AUTOCAD NOTES

• The Company and Founders

• American Multinational Corporation Autodesk Inc.
• Founded by John Walker and 12 others in 1982
• Head Quarters San Rafael, California

BASICS OF AUTOCAD:

Elements of Screen:
• Application menu
• Quick access tool bar
• Info center
• Title Bar
• Menu bar
• Ribbon
• Tabs
• Panels
• Tools
• Drawing Area
• UCS Icon
• Command Bar
• Status Bar

Types of Workspaces available in Auto CAD:

• 2D Drafting & Annotation
• 3D Basics
• 3D Modeling
• AutoCAD Classic

Auto CAD:
• It is a technical software
• 2D- 2 dimensional
 Y

X
2D

• 3D- 3 Dimensional

Y Z

Some terms:

• AUTO: Autodesk is a company name

• CAD: Computer Aided Designing

• CADD: Computer Aided Designing & Drafting

• CAM: Computer Aided Manufacturing

• ECAD: Electrical Computer Aided Designing

• UCSICON (User Coordinate System):

To make UCS icon fix within the screen, the process is:-
 UCSICON (Enter: )

Select No origin

• Setting of Limits--- (Shortcut: LIMITS)

LIMITS
Specify lower left corner value (0, 0)
Specify upper right corner value (x, y)
Z
A

Note: Z (Zoom), A (All) commands are for the purpose of

following:
“To bring the limits to the screen”
• Setting of Units---(shortcut: UN)
UN
Select length type (for ex: Decimal)
Select precision value (0.00)
Select Insertion scale value (for ex: millimeters)
Select international
 Ok

Dimension Style Manager--- (shortcut: D)

D
Click on modify
Click on Primary Units tab
Change Unit Format (as per same value)
Change precision (as per same value)
OK
Set Current
Close
Basic construction elements:
• Point---(shortcut: PO)
By using this, we can construct points.

Process:
Po
Specify a point (click)

• PDMODE---( shortcut: PDMODE)

By using this, we can change the appearance of the point
by giving PDMODE values.

Process:
PDMODE
Enter new value for PDMODE

PDMODE values:

0 - 4

32 - 36
 64 - 68

96 - 100

• DDPTYPE---( shortcut : DDPTYPE)(Dynamic Dialogue Point

Type)
By using this we can change the point style.

Process:
DDPTYPE
Select any one point style
Ok

• PDSIZE---( shortcut: PDSIZE)

By using this we can change the size of point.

Process:
PDSIZE
Enter new value for pdsize
 • Line--- (shortcut: L)
We can create lines by 4 methods
• Initial method
• Absolute coordinate method
• Relative coordinate method
• Polar coordinate method

• Initial method:
L
Specify 1st point (click)
Specify next point
ESC
For example, if we want to create a line with 10 units with 60
degrees angle,

Process:
L
Specify starting point
Edit length value
 Press tab button
Edit angle value
ESC
• Absolute coordinate method: ( syntax---X,Y)
L
Specify 1st point (x, y)
Specify next point(x, y)
ESC
• Relative coordinate method: (syntax---@X,Y)
L
Specify 1st point (x, y)
Specify next point (@x, y)
ESC
• Polar coordinate method: (syntax---@D<A)

D: Distance A: Angle

Process:
 L For ex:
Specify 1st point (click)
@5<0
@5<45
@5<135 5
@5<180
@5<225
@5<315
ESC
Circle---( shortcut :C)
By using this, we can create circles
Types:
• Center radius
• Center diameter
• 2- point
• 3-point
• Tan Tan Radius
• Tan Tan Tan
• Center radius:
C
Specify center point for circle (click)
Specify radius of circle
• Center diameter:
C
Specify center point for circle
D
Give some diameter value

• 2- Point:
C
2P
Specify 1st end point of circle’s diameter
Specify 2nd end point of circle’s diameter

• 3-Point:
 C
3P
Specify 1st point on circle
Specify 2nd point on circle
Specify 3rd point on circle

• Tan Tan Radius---( shortcut : Ttr)

C
TTR
Specify point on object for 1st tangent of circle
Specify point on object for 2nd tangent of circle
Specify radius of circle

• Tan Tan Tan

Click on Tan Tan Tan icon
Specify 1st point on circle
Specify 2nd point on circle
Specify 3rd point on circle
 • Arc--- (shortcut: A)
It can be constructed by using any of the following
characteristics of an arc.
• Its start point on the arc
• Second point- (its end point)
• Its radius- (Length of the arc)

Possible methods to construct an arc are:-

• 3 Point
• Start, center, end
• ,, , ,, , angle
• ,, , ,, , length
• ,, , end , angle
• ,, , ,, , direction
• ,, , ,, , Radius
• Center, start, end
• ,, , ,, , angle
• ,, , ,, , length
• Continue

• Rectangle---( shortcut : Rec)

By using this we can create rectangles.
Process:
Rec
Specify 1st corner point (click)
Specify other corner point (x, y)
• Copy---(shortcut: CO)
By using this, we can create the number of duplicate
objects from source object.

Process:
Co
Select object
Specify base point
Specify second point
ESC
• Copy mode
• Single—We can create only one duplicate object
• Multiple—we can create number of duplicate objects

• Rotate---(shortcut: RO)
We can rotate the selected object by taking a specific base
point

Process:
Ro
Select object
Specify base point
Specify rotation angle

• Scale---(shortcut: SC)
By using this we can modify the size of the object.

Process:
SC
 Select objects
Specify base point
Specify scale factor

• Trim---(shortcut: TR)
By using this we can remove the extended lines or any
unwanted curves or arcs.

Process:
TR
Select object to trim
ESC

• Extend---(shortcut: EX)
By using this we can increase the length of the line.

Process:
EX
Select the object to extend
 ESC

• Offset---(shortcut: O)
By using this, we can create number of duplicate objects
with some offset distance.

Process:
O
Specify offset distance
Select object to offset
Specify point on side to offset
ESC

EX

• Mirror---(shortcut: Mi)
 By using this, we can create mirror image of the source object

Process:
Mi

Select object

Specify 1st point of mirror line Source object Mirror image

Specify 2nd point of mirror line

Erase source objects (yes/no)

• Fillet---(shortcut: F)

By using this we can create rounded corners

Process:
F

Specify fillet radius

P (P: Polyline)

Select 2d object

• Chamfer---(shortcut: Cha)

By using this we can create inclined corners

 Process:
Cha

D (D: Distance)

Specify first chamfer distance

Specify second chamfer distance

P (P: Polyline)

Select 2D polyline (select object)

• Explode---(shortcut: X)

By using this, we can divide the single object into number of

object

Process:

Select object

• Move---(shortcut: M)

By using this, we can move object from one place to another place
 Process:

Select object

Specify base point

Specify second point

• Erase---(shortcut: E)

By using this, we can delete the objects.

Process:

Select object

Basic View Commands:

• Zoom---(shortcut: Z)

By using this, we can zoom in or zoom out the objects

The options in zoom are the following:

 • All---------------------(A)

• Center----------------(C)

• Dynamic-------------(D)

• Extents---------------(E)

• Previous--------------(P)

• Scale------------------(S)

• Window-------------(W)

• Object----------------(O)

• Pan---(shortcut: P)

By using this, we can move the screen.

Process:

ESC

• Regen---(shortcut: Re)

By using this, we can get the real shape of an object

Process:

Re
 Selection Methods:

• Window Selection Method---(shortcut: W)

Take any one modify command (for ex: move)

Process:

Specify first corner

Specify opposite corner

• Crossing Window Selection Method---(shortcut: C)

Process:

Specify first corner

Specify opposite corner

• Fence Selection Method----(shortcut: F)

Process:

Specify 1st fence point

Specify next fence point

• Window polygon method----(shortcut: WP)

Process:

WP

Specify first polygon point

Specify end point of line

• Crossing polygon method----(shortcut: CP)

Process:

M
 CP

Specify first polygon point

Specify end point of line

Accurate Drawing Methods:

• Ortho command----(shortcut: F8 function key)

By using this we can create straight lines.

• OSNAP command----(shortcut: F3 function key)

It is called object snap. It include following:

• Endpoint

• Midpoint

• Center

• Node

• Quadrant

• Extension

• Intersection

• Perpendicular

• Tangent

• Nearest

• Apparent Intersection
 • Parallel

• Grips:

These are control points. By using these, we can change the shape
of the object. And also we can do multi functions.

GRIPS:

If the value is 0, grips will be in off mode

If the value is 1 or 2, grips will be in on mode

Some more options:

GRIPSIZE, GRIPCOLOR, GRIPCONTOUR. These three options

having number range :- ( 1-255)

• SNAP----(shortcut: F9 function key)

It restricts the movement of the crosshairs to predetermined

intervals. If we want to draw lines from pre determined fixed points,
then we have to use this snap option.

• Grid----(shortcut: F7 function key)

The grid is a rectangular pattern of lines or dots that covers the

entire XY plane of the user coordinate system (UCS).
 Some options:

• GRIDMODE

If the value is 0, grid will be in off mode

If the value is 1, grid will be in on mode

• GRIDSTYLE

If the value is 0, it is a rectangular lines pattern

If the value is 1, it is a rectangular dotted pattern

Commands:

• Command---MEASUREGEOM:

By using this we can get the distance, radius, angle, area and
volume.

Process:

MEASUREGEOM

Distance

Radius

Angle

Area

Volume
• Area ----(shortcut: AA)

By using this we can get the area of the selected object.

Process:

AA

Select an object

• Distance----(shortcut: Di)

By using this we can get the distance of the line

Process:

MEA ENTER

DISTANCE

Specify first point

Specify second point

• ID points(Identification points)----(shortcut: ID)

By using this, we can get precise coordinates of the selected

point.
 Process:

ID

Specify a point

• Mass Properties----(shortcut: MASSPROP)

By using this we can get the mass and volume of the selected 3D
solid.

Process:

MASSPROP

Select solid

• List----(shortcut: Li)

By using this, we can get the details of the selected object

Process:

Li

Select Object

• Polygon----(shortcut: POL)
 2 types.

1. Inscribed in circle

2. Circumscribed about circle

• Inscribed in circle

we can create a polygon with known distance (center

of polygon to each vertex of polygon)

• Circumscribed about circle

we can create a polygon with known distance (center

of polygon to midpoint of each edge of polygon)

Process:

Pol

Enter number of sides

Specify center of polygon (click)

Select any one option (Inscribed or circumscribed)

Specify radius of circle

If we want to create polygon with known edge, Process:

 Pol

Enter number of sides

E (E: Edge)

Specify axis start point of polygon

Specify axis next point of polygon

• Ellipse----(shortcut: EL)

Process:

EL

Specify axis endpoint of ellipse (click)

Specify other end point of axis

Specify distance to other axis

• Layers----(shortcut: LA)
• Layers are groups of geometrical elements of a distinct theme.
• We use the layers for control.

• Creating and deleting layers:

• Layer property manager (command: La)
• 0-layer cannot be renamed or deleted
• Create new layer (Alt + n)
• Delete a layer (Alt +d)

• The layer which we select, it is called as ‘current layer’.

• Making a layer current layer

• Double click

• Click on the object

• Assigning colors to layers

• Auto cad color index -249 colors

• true colors – 16 million colors

• HSL (Hue, Saturation, Luminance)

• RGB (Red, Blue, Green)

• color books (pantone colors)

• The options ‘turn off’ and ‘freeze’ both having same function. If
we select any of these two options, the object will hide.

• If we lock a particular layer, we can see that object. But we can’t

do any modifications.
 Process:

La

Click on ‘new layer’ option

Specify any one name for layer

Apply properties like line type and line weight

• Properties----(shortcut: PR) & also (CTRL+1)

By using this, we can modify the properties of the selected object.

Process:

PR

Click on ‘select object’ option

Select required properties

• Line Type----(shortcut: LT)

By using this we can apply different line types like hidden, dotted,
continuous, etc.
 Process:

LT

Click on load

Select required line type

OK

OK

PR

Click on ‘select object’ option

Select required object

Apply line type

• Line Type Scale----(shortcut: LTS)

By using this, we can change the scale of the line type.

Process:

LTS

Enter new line type scale factor

• Matching Properties----(shortcut: ma)

 By using this, we can apply the properties of a single to other two
or more number of objects.

Process:

Ma

Select source object

Select destination objects

ESC

• Text

2 types

• Single line text

• Multi line text

• Single line text----(shortcut: text (or) dtext)

Process:

Text

Specify start point of text (click)

Specify height
 Specify rotation angle of text

Enter some text

• Multi line text----(shortcut: t (or) mt)

Process:

Specify 1st corner (click)

Specify opposite corner

Edit some text

ESC

Yes

Note: To increase the size of the single line text or multi line text,
we can use properties or scale commands.

• Edit text----(shortcut: ed)

By using this, we can modify the text

Process:
 ED

Select an annotation object

Modify the text

ESC

YES

• Spell check----(shortcut: sp)

Process:

Sp

Click on select objects option

Select objects (text)

Click on start

Hatch Patterns

• Hatch----(shortcut: H)

By using this, we can apply different patterns like Brick pattern,

sand, concrete, clay, gravel etc. within the closed boundary. And
we can apply solid and gradient fills also.
 Process:

T (T: setting)

Go to hatch tab

Go to pattern

Select required pattern

Ok

Edit scale and angle values

Click on add pick points

Pick internal points (Click on the object)

• Gap tolerance

To apply hatch for open boundaries, we have to give some

gap tolerance value.

Process:

Go to options panel

In drop down list, give some gap tolerance value

Pick internal points (Click on the object)

 Click on ‘continue hatching this area’

• Dimensions

• Linear dimensions (dli)

• Aligned dimensions (dal)

• Radius dimensions (dra)

• Diameter dimensions (ddi)

• Angular dimensions (dan)

• Continuous dimensions (dco)

• Baseline dimensions (dba)

• Leader and multi leader dimensions (lead)

• Arc length dimensions (dar)

• Ordinate dimensions (dor)

• Jogged dimensions (djo)

• DDEDIT

By using this, we can enter or modify the dimension text.

 Process:

DDEDIT

Select an annotation object

Edit text

ESC

YES

Note: D or DDIM are the shortcuts for dimension style manager.

• Dimension font:

Process:

Go to modify

Go to text tab

Text height option

• Dimension arrow heads

Process:

D
 Go to modify

Go to symbols and arrows tab

Arrow size option

• Dimension overall size

Process:

Go to modify

Go to fit tab

‘Use overall scale of’ options

• Block----(shortcut: b)

By using this, we can save objects in block file.

Process:

Click on select objects option

Select object

Edit name for block

 Click on pick point

Specify insertion base point

Ok

• Insert----(shortcut: I)

Process:

Select required block

Ok

Specify insertion point

• Write block----(shortcut: W)

Process:

Select source (for ex: block)

Select required block

Choose destination

Ok
• Divide----(shortcut: DIV)

By using this, we can divide the object into equal number of

segments.

Process:

Div

Select object to divide

Enter the number of segments

Note: To check whether the object is dividing or not, change the

point style.

Using block in dividing an object:

Process:

Div

Select object to divide

B (B: block)

Enter name of block to insert

 Align block with object(y/n)

Enter the number of segments

• Purge----(shortcut: PU)

By using this, we can remove unused block definitions and layers

from the drawing.

Process:

Pu

Click on layers

Select unwanted layer

Click on purge

Purge this item

Close

• Array----(shortcut: ar)

3 types

• Rectangular array
 • Polar array

• Path array

• Rectangular array

Process:

Ar

Select object

Select rectangular array

Edit number of columns and distance between columns

Edit number of rows and distance between rows

• Note:

In associative array, you have an option for modification. In

non associative, we don’t have an option for modification.

• Polar array

Process:

Ar
 Select object

Select polar array

Specify center point of array

Edit number of items and fill angle

Edit number of rows and distance between rows

• Path array

Process:

Ar

Select object

Select path array

Select path curve

Click on base point

Specify base point (on the source object)

Edit number of items and distance between items

Edit number of rows and distance between rows

• Plotting and Printing

 Types of plotters:

• Flat bed plotters

• Drum plotters

Types of printers

• Daisy wheel

• Dot matrix

• Inkjet

• Laser

• Thermal

Plotting: Some standard paper sizes

• ANSI A 8.5*11 (inches)

• ANSI B 11*17 (inches)

• ANSI C 17*22 (inches)

• ANSI D 22*34 (inches)

• ANSI E 34*44 (inches)

ISO Format

• ISO A4 210*297 (mm)

• ISO A3 297*420 (mm)

• ISO A2 420*594 (mm)

 • ISO A1 594*841 (mm)

• ISO A0 841*1189 (mm)

Scale:

• For view ports, set scale as 1:1

• For casual printing, set scale as “fit to paper”

Intermediate level
Advanced Line Work

• Polyline ----(shortcut: PL)

By using this, we can create continuous lines. And also we can

create arcs and lines with some width without exit from the
command

Process:

PL

Specify start point (click on screen)

Specify next point

 ESC

If we want to draw line with some width, the process is:

PL

Specify start point (click on screen)

Specify starting width

Specify ending width

Specify next point

• Fill----(shortcut: FILL)

• If it is in on mode we can draw the dark lines.

• If is in off mode, we can draw empty lines.

• Poly edit----(shortcut: PE)

By using this we can combine individual parts and make it into a

single object
 Process:

Pe

M (m: multiple)

Select total lines

Yes

Click on join (press enter 2 times)

ESC

• Xline (construction line) ----(shortcut: XL)

By using this, we can create infinity horizontal, vertical and

angular lines.

Process:

XL

Specify angle value (A: Angular)

Specify through point

ESC
• Ray-----(shortcut: RAY)

It has starting point but don’t have end point.

Process:

Ray

Specify start point

Specify through point.

ESC

• Spline-----(shortcut: SPL)

By using this, we can create continuous lines and curves. It is used

as path curve in the preparation of rod like structures in 3d.

Process:

Spl

Specify 1st point

Specify next point

• Multi Line-----(shortcut: ML)

 Process:

ML

T (style)

Enter mline style

Specify start point

Specify next point

• Sketch-----(shortcut: SKETCH)

It is a free hand movement.

Process:

Sketch

Specify sketch

Advanced layers

By using new property filter, we can filter our required layers basing on
their properties.

Process:

La

Click on new property filter

 Go to filter definition

Enter the required property to filter the layers

Advanced dimensions

2 types

• Geometric constraints

• Dimensional constraints

• Geometric constraints-----(shortcut: Geomconstraint)

These include the following:

• Horizontal

• Vertical

• Perpendicular

• Parallel

• Tangent

• Smooth

• Coincident

• Concentric

• Collinear

• Symmetric
 • Equal

• Fix

Process:

Geomconstraint

Click on tangent

Select first object

Select second object

• Auto constrain

It applies multiple geometric constraints to the selected objects.

Process:

Click on auto constrain

Select object

• Note:

• If the CONSTRAINTINFER value is 0, auto constrain is in

off mode

• If the CONSTRAINTINFER value is 1, auto constrain is in

on mode
 To delete a geometric constraint, the process is:

Process:

Delcon

Select object

• Dimensional Constraints-----(shortcut: Dim constraint)

We can apply the conditions by giving dimensional values.

Process:

Dim constraint

(For ex) Click on angular

Select first line

Select second line

Specify dimension line location

Edit dimensional value

• Options dialogue box (Shortcut---OP)

 Type OP

Select options

(Or)

Right click on the screen

Click on options

It include following tabs:

• Files tab

• Display tab

• Open and Save tab

• Plot and publish tab

• System tab

• User preferences tab

• Drafting tab

• 3D modeling tab

• Selection tab

• Profiles tab

• Online tab

• Customize User Interface-----(shortcut: CUI)

 It manages customized user interface elements in the product.
User interface elements such as work spaces, toolbars, menus,
ribbon panels, shortcut menus etc are all managed from this
dialog box

Process:

CUI

Go to customize tab

Right click on any one workspace

Click on new workspace

Edit name for new workspace

Click on customize workspace

Add required tools, tabs, panels etc

Done

Click on apply and ok

• Design Center-----(shortcut: DC)

• In this, we have default symbols related to civil, mechanical,

electrical etc.
 • We can use these symbols by directly dragging on to the
screen

• To increase the size of the symbol, use scale command

• To delete any data, use explode command

Process:

DC

Click on home

Go to design center folder

• Express Tools
Replace Block

Process:

Create block for one circle and one rectangle

Click on replace block

Select the block to be replaced (for ex: circle)

OK
 Select a block to replace circle (rectangle)

OK

Purge unreferenced items when finished (yes/no)

• Arc Aligned

Process:

Create one arc

Click on Arc Aligned option

Select an Arc

Edit some text

Edit text height and offset from arc

OK

• Convert to Mtext

Process:

Create single line text

Click on Convert to Mtext

Select objects (total text)

 • Auto Number

Process:

Create some text

Click on Auto Number option

Select objects (total text)

Select order (X/Y)

Specify starting number and increment number (1, 1)

Click in find and replace option

Enter search string (any variable)

• Super hatch

Advanced Design and file management tools

• Align-----(shortcut: AL)

It has 3 selection points.

One source point and one destination point

 Two source points and two destination points

Three source points and three destination points

Process:

Al

Select object

Specify 1st source point

Specify 1st destination point

• Audit-----(shortcut: Audit)

It evaluates the integrity of a drawing and corrects some

errors.

Process:

Go to application button

Go to drawing utilities Rama

Click on audit

Fix any errors detected (yes)

• Recover-----(shortcut: Recover)

It repairs damaged drawing files.

• Blend-----(shortcut: Blend)

It creates a spline in the gap between two selected lines or

curves

Process:

Blend

Select first object

Select 2nd object

• Break-----(shortcut: Br)

By using this, we can divide a continuous line into multiple

pieces

Process:

Br

Select object (specify 1st break point)

Specify 2nd break point

• Join-----(shortcut: J)

By using this, we can combine multiple lines and make it into

a polyline (continuous line)

Process:
 J

Select total lines

• Cad Standards

Process:

Go to manage tab

Go to Cad Standards panel

Click on layer translator

Click on load

Select required standard file

Map all the required layers

Click on layer translator

Choose any one destination

• Calculator-----(shortcut: QC or ctrl+8)

• Def Points

• It is a layer

• When we apply some dimensions to a particular object, def

point layer will automatically create
 • If anyone object will create by selecting def point layer as a
current layer, we can’t see that object in the printing

• Donut-----(shortcut: DO)

By using this, we can create filled circles

Process:

Do

Specify inside diameter of donut

Specify outside diameter of donut

Specify center of donut

Esc

• Draw Order-----(shortcut: DR)

It changes the draw order of images and other objects.

Process:

Go to home tab

Go to modify panel

In drop down list

 Bring to front (draw order) option

• E Transmit

It creates a package of drawing files and their dependencies

Process:

Go to application button

Go to publish

Click on eTransmit option

Click on add file

Select required file

Ok

Choose anyone destination

• Filter-----(shortcut: Fi)

By using this, we can filter our required objects from bunch of

over lapping objects.

Process:

Fi

Go to select filter

Select anyone option (for ex: circle)

 Click on add to list

Click on apply

Type All

Again

• Hyperlink-----(shortcut: ctrl+K)

Process:

Go to insert tab

Go to data panel

Click on hyperlink option

Click on file

Select required file

Ok

Removing a hyperlink:

Process:

Hyperlink

Select object

Click on remove link

• Lengthen-----(shortcut: Len)

Process:

Len

De (de: delta)

Enter delta length

Select an object to change

ESC

• Object Tracking (OTRACK) -----(function key: F11)

OTRACK lines

• OVERKILL-----(shortcut: OVERKILL)
 It can delete unwanted duplicate objects and some overlapping
objects. So, file size will be decrease.

Process:

Go to home tab

Go to modify panel

In drop down list

Click on delete duplicate objects (overkill) option

Select objects

Ok

• Publish-----(shortcut: Publish)

By using this, we can convert two or more AutoCAD files into a

PDF.

Process:

Publish

(OR)
 Go to Application button

Click on publish

(OR)

Go to output tab

Go to plot panel

Click on batch plot

Go to ‘publish to’ option

Select PDF

Click on add sheets

Select required sheet

Click on publish

Select anyone destination

• Raster

JPG and PNG files are called raster images. We can attach these
images in AutoCAD.

Process:

Go to menu bar
 Go to insert menu

Click on raster image reference

Select required image

Specify insertion point

Specify scale factor

• Revision Cloud

Process:

Go to annotate tab

Go to markup panel

Click on revision cloud

Specify start point

Guide cross hairs along cloud path

• Stretch-----(shortcut: S)

By using this, we can modify the size of an object in a particular

direction.
 Process:

Select half of the object from right below corner

Specify base point

Specify second point

• System Variables

These are not commands. By giving numbers for system variables,

we can change the behavior of an auto cad.

Some examples for system variables:

PICKADD, GRIDMODE, GRIPS, GRIPSIZE, GRIPCOLOR,

PDMODE, PDSIZE etc...

To see the complete list of system variables,

Process:

SETVAR

Press enter continuously up to get complete lists

• Table-----(shortcut: TB)

Process:

Go to annotate tab

Go to table’s panel

Click on table

Edit number of columns and column width

Edit number of rows and row height

Ok

Specify insertion point

• Tool palette-----(shortcut: TP or ctrl+3)

Process:

Go to view tab

Go to palettes panel

Click on tool palette option

Drag required option

• Cross hair rotation

We can rotate cross hair by using “SNAPANG” command

Process:

SNAPANG

Enter new value for SNAPANG

• Window Tiling

By using this, we can see two or more number of AutoCAD files

side by side

Process:

Go to window menu (or)

Go to view tab

Go to User Interface panel

Click on Tile horizontally or Tile vertically

• Wipe out

Process:

Go to Annotate tab
 Go to markup panel

Click on wipe out

Specify first point

Specify second point

Importing and Exporting Data

• Auto Cad and Ms Word

Process:

Select objects in the AutoCAD

Copy objects from Auto Cad (ctrl+c)

Go to Ms Word

Right click

Click on paste

(or)

Another process

Process:
 Create objects in AutoCAD

Save that file

Go to Ms Word

Go to insert tab

Go to text panel

Click on object option

Click on create from file

Click on browse

Select required AutoCAD file

• Ms Word to Auto Cad

Process:

Create data in Ms Word

Save that data in the format of rich text format (.rtf) or plain text
format (.txt)

Close that Ms Word file

Go to auto cad

MT

Specify first corner

 Specify opposite corner

Right click on the mtext editor

Click on import text

Select required Ms Word (.rtf or .txt) file

• Ms Excel and Auto Cad

Process:

Create table in excel

Save that file and close

Go to auto cad

Go to annotate tab

Go to tables panel

Click on data link

Create a new excel data link

Enter data link name

Ok

Browse for required excel file

Ok

Ok
 Again go to tables panel

Click on table

Select ‘from a data link’ option

Select data link file

Ok

Specify insertion point

• Auto Cad and Ms Excel

Process:

Directly type TABLEEXPORT

Select a table

Choose any one destination

• Ms PowerPoint and Auto Cad

Process:

Create data in a power point

Save that data in the format of Outline/RTF

Close that file

 Go to Auto Cad

MT

Specify first corner and opposite corner

Right click on the multi text editor

Click on import text

Select required (.rtf) format PowerPoint file

• AutoCAD and JPGs

Process:

Crete objects in AutoCAD

Go to output tab

Go to plot panel

Click on plot

Go to printer/plotter option

Select Publish to Web JPG.pc3

Click on default paper size

Select plot area

Click on ‘center the plot’ option

Ok
 Choose destination

• Auto Cad and PDF

Process:

Go to application button

Go to Export

Click on PDF

Choose any one destination

(Or)

Another process

Process:

Create objects

Right click on model space

Click on page setup manager

Click on modify

Go to printer/plotter option
 Select DWG to PDF.pc3

Select required page size

Go to plot area option

Select window
Specify first and opposite corners
Click on center the plot option
Ok and close
Go to output tab
Go to plot panel
Click on plot
Ok
Select anyone destinations

• External References (XREF) -----(shortcut: XR)

By using this, we can attach other external references like

DWG, PNG, JPG, PDF etc…

Process:

XR

Click on attach DWG

 Select required external file

Specify insertion point

Some terms:

Attach:

We can attach other XREF into current drawing file

Detach:

It will completely delete XREF from the current drawing file

Unload:

It will delete XREF from current drawing file temporarily.

But, link will be there for future use

Reload:

It will reload the modifications from source file into current

drawing file.

Bind:

It can change the XREF as a permanent part of the current

drawing file.

• Attributes-----(shortcut: ATT)

By using attributes, we can save non graphical data.

 Tag:

It is a programming name. All letters should be in uppercase

with no spaces.

For ex: LNAME

Prompt:

It is exactly what we are asking for.

For ex: employee’s last name

Default:

Value is optional in this example. Because each employee

don’t have same last name.

Defining an attribute:

Process:

Go to insert tab

Go to block definition panel

Click on define attribute

Edit data in tag, prompt and default as per requirement

 Attach this data in the required place

Save this data in a block file

Extracting Data from attributes

Process:

Go to insert tab

Go to linking and extraction panel

Click on extract data

Create a new data extraction

Next

Edit data extraction name and save

Select objects in the current drawing

Click on select object box

Select objects (attribute text)

Next

Select ‘display blocks with attributes only’ option

Remove check marks for remaining boxes

Next

Go to category filter

Select only attribute option

 Next

Next

Select two boxes

Next

Enter title for table

Finish

Specify insertion point

• Advanced output pen settings

Process:

Go to tools menu

Go to wizards

Click on add plot style table

Next

Start from scratch

Next

Color dependent plot style table

Next

Edit file name

 Click on plot style table editor

• Isometric drawing

By using isometric snap, we can get the outer shape of 3D object

in 2D only

Main basic of Isometric drawing

1500 900

300 300

Rectangular snap Isometric snap

Some points:

• In isometric snap, we cannot use offset command properly.

Instead of offset command, we can use copy command.

• From ellipse command, we can create iso circles.

Setting Isometric perspective

Process:

Ds (drafting settings)

Go to snap and grid tab

Select isometric snap

Ok

Changing planes

To change the direction of an isometric plane use ‘F5’ function

key.

Ellipses in isometric

Process:

EL

I (I: Isocircle)

Specify center of iso circle

Specify radius of iso circle

Text in isometric
 Process:

Edit single line text on each plane of isometric drawing

Pr

Click on select object option

Select objects (text)

Go to oblique option

Edit angle value (30/ -30)

Dimensions in isometric

Process:

Dimedit

Click on oblique

Select objects (dimension lines)

Enter obliquing angle (30/ -30)

Rotation of dimension text

Process:

Dimedit

Click on rotate

Specify angle for dimension text (30/ -30)

 Select objects (dimension text)

Note:

• Oblique angle is for the rotation of dimension lines

• Rotate angle is for the rotation of dimension text