AutoLISP and VBA programming tips and tricks, dig into the archives of Bill Kramer's Programmer's Toolbox, Barry Bowen's Lessons in Programming, and Mike Tuersley's CAD Clinic.
  • If you need background information about how to load and use AutoLISP code, an old favorite, Learning to LISP, will teach you what you need to know to get started using our code.

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How do I contact Cadalyst?
If you have comments or suggestions about Cadalyst's CAD Tips or questions not addressed here, please contact the editors by e-mail. We're sorry , Cadalyst editors cannot provide technical assistance with CAD Tips.
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