AutoCAD 2008: New Direct, Interactive Moving

AutoCAD 2006 and 2007 feature a hidden shortcut that let you copy and move objects directly -- without using the Move/Copy commands or the tedious grips editing method. You select an object, and then drag it by the right mouse button. When you let go, a shortcut menu appears that lets you chose from Copy Here, Move Here, Paste as Block, or Cancel.

AutoCAD 2008 does the same thing. But if you use the left mouse button, it moves the object (without the shortcut menu appearing):

1. Select an object.
2. Grab it on a non-grip location with the left mouse button (avoid the grips).
3. Begin dragging the object. Notice that there is a slight delay, and then the object begins moving with the cursor.
4. Let go of the mouse button. The object is in its new location.

You can benefit from learning more about AutoCAD 2008 in my "What's Inside? AutoCAD 2008" ebook, available for US$16.50 from www.upfrontezine.com/wia8. Plus, you receive a free update of this ebook -- which I am working on right now -- with added information after AutoCAD 2008 ships.

Comments

[Colin French]

Nice tip about direct interactive moving, but one little note: the left-click and drag operation works in my ACAD 2007 SP1 and ACAD 2006 SP1 too, so it seems it's not just limited to 2008.

[Colin French]

One further note: moving an object this way does not respect your current 'Snap' setting, unlike the regular Move command or grip editing methods.

[Jarod J Schultz]

Actually this is a feature that goes back to AutoCAD 2000!!!

[Juregen Palme]

Dragging the left mouse button AND pressing the Ctrl button you can COPY the selected object(s).

[Phillip]

I NEED HELP PLEASE! Regarding this feature: when I've selected objects and then attempt to move them, the object does not visibly move as I drag it, but when I release the left mouse btn the object appears at the new location. Does anybody know what setting I need to adjust in order to keep the object in view while I drag it to it's new location?