Commands and introductions to extension tools in CAD drawing software

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CAD extension tools are divided into several major categories: layer management, block editing, text editing, dimension editing, file management, special drawing tools, and so on. Some tools are extremely convenient and can **effectively improve our operational efficiency. In newer and newer versions, some very useful extension tools have gradually become standard features. Let’s take a closer look at our extension tools next. Layer tools among CAD extension tools: LMAN – Layer State Manager, which allows saving the state of layers so that they can be switched between at any time. Layer states can also be written to a file or loaded from a file. LAYMCH: Layer matching, which allows the layer of one object to be matched with the layer of another object. LAYCUR: Sets to the current layer, moving the selected object to that layer. LAYISO: Layer isolation – select individual objects or a range of objects; only the layer containing those selected objects will be displayed, with the other layers being hidden. This simplifies the graphic and makes it easier to work with.
LAYFRZ: Layer freezing – select one or more objects to freeze the layer on which they are located.
LAYOFF: Layer closing – select one or more objects to close the layer on which they are located.
LAYLCK: Layer locking – select one or more objects to lock the layer on which they are located.
LAYULK: Layer unlocking – select one or more objects to unlock the layer on which they are located.
LAYON: Opening all layers – restores all layers that were previously hidden.
LAYTHW: Layer thawing – unfreezes all layers that were previously frozen.

Text tools among CAD extension utilities:
TEXTFIT: Text fitting – allows setting the width of text, as well as compressing or stretching it.
TEXTMASK: Text masking – enables the creation of masks to hide overlapping objects behind the text.
CHT: Batch text modification – allows modifying various properties of multiple texts at once.
TXTEXP: Text decomposition – breaks text down into graphic objects. This function can be useful when text is part of a design, as it allows the text to be converted into lines, preventing changes when the file is opened in different environments. Additionally, it is possible to obtain the contour lines of text by expanding the fonts of the operating system, thereby creating hollow text, or to use those contour lines for modeling. CAD has a similar function called text outline, but the command is different. ARCTEXT: Arc text, which allows text to be written along an arc. RTEXT: Remote or dynamic text; it is possible to link to text in TXT files, and when the content of those TXT files changes, the content on the drawing updates automatically. The DIESEL statement can also be used to define certain types of dynamic text, such as dates, save times, drawing names, etc. The functionality of dynamic text is similar to that of fields in CAD. Block tool among CAD extension tools: BURST – converts attributes into text, turning the attributes within a block into ordinary text. If conventional decomposition (explosion) is used, the attributes of a block will display their labels after being exploded, rather than their values; this function allows the attribute values of a block to be extracted directly. BLOCKREPLACE: Block replacement, which allows the selected block to be replaced with another block. BLOCKTOXREF: Converts a block into an external reference; an external reference can be converted back into a block through binding, and a block can also be converted into another block using this function. NCOPY: Copies nested objects; it is possible to select and copy the graphics within a block separately, without having to explode the block. GATTE: It is used to modify the text content of block attributes. Since CAD now allows users to edit attributes by double-clicking on attribute blocks, there are also tools like BATTMAN for modifying attributes in bulk. This tool is no longer visible in the extended tool menu, but the command itself still exists. BCOUNT: The number of blocks, which can count the blocks in an entire drawing or selected objects; it will be displayed in list form in the command history. This command cannot be found in the menu either, but it can be run as long as the extension tool is installed. XLIST: Queries blocks and Xref internal files. CAD extension tools – Editing tools: MSTRETCH: Uses multiple selection to perform stretching. MOCORO: Moves, copies, and rotates objects; also allows for synchronized movement, copying, and rotation with adjustable proportions. EXTRIM: Extends and trims objects; it can trim all objects inside or outside a closed object at once. MPEDIT: Edits multiple polyline objects (this command is not available in the menu). XPLODE: Performs advanced decomposition; breaks down objects and specifies the properties after decomposition (this command is not available in the menu). FLATTEN: Flattens objects by removing the Z-coordinate of all selected objects; 3D objects are also converted into 2D objects. OVERKILL: Remove overlapping objects. In addition to removing some overlapping and redundant data, this command can also handle partially overlapping lines or polylines, preventing the overlapping areas from affecting subsequent edits. Among the CAD extension tools for drawing, SUPERHATCH is a feature that allows images, blocks, external references, etc. to be used as filling elements; it also makes it easy to create area covers that match the boundaries in order to hide the graphics behind certain blocks. BREAKLINE: Draws a broken line. File tools among CAD extension utilities: MOVEBAK: Moves backup files; it allows BAK files to be moved to a specified directory. PLT2DWG: Converts PLT files back to DWG format; such PLT files must be in vector HPGL format. Other tools among CAD extension tools: ALIASEDIT: An alias editor that allows you to modify command shortcuts within a dialog box; it is more intuitive than editing PGP files directly. SYSVDLG: A system variable editor that enables you to view and edit system variables in a drawing, as well as save or load system variable files. In CAD, this tool also has a comparison function that allows one to see the differences in system variables between two drawings; it can sometimes be used to locate the problem when a drawing displays abnormally. MKLTTYPE: Used for creating line styles. The line styles in LIN line style files are defined using simple text; although this is straightforward, it can still be difficult for an ordinary designer. By using the tool for creating line styles, one can create one or two units that may include lines and text, and then by selecting these elements, it’s easy to define a line style. The above does not list all of CAD’s extension tools; it only recommends those that are commonly used. I hope everyone can find an extension that works well for them. The HaoChen CAD drawing software provides many additional tools, so it is essential to select the Express Tools when installing CAD (in some lower versions of CAD, they are referred to as Bonus) in order for these tools to be installed.