MODULE 5: COMMANDS FOR

DRAWING AND MODIFYING

Objectives

1. Identify and define the commands for drawing and editing in AutoCAD, as well as the
applications of Computer Aided Drafting.

2. To comprehend the drawing and editing commands of the AutoCAD user interface and apply
them to Computer Aided Drafting.

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INTRODUCTION TO COMMANDS FOR DRAWING AND MODIFYING

AutoCAD provides access to an extensive number of commands. The general rule is that
20% of the commands will be used 80% of the time. First, you will be introduced to the most
prevalent drawing commands. When you combine these with the fundamental modify
commands, you will be able to rapidly create intricate drawings.

AutoCAD expects information to be provided in a specific order. AutoCAD will 'not function'
when you attempt to perform a task when you first start using it. Typically, it indicates that
you are attempting to input information at the incorrect time. Because of this, it is essential
to regularly examine the command line.

The command line displays the information that AutoCAD needs to continue.

Use the drawing commands in conjunction with the previously mentioned coordinate system
for your first drawing assignment. Although this project is straightforward, it is crucial to
comprehend how to provide the software with proper data. The following commands will be
used by you:

Command Keystroke Icon Menu Result

Draw a
straight line
Line Line / L Draw > Line segment from one
point to the next

Draw > Draws a circle

Circle > based on a center
Circle Circle / C Center, point and radius.
Radius

Modify >
Erase Erase / E Erases an object.
Erase

Print / Plot Enables the

Print Cntl+P File > Print Print/Plot

U
Undoes the
Undo (Don't use Edit > Undo
last command.
'Undo' for now)

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#1 ASSIGNMENT: DRAWING LINES TO PRECISE LOCATIONS

Copy the drawing labeled Assignment #1.

There will be no need to bother about the title block, text, or dimensioning.

As taught in Module 1, make sure you understand the coordinate system. When you have
completed this task, use a scale ruler to inspect the printed drawing. If everything went
correctly, all lines should be precisely the same length.

Steps:

Launch AutoCAD and create a new drawing by selecting File > New from the menu. A dialog
window will appear, asking you to choose a template drawing to use.

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To go to the drawing screen, select the "acad.dwt" template file (more on these in a later
lesson) and press the Open button.

Once there, hit Z <ENTER> E ENTER> to zoom into the drawing area and make it easier
to see what you're sketching (NOTE: nothing appears to happen).

Make sure that Dynamic Input is switched off for all lessons on this level. This is visible
in the status bar. Ensure that (the DYN button) isn't depressed. This is a new
way to add points, which we'll talk about in a later lesson. I find it less convenient, and it
can use up your computer's resources.

Draw a line from 1,2 to 3,2 to 3,4 to 1,4 using the LINE command (as stated in the table
above). Press the return key after each point. For the final line, you can either type 1,2 or
C to close the line back to the first point you wrote. * Don't forget to keep an eye on the
command line while you're doing this. You just drew a square with sides of 2" using
absolute coordinates.

If you make a mistake, you can undo it by pressing the Undo button, U, or CTRL+Z, and
you can remove unwanted lines by using the ERASE command.

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Next, use relative coordinates to draw a similar box. Start the LINE command at point
4.5,2 and move forward. From there, type @2,0 to draw a line two units to the right. Based
on the last point you entered, this means 2 units in the X direction and 0 units in the Y
direction. To finish the box, type @0,2, @-2,0, and @0,-2. (Don't forget to hit enter after
each point.)

Now, get rid of the last box you drew. Start the ERASE command and then choose the
lines you want to delete. Then hit "enter." Now, draw the box again to practice more!

Use polar coordinates to draw a third box. Start the LINE command, then go to point 8,2
and press enter. To make the first line, type @145. Then, type @1135 followed by @1225
and @1315 (or C to close). You just drew a line 1 unit long at 45 degrees, then another
at 135 degrees, and so on.

Start the CIRCLE command and add a circle with a center point of 7.6 and a radius of.75
(watch the command line for details).

To finish the picture, try putting a 10"x7" border around the page starting at 0,0 using
either the relative, absolute, or polar methods shown above.

When you're done with the task, print it out or draw it. To do this, open the plot text box
using any of the methods above, such as plot enter>. Set it up to print like this. For a good
plot, follow these steps (see figure below):

Choose your printer. Either a laser or an inkjet printer will work.

Choose the paper size. In this case, you need "Letter" (8-1/2" x 11"). Choose "Extents"
for the "Plot Area" option. This will draw everything you drew.

Check the "Center the Plot" box on your sheet of paper to make it look better.

If "Fit to Paper" is already checked, uncheck it and choose "1 inch = 1 paper unit" as the
size. This will make your copy as big as possible.

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Look at your drawing first. I highly suggest that you preview EVERY drawing you make
in AutoCAD. A lot can go wrong, and you don't want to waste paper, especially when
you're using expensive 3'x4' sheets.If your sample looks good, click the big red X to get
rid of it.

If you're sure that everything is fine, press the OK button.

Keep in mind: Your printer's paper size may need to be changed. To do this, use the
Windows printer settings. Additionally, you might need to adjust the plot's rotation or
origin. In the Drawing Orientation area, select the Landscape radio choice.
If everything went according to plan, your drawing (which includes a couple of 2"
squares, an angled 1" square, and a 1-1/2" circle) should be precisely as you sketched
it.
Like any other Windows file, save your drawing. The Save or Save as dialog box can be
opened by pressing CNTL+S.
You have learned the fundamentals of sketching using a number of techniques through
this assignment. Practice these techniques after finishing the project because you'll be
utilizing them frequently.
Your boxes should correspond to the example drawing. They will all have the same size

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and location in the drawing. Your lines are life-size (1:1), as you can see if you have a
ruler. You can now draw lines anyplace if you know where they should go using these
fundamental ideas. The classes that follow will expand on these commands. Learning
the new commands will get easier and easier as you get acquainted to the AutoCAD
interface. However, your current focus should be on learning the coordinate systems,
typing commands, and understanding the command line.

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 MODULE 5: SELF-ASSESSMENT
QUESTIONNAIRE

Determine whether the statement is True or False. Indicate whether the statement is true
or false by filling in the blank with either T for True or F for False.

1. You have access to a large number of commands in AutoCAD.

2. In AutoCAD, command inputs must be entered in a very specific order.

3. The Line command creates a straight-line segment between two points.

4. The Circle command creates a sphere from a given point and radius.

5. The Erase command deletes the most recently created object.

6. The Arc command uses a center point and two extremities to draw an arc.

7. The Undo command duplicates the most recent object produced.

8. The command line indicates the information required for AutoCAD to

continue.

9. If you make an error, the Undo command is available.

10. The Print command activates the Plot dialogue window.

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