Content Explorer

Have you checked out the Content Explorer in AutoCAD and AutoCAD Architecture (ACA). It is pretty cool. It can be accessed from the Plug-ins Tab in AutoCAD or the Add-ins tab in ACA, both look like binoculars.

With Content Explorer you can catalog content for speedy access, index the objects in each file, and search for content in local drives, network locations, and the Autodesk Seek.

Click on the side image for a better look.

ACA - Project Nav

Recently a client issue came up: Their DWG files weren't coming across when creating a new project in Project Navigator.

The DWGs need to be in the project folders of the project that is being created from. Default for 2011 is: C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\ACA 2011\enu\Template\Commercial Template Project (Imperial)\Commercial Template Project (Imperial).apj. This APJ, with the DST location has all of the folders, with the DWGs in them. If you are starting from an empty project, the no need for the dwgs. The dwts need to be mapped in the Project Properties under templates.

ACA - Smart Titleblocks

For ACA - AutoCAD Architecture, making "smart" titleblocks... You need to use Fields. You can edit the DWT for your sheets. Type FIELD at commandline. There is a long list of items that can be displayed on a sheet. Usually the CurrentSheetSet ones work best for proejct related items.
Select ok, and the text will be placed on to the sheet. They are updated during a save, plot or regen.