Chapter
1
Introduction to
AutoCAD
Learning Objectives
After completing this chapter, you will be able to:
• Start AutoCAD
• Understand the usage of the components of the initial AutoCAD screen
• Invoke AutoCAD commands from the keyboard, menus, toolbars, shortcut menus,
Tool Palettes, and Ribbon
• Work with File Tabs
• Understand the usage of components of dialog boxes in AutoCAD
• Start a new drawing using the New tool, File Tabs, and the Startup dialog box
• Save the work using various file-saving commands
• Close a drawing
• Open an existing drawing
• Quit AutoCAD
• Understand various options of AutoCAD help
• Understand the concept of Design Feed
Key Terms
• Initial Setup
• Toolbar
• Partial open
• Autodesk Cloud
• AutoCAD Screen
Components
• New
• Drawing Recovery
Manager
• Design Feed
• Ribbon
• Save As
• Application Menu
• Tool Palettes
• Menu Bar
• Save
• Close
• STARTUP
• Open
• Workspaces
• Help
• Autodesk App Store
• Autodesk 360
• File Tabs
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AutoCAD 2020: A Problem-Solving Approach, Basic and Intermediate
AutoCAD SCREEN COMPONENTS
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When you install AutoCAD 2020, the AutoCAD 2020 - English shortcut icon is created on the
desktop. You can start AutoCAD by double-clicking on this icon. The initial AutoCAD screen
comprises of drawing area, command window, menu bar, several toolbars, Model and Layout
tabs, and Status Bar, refer to Figure 1-1. A title bar that has an AutoCAD symbol and the current
drawing name is displayed on the top of the screen.
Figure 1-1 AutoCAD screen components in AutoCAD Drafting & Annotation workspace
Start Tab
In AutoCAD, the Start tab is displayed in the AutoCAD environment when you close all the
drawing templates or when there are no drawings open. The Start tab contains two sliding
frames, CREATE and LEARN, refer to Figure 1-2. These frames are discussed next.
CREATE
The CREATE page is displayed by default. In the CREATE page, you can access sample file,
recent files, templates, product notifications as well as connect with the online community. The
CREATE page is divided into four areas: Get Started, Recent Documents, Notifications, and
Connect.
LEARN
When you click on LEARN, the LEARN page is displayed. The LEARN page provides tools to
help you learn AutoCAD. It is divided into three columns: What’s New, Getting Started Videos,
and Learning Tips/Online Resources.
Drawing Area
The drawing area covers the major portion of the screen. In this area, you can draw the objects
and use the commands. To draw the objects, you need to define the coordinate points which can
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Figure 1-2 The Start tab in AutoCAD 2020
Command Window
The command window at the bottom of the drawing area has the command prompt where you
can enter the commands. It also displays the subsequent prompt sequences and the messages.
You can change the size of the window by placing the cursor on the top edge (double line bar
known as the grab bar) and then dragging it. This way you can increase its size to see all the
previous commands you have used. You can also press the F2 key to display AutoCAD Text
Window which displays the previous commands and prompts.
Tip
You can hide all toolbars displayed on the screen by pressing the CTRL+0 keys or by choosing
View > Clean Screen from the menu bar. To turn on the display of the toolbars again, press
the CTRL+0 keys. You can also choose the Clean Screen button in the Status Bar to hide
all toolbars.
Auto Correct the Command Name
In AutoCAD, if you type a wrong command name at the command prompt, a suggestion list
with most relevant commands will be displayed, refer to Figure 1-3. You can invoke the desired
command by selecting the required option from this list.
Auto Complete the Command Name
When you start typing a command name at the command prompt, the complete name of
the command will be displayed automatically. Also, a list of corresponding commands will be
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be selected by using your pointing device. The position of the pointing device is represented
on the screen by the cursor. The window also has the standard Windows buttons such as Close,
Minimize, and Restore Down on the top right corner. These buttons have the same functions
as in any other standard Window.
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AutoCAD 2020: A Problem-Solving Approach, Basic and Intermediate
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displayed, as shown in Figure 1-4. The commands that have not been used for a long time will
be grouped in folders at the bottom of the list.
Figure 1-3 Suggestion list with relevant
commands
Figure 1-4 Command bar displaying complete
command name
Internet Search
You can get more information about a command by using the Search in Help and Search
on Internet buttons available adjacent to the command name in the command line, refer to
Figure 1-5. If you choose the Search in Help button, the Autodesk AutoCAD 2020-Help dialog
box will be displayed. In this dialog box, you can find information about the command. By using
the Search on Internet button, you can find information about the command on internet. Note
that these buttons will be available adjacent to the selected command name in the suggestion list.
Figure 1-5 The Search in Help and Search on
Internet buttons displayed in the suggestion list
Synonym Suggestions
In AutoCAD, you can invoke a command by entering synonyms of the command name. By
entering the synonym at the command prompt, the command related to the synonym entered
will be displayed. For example, if you enter ROUND at the command prompt, then the FILLET
command will be displayed, as shown in Figure 1-6.
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Figure 1-6 Suggestion list displayed after entering a
synonym of command name at the command prompt
Input Search Options
In AutoCAD, you can enable or disable the functions such as Auto Complete and Auto Correct by
using the options available in the Input Search Options dialog box. To invoke this dialog box,
right-click at the command prompt; a shortcut menu will be displayed. Next, choose Input Search
Options from the shortcut menu; the Input Search Options dialog box will be displayed, as shown
in Figure 1-7. You can now enable or disable the required functions by using this dialog box.
Figure 1-7 The Input Search Options dialog box
Navigation Bar
The Navigation Bar is displayed in the drawing area and contains
navigation tools. These tools are grouped together, refer to Figure 1-8,
and are discussed next.
Full Navigation Wheel
The SteeringWheels has a set of navigation tools such as pan, zoom,
and so on. You will learn more about the Full Navigation Wheel in
the later chapters.
Pan
This tool allows you to view the portion of the drawing that is outside
the current display area. To do so, choose this tool, press and hold
the left mouse button, and then drag the drawing area. Press ESC to
exit this command.
Figure 1-8 Tools in the
Navigation Bar
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Introduction to AutoCAD
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AutoCAD 2020: A Problem-Solving Approach, Basic and Intermediate
Zoom Tools
Zoom tools are used to enlarge the view of the drawing on the screen without affecting the actual
size of the objects. These tools are grouped together in the Zoom drop-down. You will learn
more about zoom tools in later chapters.
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Orbit Tools
Orbit tools are used to rotate the view in 3D space. These tools are grouped together in the
Orbit drop-down.
ShowMotion
Choose this button to capture different views in a sequence and animate them when required.
ViewCube
ViewCube is available on the top right corner of the drawing area and is used to switch between
the standard and isometric views or roll the current view. The ViewCube and its options are
discussed in later chapters.
In-canvas Viewport Controls
In-canvas Viewport Controls is available on the top left corner of the drawing screen. It enables
you to change the view, visual style as well as the viewport.
Status Bar
The Status Bar is displayed at the bottom of the screen and is called Application Status Bar,
refer to Figure 1-9. It contains some useful information and buttons that make it easy to change
the status of some AutoCAD functions. You can toggle between the on and off states of most of
these functions. You can add or remove these buttons in the Status Bar by selecting respective
option from the Customization flyout.
Figure 1-9 The Status Bar displayed in the Drafting & Annotation workspace
Coordinates
The information about the coordinates is displayed on the left corner of the Status Bar near the
Model and Layout tabs. You can choose the coordinate button to toggle between the on and
off states. The COORDS system variable controls the type of display of the coordinates. If the
value of the COORDS variable is set to 0, the coordinate display is static, that is, the coordinate
values displayed in the Status Bar change only when you specify a point. If the value of the
COORDS variable is set to 1, 2, or 3, the coordinate display is dynamic. When the variable
is set to 1, AutoCAD constantly displays the absolute coordinates of the graphics cursor with
respect to the UCS origin. The polar coordinates (length Clean Screen from the menu bar or by using the CTRL+0
keys. Choose the Clean Screen button again to restore the previous display state.
Customization
The Customization button is available at right corner of the Status Bar. Using this button,
you can customize to add or remove tools in the Status Bar.
Plot/Publish Details Report Available
This icon is displayed in the Status Bar when some plotting or a publishing activity is
performed in the background. When you click on this icon, the Plot and Publish Details
dialog box, which provides the details about the plotting and publishing activity, will be displayed.
You can copy this report to the clipboard by choosing the Copy to Clipboard button from the
dialog box.
Manage Xrefs
The Manage Xrefs icon is displayed in the Status Bar whenever an external reference
drawing is attached to the selected drawing. This icon displays a message and an alert
whenever the Xreffed drawing needs to be reloaded. To find detailed information regarding
the status of each Xref in the drawing and the relation between the various Xrefs, click on the
Manage Xrefs icon; the External References Palette will be displayed. The Xrefs are discussed
in detail in Chapter 18, Understanding External References.
INVOKING TOOLS IN AutoCAD
On starting AutoCAD, when you are in the drawing area, you need to invoke AutoCAD tools to
perform an operation. For example, to draw a line, first you need to invoke the Line tool and
then define the start point and the endpoint of the line. Similarly, if you want to erase objects,
you must invoke the Erase tool and then select the objects for erasing. In AutoCAD, you can
invoke the commands using the Keyboard, Ribbon, Application Menu, Tool Palettes, Menu bar,
Shortcut menu, and Toolbar.
Keyboard
You can invoke any AutoCAD command from the keyboard by typing the command name and
then pressing the ENTER key. As you type the first letter of command, AutoCAD displays all
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available commands starting with the letter typed. If the Dynamic Input is on and the cursor is
in the drawing area, by default, the command will be entered through the Pointer Input box. The
Pointer Input box is a small box displayed on the right of the cursor, as shown in Figure 1-11.
However, if the cursor is currently placed on any toolbar or menu bar, or if the Dynamic Input
is turned off, the command will be entered through the command prompt. Before you enter
a command, the command prompt is displayed as the last line in the command window area.
If it is not displayed, you must cancel the existing command by pressing the ESC (Escape) key.
Figure 1-11 The Pointer Input box displayed
when the Dynamic Input is on
The following example shows how to invoke the LINE command using the keyboard:
Command: LINE or L (L is command alias)
Ribbon
In AutoCAD, you can also invoke a tool from the Ribbon, refer to Figure 1-12. The tools for
creating, modifying, and annotating the 2D and 3D designs are available in the panels instead
of being spread out in the entire drawing area in different toolbars and menus.
Figure 1-12 The Ribbon for the Drafting & Annotation workspace
When you start the AutoCAD session for the first time, by default the Ribbon is displayed
horizontally below the Quick Access Toolbar. The Ribbon consists of various tabs. The tabs
have different panels, which in turn, have tools arranged in rows. Some of the tools have small
black down arrow. This indicates that the tools having similar functions are grouped together.
To choose a tool, click on the down arrow; a drop-down will be displayed. Choose the required
tool from the drop-down displayed. Note that if you choose a tool from the drop-down, the
corresponding command will be invoked and the tool that you have chosen will be displayed in
the panel. For example, to draw a circle using the 2-Point tool, click on the down arrow next to
the Center, Radius tool in the Draw panel of the Home tab; a flyout will be displayed. Choose
the 2-Point tool from the flyout and then draw the circle. You will notice that the 2-Point tool is
displayed in place of the Center, Radius tool.
Choose the down arrow to expand the panel. You will notice that a push pin is available at
the left end of the panel. Click on the push pin to keep the panel in the expanded state. Also,
some of the panels have an inclined arrow at the lower-right corner. When you left click on an
inclined arrow, a dialog box is displayed. You can define the setting of the corresponding panel
in the dialog box.
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AutoCAD 2020: A Problem-Solving Approach, Basic and Intermediate
You can reorder the panels in the tab. To do so, press and hold the left mouse button on the
panel to be moved and drag it to the required position. To undock the Ribbon, right-click on
the blank space in the Ribbon and choose the Undock option. You can move, resize, anchor,
and auto-hide the Ribbon using the shortcut menu that will be displayed when you right-click
on the heading strip. To anchor the floating Ribbon to the left or right of the drawing area in
the vertical position, right-click on the heading strip of the floating Ribbon; a shortcut menu
is displayed. Choose the corresponding option from this shortcut menu. The Auto-hide option
will hide the Ribbon into the heading strip and will display it only when you move the cursor
over this strip.
You can customize the display of tabs and panels in the Ribbon. To customize the Ribbon,
right-click on any one of the tools in it; a shortcut menu will be displayed. On moving the cursor
over one of the options, a flyout will be displayed with a tick mark before all options and the
corresponding tab or panel will be displayed in the Ribbon. Select/clear appropriate option to
display/hide a particular tab or panel.
Application Menu
The Application Menu is available at the top-left of the AutoCAD window. It contains some of the
tools that are available in the Standard toolbar. Click on the down arrow on the Application Menu
to display the tools, as shown in Figure 1-13. You can search for tools or commands by using the
search field on the top of the Application Menu. To search a tool or command, enter its complete
or partial name in the search field; the list of related tools and commands will be displayed. If
you click on a tool from the list, the corresponding command will get activated.
Figure 1-13 The Application Menu
By default, the Recent Documents button is chosen in the Application Menu. Therefore, the
recently opened drawings will be listed. If you have opened multiple drawing files, choose the
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Tool Palettes
AutoCAD has provided Tool Palettes as an easy and convenient way of placing and sharing
hatch patterns and blocks in the current drawing. By default, the Tool Palettes are not displayed.
Choose the Tool Palettes button from the Palettes panel in the View tab or choose the CTRL+3
keys to display the Tool Palettes as a window in the drawing area. You can resize the Tool
Palettes using the resizing cursor that is displayed when you place the cursor on the top or
bottom extremity of the Tool Palettes. The Tool Palettes are discussed in detail in Chapter 12,
Hatching Drawings.
Menu Bar
You can also select commands from the menu bar. Menu bar is not displayed by default. To
display the menu bar, click on the down arrow in the Quick Access Toolbar; a flyout is displayed.
Choose the Show Menu Bar option from it; the menu bar will be displayed. As you move the
cursor over the menu bar, different tabs are highlighted. You can choose the desired item by
left-clicking on it; the corresponding menu is displayed directly under the title. For example,
to draw an ellipse using the Center option, choose the Draw menu and then choose the Ellipse
option; a cascading menu will be displayed. From the cascading menu, choose the Center
option. In this textbook, the sequence to be followed while selecting a tool from the menu bar
is as follows: Choose Draw > Ellipse > Center from the menu bar.
Toolbar
Toolbars are not displayed by default. To display a toolbar, choose Tools > Toolbars >
AutoCAD from the Menu Bar; a list of toolbars will be displayed. Select the required toolbar.
Figure 1-14 shows the Draw toolbar invoked.
Figure 1-14 The Draw toolbar
Shortcut Menu
AutoCAD has provided shortcut menus as an easy and convenient way of invoking the recently
used tools. These shortcut menus are context-sensitive, which means that the tools in shortcut
menus are dependent on the place/object for which they are displayed. A shortcut menu is invoked
by right-clicking and is displayed at the cursor location. You can right-click anywhere in the
drawing area to display the general shortcut menu. It generally contains an option to select the
previously invoked tool again, apart from the common tools for Windows, refer to Figure 1-15.
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Open Documents button; the documents that are opened will be listed in the Application Menu.
To set the preferences of the file, choose the Options button available at the bottom-right of the
Application Menu. To exit AutoCAD, choose the Exit Autodesk AutoCAD 2020 button next
to the Options button.
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If you right-click in the drawing area while a command is active, a shortcut menu is displayed,
containing the options of that particular command. Figure 1-16 shows the shortcut menu when
the Polyline tool is active.
Figure 1-15 Partial view of the shortcut menu
with the recently used tools
Figure 1-16 Shortcut menu with the
Polyline tool active
File Tabs
The File Tabs button is available in the Interface panel of the View tab. It is used to toggle
the display of the File tab bar which displays all opened files. You can easily switch between
multiple opened drawings by clicking on them.
You can also create a new drawing file by clicking on the (+) sign available at the end of the File
tab bar. When you click on the (+) sign, the New Tab will be displayed. You can create a new
drawing by clicking on the Start Drawing icon on the left side of the New Tab in Get Started
area. Figure 1-17 shows the File Tabs button chosen in the Ribbon.
Figure 1-17 The File Tabs button chosen in the Ribbon
Introduction to AutoCAD
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Figure 1-18 Tab dragged in the File tab bar
In AutoCAD if a large number of files are opened, some of the files will not be visible in the File
tab bar and therefore an overflow symbol will be displayed on its right end, refer to Figure 1-19.
To open any tab which is not visible in the File tab bar, click on the overflow symbol; the names
of all the tabs will be displayed in a flyout, refer to Figure 1-19. Also, when you move the cursor
on a tab name, previews of the Model, Layout1, Layout2 will be displayed, refer to Figure 1-19.
You can open the desired environment by clicking on its preview.
Figure 1-19 Flyout with file tab names and preview of their respective drawings
If you move the cursor over a file tab, the preview of the model and layouts will be displayed.
When you move the cursor over any preview, the corresponding preview will be displayed in the
drawing area, refer to Figure 1-20.
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In the File tab bar, all the added tabs get arranged in the sequence in which the respective
drawings are opened or created. You can change the sequence of tabs in the File tab bar by using
the left mouse button. To do so, press and hold the left mouse button on any tab and drag it to
the desired location, refer to Figure 1-18.
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AutoCAD 2020: A Problem-Solving Approach, Basic and Intermediate
Figure 1-20 Previews of model and layouts
There are two buttons available on the top of preview window: Plot and Publish. By using
Plot, you can plot the drawing, and by using Publish, you can publish the drawing. When you
right-click on a file tab, a shortcut menu containing various options such as New, Open, Save,
Save As, Close, and so on will be displayed, refer to Figure 1-21. You can choose the option
from the shortcut menu as per your requirement.
Figure 1-21 Shortcut menu displayed on right-clicking on the File tab bar
There are two icons displayed on the file tab: Asterisk icon and Lock icon. The Asterisk icon
indicates that the file is modified but not saved. The Lock icon indicates that the file is locked
and the changes cannot be saved with the original file name, although you can use the Save As
tool to create another copy.
Introduction to AutoCAD
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Figure 1-22 Selecting the Open Read-Only option
AutoCAD DIALOG BOXES
There are certain commands which when invoked display a dialog box. When you choose an
item in the menu bar with the ellipses [...], it displays corresponding dialog box. For example,
the Options option in the Tools menu displays the Options dialog box. A dialog box contains a
number of parts like the dialog label, radio buttons, text or edit boxes, check boxes, slider bars,
image boxes, and command buttons. These components are also referred to as tiles. Some of
the components of a dialog box are shown in Figure 1-23.
Figure 1-23 The components of a dialog box
You can select the desired tile of the dialog box by using the pointing device, which is represented
by an arrow when a dialog box is invoked. The titlebar displays the name of the dialog box. The
tabs specify the various sections with a group of related options under them. The check boxes
are toggle options for making the particular option available or unavailable. The drop-down
list displays an item and an arrow on the right which when selected displays a list of items to
be chosen from.
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To open a drawing as a locked file, first choose the Open option from the shortcut menu displayed
on right-clicking over the file tab; the Select File dialog box will be displayed. Select the desired
file and then select the Open Read-Only option from the Open drop-down list, as shown in
Figure 1-22. On doing so, the file will be opened as a locked file in the drawing area. You can
also open the file as a locked file by using the Open button from the Quick Access Toolbar.
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AutoCAD 2020: A Problem-Solving Approach, Basic and Intermediate
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You can make a selection in the radio buttons. Only one can be selected at a time. The image
displays the preview image of the item selected. The text box is an area where you can enter a text
such as a file name. It is also called an edit box because you can make changes to the text entered.
In some dialog boxes, there is the [...] button, which displays another related dialog box. There
are certain buttons (OK, Cancel, Help) at the bottom of the dialog box. The function of each
of these buttons is implied in their name. The button with a dark border is the default button.
The dialog box has the Help button for getting help on the various features of the dialog box.
STARTING A NEW DRAWING
Application Menu: New > Drawing
Quick Access Toolbar: New
Menu Bar: File > New
Command: NEW or QNEW
You can open a new drawing using the New tool in the Quick Access Toolbar. When you
invoke the New tool, by default AutoCAD will display the Select template dialog box, as
shown in Figure 1-24. This dialog box displays a list of default templates available in AutoCAD.
The default selected template is acad.dwt, which starts the 2D drawing environment. You can
select the acad3D.dwt template to start the 3D modeling environment. Alternatively, you can
select any other template to start a new drawing that will use the settings of the selected template.
You can also open any drawing without using any template either in metric or imperial system.
To do so, choose the down arrow on the right of the Open button and choose the Open with
no Template-Metric option or the Open with no Template-Imperial option from the drop-down.
Figure 1-24 The Select template dialog box
You can also open a new drawing using the Start from Scratch, Use a Template, or Use a Wizard
option from the Create New Drawing dialog box. By default, this dialog box is not invoked.
Introduction to AutoCAD
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Figure 1-25 The Create New Drawing dialog box
Open a Drawing
By default, this option is not available. This option will be available when you start a new session
of AutoCAD. This option is discussed later in this chapter.
Start from Scratch
When you choose the Start from Scratch button, AutoCAD provides you with options to start a
new drawing that contains the default AutoCAD setup for Imperial (Acad.dwt) or Metric drawings
(Acadiso.dwt). If you select the Imperial default setting, the limits are 12X9, text height is 0.20,
and dimensions and linetype scale factors are 1.
Use a Template
When you choose the Use a Template button in the Create New Drawing dialog box, AutoCAD
displays a list of templates, as shown in Figure 1-26. The default template file is Acad.dwt or
Acadiso.dwt, depending on the installation. You can directly start a new file in the 2D sketching
environment by selecting the acad.dwt or acadiso.dwt template. If you use a template file, the
new drawing will have the same settings as specified in the template file. All the drawing
parameters of the new drawing such as units, limits, and other settings are already set according
to the template file used. The preview of the template file selected is displayed in the dialog
box. You can also define your own template files that are customized to your requirements
(refer to Chapter 15, Template Drawings). To differentiate the template files from the drawing
files, the template files have a .dwt extension whereas the drawing files have a .dwg extension.
Any drawing file can be saved as a template file. You can use the Browse button to select other
template files. When you choose the Browse button, the Select a template file dialog box is
displayed with the Template folder open, displaying all the template files.
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To invoke the Create New Drawing dialog box, enter STARTUP in the command window and
then enter 1 as the new value for this system variable. After setting 1 as the new value for the
system variable, whenever you invoke the New tool, the Create New Drawing dialog box will be
displayed, as shown in Figure 1-25. The options in this dialog box are discussed next.
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AutoCAD 2020: A Problem-Solving Approach, Basic and Intermediate
Figure 1-26 The default templates displayed on choosing the
Use a Template button
Use a Wizard
The Use a Wizard option allows you to set the initial drawing settings before actually starting
a new drawing. When you choose the Use a Wizard button, AutoCAD provides you with the
option for using the Advanced Setup or Quick Setup, as shown in Figure 1-27. In the Advanced
Setup, you can set the units, limits, and the different types of settings for a drawing. In the Quick
Setup, you can specify the units and the limits of the work area.
Figure 1-27 The wizard options displayed on choosing the Use
a Wizard button
Advanced Setup
This option allows you to preselect the parameters of a new drawing such as the units of linear
and angular measurements, type and direction of angular measurements, approximate area
desired for the drawing, precision for displaying the units after decimal, and so on. When you
select the Advanced Setup option from the Create New Drawing dialog box and choose the OK
button, the Advanced Setup wizard is displayed. In the wizard, the Units page is displayed by
default, as shown in Figure 1-28.
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Figure 1-28 The Units page of the Advanced Setup wizard
This page is used to set the units for measurement in the current drawing. You can select the
required unit of measurement by selecting the respective radio button. You will notice that the
preview image is modified accordingly. The different units of measurement you can choose from
are Decimal, Engineering, Architectural, Fractional, and Scientific. You can also set the precision
for the measurement units by selecting the required option from the Precision drop-down list.
Choose the Next button to open the Angle page, as shown in Figure 1-29. You will notice that
an arrow appears on the left of Angle in the Advanced Setup wizard. This implies that this
page is current.
Figure 1-29 The Angle page of the Advanced Setup wizard
This page is used to set the units for angular measurements and its precision. The units for
angle measurement are Decimal Degrees, Deg/Min/Sec, Grads, Radians, and Surveyor. The units
for angle measurement can be set by selecting any one of these radio buttons as required. The
preview of the selected angular unit is displayed on the right of the radio buttons. The precision
format changes automatically in the Precision drop-down list depending on the angle measuring
system selected. You can then select the precision from the drop-down list.
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AutoCAD 2020: A Problem-Solving Approach, Basic and Intermediate
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The next page is the Angle Measure page, as shown in Figure 1-30. This page is used to select
the direction of the baseline from which the angles will be measured. You can also set your own
direction by selecting the Other radio button and then entering the value in the corresponding
edit box. This edit box is enabled when you select the Other radio button.
Figure 1-30 The Angle Measure page of the Advanced Setup wizard
Choose the Next button to display the Angle Direction page, as shown in Figure 1-31, to set
the orientation for the angle measurement. By default, the angles are positive, if measured in
a counterclockwise direction. This is because the Counter-Clockwise radio button is selected.
If you select the Clockwise radio button, the angles will be considered positive when measured
in the clockwise direction.
Figure 1-31 The Angle Direction page of the Advanced Setup wizard
To set the limits of the drawing, choose the Next button; the Area page will be displayed, as
shown in Figure 1-32. You can enter the width and length of the drawing area in the respective
edit boxes.
Note
Even after you increase the limits of the drawing, the drawing display area is not increased. You
need to invoke the Zoom All tool from the Navigation Bar to increase the drawing display area.
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Figure 1-32 The Area page of the Advanced Setup wizard
Quick Setup
When you select the Quick Setup option from the Create New Drawing dialog box and choose
the OK button, the QuickSetup wizard is displayed. This wizard has two pages: Units and Area.
The Units page is opened by default, as shown in Figure 1-33. The options in the Units page
are similar to those in the Units page of the Advanced Setup wizard. The only difference is that
you cannot set the precision for the units in this wizard.
Figure 1-33 The Units page of the QuickSetup wizard
Choose the Next button to display the Area page, as shown in Figure 1-34. The Area page of
the QuickSetup wizard is similar to that of the Advanced Setup wizard. In this page, you can
set the drawing limits.
Tip
When you open an AutoCAD session, a drawing opens automatically. But you can open a new
drawing using options such as Start from Scratch and Use a Wizard before entering into
AutoCAD environment using the Startup dialog box. As mentioned earlier, the display of the
Startup dialog box is turned off by default. Refer to the section of Starting a New Drawing
to know how to turn on the display of this dialog box.
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Introduction to AutoCAD
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AutoCAD 2020: A Problem-Solving Approach, Basic and Intermediate
Figure 1-34 The Area page of the QuickSetup wizard
SAVING YOUR WORK
Application Menu: Save, Save As
Quick Access Toolbar: Save or Save As
Menu Bar: File > Save or Save As
Command: QSAVE, SAVEAS, SAVE
You must save your work before you exit the drawing editor or turn off your system.
Also, it is recommended that you save your drawings in regular intervals, so that in
the event of a power failure or an editing error, all work saved before the problem started is
retained.
AutoCAD has provided the QSAVE, SAVEAS, and SAVE commands that allow you to save your
work. Also, these commands allow you to save your drawing by writing it to a permanent storage
device, such as a hard drive or in any removable drive.
When you choose the Save tool from the Quick Access Toolbar or the Application Menu, the
QSAVE command is invoked. If the current drawing is unnamed and you save the drawing
for the first time in the current session, the SAVEAS command will be invoked and you will be
prompted to enter the file name in the Save Drawing As dialog box, as shown in Figure 1-35.
You can enter the name for the drawing and then choose the Save button. If you have saved
a drawing file once and then edited it, you can use the Save tool to save it, without the system
prompting you to enter a file name. This allows you to do a quick save.
When you choose the Save As tool from the Application Menu or the Quick Access Toolbar,
the Save Drawing As dialog box is displayed, similar to one shown in Figure 1-35. Even if the
drawing has been saved with a file name, this tool gives you an option to save it with a different
file name. In addition to saving the drawing, it sets the name of the current drawing to the file
name you specify, which is displayed in the title bar. This tool is used when you want to save a
previously saved drawing with a different file name. You can also use this tool when you make
certain changes to a template and want to save the changed template drawing but leave the
original template unchanged.
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Figure 1-35 The Save Drawing As dialog box
Save Drawing As Dialog Box
The Save Drawing As dialog box displays the information related to the drawing files on your
system. The various components of the dialog box are described next.
Places List
A column of icons is displayed on the left side of the dialog box. These icons contain the shortcuts
to the folders that are frequently used. You can quickly save your drawings in one of these folders.
The History folder displays the list of the most recently saved drawings. You can save your personal
drawings in the Documents or the Favorites folder. The FTP folder displays the list of the various
FTP sites that are available for saving the drawing. By default, no FTP sites are shown in the dialog
box. To add a FTP site to the dialog box, choose the Add/Modify FTP Locations option from the
Tools drop-down. The Desktop folder displays the list of contents on the desktop. You can add a
new folder in this list for an easy access by simply dragging the folder to the Places list area. You
can rearrange all these folders by dragging them and then placing them at the desired locations.
It is also possible to remove the folders, which are not in frequent use. Right-click on the particular
folder and then select Remove from the shortcut menu. Now, you can also save the document
to a new location of Autodesk Cloud. The option for saving the document is discussed next.
File name Edit Box
To save your work, enter the name of the drawing in the File name edit box by typing the file
name or selecting it from the drop-down list. If you select the file name, it automatically appears in
the File name edit box. If you have already assigned a name to the drawing, the current drawing
name is taken as the default name. If the drawing is unnamed, the default name Drawing1 is
displayed in the File name edit box. You can also choose the down arrow located on the right
of the edit box to display the names of the previously saved drawings and choose a name here.
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Introduction to AutoCAD
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AutoCAD 2020: A Problem-Solving Approach, Basic and Intermediate
Files of type Drop-down List
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The Files of type drop-down list, refer to Figure 1-36, is used to specify the drawing format in
which you want to save the file. For example, to save the file as an AutoCAD 2004 drawing file,
select AutoCAD 2004/LT2004 Drawing (*.dwg) from the drop-down list.
Figure 1-36 The Files of type drop-down list
Save in Drop-down List
The current drive and path information is listed in the Save in drop-down list. AutoCAD
will initially save the drawing in the default folder, but if you want to save the drawing in a
different folder, you have to specify the path. For example, to save the present drawing as house
in the C1 folder, choose the arrow button in the Save in drop-down list to display the drop-down
list. Select C: from the drop-down list; all folders in the C drive will be listed in the Name list
box. Double-click on the C1 folder, if it is already listed there or create a folder C1 by choosing
the Create New Folder button. Select house from the list, if it is already listed there, or enter it
in the File name edit box and then choose the Save button. Your drawing (house) will be saved
in the C1 folder (C:\C1\house.dwg). Similarly, to save the drawing in the D drive, select D: in the
Save in drop-down list.
Tip
The file name you enter to save a drawing should match its contents. This helps you to
remember the drawing details and make it easier to refer them later. Also, the file name can be
255 characters long and can contain spaces and punctuation marks.
Views drop-down list
The Views drop-down list has the options for the type of listing of files and displaying the
preview images, refer to Figure 1-37.
List, Details, and Thumbnails Options
If you choose the Details option, it will display the detailed information
about the files (size, type, date, and time of modification) in the Name
list box. In the detailed information, if you click on the Name label, the
files are listed with the names in alphabetical order. If you double-click
on the Name label, the files will be listed in the reverse order. Similarly,
if you click on the Size label, the files are listed according to their size
Figure 1-37 The Views
in ascending order. Double-clicking on the Size label will list the files
drop-down list
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Create New Folder Button
If you choose the Create New Folder button, AutoCAD creates a new folder under the
name New Folder. The new folder is displayed in the Name list box. You can accept the
name or change it to your requirement. You can also use the ALT+5 keys to create a new
folder.
Up one level Button
The Up one level button displays the folders that are up by one level. For example, if you
are in the Sample subfolder of the AutoCAD 2020 folder, then choosing the
Up one level button will take you to the AutoCAD 2020 folder. You can also use the ALT+2 keys
to do the same.
Search the Web Button
It displays the Browse the Web - Save dialog box that enables you to access and store
AutoCAD files on the Internet. You can also use the ALT+3 keys to browse the Web when
this dialog box is available on the screen.
Tools drop-down list
The Tools drop-down list, refer to Figure 1-38, has an option
for adding or modifying the FTP sites. These sites can then be
browsed from the FTP shortcut in the Places list. The Add
Current Folder to Places and Add to Favorites options add
the folder displayed in the Save in edit box to the Places list or
to the Favorites folder. The Options button displays the Saveas
Options dialog box where you can save the proxy images of
the custom objects. It has the DWG Options and DXF Options
tabs. The Digital Signatures button displays the Digital
Signatures dialog box, which is used to configure the security
options of the drawing.
AUTOMATIC TIMED SAVE
Figure 1-38 The Tools
drop-down list
AutoCAD allows you to save your work automatically at specific intervals. To change the time
intervals, you can specify the intervals duration in minutes in the Minutes between saves
edit box in the File Safety Precautions area in the Options dialog box (Open and Save
tab). This dialog box can be invoked by choosing the Options button from the Application
Menu. Depending on the power supply, hardware, and type of drawings, you should decide
on an appropriate time and assign it to this variable. AutoCAD saves the drawing with the file
extension .sv$. You can also change the time interval by using the SAVETIME system variable.
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in descending order of size. Similarly, you can click on the Type label or the Date modified label
to list the files accordingly. If you choose the List option, all files present in the current folder
will be listed in the File list box. If you select the Thumbnails option, the list box displays the
preview of all the drawings, along with their names displayed at the bottom of the drawing
preview.
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Tip
Although the automatic save feature saves your drawing after a certain time interval, you should
not completely depend on it because the procedure of converting the ac$ file into a drawing
file is cumbersome. Therefore, it is recommended that you save your files regularly using the
QSAVE or SAVEAS commands.
CREATING BACKUP FILES
If the drawing file already exists and you use Save or Save As tool to update the current drawing,
AutoCAD creates a backup file. AutoCAD takes the previous copy of the drawing and changes
it from a file type .dwg to .bak, and the updated drawing is saved as a drawing file with the .dwg
extension. For example, if the name of the drawing is myproj.dwg, AutoCAD will change it to
myproj.bak as a backup file and save the current drawing as myproj.dwg.
Changing Automatic Timed Saved and Backup Files into
AutoCAD Format
Sometimes, you may need to change the automatic timed saved and backup files into
AutoCAD format. To change a backup file into AutoCAD format, open the folder in which you
have saved the backup or the automatic timed saved drawing. Choose the View tab and select
the File name extensions check box from the Show/hide area. Rename the automatic saved
drawing or the backup file with a different name and also change the extension of the drawing
from .sv$ or .bak to .dwg.
Using the Drawing Recovery Manager to Recover Files
The files that are saved automatically can also be retrieved by using the DRAWING RECOVERY
MANAGER. You can open the DRAWING RECOVERY MANAGER by choosing Drawing
Utilities > Open the Drawing Recovery Manager from the Application Menu or by entering the
DRAWINGRECOVERY command at the command prompt.
If the automatic save operation is performed in a drawing and the system crashes accidentally,
the next time you run AutoCAD, the Drawing Recovery message box will be displayed, as shown
in Figure 1-39. The message box informs you that the program unexpectedly failed and you
can open the most suitable file among the backup files created by AutoCAD. Choose the Close
button from the Drawing Recovery message box; the DRAWING RECOVERY MANAGER is
displayed on the left of the drawing area, as shown in Figure 1-40.
The Backup Files rollout lists the original files, the backup files, and the automatically saved
files. Select a file; its preview will be displayed in the Preview rollout. Also, the information
corresponding to the selected file will be displayed in the Details rollout. To open a backup file,
double-click on its name in the Backup Files rollout. Alternatively, right-click on the file name
and then choose Open from the shortcut menu. It is recommended that you save the backup
file at the desired location before you start working on it.
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Figure 1-39 The Drawing Recovery message box
Figure 1-40 The DRAWING
RECOVERY MANAGER
CLOSING A DRAWING
You can close the current drawing file without actually quitting AutoCAD by choosing Close >
Current Drawing from the Application Menu or by entering CLOSE at the command prompt.
If multiple drawing files are opened, choose Close > All Drawings from the Application Menu.
If you have not saved the drawing after making the last changes to it and you invoke the CLOSE
command, AutoCAD displays a dialog box that allows you to save the drawing before closing.
This box gives you an option to discard the current drawing or the changes made to it. It also
gives you an option to cancel the command. After closing the drawing, you are still in AutoCAD
from where you can open a new or an already saved drawing file. You can also use the close
button (X) of the drawing area to close the drawing.
OPENING AN EXISTING DRAWING
Application Menu: Open > Drawing
Menu Bar: File > Open
Quick Access Toolbar: Open
Command: OPEN
You can open an existing drawing file that has been saved previously. There are three methods
that can be used to open a drawing file: by using the Select File dialog box, by using the Create
New Drawing dialog box, and by dragging and dropping.
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AutoCAD 2020: A Problem-Solving Approach, Basic and Intermediate
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Opening an Existing Drawing Using the Select File Dialog Box
If you are already in the drawing editor and you want to open a drawing file, choose the
Open tool from the Quick Access Toolbar; the Select File dialog box will be displayed,
refer to Figure 1-41. You can select the drawing to be opened using this dialog box. This dialog
box is similar to the standard dialog boxes. You can choose the file you want to open from the
folder in which it is stored. You can change the folder from the Look in drop-down list. You can
then select the name of the drawing from the list box or you can enter the name of the drawing
file you want to open in the File name edit box. After selecting the drawing file, you can choose
the Open button to open the file. Here, you can choose Drawing1 from the list and then choose
the Open button to open the drawing.
Figure 1-41 The Select File dialog box
When you select a file name, its image is displayed in the Preview box. If you are not sure about
the file name of a particular drawing but know the contents,
you can select the file names and look for the particular
drawing in the Preview box. You can also change the file type
by selecting it in the Files of type drop-down list. Apart from
the dwg files, you can open the dwt (template) files or the dxf
files. You have all the standard icons in the Places list that can
be used to open drawing files from different locations. The
Open button has a drop-down list, as shown in Figure 1-42.
You can choose a method for opening the file using this Figure 1-42 The Open drop-down
list
drop-down list. These methods are discussed next.
Open Read-Only
To view a drawing without altering it, you must select the Open Read-Only option from the
drop-down list. In other words, the Open Read-Only option protects the drawing file from
Introduction to AutoCAD
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changes. AutoCAD does not prevent you from editing the drawing, but if you try to save the
opened drawing with the original file name, AutoCAD warns you that the drawing file is write
protected. However, you can save the edited drawing to a file with a different file name using
the Save Drawing As dialog box. This way you can preserve your drawing.
The Partial Open option enables you to open only a selected view or a selected layer of a selected
drawing. This option can be used to edit small portions of a complicated drawing and then save it
with the complete drawing. When you select the Partial Open option from the Open drop-down
list, the Partial Open dialog box is displayed, as shown in Figure 1-43, which contains different
views and layers of the selected drawing.
Figure 1-43 The Partial Open dialog box
When you select a check box for a layer and then choose the Open button, only the objects drawn
in that particular layer for the drawing are displayed in the new drawing window. You can make
the changes and then save it. For example, in the C:/Program Files/Autodesk/AutoCAD 2020 folder,
double-click on the Sample folder and then Mechanical Sample and select Mechanical - Xref from
the list. Now, choose the down arrow on the right of the Open button to display the drop-down
list and choose Partial Open. All the views and layers of this drawing are displayed in the Partial
Open dialog box (click Yes, if AutoCAD prompts for read-only files). Select the check box on
the right of the layer that you want to open. When you choose the Open button, after selecting
the layers, only the selected layers of the drawing will be opened.
Note
The concept of layers is discussed in Chapter 4, Working with Drawing Aids.
Loading Additional Objects to Partially Opened Drawing
Once you have opened a part of a drawing and made the necessary changes, you may want to load
additional objects or layers on the existing ones. This can be done by using the PARTIALOAD
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Partial Open
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command, which can be invoked by choosing File > Partial Load from the menu bar or by
entering PARTIALOAD at the command prompt. This command displays the Partial Load
dialog box, which is similar to the Partial Open dialog box. You can choose another layer and
the objects drawn in it will be added to the partially loaded drawing.
Note
1. The Partial Load option is not enabled in the File menu unless a drawing is partially
opened.
2. Loading a drawing partially is a good practice when you are working with objects on a specific
layer in a large complicated drawing.
3. In the Select File dialog box, a preview of a drawing which was partially opened and then
saved is not displayed.
Tip
When you open a drawing which was partially opened when last saved, a message box is
displayed with two options, either to fully open it or restore the partially opened drawing. Note
that, here AutoCAD remembers the settings of both the drawings.
Select Initial View
A view is defined as the way you look at an object. Select the Select Initial View check box if
you want to load a specific view initially when AutoCAD loads the drawing. This option will
work if the drawing has saved views. This option is generally used while working on a large
complicated drawing, if you want to work on a particular portion of that drawing. You can save
that particular portion as a view and then select it to open the drawing next time. You can save a
desired view by using AutoCAD’s VIEW command (refer to “Creating Views” topic, Chapter 6).
If the drawing has no saved views, selecting this option will load the last view. If you select the
Select Initial View check box and then the OK button, AutoCAD will display the Select Initial
View dialog box. You can select the view name from this dialog box, and AutoCAD will load the
drawing with the selected view displayed.
Tip
1. Apart from opening a drawing from the Startup dialog box or the Select File dialog
box, you can also open a drawing from the Application Menu. By default, the Recent
Documents option is selected in the Application Menu. As a result, the most recently opened
drawings will be displayed and you can open the required file from it.
2. You can open an AutoCAD 2000 drawing in AutoCAD 2020. However, when you save
this drawing, it is automatically converted and saved as an AutoCAD 2020 drawing file.
Opening an Existing Drawing Using the Startup Dialog Box
If you have configured the settings to show the Startup dialog box by setting the STARTUP
system variable value as 1, the Startup dialog box will be displayed every time you start a new
AutoCAD session. The first button in this dialog box is the Open a Drawing button. When you
choose this button, a list of the recently opened drawings will be displayed for you to select
from it, as shown in Figure 1-44. Note that this button is activated only when this dialog box
is displayed by default on starting a new session of AutoCAD. The Browse button displays the
Select File dialog box, which allows you to browse another file.
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Figure 1-44 List of the recently opened drawings
Note
The display of the dialog boxes related to opening and saving drawings will be disabled if the
STARTUP and the FILEDIA system variables are set to 0. The initial value of these variables is 1.
Opening an Existing Drawing Using the Drag and Drop
Method
You can also open an existing drawing in AutoCAD by dragging it from the Window Explorer
and dropping it into AutoCAD. If you drop the selected drawing in the drawing area, the drawing
will be inserted as a block and as a result, you cannot modify it. But if you drag the drawing
from the Window Explorer and drop it anywhere other than the drawing area, AutoCAD will
display the selected drawing.
QUITTING AutoCAD
You can exit the AutoCAD program by using the EXIT or QUIT commands. Even if you have
an active command, you can choose the Exit Autodesk AutoCAD 2020 from the Application
Menu to quit the AutoCAD program. In case the drawing has not been saved, it allows you to
save the work first through a dialog box. Note that if you choose No in this dialog box, all the
changes made in the current drawing till the last save will be lost. You can also use the Close
button (X) of the main AutoCAD window (present in the title bar) to end the AutoCAD session.
CREATING AND MANAGING WORKSPACES
A workspace is defined as a customized arrangement of Ribbon,
toolbars, menus, and window palettes in the AutoCAD environment.
You can create your own workspaces, in which only specified
toolbars, menus, and palettes are available. When you start
AutoCAD, by default, the Drafting & Annotation workspace is
displayed as the current workspace. You can select any other
predefined workspace from the Workspace drop-down list available
in the title bar next to the Quick Access Toolbar, refer to
Figure 1-45. You can also set the workspace from the flyout that will Figure 1-45 The predefined
be displayed on choosing the Workspace Switching button on the workspaces
Status Bar or by choosing the required workspace from the Quick
Access Toolbar.
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AutoCAD 2020: A Problem-Solving Approach, Basic and Intermediate
Creating a New Workspace
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To create a new workspace, customize the Ribbon and invoke the palettes to be displayed in the
new workspace. Next, select the Save Current As option from the Workspace drop-down list in
the titlebar; the Save Workspace dialog box will be displayed, as shown in Figure 1-46. Enter
the name of the new workspace in the Name edit box and choose the Save button.
Figure 1-46 The Save Workspace dialog box
The new workspace is now the current workspace and is added to the Workspace drop-down list
in the Quick Access Toolbar. Likewise, you can create workspaces based on your requirement
and switch from one workspace to the other by selecting the name from the drop-down list in
the Workspaces toolbar or the drop-down list in the Quick Access Toolbar.
Modifying the Workspace Settings
AutoCAD allows you to modify the workspace settings. To do so, select the Workspace
Settings option in the Workspace drop-down list in the title bar; the Workspace Settings dialog
box will be displayed, as shown in Figure 1-47. All workspaces are listed in the My Workspace
drop-down list. You can make any of the workspaces as My Workspace by selecting it from
the My Workspace drop-down list. You can also choose the My Workspace button from the
Workspaces toolbar to change the current workspace to the one that was set as My Workspace
in the Workspace Settings dialog box. The other options in this dialog box are discussed next.
Menu Display and Order Area
The options in this area are used to control the display and the order of display of workspaces
in the Workspace drop-down list. By default, workspaces are listed in the sequence of their
creation. To change the order, select a workspace and choose the Move Up or Move Down
button. To control the display of the workspaces, you can select or clear the check boxes. You can
also add a separator between workspaces by choosing the Add Separator button. A separator is
a line that is placed between two workspaces in the Workspace drop-down list in the title bar,
as shown in Figure 1-48.
When Switching Workspaces Area
By default, the Do not save changes to workspace radio button is selected in this area. This
ensures that while switching the workspaces, the changes made in the current workspace will not
be saved. If you select the Automatically save workspace changes radio button, the changes made
in the current workspace will be automatically saved when you switch to the other workspace.
Figure 1-47 The Workspace Settings dialog box
1-35
Figure 1-48 The Workspace drop-down
list after adding separators
AutoCAD HELP
Titlebar: ? > Help
Shortcut Key: F1
Command: HELP or ?
You can get on-line help and documentation about the working of AutoCAD 2020
commands from the Help menu in the title bar, refer to Figure 1-49. You can also access
the Help menu by pressing the F1 function key. An InfoCenter bar is displayed at the top right
corner in the title bar that will help you to sign into the Autodesk Online services, refer to
Figure 1-50. You can also access AutoCAD community by using certain keywords. Some important
options in the Help menu are discussed next.
Figure 1-49 The Help menu
Figure 1-50 The InfoCenter bar
In the Autodesk AutoCAD 2020 - Help window, refer to Figure 1-51, you can choose the Help
Home button to explore new features in AutoCAD 2020. In this window, you can browse videos,
tutorials, and documentation for beginners and advanced users in the Learn and Resources
sections. You can download sample files and offline help database from the Downloads section.
You can also connect to other users of Autodesk community and discussion groups using the
Connect section.
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AutoCAD 2020: A Problem-Solving Approach, Basic and Intermediate
Figure 1-51 The Autodesk AutoCAD 2020 - Help window
In the Autodesk AutoCAD 2020 - Help window, you can search about any keyword related to
AutoCAD by using the Search edit box, as shown in Figure 1-52. You can further refine your
search by selecting the desired link using the REFINE BY section of the help window.
Figure 1-52 Searching the keyword using the Search edit box
Introduction to AutoCAD
1-37
Download Offline Help
This option is used to read the help contents and topics when the user has no internet access.
(AutoCAD prompts you to download the help file; user can save this file and then use it later on.)
You can also directly contact Autodesk regarding support, discussion, or any consulting work.
When you click on this option, a page will be displayed asking for the required queries and
contact details. After entering the contact details, you can press Submit to exit.
Download Language Packs
Once AutoCAD is installed, you can also install the AutoCAD language pack to run AutoCAD
in your preferred language by choosing this option.
Desktop Analytics
When you choose this option, the Data collection and use dialog box will be displayed. In the
dialog box, Autodesk will prompt you to participate in a program to simply collect nonpersonal
product usage information from the Autodesk software.
About Autodesk AutoCAD 2020
This option gives you information about the release, serial number, licensed to, and also the
legal description about AutoCAD.
AUTODESK APP STORE
Autodesk App Store helps you to download various applications for AutoCAD, get connected
to the AutoCAD community, share information and designs, and so on. You can download the
AutoCAD apps from the Featured Apps panel of the Featured Apps tab in the Ribbon, refer
to Figure 1-53. To download the AutoCAD apps, choose the required apps from the Featured
Apps panel of the Featured Apps tab; the default browser will open with icons of apps that
you can download, as shown in Figure 1-54. Now, you can download the apps by clicking the
Download button.
Figure 1-53 The Featured Apps tab in the Ribbon
You can also download the apps other than the apps available in the Featured Apps panel. To
do so, choose the Connect to App Store button from the App Store panel of the Featured Apps
tab; the AUTODESK APP STORE window will be displayed, as shown in Figure 1-55. Now,
you can download the required apps from the window. Some of the apps are paid and some of
them are free to download. You can download various Autodesk apps such as StepThru3D-18,
DDAttMod, and so on from this page. You can also publish your own Autodesk products for
other users of Autodesk 360.
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Send Feedback
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AutoCAD 2020: A Problem-Solving Approach, Basic and Intermediate
Figure 1-54 The AUTODESK APP STORE window open with apps to be downloaded
Figure 1-55 The AUTODESK APP STORE window
In addition to AutoCAD apps, you can also download apps for software other than AutoCAD
such as Autodesk Alias, Revit, Simulation, and so on. You can also search for the apps by entering
the name of the app in the Search Apps text box.
Introduction to AutoCAD
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Figure 1-56 The Autodesk App Manager dialog box
In the dialog box, all the installed apps are displayed. To manage a particular app, right-click
on it; a shortcut menu will be displayed, Now, you can choose the required option to manage it.
SAVE TO WEB & MOBILE
Application Menu: Save As > Drawing to AutoCAD Web & Mobile
Quick Access Toolbar: Save to Web & Mobile
Command: SAVETOWEBMOBILE
Using the Save to Web & Mobile tool, you can save copy of your drawings in your Autodesk
web & mobile account from any remote location in the world using any device such as
desktop or mobile having internet access. You can access this tool from the Quick Access Toolbar
or Application Menu. When you choose this tool, the Save in AutoCAD Web & Mobile Cloud
Files dialog box will be displayed, refer to Figure 1-57.
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After downloading and installing the apps, the apps will be available in the Add-ins tab. You
can choose the required app to work with. Also, you can manage the apps by choosing the App
Manager button available in the App Manager panel of the Add-ins tab. To manage the app,
choose the App Manager button; the Autodesk App Manager dialog box will be displayed, as
shown in Figure 1-56.
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AutoCAD 2020: A Problem-Solving Approach, Basic and Intermediate
Figure 1-57 The Save in AutoCAD Web & Mobile Cloud Files dialog box
Enter the name of the file to be saved in the File name edit box. Next, choose the Save button.
Note
1. The name of the saved files appear in the Name column of the list box available in the Save
in AutoCAD Web & Mobile Cloud Files dialog box when you invoke this dialog box again.
2. You need to first sign in to your Autodesk account to use this tool. If you are not signed in and
choose this tool, the Autodesk sign-in window will appear and will prompt you to sign in first.
3. The drawing files saved in your web and mobile account are saved to the cloud and utilise
the cloud space. You can save them to your device by using the Save As tool.
4. You can also share the saved files with any of the co-workers or clients across the world. They
can review or edit the drawing file depending upon the permissions you grant them.
After saving the file to your web and mobile account, you can access it from anywhere across the
world using any device (mobile, tablet, etc) having Wi-fi or internet connection.
Note
You can access the saved web and mobile files using the Open from Web & Mobile tool available
in the Quick Access Toolbar.
Introduction to AutoCAD
1-41
ADDITIONAL HELP RESOURCES
1. You can get help for a command while working by pressing the F1 key. The help window
containing information about the command is displayed. You can exit the window and
continue with the command.
3. Autodesk has provided several resources that you can use to get assistance with your AutoCAD
questions. The following is a list of some of the resources:
a. Autodesk website http://www.autodesk.com
b. AutoCAD technical assistance website http://knowledge.autodesk.com
c. AutoCAD discussion groups website https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/autocad-forum/bd-p/706
4. You can also get help by contacting us at techsupport@cadcim.com and sales@cadcim.com.
5. You can download AutoCAD drawings, programs, and special topics by registering yourself
at the faculty’s website by visiting: http://cadcim.com/Registration.aspx
Self-Evaluation Test
Answer the following questions and then compare them to those given at the end of this
chapter:
1. The ________ button is used to set the performance of the software to an acceptable level.
2. If the __________ variable is set to 1 and you invoke the New tool, the Create New Drawing
dialog box will be displayed.
3. If you want to work on a drawing without altering the original drawing, you must select the
__________ option from the Open drop-down list in the Select File dialog box.
4. The __________ option enables you to open only a selected view or a selected layer of the
current drawing.
5. You can use the __________ command to close the current drawing file without actually
quitting AutoCAD.
6. The __________ system variable can be used to change the time interval for automatic save.
7. By using the __________ button, you can find information about a command on internet.
8. You can enable or disable the functions such as AutoComplete, AutoCorrect, and so on by
using the options available in the __________ dialog box.
9. The __________ button is used to toggle the display of the File tab bar which displays all
opened files.
Evaluation Copy. Do not reproduce. For information visit www.cadcim.com
2. You can get help about a dialog box by choosing the Help button in that dialog box.
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AutoCAD 2020: A Problem-Solving Approach, Basic and Intermediate
10. You can press the F3 key to display the AutoCAD Text Window which displays the previous
commands and prompts. (T/F)
11. If you do not have internet connection, you cannot access the Help files. (T/F)
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12. A partially opened and saved drawing can not be fully opened again with the same layers
and views. (T/F)
13. If the current drawing is unnamed and you save the drawing for the first time, the Save tool
will prompt you to enter the file name in the Save Drawing As dialog box. (T/F)
Review Questions
Answer the following questions:
1. Which of the following combination of keys should be pressed to hide all toolbars displayed
on the screen?
(a) CTRL+3
(c) CTRL+5
(b) CTRL+0
(d) CTRL+2
2. Which of the following combination of keys should be pressed to turn on or off the display
of the TOOL PALETTES?
(a) CTRL+3
(c) CTRL+5
(b) CTRL+0
(d) CTRL+2
3. Which of the following commands is used to exit the AutoCAD program?
(a) QUIT (b) END
(c) CLOSE
(d) None of these
4. Which of the following options in the Startup dialog box is used to set the initial drawing
settings before actually starting a new drawing?
(a) Start from Scratch
(c) Use a Wizard
(b) Use a Template
(d) None of these
5. Which of the following commands is invoked when you choose the Save tool from the File
menu or choose the Save tool from the Quick Access Toolbar?
(a) SAVE (b) LSAVE
(c) QSAVE (d) SAVEAS
Introduction to AutoCAD
1-43
6. AutoCAD has provided __________ as an easy and convenient way of placing and sharing
hatch patterns and blocks in the current drawing.
7. By default, the angles are positive if measured in the __________ direction.
9. The shortcut menu invoked by right-clicking in the command window displays the most
recently used commands and some of the window options such as Copy, Paste, and so on.
(T/F)
10. You can open an AutoCAD 2004 drawing in AutoCAD 2020. (T/F)
11. The file name that you enter to save a drawing in the Save Drawing As dialog box can be
255 characters long, but cannot contain spaces and punctuation marks. (T/F)
12. You can close a drawing in AutoCAD even if a command is active. (T/F)
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8. The __________ check box is used to toggle the display of resolved posts.
1-44
AutoCAD 2020: A Problem-Solving Approach, Basic and Intermediate
Evaluation Copy. Do not reproduce. For information visit www.cadcim.com
Answers to Self-Evaluation Test
1. Graphics Performance, 2. STARTUP, 3. Open Read-Only, 4. Partial Open, 5. CLOSE,
6. SAVETIME, 7. Search on Internet, 8. Input Search Options, 9. File Tabs, 10. F, 11. F, 12. F,
13. T
Chapter
2
Getting Started with
AutoCAD
Learning Objectives
After completing this chapter, you will be able to:
• Draw lines by using the Line tool
• Understand the coordinate systems used in AutoCAD
• Clear the drawing area by using the Erase tool
• Understand the two basic object selection methods: Window selection and Crossing selection
methods
• Draw circles by using various tools
• Use the Zoom and Pan tools
• Set up units by using the Units tool
• Set up and determine limits for a given drawing
• Plot drawings by using the basic plotting options
• Use the Options dialog box and specify settings
Key Terms
• Dynamic Input
• Relative Coordinate
System
• Circle
• Plot
• Options
• Coordinate Systems
• Direct Distance Entry
• Zoom
• Pan
• Absolute Coordinate
System
• Object Selection
• Line
• Erase
• Units Format
• Limits
2-2
AutoCAD 2020: A Problem-Solving Approach, Basic and Intermediate
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DYNAMIC INPUT MODE
In AutoCAD, the Dynamic Input mode allows you to enter the commands through the
pointer input and the dimensions using the dimensional input. You can turn ON/OFF
the Dynamic Input mode by using the Dynamic Input button available in the Status Bar
(Customize to Add). When you start AutoCAD for the first time, the Dynamic Input mode
is active, as the Dynamic Input button is chosen by default in the Status Bar. With this
mode turned on, all the prompts are available at the tooltip as dynamic prompts and
you can select the command options through the dynamic prompt. The settings for the
Dynamic Input mode are done through the Dynamic Input tab of the Drafting Settings dialog
box. To invoke the Drafting Settings dialog box, right-click on the Dynamic Input button in the
Status Bar; a shortcut menu will be displayed. Choose the Dynamic Input Settings option from
the shortcut menu; the Drafting Settings dialog box will be displayed, as shown in Figure 2-1.
The options in the Dynamic Input tab are discussed next.
Figure 2-1 The Dynamic Input tab of the Drafting Settings dialog box
Note
If the Dynamic Input button is not available in the Status Bar, then you can customize it using
the Customization button which is available at the right corner of the Status Bar.
Enable Pointer Input
The Enable Pointer Input check box is selected by default
which enables you to enter the commands through the
pointer input. Figure 2-2 shows the CIRCLE command
entered through the pointer input. If this check box is
cleared, the Dynamic Input will be turned off and
commands have to be entered through the command Figure 2-2 Entering a command using
prompt. If you enter any alphabet in the Dynamic Input the pointer input
Getting Started with AutoCAD
2-3
If you choose the Settings button from the Pointer Input area, the Pointer Input Settings dialog
box will be displayed, as shown in Figure 2-3. The radio buttons in the Format area of this dialog
box are used to set the default settings as either Polar or Cartesian format for specifying the
second or next points of entities. By default, the Polar format and Relative coordinates radio
buttons are selected. As a result, the coordinates will be specified in the polar form and with
respect to the relative coordinates system. You can select the Cartesian format radio button to
enter the coordinates in Cartesian form. Similarly, if you select the Absolute coordinates radio
button, the coordinate’s values will be measured with respect to the absolute coordinate system.
The options in the Visibility area of the Pointer Input Settings dialog box are used to set the
visibility of the coordinate tool tips. By default, the When a command asks for a point radio
button is selected. You can select the other radio buttons to modify this display.
Enable Dimension Input where possible
The Enable Dimension Input where possible check box is selected by default. As a result,
the dimension input field is displayed in the graphics area showing a preview of that
dimension. Figure 2-4 displays the dimension input fields. The options under the Dynamic
prompt will be available when you press the down arrow key from the keyboard. The dotted
lines show the geometric parameters like length, radius, or diameter corresponding to
that dimension. Figure 2-4 shows a line being drawn using the PLINE command. The two
dimension inputs that are shown are for the length of the line and the angle with the positive
direction of the X axis.
Figure 2-3 The Pointer Input
Settings dialog box
Figure 2-4 Input fields displayed when the Enable
Dimension Input where possible check box is selected
Using the TAB key, you can toggle between the dimension input fields. As soon as you specify
one dimension and move to the other, the previous dimension will be locked. If the Enable
Dimension Input where possible check box is cleared, the preview of dimensions will not be
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prompt, all tools whose names start with the entered alphabet will be displayed in a list at the
pointer, refer to Figure 2-2.
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AutoCAD 2020: A Problem-Solving Approach, Basic and Intermediate
Evaluation Copy. Do not reproduce. For information visit www.cadcim.com
displayed. You can only enter the dimensions in the dimension input fields below the cursor,
as shown in Figure 2-5. If you choose the Settings button from the Dimension Input area; the
Dimension Input Settings dialog box will be displayed, as shown in Figure 2-6.
Figure 2-5 Input fields displayed when the Enable
Dimension Input where possible check box is cleared
Figure 2-6 The Dimension Input Settings dialog box
By default, the Show 2 dimension input fields at a time radio button is selected. As a result, two
dimension input fields will be displayed in the drawing area while stretching a sketched entity. The
two input fields will depend on the entity that is being stretched. For example, if you stretch a line
using one of its endpoints, the input field will show the total length of the line and the change in
its length. Similarly, while stretching a circle using the grip on its circumference, the input fields
will show the total radius and the change in the radius. You can set the priority to display only
one input field or various input fields simultaneously by selecting their respective check boxes.
Tip
If multiple dimension input fields are available, use the TAB key to switch between the dimension
input fields.
Getting Started with AutoCAD
2-5
This check box is selected by default. As a result, the prompt sequences will be dynamically
displayed near the crosshairs. Whenever a black arrow appears at the pointer input, it suggests
that the other options are also available. To access these options, press the down arrow key to
see the dynamic prompt listing all options. In the dynamic prompt, you can use the cursor or
the down arrow key to jog through the options. A black dot will appear before the option that is
currently active. In Figure 2-5, the Length option is currently active. Press ENTER to confirm
the polyline creation using the Length option.
Show additional tips with command prompting
In AutoCAD, on selecting the Show additional tips with command prompting check box
available in the Dynamic Input tab of the Drafting Settings dialog box, refer to Figure 2-1, the
display of tips for the grip manipulation will be turned on.
Drafting Tooltip Appearance
When you choose the Drafting Tooltip Appearance button, the Tooltip Appearance dialog box
will be displayed, as shown in Figure 2-7. This dialog box contains the options to customize the
tooltip appearance.
You can choose the Colors button to change the
color of the tooltip in the model space or layouts.
The edit box in the Size area is used to specify
the size of the tooltip. You can also use the slider
to control the size of the tool tip. Previews are
displayed in the Model Preview and the Layout
Preview areas as the value is changed in the Size
edit box.
Similarly, the transparency of the tooltip can be
controlled using the edit box or the slider in the
Transparency area. In the Apply to area, the
Override OS settings for all drafting tooltips
radio button is selected by default which ensures
that the changes made in the Tooltip Appearance
dialog box will be applied to all drafting tooltips.
If you select the Use settings only for Dynamic
Input tooltips radio button, the changes will be
applied only to the Dynamic Input tooltips. For
Figure 2-7 The Tooltip Appearance dialog box
example, if you change any of the parameters
using the Tooltip Appearance dialog box and select the Use settings only for Dynamic Input
tooltips radio button, the tooltips for the dynamic input will be modified but for the polar
tracking it will consider the original values.
On the other hand, if you select the Override OS settings for all drafting tooltips radio button,
the tooltips displayed for the polar tracking will also be modified based on the values in the
Tooltip Appearance dialog box.
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Show command prompting and command input near the
crosshairs
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AutoCAD 2020: A Problem-Solving Approach, Basic and Intermediate
DRAWING LINES IN AutoCAD
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Ribbon: Home > Draw > Line Toolbar: Draw > Line
Menu Bar: Draw > Line
Tool Palettes: Draw > Line
Command: LINE/L
The most commonly used fundamental object in a drawing is line. In AutoCAD, a line
is drawn between two points by using the Line tool. You can invoke the Line tool from
the Draw panel of the Home tab in the Ribbon, refer to Figure 2-8. Besides this, you
can choose the Line tool from the Draw tab of the Tool Palettes. To invoke the Tool Palettes,
choose the Tool Palettes button from the Palettes panel in the View tab, as shown in
Figure 2-9. Alternatively, you can invoke the Line tool from the Draw toolbar, as shown in
Figure 2-10. However, the Draw toolbar is not displayed by default. To invoke this toolbar, choose
Tools > Toolbars > AutoCAD > Draw from the Menu Bar.
Figure 2-8 The Line tool
in the Draw panel
Figure 2-9 Invoking the Tool Palettes from
the Palettes panel
Figure 2-10 The Line tool in the Draw toolbar
You can also invoke the Line tool by entering LINE or L (L is the alias for the LINE command)
at the command prompt. On invoking the Line tool, you will be prompted to specify the starting
point of the line. Specify a point by clicking the left mouse button in the drawing area or by
entering its coordinates in the Dynamic Input fields or the command prompt. After specifying the
first point, you will be prompted to specify the second point. Specify the second point; a line will
be drawn, refer to Figure 2-11. You may continue specifying points and draw lines or terminate
the Line tool by pressing ENTER, ESC, or SPACEBAR. You can also right-click to display the
shortcut menu and then choose the Enter or Cancel option from it to exit the Line tool.
Figure 2-11 Drawing lines using the Line tool
Getting Started with AutoCAD
2-7
To draw the sketch shown in Figure 2-11, start a new file with the acad.dwt template in the
Drafting & Annotation workspace and choose the Line tool from the Draw tab. The prompt
sequence for drawing the sketch is given next.
Choose the Line tool
Specify next point or [Undo]: Move the cursor horizontaly toward the right and left-click to
specify the second point.
Specify next point or [eXit/Undo]: Specify the third point.
Specify next point or [Close/eXit/Undo]: (Press ENTER to exit the Line tool.)
Note
When you specify start point of a line by pressing the left mouse button, a rubber band line stretches
between the selected point and the current position of the cursor. This line is sensitive to the movement
of the cursor and helps you select the direction and the placement of the next point for the line.
Note that in the command prompt, the Close, Undo and Exit options will be displayed while
creating lines using the Line tool. These options are discussed next.
The Close Option
After drawing two continuous lines by using the Line tool, you will notice that the Close option
is displayed at the command prompt. The Close option is used to join the current point to
the start point of the first line when two or more continuous lines are drawn. If you specify
the endpoint by using the mouse, then click at the start point of the first line or enter C at the
command prompt, as given in the command prompt below.
Choose the Line tool.
LINE Specify first point: Pick the first point.
Specify next point or [Undo]: Pick the second point.
Specify next point or [eXit/Undo]: Pick the third point.
Specify next point or [Close/eXit/Undo]: Pick the fourth point.
Specify next point or [Close/eXit/Undo]: C (The fifth point joins with the first point).
Refer to Figure 2-12.
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Specify first point: Move the cursor (mouse) and left-click to specify the first point.
Evaluation Copy. Do not reproduce. For information visit www.cadcim.com
2-8
AutoCAD 2020: A Problem-Solving Approach, Basic and Intermediate
Figure 2-12 Using the Close option of the Line tool
You can also choose the Close option from the shortcut menu displayed on right-clicking in
the drawing area.
Tip
After exiting the Line tool, to draw another line starting from the endpoint of the previous line,
press ENTER twice; a new line will start from the endpoint of the previous line. You can also
type the @ symbol to start the line from the last point. For example, after drawing a circle if
you invoke the Line tool, the @ symbol will snap to the center point of the circle.
The Undo Option
While drawing a line if you specify a wrong endpoint, then you can undo the last specified
point and go back to the previous stage by using the Undo option of the Line tool. You can use
this option multiple times. To use this option, type Undo (or just U) at the Specify next point
or [Undo] prompt. You can also right-click to display the shortcut menu and then choose the
Undo option from it.
The Exit Option
To exit the Line tool, type Exit (or just X) at the Specify next point or [eXit/Undo] prompt.
You can also right-click and choose the eXit option from the shortcut menu.
Note
Whenever you open a new drawing, you need to modify the drawing display area. To modify the
display area, select the required tool from the Zoom drop-down in the Navigator bar; the drawing
display is modified. You will learn more about the Zoom tools later in this chapter.
Getting Started with AutoCAD
2-9
In AutoCAD if you enter any alphabet at the command
prompt or Dynamic Input prompt, all the tools whose
name start with the entered alphabet will be displayed in
a list at the command prompt or Dynamic Input prompt.
For example, if you enter L at the command prompt or
Dynamic Input prompt, all the tools whose names start
with the alphabet L will be displayed, refer to Figure 2-13.
In this way, you can view all the tool names starting with
a particular alphabet and select the required tool.
COORDINATE SYSTEMS
Figure 2-13 List displayed after typing
L at the command prompt
In AutoCAD, the location of a point is specified in terms of Cartesian coordinates. In this system,
each point in a plane is specified by a pair of numerical coordinates. To specify a point in a
plane, take two mutually perpendicular lines as references. The horizontal line is called the X
axis and the vertical line is called the Y axis. The X and Y axes divide the XY plane into four
parts, generally known as quadrants. The point of intersection of these two axes is called the
origin and the plane is called the XY plane. The origin has the coordinate values of X = 0,
Y = 0. The origin is taken as the reference for locating a point on the XY plane. Now, to locate
a point, say P, draw a vertical line intersecting the X axis. The horizontal distance between the
origin and the intersection point will be called the X coordinate of P. It will be denoted as P(x).
The X coordinate specifies how far the point is to the left or right from the origin along the X
axis. Now, draw a horizontal line intersecting the Y
axis. The vertical distance between the origin and the
intersection point will be the Y coordinate of P. It will
be denoted as P(y). The Y coordinate specifies how far
the point is to the top or bottom from the origin along
the Y axis. The intersection point of the horizontal
and vertical lines is the coordinate of the point and is
denoted as P(x,y). The X coordinate is positive if
measured from the right of the origin and is negative
if measured from the left of the origin. The Y
coordinate is positive if measured above the origin
and is negative if measured below the origin, refer to Figure 2-14 Cartesian coordinate system
Figure 2-14.
In AutoCAD, the default origin is located at the lower left corner of the drawing area. AutoCAD
uses the following coordinate systems to locate a point in the XY plane.
1. Absolute coordinate system
2. Relative coordinate system
a. Relative rectangular coordinate system
b. Relative polar coordinate system
3. Direct distance entry
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INVOKING TOOLS USING DYNAMIC INPUT/COMMAND
PROMPT
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AutoCAD 2020: A Problem-Solving Approach, Basic and Intermediate
If you are specifying a point by entering its location at the command prompt then you need to
use any one of the coordinate systems.
Evaluation Copy. Do not reproduce. For information visit www.cadcim.com
Absolute Coordinate System
In the Absolute Coordinate System, points are located with respect to the origin (0,0). For
example, a point with coordinates, X = 4 and Y = 3 is measured 4 units horizontally (distance
along the X axis) and 3 units vertically (distance along the Y axis) from the origin, as shown
in Figure 2-15. In AutoCAD, the absolute coordinates are specified at the command prompt
by entering X and Y coordinates, separated by a comma. However, remember that if you are
specifying the coordinates by using the Dynamic Input mode, you need to add # as the prefix
to the X coordinate value. The following example illustrates the use of absolute coordinates at
the command prompt to draw the rectangle shown in Figure 2-16.
Choose the Line tool (Ensure that the Dynamic Input button is not chosen)
LINE Specify first point: 1,1
(X = 1 and Y = 1.)
Specify next point or [Undo]: 4,1 (X = 4 and Y = 1.)
Specify next point or [Undo]: 4,3
Specify next point or [Close /eXit/Undo]: 1,3
Specify next point or [Close/ eXit/Undo]: C
Figure 2-15 Absolute Coordinate System
Figure 2-16 Rectangle created by
using absolute coordinates
Getting Started with AutoCAD
Example 1
2-11
Absolute Coordinate System
Point
Coordinates
Point
Coordinates
1
3,1
5
5,2
2
3,6
6
6,3
3
4,6
7
7,3
4
4,2
8
7,1
Figure 2-17 Drawing a figure using the absolute coordinates
Start a new file with the acad.dwt template in the Drafting & Annotation workspace. Once you
know the coordinates of the points, you can draw...
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