PostalCAD 2009 Features Guide. January 15 th, 2009

Transcription

1 PostalCAD 2009 Features Guide January 15 th, 2009

2 Table of Contents 1.0 INTRODUCTION USER INTERFACE OVERVIEW USPS POSTALCAD WORKSPACE USER INTERFACE Ribbon Panel Quick Access Tools Menu Browser Layer Properties Manager Palette Properties Palette Quick Properties Panel Quick View Model & Layout Tabs Quick View Open Drawings Right-Click Shortcut Menus POSTALCAD RIBBON OVERVIEW HOME TAB Quick Layer Tools Panel Drawing Tools Panel Modify Objects Panel ANNOTATIONS TAB Text Tools Panel Dimension Tools Panel Leader Tools Panel Table Tools Panel Annotation Styles Panel BLOCKS TAB Blocks Panel Blocks & Reference Tool Panel External References Panel DWF Tools Panel CREATE TAB Workroom Floor Entities Panel Architectural Elements Panel Symbols Panel SPACES TAB Create & Tag Spaces Panel Space Management Tools Panel Affinity Analysis Panel Transport Work Analysis Panel PAGE LAYOUTS TAB Page Setup & Viewport Creation Panel Title Blocks Panel Fire Evacuation Routes Panel Assembly Point Drawings Panel PRINTING & OUTPUT TAB Printing & Plotting Panel January 2009 PostalCAD 2009 New Features Guide 2

3 3.7.2 Upload or Send Panel Export Panel LAYERS TAB Layer Tools Panel Visibility & Locking Panel Layer States & Themes Panel CLEANUP TAB Fix Layers Panel Fix Text Panel Fix Blocks Panel Cleanup Tools Panel DISPLAY TAB Viewing Panel Viewport Tools Panel User Interface Panel TOOLS TAB Object Snapping Tools Panel Utilities Panel Selection Tools Panel Resources Panel NEW & UPDATED TOOLS IN POSTALCAD NEW INTEGRATION NEW TOOLS Annotations Tab> Text Tools Panel> Align Cascade Annotations Tab> Dimension tools Panel Annotations Tab> Leader Tools Panel Annotations Tab> Table Tools Panel Blocks Tab> Block & Reference Tools Panel Blocks Tab> External References Panel Create Tab> Symbols Panel Page Layouts Tab> Title Blocks Panel Page Layouts Tab> Assembly Point Drawings Panel Printing & Output Tab> Printing & Plotting Panel Printing & Output Tab> Printing & Upload or Send Panel Printing & Output Tab> Export Panel Cleanup Tab> Fix Blocks Panel Cleanup Tab> Cleanup Tools Panel Tools Tab> Object Snapping Tools Panel Tools Tab> Object Utilities Panel Tools Tab> Resources Panel UPDATED LEGACY TOOLS Home Tab> Drawing Tools Panel Blocks Tab> Blocks Panel Create Tab> Architectural Panel Create Tab> Symbols Panel Spaces Tab> Create & Tag Spaces Panel Spaces Tab> Affinity Analysis Panel Spaces Tab> Transport Work Analysis Panel January 2009 PostalCAD 2009 New Features Guide 3

4 4.3.8 Page Layouts Tab> Title Blocks Panel Page Layouts Tab> Fire Evacuation Routes Panel Layers Tab> Visibility & Locking Panel 31 APPENDIX A SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS 32 APPENDIX B POSTALCAD 2009 INSTALLATION 33 APPENDIX C POSTALCAD 2009 TRAINING January 2009 PostalCAD 2009 New Features Guide 4

5 1.0 Introduction PostalCAD 2009 features a new interface integrating the PostalCAD software directly into the AutoCAD Map 3D 2009 workspace. This exciting new application layout will streamline your work process and enhance the ability to easily and intuitively create, document, and analyze your facility drawing needs. The new ribbon format is visually compatible with Microsoft Office 2007 application interfaces. All tools and utilities are now organized into heading tabs with subpanels of tools inside each tab. Drawing and editing tools are now located in the same easy to navigate places for a more intuitive use of the application. A new 2007 file format is also introduced with PostalCAD 2009 and will be the standard file format for all workroom floor drawings throughout the entire USPS enterprise. Experienced users have seen subtle changes to the PostalCAD interface through the different releases over the years. PostalCAD 2009 is a completely new environment that can be easily learned with a few hours of use and training. All of the legacy commands and tools are still active and the keyboard shortcuts that many users have learned over the years are still valid to make the transition as smooth as possible. The most important step in fully understanding PostalCAD 2009 is to use the new ribbon. The ribbon is where all the new PostalCAD tools are now found in addition to the existing tools from earlier releases. Once the basic concept of the ribbon layout is understood, workflow time will be reduced and users will be more productive. PostalCAD 2009 now features more tools and utilities than ever before. A completely new Library Manager now makes working with equipment blocks from Engineering Headquarters a simple double-click exercise. Many commands have been added to make drawings with standardized entities a breeze. Advanced analysis tools are now streamlined and filled with more real world information. These and many other tools are introduced throughout this document. PostalCAD 2009 will only install and run with AutoCAD Map 3D The USPS uses the AutoCAD Map 3D 2009 version of AutoCAD so that the advanced PostalCAD Transport Work utilities can be applied to workroom floor drawings and also for those who work with maps and routing. All standard AutoCAD tools are available in this release. Users will need to upgrade or convert their current installations of older AutoCAD or AutoCAD Map to AutoCAD Map 3D 2009 in order to use the new features and get acclimated to the interface that will be used for all future releases of PostalCAD, AutoCAD Map, and the Microsoft Office suite. Read the installation guide appendix for further information on obtaining this new release of PostalCAD Please take the time to thoroughly read through the "New Features" list, which outlines the new application format that has all of the features, tools, and utilities that make PostalCAD such an invaluable tool for creating and working with CAD files in the USPS. Note: A detailed appendix containing system requirements, installation guide, training options and additional software, for CAD users within the USPS, is at the end of this document. 15 January 2009 PostalCAD 2009 New Features Guide 5

6 2.0 User Interface Overview 2.1 USPS PostalCAD Workspace (Opening splash screen for PostalCAD 2009 workspaces) PostalCAD now has a built-in workspace for users to work with. This new feature allows the interface of the AutoCAD Map 3D 2009 to be ready for plant layout and analysis immediately after installation. Users do not need to spend a lot time arranging the software for use with the PostalCAD tools and utilities. 2.2 User Interface PostalCAD 2009 uses a completely new user interface that was developed for all 2009 Auto- CAD products. All PostalCAD and AutoCAD pull-down menus and toolbars have been integrated into one, easy to use, interface called the ribbon. PostalCAD no longer has separate menus and toolbars. Here is a list of the new interface features. Ribbon panel: Menus and toolbars integrated into one interface. Quick access buttons are available at any time at the top of the screen for common tasks. Menus and the recently opened files list are now grouped into a single button called the menu browser. Layer properties and management is now integrated into a more dynamic and useful palette that is docked permanently on the left side of the screen with auto-hide functionality. 15 January 2009 PostalCAD 2009 New Features Guide 6

7 The Properties palette is also docked permanently to the right side of the screen with auto-hide functionality. A Quick Properties pop-up makes changing properties on the go a simple, focused task right at the cursor position in the drawing window. The Recently used file list, open drawing list, and the Model/ Layout tabs can be viewed with a new Quick View preview format. The most used right-click menus in the drawing area now contain useful and common tools for everyday use. New and experienced users will still be able to access all commands and utilities with keyboard shortcuts. All these new features bundled together with classic PostalCAD and AutoCAD commands makes this software the most intuitive and easy to use version ever released. (The new 2009 USPS-PostalCAD workspace) Ribbon Panel This new ribbon format provides a single, compact placement for operations that are relevant to the current PostalCAD workspace. The new ribbon panel eliminates the need to display multiple toolbars and pull-down menus to accomplish common tasks. This new interface greatly simplifies the user interaction when working or looking for the appropriate tool to use for a given task. 15 January 2009 PostalCAD 2009 New Features Guide 7

8 (Close-up of the new ribbon, quick access tools, and the menu browser button) The ribbon is organized by grouping common tools for a given set of tasks in a separate tab. These tabs replace menu pull-downs. Within each tab are panels that organize those tasks by entity or criteria. The tabs, and corresponding panels within each tab, are explained in depth later in this document Quick Access Tools A Quick Access area is always visible at the top left area of the application window. These tools are very similar to the standard toolbar and Quick Access Toolbar found in most Microsoft Windows applications. (Quick Access tools) New/ Open, Save/ SaveAs, Print/ Print preview, Cut/ Copy, Paste/ Paste to original coordinates, Undo/ Redo, and Match Properties are the buttons available Menu Browser In the top left corner of the application window a button with a large blue M will expand to show the 2009 menu items. This Menu Browser can be made to see the last 9 files opened in a Quick Preview mode. This Quick View mode can be found in several other areas of the new 2009 interface as well. Users can now see files rather than just recalling what entities were in them from a textual list. Menus in the Menu Browser are now in a vertical orientation that cascade to the right if applicable. PostalCAD menu listings are no longer available because focus has shifted from a text based menu system to a text and icon ribbon format. The AutoCAD Map menu listing is still available because many of the highly advanced and rarely used commands can be started from these menus. Advanced users will appreciate the ability to access these power tools in the legacy format. Most users will accomplish their day to day drawing needs by simply by using the ribbon rather than these menus. 15 January 2009 PostalCAD 2009 New Features Guide 8

9 (Menu Browser shown with recently used files shown as large icons) (Menu Browser shown with the Draw listing expanded) 15 January 2009 PostalCAD 2009 New Features Guide 9

10 2.2.4 Layer Properties Manager Palette The Layer Properties Manager is now in an anchored palette format. Users no longer need click on a button to enter into a dialogue box and use an OK button in order to exit the dialogue box, just to perform layering tasks. The USPS-PostalCAD workspace anchors this new palette to the left side of the drawing window for easy access and use. Simply move the cursor over the anchored palette and the palette expands for use. (Expanded Layer Properties Manager palette) This new format allows a quick double-click on the status icon, to the left of a layer name, to set that layer current. As changes are made in the palette, the drawing window will now reflect those changes immediately, in real time fashion. When the user is done editing layer information and returns the mouse cursor to the drawing area, the palette will auto-hide back to the original, minimal anchored state Properties Palette The Properties palette is now in an anchored format like the Layer Properties Manager palette. Users no longer need to click on a button to enter into the Properties palette. The USPS-PostalCAD workspace anchors this palette to the right side of the drawing window for easy access and use. Simply move the cursor over the anchored palette and the palette expands for use. 15 January 2009 PostalCAD 2009 New Features Guide 10

11 2.2.6 Quick Properties Panel A new element to the user interface is the use of a Quick Properties panel. This panel appears near the mouse cursor in the drawing window after an object has been selected and there is no command active. (Quick Properties palette with a block reference selected) The panel is object sensitive to give flexibility to users when changing properties for different types of objects. This tool is an excellent solution for changing the layer properties of objects without having to expand the larger Layer Properties Manager palette. Postal- CAD was designed so that this panel will only show the most common properties associated to a selected entity. When an object needs a property that is not shown, the all inclusive Properties palette can be used Quick View Model & Layout Tabs In previous releases of AutoCAD products, a user would have to select a single tab to see what was contained within the layout. PostalCAD 2009 is an interface that now allows users to preview the model and layout tabs, before entering them, with the Quick View Layout utility. (Quick View Layout utility showing the 5 tabs within this single open drawing) Quick View is invaluable when working in the layout tabs on projects with multiple pages. The previews can be pinned to stay open for as long as needed. When the previews are visible, icons for printing, publishing, and creating a new layout are available. 15 January 2009 PostalCAD 2009 New Features Guide 11

12 2.2.8 Quick View Open Drawings The Quick View drawing utility works very similar to the Quick View Layout utility. Select the Quick View Drawing button from the ribbon and previews of all open drawings for the current session appear at the bottom of the drawing window. (Quick View Drawing utility showing 4 open drawings and the tab previews for the highlighted file in light blue) The previews can be pinned to stay open for as long as needed. When the open file previews are visible, icons for save, new, and open can be used without having to make the previewed file active. Another great feature of this utility is if the cursor is moved to the smaller layout tab previews, the smaller preview tab will enlarge to show the entities within that tab. (Quick View Drawing utility showing 4 open drawings and the enlarged layout tab preview from the highlighted file in light blue) This utility is an excellent way to manage drawings and save many hours of opening and closing or printing all the tabs in your files just to know what s inside of them Right-Click Shortcut Menus PostalCAD 2009 has vastly improved the two most basic right-click menus from the format of earlier releases. 15 January 2009 PostalCAD 2009 New Features Guide 12

13 (Right-click, no command active) (Right-click, no command active, and objects selected) The right-click menu that appears when no command is active now shows basic and relevant tools needed in an everyday drawing session. Viewing controls Layering tools Draw tools Text tool Dimensioning tools Block tools The right-click menu that appears when no command is active and an object is selected now shows basic and relevant editing tools needed to modify objects in an everyday drawing session. Viewing controls Editing tools Draw order tools Property tools 15 January 2009 PostalCAD 2009 New Features Guide 13

14 3.0 PostalCAD Ribbon overview The PostalCAD ribbon was designed to have the most used and simple tools visible for regular, everyday use. The first tab, Home, is the beginning of this concept. As the needs become more specific or if tasks increase in complexity, the user will then proceed to the next relevant tab to accomplish the work to be done. Panels within tabs were designed with the same principle of most common use always first and visible. When lesser used or more complex tools need to be accessed, the panel can be expanded to use those tools by clicking on the lower strip, if there is a cascade arrow present in the lower right corner. NOTE: All PostalCAD commands listed in the ribbon are preceded with an asterisk (*). 3.1 Home Tab The Home tab is where most of your basic layering, drawing, and editing will be accomplished. Users will benefit from returning to this tab after using the other tabs that were designed for tasks with more specific needs. (Home tab and sub-panels) Quick Layer Tools Panel The Quick Layer Tools panel contains basic layering tools most used in day to day drawing. Should a user need more advanced layering tools that aren t found in this basic set, an expanded set of layering tools can be found in the Layers tab. (Quick Layer Tools panel, expanded) Drawing Tools Panel The Drawing Tools panel contains basic drawing tools. The companion editing tool for Polylines and Hatches can be found within the drop down cascade for those entities. Tools that use PostalCAD to draw multiple entities, in one command, can be found in the Create tab. 15 January 2009 PostalCAD 2009 New Features Guide 14

15 (Drawing Tools panel, expanded) (Drawing Tools panel, Polyline cascade expanded) Modify Objects Panel The Modify Objects panel contains the tools to modify existing objects. 3.2 Annotations Tab (Modify Objects panel, expanded) The Annotations tab holds all the tools for creating and modifying text, dimensions, leaders, tables and their respective styles. PostalCAD 2009 will automatically create and set the standard USPS styles for text, dimensions, and leaders in every drawing that is opened to ensure standardization. (Annotations tab and sub-panels) Text Tools Panel The Text Tools panel contains commands needed to create or modify single or multi-line text objects Dimension Tools Panel The Dimension Tools panel contains command needed to create or modify single or multi-line text objects. 15 January 2009 PostalCAD 2009 New Features Guide 15

16 (Text Tools panel, expanded) (Dimension Tools panel, expanded) Leader Tools Panel The Leader Tools panel contains multi-leader creation and editing tools. Multi-leaders can now use the new PostalCAD 2009 PCADStandard leader style Table Tools Panel The Table Tools panel has a new PostalCAD table command and several other utilities oriented to linking and extracting tables Annotation Styles Panel All annotation styles can be set at one time in the Annotation Styles panel. Many of these styles will be pre-populated into drawings when it is opened with PostalCAD (Leader Tools panel) (Table Tools panel expanded) (Annotation Styles panel expanded) 3.3 Blocks Tab The Blocks tab holds the tools used for inserting or creating blocks, external references, DWF files, images, and hyperlinks. 15 January 2009 PostalCAD 2009 New Features Guide 16

17 (Blocks tab and sub-panels) Blocks Panel The Blocks panel contains basic tools for inserting or creating blocks. (Blocks panel expanded) Blocks & Reference Tools Panel The Blocks & References Tools panel has tools to modify or manipulate your block entities. Attribute tools are in one, easy to use cascade. (Blocks panel expanded) External References Panel The external References panel contains all the tools for creating, appending, and modifying external references. Image insertion and editing tools can be found in this panel also. The hyperlink command resides in this panel as well DWF Tools Panel The DWF Tools panel holds all the tools used in DWF referencing and inserting markup files. 15 January 2009 PostalCAD 2009 New Features Guide 17

18 (External References panel expanded) (DWF Tools panel expanded) 3.4 Create Tab The Create tab is where the classic PostalCAD drawing utilities and tools are housed. A few of these tools are new or have changed for PostalCAD See the New Tools section for detailed explanations. (Create tab and sub-panels) Workroom Floor Entities Panel The Workroom Floor Entities panel is where the classic PostalCAD tools for creating elements for a workroom floor are located. (Workroom Floor Entities panel) Architectural Elements Panel The Architectural Elements panel contains all the PostalCAD tools for creating the architectural elements of a processing plant or annex. (Architectural Entities panel, expanded) 15 January 2009 PostalCAD 2009 New Features Guide 18

19 3.4.3 Symbols Panel The Symbols panel contains the PostalCAD utilities for inserting and working with pre drawn symbols in the PostalCAD library. 3.5 Spaces Tab (Symbols panel) The Spaces tab is where all the space management and analysis tools can be found. (Spaces tab and sub-panels) Create & Tag Spaces Panel The Create & Tag Spaces panel contains all the tools for creating and tagging space management boundaries Space Management Tools Panel The Space Management Tools panel is where the editing tools reside for space management. The space management reporting tool is also placed on this panel. (Create & Tag Spaces panel, expanded) (Space Management Tools panel, expanded) Affinity Analysis Panel The Affinity Analysis panel contains all the tools for affinity analysis between operations on a workroom floor drawing Transport Work Analysis Panel The Transport Work Analysis panel contains all tools related to the analysis of transporting mail through a workroom floor layout drawing. 15 January 2009 PostalCAD 2009 New Features Guide 19

20 (Affinity Analysis panel) (Transport Work Analysis panel, expanded) 3.6 Page Layouts Tab The Page Layouts tab is where paper space setup, creation, and editing occur. (Page Layouts tab and sub-panels) Page Setup & Viewport Creation Panel The Page Setup & Viewport Creation panel has all the tools for working in the paper space layout tabs. Creation and editing tools can all be found in this panel. (Page Setup & Viewport Creation panel, expanded) Title Blocks Panel The Title blocks panel contains elements for placing formal labels that may or may not have borders into layout tabs Fire Evacuation Routes Panel The Fire Evacuation Routes panel has all the tools necessary for setting up and creating fire evacuation routes in a layout tab. The external reference panel in the blocks tab is a companion panel that is used to create externally referenced fire evacuation routes Assembly Point Drawings Panel The Assembly Point Drawings panel has all the tools necessary for setting up and creating assembly point drawings in a layout tab. The external reference panel in the blocks tab is a companion panel that is used to create externally referenced assembly point drawings. 15 January 2009 PostalCAD 2009 New Features Guide 20

21 (Title blocks panel, expanded) (Fire Evacuation Routes panel) (Assembly Point Drawings panel) 3.7 Printing & Output Tab The Printing & Output tab provides three panels to print, plot, upload, send, or export your drawing. (Home tab and sub-panels) Printing & Plotting Panel The Printing & Plotting panel contains all the tools used for setting up and producing hardcopy, paper prints of your file Upload or Send Panel The Upload or Send panel has a shortcut to the Buzzsaw interface and a button to open the etransmit dialogue box to prepare a ZIP file for ing Export Panel The Export panel contains utilities for saving your file to a different version, converting it to a DWF, or to save as an image file. (Upload or Send panel) (Export panel) 15 January 2009 PostalCAD 2009 New Features Guide 21

22 3.8 Layers Tab The Layers tab combines all the PostalCAD and AutoCAD utilities for layer needs into three separate tabs. (layers tab and sub-panels) Layer Tools Panel The Layer Tools panel contains commands and utilities for making, setting, or viewing layers. The Home tab contains a smaller version of this panel for quick, day to day use. This panel has all of the tools available for working with layers Visibility & Locking Panel The Visibility & Locking panel gives users the tools to control the visibility and locking properties of layers. These tools give users a robust feature set to choose from when manipulating visibility within a drawing file. (Layer Tools panel, expanded) (Visibility & Locking panel, expanded) Layer States & Themes Panel The Layer States & Themes panel controls how layer states are saved, restored, created, and managed within model or layout tabs. (Layer States & Themes panel, expanded) 15 January 2009 PostalCAD 2009 New Features Guide 22

23 3.9 Cleanup Tab The Cleanup tab holds a wealth of tools and utilities for cleaning up a drawing to comply with the PostalCAD standards or to correct common problems that occur with drawings over the course of their use with many users and different versions of AutoCAD products. (Cleanup tab and sub-panels) Fix Layers Panel The Fix Layers panel contains cleanup tools for fixing most layer related issues Fix Text Panel The Fix Text panel has some quick fixing utilities for textual entities. (Fix Layers panel, expanded) (Fix Text panel, expanded) Fix Blocks Panel The Fix Blocks panel has reporting and block tools that can be used on one or more blocks within a drawing file. The Replace tool is invaluable when updating existing blocks to new versions within a new PostalCAD version, update, or install Cleanup Tools Panel The Cleanup Tools panel contains tools that are not specific to text or block entities. The Monster Cleanup tool combines many of the tools found in all three panels of the Cleanup tab. (Fix Blocks panel, expanded) (Cleanup Tools panel, expanded) 15 January 2009 PostalCAD 2009 New Features Guide 23

24 3.10 Display Tab The Display tab is where the user will manipulate how the look of different areas of the application window will be displayed. Panels have been created for the model tab, layout tabs, and the overall display of application interface components, including palette visibility. (Display tab and sub-panels) Viewing Panel The Viewing panel is where the model tab display window gets changed. Basic zooming, panning, saving or restoring views can all be accessed from this panel Viewport Tools Panel The Viewport Tools panel contains everything needed to setup, layout, and manipulate viewports in layout tabs. (Viewing panel, expanded) (Viewport Tools panel, expanded) User Interface Panel The User Interface panel lets users change the application. The new Quick Viewing tools are available in this panel. (User Interface panel, expanded). 15 January 2009 PostalCAD 2009 New Features Guide 24

25 3.11 Tools tab The tools tab is the most robust of all the tabs in the ribbon. Here are tools and utilities that range from simple file tools to a global fix all utility. A wealth of help and training materials are also found in the Resources panel of this tab. (Home tab and sub-panels) Object Snapping Tools Panel The Object Snapping panel has the tools for setting and saving Osnap modes within the current drawing Utilities Panel The Utilities panel has a full set of tools and utilities for a variety of uses. Many of the items are for working with drawing files and some are to get information from entities or the file itself. (Object Snapping Tools panel) (Utilities panel, expanded) Selection Tools Panel The Selection Tools panel lists the available filters for different types of selection sets. (Selection Tools panel) Resources Panel The Resources panel has the help files needed to use PostalCAD 2009 and AutoCAD Map 3D. An AS504 manual is available for equipment resource information within the USPS. Technical support and training resources are all listed in the expanded area of the panel. 15 January 2009 PostalCAD 2009 New Features Guide 25

26 (Resources panel, expanded) 15 January 2009 PostalCAD 2009 New Features Guide 26

27 4.0 New & Updated Tools in PostalCAD 2009 PostalCAD 2009 has new features that integrate directly into AutoCAD Map 3D There is no longer a need for PostalCAD to have menus and toolbars with the new AutoCAD Map 3D 2009 interface. All of the new and existing classic PostalCAD tools can be found in this ribbon. The PostalCAD tools in the ribbon are preceded with an (*) to visually separate them from AutoCAD items. 4.1 New Integration PostalCAD 2009 is integrated into every drawing that opens within AutoCAD Map 3D The following listing shows the changes and effects that occur when a file is opened. Default template for all new drawings and when PostalCAD starts is the PostalCAD 2009.dwt template. Standard styles for text, dimensions, and leaders are added automatically. Units are set to Architectural. Insert units are set to Unitless. Current color and linetype are set to Bylayer. UCS icon is turned off. All PostalCAD dialogue boxes load and react quicker. 4.2 New Tools PostalCAD 2009 has many new tools that have been added to enhance the ability of users to create and work on drawings much easier and faster than ever before Annotations Tab>Text Tools Panel>Align Cascade Align Text Vertical: Vertically align selected text to a picked point. Align Text Horizontal: Horizontally align selected text to a picked point Annotations Tab>Dimension Tools Panel Set Dimension Scale: User picks dimension to set current DIMSCALE to that of the selected dimension Annotations Tab>Leader Tools Panel Leader tools have changed in PostalCAD 2009 to be similar to basic AutoCAD leader objects. All of the previous leader tools of loop, single line, and annotation bubble are still available with the new multi-leader tool. A new table style named PCADStandard will be created and made available in every new drawing. Multi Leader: User picks location of multiline text that is attached to the leader object using the current leader style. Size is based on current DIMSCALE Annotations Tab>Table Tools Panel New table commands use a PostalCAD table style based on and named after the current DIMSCALE setting. A file that has a table created with PostalCAD in the model tab when the DIMSCALE is set to 96 would be named PCAD MS January 2009 PostalCAD 2009 New Features Guide 27

28 Table: Command begins with an option for the number of rows and then the user picks a location and decides on the number of columns with the mouse. Utility acknowledges the difference between model and layout tabs for scaling. Model tab scaling is per DIMSCALE, layout tabs are 1: Blocks Tab>Block & Reference Tools Panel Change Block Base point: User selects an inserted block definition to change the insertion point using the mouse and the dynamic block editor. Update Block Dimension Scale: Changes the dimensions within a block definition to the current DIMSCALE Blocks Tab>External References Panel An entire suite of tools for using and manipulating external references has been added to PostalCAD Make X-REF Layer and Attach Xref: Utility for creating an external reference layer and inserting the selected file. Quick Xref: Convert selected objects into an externally referenced file. Append External Reference: Add selected objects to an existing external reference within the current drawing. Reload External Reference: Automatically reload all external references in the current drawing Unload External Reference: Unload an external reference from the current drawing by picking with the mouse or from a list within a dialogue box. Bind External Reference: Bind an external reference from the current drawing by picking with the mouse or from a list within a dialogue box. Detach Xref: Bind an external reference from the current drawing by picking with the mouse or from a list within a dialogue box Create Tab>Symbols Panel Draw Circuit: Create three point arcs from one electrical symbol to the next. Includes an option for adding an arrowhead to the end of the arc Page Layouts Tab>Title Blocks Panel Write Title block Defaults: Capture the information from an existing title block to populate all new title blocks Page Layouts Tab>Assembly Point Drawings Panel This is a new set of tools for creating assembly point drawings in layout tabs with Postal- CAD These tools and the external reference tools would be used together in creating a final assembly point file. Insert Assembly Point: A block will be inserted into the drawing representing where an Assembly Point is to be located. Insertion acknowledges the difference between model and layout tabs for scaling. Model tab scaling is per DIMSCALE, layout tabs are 1:1. Insert Proceed to Assembly Point: A block will be inserted into the drawing representing where a Proceed to Assembly Point is to be located. Insertion acknowledges the difference between model and layout tabs for scaling. Model tab scaling is per DIMSCALE, layout tabs are 1:1. 15 January 2009 PostalCAD 2009 New Features Guide 28

29 Printing & Output Tab>Printing & Plotting Panel The DWF file format is being introduced in PostalCAD 2009 so that users can now apply this new file format in their projects on a local or national level. The acronym DWF represents the Drawing Web Format. This format is proprietary to AutoCAD and replaces the PDF file format for compressed and secure files that can be marked up for review. Users will already find many projects on the USPS Buzzsaw site in this file format. Quick MS DWF: Quickly create a DWF file from within the model tab. Set PostalCAD Scale List: Populate the scale list of an AutoCAD Map 3D application installation with only architectural scales, excluding the default mapping scales Printing & Output Tab>Printing & Upload or Send Panel Buzzsaw: Opens the Buzzsaw application window for use in uploading files to the USPS Buzzsaw FTP site Printing & Output Tab>Export Panel SaveAS 2004: Save the current file in an AutoCAD 2004 file format. SaveAS 2000: Save the current file in an AutoCAD 2000 file format. Wblock as 2007: Write the current file to disk in an AutoCAD 2007 file format. Export as 3D DWF: Export the current file in an AutoCAD 2007, 3D DWF file format. Export as 3D DWFx: Export the current file in an AutoCAD 2007, 3D DWFx file format Cleanup Tab>Fix Blocks Panel Erase Attributes: Completely remove a selected attribute from all inserted instances of a block definition Cleanup Tab>cleanup Tools Panel Purge All Shapes: Removes and purges all shape files (.SHX) from the current drawing.. Purge All Views: Deletes and purges all saved views from the current drawing Tools Tab>Object Snapping Tools Panel Show Object Snap Presets: Command opens text window to show current OS- NAP presets. Save OSNAP Preset: Saves the current OSNAP setting as one of the five available presets. Restore OSNAP Preset: Restores one of the five available presets Tools Tab>Object Utilities Panel Fix It!: Utility for setting many file and system variables. Users are recommended to use the SaveAS command on their files before running this utility. Borrow License: Readily accessible button that allows users to borrow a flex license for a short period of time if a connection to the USPS intranet would not be available. 15 January 2009 PostalCAD 2009 New Features Guide 29

30 Tools Tab>Resources Panel Tips: Opens the PostalCAD tips and tricks web page. tipofthe.htm PostalCAD Web Page: Opens the PostalCAD home web page. Technical support phone number: The technical support phone number is now listed with operating hours. What's New in 2009: Opens this document from the ribbon. PostalCAD training Tutorials and drawings: Opens an Explorer window to the PostalCAD Tutorials folder. C:\Program Files\PCAD2009\Tutorials. PostalCAD Classroom Training Resources: Opens the PostalCAD training web page. About PostalCAD 2009: Opens an information box with installation information and a hidden Easter egg pop-up that can only be opened with the correct set of instances occurring within the information box at the same time. 4.3 Updated Legacy Tools Existing PostalCAD commands from previous releases have been updated to work more smoothly or to be more specific in their use Home Tab>Drawing Tools Panel The Pick Draw command now finds and matches the DIMSCALE of a selected dimension Blocks Tab>Blocks Panel Library Manager: This incredibly useful utility has been completely redesigned for simpler and more streamlined use. All the equipment blocks from the AS504 library have been redrawn using site verified dimensions and the latest standardization. Block base points and sub-blocks are all consistent and compatible with all other blocks within the library Create Tab>Architectural Panel Create Column Grid: Utility has been redesigned to a simple single pane dialogue box. Base point for the grid can now be picked anywhere in the drawing file Create Tab>Symbols Panel Insert North Arrow: A single north arrow style is now standardized. Utility acknowledges the difference between model and layout tabs for scaling. Model tab scaling is per DIMSCALE, layout tabs are 1: Spaces Tab>Create & Tag Spaces Panel Tag Space: This utility now has an option to move the label text, if needed, to a new position, other than the default Spaces Tab>Affinity Analysis Panel Utilities: The Affinity Utilities program is a collection of functions that are related to scoring, updating and reporting on affinity analysis. 15 January 2009 PostalCAD 2009 New Features Guide 30

31 4.3.7 Spaces Tab>transport Work Analysis Panel Edit Topology: This collection of utilities is used for creating and modifying topologies used in Transport Work analysis Page Layouts Tab>Title Blocks Panel Vertical Information Block: A new template for a vertical information block has been added to PostalCAD Horizontal Information Block: A new template for a horizontal information block has been added to PostalCAD Signature Block: A new template for the signature block has been added to PostalCAD Insertion acknowledges the difference between model and layout tabs for scaling. Model tab scaling is per DIMSCALE, layout tabs are 1:1. Insert View Title: A new template for the View Title has been added to Postal- CAD 2009.Insertion acknowledges the difference between model and layout tabs for scaling. Model tab scaling is per DIMSCALE, layout tabs are 1: Page Layouts Tab>Fire Evacuation Routes Panel Insert You Are Here symbol: A new template for the You are Here symbol has been added to PostalCAD Insertion acknowledges the difference between model and layout tabs for scaling. Model tab scaling is per DIMSCALE, layout tabs are 1:1. Draw Evacuation Route: Utility now defaults to.125 for use in layout tabs with externally referenced workroom floor files Layers Tab>Visibility & Locking Panel Xref/Block Layer Off: Utility now can distinguish what layer nested blocks, that were originally drawn with entities on layer zero, are on and turn that layer off. Xref/Block Layer Freeze: Utility now can distinguish what layer nested blocks, that were originally drawn with entities on layer zero, are on and freeze that layer. 15 January 2009 PostalCAD 2009 New Features Guide 31

32 Appendix A System Requirements Minimum requirements: USPS ACE II computer An installed instance of AutoCAD Map 3D 2009 At least 1 GB of physical memory (RAM) for working in 2D (2 GB recommended) Optional requirements: A Microsoft Windows Operating system (XP Professional with service pack 2 or 3) An installed instance of AutoCAD Map 3D 2009 An installed version of Microsoft Excel 2003 or higher Processor: Intel Pentium 4 processor or AMD Athalon, 2.2 GHz or greater or Intel or AMD Dual Core processor, 1.6 GHz or greater At least 1 GB of physical memory (RAM) for working in 2D (2 GB recommended) For creating and working with 3D models, at least 4 GB of RAM is required. Graphics card: 1280 x bit color video display adapter (True Color) 128 MB or greater, OpenGL, or Direct3D capable workstation class graphics card. 15 January 2009 PostalCAD 2009 New Features Guide 32

33 Appendix B PostalCAD 2009 Installation The installation of PostalCAD 2009 will now be available as a download from the Engineering servers via the USPS intranet. The installation will now use a dialogue box for installation. Once the setup program is initiated, the program will install itself. An operating system reboot will be required after the installation program has completed the transfer of files. Important: PostalCAD 2009 can only be installed after the compatible AutoCAD Map 3D 2009 program is operating on the target system. PostalCAD is an overlay system that works on top of an existing AutoCAD Map 3D 2009 installation. A copy of AutoCAD Map 3D (2009) can be downloaded from the Engineering Headquarters, Merrifield Virginia, servers. This version of AutoCAD uses a Flex License system to authorize the use of the product. When a user opens AutoCAD Map 3D 2009, the Flex License manager that was installed on the local machine accesses the server in Merrifield, Virginia for an authorization to use an available, temporary license. The software no longer needs to use the network after the initial license is issued for that session of AutoCAD Map 3D If the local machine is not connected to the USPS intranet, the software cannot be started. A license can be borrowed for a short period of time while a user is connected to the intranet. Those users who have stand alone, single seat licenses should contact the USPS program representative, Ken Choiniere ( , or kenneth.w.choiniere@usps.gov), at Engineering Headquarters to upgrade to PostalCAD 2009, free of charge. 15 January 2009 PostalCAD 2009 New Features Guide 33

34 Appendix C PostalCAD Training Professional classroom training is available at the USPS executive training facility, William F. Bolger Center, in Potomac Maryland. For those users who wish to learn on their own, tutorial files are provided with every PostalCAD 2009 installation. Training descriptions, USPS course numbers, and a calendar of available classes is posted on the PostalCAD website, For additional classroom training information or general training questions, users can contact Kelly Williams at Neosys Corporation, (540) , or by , Kelly@eNeosys.com. A special course named PostalCAD 2006 to 2009 Update and New Features has been added to assist those users who already know PostalCAD 2006, but need to learn and practice PostalCAD 2009 in a short timeframe. This class was developed to help users fully comprehend and be proficient in PostalCAD 2009 by focusing their learning time in a well equipped classroom setting rather than through individual learning sessions with the provided tutorials. The classroom and installed tutorial files use the workbook format. The workbook format focuses on individual commands or interfaces separately, rather than using a chapter format, to provide a more thorough understanding of concepts and commands. The main index groups exercises into relevant concepts and applications. Each exercise lists the command with an approximate time to complete reading and executing the exercise at the top. The associated command(s), keyboard shortcut(s), and toolbar icon(s) are then listed. A comprehension level is also shown to define the level of experience needed to comprehend the exercise. An in depth summary is then presented to fully describe the commands, concepts and actions before the exercise begins. The exercises are presented step by step with many illustrations and screen captures to fully embrace the concepts presented. All exercises can be opened from the PostalCAD tutorials folder, which is installed with every new PostalCAD 2009 installation. These files can be found in the following location, on the hard drive of your computer. C:\Program Files\PCAD 2009\Tutorials Tutorial files are based on comprehension levels of the user. Each series of learning tutorials builds on the previous level of training or uses references from other courseware. The following list is a suggested sequence of learning PostalCAD from the most basic use through the upper levels of analysis and design. Introduction to PostalCAD PostalCAD 2006 to 2009 Update and New Features PostalCAD Plant Layout PostalCAD Standardization PostalCAD Advanced Features 15 January 2009 PostalCAD 2009 New Features Guide 34