This week we are happy to announce 3 new AutoCAD Block libraries for the Mac OSX. The library contains nearly 1400 symbols which are made available through the AutoCAD® content palette within AutoCAD® for Mac.

SimpleCAD has made available 3 new CAD Block libraries that are ready to work inside the new Autocad version for Mac OSX.

The following AutoCAD Mac Libraries are now available:

• Mac Steel Shapes Library
• Mac Electrical Symbols Library (for residential drawings)
• Mac P&ID Symbols Library

Mac and PC Blocks Available

The new block libraries are also offered for the PC version of AutoCAD®. Blocks for the Mac are selected using floating Content Palette and then dragged into the drawing space whereas Blocks for the PC libraries are selected using a pulldown system and then inserted.

Pipe 3D Dialog allows you to easily insert pipe run and pipe fittings. Maximize your drafting productivity even more than the library and pull-downs included in dialog driven toolbar system. It just doesn’t get any easier than this!

Pipe 3D Dialog – Piping Bundle

If you need to create 3D piping layouts even more quickly – we’ve got an 3D piping software bundle that includes both our 3D Piping library (which is required to run this add-on) and an easy to use dialog system.

Video above demonstrates the ease of use. Simply select Piping System, then Size, View and then Insert into drawing. Rotate as needed after adding fittings, valves, flanges or expansion joints into your drawing.

Please note: Our Piping Software includes our 3D Piping library for AutoCAD. For those who already have our library it can also be purchased separately.

Pipe 3D Dialog Bundle Includes:

• Easy To Use Dialog Interface
• Choose Main Piping Dialog
• Valve Dialog Interface
• Flange Dialog Interface
• Expansion Joints Dialog Interface
• 3D Placement Options

Streamline your pipe modeling by quickly and effortlessly inserting tees, elbows, reducers, and flanges using a dialog control interface. It runs directly inside the latest AutoCAD versions including 2012 and soon to be 2013 but all the way back to AutoCAD 2000.

• Works with our 3D Piping library for AutoCAD
• Insets 3D Piping blocks quickly using a dialog
• Supports AutoCAD 2000-2012
• Use it for all your 3D piping layouts and schematics

Our piping software will immediately pay for itself and will continue to do so over and over again with every job.

So forget those fancy piping programs that cost thousands, sometimes tens of thousands! Many are so complex it will take weeks to learn.

Setup is very simple and it’s easy to get started! Need help installing our Piping Symbols? Support is always free when you need it when you buy Pipe 3D Dialog.

Pipe 3D Dialog allows you to easily insert pipe run and pipe fittings. Maximize your drafting productivity even more than the library and pull-downs included in dialog driven toolbar system. It just doesn’t get any easier than this!

Pipe 3D Dialog – Piping Bundle

If you need to create 3D piping layouts even more quickly – we’ve got an 3D piping software bundle that includes both our 3D Piping library (which is required to run this add-on) and an easy to use dialog system.

Video above demonstrates the ease of use. Simply select Piping System, then Size, View and then Insert into drawing. Rotate as needed after adding fittings, valves, flanges or expansion joints into your drawing.

Please note: Our Piping Software includes our 3D Piping library for AutoCAD. For those who already have our library it can also be purchased separately.

Pipe 3D Dialog Bundle Includes:

• Contains over 4,600 3D piping blocks
• Includes Dialog Interface
• Choose Main Piping Dialog
• Valve Dialog Interface
• Flange Dialog Interface
• Expansion Joints Dialog Interface
• 3D Placement Options

Streamline your pipe modeling by quickly and effortlessly inserting tees, elbows, reducers, and flanges using a dialog control interface. It runs directly inside the latest AutoCAD versions including 2012 and soon to be 2013 but all the way back to AutoCAD 2000.

• Works with our 3D Piping library for AutoCAD
• Insets 3D Piping blocks quickly using a dialog
• Supports AutoCAD 2000-2012
• Use it for all your 3D piping layouts and schematics

Our piping software will immediately pay for itself and will continue to do so over and over again with every job.

So forget those fancy piping programs that cost thousands, sometimes tens of thousands! Many are so complex it will take weeks to learn.

Setup is very simple and it’s easy to get started! Need help installing our Piping Symbols? Support is always free when you need it when you buy Pipe 3D Dialog.

If you are looking for an easy on hand approach to learning AutoCAD’s Ribbon, Menu and Toolbars, look no further. This book will explain all you need to become proficient at using the AutoCAD CUI.

Tailoring CUI for AutoCAD 2011/12 ebook:

• Working and editing the CUI.
• Fully updated for AutoCAD 2011 and 2012.
• New extensive reference of all ribbon panel elements.

Learn how to edit the CUI in AutoCAD today – this is a downloadable e-book for learning how to modify and edit AutoCAD’s custom user interface.

Tailoring AutoCAD Books features:

• Take a detailed tour of the AutoCAD CUI.
• Learn commands and system variables for CUI.
• Explore AutoCAD ribbons, toolbars, keystroke shortcuts and more
• Includes Tutorials on creating all customizations.
• Many tips on how to edit the CUI for AutoCAD

This book also includes:

• All illustrations in full color.
• Formatted for printing on standard 8.5×11 paper.
• Margins designed for three-hole punching.
• Special pricing for bulk and educational purchases.

Contents of Tailoring Cui for Autocad 2011/12 ebook

1. Working with CUI
2. Tailoring Workspaces
3. Toolbars and Quick Access Toolbar
4. Ribbon part i: Tabs
5. Ribbon part ii: Panels
6. Ribbon part iii: Contextual Tabs
7. Menu Bar
8. Quick Properties
9. Rollover Tooltips
10. Shortcut Menus
11. Keyboard Shortcuts and Temporary Override Keys
12. Double Click Actions
13. Tailoring Mouse Buttons
14. Loading LISP Files
15. Legacy Section

Shown 365 Hatches On Custom Tab

If you are using AutoCAD for the Mac OSX you can also install either our 365 Hatch Patterns (also called 100 Plus) or our custom Wood and Stone hatch patterns.

Both Libraries will install on the Mac – Please note: you will not have a pull down – instead you will have thumbnails accessible within the Hatch dialog itself.

Feel free to contact us for more info about our 2 popular hatch library add-ons which contain hundreds of additional patterns for AutoCAD.

Please follow these steps below to install the Wood and Stone Library:

1) If you have a acad.pat file from your Windows version of AutoCAD it is recommend to make a backup of it before starting.

2) Next browse to “~/Library/Application Support/Autodesk/roaming/AutoCAD 2011/R18.1/enu/Support/”

3) Locate the Mac acad.pat file and to rename it to acad-pat.old.

4) Copy the original hatch pattern file from step 1 above into the Mac folder in step 2

You can also use our 365 Hatch Patterns with your existing hatch patterns for the Mac. (see below)

Please follow these steps below to install the 365 Hatch Pattern Library:

1) Create a new folder on your Mac for your 365 Hatch Pattern Library. This can be a subfolder under support called Hatch (~/Library/Application Support/Autodesk/roaming/AutoCAD 2011/R18.1/enu/Support/Hatch”

2) As in Windows you will also need to add a path within your AutoCAD Preferences dialog. Choose Tools then Options to access the File Search Path dialog. Pick Add and then browse to the new path to add it to the list.

3) If all is setup correctly you will see your 365 Hatch Patterns after choosing the Custom Tab located in the Hatch Pattern dialog.

We offer these hatching programs right here at SimpleCAD:

• 365 Hatch Patterns For AutoCAD – custom patterns
• Hatch Manager (library also included)
• Wood & Stone Hatch Patterns

Differences in Briscad and AutoCAD?

We’ll the answer is yes – sort of. We wanted to also let you know that “Bricscad for AutoCAD Users” ebook for BricsCAD V12 has been updated.

This ebook explains the differences and similarities between AutoCAD and Bricscad in areas of user interface, commands, customization, programming, objects, and properties. It is especially useful for offices considering saving on their IT budgets by adding licenses of Bricscad.

• An entirely new chapter on working in a dual-CAD office
• Information specific to the Linux version of Bricscad
• 192 pages

ISO 1219- BS 2917 Symbols

We’ve released our ISO 1219 symbols library for AutoCAD 2012 and earlier. This Pneumatic – Fluid Power Library contain the latest symbology using latest industry specs.

Designed to streamline your productivity – the block library can create Fluid power systems /components or circuit diagrams. Note: The ISO 1219 is also referred to as the BS 2917.

An easy to install pulldown system is also included with the library. AutoCAD blocks can be quickly inserted and rotated from the menus /thumbnails provided. Brief symbol description incorporated in drop down menus.

Library installs in a few minutes- live installation help provided if needed.

Hydraulic Pneumatic Circuit Symbols Include:

• Symbols Elements
• Pumps and motors
• Valve Operators
• Energy Conversion Devices
• Pressure Controls
• Flow Controls
• Motion Controls and much more…

These are just a few examples found within our block library. For a visual demo visit our Electrical and Fluid Power Symbol product page.

The Fluid Power / Electrical library – complete bundle

For your conveneience we have bundled the ISO 1219 / BS 2917 with IEEE Std 315 with ANSI Y32.2 / IEC617  library for both U.S./ imperial and metric versions. All blocks are drawing at a 1:1 scale and automatically insert after clicking the appropriate  thumbnail.

Additionally you will find ANSI sheets sizes within the library to setup your project using just a few clicks.

Releated AutoCAD Blocks:

• Electrical Symbols (ANSI and IEC)
• IEC & ANSI standards symbols – Video
• Electrical and Fluid Power Symbol Library

y32-IEEE Std 315 Drawing

Our newly revised ANSI Standard Y32 symbols library for AutoCAD 2012 and earlier, contain Graphic Symbols for Electrical and Electronics Diagrams drawn using the latest industry specs.

Designed to streamline your productivity – the library can create electrical schematic diagrams or electronic circuit drawings.  The ANSI Y32 is also referred to as the IEEE Std 315. 

A pulldown system is also included with the library. Blocks can be quickly inserted and rotated from the menus /thumbnails provided.

Examples of Y32 Symbols

• Resistors, capacitors, inductors etc
• Connectors and Terminals
• Relays, rotary devices
• Transformers
• Switches , Pushbuttons
• Measuring instruments and much more…

These are just a few examples found within our block library. For a visual demo visit our Electrical Symbols product page.

The Y32 library – complete bundle

For your conveneience we have bundled both the metric and imperial libraries together.The Y32 – IEEE Std 315  library is the U.S./ imperial version. A metric version named IEC 617 is also included. Both versions of  electrical blocks are essential the same except for the scaling. All blocks are drawing at a 1:1 scale and automatically insert after clicking the appropriate  thumbnail.

Additionally you will find ANSI sheets sizes within the library to setup your project using just a few clicks.

Releated Electrical Symbology:

• Electrical Symbols (ANSI and IEC)
• IEC & ANSI standards symbols – Video
• Electrical and Fluid Power Symbol Library

If you are a Bricscad user (or are thinking of becoming one), then you might be interested to know that we have updated Learn Bricscad in a Day for Version 12. This edition has several new features:

• A new chapter on 3D direct modeling and editing
• A new chapter on 2D geometric and dimensional constraints
• All tutorials now in metric units, with some in simultaneous imperial units

You can get more info at the BricsCAD book’s Web page . This Web page handles all editions of the ebook, from V8 through V12.

Learn Bricscad in a Day – the tutorial for new users of Bricscad from BricsCAD v8-v12 (select option below price at right) – yes, our Bricscad book is updated for version 12.

Learn Bricscad in a Day is the useful tutorial for new users of Bricscad. It teaches you how create drawings in a day — seven chapters that each take about one hour to complete.

This e-book is available in editions suitable for users of Bricscad V8 through V12.

• Hour 1 Introducing Bricscad.
• Hour 2 Using menus and toolbars.
• Hour 3 Setting up new drawings.
• Hour 4 Drawing and plotting.
• Hour 5 Adding details.
• Hour 6 Editing.
• Hour 7 Adding text and dimensions.

Plus this bonus content:

• Block libraries and attribute extraction.
• Bills of material.
• Regions and booleans.

The book features:

1. Dozens of tips.
2. For each chapter: chapter summary, key terms, useful abbreviations, and new commands.
3. Illustrations in full color.
4. Windows Vista screen grabs.

Form

• atted for printing on standard 8.5×11 paper.
• Margins designed for three-hole punching.

Table of contents

PART I: INTRODUCTION TO BRICSCAD

Hour 1 — Bricscad Quick Tour
Hour 2 — Navigating the Bricscad Interface

PART II: LEARNING TO DRAW IN 2D

Hour 3 — Setting Up New Drawings
Hour 4 — Creating a First Drawing
Hour 5 — Adding Details to Drawings
Hour 6 — Making Changes to Drawings
Hour 7 — Adding Notes & Dimensions

PART III: ADVANCED 2D TOPICS

Chapter 8 — Creating Blocks & Attributes
Chapter 9 — Bills of Material
Chapter 10 — 2D Region Modeling & Booleans

PART IV: APPENDICES

Appendix A — Command Aliases
Appendix B — System Variables & Settings

About the author

Ralph Grabowski has authored and co-authored 100+ books and ebooks on CAD management, ArchiCAD, AutoCAD, Generic CADD, IntelliCAD, MicroStation, TurboCAD, VDraft, Visio, HTML, and VRML. He is the editor of two e-newsletters, upFront.eZine and iCommunique.

Mr Grabowski received his B.A.Sc (’80) degree in civil engineering from the University of British Columbia. He currently works and lives in the beautiful Central Fraser Valley region of British Columbia, Canada.