AutoCAD Notes

F1 Systems:
57-59, Patil Arcade, Near Persistent Systems, Erandwane, Pune 411 004
Contact: - 30287272, 73

URL www.f1systemsindia.com
Email [email protected]

57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 What is AutoCAD?
Before knowing about AutoCAD, one should know what is CAD.

CAD means Computer Aided Designs. For the use of the CAD concept, a very
highly reputed US based company Autodesk introduced their software named
AutoCAD.

1.2 Overview of AutoCAD: -

57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

AutoCAD overview normally contains following objects: 1.2.1 Pull down Menu: -

57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

1.2.2 Standard Toolbar: -

1.2.3 Properties Toolbar: -

1.2.4 Draw Toolbar: -

57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

1.2.5 Modify Toolbar: -

1.2.6 Object Snap Toolbar: -

1.2.7 Status Bar:-

1.2.8 Command Prompt: -

1.2.9 Graphic Screen: The black screen which we see is known as Graphic Screen.

1.2.10 UCS Icon: -

1.2 Function Keys

The function keys on keyboard (F1 to F12) are shortcut keys. They are also
known as accelerator keys.

57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

1.2.1

F1: -

The F1 function key is used to call help (as is done in any other window based
software).
1.2.2

F2: -

F2 is used to toggle between Graphic Screen and Text Window.

1.2.3

F3: -

OSNAP specifies running object snap modes, which remain active until you turn
off. Running object snap modes can be toggled on and off with the Osnap button
on the Status Bar. Same procedure can be speeded by pressing F3.

1.2.4

F4: -

A digitizing Tablet or a Digitizer, is a peripheral device than can be used to trace

paper drawing into AutoCAD drawing file or to choose commands from the
digitizing Tablet overlay with AutoCAD.

57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

Now days the scanning and digitization method is used, so the Digitizer is an
outdated device. So Tablet on or off or the function key F4 is not used.
1.2.5

F5: -

You can cycle through the Isometric Planes by pressing F5 or CTRL+E.

1.2.6

F6: -

AutoCAD reads and displays the coordinates of the Crosshair or the Snap. F6 is
used to toggle coordinates on or off. Same can be done by CRTL+D.
1.2.7

F7: -

It specifies drafting settings for drawing in AutoCAD. The Grid is for visual
reference only. It is not plotted and it is not part of the drawing. You can turn it on
or off by pressing GRID button on the Status Bar or pressing F7.
1.2.8

F8: -

AutoCAD uses Ortho mode when you specify an angle or distance by means of
two points using pointing device. In Ortho mode cursor movement is constrained
to the horizontal or vertical direction (relative to the UCS) and with the current
Grid rotation angle. AutoCAD ignores Ortho mode in perspective views.
Using F8 or the ORTHO button the Status Bar Ortho mode can be turned on or
off.
1.2.9

F9: -

The points you enter with a pointing device can be locked into regular intervals on
an invisible rectangular Snap Grid. You can rotate the Snap Grid, set differing
X and Y spacing. You can toggle Snap Grid on or off by pressing SNAP button
on the Status Bar or pressing F9.
1.2.10 F10: When you are creating or modifying objects, you can use polar tracking display
temporary alignment paths defined by the Polar angle you specify. As you move
your cursor, alignment paths and tooltips are displayed when you move cursor
near Polar angle. Ortho mode restricts the cursor to horizontal or vertical axis.
So AutoCAD automatically turns off the Ortho mode when Polar mode is turned
on, vice versa. To turn on or off Polar mode press POLAR button on Status Bar
or F10.

57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

1.2.11 F11: Object Track helps you draw objects at specific angles or in specific
relationships to other objects. When you turn on Otrack, temporary alignment
paths help you create objects at precise angles and positions. You can toggle
Otrack on or off by pressing OTRACK button on Status Bar or pressing F11.

1.3 User co-ordinate systems: For precise coordinate inputs, you can use several coordinate entry methods. You
can also use a movable Coordinate System, the User Coordinate System, for
convenient coordinate entry and to establish drawing planes.
There are 4 User Coordinate Systems used in AutoCAD.
1.4.1 Absolute Coordinate System: Absolute coordinate values are based on the origin (0,0), where the X and Y axes
intersect. Use an absolute coordinate when you know precise X and Y values of
the point coordinate. For example coordinate 3,4 specifies a point 3 units along X
axis and 4 units along with the Y axis from the origin.
At a prompt for a point, enter the coordinates using X,Y format.
X represents distance and direction along with horizontal axis from the origin
(0,0).
Y represents distance and direction along with vertical axis from the origin (0,0).

1.4.2 Relative Coordinate System: Relative coordinate values are based on the last point entered. Use a relative
coordinate when you know position of a point in relation with last point. To
specify a relative coordinate, precede the coordinate with @ sign.
57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

At a prompt for a point enter the coordinates using @X,Y.

X represents the distance and direction along with the horizontal axis from the last
point entered.
Y represents the distance and direction along with the vertical axis from the last
point entered.

1.4.3 Polar Coordinate System: In AutoCAD, by default, angles increase in counterclockwise and decrease in
clockwise direction. For example, entering 1<315 is same as entering 1<-45.
At a prompt for a point, enter the coordinate using @distance<angle format.
Distance represents length of the line from last point.
Angle represents the angle from the last point with respect to XY plane.

57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

1.4.4

Rectangular coordinate system: In this method you enter coordinate by moving cursor to specify direction and
then enter the distance directly. Remember, at the time of process Ortho must be
turned on.
This is used when you want to draw linear object either horizontally or vertically.

57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

10

2. INITIAL DRAWING SETUPS

2.1 Units: You can set the drawing units and the display units as you want in AutoCAD.
There are separate procedures for setting the drawing and display units.
2.1.1 Insert Units: Specifies a drawing-unit value for automatic scaling in a drawing. Specified
Drawing-units values for specific units are given below.
0 Unspecified (No units)
1 Inch
2 Feet
3 Miles
4 Millimeter
5 Centimeters
6 Meters
7 Kilometers
8 Micro inches
9 Mils
10 Yards
11 Angstroms
12 Nanometers
13 Microns
14 Decimeters
15 Decameters
16 Hectometers
17 Gigameters
18 Astronomical Units
19 Light Years
20 Parsecs
To change Drawing-units the command used is,
Insunits
By entering appropriate value you can select a Drawing-unit you want.
2.1.2 Units: Defines the display units and angle format in AutoCAD.
To set the unit format and precision: 1. From the Format menu, select units

57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

11

2. In the Drawing Units dialog box under Length, select a unit format and
precision.
3. Chose OK.
Command line: units.

2.2 Limits: The drawing limits are two-dimensional points in the world coordinate system
that represent the lower left and upper right boundaries. Drawing limits determine
the area of the drawing that displays Grid dots.
To set drawing limits: 1. From the Format menu, select Drawing Limits.
Command line: limits.

2.3 Transparent Command: The commands which dont make any changes in the objects but increase or
decrease the apparent size or position of objects are known as Transparent
commands.

57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

12

2.3.1 Zoom: Zoom command increases or decreases the apparent size of objects.
To select Zoom command: 1. Standard Toolbar:
2. View Menu: Zoom
3. Shortcut Menu: With no objects selected, right click the drawing area and
select Zoom.
4. Command Line: zoom or z
The options in the Zoom command are:
All: Zooms to display the entire drawing in the current view port. In a plan view,
AutoCAD zooms to the drawing limits or current extents whichever is greater.
Center: Zooms to display a window defined by a center point and a
magnification value or height. A smaller value increases the magnification and a
larger value increases it.
Dynamic: Zooms to display the generated portion of the drawing with the view
box. The view box represents view port, which can be shrinking or enlarge and
move around the drawing.
Extents: Zooms to display the drawing extents and results in the largest possible
display of all the objects.
Previous: Zooms to display the previous view. You can restore up to 10 previous
views.
Scale: Zooms to display at specified scale factor.
Window: Zooms to display an area specified by two opposite corners of a
rectangular window.
Real time: using the pointing device, zooms interactively to a logical extents.
2.3.2 Pan: Pan command changes the apparent position of objects.
To select the pan command: 1. Standard Toolbar:
2. View Menu: Pan

57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

13

3. Shortcut Menu: With no objects selected right click the drawing area and
chose Pan.
4. Command Line: pan

2.4 Inquiry Commands:

The commands which help you to get specified information from AutoCAD are
the Inquiry Commands.
2.4.1 Distance: Measures the distance and angle between two points.
To calculate distance and angle: 1. Inquiry Toolbar:
2. Tools Menu: Inquiry Distance
3. Command Line: dist or di
2.4.2 Area: Calculates the area and perimeters of objects or of defined areas.
To calculate area you define: 1. Inquiry Toolbar:
2. Tools Menu: Inquiry Area
3. Command Line: area
2.4.3 List: AutoCAD lists the object type, object layer and X,Y,Z positions relative to the
current user coordinate system (UCS) and whether the object is in model space or
paper space.
List reports color, linetype and lineweight if these items are not set to BYLAYER.
The thickness of the object is displayed if it is nonzero.
List reports additional information related to the specific object selected.
To get reports of an object: 1. Inquiry Toolbar:
2. Tools Menu: Inquiry List
57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

14

3. Command Line: list or li

2.4.4 Id: Id lists the X,Y and Z values of a specified point.
To get coordinates of a point or a location: 1. Tools Menu: Inquiry ID point
2. Command Line: id

57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

15

3. DRAW COMMANDS
The commands which help you to create new objects are known as Draw
Commands. You can access to the Draw Commands by getting to DRAW
menu, using Draw toolbar or typing the command or short key in the Command
Line.
DRAW Menu: -

Draw Toolbar: -

57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

16

3.1 Line: AutoCAD draws a line segment and continues to prompt for points. You can
specify the end points of lines using 2D coordinates. You can draw a continuing
series of line segments, but each line segment is a separate object.
To draw line: 1. Draw Menu: Line.
2. Draw Toolbar:
3. Command Line: line or l

3.2 Construction Line: Lines that extend to infinity in both directions are known as Construction Lines.
The default method for creating a Construction Line is two-point method. You
can also create Construction Lines in following options.
Horizontal: Creates construction lines that pass through a point you specify and
are parallel to X axis of the current UCS.
Vertical: Creates construction lines through a point you specify and are parallel
to Y axis in the current UCS.
Angle: Creates a construction line at a specific angle to the horizontal axis and a
point through which the line should pass.
Bisector: Creates a construction line which bisects an angle you specify.
Offset: Creates a construction line parallel to a line you specify.
To create a construction line: 1. Draw Menu: Construction Line
2. Draw Toolbar:
3. Command Line: xline or xl

3.3 Polyline: A polyline is a connected sequence of line segments created as a single object.
You can create straight line segments, arc segments, or a combination of the two.
Multisegmented lines provide editing capabilities unavailable for single lines. For
example you can adjust your Width and Curvature.
You can use different option in the Polyline command to create different types of
polylines.
Next Point: Draws a line segment. AutoCAD repeats the previous prompt.

57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

17

Arc: Ads arc segments to the polyline. The end point of the previous arc segment
is starting point of next arc segment. You can use Angle, Center, Direction,
Radius, or Second Point methods to create arc segments.
Halfwidth: Specifies the width from the center of a wide polyline line segment to
one of its edges.
Length: Draws a line segment at a specified length in the same direction of the
previous segment. If the previous segment is an arc AutoCAD draws the line
tangent to the arc segment.
Undo: Removes the latest segment added to the polyline.
Width: Specifies the width of the next segment.
To draw a polyline: 1. Draw Menu: Polyline
2. Draw Toolbar:
3. Command Line: pline or pl

3.4 Rectangle: Draws a rectangular polyline. You can create a rectangle using following options.
First Corner: Creates a rectangle using specified points as diagonally opposite
corners.
Chamfer: Sets the chamfer distances for all four corners of the rectangle.
Elevation: Specifies the elevation of the rectangle.
Fillet: Specifies the fillet radius of all four corners of the rectangle.
Thickness: Specifies the thickness of the rectangle.
Width: Specifies the polyline width of the rectangle to be drawn.
To draw a rectangle: 1. Draw Menu: Rectangle
2. Draw Toolbar:
3. Command Line: rectangle or rectang or rec

57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

18

3.5 Circle: Creates a circle using various methods.

Center Point: Draws a circle based on a center point and a radius a diameter.
3P: Draws a circle based on 3 points on the circumference.
2P: Draws a circle based on two endpoints of the diameter.
TTR: Draws a circle with a specified radius and tangent two objects.
Tan, Tan, Tan: Draws a circle which is tangent to three objects. This option is
only available in the Draw Menu.
To create a circle: 1. Draw Menu: Circle
2. Draw Toolbar:
3. Command Line: circle or c

3.6 Polygon: A polygon is a closed polyline of n number of sides. For example a triangle or a
rectangle is also a polygon. In AutoCAD you can create polygons with minimum
3 sides and maximum 1024 sides.
There are two methods for drawing the polygons in AutoCAD.
Center: Defines center of the polygon. You can draw a polygon inscribed in
circle or circumscribed about circle by specifying the center and radius of the
circle.
Edge: Defines the polygon by specifying the endpoints of the first edge.
To draw a polygon: 1. Draw Menu: Polygon
2. Draw Toolbar:
3. Command Line: polygon or pol

3.7 Arc: You can create arc in several ways. With the exception of the first method arcs are
drawn in counterclockwise direction.

57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

19

3 Points: Draws an arc using 3 points on the arcs circumference. The first point
is the start point, the third point is the end point and the second point is on the
circumference.
Start, Center, End: Draws an arc using start point, center of the circle of which
the arc is a part, and the end point.
Start, Center, Angle: Draws an arc counterclockwise from a start point using
center point with a specified included angle. If the angle is negative AutoCAD
draws arc clockwise.
Start, Center, Length: Draws an arc based on a distance of a straight line
between the start and end points, using the center point. The distance is called
Chord Length.
Start, End, Angle: Uses the Included Angle method specifying start point and
end point without center point.
Start, End, Direction: Draws an arc tangent to a specified to a direction,
determined from the start point.
Start, End, Radius: Draws an arc counterclockwise from the start point to the
end point, with a specified radius.
To draw an arc: 1. Draw Menu: Arc
2. Draw Toolbar:
3. Command Line: arc or a

3.8 Ellipse: Creates an ellipse or elliptical arc. The shape of an Ellipse is determined by two
axes that define its length and width. The longer axis is called Major Axis and the
shorter is Minor Axis.
The following options are used to create an ellipse or an elliptical arc: Axis Endpoint: Defines the first axis by its endpoints. The angle of the first axis
is the angle of the ellipse. First axis can be major or minor. The second axis is
determined from the midpoint of first to the end point of the second axis.
Center: Defines the first and the second axis from center of the ellipse, which is
also the mid point of both the axes.
Arc: Creates an elliptical arc. You can create an elliptical arc by using axis
method and then specifying the start and end points.

57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

20

To create an ellipse: 1. Draw Menu: Ellipse

2. Draw Toolbar:
3. Command Line: ellipse or el

3.9 Point: Points can act as nodes to which you can snap objects. You can determine the size
and style of all the points by selecting in the Point Style window, which is
accessed in Format Menu.

To create a point: 1. Draw menu: Point

2. Draw Toolbar:
3. Command Line: point or po

3.10 Spline: AutoCAD uses a particular type of spline known as a nonuniform B-spline
(NURBS) curve. A NURBS curve produces a smooth curve between control
points. Splines are useful for creating irregularly shaped curves, for example,
drawing contour lines for geographic information systems (GIS) applications or
automobile designs.
To create a spline: 1. Draw Menu: Spline

57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

21

2. Draw Toolbar:
3. Command Line: spline or spl

3.11 Donut: Donuts are filled rings or solid-filled circles that actually are closed polylines with
width.
To create a donut, you specify inside and outside diameters and its center. You
can continue creating multiple copies with same diameters by specifying different
center points.
To create a donut: 1. Draw Menu: Donut
2. Command Line: donut or do

57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

22

4. MODIFY COMMANDS
The commands which are used to modify created objects are known as Modify
Commands. The modify commands are accessed from Modify menu.

They are also accessed from Modify toolbar.

4.1 Selection Sets: You have a wide range of options when you need to select objects for editing
operations. These options are called Selection Sets.

57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

23

4.1.1 Single: Single object selection mode helps you to select objects one at a time for editing.
You can go on adding objects to the selection one by one.
4.1.2 Last: This selection set selects the most recently created object.
4.1.3 Previous: Previous selects the most recent selection set. AutoCAD stores the previous
selection. It clears previous selection by operations that delete objects from the
drawing or if Undo command is used.
4.1.4 Window: Window selects all objects completely inside a rectangle defined by two points.
Specifying the corners left to right cerates a window selection.
4.1.5 Window Polygon: It selects objects completely inside a polygon defined by points. The polygon can
be of any shape but cant cross or touch itself.
4.1.6 Crossing Window: It selects objects which are within and crossing area defined by two points. A
crossing selection is displayed by dashed or high lightened to differentiate it from
window. Specifying the corners from left to right creates a crossing window.
4.1.7 Crossing Polygon: It selects objects which are within or crossing area defined by points. The polygon
can be of any shape but cant cross or touch itself. It appears in dashed format.
4.1.8 Fence: Fence selects all objects crossing a selection fence. The fence method is similar to
crossing polygon except that AutoCAD does not close fence and a fence can not
cross itself.
4.1.9 Undo: Undo cancels the object most recently added to selection set.

57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

24

4.1.10 Remove: Objects can be removed from a selection using any selection set.
4.1.11 Add: If you want to add objects to the selection add selection set can be used. This
selection set is required after remove is used.

4.2 Erase: You can remove objects from your drawing using Erase.
To delete an object: 1. Modify Menu: Erase
2. Modify Toolbar:
3. Command Line: erase or e
4. Shortcut Menu: Select objects, right click the drawing area and select Erase
5. Key Board: Select the object and press Delete key.

4.3 Move: You can move objects without changing their orientation or size. By using
coordinates and object snaps, you can move objects with precision.
To move objects: 1. Modify Menu: Move
2. Modify Toolbar:
3. Shortcut Menu: Select objects, right click in drawing area and select Move.
4. Command Line: move or m

4.4 Copy: You can create duplicates of objects at a specified distance from the original
selection.
To copy objects: 1. Modify Menu: Copy
2. Modify Toolbar:
3. Command Line: copy or co or cp

4.5 Mirror: Mirroring creates mirror image of selected objects. You flip objects about an axis
called mirror line to create mirror image.

57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

25

To mirror object: 1. Modify Menu: Mirror

2. Modify Toolbar:
3. Command Line: mirror or mi

4.6 Offset: Offset creates a new object at specified distance from the selected object. It
creates concentric circles, parallel lines and parallel curves.
There two methods for offset: Offset Distance: It creates objects at a specified distance from an existing object.
Through: Creates an object passing through a specified point.
To offset an object: 1. Modify Menu: Offset
2. Modify Toolbar:
3. Command Line: offset or o

4.7 Array: You can create copies of objects in a rectangular or polar (circular) pattern is
called an array. For rectangular arrays, you control number of rows and columns
and the distance between each. For polar arrays, you control the number of copies
of the object and whether the copies are rotated. To create many regularly spaced
objects, arraying is faster than copying.
Rectangular Array: AutoCAD assumes the selected object to be the in the lower
left corner, and generates the array up and to the right.

57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

26

Polar Array: It creates an array defined by specifying center point or a base point
about which AutoCAD replicates the selected objects.

57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

27

4.8 Rotate: You can rotate objects around a specified point. You can determine angle of
rotation. Entering a positive value of the angle you can rotate the object in
counterclockwise or clockwise by entering negative value.
There are two methods of rotation: Rotation Angle: Determines how long the object rotates along a specified point.
Reference: Specifies the absolute rotation angle and desired new rotation angle.
To rotate an object: 1. Modify Menu: Rotate
2. Modify Toolbar:
3. Shortcut Menu: Select objects, right click in drawing area and select Rotate.
3. Command Line: rotate or ro

4.9 Scale: Enlarges or reduces selected objects proportionately in the X, Y and Z directions.
There are two methods for scaling in AutoCAD.
Scale Factor: Multiplies the selected objects by specified scale. A scale factor
greater than 1 enlarges the object and scale factor between 0 and 1 shrinks the
object.
Reference: Scales the selected objects based on reference length and specified
new length.
To scale an object: 1. Modify Menu: Scale
2. Modify Toolbar:
3. Command Line: scale or sc

4.10 Stretch: Stretching moves end points which lie in the crossing window selection set. So
while stretching selection should be by crossing window or crossing polygon
only.
AutoCAD stretches arcs, elliptical arcs, lines, polyline segments, 2D solids and
splines.
To stretch: 1. Modify Menu: Stretch
2. Modify Toolbar:
3. Command Line: stretch or s

57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

28

4.11 Trim: You can trim objects at a cutting edge defined by other objects. Almost every
object can be trimmed. The objects that can not be trimmed are text, dimension,
blocks, hatch, and other x references.
To execute trim: 1. Modify Menu: Trim
2. Modify Toolbar:
3. Command Line: trim or tr

4.12 Extend: You can extend an object to meet another object. Objects that you can extend
include arcs, elliptical arcs, lines and open polylines.
To extend objects: 1. Modify Menu: Extend
2. Modify Toolbar:
3. Command Line: extend or ex

4.13 Break: Using Break is a convenient way to create a gap in an object, to create two
separate objects. You can create two lines from one or at list one arc from a circle.
Break is often used to create space for text or block insertion.
There are two methods for executing break command: Second Point: Considers first point at the point of selection and specifies the
second point between which the object breaks.
First Point: overrides the original first point with the new point that you specify
and breaks the object between new point and the second point.
To break an object: 1. Modify Menu: Break
2. Modify Toolbar:
3. Command Line: break or br

4.14 Chamfer: Using chamfer is a fast way of creating a line between two nonparallel lines. It is
usually used to represent a beveled edge on a corner.
To create a chamfer there are following options: Distance: Sets the chamfer distance from the endpoint of the selected edge.

57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

29

Angle: Sets the chamfer distances using a chamfer distance for the first line and
an angle for the second line.
Polyline: Chamfers an entire 2D polyline. AutoCAD chamfers the intersecting
line segment at each vertex of the polyline. Chamfers become new segment of the
polyline.
Trim: Controls whether AutoCAD trims the selected edges to the chamfer end
points.
To chamfer a corner: 1. Modify Menu: Chamfer
2. Modify Toolbar:
3. Command Line: chamfer or cha

4.15 Fillet: Fillet rounds the edges of two arcs, circles, elliptical arcs, lines, polylines or
splines with an arc of specified radius.
The options for fillet are: Polyline: Inserts fillet arcs at each vertex of a 2D polyline where two line
segments meet.
Radius: Defines the radius of the fillet arc.
Trim: Controls whether AutoCAD trims the selected edges to the fillet
endpoints.
To fillet edges: 1. Modify Menu: Fillet
2. Modify Toolbar:
3. Command Line: fillet or f

4.16 Explode: Explode breaks a compound object into its component object. A compound object
comprises more than one AutoCAD objects, for example, block, polyline,
polygons, etc.
To explode an object: 1. Modify Menu: Explode
2. Modify Toolbar:
3. Command Line: - explode or x

57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

30

4.17 Polyline Edit: In addition with the general editing operations available for the most objects,
there are additional editing operations for polyline with Pedit.
Close: Creates the closing segment of the polyline, connecting the first and last
segments.
Join: Join adds line, arcs, and polylines to the end of an open polyline. To an
object to join a polyline their end points must touch.
Width: Specifies a new uniform width for the entire polyline.
Edit Vertex: Edits vertices of the polyline as you want.
Fit: Creates smooth curves consisting of arcs joining each pair of vertices. The
curve passes through all the vertices of the polyline and uses any tangent direction
you specify.
Spline: Uses all the vertices of the selected polyline as the control points, or
frame, of a selected polyline, of spline-fit polyline.
Decurve: Removes extra vertices by an arc-fit or a spline-fit polyline and
straitens all the segments of the polyline.
Ltype Gen.: Generates the linetype in a continuous pattern through the vertices of
the polyline. When the option is turned off AutoCAD generates the linetype
starting and ending with a dash at each vertex.
To edit a polyline: 1. Modify Menu: Object Polyline
2. Modify II Toolbar:
3. Shortcut Menu: Select a polyline, right click the mouse and select Polyline
Edit.
4. Command Line: pedit or pe

57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

31

5. BOUNDARY HATCH
Boundary Hatch fills an enclosed area or selected objects with a hatch pattern or a
gradient fill. Bhatch first defines area that you want to hatch or fill, either by
computing a region or a polyline boundary from a specified point within an
enclosed area or by using objects as boundaries. It then fills the boundaries by a
pattern, a solid color or a gradient.

5.1 Hatch: -

You can use many options to create appropriate hatch pattern as you want.
Type: Sets the pattern type.
Predefined: Specifies a predefined AutoCAD pattern. These patterns are
stored in acad.pat and acdiso.pat files.
User Defined: Creates a pattern of lines based on the current linetype in
your drawing.

57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

32

Custom: Specifies a pattern that is defined in custom PAT file that you
have added to the AutoCAD search path.
Pattern: Lists the available predefined pattern names. The six most recently used
patterns appear at the top of the list.
Swatch: Displays a preview of the selected pattern.
Angle: Specifies an angle for the hatch pattern relative to the X axis in the current
UCS.
Scale: Expands or contracts a predefined or custom pattern.
To fill an area by a hatch pattern: 1. Draw Menu: Hatch
2. Draw Toolbar:
3. Command Line: bhatch or bh or h

5.2 Advanced: -

Defines how AutoCAD creates and hatches or fills boundaries.

57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

33

Island Detecting Style: Specifies the method used to hatch or fill objects within
the outermost boundary. If no internal boundaries exist, specifying an island
detection style has no effect.
Normal: Hatches or fills inward from the outer boundary. If AutoCAD
encounters an internal intersection, it turns off hatching or filling until it
encounters another intersection.
Outer: Hatches or fills inward from the outer boundary. AutoCAD turns
the hatching or filling off if it encounters an internal intersection.
Ignore: Ignores all internal objects and hatches or fills through them.
Object Type: Specifies whether to retain boundaries as objects, and object type
that AutoCAD applies to those objects.
Retain Boundaries: Adds the temporary objects to the drawing.
Object Type: Controls the type of the new boundary object. AutoCAD
creates the boundary as a region or a polyline. This option is only
available if you select Retain Boundaries.

5.3 Gradient: -

57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

34

Gradient defines the appearance of the gradient fill to be applied.

One Color: Specifies a fill that uses a smooth transition between darker shades
and lighter tints of one color.
Two Color: Specifies a fill that uses a smooth transition between two colors.
Color Swatch: Specifies the color for the gradient fill.
Shade and Tint Slider: Specifies the tint (the selected color mixed with white) or
shade (the selected color mixed with black) of a color to be used for a gradient fill
of one color.
Centered: Specifies a gradient configuration that is symmetrical.
Angle: Specifies the angle of the gradient fill. The specified angle is relative to
the current UCS.
Gradient Patterns: Displays nine fixed patterns for gradient fills.

57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

35

6. LAYERS

Layers are the most important things in AutoCAD. You can use layers to create
identity and to give appropriate properties to each object or entity created in the
drawing.
You create layers, assign properties like color, linetype etc, and use facilities like
On/Off, Freeze/Thaw, Lock/Unlock or Plot On/Off for improving efficiency and
quality while creating a drawing.

6.1 Layer Properties Manager: Layer Properties Manager makes a layer current, adds a new layer, deletes
layers, and renames layers. You can assign properties to layers, turns layers on
and off, freeze and thaw layers, lock and unlock layers, set plot styles for layers,
and turn plotting on and off for layers.

57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

36

New: Creates a new layer.

Current: Sets the selected layer as the current layers. Current layer is the working
layer.
Delete: Deletes the selected layer from the drawing file definition. You can delete
only unreferenced layers. Referenced layers include 0 and DEFPOINTS, layers
containing objects, the current layers, and xref-dependent layers.
Show/Hide Details: Controls whether the details section is displayed in the
Layer Properties Manager.

List of Layers: Displays layers and their properties. To modify a property click
its icon.
Names: Displays names of the layers. You can select a name and change.

57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

37

On/Off: Turns layers on and off. When a layer is turned off it is invisible
and not plotted, even if PLOT is on. You also can not modify these
objects. To select these objects you should use selection set all.
Freeze/Thaw: Freezes all selected layers. You can freeze layers to speed
up Zoom and Pan, and many other operations. AutoCAD does not display,
plot and modify objects on frozen layers.
Lock/Unlock: Locks and unlocks the layers. You can not modify objects
on locked layers.
Color: Changes the color associated with selected layer. Selecting color
name or color box opens the Select Color window.

57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

38

Linetype: Changes the linetype associated with the selected layer. Clicking the
linetype name opens the Select Linetype window.

Lineweight: Changes the lineweight associated with the selected layer. Clicking
any lineweight name or symbol opens the Select Lineweght dialog box.

Plot Style: Changes the plot style associated with selected layer. If you are
working with color-dependent plot styles you can not change the plot style
associated with selected layer.

57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

39

Plot On/Off: Controls whether the selected layers are plotted. If plot is turned off
of a layer the objects on that layer are displayed on the screen and also be
modified but can not be plotted.
To open layers dialog box: 1. Format Menu: Layer..
2. Layers Toolbar:
3. Command Line: layer or la

57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

40

7. BLOCK COMMANDS
Block is a group of objects converted in one object. You create block by
associating objects and giving them name. You can also attach information
(Attributes) to the block.

7.1 Make Block: You can use Make Block command to open Block Definition dialog box to create
and store blocks.

The Block Definition dialog box defines and name block.

Name: Names the block. The name can have up to 255 characters. The block
name and definition are saved in current drawing file.

57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

41

Base Point: Specifies an insertion base point for block. The default value is 0,0,0.
X: Specifies the X coordinate value.
Y: Specifies the Y coordinate value.
Z: Specifies the Z coordinate value.
Pick Point: Temporarily closes the dialog box so you can specify the
insertion base point in the current drawing.
Objects: Specifies the objects to include in the new block and whether to retain or
delete the selected objects or convert them into the block instance you create the
block.
Select Objects: Closes the Block Definition dialog box temporarily while
you select objects for the block.
Retain: Retains the selected objects as distinct objects after creating the
block.
Convert to Block: Converts the selected objects to a block in the drawing
instance you create the block.
Delete: Deletes the selected objects after you create the block.
Objects Selected: Displays the number of selected objects.
To make a block: 1. Draw Menu: Block Make
2. Draw Toolbar:
3. Command Line: block or b

7.2 Insert Block: When you insert a block, you determine its location, scale factor, and rotation
angle. You can specify the scale of a block reference using different X, Y and Z
values.
Inserting a block creates an object called a Block Reference because it references
a block definition stored in your current drawing.

57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

42

To insert a block: 1. Insert Menu: Block

2. Draw Toolbar:
3. Command Line: insert or i

7.3 Edit Block: You can use Refedit command to make changes in a block. Refedit prompts you
to select an external reference or a block reference to edit from within the
drawing. You can make minor changes xref and block without having to open
reference drawing or explode and redefine the block. AutoCAD displays the
Reference Edit dialog box. You can also open the Reference Edit dialog box by
double clicking the block.
To edit a block or xref: 1. Modify Menu: Xref and Block Editing Edit Reference In-Place
2. Refedit Toolbar:
3. Command Line: refedit

57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

43

8. TEXT

You can create text using two methods depending on your needs. The text you
add to drawing conveys a variety of information. It may be a complex
specification, title block information, a label or even a part of the drawing.

8.1 Text Style: All text in an AutoCAD drawing has a Text Style associated with it. When you
enter text, AutoCAD uses the current text style, which sets the font, size, angle,
orientation, and other text characteristics.
AutoCAD provides one Standard text style. If you want to create text style or to
modify existing text style, use Style. Style also sets the current style used when
you create text with Single Line Text or Multiline Text.
To create or modify text style: 1. Format Menu: Text Style
2. Styles Toolbar:
3. Command Line: style or st
The Text Style dialog box displays

57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

44

8.2 Single Line Text: Use Single Line Text to create one or more lines of text, ending each line when
you press ENTER. Each text line is an independent object that you can relocate,
reformat or modify.
When you create single line text, you assign a text style and assign alignment on
the command line.
Start Point: Specifies a start point for the text object. The Specify Height prompt
is displayed only if the current text style does not have a fixed height.
Justify: Controls justification of the text. By default, AutoCAD uses Left
justification while entering text. Left justifies text at left of the baseline. You can
also use following options to change default justification.
Align: Specifies both text height and text orientation by designation end
point of the baseline.
Fit: Specifies that text fits within an area and at an orientation defined
with two points and height.
Center: Aligns text from the horizontal center of the baseline, which you
specify with a point.
Middle: Aligns text from the horizontal center of the baseline and the
vertical center of height you specify.
Right: Right-justifies text at the baseline, which you specify with a point.
TL (Top Left): Left-justifies text at a point specified for the top of the
text.
TC (Top Center): Centers text at a point specified for the top of the text.
TR (Top Right): Right-justifies text at a point specified for the top of the
text.
ML (Middle Left): Left-justifies text at a point specified for the middle of
the text.
MC (Middle Center): Centers the text both horizontally and vertically at
the middle of the text. The MC option differs with Middle in that it uses
the height of the uppercase letters. The Middle option uses the midpoint of
all text, including small letters.

57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

45

MR (Middle Right): Right-justifies text at a point specified at the middle

of the text.
BL (Bottom Left): Left-justifies text at a point specified at the baseline.
BC (Bottom Center): Center-justifies text at a point specified at the
baseline.
BR (Bottom Center): Right justifies text at a point specified at the
baseline.
Style: Specifies the text style, which determines the appearance of the text.
To create single line text:
1. Draw Menu: Text Single Line Text
2. Command Line: text or dt

8.3 Multiline Text: You can create one or more paragraphs of Multiline Text in the multiline text
editor or an alternative text editor. Unlike single line text, where the each line is
an object, in Multiline Text the whole text is an object.

Following options can be used to insert multiline text:

Opposite Corner: As you drag the pointing device to specify the opposite corner,
a rectangle displays to show size and location of the multiline text object. Arrows
within the rectangle indicate the direction of paragraphs text flow.
Height: Specifies the height to use for multiline text characters.

57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

46

Justify: Determines both text justification and text flow, for new or selected text,
in relation to the text boundary.
TL: Top Left.
TC: Top Center.
TR: Top Right.
ML: Middle Left.
MC: Middle Center.
MR: Middle Right.
BL: Bottom Left.
BC: Bottom Center.
BR: Bottom Right.
Line Spacing: Specifies the line spacing for the multiline text object. Line
spacing is the vertical distance between the baseline of the text and the baseline of
the next line.
At Least: Adjusts lines of the text automatically based on the largest
character in the line.
Exactly: Forces the line spacing to be same for all lines of text in the
multiline text object. Spacing is based on text height of the multiline text
object or the text style.
Rotation: Specifies rotation angle for the text boundary.
Style: Specifies text style to use for multiline text.
Width: Specifies the width of text boundary.

8.4 Text Edit: There are different ways to change contents of the text.

57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

47

8.4.1 Ddedit: DDEDIT modifies contents of single line text. It opens the Edit Text dialog box.

To change contents of the text: 1. Text Toolbar:

2. Shortcut Menu: Select a text object, right click on drawing area, and select
Text Edit
3. Command Line: ddedit or ed
4. Double Click on a Text Object.
You can also use Ddedit to make changes in multiline text. It opens the multiline
text editor.
8.4.2 Change Properties: You can change text with the help of Properties. Using properties you can
change content, text style, location, orientation, size, justification, and other
properties.

57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

48

9. DIMENSION

Like in text when create dimensions you can create or modify Dimension Style.

9.1 Dimension Style: When you create a dimension, the current dimension style is associated with that
dimension. The dimension retains the dimension style unless you apply a new
dimension style to it or modify the current dimension style.
If you make changes in dimension style you can choose whether to apply changes
to the associated dimensions.
9.1.1 Dimension Style Manager: Dimension Style Manager is used to create new styles, set the current style, and
modify style.

Current Dimstyle: Displays the current dimension style. AutoCAD

assigns styles to all dimensions.
Styles: Displays all dimension styles in the drawing. The current style is
highlighted.

57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

49

Set Current: Sets the style selected under Styles to current.

New: Displays the Create New Dimension Style dialog box, in which
you can define new dimension style.

Modify: Displays the Modify Dimension Style dialog box, in which you
can make changes in the dimension style. Dialog box options are same as
the Create New Dimension Style dialog box.

57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

50

To open Dimension Style Manager: 1. Format Menu: Dimension Style

2. Dimension Menu: Style
3. Styles Toolbar:
4. Command Line: dimstyle or d

9.2 Linear Dimensions: You can create linear dimensions with horizontal, vertical, and aligned lines.
To create linear dimensions: 1. Dimension Menu: Linear
2. Dimension Toolbar:
3. Command Line: dimlinear or Dim: hor or Dim: ver

9.3 Aligned Dimension: Aligned dimensions are the actual dimension between two points or of an object,
with respect with the angle made in the XY plane.
To create aligned dimensions: 1. Dimension Menu: Aligned
2. Dimension Toolbar:
3. Command Line: dimaligned or Dim: ali

9.4 Ordinate Dimension: Ordinate dimension measures horizontal distance of a point from the Origin (0,0)
along X axis or vertical distance along Y axis.
To create ordinate dimension: 1. Dimension Menu: Ordinate
2. Dimension Toolbar:
3. Command Line: dimordinate or Dim: ord

9.5 Radius Dimension: It measures the Radii of arcs and circles with optional center lines or Center
Mark.
To create radius dimension: 1. Dimension Menu: Radius
2. Dimension Toolbar:
3. Command Line: dimradius or Dim: rad

57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

51

9.6 Diameter Dimension: It measures the Diameters of arcs and circles with optional center line or Center
Mark.
To create diameter dimension: 1. Dimension Menu: Diameter
2. Dimension Toolbar:
3. Command Line: dimdiameter or Dim: dia

9.7 Angular Dimension: Angular dimension measures angle between two lines.
To create angular dimension:
1. Dimension Menu: Angular
2. Dimension Toolbar:
3. Command Line: dimangular or Dim: ang

9.8 Quick Dimension: Use QDIM to quickly create a series of dimensions. The command is particularly
useful for creating a series of baseline or continued dimensions, or dimensioning a
series of circles and arcs.
To use quick dimensions: 1. Dimension Menu: Quick Dimension
2. Dimension Toolbar:
3. Command Line: qdim

9.9 Baseline Dimension: Baseline dimensions are multiple dimensions measured from the same baseline.
You must create linear, aligned or angular dimension before you create baseline
dimension.
To create baseline dimension: 1. Dimension Menu: Baseline
2. Dimension Toolbar:
3. Command Line: dimbaseline or Dim: bas

9.10 Continue Dimension: It creates linear, angular or ordinate dimension from the second extension of
previous dimension or a selected dimension. If no dimension is created in the
current session, AutoCAD prompts you to select a linear, angular or ordinate
dimension as a base for continued dimension.
57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

52

To create a continue dimension: 1. Dimension Menu: Continue

2. Dimension Toolbar:
3. Command Line: dimcontinue or Dim: co

9.11 Quick Leader: A leader object typically consists of an arrowhead, a leader line or curve, and a
multiline text object.
To create a quick leader: 1. Dimension Menu: Leader
2. Dimension Toolbar:
3. Command Line: qleader or leader or le

9.12 Tolerance: Geometric tolerances show accepted deviations of form, profile, orientation,
location, and runout of a feature. You add geometric tolerances in feature control
frames. These frames contain all the tolerance information for a single dimension.
To create geometric tolerances: 1. Dimension Menu: Tolerance
2. Dimension Toolbar:
3. Command Line: tolerance or tol

9.13 Center Mark: This command creates the center mark or center lines of circles and arcs.
To create center mark: 1. Dimension Menu: Center Mark
2. Dimension Toolbar:
3. Command Line: dimcenter or Dim: cen

9.14 Dimension Update: You can modify existing dimension by applying a different dimension style. If
you make changes to dimension style, you can choose whether to update the
dimensions associated with the dimension style.
To update dimensions: 1. Dimension Menu: Update
2. Dimension Toolbar:
3. Command Line: Dim: up

57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

53

10. CHANGING PROPERTIES

You can change properties of any object with the use of Properties Palette,
Match Properties, AutoCAD Design Center, or Multiple Document
Environment.

10.1 Properties: Properties command controls properties of existing objects. It opens Properties
palette, which lists properties of selected object or set of objects.

To open Properties Palette: 1. Tools Menu: Properties

2. Standard Toolbar:
3. Shortcut Menu: Select object of which properties you want to see and change,
right click on drawing area and select Properties. You can also double click on
most of the objects and the Properties palette opens. You can press Crtl + 1 to
open Properties palette.
4. Command Line: properties or pr

57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

54

10.2 Match Properties: You can copy some or all properties one object to other objects using Match
Properties. The types of properties that include, but are not limited to, color, layer,
linetype, linetype scale, lineweight, plotstyle and thickness.
To copy properties form selected object to other objects: 1. Modify Menu: Properties
2. Standard Toolbar:
3. Command Line: matchprop or painter or ma

10.3 AutoCAD Design Center (ADC): With DesignCenter, you can manage block references, xrefs, and other content as
layer, text styles, and layouts. You can browse, find, and preview content and also
copy them form one drawing to the current drawing.

To open DesignCenter palette: 1. Tools Menu: DesignCenter

2. Standard Toolbar:
3. Shortcut Menu: Crlt + 2
4. Command Line: adcenter or ad

57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

55

10.4 Multiple Document Environment (MDE): Till AutoCAD 14 you could only open one drawing at a time. But from
AutoCAD 2000, onwards you can open n number of drawing at a time. You can open,
see, work in, and also do modifications in as many documents as you want to. This
facility is called Multiple Document Environment.
Using MDE you can open and see more than one drawings at a time. You can create and
modify objects simultaneously, and also transfer properties such as layer, color, text style,
block references and other properties from one drawing to other drawings.
To see all opened drawings simultaneously, you can cascade, tile horizontally or
vertically, or arrange icons from Windows Menu.

57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

56

11. Isometric Drawings

Isometric drawing simulates a 3D object from a particular viewpoint by aligning
along three major axes. If the Snap angle is 0, the axes of the isometric planes are
30 degrees, 90 degrees, and 150 degrees. Once you set the snap style to
Isometric, you can work on any of three planes each with a associated pair of
axes. Choosing one of the three isometric planes causes Ortho and Crosshairs to
be aligned with current isometric axes.
Left: Aligns snap and grid along 90- and 150- degree axes.
Top: Aligns snap and grid along 30- and 150- degree axes.
Right: Aligns snap and grid along 30- and 90- degree axes.

57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

57

11.1 Isometric Snap: You can change your snap style from Rectangular Snap to Isometric Snap
through Snap settings

11.2 Ortho: Because when Ortho is on curser movement is relative to the UCS position, so
while making isometric drawing you should make sure Ortho is on.

11.3 Isometric Circle: If you are drawing on isometric planes, use an ellipse to represent a circle viewed
from an oblique angle. To draw an ellipse in correct shape is to use Isocircle
option in Ellipse command. The isocircle option is available only when you set
Snap to Isometric Snap.
To create an isocircle: 1. Draw Toolbar:
use Isocircle option
2. Command Line: ellipse or e isocircle or i

57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

58

11.4 Modify: While modifying an isometric drawing never use Offset or Mirror commands,
because the objects using these commands are created in different isoplane.

Offset

Mirror
You can use Copy, Move, Trim, Extend command most of the times.

57-59, Patil Arcade, Near PSPL, Erandwane, Pune 411 004 -30287272, 73

59