MASKING REGION & FILLED REGION

We use these two commands a good bit, I think less and less as we get better and that is a good thing.  Let me explain a little.  If you draw it correctly in the model, you don't have to use these two commands to hatch the area, therefore completely elimating the step of actually typing the command and having to draw the area.  Big plus from a time standpoint.

These commands essentially are self explanatory.  Its not difficult to use the commands without any thought.  However, there are a few tips and tricks in using them.

• You use these most of the time to hide you model components in 2D detailing. This happens to me quite often as I can't make everything look correctly in 3D, it happens less and less but it still happens.  For example, when you have a slab, turndown and footing, these are 3 seperate model elements and take some work to make look correct.  So you have to hide them.  This creates two time sucks.
• First, you have to draw your region and adjust the type to make it look correct
• Two, Keynotes do not show up when the elements are hidden, therefore your automatic noting goes away.
• There are a couple of items to be aware of when you are executing the command. 
• After executing the FILLED REGION command, you will have access to the (Create Filled Region) Tab.  On the right side, the line style controls the type of line for the outline of the region.
• To change the type of fill, in the (Properties Palette) you have to execute EDIT TYPE, then select whatever pattern from the TYPE pulldown.  WTF autodesk??? Why isn't it in the (Properties Palette)
• After executing teh EDIT TYPE command in the (Properties Palette) you can create a new type of region by DUPLICATE and renaming.  Fill pattern may be selected from the library, it can be opaque or transparent, the weight and color can be changed as well. 

I used filled region mostly, because I can make it transparent or opaque, but maybe Im missing a good use for masking region. 

When selecting the fill pattern, designate model or drafing in the radio button.  Of course drafting is 2D and model is 3D, but the drafting pattern gives you more material options.

That's about all I can think of right now.  If there's anybody out there, let me know if you have anything to add or correct.  Oh, I'll add some pretty pictures later, but for now it is what it is