July 15, 2011

What is That? Seeing Stars in AutoCAD MEP.


What is this? That is a common question for a trainer. We all like to think we are perfectly knowledgeable of all our core programs. Sadly, I had “a learning experience” the other day.

I’ve seen those yellow stars in the properties palette in AutoCAD MEP, but I’ve never really taken notice of them. So, I told the student I would research the question.

I looked and looked, but how to search something I don’t even know the name of? It is hard to Google “those yellow stars in AutoCAD MEP.” Well, one secret of research is just like life, it’s all about who you know. And in this case it’s all about who the person I knew, knew.

I reached out for help, and my question ended up being answered by Bill Johnson, BIM Manager of TEECOM Design Group, in Oakland, CA. Thanks, Bill. 

So what are those yellow stars?

These icon symbols represent what can be “set” or changed during “adding” duct/pipe – and will not be available in the “properties” palette once the item is drawn.

I learned something new today – I guess that why blogs are great, we all learn stuff we should know.



Lana Gochenauer, LEED AP,
MEP Solutions Application Specialist

Lana has a wealth of real world experience, having used Autodesk products on projects from hospitals to universities, restaurants to corporate office headquarters, from strip malls to tenant fit-up. Most recently she focused on coordination drawings/models with MEP contractors, and fabrication from the model. Lana successfully ran her CAD business and worked as the CAD manager for an international MEP engineering firm in Seattle. Lana is a Certified Autodesk Trainer and NECA certified electrical estimator. Currently pursuing her MBA in Sustainability and based in the Ideate ATC in Seattle, Lana provides training and services for AutoCAD MEP, Autodesk Revit MEP and Autodesk Navisworks. @LanaGMEP

Get it. Know it. Use it.