AUTOCAD BASIC

TRAINING
Designed for Contec
This manual shows you how to use some basic commands
in Comos.
Bjorn Icke
01/12/2015

Contec AutoCAD manual

AutoCAD manual
Contents
1.

What is AutoCAD............................................................................................................................. 4

2.

AutoCAD Versions and file formats ................................................................................................ 4

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

2.1

Versions................................................................................................................................... 4

2.2

File formats ............................................................................................................................. 4

Drawings areas............................................................................................................................... 5
3.1

Model space............................................................................................................................ 5

3.2

Paper space............................................................................................................................. 5

3.3

Where to find them?............................................................................................................... 5

The Command line .......................................................................................................................... 6

4.1

What is the command line ...................................................................................................... 6

4.2

Use of the command line and mouse ..................................................................................... 6

4.3

Use of the command line only ................................................................................................ 6

Making a selection by using the crosshair ...................................................................................... 6

5.1

By clicking................................................................................................................................ 6

5.2

By clicking and dragging to the right....................................................................................... 6

5.3

By clicking and dragging to the left......................................................................................... 6

Drafting in AutoCAD........................................................................................................................ 7
6.1

The DRAW ribbon.................................................................................................................. 7

6.2

Line.......................................................................................................................................... 7

6.3

Polyline.................................................................................................................................... 7

6.4

Circle ....................................................................................................................................... 7

6.5

Arc ........................................................................................................................................... 8

6.6

Rectangle................................................................................................................................. 8

6.7

Center...................................................................................................................................... 8

6.8

Hatch ....................................................................................................................................... 8

6.9

Spline....................................................................................................................................... 8

6.10

Revision Cloud......................................................................................................................... 9

Modyfying in AutoCAD..................................................................................................................10
7.1

The MODIFY ribbon.............................................................................................................10

7.2

Move .....................................................................................................................................10

7.3

Copy ......................................................................................................................................10
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7.4

Rotate....................................................................................................................................10

7.5

Scale ......................................................................................................................................11

7.6

Mirror....................................................................................................................................11

7.7

Break .....................................................................................................................................11

7.8

Join ........................................................................................................................................11

7.9

Trim .......................................................................................................................................12

7.10

Explode..................................................................................................................................12

7.11

Erase......................................................................................................................................12

8.

AutoCAD drafting settings ............................................................................................................13

8.1

What are drafting settings? ..................................................................................................13

8.2

Grid display ...........................................................................................................................13

8.3

Ortho mode...........................................................................................................................13

8.4

Polar tracking ........................................................................................................................13

8.5

Object snap ...........................................................................................................................13

9.

AutoCAD annotations ...................................................................................................................14

9.1

What are annotations? .........................................................................................................14

9.2

Single line ..............................................................................................................................14

9.3

Multiline text.........................................................................................................................14

9.4

Dimensions............................................................................................................................14

9.5

Table......................................................................................................................................15

10.

Object properties ......................................................................................................................16

10.1

What are object properties?.................................................................................................16

10.2

List of common properties....................................................................................................16

10.3

Quick select...........................................................................................................................17

11.

AutoCAD layers .........................................................................................................................18

11.1

What are layers? ...................................................................................................................18

11.2

How to handle layers? ..........................................................................................................18

11.3

What properties can be set for layers?.................................................................................18

11.4

Layer 0 ...............................................................................................................................19

11.5

Current layer .........................................................................................................................19

12.

Blocks in AutoCAD.....................................................................................................................20

12.1

What is a block? ....................................................................................................................20

12.2

Creating a block.....................................................................................................................20

12.3

What are Block attributes? ...................................................................................................21

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12.4

How to create an attribute? .................................................................................................21

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Contec AutoCAD manual

1. What is AutoCAD
AutoCAD is a computer-aided design (CAD) program used for 2-D and 3-D design and drafting.
AutoCAD is developed and marketed by Autodesk Inc. and was one of the initial CAD programs that
could be executed on personal computers.

2. AutoCAD Versions and file formats

2.1

Versions

Version
2000
2000i
2002
2004
2005
2006
2007 (TRA)
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014 (Contec)
2015

2.2
DWG
DXF
DWF
DWS

File Format

Notepad (text code)

DWG 2000

AC1015

DWG 2004

AC1018

Save as
DWG 2007

AC1021

DWG 2010

AC1024

DWG 2013

AC1027

File formats
AutoCAD DraWinG
Drawing eXchange Format
Drawing Web Format
DraWing Stanard

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3. Drawings areas
3.1

Model space

By default, you start working in a limitless 3D drawing area called model space. You begin by
deciding whether one unit represents one millimeter, one centimeter, one inch, one foot, or
whatever unit is most convenient. You then draw at 1:1 scale.

3.2

Paper space

To prepare your drawing for printing, switch to paper space. Here you can set up different layouts
with title blocks and notes; and on each layout, you create layout viewports that display different
views of model space. In the layout viewports, you scale the model space views relative to paper
space. One unit in paper space represents the actual distance on a sheet of paper, either in
millimeters or inches, depending on how you configure your page setup.

3.3

Where to find them?

Model space is accessible from the Model tab and paper space is accessible from the layout tabs.
Model Space (TRA standard)

Paper Space

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4. The Command line

4.1

What is the command line

AutoCAD uses a command line in its program where you can enter all of its commands or
abbreviated commands. After entering the command the user can follow the steps he needs to
follow in the command line. The Abbreviated commands are marked in bolt in the entire manual.

4.2

Use of the command line and mouse

It is possible to enter a command in the command line and execute those commands on the screen
by using the mouse and the crosshair (pointer of the mouse). When AutoCAD asks you to specify a
point or a direction you can use the mouse to do this.

4.3

Use of the command line only

It is also possible to use the command line on its own by not using the mouse and the crosshair.
In that case you must tell AutoCAD to specify a point or direction by using coordinates.
Coordinates in AutoCAD are entered by using the X, Y (and Z for 3D) axis. First is always the X-axis
and second always the Y-axis.

5. Making a selection by using the crosshair

There are 3 was to make a selection with the crosshair (pointer of the mouse).

5.1

By clicking

You can select objects by using the left mouse button and selecting the objects on the screen one by
one.

5.2

By clicking and dragging to the right

You can select objects by clicking with the left mouse button, hold the button and dragging to the
right. On the screen a blue area will appear. All objects that are completely in the blue area will be
selected by releasing the left mouse button.

5.3

By clicking and dragging to the left

You can select objects by clicking with the left mouse button, hold the button and dragging to the
left. On the screen a green area will appear. All objects that cross the green area will be selected by
releasing the left mouse button.

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6. Drafting in AutoCAD
6.1

The DRAW ribbon

You can find the Draw commands for AutoCAD below the Home tab.
Following most common commands are available:
Line
Polyline
Circle
Arc
Rectangle
Center
Hatch
Spline
Revision cloud

6.2

Line

Description
Icon

Create straight line segments.

Command
Com. Line

LINE
Specify first point
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]

Remark

6.3

Polyline

Description
Icon

Creates a 2D polyline.

Command
Com. Line

PLINE
Specify first point
Specify next point or [Arc/Halfwidth/Length/Undo/Width]
Has the possibility to draw thick lines (not possible with LINE command)

Remark

6.4

Circle

Description
Icon

Creates circle using a center point and a radius

Command

Circle
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Com. Line
Remark

6.5

Specify center point for a circle or [3P/2P/Ttr (tan tan radius)]

Specify radius of circle or [Diameter]
Other ways to draw a circle are possible

Arc

Description
Icon

Creates an arc using 3 points

Command
Com. Line

Arc
Specify start point of arc or [Center]
Specify second point of arc or [Center/End]
Specify end point of arc
Other ways to draw an arc are possible

Remark

6.6

Rectangle

Description
Icon

Creates a rectangular polyline

Command
Com. Line

RECTANG
Specify first corner point or [Chamfer/Elevation/Fillet/Thickness/Width]
Specify other corner point or [Area/Dimensions/Rotation]
Has the possibility to draw thick lines

Remark

6.7

Center

Description
Icon

Creates an ellipse using a specified center point

Command
Com. Line

ELLIPSE
Specify axis endpoint of ellipse or [Arc/Center]
Specify other endpoint of axis
Specify distance to other axis or [Rotation]

Remark

6.8

Hatch

Description
Icon

Fills an enclosed area or selected objects with a hatch pattern or fill.

Command
Com. Line
Remark

HATCH
Pick internal point or [Select objects/seTtings]
Choose setting to open an interface and select the preferred hatch

6.9

Spline

Description
Icon

Draw s spline with fit points

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Command
Com. Line
Remark

SPLINE
Specify first point or [Method/Knots/Object]

6.10 Revision Cloud

Description
Icon

Creates a revision cloud using a polyline

Command
Com. Line

REVCLOUD
Specify start point or [Arc Length/Object/Style]
Guide crosshair along cloud path
Revision cloud finished

Remark

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7. Modyfying in AutoCAD
7.1

The MODIFY ribbon

You can find the Modify commands for AutoCAD below the Home tab.
Following most common commands are available:
Move
Copy
Rotate
Scale
Mirror
Break
Join
Trim
Explode
Erase

7.2

Move

Description
Icon

Moves objects a specified distance in a specified direction

Command
Com. Line

MOVE
Select objects
Specify base point or [Displacement]
Specify second point or

Remark

7.3

Copy

Description
Icon

Copies objects a specified distance in a specified direction

Command
Com. Line

COPY
Select objects
Specify base point or [Displacement/mOde]

Remark

7.4

Rotate

Description
Icon

Rotates objects around a base point

Command

ROTATE
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Com. Line
Remark

7.5

Select objects
Specify base point
Specify rotation angle or [Copy/Reference] <0>
Possibility to enter angle

Scale

Description

Enlarges or reduces selected objects, keeping the proportions of the object the
same after scaling

Icon
Command
Com. Line
Remark

7.6

SCALE
Select objects
Specify base point
Specify scale factor [Copy/Reference]
Scale factor <1> object stays the same
Scale factor <2> object becomes twice as big
Scale factor <0.5> object becomes half the size

Mirror

Description
Icon

Creates a mirrored copy of selected objects

Command
Com. Line

MIRROR
Select objects
Specify first point of mirror line
Specify second point of mirror line
Erase source object? [Yes/No]
Text objects will be copied but not show as a mirror reflection by default

Remark

7.7

Break

Description
Icon

Breaks the selected object between two points

Command
Com. Line

BREAK
Select object
Specify second break point or [First point]
Line between first and second point will be erased

Remark

7.8

Join

Description
Icon

Joins similar objects to form a single, unbroken object

Command
Com. Line

JOIN
Select source or multiple objects to join at once
Select objects to join
Objects must be similar to be able to join them

Remark

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7.9

Trim

Description
Icon

Trims objects to meet the edges of other objects

Command
Com. Line

TRIM
Select objects or <select all>
Select object to trim or shift-select to extend or []
Second object selected is the object that will be trimmed

Remark

7.10 Explode
Description
Icon

Breaks a compound object into its component objects

Command
Com. Line
Remark

EXPLODE
Select objects
Mostly used to explode blocks

7.11 Erase
Description
Icon

Removes objects from a drawing

Command
Com. Line
Remark

ERASE (same effect as pushing the DELETE button on keyboard)

Select objects

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8. AutoCAD drafting settings

8.1

What are drafting settings?

Drafting settings can be used to make it easier for the user to create his drawing. They are a kind of
tools that can be set to on or off. Below you find a list of the most common settings used in
AutoCAD.

8.2

Grid display
Ortho mode
Polar tracking
Object snap

Grid display

Description
Icon

Displays a dotted grid in the drawing area

Command
Remark

GRID (or F7)

Spacing between the dots can be set in the drafting settings (Snap and Grid)

8.3

Ortho mode

Description
Icon

Restrict cursor movement to horizontal and vertical directions

Command
Remark

ORTHO (or F8)

8.4

Polar tracking

Description
Icon

Restrict cursor movement to specified angles

Command
Remark

POLARANG(or F10)
Angle can be set in the drafting settings (Polar Tracking)

8.5

Object snap

Description

Object snaps are essential to specifying precise locations on objects. For example,
you can use object snaps to create a line to the center of a circle or to the midpoint
of another line.

Icon
Command
Remark

SNAP(or F3)
Snaps can be set in the drafting settings (Object Snap)

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9. AutoCAD annotations
9.1

What are annotations?

Annotations are notes or remarks that can be placed on a drawing. You can find the Annotation
commands for AutoCAD on the Home tab.
Below you find the most common annotations used in AutoCAD:
Single line
Multiline Text
Dimensions
Table

9.2

Single line

Description
Icon

Displays text on the screen as it is entered

Command
Com. Line

TEXT
Specify start point of text or [Justify/Style]
Specify height
Specify rotation angle of text
[Enter text]
Texts are different object when different lines are used

Remark

9.3

Multiline text

Description
Icon

Creates a multiline text object

Command
Com. Line

MTEXT
Specify first corner
Specify opposite corner
[Enter text]
Works as a kind of Word processor

Remark

9.4

Dimensions

Description
Icon

Creates a linear dimension

Command
Com. Line

DIMLINEAR
Specify first extension line origin or [select object]
Specify second extension line origin
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Remark

9.5

Specify dimension line location

Only one type of dimension is mentioned in this manual. It is also possible to create
the following types:
Aligned dimensions
Angular dimensions
Radius
Diameter

Table

Description
Icon

Creates an empty table object

Command
Remark

TABLE
See the Insert table interface to create a table in AutoCAD.
A table can also be linked to data in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.

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10.

Object properties

10.1 What are object properties?

Every object in AutoCAD has its properties. In these properties you can for example set the Color,
Layer, Position, Scale or Weight of an object. The types of settings are different from object to
object. Below you find a list of the most common properties on objects:

10.2 List of common properties

Object
Line

Text

Circle

Property
Color
Linetype
Start X
Start Y
End X
End Y
Color
Contents
Style
Height
Rotation
Color
Linetype
Radius
Diameter

Description
Overwrite the color of the object
Set the type of line to be continues, dashed, dotted,
Set the start of the line on the X-axis
Set the start of the line on the Y-axis
Set the end of the line on the X-axis
Set the end of the line on the Y-axis
Overwrite the color of the object
Change the contents of the text
Choose the Font for the text
Set the height of the text
Set the angle of the text
Overwrite the color of the object
Set the type of line to be continues, dashed, dotted,
Set the radius of the circle
Set the diameter of the circle

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10.3 Quick select

In the properties area you can find a button Quick Select. You can use this function to quickly
select objects of the same type on an entire drawing or on a part of the drawing.
You can select the objects depending on their:
TYPE: Line, Circle, Rectangle, Arc,
PROPERTIES: Color, Layer, Linetype,

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11.

AutoCAD layers

11.1 What are layers?

A layer can be compared to a transparent sheet you can put on top of your drawing. You can than
start drawing objects on this particular layer. It is possible in AutoCAD to use more than one layer.
Layers in AutoCAD have the ability to be set off, locked or frozen.

11.2 How to handle layers?

You can create, delete or rename layers in the Layer Properties Manager. The button can be found
in the Home tab in the Layers ribbon. By clicking this button a new window will open to manage
your layers.

11.3 What properties can be set for layers?

11.3.1 Layer On/Off
Turns layers on and off. When a layer is on, it is visible and available for plotting. When a
layer is off, it is invisible and is not plotted, even if Plot is on.
11.3.2 Thaw/Freeze in All viewports
Thaws and freezes selected layers in all viewports. You can freeze layers to speed up zoom,
pan, and many other operations; improve object selection performance; and reduce
regeneration time for complex drawings. AutoCAD does not display, plot, hide, render, or
regenerate objects on frozen layers.
Freeze the layers you want to be invisible for long periods. When you thaw a frozen layer,
AutoCAD regenerates and displays the objects on that layer. If you plan to switch between
visible and invisible states frequently, use the On/Off setting. You can freeze layers in all
viewports, in the current layout viewport, or in new layout viewports as they are created.
11.3.3 Lock/Unlock layer
Locks and unlocks the layers. You cannot edit objects on a locked layer. Locking a layer is
useful if you want to view information on a layer for reference but do not want to edit
objects on that layer.
11.3.4 Plot/Do not plot layer
Controls whether the selected layers are plotted. If you turn off plotting for a layer, the
objects on that layer are still displayed. Turning off plotting for a layer affects only visible
layers in the drawing (layers that are on and thawed). If a layer is set to plot but is currently
frozen or off in the drawing, AutoCAD does not plot the layer. Turning off plotting for layers
containing reference information such as construction lines can be useful.

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11.4 Layer 0
Layer 0 is a default layer that cant be deleted. It is best not to draw anything directly on this layer.
It is best to use this layer when creating blocks so that upon insertion into other layers the blocks will
assume the properties of the layer (color, linetype, etc.)

11.5 Current layer

You are always drawing on the active layer. When you make a layer active, you create new objects
on that layer. If you make a different layer active, any new objects you create is assigned that new
active layer and uses its color and linetype. You cannot make a layer active if it is frozen. You can set
a layer as current layer in the Layer Properties Manager or by using Alt+C

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12.

Blocks in AutoCAD

12.1 What is a block?

CAD blocks are named groups of objects that act as a single 2D or 3D 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.

12.2 Creating a block

If you want to create a block the first thing you must do is select or create the objects (lines, circles,
text,) that you want to be part of the collection (block).
After you selected your objects you use the command BLOCK. An interface will open to Define your
block. The interface Block Definition contains the following information:

Name
Give the block you want to create a logical name.
Base point
Specify a point on your block where you want to set the grab point of your block. This can be
done by setting the X,Y and Z-axis or by specify On-screen.
Objects
By selecting the objects first before entering the block command you can skip this step. If
the objects arent selected yet you can do it by clicking Select objects.

Click OK and your block is created.

Note: When you are creating a block it is best to create its objects on Layer 0 so that upon
insertion into other layers the blocks will assume the properties of the layer (color, linetype, etc.)

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12.3 What are Block attributes?

An attribute is a label or tag that attaches data to a block. Examples of data that might be contained
in an attribute are part numbers, prices, comments, and owners' names.
Attribute information extracted from a drawing can be used in a spreadsheet or database to produce
a parts list or a bill of materials. You can associate more than one attribute with a block, provided
that each attribute has a different tag.
When you define an attribute, you specify:
A unique tag that identifies the attribute by name
A prompt that can be displayed as the block is inserted
A default value that is used if a variable value is not entered at the prompt
Note: It is important to make sure that attribute tags have unique names. The Enhanced Attribute
Editor will display any duplicate tags in red. Duplicate tags will cause problems when extracting data
or if you use them in dynamic blocks.

12.4 How to create an attribute?

You can create an attribute by using the command ATTDEF. An interface will open to define your
attribute. The interface Attribute Definition contains the following information:

Invisible
Specifies that attribute values are not displayed or printed when you insert the block. The
ATTDISP command overrides the Invisible mode.
Constant
Assigns attributes a fixed value for the attribute when you insert the block. This setting is
used for information that never changes.
Verify
Prompts you to verify that the attribute value is correct when you insert the block.
Preset
Sets the attribute to its default value without displaying a prompt when you insert the block.
The Preset option applies only when prompts for attribute values are set to be displayed at
the Command prompt (ATTDIA is set to 0).
Lock Position
Locks the location of the attribute within the block reference. When unlocked, the attribute
can be moved relative to the rest of the block using grip editing, and multiline attributes can
be resized.
Multiple Lines
Specifies that the attribute value can contain multiple lines of text, and lets you specify a
boundary width for the attribute.
Tag
Specifies the name with which to Identify the attribute. Enter the attribute tag using any
combination of characters except spaces. Lowercase letters are automatically changed to
uppercase.
Prompt
Specifies the prompt that will be displayed when you insert a block containing this attribute
definition.
Default
Specifies the default attribute value.
Insertion Point

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Specifies the location for the attribute. Enter coordinate values, or select Specify On-screen
and use your pointing device to specify the location of the attribute relative to other objects.
Specify On-Screen
Displays a Start Point prompt when the dialog box closes. Use the pointing device to specify
the location of the attribute relative to other objects.
Justification
Specifies the justification of the attribute text.
Text Style
Specifies a predefined text style for the attribute text. Currently loaded text styles are
displayed.
Text Height
Specifies the height of the attribute text. Enter a value, or choose Height to specify a height
with your pointing device. The height is measured from the origin to the location you
specify.
Rotation
Specifies the rotation angle of the attribute text. Enter a value, or choose Rotation to specify
a rotation angle with your pointing device. The rotation angle is measured from the origin to
the location you specify.

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