Drafting & CAD Technology - Introduction to AutoCAD - PDF

Here's the content of the image converted into a structured markdown format. # Drafting & CAD Technology ## DRAFTING & CAD TECHNOLOGY * Introduction to the AutoCADD * A structured guide to fundamental and advanced AutoCAD/ACA concepts * Created by Ar. Z Miranda ## Introduction ### AutoCAD...

Here's the content of the image converted into a structured markdown format. # Drafting & CAD Technology ## DRAFTING & CAD TECHNOLOGY * Introduction to the AutoCADD * A structured guide to fundamental and advanced AutoCAD/ACA concepts * Created by Ar. Z Miranda ## Introduction ### AutoCAD Architecture * Initial release February 1997 * With tools and functions specially suited to architectural work * Architectural objects have a relationship to one another and interact with each other intelligently * Supports .dwg, .dxf, .dwt, .dws * Abbreviated as ACA ## Introduction ### AutoCAD * Initial release: December 1982 * General drafting and design application used in industry * Supports .dwg, .dxf, .dwt, .dws * Abbreviated as CAD ## INTRODUCTION | | ACA | CAD | | :-------- | :----------------------- | :------------------------ | | **Years** | 27 years old | 41 years old | | **Tools** | Specialized architectural tools | General Set of Tools | | **Library** | Bigger Dynamic Block Library | Limited Dynamic Block Library | | **Output** | Automatic Elevations, Section, Schedules | Basic Drawing output | | **Commands** | Specialized Autocadd Commands | Standard Autocadd Commands | | **Pricing** | AutoCAD 2025 + extension/Add on Price | 3 years / 1 year / 1 month \| $4,185 / $1,395 / $175 | ## THE APPLICATION MENU (Big Red "A") **Location** * Top-left corner of the AutoCAD window **Purpose** * Central hub for file operations and AutoCAD settings * Recent Documents (pin frequently used files) * Search Bar (file names/commands) * Common Commands * New / Open * Save / Save As (DWG, DWT for templates) * Import / Export (PDF, DGN) * Publish / Print (plot settings, 3D prints) * Drawing Utilities (compare, purge, recover, units) * Options (bottom of menu) → configure everything from save formats to user preferences **Expert Tip ()** * Save As → Convert to downgrade a file format for older versions * Etransmit or Archive to package drawings for sharing ## THE INFO BAR (TOP-RIGHT) * **Global Search:** "Type a keyword or phrase" Searches help docs, Autodesk resources, local references * **User Sign-In:** Sign into Autodesk Account * **App Store:** Access third-party tools/plugins * **Connect with Autodesk:** Links to blogs, hardware certifications, social platforms * **Help & Support (? icon):** Quick access to online/offline Help, feedback, performance analyzer, privacy settings ## QUICK ACCESS TOOLBAR (TOP-LEFT) * **Default Tools:** New, Open, Save, Plot, Undo/Redo * **Share:** Quickly share your drawing to AutoCAD Web * **Customization** (small eject icon) \- Add frequently used commands (e.g., Layer dropdown) \- Check/uncheck items to remove or add **Pro Workflows()** * Layer dropdown on Quick Access is invaluable if you switch Ribbon tabs often and still need layer control. ## THE RIBBON AND RIBBON PANELS * **Ribbon Layout** \- Primary method for accessing most commands (Draw, Modify, Annotate) \- Organized into Tabs (Home, Insert, Annotate, View) \- Each Tab has Panels (Draw, Modify, Layers) **Customization** \- Flyouts (downward arrows) \- Expand additional commands; pin to remain open \- **Sticky Panels:** Drag a panel into the drawing area (for multi-tab workflows) - **Ribbon Appearance:** small white arrow on the Ribbon's right-side that toggles display states - **Docking & Layout** - Keep the Ribbon at the top for standard workflows ## WORKSPACES * **Concept** - A workspace saves an arrangement of interface elements (Ribbon panels, palettes, toolbars, etc.) - **Default Workspaces** - Drafting & Annotation (2D) - 3D Basics - 3D Modeling - **Creating/Modifying a Workspace** 1. Arrange Ribbon panels, palettes, Quick Access Toolbar 2. Gear Icon on status bar → Save Current As 3. Name and overwrite or create a new workspace (e.g., "My\_2D\_Workspace") **Expert Tip ()** \- Always re-save your custom workspace if you make changes ## PALETTES VS. DIALOG BOXES 1. **Palettes** \- Examples: Layer Properties Manager, Tool Palettes, Properties, Sheet Set Manager \- *Flexible:* Dockable, auto-hide, resizable \- *Settings & Info:* Remains open while you work - **Dialog Boxes** - Examples: Block Definition, Page Setup, Plot, Insert - *Transient:* Appear for immediate input, then close - Usually, cannot be shrunk beyond a certain size 2. **Practical Usage ()** \- Layer Properties (a palette) is essential for daily drafting—pin it! \- Block Definition (a dialog) is a onetime definition window ## THE COMMAND LINE * **Legacy interface:** typed commands * **Location:** bottom of the screen * **Key Features** Dock/undock Expand/collapse arrow on the right AutoComplete suggestions * **Best Practice ()** \- Keep it visible, even if using Dynamic Input, for systemmessages/error feedback ## DYNAMIC INPUT & THE STATUS BAR * **Dynamic Input (DYN)** Displays command prompts, angles, lengths near your cursor Toggle on/off (F12) from the status bar or right-click → * **Dynamic Input Settings** Reduces eye travel from the drawing area * **Status Bar** Bottom-right of AutoCAD Drafting Settings (Snap, Grid, Ortho, Polar, Osnap) Customization (the "three lines" icon): add Coordinates, lineweight, etc. * **Expert Tip ():** its your "action hub" for drafting aids; keep your most-used toggles on ## NEW TAB TOOLS IN AUTOCAD 2024 * **File Tab Menu (Top Bar)** \- 3-line icon near open drawing tabs \- Options: New, Open, Save All, Close All, switch drawings * **Layout Tab Menu (Bottom-Left)** \- 3-line icon near Model/Layout tabs \- Quickly create New Layout, New Layout from Template, manage setups * **Note()** \- These new Tab Tools are exclusive to AutoCAD 2024 ## MOUSE CONTROLS & COMMAND EXECUTION Mouse Controls * **Left Click:** Select objects, confirm points or commands * **Right Click:** Shortcut menus; can be set to Repeat Last Command or other context options * **Middle Mouse (Wheel):** \- Scroll to Zoom in/out \- Click+Drag to Pan around the drawing \- Double-click wheel to Zoom Extents Command Execution Techniques * Typed Commands: Enter aliases (e.g., L, C, PL) on the Command Line * Ribbon & Toolbars: Click icons for direct commands * Context Menus: Right-click in drawing area (with or without objects selected) for context-based commands * Palettes: Insert blocks or styles via drag/drop * Shortcuts: SHIFT, CTRL, ALT combos (Snap Overrides, multiple selections, etc.) ## Basic Navigation Scroll = Zoom in/out Click Drag = Pan/Hand ## FUNCTION KEYS OVERVIEW * F1: Help * F2: Toggles expanded command line window * F3: Object Snap ON/OFF * F4: 3D Object Snap ON/OFF (in 3D) * F5: Cycle isometric planes (IsoPlane) * F6: Dynamic UCS or coordinate display * F7: Grid ON/OFF * F8: Ortho ON/OFF (horizontal/vertical only) * F9: Snap ON/OFF (snap to grid) * F10: Polar Tracking ON/OFF * F11: Object Snap Tracking ON/OFF * F12: Dynamic Input ON/OFF **Modifier Keys** * SHIFT + Right-click: Snap overrides * CTRL, ALT: Additional shortcuts in certain workflows ## BASIC DRAWING & EDITING COMMANDS * **LINE (L)** \- Creates straight line segments between two points \- Tip: Ortho (F8) or Polar for exact horizontal/vertical lines * **CIRCLE (C)** \- Draw with center & radius, or other methods (2-point, 3-point) * **ARC (A)** Create arcs via three points or start-end-radius * **RECTANGLE (REC)** Rectangular polylines, specify length/width or use dynamic input * **POLYLINE (PL)** Connected sequence of lines/arcs in one object * **POLYGON (POL)** Regular polygons (e.g., hexagon); choose inscribed or circumscribed ## BASIC DRAWING & EDITING COMMANDS * **MOVE (M)** → Repositions selected objects to a new location. *Subcommands/Options:* *Base Point*: Specify the reference point. *Displacement*: Enter X, Y (and Z) offsets to move objects precisely. * **COPY (CO)** → Duplicates selected objects. *Subcommands/Options:* *Base Point:* Specify the reference point. *Multiple:* Repeat the copying process without reissuing the command. * **ROTATE (RO)** → Revolves objects around a base point by a specified angle. *Subcommands/Options:* *Base Point:* Set pivot location. *Reference:* Align the rotation angle with an existing line or distance. * **SCALE (SC)** → Enlarges or reduces objects relative to a base point. *Subcommands/Options:* *Base Point:* Pivot or anchor for scaling. *Reference:* Match a known length in the drawing for more precise scaling. * **MIRROR (MI)** → Reflects objects across a specified axis line. *Subcommands/Options:* *Erase Source:* Delete or keep the original objects. *Base Point:* Define the start of the mirror axis. * **OFFSET (0)** → Creates parallel or concentric copies of selected objects at a specified distance. *Subcommands/Options:* *Distance:* Numeric offset value. *Through:* Click a reference point for offset spacing. * **TRIM (TR)** → Cuts objects to meet or intersect with boundary edges. *Subcommands/Options:* *Cutting Edges*: Select boundary objects. *Fence*: Trim multiple objects using a drawn fence line. *Mode*: Switch between Standard and Shift-Select modes. * **EXTEND (EX)** → Lengthens objects until they intersect boundary edges. *Subcommands/Options:* *Boundary Edges*: Select the edges you want to extend to. *Fence*: Extend multiple objects with a fence line. * **FILLET (F)** → Rounds the corner where two objects meet using a specified radius. *Subcommands/Options:* *Radius*: Set the fillet arc radius. *Trim*: Choose whether to trim intersecting lines. *Polyline*: Apply fillet to all corners of a polyline. * **CHAMFER (CHA)** → Bevels or cuts the corner where two objects meet, using distance or angle. ## BASIC DRAWING & EDITING COMMANDS * **ARRAY (AR)** → Creates multiple copies of objects in a rectangular, polar, or path pattern. * **Rectangular Array** *Subcommands/Options:* *Rectangular:* Rows, columns, spacing. *Polar:* Center, number of items, angle between. *Path:* Distribute copies along a selected path (line, arc, spline). *Replace Item:* Swap one array element with another object. * **EXPLODE (X)** → Breaks a compound object (e.g., block, polyline) into individual elements. *Subcommands/Options:* Typically, Base or multiple selections; no specialized subcommand. Use sparingly to maintain the benefits of grouped objects. *Layers & Properties* *LAYER (LA):* Manage color/linetype, layer states *PROPERTIES (PR):* Edit color, layer, lineweight *MATCHPROP (MA):* Copy properties from source to dest * **PURGE (PU):** Remove unused layers, blocks ## BASIC DRAWING & EDITING COMMANDS Layers & Properties * *LAYER (LA):* Manage color/linetype, layer states *- PROPERTIES (PR):* Edit color, layer, lineweight * *MATCHPROP (MA):* Matches the properties (color, layer, linetype) of a source object to a destination. * *Tip:* Saves time when ensuring consistent formatting across similar objects. * *PURGE (PU):* Remove unused layers, blocks. Make drawing file size smaller * Tips for Beginners & Intermediate Use Aliases (L = LINE, C = CIRCLE) Practice with real drawings * Keep layers organized, use a template (.DWT) with standard settings ## ADDITIONAL 2D DRAFTING TOOLS & TECHNIQUES * **Hatch Command & Patterns (H)** \_ Fill closed boundaries with patterns, solids, gradients Common for sections (walls, floors) Scale, angle, associative toggles Tip: ctrl+s before executing Hatch command * **Splines (SPLINE)** Spline Fit or Control Vertices (CV) Smooth, organic curves Hover over grips to add/remove fit points * **Construction Line (XL) & Ray (RAY)** Infinite geometry for projections or angles Ray extends infinitely in one direction only ## ADDITIONAL 2D DRAFTING TOOLS & TECHNIQUES * **Points & Multiple Points (PO)** Place single or multiple points; set style with PTYPE * **Divide (DIV) & Measure (ΜΕ)** Divide or measure objects at equal segments or intervals * **Region (REG) vs Join (J)** Region: Converts closed 2D shapes into surfaces Join: Merges line/arc segments into one polyline * **Wipeout (WI)** Masks underlying geometry with a polygon shape * **Donut (DO)** Filled ring; set inner/outer diameter * **Revision Cloud (REVCLOUD)** Highlight changes (Rectangular, Polygonal, Freehand) ## DRAW ORDER & TEXT HANDLING **Draw Order** * Bring to Front, Send to Back, Above Object, Under Object **Text to Front / Send Hatches to Back** * Reorder geometry visually and in plots **Basic Dimensions** * Linear (DLI) * Aligned (DAL) * Angular (DAN) * Arc Length (DAR) * Radius (DRA) * Diameter (DDI) * Ordinate (DOR) * Jogged (DIMJOGGED) * Smart Dimension (DIM) ## ADVANCED DIMENSION TOOLS - Quick Dimension (QDIM) - Dimension Continue (DCO) - Dimension Break (DIMBREAK) - Adjust Space (DIMSPACE) - Jog Line (DIMJOGLINE) - Reassociate (DIMREASSOCIATE) - Tolerances (TOL) - Dimension Style Manager (D): Lines, Arrows, Text, Fit, Units **Expert Tip ()** - Use a custom Dimension Style template for consistent formatting ## DIRECT DISTANCE, COORDINATES, DYNAMIC INPUT * **Direct Distance Entry (DDE)** - Move cursor in direction, type distance, press Enter - Ideal for orthogonal shapes w/ Polar Tracking. * **Coordinate-Based Drawing** - Absolute (X,Y from origin) or Relative (@X,Y from last point) - Turn off Snap/Polar/Osnaps if purely coordinate-driven. - For polar coordinates, angles can understand Lot bearings (e.g. N45d10”1’E) * **Dynamic Input** - Prompts near cursor for dimension/angle - Tab to switch between distance & angle - Mix these three methods for maximum flexibility ## DIRECT DISTANCE, COORDINATES, DYNAMIC INPUT | Method | Key Advantage | Use Case | | :------------- | :---------------------- | :------------------------------------------------------------ | | Direct Distance | Fast orthogonal lines w/ Polar | Building simple, rectangular shapes quickly. | | Coordinate Entry | Ultra-precise XY specification | Large or origin-based designs; requires exact refs. | | Dynamic Input | Real-time visual feedback | Mixed angles/distances; easier for smaller details. | **Expert Tip ()** You can mix these methods! For instance, you can start with Direct Distance Entry for rectangular edges, then switch to Coordinate Entry for a precise offset from a known origin, and finally rely on Dynamic Input for any angled lines. ## CREATING & MANAGING LAYOUTS * **Context** Prepare multiple Layout tabs, each with custom viewports, scales, title blocks * **Deleting Layout Tabs** Right-click (e.g., Layout2) → Delete * **Duplicating Layouts** Right-click (ISO A1 Landscape) → Move or Copy → Create a Copy Rename (e.g., "Ground Floor") *Why Duplicate?* Quickly generate multi-sheet sets with the same page setup and title block ## PLOTTING FROM THE MODEL TAB ### Use Case Quick, informal print of a specific area (like a conference room) without formal layouts ### Method * Right-click Model tab → Plot * Choose printer/plotter (AutoCAD PDF) * Specify sheet size, plot area, scale * Preview → OK #### Note on Modern Alternatives AutoCAD Web & Mobile exist, but a paper print can be fastest for site notes ## BATCH PLOTTING (PUBLISH) **Definition** Print or publish multiple layouts at once **Access** Output tab on Ribbon → Batch Plot / Publish **Dialog Overview** Sheet List (all layouts) Plotter/Output (use page setup or override w/ PDF) Rename sheets, add Plot Stamp, Publish in Background **DSD Files** Store all batch plot configs (sheet order, naming, etc.) Save & reuse weekly **Workflow Example** 1. Save drawing, open Batch Plot 2. Show Details, pick device, rename sheets 3. Optional plot stamp 4. Save to DSD → Publish *Benefits*: Time-saving for large sets, consistent outputs ## MORE ADVANCED COMMANDS * **Blocks and Dynamic Blocks** → Blocks are reusable groups of geometry; Dynamic Blocks include parameters/actions for flexibility (e.g., stretch, flip). Usage:\* Insert standardized symbols (furniture, doors) to ensure consistency. Dynamic Blocks let you resize or toggle elements without multiple block definitions. * **DesignCenter** (ADCENTER) → A tool for browsing and importing drawing content (blocks, layers, styles) from open or external DWGs. Usage:\* Quickly drag-and-drop blocks, dimension styles, or layers into the current drawing; also serves as an easy way to reuse content from a "library" file without manually opening it. * **External Reference** (XREF) → Attaches external DWG or other file formats to the current drawing. Usage:\* Keep large projects modular (e.g., floor plans, consultant files) and update references automatically rather than copy/paste geometry. * **Purge** → Cleans unused layers, blocks, linetypes, and styles from a drawing. Usage:\* Run regularly to reduce file size, remove clutter, and maintain performance. * **OVERKILL** → Removes overlapping or duplicate objects (lines, arcs). Usage:\* Clean up messy or imported geometry; merges coincident lines or arcs to keep files precise. * **Quick Select** (QSE) → Filters and selects objects based on properties (layer, color, object type, etc.). Usage:\* Bulk-edit or verify drawing consistency (e.g., select all lines on a certain layer). * **Select Similar** → Selects all objects with matching properties (layer, color, linetype) to the chosen one. Usage:\* Perform edits, layer changes, or property updates on multiple objects quickly. * **LAYWALK** → Lets you view and isolate each layer's contents. Usage:\* Inspect or troubleshoot layers, see which objects belong to which layer quickly. * **Ctrl + R (Viewport Cycling)** → Cycles through multiple viewports in a layout. Usage:\* Quickly activate different viewports without clicking inside each one. ## MORE ADVANCED COMMANDS * **VPORTS →** Manages multiple viewports in a layout, each with different scales/views. * Usage: Split a layout into multiple windows, showing various areas or angles of a model. * **CHSPACE (Change Space) →** Moves objects between Model space and Paper space, automatically adjusting their scale. * Usage: If you inadvertently drew notes/dimensions in Model space (or vice versa), you can transfer them to the correct environment. * **Tool Palettes - Design (TP) →** Palettes containing commonly used blocks, hatches, commands. * Usage: Drag-and-drop insertion of standard items (doors, windows, detail symbols) or quick command launching. * **BATTMAN →** Manages attribute definitions in blocks. * Usage: Quickly reorder, rename, or synchronize block attributes without re-creating the block. * **NCOPY →** Copies nested objects (in Xrefs or blocks) into the current drawing. * Usage: Extract geometry from within references/blocks for direct editing in the active DWG. * **Burst →** Explodes a block or object but retains any attribute values as text (unlike EXPLODE, which reverts them to attribute definitions). * Usage: Preserve displayed attribute info when splitting a block into separate entities. * **Startup →** Controls whether the New Drawing dialog or command-line version appears on starting AutoCAD. * Usage: Adjust user preference for how new files or opening screens behave. * **Tx2Mtxt →** Converts multiple single-line TEXT objects into a single MTEXT object. * Usage: Clean up multiple text lines so you can format them collectively as one multiline text block. * **-From →** A command-line coordinate option that specifies a base point offset for a next point. * Usage: Useful in relative coordinate input (e.g., "base point + offset" during commands like Move or Copy). * **m2P →** Short for "Midpoint of Two Points," used in coordinate entry. * Usage: Quickly snap to the midpoint between any two reference points without drawing extra lines. ## MORE ADVANCED COMMANDS * **XCLIP** → Trims or "clips" the visible portion of an external reference or block to a defined boundary. * Usage: Show only relevant parts of an attached plan without editing the source file. * **OOPS** → Restores objects erased by the most recent block or wblock command. * Usage: If you accidentally block/wblock geometry and it disappears, OOPS recovers it. * **EATTEXT** → Extracts data (like block attribute info) into Excel or a table. * Usage: List coordinates (trees, lights), create schedules (doors, windows), or BOMs directly from your DWG data. * **SAVEALL** → Saves all open drawings at once. * Usage: Quickly safeguard all changes across multiple files during the session. * **CloseALL** → Closes all open drawings in one step. * Usage: End your drafting session quickly, optionally saving if prompted. * **List** → Displays properties (length, layer, color) of a selected object in the command line. * **Usage:** Check an object's details (arc length, line length, etc.) without opening the Properties palette. * **PRE (Preview)** → Typically triggers a Plot Preview (or a short alias for commands that show a preview). * Usage: Quick look at what's about to be plotted or changes about to be applied. * **SPELL** → Spell-check text objects in the drawing. * Usage: Ensures no typos in annotations or notes. * **VPSYNC** → Synchronizes one viewport's layer visibility settings with another. * Usage: Copy the same viewport freeze/thaw settings so multiple viewports are consistent. * **BREAK (BR) & Break at Point** → Splits a line/arc/polyline either between two chosen points or at a single point. * Usage: Separate geometry (e.g., doors in wall lines) without altering the rest of the object. * **Set to ByLayer (SETBY)** → Converts objects that have custom color/linetype overrides back to ByLayer settings. * Usage: Standardize appearances and enforce consistent layering conventions. ## FINAL TIPS & BEST PRACTICES * **Centralize Layouts** \- Consistent title block, page setup, scale * **Model vs Layout Plot** \- Model Tab: Quick, informal prints \- Layout Tab: Formal, scaled drawings with title blocks * **DSD File Management** \- Save .dsd for repeated batch plotting * **Regular Maintenance** PURGE, AUDIT, RECOVER to keep files clean * **Keep consistent dimension styles and layer systems** * **USE EXTENSIONS** Use APPLOAD to use .lsp file for extended functionality (e.g. PLDiet, BFixAll, MakeExplodeB, StyleMerge) * **Happy CADD drafting!**