AutoCAD Self-paced Learning Modules

AutoCAD 2D
Module 3
Checking the Accuracy of Your Drawings

Learning Outcomes:
When you have completed this module, you will be able to:

1. Describe how lab exercise drawings are checked for accuracy.

Checking Your Drawings for Accuracy

It is extremely important in AutoCAD to draw with 100% accuracy. This cannot be stressed
enough as it is essential that each object in the drawing is positioned and sized perfectly. Lab
exercises in the AutoCAD Modules can be checked for accuracy by overlaying the students
drawing with a key. As a beginner, this helps you know when your drawings are accurate and
will display any objects of the drawing that are drawn incorrectly. As you become more
experienced, you will not require the use of these keys.

Checking Your Drawings for Accuracy

Workalong and complete the steps below.

Step 1 Using the NEW command, start a new drawing

using the template Module Template A.
Step 2 Save and name the drawing AutoCAD 2D Lab
03-1 and unless otherwise instructed, save it in the
folder CAD Courses/AutoCAD 2D/Lab Exercises. Figure Step 3A

Step 3 Click the Insert pull-

down and then Block as
shown in Figure Step 3A.
This will open the Insert
dialogue box as shown in
Figure Step 3B.

...continued on page 3-2

Figure Step 3B

Checking the Accuracy of Your Drawings The CAD Guys Ltd. Copyright © 2004 - 2007 Module 3
3-2 AutoCAD Self-paced Learning Modules - AutoCAD 2D - Revised 2007-04-11

Checking Your Drawings for Accuracy - continued

Step 4 Pull-down the

list of block names in the
Name box. The names
of the blocks will display
as show in Figure Step
4. Click the small
triangle at the end to
pull-down the list.

Figure Step 4

Step 5 Click the name AutoCAD 2D Lab 03-1.

It will highlight as shown in Figure Step 5. The
name you select is always the name of the
drawing for the lab exercise you are working on.

Figure Step 5

Step 6 Ensure the three Specify On-screen boxes are

disabled as shown in Figure Step 6A and Step 6B.
Figure Step 6A

Figure Step 6B

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 AutoCAD Self-paced Learning Modules - AutoCAD 2D - Revised 2007-04-11 3-3

Checking Your Drawings for Accuracy - continued

Step 7 Click the OK button as shown in Figure Step 7.

Figure Step 7

Step 8 This will insert a magenta

colored overlay key on your
drawing. If you see double objects
or places where your objects and
the magenta objects don't match,
your drawing is incorrect. If you
only see one object, even though it
may share the colors magenta and
red, your drawing is accurate. If
your drawing is incorrect, remove
the key and correct your drawing
before going on to the next lab
exercise or module. Module 5 will
teach you how to remove the key.
See Figure Step 8 for an example of
an accurate and an inaccurate key.

Step 9 Save and close the

drawing.

Figure Step 8

The Key Principles in Module 3

1. AutoCAD drawings must be drawn with 100% accuracy.
2. Most lab exercise drawings that you draw in the AutoCAD Modules can be checked for
accuracy using an overlay key.
3. The name of the key you select to check your drawing is always the name of the drawing
for the lab exercise you are working on.
4. After you insert the key on your drawing and the magenta objects don't match, your
drawing is incorrect. If you only see one object, your drawing is 100% accurate.

Checking the Accuracy of Your Drawings The CAD Guys Ltd. Copyright © 2004 - 2007 Module 3