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System requirements for Windows:

|Operating System| Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit)

|CPU Type| 64-bit: 2.5-2.9GHz processor

|Memory| 64-bit: 8-16GB

Click here to download the free trial

 START TAB

1. START TAB
Provides easy access to a
variety of start up actions

2. GET STARTED
1. Quick access to open files or
Templates from the drop
down menu

2. 3. 4. 3. RECENT DOCUMENTS
View the most recently
opened files

4. NOTIFICATIONS
Displays all notifications with
regards to product updates,
5. new features etc.

5. CONNECT
* * Sign in to A360 to access the
online services or send
feedback

6. LEARN AREA
Provides access to learning
resources such as videos,
tips, etc.

* Templates (.dwt)
New drawings start from
either a default drawing
template file or a custom
template file that you create.
It specifies the styles,
6. settings and layouts in a
drawing, including title
blocks.

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 INTERFACE

1 2. 4. 3. 1. APPLICATION MENU
The application menu
contains commands that are
relevant for the drawing as a
whole.
5.
6. 2. QUICK ACCESS TOOL BAR
8. Displays frequently used tools
7. like open, save, undo or plot

3. INFOCENTRE
Search for info, sign in to
your account, buy apps or get
help

4. TABS
Organizes the ribbons

5. RIBBON
Organizes commands and
9. tools into panels

6. PANEL
Contains commands and tools

7. VIEWPORT CONTROLS
Select a variety of views

8. DRAWING FILE TAB

Every open drawing is tabbed

9. DRAWING AREA
Create and modify objects
here to represent your design

*Hovering over tools displays

Tooltips, resting the cursor over
Tooltips displays further info*

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 INTERFACE

10. VIEW CUBE

Allows you to rotate the view
of your drawing

11. NAVIGATION BAR

Allows you to pan, rotate
zoom and orbit the drawing

12. CROSS-HAIR
Cross hair or cursor indicator
10. 13. ORIGIN / UCS
Display X & Y axis

14. LAYOUT AREA

Contains Model Space to
11. draw and Paper Space to Plot

15. COMMAND LINE

Accepts commands & system
variable inputs that displays
prompts to guide you
through the command
12. sequence

16. STATUS BAR

Contains common drafting
aids, annotation scaling and
work customization tools

* OPTIONS(OP)
Located in the Application
menu and contains a series of
13. options where the User can
15. fully customize and optimize
14. the software

16.

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 INTERFACE

OPEN AND SAVE DRAWING

1. Open template file 'acadiso.dwt'
2. Save drawing as 'AutoCAD_Day 01' to desktop or personal folder
Named drawing Tabs with an (*) at the end have been updated and require saving.

KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS / HOTKEYS & COMMANDS

HOTKEYS are shortcuts to AutoCAD Commands
Below you will find an abbreviated list of common commands that can be used
https://www.autodesk.com/shortcuts/autocad

MOUSE CONTROLS
1. Select objects - Left click
2. Shortcut menu - Right click
3. Pan - Hold scroll-wheel down and drag
4. Zoom - Use the scroll-wheel, double click wheel to zoom extents

WINDOWS HOTKEYS
1. Ctrl + X = Cut 5. Ctrl + Y = Redo last action
2. Ctrl + C = Copy 6. Ctrl + Shift + C = Copy with base point
3. Ctrl + V = Paste 7. Ctrl + Shift + V = Paste as a block
4. Ctrl + Z = Undo last action 8. Ctrl + Shift = Toggle between drawings

NAVIGATE DRAWING/MODEL
1. PAN(P) and ZOOM(Z) with the mouse
2. Navigate by using the tools in navigation bar and command line

ACTIVATION / DE-ACTIVATION OF TOOLS

1. Select tool > use tool > tool will be active until you press ENTER or ESC to complete tool
2. Click ENTER / SPACE BAR to re-activate tool and de-activate once previously selected
3. Finished a Command by clicking ESC

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 INTERFACE

OBJECT SELECTION
Window selection
Only selects objects once inside the window selection
>Click once from the top left corner then move the cursor and click again at the bottom right corner
Creates a blue window

Crossing selection
Selects any object once it touches the crossing selection
>Click once from the bottom right corner then move the cursor and click again at the top left corner
Creates a green window

Window Polygon(WP)
Using a polygon objects are only selected once inside the window selection
>Click on the screen > select WP > create polygon around object
Creates a blue window

Crossing Polygon(CP)
Using a polygon any object that touches the window selection is selected
>Click on the screen > select CP > create polygon around object
Creates a green window

Lasso
Object selection windows have the same attributes as the window and crossing selection but more
freedom
>Click, hold and drag around objects, starting either from top left for blue window or bottom right
for green window

Deselect object
>Hold down SHIFT key and hover over a selected item, a (-) badge appears to indicate that selecting
the object will remove it from selection.

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 INTERFACE

STATUS BAR
The status bar displays the cursor location by coordinates, 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(F7), SNAP(F9), POLAR TRACKING(F10) and OBJECT SNAP(F3).
You can also access additional settings for some of these tools by clicking their drop down arrows.

*Tool is active when highlight blue

Gridmode
Snapmode, with drop down arrow
Dynamic Input
Model or Orthomode
Paper space Polar Tracking, with drop down arrow
Drawing Isometric Drafting, with drop down arrow
Object Snap Tracking
Coordinates: Object Snap, with drop down arrow
X, Y & Z

Show/Hide Lineweight
Annotation Control
Annotation Scale of current view, with drop down arrow
Workspace Switching
Annotation Monitor
Isolate Objects
Hardware Acceleration
Clean Screen
Customization

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 INTERFACE

OBJECT SNAP OR OSNAP

The Object Snaps also known as OSNAP (OSNAP, F3) are drawing aids which are used in conjunction
with other commands to help you draw accurately. Osnaps allow you to snap onto a specific object
location when you are picking a point. Osnaps are so important that you cannot draw accurately
without them.
Here are a couple of examples of the most commonly used OSNAPs:

PARALLEL
INSERTION

NEAREST
EXTENSION

NODE
TANGENT
APPARENT
INTERSECTION (3D) GEOMETRIC
CENTRE

CENTRE MIDPOINT
INTERSECTION

ENDPOINT

QUADRANT PERPENDICULAR

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Level

 CHAPTER 01 - LINES, POLYLINES, DELETING, ORTHOMODE & DYNAMIC INPUT

LINES
Creates a series of contiguous line segments. Each segment is a line object that can be edited separately.
>Click LINE(L) in the Draw panel > click on screen to specify first point > move your cursor in the direction
which you want the line to go > enter in a specified length > ENTER to confirm > ENTER or ESC to complete

POLYLINES
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.
>Click Polyline(PL) in the Draw panel

GRIPS
Grips are small, solid-filled squares that are displayed at strategic points on objects that you have selected
with a pointing device. You can drag these grips to stretch, move, rotate, scale, or mirror objects quickly.
Draw multiple lines > highlight grips > hold SHIFT and select multiple grips

DELETING A LINE / OBJECT (2 different ways)

1. Click ERASE(E) in the Modify panel > select line to be deleted > ENTER to confirm
2. Highlight line to be deleted > click DELETE or DEL on keyboard to delete line

ORTHOMODE
Constrains cursor movement to the horizontal and vertical directions.
>Click ORTHOMODE(F8) in the Status Bar

DYNAMIC INPUT
Dynamic Input provides a command interface near the cursor in the drawing area.
>Click DYNMODE(F12) in the Status Bar

The first Input bar on the left requires a distance, the

second Input bar on the right requires an angle. To toggle
between the different input bars click SHIFT

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 PRACTICAL 01

ORTHOMODE IS ON

400 1000 200

200
300

100 100
300

300
200

200
START
300 400 200 700

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 CHAPTER 02.1 - COORDINATES

DRAWING BY ABSOLUTE COORDINATES

Absolute coordinates are based on the UCS origin (0,0), which is the intersection of the X and Y axis.
Best used if geographical coordinates are known.

You specify an absolute coordinate with the # prefix. e.g. #200,500

Y-Axis

1000

900

800
(300,700)

700
(700,600)

600

500

400

300
(200,300)

200 (800,200)

100

X-Axis
100

1000
500
200

300

700
600

800

900
400

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 PRACTICAL 02.1

(900,600)

(400,500)

(800,200)

(100,100)
Y

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 CHAPTER 02.2 - COORDINATES

DRAWING BY RELATIVE COORDINATES

Relative coordinates are based on the last point entered. Use relative coordinates when you know the
location of a point in relation to the previous point.

You specify a relative coordinate by entering the coordinates with no prefix e.g. 200,500
A negative (-) number will change the direction of the end point.

Y-Axis

500
(-300,400)
400

300
(300,200)
200

100

X-Axis 0 X-Axis

100

500
300
-500

-400

-300

-200

-100

200

400
-100

-200

-300 (400,-300)

-400

(-400,-500) -500

Y-Axis

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 PRACTICAL 02.2

300 200 100 400 400

200
100
400
200

START
300 200 500 200 200

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 CHAPTER 03 - GRID & SNAP

GRID MODE
The Grid is a rectangular pattern of lines or dots that covers the entire XY plane of the user
coordinates system(UCS)
>Click GRID(F7) in Status Bar to activate or de-activate Gridmode

SNAP MODE
Restricts cursor movement to specified grid intervals
>Click SNAP(F9) in Status Bar to activate or de-activate Snapmode

SETTING UP THE GRID AND SNAP

>Turn SNAP(F9) and GRID(F7) on
>Click the drop down arrow of the Snapmode
>OR Snap settings(Dsettings)
>Change Snap spacing to 100 for X&Y
>Change Grid spacing to 100 for X&Y
>Change 'Major Line Every' to 100
>Snap type > Grid Snap > Rectangular snap

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 PRACTICAL 03

OBJECT SNAP IS ON, ENDPOINT IS ACTIVE SNAPMODE IS ON

GRIDMODE IS ON

400 100 100 100 800

100 100 100

300

500
300
200
100 100

200
START
400 100 100 100 600 200

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 CHAPTER 04 - POLAR TRACKING AND OBJECT SNAP TRACKING

POLAR TRACKING
Polar tracking restricts cursor movement to specified angles.
>Click POLAR TRACKING(F10) in the Status Bar

To create additional angles, go to Tracking Settings.

OBJECT SNAP TRACKING

Object Snap Tracking works in conjunction with object
snaps. Use object snap tracking to track along
alignment paths that are based on object snap points.
Acquired points display a small plus sign (+). After you
acquire a point, horizontal, vertical or polar alignment
paths relative to the point are displayed as you move
the cursor over their drawing paths.
>Click OBJECT SNAP TRACKING(F11) in the Status Bar

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 04 - POLAR TRACKING ANGLE

POLAR TRACKING ANGLE

Polar tracking angle depends on the cursors position, once in a line command and you
specify the first point, if you drag the cursor below the X-axis of that point the angle
doesn't continue from 181° to 360° but from 180° back to 0°.

Y-AXIS

90

180
X-AXIS X-AXIS

0
90

Y-AXIS

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 PRACTICAL 04
300
OBJECT SNAP IS ON,
ENDPOINT IS ACTIVE

POLAR TRACKING IS ON

200

100
34°

124°

200

100
400

300

100
100

100
45° 45°
START
254.63 250

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 CHAPTER 05 - EXPLODE, JOIN, OFFSET, TRIM & EXTEND

EXPLODE
Breaks a compound object into its component objects.
>Click EXPLODE(X) in the Modify panel

JOIN
Joins the endpoints of linear and curved objects to create a single object.
>Click JOIN(J) in the drop down arrow of the Modify panel

OFFSET
Creates concentric circles, parallel lines and parallel curves. You can offset an object at a
specified distance or through a point.
>Click OFFSET(O) in the Modify panel

TRIM
Trims objects to meet the edges of other objects.
To trim objects, select the boundaries and press Enter. Then select the objects that you
want to trim. To use all objects as boundaries, press Enter at the first Select Objects
prompt.
>Click TRIM(TR) in the Modify panel

EXTEND
Extends objects to meet the edges of other objects.
To extend objects, first select the boundaries. Then press Enter and select the objects that
you want to extend. To use all objects as boundaries, press Enter at the first Select Objects
prompt.
>Click EXTEND(EX) in the drop down arrow of the Extend tool in the Modify panel

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 PRACTICAL 05

900

50 200 50 300 50 200 50

50

150
100 100
600

200
500

50 50 50
150 150
50

50
250 400 250

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 CHAPTER 06 - MOVE, ROTATE, COPY, MIRROR & SNAP REFERENCE POINT

MOVE
Moves objects a specified distance in a specified direction.
Use coordinates, grid snaps, object snaps, and other tools to move objects with precision.
>Click MOVE(M) in the Modify panel

ROTATE
Rotates objects around a base point or by specifying an angle.
>Click ROTATE(RO) in the Modify panel

 Rotation angle: Determines how far an object rotates around the base point
 Copy: Creates a copy of the selected objects for rotation
 Reference: Rotates objects from a specified angle to a new, absolute angle

COPY
Copies objects a specified distance in a specified direction.
>Click COPY(CO) in the Modify panel

MIRROR
Creates a mirrored copy of the selected objects across a specified line.
>Click MIRROR(MI) in the Modify panel

SNAP REFERENCE POINT

Creates a temporary snapping point by hovering over a point.
>Click OBJECT SNAP TRACKING(F11) in the Status Bar

Snap reference points are a small green (+) plus symbol.

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 PRACTICAL 06

400
50 50 300
50
180
450

20
200

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 CHAPTER 07 - CIRCLES & POLYGONS

CIRCLES
Creates a Circle by 6 different methods.
>Click CIRCLE(C) in the Draw panel

Centre, Radius
Defines a circle based on a centre point and a radius or a diameter.
Centre, Diameter
Defines the diameter of the circle. Enter a value, or specify a second point.
2-Point
Draws a circle based on two endpoints of the diameter.
3-Point
Draws a circle based on three points on the circumference.
Tan, Tan, Radius
Draws a circle with a specified radius tangent to two objects
Tan, Tan, Tan
Creates a circle tangent to three objects.

POLYGONS
Creates an equilateral closed polyline by 2 different methods.
>Click POLYGON(POL) in the drop down arrow of the RECTANGLE icon in the Draw panel
>Specify the number of sides in the polygon (3-1024) then choose 1 of the following methods.

Centre of Polygon
Specifies the location of the center of the polygon and whether the new object is inscribed or circumscribed.
Edge
Defines a polygon by specifying the endpoints of the first edge.

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 07 - FILLETS

FILLETS
Rounds or fillets the edges of two 2D objects or the adjacent faces of a 3D solid.
>Click FILLET(F) in the Modify panel

Undo
Reverses the previous action in the command.
Polyline
Inserts a fillet at each vertex of a 2D polyline where two straight line segments meet.
The fillets become new segments of the polyline, unless the Trim option is set to No Trim.
Radius
Sets the radius for subsequent fillets; changing this value does not affect existing fillets.
Trim
Controls whether the selected objects are trimmed to meet the endpoints of the fillet.
Multiple
Allows for the rounding of more than one set of objects.

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 PRACTICAL 07
500 500
R130

R250

R650
380

500
6 sided Polygon
Inscribed in circle

500
Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course
 CHAPTER 08 - POLAR ARRAY

POLAR ARRAY
Evenly distributes object copies in a circular pattern around a center point or axis of rotation.
>Click POLAR ARRAY(AR) in the drop down arrow of RECTANGULAR ARRAY in the Modify panel

Items
Items>Specifies the number of items in the array
Between>Specifies the angle between items
Fill>Specifies the angle between the first and last item in the array

Rows
EQ° EQ° Rows>Sets the number of rows
Between>Specifies the distance between each row
Total>Specifies the total distance between the start and end row
EQ° EQ°
Levels(for 3D arrays)

EQ° EQ° Properties

Associative>Specifies whether the arrayed objects are associative or
independent
EQ° EQ°
Rotate Items>Controls Whether items are rotated as they are arrayed

Close
Close Array>Exits the command

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 PRACTICAL 08

R100

R550

R800

R50

8 Sided Polygon
Inscribed in circle
700 Radius=100
R150

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 PRACTICE EXERCISE 01

R800

R200

3 Sided Polygon
Inscribed in circle R800

3 Sided
Polygon
Circumscribed
about circle

R800 R800

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 PRACTICE EXERCISE 02

R700
R600

R200

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 COMMAND LIST

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 PRACTICE EXERCISE 03

R250
R100
R150

R650
R560
R380

3 Sided Polygon
Inscribed in circle

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 CHAPTER 09 - RECTANGLE & RECTANGULAR ARRAY

RECTANGLE
Creates a rectangular polyline.
>Click RECTANGLE (REC) in the Draw panel
Creates a rectangular polyline from the specified parameters (length, width, rotation)
and type of corners (fillet, chamfer, or square).

RECTANGULAR ARRAY
Evenly distributes object copies into rows and columns.
>Click RECTANGULAR ARRAY(AR) in the Modify panel

Columns
Column>Specifies the number of columns
Between>Specifies the distance between the start of each object
Total>Specifies the total distance between the start of the first
object to the start of the last object
EQ1

Rows
Rows>Sets the number of rows
Between>Specifies the distance between the start of each row
EQ1

Total>Specifies the total distance between the start of the first

object to the start of the last object

Levels(for 3D arrays)
EQ2 EQ2 EQ2
Properties
Associative>Specifies whether the arrayed objects are associative or
independent
Close
Close Array>Exits the command

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 09 - PATH ARRAY AND SPLINE FIT & CV

PATH ARRAY
Evenly distributes object copies along a path or a portion of a path.
>Click POLAR ARRAY(AR) in the Modify panel
The path can be a line, polyline, 3D polyline, spline, helix, arc, circle, or ellipse.

SPLINE FIT & CV

Creates a smooth curve that passes through or near a set of fit points
>Click SPLINE(SPL) in the Drop down menu of the Draw panel
Splines are defined either with fit points, or with control vertices.
By default, fit points coincide with the spline, while control vertices define a control frame.
Control frames provide a convenient method to shape the spline. Each method has its advantages

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 PRACTICAL 09
175 175 175 175
R60 R60

50

160
160
800

700

160
160
R25

160
50

50 600 50 R60

700

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 CHAPTER 10 - CHAMFER

CHAMFER
Bevels or chamfers the edges of two 2D objects or the adjacent faces of a 3D solid.
>Click CHAMFER(CHA) in the drop down arrow of the FILLET tool in the Modify panel

Undo
Reverses the previous action in the command
Polyline
Inserts a chamfer line at each vertex of a 2D polyline where two straight line segments meet.
The chamfer lines become new segments of the polyline, unless the Trim option is set to No Trim.
Distance
Sets the chamfer distances from the intersecting points of the first and second objects.
If both distances are set to zero, the selected objects or line segments are extended or
trimmed so they intersect.
Angle
Sets the chamfer distance from the intersecting point of the selected objects and the XY angle from
the first object or line segment.
If both values are set to zero, the selected objects or line segments are extended or trimmed so
they intersect.
Trim
Controls whether the selected objects are trimmed to meet the endpoints of the chamfer line.
Method
Controls how the chamfer line is calculated from the intersecting point of the selected objects or
line segments.
 Distance: Chamfer line is defined by two distances.
 Angle: Chamfer line is defined by a distance and an angle.
Multiple
Allows for the beveling of more than one set of objects.

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 10 - CHAMFER

CHAMFER
>Click CHAMFER(CHA) in the drop down arrow of the FILLET tool in the Modify panel
>Choose DISTANCE(D) in the Command Line
>Specify first (Line 1) Chamfer distance
>Specify second (Line 2) Chamfer distance
>Select first line (Line 1) to apply chamfer
>Select second line (Line 2) to apply chamfer

0
Line 1 Line 1 200 Line 1

400
Line 2

Line 2

Line 2
Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course
 PRACTICAL 10

1650

150 580 190 70 440 70 150

R120 R120

50
80
250

150
480

600
50
800

R150 R50

R125

Ø400

R200

Ø560
560 690 400

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 CHAPTER 11 - ELLIPSE

ELLIPSE
Creates an ellipse or an elliptical arc by 3 different methods.
>Click ELLIPSE(EL) in the Draw panel

Centre

3 1 - Centre point
1 2
2 - Endpoint to first axis
3 - Endpoint to second axis

Axis, End

3 1 - Start point to first axis

2 - Endpoint to first axis
1 2
3 - Endpoint to second axis

Elliptical Arc

3,5 1 - Start point to first axis

2 - Endpoint to first axis
1 2,4
3 - Endpoint to second axis
4 - Start point of angle
5 - Endpoint of angle

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 PRACTICAL 11

Quarter Ellipse
R175 X=2400
R110 Y=700
R80
Half Ellipse
X=800
15° Y=300
15°
175

R150
R25
R37
R50
R75
225 925

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 PRACTICE EXERCISE 04

R32.5
R80

R45

R385

R305

R32.5
R80

700

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 PRACTICE EXERCISE 05

R100

R38

R50
R200

R135

R50
R100
175

R38

170 205
375

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 PRACTICE EXERCISE 06

300 330 170

R60
R25
R200
R100
R100

190
R35

R25
R25
Ellipse
X=520
Y=220

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 PRACTICE EXERCISE 07

100 100
110 80 80 110
R80 R80

52 40 54
R40

R17.5
R40
220 R17.5

R40 R40

R17.5 R150
R25.5 R180
R190

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 CHAPTER 12 - PROPERTIES

PROPERTIES PALETTE
A palette which contains a series of headings denoting the properties of a selected object
>Click (PR) in the Properties panel

-The Properties palette is displayed and lists the properties of the selected objects.
-When more than one object is selected, only those properties common to all selected objects are displayed.
-When no objects are selected, only the current settings of general properties are displayed.
-There are several general properties common to all objects.
All other object properties are specific to the type of object.

Object Type
Close down palette Toggle value of PICKADD
Auto-hide Quick Select
Shortcut Menu Select Objects
Property Heading

Property Type
Property Type Value

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 CHAPTER 13 - LAYERS

LAYERS
Layers are the primary method for organizing the objects in a drawing by function or purpose. Layers can reduce the visual
complexity of a drawing and improve display performance by hiding information that you don’t need to see at the moment.
You have the ability to change a layers colour, line type, line weight and its visibility.
Before you start drawing, create a set of layers that are useful to your work.

LAYER PROPERTIES
Manages layers and layer properties.
>Click LAYER PROPERTIES(LA) in the Layer panel

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 13 - LAYERS

NEW LAYER
Creates a layer with a default name that you can immediately change.
é The new layer inherits the properties of the currently selected layer in the layer list.
*Create a New Layer from Layer 0 to start from fresh*

NEW LAYER FROZEN VP IN ALL VIEWPORTS

Creates a layer and freezes it in all existing layout viewports.
é This button is accessible from the Model tab or layout tabs.

DELETE LAYER
Deletes selected layers. The following layers cannot be deleted:
é
 Layers 0 and Defpoints
 Layers containing objects, including objects in block definitions
 The current layer
 Layers used in an external reference
 Layers in a partially opened drawing

SET CURRENT
Sets the selected layer as the current layer.
é New objects are automatically created on the current layer.

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 13 - LAYERS

COLOUR
Changes the color associated with a layer. Enter a color name or a number from 1 through 255.

COLOUR MANAGER
Loads colour types and sets the current colour.
>Click COLOUR(COL) in the Properties panel

 Index Colour: Specifies color settings using the 255 AutoCAD Color Index (ACI) colors.
 True Colour: Specifies a true color to be used for the selected object.
Enter three integer values from 0 to 255 separated by commas to specify a true color.
 Colour Book: Specifies a color from a loaded color book, guide, or set to use for the selected object.

LINETYPE
Linetype is a visual property assigned to geometric objects.
Linetypes can be a pattern of dashes, dots, text, and symbols, or unbroken and continuous.

LINETYPE MANAGER
Loads linetypes and sets the current linetype.
>Click LINETYPE(LT) in the Properties panel

LINEWEIGHT
Lineweight is a property assigned to graphical objects, hatches, leader lines,
and dimension geometry that results in thicker, darker lines.

LINEWEIGHT MANAGER
Loads lineweights and sets the current lineweight.
>Click LINEWEIGHT(LW) in the Properties panel

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 PRACTICAL 12 - CREATE NEW LAYERS

CREATE THE FOLLOWING LAYERS

Create New Layer from Layer 0

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 PRACTICAL 13 - DRAW GRID SYSTEM

Column= 300x420mm 12000

6000 2000 4000

4000
Columns:
300 x 420mm

2000
13500

4500
3000

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 PRACTICAL 13 - DRAW HOUSE

External Wall Width = 300mm 5700 7500 100

Internal Wall Width = 100mm
Fence Width = 100mm

590
2400
250 250

5580

590
1200

190
1200
190
1850 2000 1850

2000
4080

2080
1200
300 100
2580

2580
1200 1250 1800 1250
200

120° 60°

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 13 - LAYERS

LAYER OFF
Turns off the layer of a selected object.
>Click LAYER OFF(LAYOFF) in the Layers panel
Turning off the layer of a selected object makes that object invisible.
This command is useful if you need an unobstructed view when working in a drawing or if
you don’t want to plot details such as reference lines.

ALL LAYERS ON
Turns on all layers in the drawing.
>Click LAYER ON(LAYON) in the Layers panel
All layers that were previously turned off are turned back on.
Objects created on those layers become visible, unless the layers are also frozen.

ISOLATE LAYERS
Hides or locks all layers except those of the selected objects.
>Click ISOLATE(LAYISO) in the Layers panel
All layers except the layers of the selected objects are either turned off,
frozen in the current layout viewport, or locked, depending on the current setting.
The layers that remain visible and unlocked are called isolated.

UNISOLATE LAYERS
Restores all layers that were hidden or locked with the LAYISO command.
>Click UNISOLATE(LAYUNISO) in the Layers panel

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 13 - LAYERS

LAYER FREEZE
Freezes the layer of selected objects.
>Click FREEZE(LAYFZ) in the Layers panel
Objects on frozen layers are invisible. In large drawings, freezing unneeded layers speeds up operations
involving display and regeneration. In a layout, you can freeze layers in individual layout viewports.

LAYER THAW
Thaws all layers in the drawing.
>Click THAW(LAYTHW) in the Layers panel
All layers that were previously frozen are unfrozen.

LAYER LOCK
Locks the layer of a selected object.
>Click LOCK(LAYLCK) in the Layers panel
Layers cannot be modified, moved or copied but can still be snapped too.

LAYER UNLOCK
Unlocks the layer of a selected object.
>Click LOCK(LAYULK) in the Layers panel

MAKE CURRENT
Sets the current layer to that of a selected object.
>Click MAKE CURRENT(LAYMCUR) in the Layers panel
You can change the current layer by selecting an object on that layer.
This is a convenient alternative to specifying the layer name in the Layer Properties Manager.

MATCH LAYER
Sets the current layer to that of a selected object.
>Click MATCH LAYER(LAYMCH) or (MA) in the Layers panel
If you create an object on the wrong layer, you can change its layer
by selecting an object on the destination layer.

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 CHAPTER 14 - DRAWING A WINDOW

Assign Layer: Windows

50 50
1700
150 150

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 PRACTICAL 14 - PLACING THE WINDOWS

Place new windows

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 CHAPTER 15 - DRAWING A DOOR

Assign Layer: Doors 20

30
60
20

50
20 20
2020

100

300
250
50
45°
50
250

1100
50.0000 50
1200

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 PRACTICAL 15 - PLACING THE DOOR

Place new door

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 CHAPTER 16 - ISOLATE / HIDE / UNISOLATE OBJECTS

ISOLATE / HIDE / UNISOLATE OBJECTS

Makes specified objects temporarily invisible, or restores objects that were previously made invisible.
>Click ISOLATE(IS) / HIDE(HIDEO) / UNISOLATE OBJECTS(UNIS) in the Status Bar
>Right click and select ISOLATE

Isolate Objects
Makes all objects temporarily invisible except the ones that you select
Hide Objects
Makes the objects that you select temporarily invisible
Unisolate / End Object Isolation
Restores the display of all affected objects

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 DAY 02 - COMMAND LIST

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 CHAPTER 17 - CREATING A BLOCK

BLOCKS
Blocks are named groups of objects that act as a single 2D object. You can use them to create repeated content
such as drawing symbols, common components, and standard details. Blocks help you save time, maintain consistency,
and reduce file size by reusing and sharing content rather than re-drawing it every time you need it.

CREATE A BLOCK
Creates a block definition from the selected objects which are drawn.
>Click CREATE(B) in the Block panel

Name
Specify the name of the block
Base Point
Specify On-screen or Pick Point by coordinate
Objects
Specify On-screen or Select Objects with selection tool
 Retain: Current object selection will not be converted to a block
 Convert to Block: Converts selected objects to block
 Delete: Current object selection will be deleted once a block is created
Behavior
Determines the behavior of the block
 Annotative: Makes block annotative (annotative explained later)
 Scale uniformly: Scales the block in a uniform manner
 Allow exploding: Explode function allowed
Settings
 Block Unit: Select unit, e.g. millimeters
 Hyperlink: Assign a Hyperlink to the block which links to a product
Description
Give a description about the block created

Tick box if you want the Block Editor to open when finished with Block Definition

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 17 - CREATING A BLOCK

LAYER ASSIGNMENT
When you create blocks to insert into a drawing, you need to consider what layer to use for the components
that make up the blocks.

Your choice depends on the results you want and you have four choices:

 On any layer (except 0); Block keeps properties of that layer. AutoCAD creates the layer if
color, linetype & lineweight necessary when you insert it into another drawing. If the layer exists in
set to ByLayer: the drawing but has other properties, the block takes on the properties
of the layer in that drawing. If you insert the block on a different layer, it
keeps its original properties, but is reported (in Properties window) as
being on the insertion layer.

 On any layer (including 0); Block keeps color, linetype & lineweight that were set. AutoCAD creates
color, linetype & lineweight the layer if necessary when you insert it into another drawing.
set explicitly:

 On any layer (except 0); Block takes on the layer and properties of current layer. AutoCAD
color & linetype set to creates the layer as necessary when you insert it into another drawing.
ByBlock:

 On layer 0; Block takes on the layer and properties of the current layer.
color, linetype & lineweight No new layers are created.
set to ByLayer or ByBlock:

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 PRACTICAL 17 - CREATE WINDOW BLOCK

CREATE BLOCK
Create a Block of the 1800mm window from the house on Layer 0, once created, assign Window Layer.

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 CHAPTER 18 - INSERT A BLOCK

INSERT A BLOCK
Inserts a block or drawing into the current drawing.
>Click INSERT(I) in the Block panel
Select a block from the drop down menu or from the Insert manager accessed by (I)

Name
Specify the name of the block
Path:
Sets the geographic location of the attached file as reference.
Insertion Point
Specifies a location for the block or drawing either by specifying on screen or by coordinate
Scale
Specify on screen or set the scale factor for the X, Y, and Z axes.
Rotation
Specify on screen or set the angle
Block Unit
Specify the unit and scale factor
Explode
Tick box to EXPLODE block on insertion

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 PRACTICAL 18 - INSERT WINDOW BLOCKS

INSERT Block: Window Type W1 1800mm Window Type W1 doesn't

fit the opening

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 CHAPTER 19 - EDIT BLOCK

EDIT A BLOCK
Edits a block in the current drawing.
>Click EDIT(BE) in the Block panel
Select an existing block to edit or enter the name of the block in the Edit Block Definition manager,
then click OK to open the Block Editor.
Or double click the Block to enter the Block Editor

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 PRACTICAL 19 - EDIT BLOCKS

Window Type W2 2400mm

Window Type W3 1200mm

Window Type W1 1800mm

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 CHAPTER 20 - STRETCH

STRETCH
Stretches objects crossed by a selection window or polygon.
>Click STRETCH(S) in the Modify panel
Objects that are partially enclosed by a crossing window are stretched. Objects that are completely
enclosed within the crossing window, or that are selected individually, are moved rather than stretched.
Some types of objects such as circles, ellipses, and blocks, cannot be stretched.

Specify the portion of the object that you want to stretch.

Use the cpolygon option or the crossing object selection method.
Press Enter when the selection is complete.

Specify the Base Point of the stretch then the distance

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 PRACTICAL 20 - STRETCH WINDOWS

600

Window Type W3 1200mm

Window Type W1 1800mm

600

Window Type W2 2400mm

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 CHAPTER 21 - ALIGN

ALIGN
Aligns objects with other objects
>Click ALIGN(AL) in the drop down arrow of the Modify panel

Select Object
Select the object to align and press Enter.

First source point, first destination point

First and Second source and destination points

2 4
3

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 CHAPTER 22 - CREATE BLOCK

CREATE BLOCK
Create a Block of the door drawn in your house on Layer 0, once created assign Door Layer.

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 PRACTICAL 22 - CREATE DOOR BLOCK

Door 1200mm

Fence 1200mm,
100mm jamb

Door 1200mm

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 CHAPTER 23 - DESIGN CENTRE

DESIGN CENTRE
The DesignCenter palette is useful for mining data from all kinds of drawings. Whereas the Properties palette is
concerned with object properties, the DesignCenter palette deals primarily with named objects: layers, linetypes,
block definitions, text styles, and other organizational objects in your drawings.

DESIGNCENTRE PALETTE
Opens the DesignCentre Palette
>Click DESIGNCENTRE(DC) in the Palette panel in the View tab

With DesignCenter, you can

- Browse for drawing content such as drawings or symbol libraries on your computer, on a networked drive,
and on a web page
- View definition tables for blocks and layers in any drawing file and then insert, attach, or copy and paste
the definitions into the current drawing
- Update (redefine) a block definition
- Create shortcuts to drawings, folders, and Internet locations that you access frequently
- Add content such as xrefs, blocks, and hatches to a drawing
- Open drawing files in a new window
- Drag drawings, blocks, and hatches to a tool palette for convenient access
- Copy and paste content, such as layer definitions, layouts, and text styles between open drawings

Folders
Provides access to the C-Drive
[C:\Program Files\Autodesk\AutoCAD 2018\Sample\en-us\DesignCenter]

Open Drawings
Display all content of current open drawings

History
Displays past history

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 PRACTICAL 23 - ADDING BLOCKS

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 CHAPTER 24 - HATCH & GRADIENT

HATCH & GRADIENT

Fills an enclosed area or selected objects with a hatch pattern, solid fill, or gradient fill.
>Click HATCH(H), GRADIENT(GD) in the Draw panel, Opens HATCH EDITOR(HE)
Boundaries
 Pick Points: Determines a hatch boundary by selecting a point within an enclosed area
formed by one or more objects
 Select Boundary Objects: Specifies a hatch boundary based on selected objects
 Remove: Removes from the boundary definition any of the objects that were previously added
 Recreate: Creates a polyline or region around the selected hatch or fill, and optionally associates
the hatch object with it
Pattern
Displays preview images for all predefined and custom patterns.
Properties
 Hatch Type: Specifies whether to use a solid, a gradient, pattern, or user-defined fill.
 Hatch / Gradient 1 Colour: Overrides the current color for solid fills and hatch patterns,
or specifies the first of two gradient colors
 Background / Gradient 2 Colour: Specifies the color for hatch pattern backgrounds,
or the second gradient color.
 Hatch Transparency: Sets the transparency level for new hatches or fills
 Hatch Angle: Specifies an angle for the hatch or fill
 Hatch Pattern Scale: Expands or contracts a predefined or custom hatch pattern
Origin
Controls the starting location of hatch pattern generation
Options
 Associative: Specifies that the hatch or fill is associative
 Annotative: Specifies that the hatch is annotative
 Match Properties: Match properties of source object
Additional options
Close
Exits HATCH and closes the contextual tab.

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 24 - HATCH & GRADIENT

HATCH ISLAND DETECTION

>Click HATCH(H) in the Draw panel, then the drop down arrow of the Options panel
Normal Island Detection
Automatically hatches islands inward from the area specified by the hatch pick point
Outer Island Detection
Hatches only the area between the outer hatch boundary and any interior islands relative to the location
of the hatch pick point
Ignore Island Detection
Hatches inwards from the outermost hatch boundary, ignoring any interior objects
No Island Detection
Turn off to use the legacy island detection method(similar to ignore)

Normal Outer Ignore No

Island Island Island Island
Detection Detection Detection Detection

HATCH DRAW ORDER

Assigns a draw order to a hatch or fill
>Click HATCH(H) in the Draw panel, then the drop down arrow of the Options panel

Includes: Do Not Change, Send to Back, Bring to Front,

Send Behind Boundary & Bring to Front of Boundary

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 PRACTICAL 24 - HATCH WALL & GARDEN

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 PRACTICAL 24 - ADD HATCH & GRADIENT

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 CHAPTER 25 - TEXT STYLE

TEXT STYLE
Creates, modifies, or sets named text styles.
>Click TEXT STYLE(ST) in the drop down arrow of the Annotation panel
A text style is a named collection of text settings that controls the appearance of text,
such as font, line spacing, justification, and color

Current Text Style

Lists the current text style
Styles
Displays the list of styles in the drawing
Style List Filters
The drop-down list specifies whether all styles or only the styles in use are displayed in the styles list.
Preview
Displays sample text that changes dynamically as you change fonts and modify the effects.
Font
Changes the text style's font as well as the font style (regular, bold, italic, etc).
Size
Changes the size of the text by annotation or by specifying the height. If the height is set to 0, you are
prompted for the height when you create single-line text, while multiline text defaults to the value stored
in the TEXTSIZE system variable
Effects
Modifies characteristics of the font, such as its width factor, oblique angle and whether
it is displayed upside down, backwards, or vertically aligned
Set Current
Sets the style selected under Styles to current.
New
Displays the New Text Style dialog box and automatically supplies a default name.
Delete
Deletes unwanted text styles.
Apply
Applies style changes made in the dialog box to the current style and to the text of the
current style in the drawing.

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 PRACTICAL 25.1 - CREATE ARIAL 1-100 STYLE

TEXT STYLE
Create text style Arial 1-100
>Click TEXT STYLE(ST) in the drop down arrow of the Annotation panel

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 PRACTICAL 25.2 - CREATE VERDANA STYLE

TEXT STYLE
Create text style Verdana
>Click TEXT STYLE(ST) in the drop down arrow of the Annotation panel

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 CHAPTER 26 - TEXT

SINGLE-LINE TEXT
For short, simple notes and labels, use single-line text
>Click SINGLE-TEXT (TEXT) in the Annotation panel
>Specify the insertion point. If you press ENTER, the program inserts the new text immediately
below the last text object you created, if any
>Enter the height. If a specific text height is set in the current text style, this prompt is skipped
>Enter an angle value or click to specify the rotation angle
>Enter the text
>Click ENTER to jump to next line or click ENTER twice to complete Single-Line Text

MULTI-LINE TEXT
For longer notes and labels with internal formatting, use multiline text
>Click MULTI-TEXT (MT) in the Annotation panel
>Specify opposite corners of a bounding box to define the width of the multiline text object.
>Text Formatting toolbar displays
>Enter the text
>To change individual characters, words, or paragraphs, highlight the text and specify the formatting changes
>To save your changes and exit the editor, use one of the following methods:
- On the Text Editor ribbon contextual tab, in the Close panel, click Close Text Editor.
- Click OK on the Text Formatting toolbar.
- Click in the drawing outside the editor.
- Press Ctrl+Enter.
Note: Press Esc to exit the editor without saving your changes

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 PRACTICAL 26 - ADDING TEXT

KITCHEN GARDEN

LIVING SPACE DINING ROOM

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 CHAPTER 27 - DIMENSION STYLE

DIMENSION STYLE MANAGER

Creates, modifies, or sets named dimension styles.
>Click DIMENSION STYLE(D) in the drop down arrow of the Annotation panel
A dimension style is a named collection of dimension settings that controls the appearance of dimensions,
such as arrowhead style, text location, and lateral tolerances.

Current Dimension Style

Displays the name of the dimension style that is current.
Styles
Lists dimension styles in the drawing
List
Controls the display of styles in the Styles list
Preview
Shows a graphic representation of the style selected in the Styles list.
Description
Describes the style selected in the Styles list relative to the current style.
Set Current
Sets the style selected under Styles to current. The current style is applied to dimensions you create.
New
Displays the Create New Dimension Style dialog box, in which you can define a new dimension style.
Modify
Displays the Modify Dimension Styles dialog box, in which you can modify dimension styles.
Dialog box options are identical to those in the New Dimension Style dialog box.
Override
Displays the Override Current Style dialog box, in which you can set temporary overrides to dimension styles.
Compare
Displays the Compare Dimension Styles dialog box, in which you can compare two dimension styles or
list all the properties of one dimension style.

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 27 - DIMENSION

MODIFY DIMENSION STYLE

LINES TAB
Dimension Lines
 Colour: Displays and sets the color for the dimension line
 Linetype: Sets the linetype of the dimension line
 Lineweight: Sets the lineweight of the dimension line
 Extend Beyond Ticks: Specifies a distance to extend the dimension line past the extension line when you use oblique,
architectural, tick, integral, and no marks for arrowheads
 Baseline Spacing: Sets the spacing between the dimension lines of a baseline dimension
 Suppress: Suppresses display of dimension lines. Dim Line 1 suppresses the first dimension line; Dim Line 2 suppresses
the second dimension line

Extension Lines
 Colour: Sets the color for the extension line
 Linetype Ext Line 1: Sets the linetype of the first extension line
 Linetype Ext Line 2: Sets the linetype of the second extension line
 Lineweight: Sets the lineweight of the extension line
 Suppress: Suppresses the display of extension lines. Ext Line 1 suppresses the first extension line; Ext Line 2 suppresses
the second extension line
 Extend Beyond Dim Lines: Specifies a distance to extend the extension lines above the dimension line
 Offset from Origin: Sets the distance to offset the extension lines from the points on the drawing that define the dimension
 Fixed Length Extension Lines: Enables fixed length extension lines
 Length: Sets the total length of the extension lines starting from the dimension line toward the dimension origin

Preview
Displays sample dimension images that show the effects of changes you make to dimension style settings.

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 27 - DIMENSION

SYMBOL AND ARROWS TAB

Arrowheads
 First: Sets the arrowhead for the first dimension line
 Second: Sets the arrowhead for the second dimension line
 Leader: Sets the arrowhead for the leader line
 Arrow Size: Displays and sets the size of arrowheads

Centre Marks
Controls the appearance of center marks and centerlines for diameter and radial dimensions
 Type: Sets the type of center mark or line to use
 None: Creates no center mark or centerline
 Mark: Creates a center mark
 Line: Creates a centerline
 Size: Displays and sets the size of the center mark or centerline

Dimension Break
Controls the gap width of dimension breaks
 Break Size: Displays and sets the size of the gap used for dimension breaks

Arc Length Symbol

Controls the display of the arc symbol in an arc length dimension
 Preceding Dimension Text: Places arc length symbols before the dimension text
 Above Dimension Text: Places arc length symbols above the dimension text
 None: Suppresses the display of arc length symbols

Radius Jog Dimension

Controls the display of jogged (zigzag) radius dimensions
 Jog Angle: Determines the angle of the transverse segment of the dimension line in a jogged radius dimension

Linear Jog Dimension

Controls the display of the jog for linear dimensions
 Jog Height Factor: Determines the height of the of the jog

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 27 - DIMENSION

TEXT TAB
Text Appearance
Controls the dimension text format and size
 Text Style: Lists the available text styles
 Text Style Button: Displays the Text Style Dialog Box where you can create or modify text styles
 Text Color: Sets the color for the dimension text. If you click Select Color
 Fill Color: Sets the color for the text background in dimensions
 Text Height: Sets the height of the current dimension text style
 Fraction Height Scale: Sets the scale of fractions relative to dimension text
 Draw Frame Around Text: Displays a rectangular frame around the dimension text

Text Placement
Controls the placement of dimension text
 Vertical: Controls the vertical placement of dimension text in relation to the dimension line
 Horizontal: Controls the horizontal placement of dimension text in relation to the dimension line
 View Direction: Controls the dimension text viewing direction
 Offset from Dim Line: Sets the current text gap, which is the distance around the dimension text when the dimension
line is broken to accommodate the dimension text.

Text Alignment
Controls the orientation (horizontal or aligned) of dimension text whether it is inside or outside the extension lines
 Horizontal: Places text in a horizontal position
 Aligned with Dimension Line: Aligns text with the dimension line
 ISO Standard: Aligns text with the dimension line when text is inside the extension lines, but aligns it horizontally
when text is outside the extension lines

Preview
Displays sample dimension images that show the effects of changes you make to dimension style settings

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 27 - DIMENSION

FIT TAB
Fit Options
Controls the placement of text and arrowheads based on the space available between the extension lines
 Either Text or Arrows (Best Fit): Moves either the text or the arrowheads outside the extension lines based on the best fit
 Arrows: Moves arrowheads outside the extension lines first, then text
 Text: Moves text outside the extension lines first, then arrowheads
 Both Text and Arrows: When not enough space is available for text and arrowheads, moves both outside the extension lines
 Always Keep Text Between Ext Lines: Always places text between extension lines
 Suppress Arrows If They Don't Fit Inside Extension Lines: Suppresses arrowheads if not enough space is available inside
the extension lines

Text Placement
Sets the placement of dimension text when it is moved from the default position, that is, the position defined by the dimension
style
 Beside the Dimension Line: If selected, moves the dimension line whenever dimension text is moved
 Over the Dimension Line, with Leader: If selected, dimension lines are not moved when text is moved. If text is moved away
from the dimension line, a leader line is created connecting the text to the dimension line. The leader line is omitted when
text is too close to the dimension line
 Over the Dimension Line, Without Leader: If selected, dimension lines are not moved when text is moved. Text that is moved
away from the dimension line is not connected to the dimension line with a leader

Scale for Dimension Features

Sets the overall dimension scale value or the paper space scaling
 Annotative: Specifies that the dimension is annotative
 Scale Dimensions To Layout: Determines a scale factor based on the scaling between the current model space viewport and
paper space
 Use Overall Scale Of : Sets a scale for all dimension style settings that specify size, distance, or spacing, including text and
arrowhead sizes

Fine Tuning
Provides additional options for placing dimension text

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 27 - DIMENSION

PRIMARY UNITS TAB

Linear Dimensions
Sets the format and precision for linear dimensions
 Unit Format: Sets the current units format for all dimension types except Angular [Architectural=inches, Decimal=millimetres]
 Precision: Displays and sets the number of decimal places in the dimension text
 Fraction Format: Sets the format for fractions
 Decimal Separator: Sets the separator for decimal formats
 Round Off : Sets nearest rounding value for dimension measurements for all dimension types except Angular
 Prefix: Includes a prefix that you specify in the dimension text
 Suffix: Includes a suffix that you specify in the dimension text

Measurement Scale
Defines linear scale options. Applies primarily to legacy drawings
 Scale Factor: Sets a scale factor for linear dimension measurements
 Apply to Layout Dimensions Only: Applies the measurement scale factor only to dimensions created in layout viewports.
Except when using non associative dimensions, this setting should remain unchecked

Zero Suppression
Controls the suppression of leading and trailing zeros and of feet and inches that have a value of zero

Angular Dimensions
Displays and sets the current angle format for angular dimensions
 Units Format: Sets the angular units format
 Precision: Sets the number of decimal places for angular dimensions

Zero Suppression
Controls the suppression of leading and trailing zeros

Preview
Displays sample dimension images that show the effects of changes you make to dimension style settings

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 27 - DIMENSION

ALTERNATE UNITS TAB

Display Alternate Units
Adds alternate measurement units to dimension text

Alternate Units
Displays and sets the current alternate units format for all dimension types except Angular
 Unit Format: Sets the unit format for alternate units
 Precision: Sets the number of decimal places for alternate units
 Multiplier for Alt Units: Specifies the multiplier used as the conversion factor between primary and alternate unit
 Round Distances To: Sets rounding rules for alternate units for all dimension types except Angular
 Prefix: Includes a prefix in the alternate dimension text
 Suffix: Includes a suffix in the alternate dimension text

Zero Suppression
Controls the suppression of leading and trailing zeros and of feet and inches that have a value of zero

Placement
Controls the placement of alternate units in dimension text.

Preview
Displays sample dimension images that show the effects of changes you make to dimension style settings

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 27 - DIMENSION

TOLERANCES TAB
Tolerance Format
Controls the tolerance format
 Method: Sets the method for calculating the tolerance
 Precision: Sets the number of decimal places
 Upper Value: Sets the maximum or upper tolerance value
 Lower Value: Sets the minimum or lower tolerance value
 Scaling for Height: Sets the current height for the tolerance text
 Vertical Position: Controls text justification for symmetrical and deviation tolerances

Tolerance Alignment
Controls the alignment of upper and lower tolerance values when stacked
 Align Decimal Separators: Values are stacked by their decimal separators
 Align Operational Symbols: Values are stacked by their operational symbols

Zero Suppression
Controls the suppression of leading and trailing zeros and of feet and inches that have a value of zero

Alternate Unit Tolerance

Formats alternate tolerance units

Preview
Displays sample dimension images that show the effects of changes you make to dimension style settings

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 PRACTICAL 27 - CREATE DIM 1-100 STYLE

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 27 - CREATE DIM 1-100 STYLE

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 27 - CREATE DIM 1-100 STYLE

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 27 - CREATE DIM 1-100 STYLE

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 CHAPTER 28 - DIMENSION TYPES

LINEAR (DIML)
Creates a linear dimension which is on a vertical or horizontal axis

ALIGNED (DIMA)
Creates a linear dimension parallel to a line at any angle

ANGULAR (DIMAN)
Angular dimensions measure the angle between two selected geometric objects or three points

ARC LENGTH (DIMAR)

Arc length dimensions measure the distance along an arc or polyline arc segment

RADIUS (DIMR)
A radial dimension measures the radius of arcs and circles

DIAMETER (DIMD)
A radial dimension measures the diameter of arcs and circles

ORDINATE (DIMO)
Ordinate dimensions measure the perpendicular distances from an origin point called the datum

JOGGED (DIMJ)
Jog lines are used to represent a dimension value that does not display the actual measurement
in a linear dimension.
Typically, the actual measurement value of the dimension is smaller than the displayed value

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 PRACTICAL 28 - DIMENSION THE HOUSE

300 100
300 5700 7500

590
420

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5580
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590

190
KITCHEN GARDEN

1200
190
420
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2000
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LIVING SPACE DINING ROOM

1200
300
2580
420

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200

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 CHAPTER 29 - LEADER STYLE

LEADER STYLE MANAGER

Creates a line that connects annotation to a feature
>Click LEADER STYLE(MLS) in the drop down arrow of the Annotation panel
These styles specify formatting for landing lines, leader lines, arrowheads, and content.

Current Multileader Style

Displays the name of the style you create
Styles
Displays a list of styles
List
Controls the contents of the Styles list
Preview Of
Displays a preview image of the style that is selected in the Styles list
Set Current
Sets the style selected in the Styles list as the current style
New
Displays the Create New Multileader Style dialog box, in which you can define new styles
Modify
Displays the Modify Multileader Style dialog box, in which you can modify styles
Delete
Deletes the style selected in the Styles list. A style that is being used in the drawing cannot be deleted.

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 29 - LEADER STYLE

MODIFY MULTILEADER STYLE

LEADER FORMAT TAB

General
Controls the general settings of the leader line
 Type: Determines the type of leader line. You can choose a straight leader, a spline, or no leader line
 Colour: Determines the color of the leader line
 Linetype: Determines the linetype of the leader line
 Lineweight: Determines the lineweight of the leader line

Arrowhead
Controls the appearance of the multileader arrowheads
 Symbol: Sets the arrowhead symbol for the multileader
 Size: Displays and sets the size of arrowheads

Leader Break
Controls the settings used when adding a dimension break to a multileader
 Break Size: Displays and sets the break size used for the DIMBREAK command when the multileader is selected

Preview
Displays sample leader image that shows the effects of changes you make to leader style settings.

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 29 - LEADER STYLE

LEADER STRUCTURE TAB

Constraints
Controls the constraints of the multileader
 Maximum leader points: Specifies a maximum number of points for the leader line
 First segment angle: Specifies the angle of the first point in the leader line
 Second segment angle: Specifies the angle of the second point in the multileader landing line

Landing Settings
Controls the landing settings of the multileader
 Automatically include landing: Attaches a horizontal landing line to the multileader content
 Set landing distance: Determines the fixed distance for the multileader landing line

Scale
Controls the scaling of the multileader
 Annotative: Specifies that the multileader is annotative
 Scale multileaders to layout: Determines a scaling factor for the multileader based on the scaling in the model space
and paper space viewports
 Specify scale: Specifies the scale for the multileader

Preview
Displays sample leader image that shows the effects of changes you make to leader style settings.

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 29 - LEADER STYLE

CONTENT TAB
Multileader Type
Determines whether the multileader contains text or a block

Multileader: MText
Text Options
Controls the appearance of the text
 Default Text: Sets default text for the multileader content.
 Text Style: Lists the available Text Styles
 Text Style Button: Launches the Text Style Manager
 Text Angle: Specifies the rotation angle of the Multileader text
 Text Color: Specifies the text colour
 Text Height: Specifies the text height
 Always Left Justify: Justifies the text to left justification
 Frame Text: Ads a frame around the text

Mtext: Leader Connection

Controls the leader connection settings of the multileader
Leaders can be connected horizontally or vertically
Horizontal Attachment
Horizontal attachment inserts the leader to the left or right of the text content
A horizontal attachment includes a landing line between the text and the leader
 Left Attachment: Controls the attachment of the landing line to the text when the text is to the right of the leader
 Right Attachment: Controls the attachment of the landing line to the text when the text is to the left of the leader
 Landing Gap: Specifies the distance between the landing line and the text
 Extend Leader to Text: Extends the landing line to end at the edge of the text line where the leader is attached,
not at the edge of the multiline text box

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 29 - LEADER STYLE

CONTENT TAB CONT'd

Mtext: Leader Connection
Vertical Attachment
Inserts the leader at the top or bottom of the text content
A vertical attachment does not include a landing line between the text and the leader
 Top Attachment: Attaches the leader to the top center of the text content. Click the drop-down to insert an overline
between the leader attachment and the text content
 Bottom Attachment: Attaches the leader to the bottom of the text content. Click the drop-down to insert an underline
between the leader attachment and the text content
 Landing Gap: Specifies the distance between the landing line and the text

Multileader: Block
Block Options
Controls the properties of block content in a multileader object
 Source block: Specifies the block used for multileader content
 Attachment: Specifies the way the block is attached to the multileader object
 Color: Specifies the color of the multileader block content
 Scale: Specifies the scale of the block upon insertion

Preview
Displays sample leader image that shows the effects of changes you make to leader style settings.

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 PRACTICAL 29- CREATE DIM 1-100 STYLE

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 29 - CREATE DIM 1-100 STYLE

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 29 - CREATE DIM 1-100 STYLE

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 CHAPTER 30 - LEADER

LEADER (LEA)
Creates a line that connects annotation to a feature

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 PRACTICAL 30 - PLACING A LEADER

300 100
300 5700 7500

590
420

2400
5580
250 250
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590

190
KITCHEN GARDEN

1200
190
FENCE

420
1850 2000 1850

2000
4080

2080
420

LIVING SPACE DINING ROOM

1200
300
2580
420

1200 1250 1800 1250

200

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 CHAPTER 31 - LAYOUT (paper space)

LAYOUT
A layout is a page that allows you to set up a plot or printout of your drawing on various paper sizes and scales.
A Layout will typically have a Titleblock and multiple Viewports set to various scales.
The size of the paper depends on the size of your printer, typically A0 to A4.
>Click the LAYOUT tab by the Model tab

For a new Layout

>Click NEW (LAYOUT) in the Layout Tab > Layout Panel
OR
Right-click a Layout tab to do the following:
 New Layout: Creates a new Layout
 From Template...: Creates a new Layout from Template library
 Delete: Deletes current Layout
 Rename: Renames Layout
 Page Setup: Changes the page setup for Plotting
 Plot: Plots the layout

Rename a layout tab by double-clicking it, then just type the new name and press Enter.
You should name your layouts something other than Layout1, Layout2, etc.

Move a layout tab by dragging it to a new location. To copy, press Ctrl and drag. Then rename it.

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 CHAPTER 32 - PAGE SETUP

PAGE SETUP MANAGER

Controls the page layout, plotting device, paper size, and other settings for each new layout
>Click PAGE SETUP(PAG) in the Application menu > Print > Page Setup
OR
>Right Click Layout tab > Page Setup Manager

Current Layout
Lists the current layout to which the page setup will be applied
Page Setups
Displays the current page setup, sets a different page setup as current, creates a new page setup,
modifies an existing page setup, and imports page setups from other drawings
 Current Page Setup: Displays the page setup that is applied to the current layout
 Page Setup List: Lists the page setups that are available to apply to the current layout
 Set Current: Sets the selected page setup as the current page setup for the current layout
 New: Displays the New Page Setup dialog box, in which you can enter a name for the new page setup
 Modify:Displays the Page Setup dialog box, in which you can edit the settings for the selected page setup

Selected Page Setup Details

Displays information about the selected page setup
 Device Name: Displays the name of the output device specified in the currently selected page setup
 Plotter: Displays the type of output device specified in the currently selected page setup
 Plot Size: Displays the paper size and orientation specified in the currently selected page setup
 Where: Displays the physical location of the output device specified in the currently selected page setup
 Description: Displays descriptive text about the output device specified in the currently selected page setup

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 32 - PAGE SETUP

MODIFY PAGE SETUP

Page Setup
 Name: Specifies the name of the page template

Printer/Plotter
Select a printer
 Name: Chose a printer or printing method
 Plotter: Displays the chosen Plotter
 Where: Displays the location of the printing
 Description: Describes the plotter info

Paper Size
Shows a selection of predetermined paper sizes
 ISO: Metric
 ANSI: Imperial
 ARCH: American Architectural
 Full Bleed: Prints from one edge of the paper to the other without borders

Plot Area
What to plot: Choose from a series plot areas
 Display: Plots all objects displayed in the drawing area
 Extents: Plots all objects in the drawing
 Layout: Prints all objects within the printable area of the paper
 Window: Plots objects in the area you define

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 32 - PAGE SETUP

Plot Offset
The plot offset specifies an offset of the plot area relative to the lower-left corner (the origin) of the printable area
or the edge of the paper

Plot Scale
Specify the scale for plotting

Plot Style Table

A plot style table provides a collection of plot styles assigned to a layout or model space
A plot style tells the printer how to take the object colour and converts them to varies lineweights

Shaded Viewport Options

Controls the quality of the print

Plot Options
Advanced options

Drawing Orientation
Chose between Portrait or Landscape orientation. Option of Plotting upside down available

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 PRACTICAL 32 - LAYOUT 1 PAGE SETUP

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 CHAPTER 34 - PLOT / PLOT PREVIEW

PLOT
The terms printing and plotting can be used interchangeably for CAD output.
Historically, printers would generate text only, and plotters would generate vector graphics which is no longer
>Click PLOT(PLO) in the Application menu > Print > Plot
OR
>Right click PLOT in the Layout tab
>Once Page Setup is been setup click 'OK'
OR
>Click Plot in the Quick Access Tool Bar

PLOT PREVIEW
You can preview a drawing before printing it. The preview shows exactly how the drawing will look
when plotted, including lineweights, fill patterns, and plot style options
>Click PLOT PREVIEW(PRE) in the Application menu > Print > Plot Preview
OR
>Right click PLOT in the Layout tab
>Once Page Setup is been setup click 'PREVIEW'
OR
>Click Plot Preview in the Quick Access Tool Bar

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 CHAPTER 35 - VIEWPORTS

VIEWPORTS
Creates a framed area which displays a view from the Model Space into the Layout (paper space) set to a scale
>Click VIEWPORT(MV) in the Layout Viewport panel of the Layout tab
In a Layout, you can create as many viewports as you want

Viewport Types
 Rectangular: Creates a Viewport in a rectangular form
 Polygonal: Creates an irregularly shaped viewport using specified points
 Object: Specifies a closed polyline, ellipse, spline, region, or circle to be converted into a layout viewport

Viewport Locking & Activity

 Lock: Prevents the zoom scale factor in the specified layout viewport from being changed when
working in model space
 Unlock: Allows the zoom scale factor in the specified layout viewport from being changed when
working in model space
 On: Makes a selected viewport active. An active viewport displays objects in model space
Double-Click inside of viewport to activate view
 Off: Makes a selected viewport inactive. Objects in model space are not displayed in an inactive viewport
Double-Click outside of viewport to activate view

Viewport Scaling
Select the Viewport then select scale in Status bar
OR
Double click inside Viewport making it active then type: Z > 1/50XP > ENTER

Controlling object visibility in viewports

Activate viewport then select 'Freeze or thaw in current viewport' in Layer Properties

Changing Linetype Scaling

Activate Viewport and enter linetype(LT), unclick 'Use paper space units for scaling'.

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 PRACTICAL 35.1 - SCALING VIEWPORTS

SCALE 1:10 SCALE 1:20

SCALE 1:50 SCALE 1:100

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 PRACTICAL 35.2 - FREEZING IN CURRENT VIEWPORT

MAKING A NEW UCS

>Open drawing 'AutoCAD Introduction_Day 03 - Viewport Freeze'
>Create 4 Viewports on a Layout as shown
>Lock the Viewport and open the second view
>In the layer select, turn off the 'Freeze in Current Viewport' for the Furniture Layer

ORIGINAL FROZEN LAYER: Furniture

FROZEN LAYER: Hatch FROZEN LAYER: Door & Window

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course

 DAY 03 - COMMAND LIST

Instructor: Steve Fagan Level: Beginner Course