AutoCAD 1 Reviewer PDF

# Drafting and 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 -...

# Drafting and 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 ### AutoCAD - Initial release: December 1982 - General drafting and design application used in industry - supports .dwg, .dxf, .dwt, .dws - abbreviated as CAD ### Comparison | Feature | 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 - 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): Modify - Expand additional commands; pin to remain open - Sticky Panels: Drag a panel into the drawing area (for multi-tab workflows) - Ribbon Appearance: - The small white arrow on the Ribbon's right-side toggles display states - Docking & Layout - Keep the Ribbon at the top for standard workflows ## Workspaces - 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 - 2. Dialog Boxes - Examples: Block Definition, Page Setup, Plot, Insert - Transient: Appear for immediate input, then close - Usually, cannot be shrunk beyond a certain size - 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 - Expand/collapse arrow on the right - Dock/undock - AutoComplete suggestions - Best Practice () - Keep it visible, even if using Dynamic Input, for system messages/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 () - It's 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 - Select Command/Pointer - Scroll = Zoom in/out - Click Drag = Pan/Hand - Option Command (Customizable command) - Shift Command Modifiers - Esc Cancel Command - Ctrl - alt - SPACE Proceed Command - ENTER ## 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 (O) - 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. - 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 - Tips for Beginners & Intermediate - Use Aliases (L = LINE, C = CIRCLE) - Practice with real drawings - Keep layers organized, use a template (.DWT) with standard settings ## 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 ## 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 (ME) - 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 1. Right-click Model tab → Plot 2. Choose printer/plotter (AutoCAD PDF) 3. Specify sheet size, plot area, scale 4. 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!