AutoCAD is a powerful software used by professionals in the fields of architecture, engineering, and design. It offers a wide range of tools and features that help streamline the design process and improve productivity. One such set of tools is the Express Tools, which provide additional functionality beyond the core features of AutoCAD.
What are Express Tools in AutoCAD?
Express Tools are a collection of productivity-enhancing tools that are included with AutoCAD. These tools are designed to help users save time and effort by automating repetitive tasks, providing additional functionality, and improving overall efficiency. They offer a wide range of features and capabilities that can significantly enhance your drafting and design workflow.
Where to find Express Tools?
In earlier versions of AutoCAD (prior to 2020), Express Tools were installed automatically with the main AutoCAD installation. However, starting from AutoCAD 2020, they are no longer included in the default installation package.
But don’t worry! You can still access these valuable tools with just a few simple steps.
Step 1: Accessing the Tool Palettes
To find Express Tools in AutoCAD 2020 or later versions, you need to open the Tool Palettes window. To do this, go to the View tab on the ribbon menu and click on “Palettes” in the “Palettes” panel. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + 3 to toggle the display of Tool Palettes.
Step 2: Loading Express Tools Palette
Once you have opened the Tool Palettes window, you need to load the Express Tools palette into it. To do this, right-click anywhere inside the Tool Palettes window and select “Customize Palettes”. This will open a context menu with various options.
In this context menu, select “Add Palette..”. This will open a file browser window where you need to navigate to the location where AutoCAD is installed. Usually, the Express Tools palette can be found in the following path: C:\Program Files\Autodesk\AutoCAD 20XX\Express, where “20XX” represents the version of AutoCAD you are using.
Step 3: Exploring Express Tools
Once you have successfully loaded the Express Tools palette, you will see it listed as a separate tab in the Tool Palettes window. Click on this tab to access a wide range of tools and utilities that can enhance your AutoCAD experience.
The Express Tools palette offers a variety of tools categorized into different sections such as Draw, Dimension, Edit, Layers, Modify, and more. Each section contains multiple tools that serve specific purposes.
Some Useful Express Tools
- BURST: This tool allows you to explode blocks or xrefs into individual elements.
- OOPS: Use this tool to restore erased objects quickly.
- LAYISO: It helps isolate selected layers for easier editing.
- DIMDISASSOCIATE: This tool removes dimension associativity.
- MIRRTEXT: Use this tool to mirror text objects without changing their orientation.
These are just a few examples of the many powerful tools available in the Express Tools palette. Take some time to explore each section and familiarize yourself with their functionalities. You might discover new tools that can greatly improve your productivity.
Conclusion
Although Express Tools are no longer included by default in recent versions of AutoCAD, they are still accessible and provide valuable additional functionality. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily locate and load the Express Tools palette, allowing you to take advantage of the time-saving tools it offers.
So, don’t miss out on the benefits of Express Tools. Incorporate them into your AutoCAD workflow and see how they can streamline your design process and boost your productivity!