COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN

AND DRAFTING
 
 Computer-Aided Design(CAD) or Computer-Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) can be defined
as using computer systems to assist in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimization of a
design. (Narayan, 2008)
 CAD software is used to increase the productivity of the designer, improve the quality of
design, improve communications through documentation, and create a database for manufacturing.
(Narayan, 2008)
 CAD is an important industrial art extensively used in many applications, including automotive,
shipbuilding, and aerospace industries, industrial and architectural design, prosthetics, and many
more. (Pottmann, and et al., 2007)
 CAD, or computer-aided design and drafting (CADD), is technology for design and technical
documentation, which replaces manual drafting with an automated process. (www. autodesk.com)
CADD encompasses all the fields and industries where CAD is being used to design and create
products such as that from the aeronautical industry, architectural industry, civil industry, electronic
industry and just about any industry or field which requires detailed design of hardware and
structures.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF CAD SOFTWARE?

CAD software like AutoCAD provides many advantages including:
 Increased accuracy for drawing precise dimensions
 Automating common processes
 Access to libraries of routinely used items such as doors, windows, and manufacturing parts
 Ability to quickly adjust parts of a drawing without needing to start over
 Managing complex designs details all within one file
 Creating blocks for frequently drawn items
 Increased collaboration with colleagues through the ability to share and mark the same file
WHAT IS AUTOCAD?
 AutoCAD is an industry-leading commercial CAD software.
 AutoCAD is used by AEC(Architecture, Engineer, and Construction) to generate and optimize
2D and 3D designs. AutoCAD is a widely used software program that can help you draft construction
documentation, explore design ideas, visualize concepts through photorealistic renderings, and
simulate how a design performs in the real world. (Autodesk)
 AutoCAD was first released in December 1982 as a desktop app for windows. AutoCAD Mac
was first launched in June 1992. In 2010, AutoCAD was released as a mobile- and web app,
marketed as AutoCAD 360. (Autodesk and AutoCAD)
 Four AutoCAD products for AEC
o AutoCAD: the original version of AutoCAD. This version can use architects, project
managers, engineers, graphic designers, city planners, and other professionals.
o AutoCAD Architecture: a version of Autodesk’s flagship product, AutoCAD, with tools
and functions specially suited to architecture work. This software supports dynamic
elements (wall, door, windows, and other architectural elements) and automatically
updating Spaces and Areas for calculations of sqft.
o AutoCAD LT:  the lower-cost version of AutoCAD, with reduced capabilities (No 3D, No
Network Licensing, No management tools, and more).
o AutoCAD 360: an account-based mobile and web application enabling registered users
to view, edit, and share AutoCAD files via a mobile device and web using a limited
AutoCAD feature set and using cloud-stored drawing files.
2-Dimensional CAD (2D CAD)
It is a pioneer of CAD software and was developed in the early 70s. At that time, major automobile,
aerospace, and other engineering companies developed in-house tools to automate repetitive drafting
requirements.  2D CAD relies on basic geometric shapes like lines, rectangles, circles, etc. to
produce flat drawings. These types of software have been first developed way back in 1970’s.
3-Dimensional CAD (3D CAD)
3D CAD is a step up from the 2D CAD software of yesteryears. As the processing power of
computers increased and the graphic display capabilities improved, 3D CAD has become an
increasingly popular design tool. 3D CAD allows creation of 3D images that are realistic. These
images are called 3D models as they can be viewed and rotated in any direction – X, Y or Z. You can
also display views from a 3D model, such as isometrics or perspectives, from any angle using 3D
CAD. 3D CAD tools were introduced in 1980’s by a partnership between IBM-Dassults. 3D CAD
quickly became popular because of enhanced visual capability.

APPLICATIONS:
 computer animation
 design of tools and machineries
 drafting and design of all types of buildings
 detailed engineering of 3D models
 2D drawings of physical components
 engineering process from conceptual designs and layout of products
 strength & dynamic analysis of assemblies
 definition of manufacturing methods of components

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Project Manager
A project manager plans, directs, and oversees projects that include dispatching workers to meet
labor requirements, reviewing building codes and regulations and negotiating contracts with clients.
Project Engineer
A Project Engineer plans, directs, organizes, controls, and evaluates the activities of the engineering
department, project, or firm. They are also responsible for developing project objectives by reviewing
project proposals and plans, conferring with management.

Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical engineers apply knowledge in manufacturing and mechanical systems to develop,
improve, and test new designs. They also communicate proposals and assembly procedures with
vendors, clients, and other professionals on the design team.
Electrical Engineer
An Electrical Engineer evaluates electrical systems, products, components, and applications by
designing and conducting research programs. In addition to assuring product quality by designing
electrical testing methods.
Urban Planner
Urban Planners take into consideration a project’s purpose, size, and geographic data in their design
recommendations. Working with private companies or public agencies, urban planners may be
responsible for surveying land for a new housing complex, expanding city infrastructure or developing
highways.
Project Architect
The project architect is the senior team member responsible for the overall development and
implementation of a specific architectural project. As the team leader, they are in charge of
overseeing timely and profitable completion of a project.
Architectural Technologist
Architectural technologists provide technical assistance to professional architects and civil design
engineers in conducting research, preparing drawings, architectural models, specifications, and
contracts and in supervising construction projects.
Interior Designer
Interior designers work on everything from shopping malls to corporate offices by combining
aesthetics with practical considerations. Designers also consult with clients to perform feasibility tests
and create detailed plans addressing color schemes, furnishing styles, materials, and placement of
specific items.
Computer Aided Design (CAD) Drafter
CAD drafters create detailed schematics that are utilized in the manufacturing of products and the
construction of buildings. These detailed technical drawings incorporate the input of engineers,
architects, and surveyors and specify dimensions, codes, materials, and production methods.
Computer Aided Design (CAD) Technician
A computer-aided design or CAD technician uses CAD systems to create design plans for buildings
and machinery. Technicians work with both 3D and 2D design and create 3D displays of a
component or structure which engineers can utilize.

SAMPLE CAD DRAWINGS

USER INTERFACE TOUR
The AutoCAD user interface was designed to be intuitive and user-friendly. Even if you are at the
beginner’s level for AutoCAD, you should still be able to easily navigate through the software.
Upon first opening the program, you can either do the following:

1.  Start drawing from a template of your choice

2.     Open a recent latest project you’re working on or search for it on your computer drive
3.     You can also log into A360 Connect from this screen.

The Start tab contains the following pages:

a. Create Page
The following sections are displayed:
Get Started
Access common methods to start a file.
 Start New Drawing
Creates a new drawing from the default drawing template file. You specify the default drawing
template file from the Options dialog box, Files tab, Templates, Default Template File Name for
QNEW setting.
When a default drawing template file is set to None or is not specified, the new drawing is based on
the most recently used drawing template file.
 Templates
Lists all the available drawing template files.
 Open Files
The Select File dialog box is displayed.
 Open a Sheet Set
The Open Sheet Set dialog box is displayed.
 Get More Templates Online
Download additional drawing template files when available.
 Explore Sample Drawings
Access the installed sample files.
 
Recent Documents
View the most recently used files. You can keep a file listed by clicking the push pin button. A pinned
document is displayed at the top of the list until you turn off the push pin button. You can choose
between image, image and text or text only as the display options.
Notifications
Displays all notifications with regards to product updates, hardware acceleration, trial period, and
about the offline help file information. A notification badge is displayed at the bottom of the page when
there are two or more new notifications.
Connect
Sign in to your Autodesk account to access online services.
Feedback: Access to the online form to provide feedback and any improvements you would like to see.

b. Learn Page
The Learn page provides access to learning resources such as videos, tips and other relevant online
content or services if available. For every new content update, a notification badge is displayed at the
bottom of the page.
Note: If no internet connection is available, the Learn page is not displayed.
 

AUTOCAD USER INTERFACE

 1. Quick Access Toolbar

By default this window have some tabs like: New, Open, Save , Save All, Plot , Undo and Redo. You can
Customize this QAT by pressing down key tab next to Workspace list. Also, alternatively you can Right Click
on Ribbon (8) tabs and Add any Tabs to QAT

2. Ribbon Tabs

Below QAT you will find all Ribbon Tabs available in this Workspace. Default Works Space is ‘Drafting and
Annotation’. Different Ribbon tabs offers different Ribbon panels depending on your work.

3. Search 
You can search any commands or information by entering any keywords or Phrase

4. External Links
Which is also called INFORMATION CENTER which links to AutoCAD 360

5. Help
Help tabs link with help file you can search help content also other information as below. You can change
setting for display Welcome Screen here. You may also access this by pressing “F1”.
 6. Title Bar
Here you will see your Drawing file name which is open currently

7. Application Menu Button (AutoCAD Logo)

Access common tools to start or publish a file in the Application menu.

Click the Application button  to do the following:
 Create, open, or save a file
 Audit, recover, and purge a file
 Print or publish a file
 Access the Options dialog box
 Close the application
Note: You can also close the application by double-clicking the Application button.
 8. Ribbon Panel

This is your main Toolbar area where you will find all Tabs in panel format arranged as per their use Ribbon is
consists of panel. Some panel is associated with Dialog boxes which can be used by pressing bottom right
corner arrow tab of panel.

You can change ribbons Minimized to tabs, Panel Titles, Panel Buttons or |Cycle through all.
 Floating Panels
You can pull a panel off a ribbon tab and into the drawing area or onto another monitor. The
floating panel remains open until you return it to the ribbon, even if you switch ribbon tabs.

 Slide-out Panels
If you click the arrow in the middle of a panel title, , the panel will expand to display additional
tools and controls. By default, slide-out panels automatically close when you click another
panel. To keep a panel expanded, click the push pin, , in the bottom-left corner of the slide-out
panel.

 Contextual Ribbon Tabs

When you select a certain type of object or start certain commands, a contextual ribbon tab is
displayed instead of a toolbar or dialog box. The contextual tab closes when you end the
command.
 9. File Tabs
You can add new Drawing Files by pressing icon on File tabs or if you want to switch between Model and
Layout tabs then hover mouse cursor over File tab name and a preview will be shown as below then select
correct Layout.

10. Viewport Controls

This is on Screen View port controls form where you can change AutoCAD views and Visual Styles to different
options as below.
 11. View Cube
Through view Cube you can see Drawing Elements from different view direction, and you can rotate view.

12. WCS
Below View Cube you can select WCS or Create new Co-coordinating system.

13. Navigation Bar

This Navigation bar you can locate on different side of AutoCAD window. This contains some additional tools
like Pan
 14. Drawing Area/ Graphics Area
This is main area of Model where you will create new Drawing elements. This is infinite space area.

15. Command Line

Another way to use AutoCAD features is o run command from Command line. This command line setting
option are as below:
 16. Model and Layout Tabs
This tab used for Model and Layout tabs. You can Create, Rename and Delete Layout tabs from here. Also,
you change location of Model and Layout tabs to status bar by Right click and select option to hide.

17. Status Bar

 The status bar displays the cursor location, drawing tools, and tools that affect your drawing
environment.
 The status bar provides quick access to some of the most commonly used drawing tools. You
can toggle settings such as grid, snap, polar tracking, and object snap. You can also access
additional settings for some of these tools by clicking their drop down arrows.

18. Drawing Coordinates:

This shows current location of Mouse cursor in Drawing coordinates:

19. X & Y Axis

Shows the orientation of your Axes as seen in the drawing.
GUIDE TO AUTOCAD BASICS
In this section, you will find a comprehensive technical AutoCAD tutorial which includes all the basic
commands you will need when creating 2D drawings with AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT.
BASICS
This section reviews the basic AutoCAD controls.
 
VIEWING
Pan and zoom in a drawing and control the order of overlapping objects.
 
GEOMETRY
Create basic geometric objects such as lines, circles, and hatched areas.
 
PRECISION
Ensure the precision required for your models.
 
LAYERS
Organize your drawing by assigning objects to layers.
 
PROPERTIES
You can assign properties such as color and line type to individual objects, or as default
properties assigned to layers.
 
MODIFYING
Perform editing operations such as erase, move, and trim on the objects in a drawing.
 
BLOCKS
Insert symbols and details into your drawings from commercial online sources or from your own
designs.
 
LAYOUTS
Display one or more scaled views of your design on a standard size drawing sheet called a
layout.
 
NOTES AND LABELS
Create notes, labels, bubbles, and callouts. Save and restore style settings by name.
 
DIMENSIONS
Create several types of dimensions and save dimension settings by name.
 
PRINTING
Output a drawing layout to a printer, a plotter, or a file. Save and restore the printer settings for
each layout.

BASIC
After you launch AutoCAD, click the Start Drawing button to begin a new drawing.
AutoCAD includes a standard tabbed ribbon across the top of the drawing area. You can access
nearly all the commands presented in this guide from the Home tab. In addition, the Quick Access
toolbar shown below includes familiar commands such as New, Open, Save, Print, Undo, and so on.

NOTE: If the Home tab is not the current tab, go ahead and click it.
 
Command Window
At the heart of AutoCAD is the Command window, which is normally docked at the bottom of the
application window. The Command window displays prompts, options, and messages.
You can enter commands directly in the Command window instead of using the ribbon, toolbars, and
menus. Many long-time AutoCAD users prefer this method.

Notice that as you start to type a command, an autocomplete menu appears. When several options
are available, such as in the example below, make your choice by clicking the correct option or using
the arrow keys and then pressing Enter or the Spacebar to confirm your selection.
 
Mouse

Most people use a mouse as their pointing device, but other devices have equivalent controls.
 
Tip: When looking for a command or option, try right-clicking. Depending on where your cursor is
located, different menus will display relevant commands and options.

New Drawings

You can easily conform to industry or company standards by specifying settings for text, dimensions,
line types, and several other features. For example, this backyard deck design displays two different
dimension styles.
All these settings can be saved in a drawing template file. Click New to choose from several drawing
template files:
     For imperial drawings that assume your units are inches, use dwt or acadlt.dwt.
     For metric units that assume your units are millimeters, use dwt or acadltiso.dwt.
 
The “Tutorial” template files in the list are examples of the architectural or mechanical design
templates using both imperial (i) and metric (m) measurements. You might want to experiment with
them.
Most companies use drawing template files that conform to company standards, and they will often
use different drawing template files depending on the project or client.

 
Create Your Own Drawing Template File
You can save any drawing (.dwg) file as a drawing template (.dwt) file. You can also open any
existing drawing template file, modify it, and then save it again with a different filename if needed.
If you work independently, you can develop your drawing template files to suit your working
preferences, adding settings for additional features as you become familiar with them.
To modify an existing drawing template file, click Open, specify Drawing Template (*.dwt) in the
Select File dialog box, and choose the template file.

Important: If your company has already established a set of drawing template files, check with your
CAD manager before modifying any of them.
 
Units
When you first start a drawing, you need to decide what the length of one unit represents—an inch, a
foot, a centimeter, a kilometer, or some other unit of length. For example, the objects below could
represent two buildings that are each 125 feet long, or they could represent a section from a
mechanical part that is measured in millimeters.

Unit Display Settings

After you decide what unit of length that you want to use, the UNITS command lets you control
several unit display settings including the following:
Format (or Type): For example, a decimal length of 6.5 can be set to display as a fractional length of
6-1/2 instead.
Precision: For example, a decimal length of 6.5 can be set to display as 6.50, 6.500, or 6.5000.
If you plan to work in feet and inches, use the UNITS command to set the unit type to Architectural,
and then when you create objects, specify their lengths in inches. If you plan to use metric units,
leave the unit type set to Decimal. Changing the unit format and precision does not affect the internal
precision of your drawing, it affects only how lengths, angles, and coordinates are displayed in the
user interface.
Tip: If you need to change the UNITS settings, make sure that you save the drawing as a drawing
template file (.dwt). Otherwise, you will need to change the UNITS settings for each new drawing.
 

VIEWING

Zoom in on a drawing to better control the order of overlapping objects.

The easiest way to change your view is by using the mouse wheel.
     Zoom in or out by rolling the wheel.
     Pan a view in any direction by holding the wheel down while moving your mouse.
     Zoom in on a specific area for greater detail holding your mouse over the area and
clicking the wheel twice.
 
Tip: When you zoom in or out, the location of the cursor is important. Think of your cursor as a
magnifying glass. For example, if you position the cursor in the upper-right area of the floor plan as
shown below, zooming in magnifies the dressing room without shifting the view.
 
NOTE: If you cannot zoom or pan any more, type REGEN in the Command window and press Enter.
This command regenerates the drawing display and resets the extents available for panning and
zooming.
Overlapping Objects
If you create objects that overlap, you might need to change which objects are displayed on top or in
front of the others. For example, if you want the yellow highway to cross the blue river rather than the
other way around, use the DRAWORDER command to reorder the objects.

You can access several draw order options from the Modify panel on the ribbon. Click to expand the
Modify panel, and then click the down-arrow as shown below.

  The draw order options that are listed include sending all hatches to the back, all text to the front,
and so on.
 

GEOMETRY
Create basic geometric objects such as lines, circles, and hatched areas.  You can create many
different types of geometric objects in AutoCAD, but you only need to know a few of them for most 2D
drawings.
NOTE: If you want to simplify the display while creating geometric objects, press F12 to turn off
dynamic input.
 
Lines
The line is the most basic and common object in AutoCAD drawings. To draw a line, click the Line
tool. Alternatively, you can type LINE or just L in the Command window, and then press Enter or the
Spacebar.
Notice the prompt in the Command window for a point location.

To specify the starting point for this line, you would type in the coordinates 0,0. It is a good idea to
locate one corner of your model at 0,0, which is called the origin point. To locate additional points,
you could specify additional X,Y coordinate locations in the drawing area, however more efficient
methods for specifying points are available, and will be presented in the Precision topic.

 
After you specify the next point, the LINE command automatically repeats itself, and it keeps
prompting you for additional points. Press Enter or the Spacebar to end the sequence.
The User Coordinate System
The user coordinate system (UCS) icon indicates the direction of the positive X and Y axis for any
coordinates that you enter, and it also defines the horizontal and vertical directions in a drawing. In
some 2D drawings, it can be convenient to click, drag, and rotate the UCS to change the origin point,
and the horizontal and vertical directions.

Grid Display
Some people like working with grid lines as a reference, while others prefer working in a blank area.
To turn off the grid display, press F7. Even with the grid turned off, you can force your cursor to snap
to grid increments by pressing F9.
 
Lines as Construction Aids
Lines can serve as reference and construction geometry such as:
     Property line setbacks
     The mirror line of a symmetrical mechanical part
     Clearance lines to avoid interferences
     Traversal path lines
 
Circles
The default option of the CIRCLE command requires you to specify a center point and a radius.

The other circle options are available from the drop-down:

 
Alternatively, you can also enter CIRCLE or just C in the Command window and click to choose an
option. If you do, you can specify a center point, or you can click one of the highlighted command
options as shown below.

Circles can be useful as reference geometry. For example, you can see that the two doors in the
illustration can interfere with each other.
Polylines and Rectangles
A polyline is a connected sequence of line or arc segments that is created as a single object.

 Use the PLINE command to create open or closed polylines for:

    Geometry that requires fixed-width segments
    Continuous paths for which you need to know the total length
    Contour lines for topographic maps and isobaric data
    Wiring diagrams and traces on printed circuit boards
     Process and piping diagrams

 
Polylines can have a constant width, or they can have different starting and ending widths. After you
specify the first point of the polyline, you can use the Width option to specify the width of all
subsequently created segments. You can change the width value at any time, even as you create
new segments.

Rectangles
Polylines can have different starting and ending widths for each segment as shown here:

A fast way to create closed rectangular polylines is to use the RECTANG command (enter REC in the
Command window).

 Simply click two diagonal points for the rectangle as illustrated. If you use this method, turn on grid
snap (F9) for precision.
Hatches and Fills
In AutoCAD, a hatch is a single, compound object that covers a specified area with a pattern of lines,
dots, shapes, a solid fill color, or a gradient fill.

 When you start the HATCH command, the ribbon temporarily displays the Hatch Creation tab. On
this tab, you can choose from over 70 industry-standard imperial and ISO hatch patterns along with
many specialized options.
 The simplest procedure is to choose a hatch pattern and scale from the ribbon and click within any
area that is completely enclosed by objects. You must specify the scale factor for the hatch to control
its size and spacing.

 
After you create a hatch, you can move the bounding objects to adjust the hatch area, or you can
delete one or more of the bounding objects to create partially bounded hatches:
 

Tip: If you set a solid or gradient fill hatch pattern, also consider setting a transparency level on the
Hatch Creation tab for interesting overlap effects.

Tip: If you need to align the pattern in a hatch, which might be the case with the decking boards
above, use the Set Origin option to specify an alignment point.
 

PRECISION
Ensure the precision required for your models.
There are several precision features available, including:
     Polar tracking: Snap to the closest preset angle and specify a distance along that angle.
     Locking angles: Lock to a single, specified angle and specify a distance along that angle.
    Object snaps: Snap to precise locations on existing objects, such as an endpoint of a
polyline, the midpoint of a line, or the center point of a circle.
     Grid snaps: Snap to increments on a rectangular grid.
     Coordinate entry: Specify a location by its Cartesian or polar coordinates, either absolute
or relative.
 
The three most used features are polar tracking, locking angles, and object snaps.
 Polar Tracking
When you need to specify a point, such as when you create a line, you can use polar tracking to
guide the movement of your cursor in certain directions.
For example, after you specify the first point of the line below, move your cursor to the right, and then
enter a distance in the Command window to specify a precise horizontal length for the line.
 
By default, polar tracking is turned on and guides your cursor in a horizontal or vertical direction (0 or
90 degrees).
 
Locking Angles
If you need to draw a line at a specified angle, you can lock the angle for the next point. For example,
if the second point of a line needs to be created at a 45-degree angle, you would enter ‘<45’ in the
Command window.

 
After you move your cursor in the desired direction along the 45-degree angle, you can enter the
length of the line.

Object Snaps
By far, the most important way for you to specify precise locations on objects is to use object snaps.
In the following illustration, several different kinds of object snaps are represented by markers.

Object snaps become available during a command whenever AutoCAD prompts you to specify a
point. For example, if you start a new line and move your cursor near the endpoint of an existing line,
the cursor will automatically snap to it.
Default Object Snaps
Enter the OSNAP command to set the default object snaps, which are also called “running” object
snaps. For example, you might find it useful to turn on the Midpoint object snap by default.
Recommendations
At any prompt for a point, you can specify a single object snap that overrides all other object snap
settings. Hold down Shift, right-click in the drawing area, and choose an object snap from the Object
Snap menu. Then move the cursor to select a location on an object.
 
Make sure that you zoom in close enough to avoid mistakes. In a densely populated model, snapping
to the wrong object will result in an error that can propagate throughout your model.
 
Object Snap Tracking
During a command, you can align points both horizontally and vertically from object snap locations. In
the following illustration, you first hover over endpoint 1 and then hover over endpoint 2. When you
move your cursor near location 3, the cursor locks into the horizontal and vertical location shown.

 
You can now finish creating the line, circle, or other object that you were creating from that location.
 
Verify Your Work
Recheck your geometry to catch mistakes early. Enter the DIST command (or just DI) to measure the
distance between any two points in your model.
For example, you might need to find the clearance between two points shown, which might represent
the corner of a wall and a small table, or perhaps a 2D section of a plastic part and a wire.
After you enter DIST, click the endpoint on the corner (1). Next, hold down Shift as you right-click,
and then choose Perpendicular from the object snap menu. Finally, click the circle (2).
The number of decimal places and unit style displayed in the result is controlled by
the UNITS command.

Function Key Reference

All keyboard function keys have assignments in AutoCAD. The ones that are most turned on and off
are indicated with a key.
NOTE: F8 and F10 are mutually exclusive turning either one on will turn the other one off. 

Key Feature Description

F1 (key) Help Display Help for the active tooltip, command palette,
or dialog box.
F2 Expanded History Display expanded command history in the Command
Window.
F3 Object Snap Turns object snap on and off.
F4 3D Object Snap Turns on additional object snaps for 3D elements.
F5 Isoplane Cycles through 2-1/2D isoplane settings.
F6 Dynamic UCS Turns on UCS alignment with planar surfaces.
F7 Grid Display Turns the grid display on and off.
F8 (key) Ortho Locks cursor movement to horizontal or vertical.
F9 Grid Snap Restricts cursor movement to specified grid intervals.

F10 (key) Polar Tracking Guides cursor movement to specified angles.

F11 Object Snap Tracking Tracks the cursor horizontally or vertically from
object snap locations.
F12 (key) Dynamic Input Displays distances and angles near the cursor and
accepts input as you use Tab between the fields.

BASIC DATA ENTRY

1. CARTESIAN COORDINATE SYSTEM
A Cartesian coordinate system has three axes, X, Y, and Z. When you enter coordinate values,
you indicate a point's distance and its direction (+ or -) along the X, Y, and Z axes relative to the
coordinate system origin (0,0,0).
     Absolute Cartesian coordinate
Type the X and Y coordinates to locate the
point on the current coordinate system relative to the origin.
Example: 7,3
     Relative Cartesian coordinate).
Type the X and Y coordinates relative to the last point.
Example: @7,3
 

2. POLAR COORDINATES
Polar coordinates use a distance and an angle to locate a point. With both Cartesian and polar
coordinates, you can enter absolute coordinates based on the origin (0,0) or relative coordinates
based on the last point specified.
 Absolute Polar Coordinate
Example: 6<45
 Relative Polar Coordinate
Type a distance and angle relative to the last point.
 Example: @6<45

 
  
3. DIRECT DISTANCE
Specifying a point is by moving the cursor to indicate a direction, and then entering a distance.

WEEK 4

GUIDE TO AUTOCAD BASICS: Layers. Properties, Modifying, and Blocks

GUIDE TO AUTOCAD BASICS
In this section, you will find a comprehensive technical AutoCAD tutorial which includes all the basic
commands you will need when creating 2D drawings with AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT.
BASICS
This section reviews the basic AutoCAD controls.
 
VIEWING
Pan and zoom in a drawing and control the order of overlapping objects.
 
GEOMETRY
Create basic geometric objects such as lines, circles, and hatched areas.
 
PRECISION
Ensure the precision required for your models.
 
LAYERS
Organize your drawing by assigning objects to layers.
 
PROPERTIES
You can assign properties such as color and line type to individual objects, or as default
properties assigned to layers.
 
MODIFYING
Perform editing operations such as erase, move, and trim on the objects in a drawing.
 
BLOCKS
Insert symbols and details into your drawings from commercial online sources or from your own
designs.
 
LAYOUTS
Display one or more scaled views of your design on a standard size drawing sheet called a
layout.
  
NOTES AND LABELS
Create notes, labels, bubbles, and callouts. Save and restore style settings by name.
 
DIMENSIONS
Create several types of dimensions and save dimension settings by name.
 
PRINTING
Output a drawing layout to a printer, a plotter, or a file. Save and restore the printer settings for
each layout.
 

LAYERS
Organize your drawing by assigning objects to layers. When a drawing becomes visually complex,
you can hide objects that you currently do not need to see.
In the drawing below, the structural framing was temporarily hidden by hiding their layers.
You gain this level of control by organizing the objects in your drawing on layers that are associated
with a specific function or purpose. It might be helpful to think of layers as clear plastic sheets:
With layers, you can:
     Associate objects by their function or location
     Display or hide all objects related to a single operation
     Enforce line type, color, and other property standards for each layer
 
Important:
Resist the temptation to create everything on one layer. Layers are the most important organizing
feature available in AutoCAD drawings.
Layer Controls

To see how a drawing is organized, use the LAYER command to open the Layer Properties
Manager. You can either enter LAYER or LA in the Command window, or you can click the Layer
Properties tool on the ribbon.
Here is what the Layer Properties Manager displays for this drawing.
 
As indicated, layer 10 WALLS is the current layer. All new objects are automatically placed on that
layer. In the list of layers, the green check next to layer 10 WALLS indicates that it is the current layer.
In the column labeled On, notice that the light bulb icons for two layers are dark. This indicates that
these layers were turned off to hide the doors and electrical wiring in the floor plan.
 
Notice that each layer name starts with a two-digit number. This convention makes it easy to control
the order of the layers because their order does not depend on the alphabet.
 
Tip: For complex drawings, you might want to consider a more elaborate layer naming standard. For
example, layer names could begin with 3 digits followed by a naming code that accommodates
multiple floors in a building, project numbers, sets of survey and property data, and so on.
 
Practical Recommendations
      Layer 0 is the default layer that exists in all drawings and has some esoteric properties. Instead of
using this layer, it is best to create your own layers with meaningful names.
     Any drawing that contains at least one dimension object automatically includes a reserved layer
named Defpoints.
    Create a layer for behind-the-scenes construction geometry, reference geometry, and notes that you
usually do not need to see or print.
      Create a layer for layout viewports. Information about layout viewports is covered in the Layouts
topic.
      Create a layer for all hatches and fills. This lets you to turn them all on or off in one action.
Layer Settings
COMMONLY USER LAYER SETTINGS
Turn Off Layers: this will help reduce the visual complexity of your drawing while you work.

Freeze Layers: Freeze layers that you do not need to access for a while. Freezing layers is similar to
turning them off but improves performance in very large drawings.

Lock Layers: Locking layers prevents accidental changes to the objects on those layers. Also, the
objects on locked layers. Also, the objects on locked layers appear faded, which helps reduce the
visual complexity of your drawing.
Set Default Properties: You can set the default properties for each layer, including color, linetype, line
weight, and transparency. New objects that you create will use these properties unless you override
them. Overriding layer properties is explained later in this topic.

The following are the most used layer settings in the Layer Properties Manager. Click the icon to turn
the setting on and off.
 
Controls in the Layer Properties Manager
To create a new layer, click the button shown and enter the name of the new layer. To make a
different layer the current one, click the layer and then click the indicated button.

Quick Access to Layer Settings

The Layer Properties Manager takes up a lot of space, and you may not always need to access all
the options. For quick access to the most common layer controls, use the controls on the ribbon.
When no objects are selected, the Layers panel on the Home tab displays the name of the current
layer as shown here.

Occasionally, check to make sure that the objects you create will be on the correct layer. It’s easy to
forget to do this, but it’s also easy to set. Click the drop-down arrow to display a list of layers, and
then click a layer on the list to make it the current layer. You can also click on any layer setting icon in
the list to change its setting.

Maintain Your Standards

It is important to either establish or conform to a company-wide layer standard. With a layer standard,
drawing organization will be more logical, consistent, compatible, and maintainable over time and
across departments. Layer standards are essential for team projects.
If you create a standard set of layers and save them in a drawing template file, those layers will be
available when you start a new drawing, and you can start working immediately. Additional
information about drawing template files is presented in the Basics topic.
 
NOTE: Some experienced AutoCAD users set properties only with layers, while others set properties
independently of layers or in combination with layers. Assigning properties to objects is covered in
the Properties topic.
 
Summary
Layers organize your drawing, enabling you to temporarily hide unneeded graphical data. You can
also assign default properties such as color and linetype to each layer.

PROPERTIES
You can assign properties such as color and linetype to individual objects, or as default properties
assigned to layers.
 
The Properties Palette
The Properties palette is an essential tool. You can open it with the PROPERTIES command (enter
PR in the Command window), you can press Ctrl + 1, or you can click the tiny arrow in the Properties
panel on the Home tab—whichever you prefer.

The Properties palette displays a list of all the important property settings. You can click any of the
available fields to change the current settings. In the following example, if no objects are selected, the
current color will be changed from ByLayer to Red and the UCS icon will be turned off.

 
 
Verify and Change Object Properties
You can use the Properties palette to verify and change property settings for selected objects. If you
click an object in your drawing to select it, here is what you might see in the Properties palette.
Notice that the current properties for the selected object are displayed in the palette. You can change
any of these properties by clicking and changing the setting.
 
A property that is set to “ByLayer” inherits its setting from the layer. In the previous example, the
objects that were created on the 20 ELECTRICAL layer are purple because that is the default color of
the objects on that layer.
 
If you select several objects, only their common properties are listed in the Properties palette. If you
change one of these properties, all the selected objects will change in one operation. Selecting
objects is covered in more detail in the Modifying topic.
 
NOTE: To clear the current selection, press Esc.
Quick Access to Property Settings
The Properties palette can take up a lot of space. For quick access to the most common properties,
use the Properties panel. As you can see in this example, the listed properties will all be determined
by the current layer.

The Properties panel works the same way as the Properties palette. When you select an object, the
current property settings are replaced by the properties assigned to the selected object, and you can
use this panel to easily change the properties of one or more selected objects.
 
Match the Properties of Objects
For a fast way to copy the properties of a selected object to other objects, use the Match Properties
tool, or enter MATCHPROP or MA in the Command window.
 
Select the source object, and  then select all the objects that you want to modify.

LINETYPES
Dashed and other non-continuous linetypes are assigned from the Properties panel. You must first
load a linetype before you can assign it.
In the Linetype drop-down list, click Other.
This action displays the Linetype Manager dialog box.
Perform the following steps in order:

1.    Click Load. Choose one or more linetypes that you want to use. Notice that dashed (non-
continuous) linetypes come in several preset sizes.
2.      Click Show/Hide details to display additional settings.
3.     Specify a different “global scale factor” for all linetypes—the larger the value, the longer the
dashes and spaces. Click OK.
4.    Once you’ve loaded the linetypes that you plan to use, you can select any object and specify a
linetype from the Properties panel or the Properties palette. Alternatively, you can specify a
default linetype for any layer in the Layer Properties Manager.
LINEWEIGHTS
The Lineweight property provides a way to display different thicknesses for selected objects. The
thickness of the lines remains constant regardless of the scale of the view. In a layout, lineweights are
always displayed and printed in real-world units. Lineweights can also be assigned from the
Properties panel.

You can leave the lineweight set to ByLayer, or you can specify a value that overrides the layer’s
lineweight. In some cases, the lineweight previews look the same because they are displayed in
approximated pixel widths on a monitor. However, they will print at the correct thickness.
To control the display of lineweights, click the Lineweight Settings button at the bottom of the
lineweight list. In the Lineweight Settings dialog box, you can choose whether you want to display or
hide lineweights.
Regardless of the display setting, lineweights will always be printed at the correct scale.
Tip: It is usually best to leave lineweights turned off while you work. Heavy lineweights can obscure
nearby objects when you use object snaps. You might want to turn them on for checking purposes
just before you print.
 

MODIFYING
Perform editing operations such as erase, move, and trim on the objects in a drawing.
The most common modifying tools are located on the Modify panel of the Home tab. Take a minute to
look through them.

Erase
To erase an object, use the ERASE command. You can enter E in the Command window, or click the
Erase tool. When you see the cursor change to a square pickbox, click each object that you want to
erase, and then press Enter or the Spacebar.
NOTE: Alternatively, before you enter any command, you can select several objects and then press
the Delete key. Experienced users often use this method as well.
 
Select Multiple Objects
Sometimes you may need to select many objects. Instead of selecting each object individually, you
can select the objects in an area by clicking an empty location (1), moving your cursor right or left,
and then clicking a second time (2).
     With a crossing selection, any objects within or touching the green area are selected.
     With a window selection, only the objects completely contained within the blue area are selected.
The result is called the selection set, which is the set of objects that will be processed by a command.
Tip: You can easily remove objects from the selection set. For example, if you select 42 objects, and
two of them should not have been selected, hold down Shift and then select the two that you want to
remove. Then, press Enter or the Spacebar, or right click to end the selection process.
NOTE: Clicking and dragging results in a different selection method called lasso selection.
 
Move and Copy
Here is how you would use the COPY command to lay out a row of decorative tiles. Starting with a
polyline that represents its shape, you need to make copies that are 1/8” apart.
 
Click the Copy tool or enter CP in the Command window to start the command. From here, you can
choose between two methods, depending on which is more convenient. You will use these two
methods frequently.

The Distance Method

The second tile needs to be a total of 9-7/8” + 1/8” = 10” to the right of the original tile. Start by
selecting the tile, pressing Enter or the Spacebar to end your selection, and clicking anywhere in the
drawing area (1). This point does not have to be located on the tile.
 
Next, move your cursor to the right, relying on the polar tracking angle to keep the direction
horizontal, and then enter 10 for the distance. Press Enter or the Spacebar a second time to end the
command.
The specified distance and a direction from a point (1) is applied to the tile that you selected.

 
The Two Points Method
Another method, one that you will often use when you don’t want to add numbers together, requires
two steps. Enter the COPY command and select the tile as before, but this time click the two
endpoints as shown. These two points also define a distance and direction.
Next, to add the 1/8” space between the tiles, click the Move tool or enter M in the Command window.
The MOVE command is like the COPY command. Select the newly copied tile, and press Enter or the
Spacebar. As before, click anywhere in the drawing area and move your cursor to the right. Enter 1/8
or .125 for the distance.
 
Tip: The two points that define the distance and direction do not need to be located on the object that
you want to copy. You can use two points specified anywhere in your model.

Create Multiple Copies

You can use the two-point method as a repeating sequence. Let us say that you want to make more
copies of the circle at the same horizontal distance. Enter the COPY command and select the circle
as shown.

Then, using the Center object snap, click the center of circle 1, followed by the center of circle 2, and
so on.

For larger numbers of copies, try experimenting with the Array option of the COPY command. For
example, here is a linear arrangement of deep foundation piles. From a base point, you specify
number of copies and the center-to-center distance.

Offset
Most models include a lot of parallel lines and curves. Creating them is easy and efficient with the
OFFSET command. Click the OFFSET tool or enter O in the Command window.

Select the object (1), specify the offset distance, and click to indicate on which side of the original that
you want the result (2). Here is an example of offsetting a polyline.

Tip: A fast way to create concentric circles is to offset them.

 
Trim and Extend
A popular technique is to use the OFFSET command in combination with the TRIM and EXTEND
commands. In the Command window, you can enter TR for TRIM or EX for EXTEND. Trimming and
extending are some of the most used operations.

In the following illustration, you want to extend the lines that represent the steps for this deck. Enter
the EXTEND command, select the boundary, and then press Enter or the Spacebar.
 
Pressing Enter or the Spacebar indicates that you’ve finished selecting the boundaries, and that
you’re now ready to select the objects to be extended.

Tip: A faster method is to press Enter or the Spacebar right away instead of selecting any boundary
objects. The result is that all objects are available as possible boundaries.
Next, select the objects to be extended (near the ends to be extended), and then press Enter or the
Spacebar to end the command.

As you can see, the selected lines are extended to the boundary.
The TRIM command follows the same steps, except that when you select the objects to trim, you
select the portions to trim away.
Mirror
The following illustration comes from a tile project. The walls in this residential bathroom are flattened
out to be able to lay out the tile pattern and estimate the number of tiles needed.

You can save a lot of work by taking advantage of the symmetry between the left and right walls. All
you need to do is create the tiles on one wall and then mirror the wall across the center of the room.
 
In the example below, begin the MIRROR command (or enter MI in the Command window), use
window selection (1 and 2) to select the geometry on the right wall, press Enter or the Spacebar, and
then specify a mirror line (3 and 4) corresponding to the centerline of the bathroom.

Finally, decline the option to “Erase source objects” by pressing Enter or the Spacebar.

Tip: Always look for symmetry to save yourself extra work, even if the symmetry is not 100%
identical.
Stretch
You can stretch most geometric objects. This lets you lengthen and shorten parts of your model. For
example, this model might be a gasket or the design for a public park.

Use the STRETCH command (or enter S in the Command window) and select the objects with a
crossing selection as shown below (1 and 2). The crossing selection is mandatory— only the
geometry that is crossed by the crossing selection is stretched. Then click anywhere in the drawing
area (3), move the cursor to the right, and enter 50 as the distance. This distance might represent
millimeters or feet.

To shorten the model by a specified amount, you’d move your cursor to the left instead.
 
Fillet
The FILLET command (enter F in the Command window) creates a rounded corner by creating an arc
that is tangent to two selected objects. Notice that the fillet is created relative to where you select the
objects.
You can create a fillet between most types of geometric objects, including lines, arcs, and polyline
segments.

Tip: If you specify 0 (zero) as the radius of the fillet (imagine a circle shrinking to a radius of 0), the
result trims or extends the selected objects to a sharp corner.
 
Explode
The EXPLODE command (enter X in the Command window) disassociates a compound object into its
component parts. You can explode objects such as polylines, hatches, and blocks (symbols).
After you explode a compound object, you can modify each resulting individual object.
 
Edit Polylines
You can choose from several useful options when you want to modify a polyline. The PEDIT
command (enter PE in the Command window) is located on the drop-down list of the Modify panel.
With this command, you can:
    Join two polylines into a single polyline if they share a common endpoint
    Convert lines and arcs into a polyline—simply enter PEDIT and select the line or arc
    Change the width of a polyline
Tip: In some cases, the easiest method to modify a polyline is to explode it, make the modifications,
and then turn the objects back into a polyline using the Join option of the PEDIT command.
 
Grips
Grips are displayed when you select an object without starting a command.
Grips are often handy for light editing. For example, the line below accidentally snapped to the wrong
endpoint. You can select the misaligned line, click on a grip and then click to specify the correct
location.

By default, when you click a grip, you automatically start in **STRETCH** mode as indicated in the
Command window. If you want to explore other ways of editing objects with grips, press Enter or the
Spacebar to cycle through several other editing modes. Some people perform most editing operations
using grips.
 
Blocks
Insert symbols and details into your drawings from commercial online sources or from your own
designs.
In AutoCAD, a block is a collection of objects that are combined into a single named object. The
following are some sample blocks at various scales.

Some of these blocks are realistic representations of objects, some are symbols, and one of them is
an architectural title block for a D-size drawing.
 
Insert a Block
Typically, each of these blocks is an individual drawing file, perhaps saved in a folder with similar
drawing files. When you need to insert one into your current drawing file, use the INSERT command
(or enter I in the Command window).
The first time you insert the drawing as a block, you must click Browse to locate the drawing file.
Make sure you organize your blocks into easy-to-find folders.
 
Once inserted, the block definition is stored in your current drawing. From then on, you can choose it
from the Name drop-down list without needing to click the Browse button.

Tip: The default settings in the Insert dialog box are usually acceptable. After you choose the block
name, click OK, and then specify its location in your drawing. You can rotate it later, if necessary
 
Notice that when you insert a block, it is attached to your cursor at the point indicated. This location is
called the insertion point. By default, the insertion point is the origin point (0,0) of the original drawing.
After inserting the block, you can select it and a grip appears. You can easily move and rotate this
block using this grip.

In the following example, a drawing file is inserted into the current drawing to provide a standard
detail view.
NOTE: Inserting a drawing file as a block provides a static reference to the specified drawing. For a
reference that automatically updates, you can attach the drawing with the External References palette
(XREF command) instead.
 
Create a Block Definition
Instead of creating a drawing file to be inserted as a block, you might want to create a block definition
directly in your current drawing. Use this method if you do not plan to insert the block into any other
drawing. In that case, use the BLOCK command to create the block definition.

For example, this is how you could create a module for a cubicle design.
1.      Create the objects for the block.
2.      Start the BLOCK command.
3.      Enter a name for the block, in this case Quad-Cube.
4.      Select the objects that you created for the block (click 1 and 2).
5.      Specify the block insertion point.

You can enter the information for steps 3, 4, and 5 into the Block Definition dialog box in any order.
 
After creating the block definition, you can insert, copy, and rotate the block as needed.
Using the EXPLODE command, you can explode a block into its component objects if you need to
make changes. In the illustration below, the cubicle on the right was exploded and modified.
 

In this example, you would probably create a new block definition from the objects in the exploded
block.
 

Recommendations
There are several different schemes for saving and retrieving block definitions.
     You can create an individual drawing file for each block that you intend to use. You save these
drawing files in folders, each of which would contain a family of related drawing files.
     You can include the block definitions for title blocks and common symbols in your drawing template
files to make them available immediately when starting a new drawing.
    You can create several drawing files, which are sometimes called block library drawings. Each of
these drawings contains a family of related block definitions. When you insert a block library drawing
into your current drawing, all the blocks that are defined in that drawing become available.
 
Tip: With online access, you can download AutoCAD drawing files from the web sites of commercial
vendors and suppliers. This can save you time, but always check to make sure that they are drawn
correctly and to scale. Autodesk Seek (http:// seek.autodesk.com/) is a convenient way of accessing
BIM (building information modeling) libraries.
 
NOTE: You can create block definitions that include one or more attributes that store and display
information. The command that you would use is ATTDEF. Typically, attributes include data such as
part number, name, cost, and date. You can export block attribute information to a table or to an
external file.

WEEK 5

GUIDE TO AUTOCAD BASICS: Layouts, Notes and labels, Dimensions, Printing

GUIDE TO AUTOCAD BASICS
In this section, you will find a comprehensive technical AutoCAD tutorial which includes all the basic
commands you will need when creating 2D drawings with AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT.
BASICS
This section reviews the basic AutoCAD controls.
 
VIEWING
Pan and zoom in a drawing and control the order of overlapping objects.
 
GEOMETRY
 Create basic geometric objects such as lines, circles, and hatched areas.
 
PRECISION
Ensure the precision required for your models.
 
LAYERS
Organize your drawing by assigning objects to layers.
 
PROPERTIES
You can assign properties such as color and line type to individual objects, or as default
properties assigned to layers.
 
MODIFYING
Perform editing operations such as erase, move, and trim on the objects in a drawing.
 
BLOCKS
Insert symbols and details into your drawings from commercial online sources or from your own
designs.
 
LAYOUTS
Display one or more scaled views of your design on a standard size drawing sheet called a
layout.
 
NOTES AND LABELS
Create notes, labels, bubbles, and callouts. Save and restore style settings by name.
 
DIMENSIONS
Create several types of dimensions and save dimension settings by name.
 
PRINTING
Output a drawing layout to a printer, a plotter, or a file. Save and restore the printer settings for
each layout.
 
 
 

LAYOUTS
 
Display one or more scaled views of your design on a standard-size drawing sheet called a layout.
 
After you finish creating a model at full size, you can switch to a paper space layout to create scaled
views of the model, and to add notes, labels, and dimensions. You can also specify different linetypes
and line widths for display in paper space.
 
Model Space and Paper Space
As you know, you create the geometry of your model in model space.
 
Originally, this was the only space available in AutoCAD. All notes, labels, dimensions, and the
drawing border and title block were also created and scaled in the model space.
 
After paper space was introduced, you could click a layout tab to access a space designed
specifically for layouts and scaling. In the following illustration, paper space is active. There are
currently only two objects in paper space: a drawing border block, and a single layout viewport, which
displays a view of model space.
 
Working with layout viewports is described in more detail later in this topic.
 
Four Methods for Scaling
There are four different methods in AutoCAD that are used to scale views, notes, labels, and
dimensions. Each method has its advantages depending on how the drawing will be used. Here’s a
brief summary of each of the methods:
 ORIGINAL METHOD: You create geometry, annotate, and print from model space. Dimensions, notes,
and labels must all be scaled in reverse. You set the dimension scale to the inverse of the plot scale.
With this method, scaling requires a little math. For example, a common scale used in architecture is
1/4” = 1’-0” which is 1:48 scale. If a note is to be printed 1/4” high, then it must be created 48 times as
large, or 12” high in model space. The same scale factor also applies to dimensions, and an ARCH D
drawing border at that scale is 144 feet long. When the drawing is printed as a D-size sheet, everything
scales down to the correct size.
 
NOTE: Many AutoCAD drawings were created with this method, and many companies still use
it. Once everything is set up, the method works well for 2D drawings with single views and
inserted details.
 
 LAYOUT METHOD: You create geometry and annotate in model space, and print from the layout. Set
the dimension scale to 0 and the dimensions will scale automatically.
 ANNOTATIVE METHOD: You create geometry in model space, create annotative dimensions, notes,
and labels (using a special annotative style) in model space from the layout, and you print from the
layout. Annotative objects display only in layout viewports that share the same scale. The dimension
scale is automatically set to 0 and all annotative objects scale automatically.
 TRANS-SPATIAL METHOD: You create geometry in model space, create annotations in paper space
on a layout with dimension scale set to 1, and you print from the layout. This is arguably the easiest,
most direct method, and it is the method of choice for this guide.
 
Talk to other AutoCAD users in your discipline about these four methods and why they chose the
method that they use.
 
Specifying the Paper Size of a Layout
The first thing you should do when you access a layout tab (1) is right click the tab (2) and rename it
(3) to something more specific than Layout 1. For a D-size layout, ARCH D or ANSI D might be good
choices.
 
Next, open the Page Setup Manager (4) to change the paper size displayed in the layout tab.

NOTE: You might be wondering why there are two entries in the list for every sheet size. This is
because some printers and plotters do not recognize the drawing orientation setting.

 
Layout Viewports
A layout viewport is an object that is created in paper space to display a scaled view of model space.
You can think of it as a closed-circuit TV monitor that displays part of model space. In the illustration,
model space is active and accessible from within the current layout viewport.

In a layout, when model space is active, you can pan and zoom, and anything else that you could do
on the Model tab. For example, let’s say that you created a backyard deck design in model space,
and now you want to lay out and print your design from a layout tab.
The view in the layout viewport is not yet set to the correct scale.
 
Important:
You can switch between paper space and model space by double-clicking inside or outside the layout
viewport.
 
NOTE: You can use the MVIEW (make view) command to create additional layout viewports in paper
space. With several layout viewports, you can display several views of model space at the same or at
different scales.
 
Scaling Views and Trans-Spatial Annotation
Here are the steps to follow if you use the trans-spatial method of annotating your drawing:

1. Click the layout tab. If you started the drawing with your own custom drawing template file, several
tasks might already have been completed: the layout might already be set to D-size, and the title block might
already have been inserted in the layout.
2. By default, paper space is active, so double-click within the layout viewport to make the model space
active. Notice that the edge of the layout viewport becomes thicker because of switching to model space.
3. Zoom out and center the model space view by panning. Note that the displayed view will not yet be set
to the correct scale.
4. Double-click outside the layout viewport to make paper space active again.
5. Open the Properties palette and then click to select the edge of the layout viewport.
6. In the Properties palette, specify a standard scale of 1/4” = 1’-0” from the drop-down list. This action
scales your view of model space precisely to the D-size drawing. You should also set the Display Locked
property from No to Yes, which will prevent any unintentional display changes to the view.

NOTE: By default, the dashes and spaces in a non-continuous linetype appear the same length
regardless of the scale of the layout viewport.
 

7. Move the layout viewport as needed, and adjust its edges using grips.
8. Create notes, labels, and dimensions directly in paper space. They will automatically appear at the
correct size.
9. Turn off the layer on which you created the layout viewport object. This hides the edges of the layout
viewport as shown below.
10. Print the drawing to paper or as a DWF or PDF file.
 
NOTE: After you have finished dimensioning, you can use the EXPORTLAYOUT command to merge
everything in model and paper space into the model space of a separate drawing file. This operation
creates a drawing file that conforms to the original method of creating the model and all annotations
in model space.
 

NOTES AND LABELS

Create notes, labels, bubbles, and callouts. Save and restore style settings by name.

You can create general notes using the MTEXT command (or enter MT in the Command window),
which stands for multiline text. The multiline text tool is available on the Annotation panel.
After you start the MTEXT command, you are prompted to create a “text box” with two diagonal
clicks.

The exact size of the text box is not that important. After you specify the text box, the In-Place Editor
is displayed and you can easily change the length and width of the note before, during, or after typing
the text.

All the usual controls are available in the In-Place Editor, including tabs, indents, and columns. Also
notice that when you start the MTEXT command, the ribbon temporarily changes, displaying many
options such as text styles, columns, spell checking, and so on.
 To exit the text editor after you finish entering the text, click anywhere outside it.
 To edit a note, simply double-click it to open the text editor.

Tip: You can use the Properties palette to control the text style used for one or more selected
multiline text objects. For example, after selecting five notes that use different styles, click the Style
column, and choose a style from the list.
 
Create a Text Style
As with several other annotation features, multiline text provides a lot of settings. You can save these
settings as a text style using the STYLE command, and then you can access the text styles you have
saved by clicking the drop-down arrow on the Annotation panel. The current text style is displayed at
the top of the drop-down list.

To create a new text style, click the Text Style control as shown.

When you create a new text style, you will give it a name and then choose a font and a font style. The
order in which you click the buttons is shown below:
 
Tip: Save any new or changed text styles in your drawing template files. This will save you time by
making them available in all new drawings.
 
Multileaders
Multileader objects are used to create text with leader lines such as general labels, reference labels,
bubbles, and callouts.

 
Create a Multileader
To create a multileader, use the MLEADER command. Click the Multileader tool in the Annotation
panel or enter MLD in the Command window. Follow the prompts and options in the Command
window. Feel free to experiment.
After you create a multileader, select it and then modify it by clicking and moving its grips.

Grip menus appear when you hover over arrowhead and leader grips. From these menus, you can
add leader segments or additional leaders.
 
You can edit the text in a multileader by double-clicking it.
 
Create a Multileader Style
You can create your own multileader styles from the drop-down list in the expanded Annotation panel,
or by entering MLEADERSTYLE in the Command window.

For example, to create a “detail callout” style, start the MLEADERSTYLE command. In the
Multileader Styles Manager, click New and choose a descriptive name for the new multileader style.
Click the Content tab, choose Block, and then Detail Callout as shown.
 
NOTE: As with text styles, once you create one or more multileader styles, save them in your drawing
template files
 
 

DIMENSIONS
Create several types of dimensions and save dimension settings by name.
Here is an example of several types of dimensions using an architectural dimension style with
imperial units.

Linear Dimensions
You can create horizontal, vertical, aligned, and radial dimensions with the DIM command. The type
of dimension depends on the object that you select and the direction that you drag the dimension line.

The following illustration demonstrates one method for using the DIM command. Once you start the
command, press Enter or the Spacebar, select the line (1), and then click the location of the
dimension line (2).

For the 8’-0” dimension below, you use another method. You start the DIM command, click two
endpoints (1 and 2) and then the location of the dimension line (3). To line up the dimension lines
point 3 was snapped to the endpoint of the previously created dimension line.
Use the DIM command to create dimensions that are parallel to an object by dragging the dimension
line at an angle rather than horizontally or vertically.

Tip:
 If points 1 and 2 are not on the same horizontal line, press Shift to force the dimension line to be
horizontal. In addition, if the building or part being dimensioned is at an angle, enter DIMROTATED for
that case.
 Because it is easy to accidentally snap to the wrong feature or part of a dimension object, be sure to
zoom in closely enough to avoid mistakes.
 
Modify Dimensions
For simple adjustments to dimensions, nothing is faster than using grips.

In this example, you select the dimension to display its grips. Next, click the grip on the dimension
text and drag it to a new location, or click one of the grips at the end of the dimension line and drag
the dimension line.
 
Tip: If the changes are more complicated than this, it might be faster simply to delete and then
recreate the dimension.
 
Dimension Styles
Dimension styles help establish and enforce drafting standards. There are many dimension variables
that can be set with the DIMSTYLE command to control virtually every nuance of the appearance and
behavior of dimensions. All these settings are stored in each dimension style.
The default dimension style is named either Standard (imperial) or ISO-25 (metric). It is assigned to
all dimensions until another style is set as the current dimension style.
The current dimension style name, Hitchhiker in this case, is displayed in the drop-down list of the
Annotation panel.

To open the Dimension Style Manager, click the indicated button. You can create dimension styles
that match nearly any standard, but you will need to invest time into specifying them completely. For
this reason, you should save any dimension styles that you create in one or more drawing template
files.
 
Recommendations
 When you save a dimension style, choose a descriptive name.
 If applicable, check with your CAD manager regarding existing dimension style standards and drawing
template files.
 
Printing
Output a drawing layout to a printer, a plotter, or a file. Save and restore the printer settings for each
layout.
Originally, people printed text from printers and plotted drawings from plotters. Now, you can perform
both with either device, so this guide will use the terms ‘print’ and ‘plot’ interchangeably.
The command to output a drawing is PLOT and you can access it from the Quick Access toolbar.

To display all the options in the Plot dialog box, click the More Options button.
As you can see, there are many settings and options available.

For the sake of convenience, you can save and restore collections of these settings by name. These
are called page setups. With page setups you can store the settings that you need for different
printers, printing in grayscale, creating a PDF file from your drawing, and so on.
 
Create a Page Setup
 
To open the Page Setup Manager, right-click on the Model tab or a layout tab and choose Page
Setup Manager. The command is PAGESETUP.

Each layout tab in your drawing can have an associated page setup. This is convenient when you use
more than one output device or format, or if you have several layouts with different sheet sizes in the
same drawing.
To create a new page setup, click New and enter the name of the new page setup. The Page Setup
dialog box that displays next looks like the Plot dialog box. Choose all the options and settings that
you wish to save.
When you are ready to plot, simply specify the name of the page setup in the Plot dialog box, and all
your plot settings will be restored. In the following illustration, the Plot dialog box is set to use the
Hitchhiker page setup, which will output a DWF (Design Web Format) file rather than print to a plotter.
 
Tip: You can save page setups in your drawing template files, or you can import them from other
drawing files.
 
Output to a PDF File
The following example shows you how to create a page setup for creating PDF files.
From the Printer/plotter drop-down list, choose AutoCAD PDF (General Documentation).pc3:

Next, choose the size and scale options that you want to use:
 Paper Size: The orientation (portrait or landscape) is built into the choices in the drop-down list.
 Plot Area: You can clip the area to be plotted with these options, but typically everything will be plotted.
 Plot Offset: This setting changes based on your printer, plotter, or other output. Try centering the plot or
adjusting the origin, but remember that printers and plotters have a built-in margin around the edges.
 Plot Scale: Choose your plot scale from the drop-down list. A scale such as 1/4” = 1’-0” is meant for
printing to scale from the Model tab. On a layout tab, you normally print at a 1:1 scale.
The plot style table provides information about processing colors. Colors that look good on your
monitor might not be suitable for a PDF file or for printing. For example, you might want to create a
drawing in color, but create monochrome output. Here is how you specify monochrome output:
Tip: Always double-check your settings with the Preview option.

The resulting Preview window includes a toolbar with several controls, including Plot and Exit.
 
After you are satisfied with your plot settings, save them to a page setup with a descriptive name
such as “PDF-monochrome.” Then, whenever you want to output to a PDF file, all you need to do is
click Print, choose the PDF-monochrome page setup, and click OK.
 
Recommendations
 If you want to share a static image of your drawing, you can output a PDF file from a drawing file.
 If you want to include additional data from your drawing, use DWF (Design Web Format) files instead.
 If you want to review an AutoCAD drawing file with a person in a different location, consider using
Autodesk A360 and the AutoCAD 360 web and mobile applications, which you can access from the
Autodesk website.

QUIZ 1

 CO and CP can be both used to activate the command COPY

Response: False
Score: 0 out of 1 No

Item 2
 In the recent documents, you can place a document at the top of the list by “Right Clicking” the
document and set “Pin on top”
Response: False
Score: 1 out of 1 Yes
Item 3
 The difference between the original version of Autocad from Autocad LT is that the latter has no 3D
option.
Response: True
Score: 1 out of 1 Yes

Item 4
 The learn page contains video resources, tips, and other content that can serve as learning
resources to the users. These are free and can be accessed offline.
Response: False
Score: 1 out of 1 Yes

Item 5
 The “enter” key can be used to activate a command.
Response: False
Score: 0 out of 1 No

Item 6
 Aside from the stored templates available in Autocad, the application also allows you to create your
own drawing template base on your preferences.
Response: True
Score: 1 out of 1 Yes

Item 7
 You can override the LINEWEIGHT of a LAYER by assigning/specifying the lineweight of an object
from the PROPERTIES panel
Response: True
Score: 1 out of 1 Yes

Item 8
 In using the command MIRROR, the source object is retained by default after specifying the points of
mirror line.
Response: False
Score: 0 out of 1 No

Item 9
 By using the GREEN selection, everything that is touched by the selection box is included in the
selection set
Response: True
Score: 1 out of 1 Yes

Item 10
 The default units of the template acad.dwt is set to metric.
Response: True
Score: 0 out of 1 

AUTOCAD ONLINE DISCUSSION 1

https://youtu.be/m9qxj7muIzs

USER COORDINATES SYSTEM

https://youtu.be/TVhTOKLWmrg

CREATING TEXT
https://youtu.be/CfT22DtCVVs
LAYERS
https://youtu.be/gvsY8y1kGK0