AutoCAD 2D Tutorial
Chapter 3 Draw Commands
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AutoCAD 2D Tutorial 3.1 Line Command
Creates single straight line segments 1. Choose Draw, Line. or 2. Click the Line icon. or 3. Type LINE from the command prompt Command: LINE or L 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Press Pick Pick Pick Press ENTER From point: (point) Specify next point or [Close/Undo]:(point) Specify next point or [Close/Undo]:(point) ENTER to end line sequence or 9. Type U to undo the last segment To point: U (undo) or 10. Type C to create a closed polygon To point : C (close)
TIPS: You can continue the previous line or arc by responding to the From point: prompt with a space or ENTER. Choose the right mouse button for the line pop-up menu to appear while in the line command
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AutoCAD 2D Tutorial 3.2 Cartesian Coordinate System
AutoCAD provides the user with an infinite two dimensional area to work with. Any entities place on the working two dimensional plane can be defined relative to the Cartesian coordinate system.
The Cartesian coordinate system divides a two dimensional plane with two perpendicular axis. The X axis runs horizontal across the bottom of the screen. The Y axis runs vertically along the left side of the screen. These two axis intersect at the bottom left corner of the screen.
Each of these axis is further divided into segments. Each segment is given a value. The X axis segments increase in value to the right. The positive X values are to the right of the intersection of the two axis. The negative X values are to the left. The positive Y values are above the intersection and increase up. The negative Y values are below.
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AutoCAD 2D Tutorial Absolute Coordinates
1. Type x,y coordinate when AutoCAD asks for a point. From point: 1,1 To point: 2,1 To point: 2,2 To point: 1,2 To point: 1,1
Relative Coordinates
1. Type @deltax,deltay when AutoCAD asks for a point. From point pick point To point: @1,0 To point: @0,1 To point: @-1,0 To point: @0,-1
Polar Coordinates
1. Type @distance<angle when AutoCAD asks for a point. From point: pick point To point:@1<0 To point:@1<90 To point:@1<180 To point:@1<270
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AutoCAD 2D Tutorial 3.3 Dynamic Input
Dynamic Input provides a command interface near the cursor to help you keep your focus in the drafting area. When Dynamic Input is on, tooltips display information near the cursor that is dynamically updated as the cursor moves. When a command is active, the tooltips provide a place for user entry. Turning Dynamic Input ON/OFF 1. Click Dyn on the status bar or 2. Press F12
Tip: Right-click Dyn and click Settings to control what is displayed by each component when Dynamic Input is on.
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AutoCAD 2D Tutorial 3.4 Orthogonal Lines
Controls lines from being drawn at various angles to straight lines. When the snap grid is rotated, ortho mode rotates accordingly. 1. Press Function Key F8. or 2. Double Click ORTHO from the Status Bar. or 3. Press CTRL + L.
Line drawn with ORTHO ON
Line drawn with ORTHO
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AutoCAD 2D Tutorial 3.5 Polar Tracking
Polar Snaps work independently from snaps. With Polar Snaps on, AutoCAD shows the distances and angles being displayed as the cursor moves. 1. Choose Tools, Drafting Settings or 2. Type DDSETTINGS at the command prompt. Command : DDESTTINGS 3. 4. Choose Select the Polar trackingTAB from the dialog box. the desired incremental angle from the dropdown list (or create a new angle).
5. 6.
Pick Draw
OK to exit the dialog box. a LINE using the Polar Snap references.
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AutoCAD 2D Tutorial 3.6 Circles Circle Command
Circle, Center Radius
1.
Choose
Draw, Circle. or
2.
Click
the Circle icon. or
3.
Type
CIRCLE at the command prompt. Command: CIRCLE
Circle, Center Diameter
4.
Type
One of the following options: 3P/2P/TTR/<<center point>>: or A center point. A radius or diameter. or
5. 6.
Pick Type
7.
Pick
A radius or diameter Diameter/<<radius>>:
Circle, Tangent, Tangent Radius
TIPS: - To create circles that are the same size, press ENTER when asked for the circle radius. - When selecting a circle with a pickbox, be sure to select the circumference of the circle.
Circle, Tangent, Tangent, Tangent
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AutoCAD 2D Tutorial 3.7 Arc Command
1. Choose Draw, Arc. or 2. Click the Arc icon. or 3. Type ARC at the command prompt Command: ARC 4. Draw One of the arcs.
TIPS:
-Except for 3 point arcs, arcs are drawn in a COUNTERCLOCKWISE direction. - While in the arc command, press the right mouse button to select the following options for arcs:
Arc Examples 3 point arc Start ,center, chord length
start, center, end
Start, end, radius
Start , center, included angle
Start, end, direction
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