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CAD Monkey Lite
Win32 and 64, EnglishGeneral Usage Instructions
CAD Monkey is your first step in starting a new project. First, let’s set up your File Tree. Your File Tree will determine which model and paper space files are created.
MONKEYCONFIG
First type in MONKEYCONFIG, now you’re at the Model Space configuration screen. We recommend entering just two files at first, to get comfortable.
Perform the following steps:
- Give the File Tree a name, like ‘Renovation Plan’
- Click ‘Include’ on row A, enter a description. For example: “Base Building”.
- Enter a Suffix - this will be included in the file name. For example a suffix of ‘INT’ will yield a file named like ‘1234_INT.dwg’ (1234 is the project number in this example - we'll talk about that later).
- Enter your Autodesk® AutoCAD® template. ‘acad.dwt’ is the default, but feel free to use your own template, like “base_template.dwt”. The template must be placed in the directory that your AutoCAD templates are located.
- Leave the "Attach Xref?" column blank. For this first file, we won’t be adding an xref.
- Now let’s fill in the second row - click “Include?”
- Add a description, suffix, and template
- Under “Attach Xref?” select the first row (“A”) - this will attach the first file as an xref
- Click ‘Accept’ to save your settings for this File Tree
- Next we'll run the MONKEY command to see the files you just configured get created!
MONKEY
Next, type MONKEY and press return to start file generation. You will be asked some questions first.
- First enter your project number. For example if you type ‘1234’, your Model Space files will be named similar to “1234_INT.dwg”.
- Choose a File Tree from the dropdown - if you edited FileTree0, select that one.
- Choose the location of your project. For example if you choose C:\caduser\mydocuments, your project folder will be something like C:\caduser\mydocuments\1234 and your files will be located in one folder (called “1234”).
- Continue and watch your files get created! Be sure to review the Xrefs.
At this point, take a break and visit our FAQ: https://cadmonkeyllp.com/monkey-lite
MONKEYPAPER
Okay, let’s tackle Paper Space next. Type MONKEYPAPER to launch the Paper Space configuration screen. On this screen you’ll be configuring which files get created in Paper Space.
- Select your File Tree (for example: “FileTree0”)
- Enter a description in the first row, for example: A100. This description will be used in the file name.
- Enter a template. “acad.dwt” is the default, but feel free to use your own template.
- If desired, add xrefs from the model space configs. For example if you select “(A) base file”, then the ‘base file’ will be attached during file creation. Xrefs paths are relative (not absolute) so you can copy and paste your project easily (version 2018+). You may choose to xref multiple model space files.
- Enter other paper space files if desired!
- Add a Title Block if you would like the Paper Space files to reference a Title Block
- Click accept
MONKEY
Okay, now let’s try the MONKEY command again using both Model and Paper Space settings.
- Type MONKEY and press return
- Enter your project number
- Select your File Tree
- Confirm your Title Block
- Confirm the location of your project folder
- Go get a cup of coffee, come back in a few minutes
- Review the files that were generated!
MONKEYSECRETS
This command launches the global configuration settings for CAD Monkey. Currently, the only two settings are:
- Close model space files after opening them?
- Separate model and paper space settings into separate folders?
Once selected, these settings will apply to all File Tree creation. They may be changed at any time.
Commands
Ribbon/Toolbar Icon | Command | Command Description |
---|---|---|
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MONKEY |
Launches the drawing creation phase: 1. Enter your project ID, like “123”, “456.7A” or “99_88” 2. Choose your file tree 3. Confirm the titleblock you want to use 4. Pick where you want to save your project 5. Go get a cup of coffee & let CAD Monkey do the work 6. Impress your boss with your productivity |
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MONKEYCONFIG |
Launches the CAD Monkey Configuration screen. You may configure the following options related to your Model Space files: 1. Pick which File Tree you want to modify 2. Add your file descriptions & suffix, pick your templates to start from and if you need a file XREF'ed in than pick which one - You must have your templates saved in the same folder defined by your AutoCAD profile. This should be a .dwt file - Examples: ‘0000.00_BB.dwt’ for the base building file (BB) 3. Pick the default location to save your files - By default, files are stored in your ‘My Documents’ folder - When you run the primary MONKEY command to create a new set of files, you will be asked to confirm the location of these files. 4. If you make a mistake, press Cancel then relaunch the config screen 5. If you change the File Tree that you're modifying, the Tree you're leaving will be automatically saved |
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MONKEYPAPER |
Launches the CAD Monkey Paper Configuration screen. You may configure the following options related to your Paper (or Layout)) Space files: 1. Pick which File Tree you want to modify. This will automatically populate the model space files you've created with the MOKEYCONFIG command 2. Add your Sheet Number, pick your templates to start from and if you need a Model Space file XREF'ed in then select the xref(s). - You must have your templates saved in the same folder defined by your AutoCAD profile. This should be a .dwt file - Examples: ‘AXXX - 24x36" for the typical sheet that is 24"x36" in size 3. Pick the Titleblock that you want to use for this File Tree 4. If you make a mistake, press Cancel then relaunch the config screen 5. If you change the File Tree that you're modifying, the Tree you're leaving will be automatically saved |
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MONKEYSECRETS |
Launches global configuration options for CAD Monkey |
Installation/Uninstallation
The installer that ran when you downloaded this app/plug-in from Autodesk App Store will start installing the app/plug-in. OR, simply double-click the downloaded installer to install the app/plugin. You may need to restart the Autodesk product to activate the app/plug-in. To uninstall this plug-in, exit the Autodesk product if you are currently running it, simply rerun the installer, and select the "Uninstall" button. OR, click Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features (Windows 7/8.1/10) and uninstall as you would any other application from your system.
Additional Information
We are always working to improve so please let us know how you think we can do better at CADMonkeyLLP@Gmail.com.
Known Issues
Please check out the FAQ page and Configuration settings here: CAD Monkey Lite.
Contact
Author/Company Information
Support Information
Visit us at www.CADMonkeyLLP.com or contact us anytime at CADMonkeyLLP@Gmail.com.
Version History
Version Number | Version Description |
---|---|
1.0.9 |
- Better help text on model/paper space config screens |
1.0.8 |
- Add more File Trees (10 total) - Fix xref save bug on paper space config screen |
1.0.7 |
Add Mixpanel integration to log statistics |
1.0.6 |
Fix issue with commands not appearing in Civil3D |
1.0.5 |
Changes: - Make it free |
1.0.4 |
Changes: - Upgrade ObjectARX files |
1.0.3 |
Changes: - Update certificate |
1.0.2 |
Changes: - Multiple model-space xrefs may now be applied from paper space (MONKEYPAPER screen) |
1.0.1 |
Changes: - Add File Tree names to dropdown during MONKEY - Add ability to leave model files closed after generating them - Add ability to separate model and paper space files into separate folders - Warn users when duplicate file names or suffixes have been configured - Fix error that could cause crash when deleting entries on MONKEYCONFIG screen |
1.0.0 |
Initial release |