Introduction to AutoCAD Features

Sacramento City College

EDT 310

EDT 310 1
 Objectives
 Describe methods and procedures used in
CAD.
 Explain the value of planning your work and
system management.
 Describe the appropriate locations for saving
drawing files.
 Load AutoCAD from the Windows Desktop
 Describe the AutoCAD screen layout and user
interface.
 Describe the functions of dialog boxes.

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 Objectives
 Use the keyboard and an input device to
select commands, enter text and pick
locations on the screen
 Identify the function of the AutoCAD
DesignCenter and the Properties window.
 Review Help.
 Define function, control and shortcut keys.

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 The Tools of CAD
 Computer
 Software
 These components together make up a
system referred to as CAD.

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 Users of CAD
 CAD is used by:
 Drafters
 Designers
 Engineers
 Architects
 They develop designs and drawings; and plot
them on paper.

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 CAD Power
 CAD is extremely powerful.
 Because of its speed, power, accuracy and
flexibility it has surpassed manual drafting.

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 CAD Limitations
 CAD does have limitations:
 CAD files are only electrical impulses
 Computers cause repetitive strain injury.

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 The Applications of AutoCAD
 We will learn how to construct, layout,
dimension and annotate two-dimensional
drawings.
 Advanced AutoCAD classes will study three-
dimensional drawing.

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 The Applications of AutoCAD
 A drawing can have hundreds of colors and
layers which contain different kinds of
information.

 The drawing objects can have “intelligence”

in the form of attributes.

 3D models can be constructed, and rendered.

 Animation can be used to rotate models so

they can be viewed from any direction.

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 The Applications of AutoCAD
 The entire project must be considered when
developing a drawing plan.

 A detailed knowledge of AutoCAD and its

tools will assist you.

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 The Applications of AutoCAD
 Learn the X,Y,Z Coordinate System
 Drawings are constructed using the
Cartesian coordinate system X-Y-Z
 Origin = (0,0)
 Rectangular coordinates
X = horizontal
 Y = vertical

 Z = third dimension

 Distance measure horizontally is an X value

 Distance measured vertically is a Y value.

 Add the Z, creates 3D drawing.

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 Planning Your Drawing
 Set a plan prior to working.
 Determine drawings to be created
 Determine how they will be titled and
numbered
 “Seat of the pants approach” does not
work well here.

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 Planning Your Drawing
 Use Drawing Standards
 Standards are guidelines for operating
procedures, drawing techniques, and
record keeping.
 Most companies and schools have
established standards.
 It is important that standards exist and are
used uniformly by all CAD personnel.

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 Planning Your Drawing
 Standards may include
 Methods of file storage; Location and name
 Dimensioning techniques

 File naming conventions

 Text styles

 Drawing sheet sizes and title blocks to be used

 Linetypes

 Drawing symbols

 Color schemes for plotting

 File backup methods and times of backup

 The most important aspect of standards is

that they are used.
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 Planning Your Work
 Plan Your Work FIRST!
 The time spent on a project will be
shortened if good planning is performed up
front.
Project Progress

Good Planning Poor Planning

Time Spent

Time Spent

Project Duration/Time Expenditure Pyramid

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 Variables Customize AutoCAD
 Learn the Function of Variables

 AutoCAD uses variables to customize how it

functions for each user.

 Most variables can be changed by typing the

name of the variable at the Command:
prompt, and changing a value.

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 SAVETIME Variable
 One variable is SAVETIME.
 SAVETIME saves your work at a user-
defined time period.

 Use SAVETIME variable to regularly save your

work.

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 Drawing Planning Sheets
 Use Drawing Planning Sheets
 Good work plans save time
 Planning should include sketches and
drawing planning sheets.

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 Drawing Planning Sheets
 Drawing Planning Sheets
 These tools help in the following ways:
 Determines the drawing layout.
 Sets the overall size of the drawing by laying
out the views and required free space
 Confirms the drawing units based on the
dimensions provided
 Predetermines the point entry system and
locates the points
 Establishes the GRID and SNAP settings

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 Drawing Planning Sheets
 Presets some of the drawing variables such as
LINETYPE, FILL and polyline width.
 Establishes how and when various activities
are to be performed.
 Determines the best use of AutoCAD

 Results in an even workload

 Provides maximum use of equipment.

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 Planning Checklist
 Take the time and plan your work.
 Avoid tendency to want things to happen
immediately.
 Analyze the problem.
 Study all engineering sketches.

 Locate all available resources and list for future

use.
 Determine the applicable standards for the
project.
 Sketch the problem.

 Decide on the number and kind of views

required.
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 Planning Checklist
 Determine the final plotted scale of the drawing,
and of all views.
 List the AutoCAD commands to be used.

 Determine the drawing sequence (lines,

features, dimensions, notes, etc.).
 Follow the standards and refer to resources as
you work.

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 Working Procedures Checklist
 Several skills are required for you to become
a proficient CAD user.

 Establish a Working Procedures Checklist to

assist you.

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 Working Procedures Checklist
 Here are some hints:
 Plan all work with pencil and paper before
using the computer

 Check the Object Properties toolbar at the

top of the display screen and the status
bar at the bottom to see which layers and
drawing aids are in effect.

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 Working Procedures Checklist
 Read the command line at the bottom of
the display screen before entering data.
Constantly check for the correct command,
instructions, or proper keyboard entry of
data.

 Watch disk drive lights to see when the

disks are being accessed.

 Think ahead.

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 Working Procedures Checklist
 Learn new commands every day.
 Don't rely on just a few that seem to work.
 Find commands that can speed your work
and do it more efficiently. (Shortcuts).

 Saveyour work every 10 to 15 minutes in

case of power failure or system crash.

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 Working Procedures Checklist
 Ifyou're stumped ask the computer for
help.
 Use on-line help.

 Read the command line after entering data

and before pressing the [ENTER] key.

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 Starting AutoCAD
 AutoCAD operates with
 Windows 95, 98, NT, 2000, XP.
 Windows versions are almost identical with
regard to functionality.
 When AutoCAD is installed, Windows
places a Program Icon on the desktop.
 AutoCAD can be started from the Start
Menu or from the Program Icon.

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 Starting AutoCAD
 Sacramento City College runs AutoCAD
version 2005 with Windows XP.

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 Starting AutoCAD
 To start AutoCAD
 1. Double-click the AutoCAD 2005 icon on the
desktop
 or
 2. Select
 “Start”
 “Programs”
 “AutoCAD 2000” Folder
 “AutoCAD 2000”

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 Standard Screen Layout
 Graphical User Interface
 One of the most important aspects of
AutoCAD is the Graphical User Interface
(GUI).
 Most common component of the GUI is the
dialog box.

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 The AutoCAD Graphics Window
 The AutoCAD graphics window is similar to
any other window within the Windows
operating system.
 Maximize and minimize buttons
 Close buttons, in the upper right corner
 Window sizing operations are done as with
any other window.

 AutoCAD uses the Windows Guidelines for

appearance:
 Buttons, pull-down menus, and dialog
boxes.
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 Standard Screen Layout
 The Standard Screen Layout provides a large
graphics or drawing area.

 The drawing area is bordered by the toolbar

at the top and the command line at the
bottom.

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 Standard Screen Layout
 Items are floating, meaning they can be
freely moved about on the screen.
 When an item is floating, it has the
standard Windows border and title bar.
 Floating windows can be moved and
adjusted for size like other windows.

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 Standard Screen Layout
 Floating Items can be docked around the
edges of the graphics window.
 Toolbars can be docked or floated.

 To dock an item,
 drag it to the edge of the graphics window
(top, bottom, left or right).
 The border will change shape.
 The item will dock at that location.

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 Standard Screen Layout
 Floating Command Window -
 In default position the window is docked at
the bottom of the graphics window.
 Displays the "Command:" prompt at the
bottom of the graphics window.
 It also displays prompts that supply
information to you or request input.

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 Standard Screen Layout
 The Floating Command Window is the
primary communications area with AutoCAD !
!.

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 Standard Screen Layout
 Menu bars
 Appears just below the title bar and
displays a number of menu names.
 File
 Edit
 View
 Insert
 Format
 Tools
 Draw
 Dimension
 Modify
 Window
 Help
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 Standard Screen Layout
 Use the cursor to point at a menu name and
press the left mouse button.
 A pull-down menu is displayed.

 Any time you pick an item followed by an

ellipsis (…) a dialog box is displayed.

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 Standard Screen Layout
 Dialog Box
 A dialog box is a rectangular area that
appears on the screen after you type or
select certain commands.

 Dialog Boxes
 Contain specific information related to a
specific command or function.

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 Standard Screen Layout
 Scroll bars
 Allow you to adjust your view of the
drawing area.
 Horizontal scroll bars
 Vertical scroll bars.

 Graphics cursor size

 The graphics cursor size can be adjusted -
preferences, tools; cursor size.
 A value of 100% is full-screen cursor.

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 Standard Screen Layout
 Coordinate System Icon
 Displays the current coordinate system.

 Floating toolbars
 Toolbars can be hidden, moved, resized,
modified or docked as needed.

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 Standard Screen Layout
 Status bar
 Contains several display fields that reflect
the current state of specific drawing
control features.
 When a menu item is highlighted a brief
explanation of the item is shown here.

 Coordinate display
 Shows the x, y, z cursor location according
to the current setting.

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 Standard Screen Layout
 Standard toolbar
 When you move the pointing device to the
toolbar, the crosshairs change to the
Windows arrow pointer.

 ToolTips
 Holding the pointer over a button for a
moment displays ToolTips which show the
function of the buttons.

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 Standard Screen Layout
 Flyout Buttons
 Some buttons show a small black triangle
in the lower-right corner.
 These buttons are called flyouts.
 Press and hold the pick button while
pointing at a flyout to display a set of
related buttons.

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 Standard Screen Layout
 Object Properties toolbar
 Contains buttons and display fields for
commonly used AutoCAD commands.

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 Standard Screen Layout
 Object Properties toolbar
 Make Object's Layer Current
 Allowsselection of a drawing object to change
the current layer to that of the selected object
 Layers
 Accesses the Layer & Linetype Properties
dialog box.
 Allows you to create and manage drawing
layers and linetypes

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 Standard Screen Layout
 Object Properties toolbar
 Layer Control
 Shows the current layer and its properties
 Picking the drop-down box shows information
on all drawing layers and provides a handy
shortcut to common layer control options.
 Color Control
 Displays the current object creation color and
when picked displays the four most recently
used colors and the seven standard colors
 Also allows access to the Select Color dialog
box.

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 Standard Screen Layout
 Object Properties toolbar
 Linetype
 Access the Layer & Linetype Properties dialog
box for selecting and loading object linetypes.
 Linetype Control
 Displays the current object linetype. Clicking
on the down arrow to the right allows you to
select a new linetype from the currently loaded
line-types.
 Properties
 Allows modification to the properties of existing
objects in a drawing.

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 Standard Screen Layout
 Pull-Down Menus
 Pull-down menus are located on the menu
bar at the top of the screen.

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 Standard Screen Layout
 Pull-Down Menus
 AutoCAD contains ten pull-down menu items
 File

 Edit

 View

 Insert

 Format

 Tools

 Draw

 Dimension

 Modify, and Help

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 Standard Screen Layout
 Dialog Boxes
 A dialog box is a box that allows you to set
variables and select items using your
cursor.
 Information, options, and choices are
displayed graphically for you by the
software.
 Colors can be displayed by number.
 Dialog boxes eliminate typing, save time
and increase productivity.

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 Standard Screen Layout
 Dialog Boxes
 A pull-down selection that is followed by an
ellipsis (. . .) displays a dialog box when
picked.
 Buttons in a dialog box that are followed
by an ellipsis display yet another dialog box
which is displayed on top of the first dialog
box.
 You must make a selection from the
second dialog box before returning to the
first dialog box.

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 Standard Screen Layout
 Dialog Boxes
 Command buttons
 Most common buttons are: OK, Cancel, Help
 Button with the dark gray border is the default.

 Radio buttons
 Only one button can be selected at a time, like
a car radio
 Check boxes
A check mark is displayed when it is active
 Box is empty when not selected.

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 Standard Screen Layout
 List boxes
 Contain a list of options
 Drop-down list boxes
 Similar to list boxes but initially, only one choice
is shown
 Other choices are shown by clicking on the
arrow pointing downward on the right side of
the screen.

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 Standard Screen Layout
 Text boxes
 You can enter a name or a single line of
information in a text box.
 Existing text appears highlighted, typing
when highlighted text exists replaces the
text.
 Pressing either the Backspace key or the
Delete key deletes all of the highlighted
text.

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 Standard Screen Layout
 Text boxes
 You can edit the highlighted text by first
moving the cursor
 Right and left arrow keys move the cursor
one character at a time.
 Using the Ctrl key with the arrows, causes
the cursor to jump words.

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 Standard Screen Layout
 File Dialog boxes
 Provide a simple means of locating and
specifying file names using the familiar
Windows dialog box.
 Double-clicking a folder opens it.

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 Standard Screen Layout
 File Dialog boxes
 The Look In: drop-down list displays the
directory tree and allows you to browse
other directories.
 The Files of Type: drop-down list is used to
specify the type of file being searched for.
 Selecting a file with one click causes its
name to appear in the Filename: box, and
its image to appear in the Preview box.

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 Standard Screen Layout
 File Dialog boxes
 The four buttons above the upper-right
corner of the list box allow you to:
 Backup one folder level.
 Create a new folder.
 Display the files as a list of icons or names
with all file details.
 The Find File button allows you to browse
for a file.

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 Standard Screen Layout
 Scroll bars and buttons
 Click above the scroll box to page up.
 Click below the scroll box to page down.
 Drag scroll box to move through list of
items.
 Click on up and down arrows individually to
move through a list of values.

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 Standard Screen Layout
 Preview Box or Image Tile
 A preview box is an area of a dialog box
that displays a "picture" of the item you
select such as a hatching style, linetypes or
text fonts.

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 Standard Screen Layout
 Dialog Box Tab
 A dialog box tab is like an index tab used
to separate files.
 Many dialog boxes contain two or more
pages of information, each with a tab at
the top.
 The dialog box is only dismissed when the
OK or Cancel are selected.

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 Function Keys
 Function Keys provide instant access to
commands.
 They can also be programmed to perform a
series of commands.
 AutoCAD uses only nine function keys

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 Function Keys
 [F1] - Help
 [F2] - Flip screen from graphics to text toggle
 [F3] - displays Osnap Settings dialog box
 [F4] - Tablet mode toggle
 [F5] - Isoplane left, right, top
 [F6] - Coordinate display
 [F7] - Grid mode toggle
 [F8] - Ortho mode toggle
 [F9] - Snap mode toggle
 [F10] - Polar mode toggle

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Getting Computer Help

EDT 310 85
 Getting Help
 Help is a powerful and convenient on-line
system. Help can be activated three ways:
 F1 key
 Pressing the ? Mark icon on the right end
of the Standard toolbar
 Picking AutoCAD help topics from the Help
pull-down menu
 Displays Table of Contents; Index; Find
 AutoCAD does not have to be running to
obtain help
 Pick,Start, Programs, AutoCAD R14, and On-
line Help.
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 Exploring Help
 Contents Tab
 Displays eight book icons and topic names
 Using Help
 Tutorial

 How To…

 Command Reference

 Users’ Guide

 Installation Guide

 Customization Guide

 ActiveX Automation

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 Exploring Help
 Using Help

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 Selecting AutoCAD Commands
 Commands may be selected in four ways
 1. Executed by picking a toolbar button or
icon

 2.Selected from one of the pull-down

menus

 3.Selected from the digitizer table menu

overlay

 4. Typed at the keyboard

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 Selecting AutoCAD Commands
 Command Line Editing
 You can select previously used commands
by using the up and down arrow keys
 This capability allows for fast, repeated use
of the same command.

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 Keys
 The [Esc] key
 Control Keys
 Function Keys
 Button Functions

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 Keys
 The [Esc] key
 Cancels a command and returns to the
Command: prompt

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 Keys
 Control Keys
 Control functions are activated by pressing
and holding the [Ctrl] key while pressing a
second key.

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 Keys
 Ctrl B - Snap mode (toggle)
 Ctrl C - Copy
 Ctrl D - coordinate display on/off toggle
 Ctrl E - crosshairs in isoplane toggle
(left/right/top)
 Ctrl G - Grid on/off toggle
 Ctrl H - same as backspace
 Ctrl K - PICKADD system variable toggle
 Ctrl L - Ortho mode toggle
 Ctrl O - Open
 Ctrl P - Print (Plot)
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 Keys
 Ctrl R - toggle viewport
 Ctrl S - Save
 Ctrl T - Tablet mode toggle
 Ctrl V - Paste
 Ctrl X - Cut
 Ctrl Y - Redo
 Ctrl Z - Undo
 Provides detailed information on using
Windows help system.
 To open a topic, simply double-click on the
topic name or the book icon that precedes it.

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 Exploring Help
 Pickingan item preceded by a ? Mark,
displays a Windows Help dialog box.
 Threebuttons are located at the top of this
window:
 Help Topics - returns to the Help Topics Dialog box.
 Back - flips back to the previous Windows Help page

 Options

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 Exploring Help
 Options
 Annotate - allows you to write a note that
relates to the current help topic.
 Picking Save attaches your note to the help
topic with a paper clip icon.
 To read the annotation, click on the paper clip

 Copy - copies the entire content of the

Windows help to the Clipboard.
 Print Topic - displays the Print dialog box,
allows you to send the contents of Help to
the printer.

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 Exploring Help
 Options
 Font - allows you to select between small,
normal, and large fonts for the display of
Windows Help dialog box text.
 Keep Help on Top - Allows you to keep the
Help window on top of all other windows.
 Use System Colors - returns the help
windows to the default Windows system
colors.

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 Exploring Help
 Concepts and How To… assist you in
understanding and using AutoCAD drawing
concepts and techniques.

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 Exploring Help
 Index Tab
 Used by typing the first few letters of the
word you’re looking for
 As you type the lower list changes to match
your entry as close as possible
 Hypertext - is green underlined text
 If a hypertext item is selected, it
automatically displays the help screen it is
linked to.
 When the cursor is on hypertext, it
becomes a hand

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 Exploring Help
 Additional information displayed just below
the command name:
 Quick Help
 Displays a pop-up topic box that provides
definitions of the buttons in the AutoCAD Help
dialog box
 Up A Level
 Displays
an alphabetical listing of AutoCAD
commands and system variables
 See Also
 Displays a pop-up topic box that provides links
to commands and variables that are related to
the one currently displayed
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 Exploring Help
 Find
 Allows you to conduct a detailed search
based on one or more words
 Glossary
 Provide a quick definition of a topic

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5 Minute Assessment

EDT 310 103

 5 Minute Assessment
 What system is used to construct drawings in
AutoCAD?
 A. the X-Y-Z system.
 B. the Cartesian System.
 C. the orthographic system.
 D. both A and B.
 E. none of the above.

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 5 Minute Assessment
 Drawing Standards. Which of the following
statements are TRUE.
 A. Standards are guidelines for operating
procedures, drawing techniques, and
record keeping.
 B. Most companies and schools have
established standards.
 C. It is important that each drafter have
their own standards and adhere closely
and uniformly to the standards.

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 5 Minute Assessment
 What is the difference between a “button”
and a “key”?

106
 5 Minute Assessment
 What is the difference between a “button”
and a “key”?
 A button is located on the screen on a
Toolbar.
 A key is located on the keyboard.

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 5 Minute Assessment
 What do you call a value that is maintained
by the computer until you change it?

108
 5 Minute Assessment
 What do you call a value that is maintained
by the computer until you change it?
 A variable

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 5 Minute Assessment
 The “Menu Bar” is located
 A. At the bottom of the screen
 B. At the top of the screen
 C. On the side of the screen
 D. Any, or all of the above, because the
user can move the Menu Bar around.
 E. The menu bar is not used in AutoCAD.

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 5 Minute Assessment
 The “Menu Bar” is located
 A. At the bottom of the screen
 B. At the top of the screen
 C. On the side of the screen
 D. Any, or all of the above, because the
user can move the Menu Bar around.
 E. The menu bar is not used in AutoCAD.

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 5 Minute Assessment
 When using AutoCAD, why should your work
be saved frequently?

112
 5 Minute Assessment
 When using AutoCAD, why should your work
be saved frequently?
 Frequently saving your work will help avoid
losing work in the event of a power outage
or computer crash.

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 5 Minute Assessment
 Why should you read the Command window
at the bottom of the screen?

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 5 Minute Assessment
 Why should you read the Command window
at the bottom of the screen?
 Because AutoCAD displays very important
information to the user in this window.

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 5 Minute Assessment
 Name two ways to start AutoCAD.

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 5 Minute Assessment
 Name two ways to start AutoCAD.
 1. Double-click the AutoCAD icon on the
desktop.
 2. Double-click an AutoCAD file
 3. Choose Start, Programs, AutoDesk,
AutoCAD

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 5 Minute Assessment
 Name two ways to close AutoCAD.

118
 5 Minute Assessment
 Name two ways to close AutoCAD.
 File Exit
 Click the Close Box in the upper right
corner of the AutoCAD window.

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 5 Minute Assessment
 What is the function of “drawing limits”?

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 5 Minute Assessment
 What is the function of “drawing limits”?
 Limits define a drawing space.
 Example: if you have an 11 x 8.5 paper,
you may want to set the limits to
 Lower left: 0,0
 Upper right: 11, 8.5

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 5 Minute Assessment
 What is the “grid”?

122
 5 Minute Assessment
 What is the “grid”?
 A rectangular pattern of dots visible on the
screen drawing area that assists the
AutoCAD user when creating drawings.

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 5 Minute Assessment
 Sue likes to draw using the grid. What
function key should she press to cause the
grid to be displayed?

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 5 Minute Assessment
 Sue likes to draw using the grid. What
function key should she press to cause the
grid to be displayed?
 F7 – turns GRID on/off

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 5 Minute Assessment
 To cause the cursor to “snap” to the grid
points, what function key should be used?

126
 5 Minute Assessment
 To cause the cursor to “snap” to the grid
points, what function key should be used?
 F9 (turns SNAP on/off)

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 5 Minute Assessment
 To cause the coordinates to be displayed,
what function key should be used?

128
 5 Minute Assessment
 To cause the coordinates to be displayed,
what function key should be used?
 F6

129
 5 Minute Assessment
 To save an existing AutoCAD drawing that is
open to a new drawing file, what command
sequence should be used?

130
 5 Minute Assessment
 To save an existing AutoCAD drawing that is
open to a new drawing file, what command
sequence should be used?
 File, Save As

131
 5 Minute Assessment
 Name three ways an AutoCAD command can
be executed.

132
 5 Minute Assessment
 Name three ways an AutoCAD command can
be executed.
 Toolbar
 Typed in at the Command: prompt
 Pull-Down menus

133
 5 Minute Assessment
 The fastest method of performing the
AutoCAD command “COPY” is:
 A. Selecting it from a menu.
 B. Typing in the command
 C. Pressing Ctrl-C.
 D. Clicking on the Copy button.

134
 5 Minute Assessment
 Edgar would like to use the “Object
Properties” toolbar, but it is not showing on
his screen.

 What are two methods you would show him

to display this toolbar?

135
 5 Minute Assessment
 What is the difference between a “docked
toolbar” and a “floating toolbar”?

136
 5 Minute Assessment
 What happens when you press the Space Bar
after successfully executing a command?

137
 5 Minute Assessment
 What happens when you press the Up Arrow
after successfully executing a command?

138
 5 Minute Assessment
 Give an example of a “sub-command”.

139