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Commands
Draw Tool Bar Modify Tool Bar
Line L Erase E
Construction line Xl Copy Cp, Co
Plolyline Pl Mirror Mi
Polygon Polygon Offset O
Rectangle Rec Array Ar
Arc A, arc Move M
Circle C Rotate Ro
Spline Spl Scale Sc
Ellipse El Stretch S
Insert Block I Trim Tr
Make Block B Extend Ex
Point Po Break Br
Hatch H Join J
Table Table Chamfer Cha
Text t Fillet F
Multi Text Mt Explode X
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Table of contents
Page No.
AutoCAD Shortcut Key A
Command B
Chapter 1: Introduction of AutoCAD. 1-7
1. 0 Introduction 1
1. 1 AutoCAD Screen Component 1
1. 1. 1. Drawing Area 1
1. 1. 2. Command Window 1
1. 1. 3. Status Bar 1
1. 1. 4. Toolbar 2
1. 2 Coordinate system 3
1. Absolute Coordinate system 4
2. Relative Coordinate System 5
3. Direct Distance Entry 5
1. 3 Setting unit 5
1. 3. 1. Length 5
1. 3. 2. Angle 6
1. 3. 3. Drag and Drop Scale 6
1. 3. 4. Direction Control 6
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3. 9 Extend 21
3. 10 Fillet 21
3. 11 Chamfer 22
3. 12 Stretch 23
3. 13 Divide 23
3. 14 Array 23
3. 14. 1. Rectangular Array 24
3. 14. 2. Polar Array 24
3. 15 Scale 25
3. 16 Explode 25
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9. 8 Plot option 61
9. 9 Preview 62
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CHAPTER -1
Introduction of AutoCAD
1. 0 STRTING AutoCAD
1. 1 AutoCAD SCREEN COMPONENT
The various components of the initial AutoCAD screen are the drawing area, the command
window, menu bar, several tools bar, model layout tabs, and the status bar. A title bar that has the
AutoCAD symbol and the current drawing name is displayed on top of the screen. See in figure
1-1.
Title Bar Menu Bar
Standard Toolbar
Toolbar
Drawing Area
Cursor
Status Bar
Coordinate Display
Figure 1-1
1. 1. 1. Drawing Area
The drawing area covers the major portion of the screen. Here you can the various objects and
use the various commands. To draw the objects you need to define the coordinate point, which
can be selected by using your pointing device. The position of the point device is representing on
the screen by the cursor. There is a coordinate system icon at the lower left corner of the drawing
area.
1. 1. 2. Command Window
The commanding window is present at the bottom of the drawing area and has the Command
prompt where you can enter the commands. You can change the size of the window by placing
the cursor on the top edge and then dragging it. You can also press the F2 key to display the
AutoCAD Text window, which displays the previous commands and prompts.
1. 1. 3. Status Bar
The status bar is displayed at the bottom of the screen. This bar contains some important useful
information and buttons that will make it easy to change the status of some AutoCAD function.
There are some component in status bar are given below.
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A) Coordinate Display
The co ordinates information is display in the left corner of the status bar. You can select this
coordinate button to toggle between on and off. The display of coordinate system is control by
variable like 0, 1 and 2. If we set the value of COORDS to 0, the coordinate display is static i.e.
the coordinate value displayed in status bar change only when you specify the point. If we set the
value of COORDS to 1, AutoCAD constantly displays the absolute coordinates of the graphic
cursor with respect to UCS origin. If we set the value of COORDS to 2, the polar coordinates
(length < angle) are displayed. You can use the key F6 to turn the coordinate display on or off.
B) SNAP
The snap mode allows you to move the cursor in fixed increments. When Snap mode is on, the
cursor seems to adhere, or "snap," to an invisible rectangular grid.You can use the function key
F9 as a toggle key to turn Snap On or Off.
C) GRID
In grid mode the grid line are used as reference line to draw object in AutoCAD. If the grid
display is on, the GRID button is displayed as pressed and the grid lines are displayed on the
screen. The function key F7 can be used to turn the grid display on or off.
D) ORTHO
The Ortho mode allows you to draw lines at right angles only. The Ortho button is pressed in the
status bar. You can use the key F8 to turn Ortho on or off.
E) POLAR
If you turn the polar tracking on, the movement of the cursor is restricted along a path base on
the angle set as the polar angle setting. You can use the function key F10.
F) OSNAP
When object snap is on, you can use the running object snaps to snap. Auto Snap displays a
marker and a tool tip when you move your cursor over a snap point. You can use function F3 or
CTRL+F to turn Osanp on or off.
G) OTRACK
Choose the Otrack button turns object snap tracking on or off.
H) LWT
Choosing this button is displayed in the status bar allow you to turn on or of the display of
linewights in the drawing.
I) MODEL
The model button is displayed in the status bar when you are working in the model space to
create drawing.
1. 1. 4. Toolbar
In windows, the toolbar is an easy and convenient way to invoked way to invoked a command.
Each toolbar contains a group of buttons representing various AutoCAD commands. When you
move the cursor over the buttons of a toolbar, the button gets lifted and three-dimensional box
encloses the button on which the cursor is resting. The name of button is also displayed below
the button. You have to invoke the command, left click is done.
Displaying Toolbars
The various toolbars can display by various method which are given below.
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a) The Customize dialog box can invoked by choosing View > Toolbar from main menu
bar (Figure1-2).
b) You can also display a toolbar from the shortcut menu which is display by right-clicking
anywhere on any toolbar on screen and choosing the name of the toolbar to display from
the shortcut menu.
c) The Toolbar dialog box can invoke by choosing Toolbar> Customize >Toolbar from
main menu bar. (Figure1-2).
Figure 1-2
1. 2 COORDINATE SYSTEMS
To specify a point in a plane, take two mutually perpendicular lines as references. The horizontal
line is called the x-axis, and the vertical line is called the y-axis. The point of intersection of
these two axes is called the origin. The X and Y axes divide the XY plane into four parts,
generally known as guardians. The X coordinate measures the horizontal distance from origin on
X axis. The Y coordinate measures the +Y
Vertical distance from origin on Y axis. The
origin has the coordinate measures the vertical
distance from the origin (how far the up and
down) on the y axis. The origin has the (2,2)
coordinate values of X=0, Y=0. The origin is
taken as the reference for locating any point in (-1,1) (1,1)
the XY plane. The x coordinate is positive if
measured to the right of origin and negative if (0,0)
measured to the left of the origin. The y -X +X
coordinate is positive if measured above the
origin and negative if measured below the
(-1,-1)
origin. This method of specifying points is (1,-1) (2,-1)
called the Cartesian coordinate system, see -Y
figure 1-3.
Figure 1-3
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In AutoCAD, the default origin is located at the lower left corner of the graphics area of the
screen. AutoCAD uses the following coordinate system to locate a point in an XY plane.
1. Absolute coordinates
2. Relative coordinates
a. Relative rectangular coordinates
b. Relative polar coordinates
+Y
3. Direct distance entry
1. Absolute Coordinate system
In the absolute coordinate system, the points are
located with respect to the origin (0,0): for (4, 3)
example, a point with x = 4 and y = 3 is
measured 4 units horizontally (displacement
along the x axis) and 3 units vertically (
displacement along the y axis ) from the origin,
as shown in figure 1-4.
-X +X
In AutoCAD, the absolute coordinates are (0, 0)
specified by entering x and y coordinates,
separately by a comma. The following example
illustrate the use of absolute coordinates (figure -Y
1-5) Figure 1-4
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Command: Line
Specify first point; 1, 1
Specify next point or [Undo]: @5<30
Figure 1-8
1. 3 SETTING UNIT
Setting Units is most important part of drawing because without unit setting we cant do
any drawing work. When you start AutoCAD drawing there was already set default unit which is
shown in figure 1-9.
You can set the unit by given below method:
Menu: Format > Units
Command: Units
The Units command display the Drawing Units dialog box as shown in figure 1-9.
Defines the unit and angle formats.
1. 3. 1. Length
Specifies the current unit of measurement and the precision for the current
units.
Type
Sets the current format for units of measure. The values include Architectural, Decimal,
Engineering, Fractional, and Scientific. The Engineering and Architectural formats produce feet-
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and-inches displays and assume that each drawing unit represents one inch. The other formats
can represent any real-world unit.
Precision
Sets the number of decimal places or
fractional size displayed for linear
measurements.
1. 3. 2. Angle
Specifies the current angle format and
the precision for the current angle
display.
Type: Sets the current angle
format.
Precision: Sets the precision
for the current angle display.
AutoCAD uses the following
conventions for the various angle
measures: decimal degrees appear
as decimal numbers, grads appear
with a lowercase g suffix, and
radians appear
Figure 1-9
with a lowercase r suffix. The degrees/minutes/seconds format uses d for degrees, ' for minutes,
and " for seconds; for example:
123d45'56.7"
Surveyor's units show angles as bearings, using N or S for north or south,
degrees/minutes/seconds for how far east or west the angle is from direct north or south, and E or
W for east or west; for example:
N 45d0'0" E
The angle is always less than 90 degrees and is displayed in the degrees/minutes/seconds
format. If the angle is precisely north, south, east, or west, only the single letter representing the
compass point is displayed.
Clockwise
Calculates positive angles in the clockwise directions. The default direction for positive
angles is counter clockwise.
When AutoCAD prompts for an angle, you can point in the desired direction or enter an angle
regardless of the setting specified for Clockwise.
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CHAPTER 2
Drawing Sketches
2. 0 Introduction
In this chapter we study about how to draw sketches by using Line, Multiline, Arc, Ray,
Construction Line, Polyline, Polygon, Rectangle, Circle, Donut, Spline, Ellipse, Point, Block,
Table, Hatch, Boundary, Text etc. Draw Toolbar is shown in figure 2-1.
Rectangle Elliptical Arc Hatch
Line Polyline Circle Spline Make Block Table
Figure 2-1
2. 1 Line 2 3
Menu Bar: Menu bar > Draw > Line
Toolbar: Draw > Line
Command: L Enter
Example 2.1 6 7
Draw the figure absolute coordinates. (See figure 2-2.)
Point Coordinates Point Coordinates Start point
4 5
1 3, 1 5 5, 2 (3, 1)
2 3, 6 6 6, 3 1 8
3 4, 6 7 7, 3
4 4, 2 8 7, 1
Figure 2-2
Example 2.2
Draw the figure using relative rectangular coordinates of the
10 9 7 6
given points. (See figure 2-3)
Point Coordinates Point Coordinates
1 3, 1 8 @-1, -1 8
2 @4, 0 9 @-1, 1 11 5
3 @0, 1 10 @-1, 0
13 12 4 3
4 @ -1, 0 11 @0, -2
Start point
5 @1, 1 12 @1,-1 (3, 1)
6 @0, 2 13 @-1, 0 1 2
7 @-1, 0 14 @0, -1
Figure 2-3
0.75
Example 2.3 4 5
Draw the figure using relative polar coordinates of the 2.0
1.25
given points. (See figure 2-4) 2 1
3 7 6
Point Coordinate Point Coordinate 9 0.5
1 1.5, 1.75 7 @1.0<180 12 8
2 @1.0<90 8 @0.5<270 1 1.0 1.25
3 @2.0<0 9 @1.0<0 (1.5, 1.75)
2.0
4 @2.0<30 10 @1.25<270 11 10
Start point
5 @0.75<0 11 @0.75<180
6 @1.25<-90 12 @2.0<150 Figure 2-4
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2. 2 Construction Line
Lines that extend to infinity in one or both directions, known as rays and construction lines,
respectively, can be used as references for creating other objects. For example, you can use
construction lines to find the Center of a triangle, prepare multiple views of the same item, or
create temporary intersections to use for object snaps. Infinite lines do not change the total area
of the drawing. Therefore, their infinite dimensions have no effect on zooming or viewpoints,
and they are ignored by commands that display the drawing extents. You can move, rotate, and
copy infinite lines just as you can move, rotate, and copy other objects. You may want to create
infinite lines on a construction line layer that can be frozen or turned off before plotting. Invoked
the Construction line by following method:
Menu Bar: Menu bar>Draw > Construction line
Toolbar: Draw >Construction line
Command: XL Enter
Specify a point or [Hor/Ver/Ang/Bisect/Offset]:
You can also create construction lines in several other ways.
Horizontal and Vertical: Create construction lines that pass through a point you specify
and are parallel to the X or Y axis of the current UCS.
Angle: Creates a construction line in one of two ways. Either you select a reference line
and then specify the angle of the construction line from that line, or you create a
construction line at a specific angle to the horizontal axis by specifying an angle and then
a point through which the construction line should pass.
Bisector: Creates a construction line that bisects an angle you specify. You specify the
vertex and the lines that create the angle.
Offset: Creates a construction line parallel to a baseline you specify. You specify the
offset distance, select the baseline, and then indicate on which side of the baseline to
locate the construction line.
2. 3 Rectangle
A rectangle can be drawn by using the absolute (6, 5)
coordinates system, relative coordinate system, by Second
corner
giving direct dimension (i.e. Length and Width of
rectangle) and also by diagonal method (i.e. relative
polar-coordinate method).
Toolbar: Draw > Rectangle (3, 3)
First corner
Menu: Draw > Rectangle
Command: REC Enter Figure 2-5
Draw the rectangle by using Coordinate system. See figure 2-5
Command: REC Enter
Specify first corner point or 5
[Chamfer/Elevation/Fillet/Thickness/Width]:3, 3 Enter
Specify other corner point or [Dimensions]: 6, 5 Enter
3
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Note: Uses of option Chamfer and Fillet are study in chapter -3 (Modification of object). Width
option is used to create width of line which used in rectangle construction. Thickness option
allows you to draw a rectangle with given thickness in 3D drawing and Elevation option allows
you to draw the height of the rectangle. Thickness and Elevation option are used only in 3D
drawing.
2. 4 Point
The point is the basic drawing object.
Toolbar: Draw> Point
Menu: Draw> Point
Command: PO
Command: Po Enter
POINT
Current point modes: PDMODE=0 PDSIZE=0.0000
Specify a point: Specify the point on screen by using cursor.
Changing the point style or point type.
Menu: Draw> Point Style
Command: DDPTYPE
Point style dialog box shown in figure. There are 20
combination of point type. You can choose the point style and
set the size of point by using the relative to screen or by
absolute unit.
Figure
2. 5 Circle
Invoked the Circle by following method:
Toolbar: Draw > Circle
Menu: Draw > Circle
Command: C Enter
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Diameter
Specify Center point for circle or [3P/2P/Ttr (tan tan
radius)]: 2P Enter
Specify first end point of circles diameter: 1, 1 Enter
Specify Second end point of circles diameter: 2, 1
Enter (1, 1) (2, 1)
First Second
Point Point
4. The Three-Point Option
In this method you can draw a circle by defining Figure 2-9
Three-Point of the circle. See figure 2-10
Command: C Enter (3, 3)
Figure 2-10
5. The Tangent Tangent Radius Option
In this method you can draw a circle by defining
Tangent, Tangent and radius of the circle. First
See figure 2-11 Tangent
2. 6 Arc
An arc is defined as a part of a circle; it can be drawn using the ARC command. An arc can be
drawn in 11 distinct ways using the options listed in the Arc menu. The default method for
drawing an arc is the 3 points option. Other options can be invoked by entering an appropriate
letter to select an option.
Toolbar: Draw>Arc
Tool Palettes: Command Tools>line>Arc
Menu: Draw>Arc
Command: Arc or A
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(3, 4)
End
1. Choose the arc button from the draw toolbar (3 Point
Points is the default option). See figure 2-13
Specify start point of arc or [Center]: 2, 2 Enter (3, 3)
Specify second point of arc or [Center or End]: 3, 3 Enter Second
(2, 2) Point
Specify end point of arc: 3, 4 Enter
Start
Point
2. The Start, Center, End Option ( See figure 2-14)
Command: A or arc Enter Figure 2-13
Specify start point of arc or [Center]: 3, 2 Enter
(2, 3.5)
Specify second point of arc or [Center or End]: C Enter End
Specify Center point of arc: 2, 2 Enter Point
Specify end point of arc or [Angle / chord length]: 2. 3.5 Enter
Discussion
The option is slightly different from the 3 points option. Choose (2, 2) (3, 2)
Center Start
this option when you know the start point, endpoint and Center Point Point
point of the arc. The arc is drawn in a counter clockwise
direction from the start point to the end point around the specified Figure 2-14
Center. The end point specified need not be on the arc and is used only to calculate the angle at
which the arc ends. The radius of the arc is determined by the distance between the Center point
and start point.
Figure 2-16
Discussion
In this option you are required to specify the start point, Center point and length of the chord. A
chord is defined as the straight line connecting the start point and the end point of as arc. The
chord length needs to be specified so that AutoCAD can calculate the ending angle.
You can also draw the arc your self by using following method:
The Start, End, Angle Option
The Start, End, Direction Option
The Start, Center, Radius Option
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2. 7 Ellipse
You draw the ellipse by specifying one of its axes and the endpoint of the other axis.
Toolbar: Draw> ellipse
Tool Palettes: Command Tools>line> ellipse
Menu: Draw> ellipse
Command: El
The various method to draw the ellipse is Given bellow;
1. Drawing the Ellipse Using the Axis and Major Axis
Endpoint Option.
Command: El (See figure 2-17)
2
Specify axis endpoint of ellipse or [Arc/Center]:
3, 3 Enter
Specify other endpoint of axis: 6, 3 Enter (3, 3)
(6, 3)
Specify distance to other axis or [Rotation]: 1Enter Axis
Endpoint Axis
Endpoint
First axis midpoint
If you enter Rotation or R at the Specify distance to
the other axis or [Rotation] prompt, the first axis
specified is automatically taken as the major axis of the ellipse. Figure 2-17
The next prompt is Specify rotation around major axis
2
Command: El (See figure 2-18)
Specify axis endpoint of ellipse or [Arc/Center]:
(3, 3) Minor axis
3, 3 Enter Axis
Specify other endpoint of axis: 4, 2 Enter Endpoint
C Enter
Specify Center of ellipse: 4, 4 Enter
(4, 4)
Specify other endpoint of axis: 6, 4 Enter Center point (6, 4)
Axis Endpoint
Specify distance to other axis or [Rotation]:
1 Enter
Figure 2-19
2. 8 Drawing the Elliptical Arcs
You can use the arc option of the ellipse command to draw an elliptical arc. When you chose the
Ellipse Arc button from the Draw toolbar, the ellipse command is invoked with the Arc option
selected.
Toolbar: Draw> Ellipse Arc
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2. 9 Donut
In AutoCAD the donut command is issued to draw an object that looks like a filled circle ring
called a donut.
Menu: Draw> Donut
Command: DO
If FILLMODE is off, the donut looks like circle, so first we initialise the Fillmode of donut.
Command: fill Enter
Enter mode [ON/OFF] <ON>: off Enter
OR
Command: Fillmode Enter
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Command: DO
DONUT
Specify inside diameter of donut <0.5000>: 0.75 Enter
Specify outside diameter of donut <1.0000>: 2 Enter
Specify Center of donut or <exit>: 4, 4 Enter
See figure 2-23
Command: DO
DONUT
Specify inside diameter of donut <0.5000>: 0.75 Enter
Specify outside diameter of donut <1.0000>: 2 Enter Figure 2-24
Specify Center of donut or <exit>: 8, 8 Enter
See figure 2-24
2. 10 Polygon
A regular polygon is a closed geometric figure with equal sides and equal angles. The number of
side varies from 3 to 1024.
Toolbar: Draw> Polygon
Menu: Draw> Polygon
Command: POL
There are two option to draw the Polygon is given bellow;
1. The Center of Polygon Option (See figure 2-25)
Command: POL Enter (4, 4)
POLYGON Enter number of sides <4>: 8 Enter Center
Specify Center of polygon or [Edge]: 4, 4 Enter
Enter an option [Inscribed in circle/Circumscribed about circle]
<I>: I Enter Figure 2-25
Specify radius of circle: 1.5 Enter (2, 4)
First
Endpoint
of edge
2. The Edge Option (See figure 2-26)
Command: POL Enter
POLYGON Enter number of sides <8>: 6 Enter First
Edge
Specify Center of polygon or [Edge]: E Enter
Specify first endpoint of edge: 2, 4 Enter
(2, 2.5)
Specify second endpoint of edge: 2, 2.5 Enter Second
Endpoint Direction for
Of edge Drawing side
Figure 2-26
2. 11 Polyline
In Polyline all the segment of line or arch are attached together to form a single object. The term
Polyline can be broken into two part: Poly and Line. Poly means many. This signifies that a
Polyline can have many features. Some of the features of Polyline are as follows.
Polyline, like trace, can be think lines with a desired width.
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Polyline are very flexible and can be used to draw any shape, such as filled circle or a
doughnut.
Polyline can be used to draw objects in any linetype (for e.g. hidden linetype).
A single Polyline object can be formed by joining Polyline or Polyarchs of different
thickness.
It is easy to determine the area or parameter of a Polyline feature. Also, it easy to offset
when drawing walls.
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Specify end point of arc or [Angle/ Center/ Close/ Direction/ Halfwidth/ Line/ Radius/ Second
pt./Undow/ Width]: 10, 8 Enter
Specify end point of arc or [Angle/ Center/ Close/ Direction/ Halfwidth/ Line/ Radius/ Second
pt./Undow/ Width]: Enter
Length
Specifies the chord length of the arc segment. If the previous segment is an arc, AutoCAD
draws the new arc segment tangent to the previous arc segment.
Halfwidth
Specifies the width from the center of a wide Polyline segment to one of its edges.
Specify starting half-width <current>: Enter a value or press ENTER
Specify ending half-width <starting width>: Enter a value or press ENTER
The starting half-width becomes the default ending half-width. The ending half-width
becomes the uniform half-width for all subsequent segments until you change the half-
width again. The starting and ending points of wide line segments are at the center of the
line. Typically, the intersections of adjacent wide Polyline segments are beveled. No
beveling is performed for nontangent arc segments or very acute angles or when a dot-dash
linetype is used.
Line
Exits the Arc option and returns to the initial PLINE command prompts. Forward the line
by above method which is discussed in Line command
Width
Specify the width of the line or arc by giving positive numerical values for e.g. 2 , 0.5 etc.
2. 12 Multiline
2. 13 Spline
2. 14 Table
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CHAPTER -3
Editing the Sketches
3. 0 Introduction
To use AutoCAD effectively, you need to know the editing commands and how to use them, in
this section you learn about the editing commands. The modify toolbar is shown below in figure
3-1
R otate C ham fer
E rese M irror A rray S tretch Exten d B reak E xp lode
Figure 3-1
3. 1 Erase
Erase command is used to remove the unwanted portion or object in drawing.
Toolbar: Modify > Erase
Menu: Modify > Erase
Command: E or Erase
Select the object: Select the object which you want to remove from drawing
Select the object: Enter
3. 2 Move
Sometime, the objects are not located at the position where they actually should be. In this
situation you can use the MOVE command. This move command allows you to move one or
more objects from their current location to a new location specified by you. This change in
location of the objects does not change their size and shape or orientation. See figure 3-2.
Toolbar: Modify > Move
Menu: Modify > Move
Command: M or Move
The prompt sequence that will be followed
when you choose the move button from 900mm Base
the modify toolbar. point
3. 3 Copy
The copy command used to copy an existing object. This command is similar to the move
command in the sense that it makes copies of the selected objects and places them at specified
locations. But the originals are left intact. See figure 3-2. here process is same but it make copy
of object.
Toolbar: Modify > Copy
Menu: Modify > Copy
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Command: Co or Cp or Copy
Command: co or cp Enter
Select objects: Select the objects to be moved.
Select objects: Enter
Specify base point or displacement: Specify the base point for moving the selected object.
Specify second point of displacement or <use first point as displacement>: Specify a new
position on the screen using the pointing device or entering coordinates.
Specify second point of displacement or <use first point as displacement>:
5
you can use the offset command. This command
creates another object that is similar to the selected
one.See figure 3-3 Figure 3-3 (a)
Toolbar: Modify > Offset
Menu: Modify > Offset
Command: O or Offset
Remember that you are allowed to select only one entity at a time
to offset.
Command: o
OFFSET
Specify offset distance or [Through] <Through>: 5
5
Select object to offset or <exit>: Select the object which you want
Original object after
to offset. selection
Specify point on side to offset: select the side of offset.
Figure 3-3 (b)
3. 5 Mirror
The mirror command creates mirror copy of the selected objects. The objects can be mirrored at
any angle. This command is helpful in drawing symmetrical figures. When you invoked this
command, AutoCAD will prompt you to select the objects
Mirror Line
and then the mirror line. See figure 3-4
Toolbar: Modify > Mirror
Menu: Modify > Mirror
Command: Mi or Mirror
1800mm
1800mm
Command: mi
MIRROR
Select objects: Select the object which you want to mirror.
Specify first point of mirror line: Specify the first end point.
Specify second point of mirror line: Specify the second end
point. Original object
Delete source objects? [Yes/No] <N>: Enter Y for deletion, after selection
N for retaining the previous objects.
Figure 3-4
3. 6 Rotating
While creating there are many occasions when you have to rotate an object or a group of objects.
You can accomplish this by using the rotate command. See figure 3-5
Toolbar: Modify > Rotate
Menu: Modify > Rotate
Command: Ro or Rotate
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Command: Ro or ROTATE
Current positive angle in UCS: Original object
ANGDIR=counterclockwise after rotate 40
ANGBASE=0d0'0"
Select objects: Select the object which
you want to rotate.
Select objects: 40
Specify base point: select the base
point of object.
Specify rotation angle or [Reference]: Base point Base point
Give the angle in which you can rotate Original object
after selection
the object.
Figure 3-5
Note: Default angle is measure anticlockwise. If you want to change the direction go to the Unit
setting and set the direction of angle.
3. 7 Break
The break command breaks an existing object in two or erases portions of the objects. This
command can be used to remove a part of the selected objects or to break objects such as line,
arcs, circles, ellipses, xline, spline, and Polylines.
2 Point Select Option (See figure 3-6 (c)) First break point
Second break point
This method is similar to the 2 point option; the only difference
is that instead of making the selection point as the first break
point, you allowed to specify a new first point.
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3. 8 Trim
When create a design, there are a number of places where you have to remove the unwanted and
extending edges. Braking individual
objects take time if you are working on a Select the object to trim
complex design with many objects. In
such case you can use the trim
command. This command trims object
beyond a required point of intersection.
See figure 3-7. Select the first
Toolbar: Modify > Trim cutting edge
Menu: Modify > Trim Before After
Command: Tr or Trim
Command: tr TRIM
Current settings: Projection=UCS, Edge=None Figure 3-7
Select cutting edges ...
Select objects: Select the cutting edge i.e. select the object from where you want to cut the object.
Select object to trim or shift-select to extend or [Project/Edge/Undo]: Select the object which you
want to cut down.
3. 9 Extend
The extend command may be considered the opposite of the trim command. In the extend
command you can extend lines, Polyline, rays, arcs to meet other objects. This command does
not extend close loops. See figure 3-8
Toolbar: Modify > Extend Select the
Menu: Modify > Extend object to extend
Command: Ex or Extend
Command: ex
EXTEND
Current settings: Projection=UCS, Select the
Edge=None boundary
Select boundary edges ... edges
Select objects: select the object to where
you want to extend the object. Before After
Select object to extend or shift-select to
trim or [Project/Edge/Undo]: Select the object Figure 3-7
which you want to extend.
3. 10 Fillet
The edge in the design is generally filleted to reduce the area of stress concentrating. The fillet
command helps you form round corners between any two entities by allowing you to define two
entities that form a sharp vertex. The result is that a smooth round are is created that connections
the two objects. A fillet can also be created between two intersecting and nonparallel lines, arcs,
Polylines, Xline, Ray, Spline, Circles, and true Ellipses. The fillet arc created will be tangent to
both the selected entities. See figure 3-8.
Toolbar: Modify > Fillet
Menu: Modify > Fillet
Command: F or Fillet
Creating fillets using the select first object option
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This is the default method to fillet two objects. As the name implies, it prompts for the first
object required for filleting.
Command: f Enter
Current setting: mode = Trim, Radius = 0.0000
Select first object or [Polyline/Radius/Trim/multiple]:
Select second object:
Creating fillets using the radius object option
The fillet you create depends on the radius distance you specify. The default radius is 0.0000.
Command: f FILLET
Current settings: Mode = TRIM, Radius = 0.0000
Select first object or [Polyline/Radius/Trim/multiple]: r Enter Before Fillet
Specify fillet radius <0.0000>: R2 Enter
Select first object or [Polyline/Radius/Trim/multiple]:
Select second object: After Fillet
If lines are Parallel
Creating fillets using the Trim object option
When you create a fillet, an arc is created and the selected objects 1st object
are either trimmed or extended at the endpoint. This is because the
Trim mode is a set to Trim. If it is set no Trim they are left intact. 2nd object
Command: f
FILLET
Current settings: Mode = TRIM, Radius = R2.
Select first object or [Polyline/Radius/Trim/multiple]: t R2
Enter Trim mode option [Trim/No trim] <Trim>: t
Select first object or [Polyline/Radius/Trim/multiple]: select the
No Trim mode
first object
Select second object: select the second object. 1st object
3. 11 Chamfer
Chamfering the sharp corners is another method of reducing the area of stress concentration in
the design. It is defined as the taper provided on a surface. A beveled line connects two separate
objects to create a chamfer. The size of a chamfer depends on its distance from the corner.
Toolbar: Modify > Chamfer
Menu: Modify > Chamfer
Command: Cha or Chamfer
Creating the chamfer using the Distance option
This option is used to enter the chamfer distance. The first distance is calculated from corner
along the edge selected first and second distance is calculated along the edge that is selected last.
Command: cha D1
CHAMFER 1st object
Dist2 = 0.0000
2nd
object
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Before Chamfer After Chamfer
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3. 12 Stretch
This command can be used to stretch
objects, altering selected portions of
the objects. With this command you
can lengthen objects, shorten them,
and alter their shapes. You must use a
crossing or cpolygon selection to
Window selection
specify the object to stretch. See Before Stretch After Stretch
figure 3-11
Toolbar: Modify > Stretch Figure 3-11
Menu: Modify > Stretch
Command: S or Stretch
Command: s Enter
Select objects to stretch by crossing-window or crossing-polygon...
Select objects: Specify opposite corner: 4 found
Select objects:
Specify base point or displacement:
Specify second point of displacement or <use first point as displacement>:
3. 13 Divide
The Divide command is used to divide an object into a specified number of equal length
segments without actually breaking it. The divide command calculates the full length of the
object and places markers at equal intervals. See figure 3-12
Menu: Draw > Point > Divide
Command: Div or Divide
Figure -12
Select object to divide: Select the object you want to divide.
Enter number of segments or [Block]: 4 Enter the number of segment.
3. 14 Array
Array is defined as the method of creating multiple copies of the selected object and arranging
them in a rectangular or circular fashion. In some drawings you may need to specify an object
multiple times in a rectangular or circular arrangement.
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Figure
ce
istan
s et d
n off
olum
ce
td istan
C
offse
Row
Base
Rotate with an angle
point
A) Rows: This edit box is used to specify the number of row in the rectangular array. The rows
are arranged along the X axis of the current UCS.
B) Columns: This edit box is used to specify the number of columns in the rectangular array.
The columns are arranged along the Y axis of the current UCS.
C) Offset distance and direction area: The options under this area are used to define the
distance between the rows and the columns and the angle of the array.
D) Row offset: This edit box is used to specify the distance between the rows. You can either
enter the distance value in this edit box or choose the pick Row offset button to define the
distance.
E) Column Offset: This edit box is used to specify the distance between the columns. You can
either enter the distance value in this edit box or choose the pick column offset button to
define the distance.
F) Angle of array: This edit box is used to define the angle of the array. This is the value by
which the rows and the columns will be rotated. Positive value will rotate them in the
counterclockwise direction and the negative value will rotate them in the clockwise direction.
A) Center point: The center point of the array is defined as the point around which the
selected items will be arranged. It is considered as the center point of the imaginary circle
on whose circumference the items will be placed. The coordinates of the center of the array
can be specified in the X and Y edit boxes or choose the Pick Center Point button
provided on the right side of the Y edit box.
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Center
point of
array
No of items = 8 ,
Angle of fill = 360
B) Method and values Area: The options under this area are used to set the parameters related
to set the parameters related to the method that will be employed to create the polar array.
The default method is Total number of item and Angle to fill. Enter the total number of
items and angle to fill in edit box
.
C) Rotate item as copied: This check box is selected to rotate the object as they are copied
around the center point. If check box is cleared, the objects are not rotate as they are copied.
This means that the replicated objects remain in the same orientation as the original object.
3. 15 Scale
Many times you will need to change the size of objects in a
drawing. This command dynamically enlarges or shrinks the
selected object about a base point, keeping the aspect ratio of
the object constant see figure 3-13
Toolbar: Modify > Scale Base
Menu: Modify > Scale Original Object point
Command: Sc or Scale
The prompt sequence that will follow when you choose the
Scale button is given next.
Select objects: Select the object to be scaled
Specify base point: Select the base point of selected object
Specify scale factor or [Reference]: Enter the scale factor in Object after scaling by 0.5
digit for e.g. 0.5.
Figure 3-13
3. 16 Explode
This command is invoked when you want to break the composite drawing into a single unit. For
example when you construct the rectangle, there is a four lines joined together and if you select
any one line of them, then whole rectangle is selected, if you explode the rectangle all the lines
are separate into single line i.e. in four unit line. This command is used to Polyline, Multiline,
Blocks and other composite drawing.
Toolbar: Modify > Explode
Menu: Modify > Explode
Command: X or Explode
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Command: x Enter
Select objects: Select the object to be exploded.
Select objects: Enter
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CHAPTER -4
Working with Drawing Aids
Layer
4. 1 Understanding the concept and use of layer
The concept of layer can be best explained by using the
concept of overlays in manual drafting. In manual drafting,
different details of the drawing can be drawn on different
sheets of paper, or overlays. Each overlay is perfectly aligned
with the others. Once all of them are placed on top of each
other, you can reproduce the entire drawing. As shown in the
figure 4-1, the object line is drawn in the first overlay and the
dimension in the second. You can place these overlays on top
of each other and get a combined look at the drawing.
Each layer is assigned a name. You can also assign a color and
line type to these layers. In above figure 4-1 the object lines are
drawn in the OBJECT layer and the dimensions is drawn in
DIM layer.
By creating layers, you can associate similar types of objects
by assigning them to the same layer. For example, you can put Figure 4-1
construction lines, text, dimensions, and title blocks on separate layers.
You can then control
Whether objects on a layer are visible in any viewports
Whether and how objects are plotted
What color is assigned to all objects on a layer
What default linetype and lineweight are assigned to all objects on a layer
Whether objects on a layer can be modified
Every drawing includes a layer named 0. Layer 0 cannot be deleted or renamed. It has two
purposes:
Ensure that every drawing includes at least one layer
Provide a special layer that relates to controlling colors in blocks
Working with Layers
Toolbar: Layer > Layer Properties Manager
Menu: Format > Layer
Command: LA or Layer
See figure 4-3
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Figure 4-3
4. 2. 1 Create new layer
If you want to create new layers, choose the New Layer button in layer properties Manage dialog
box or you can also press ALT+N.
A) Name: A layer name can be up to 255 characters long, including letters (a z), numbers
(0-9), special characters ($_-) and space. Any combination of lower and uppercase letters can
used while naming a layer. But characters such as < > ; : , = and so on are not valid to use in
it. Layer names should be short, but should also convey the meaning.
B) Controlling Display
Turn a Layer On or Off: You can turn On or Off by the toggle icon (light bulb). The layers that
are turned on are displayed and can be plotted while the layers that are turned off not displayed
and cannot be plotted.
a) Freeze or Thaw in All viewports: No modification can be done in the frozen layer. For
example, while editing a drawing you may not want the dimensions to be change and displayed
on the screen. The frozen layers are invisible and cannot be plotted. The Thaw option negates the
effect of the Freeze option and the frozen layer is restored to normal. The different between the
Off option and the Freeze option is that the frozen layers are not calculated by the computer
while regenerating the drawing the drawing and save the time. The current layer cannot be
frozen.
b) Lock or Unlock a layer: While working with a drawing, if you do not want to
accidentally edit some objects on a particular layer but still need to have them visible, you can
use lock/unlock toggle icon to lock the layer. When a layer is locked, you can still use the objects
in the locked layer for Object Snaps and inquiry command. You can also plot the locked layer.
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c) Make a Layer Pottable or Nonplottable: If you do not want to plot a particular layer,
for example, construction lines, you can use the Plot toggle icon to make the layer plotteble or
non plotteble.
d) Assigning Linetype to Layer: By default, the layers are assigned continuous linetype
and white color if no layer is selected at the time of creating a new layer. For new line type lick
on the Linetype of the layer on which you want to change their type on Layer Properties
Manager dialogs box. See figure 4-4
Figure 4-4
Figure 4-5
If you have not loaded the linetypes before and opening the Select Linetype dialog box for the
first time, only the Continuous line type is displayed. You need to load the line types to want and
then assign them to the layers. To load the linetypes, choose the Load button in the Select
Linetype dialog box. This display the load or Reload Linetype dialog box, see figure4-5. Then by
choosing the Ok button, the selected linetypes are loaded and therefore displayed in the selected
linetype dialog box. Now, Select the desired linetype and choose OK. The selected linetype is
assigned to the selected layer.
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4. 3 Object Snap
Object snap is one of the
most useful features of
AutoCAD. They improve
your performance and the
accuracy of your drawing
much simpler then it
normally would be. The term
object snap refer to the curser
ability to snap exactly to a
geometric point on an object.
The advantage of using
object snap is that you do not
have to specify an exact
point.
4. 4. 1 Endpoint
The Endpoint object snap
mode snaps to the closest
endpoint of a line or an arc. To use this object Snap mode, select the Endpoint button, and move
the cursor anywhere close to the endpoint of the object. The marker will be displayed at the End
point click to specify that point.
4. 4. 2 Midpoint
The midpoint object snap mode snaps to the midpoint of a line or arc. To use this Object snap
mode, select midpoint osnap and select the object anywhere.
4. 4. 3 Nearest
The Nearest Object snap mode selects a point on an object (line, arc, circle or ellipse) that is
visually closest to the graphics cursor. To use this mode, enter the command, and then choose the
nearest object snap. Move the crosshair near the intended point on the object so as to display the
marker at the desired point and select the object.
4. 4. 4 Center
The center object Snap mode allows you to snap to the center point of an ellipse, circle, or arc.
After selecting this option, you must point to the visible part of the circumference of a circle or
arc.
4. 4. 5 Tangent
The Tangent Object Snap allows you to draw a tangent to or from an existing ellipse, circle, or
arc. To use this Object snap, place the cursor on the circumference of the circle or arc to select it.
4. 4. 6 Quadrant
The Quadrant object snap mode is used when you need to snap to a quadrant point of an ellipse,
arc, or circle. A circle has four quadrants, and each quadrant subtends an angle of 90- degree.
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4. 4. 7 Intersection
The intersection object snap mode is to use to snap to a point where two or more line, circle,
ellipses, or arcs intersect. To use this object snap, move the cursor close to the desired
intersection so that the intersection is within the target box, and then specify the point.
4. 4. 8 Apparent Intersection
The apparent object snap mode selects projected or visual intersections of two objects in 3D
space. Sometimes, two objects appear to intersect one another in the current view, but in 3D
space the two objects do not actually intersect. The Apparent Intersection snap mode selects such
visual intersections this mode works on wireframes in 3D space. If you try to use this object snap
mode in 2D, it works like extended intersection.
4. 4. 9 Perpendicular
The perpendicular object snap mode is used to draw a line perpendicular to or from another line,
or normal to or from an arc or circle, or to an ellipse. When you use this mode and select an
object, AutoCAD calculates the point on the selected object so that the previously selected point
is perpendicular to the line.
4. 4. 10 Node
You can use the node object snap to snap to a point object drawn using the point command, or
placed using the divide or measure commands.
4. 4. 11 Insertion
The insert object snap mode is used to snap to the insertion point of text, shape, block, attribute,
or attribute definition. The point with respect to which the text is justified is the insertion point of
that text string. If you want to snap to these insertion points or the insertion point of block, you
must use the insert object snap mode.
4. 4. 12 Parallel
When you need to draw a line parallel to a line or Polyline on the screen, you can use the parallel
object snap.
4. 4. 13 Extension
The Extension Object snap gives you an option to locate a point on the extension path of a line or
an arc. It can also be used with intersection to determine the point of extended intersection. To
use extension, choose the line button from the draw toolbar and then choose the snap to
extension button from the object snap toolbar.
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CHAPTER -5
Hatching the Drawing
5. 0 Introduction
Many drafting applications use a process called hatching to fill an area with a pattern. The
pattern is used to differentiate components of a project or to signify the material composing an
object. You can use a predefined hatch pattern, define a simple line pattern using the current
linetype, or create more complex hatch patterns.
You can also create a gradient fill, which
uses a transition between shades of one
color or between two colors. Gradient fills
can be used to enhance presentation
drawings, giving the appearance of light
reflecting on an object, or they can be used
as interesting backgrounds in logos.
5. 1 Hatch
A) Type
Sets the pattern type.
a) Predefined
Specifies a predefined AutoCAD pattern.
These patterns are stored in the acad.pat
and acadiso.pat files. You can control the
angle and scale of any predefined pattern.
For predefined ISO patterns, you can also
control the ISO pen width.
Note: When you use the Solid predefined pattern, the boundary must be closed and must not
intersect itself. In addition, if the hatch area contains more than one loop, the loops must not
intersect. These limitations do not apply to standard hatch patterns.
b) User Defined
Creates a pattern of lines based on the current linetype in your drawing. You can control the
angle and spacing of the lines in your user-defined pattern.
c) Custom
Specifies a pattern that is defined in any custom PAT file that you have added to the AutoCAD
search path. (To use the patterns in the supplied acad.pat and acadiso.pat files, choose
Predefined.) You can control the angle and scale of any custom pattern.
B) Pattern
Lists the available predefined patterns. The six most recently used predefined patterns appear at
the top of the list. AutoCAD stores the selected pattern in the HPNAME system variable. The
Pattern option is available only if you set Type to Predefined.
The [...] button displays the Hatch Pattern Palette dialog box, in which you can view preview
images for all predefined patterns at once to help you make a selection.
C) Swatch
Displays a preview of the selected pattern. You can click the swatch to display the Hatch Pattern
Palette dialog box. When the SOLID pattern is selected, you can click the right arrow to display
a list of colors or the Select Color dialog box.
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D) Custom Pattern
Lists the available custom patterns. The six most recently used custom patterns appear at the top
of the list. AutoCAD stores the selected pattern in the HPNAME system variable. The Custom
Pattern option is available only if you set Type to Custom. The [...] button displays the Hatch
Pattern Palette dialog box, in which you can view preview images for all custom patterns at once
to help you make a selection.
E) Angle
Specifies an angle for the hatch pattern relative to the X axis of the current UCS. AutoCAD
stores the angle in the HPANG system variable.
F) Scale
Expands or contracts a predefined or custom pattern. AutoCAD stores the scale in the HPSCALE
system variable. This option is available only if you set Type to Predefined or Custom.
H) Spacing
Specifies the spacing of lines in a user-defined pattern. AutoCAD stores the spacing in the
HPSPACE system variable. This option is available only if you set Type to User Defined.
5. 2 Advanced
A) Island
Detection Style
Specifies the
method used to
hatch or fill objects
within the
outermost
boundary. If no
internal boundaries
exist, specifying an
island detection
style has no effect.
Because you can
define a precise set
of boundaries, it's
often best to use
the Normal style.
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B) Normal
Hatches or fills inward from the outer boundary. If AutoCAD encounters an internal intersection,
it turns off hatching or filling until it encounters another intersection. Thus, areas separated from
the outside of the hatched or filled area by an odd number of intersections are hatched or filled,
and areas separated by an even number of intersections are not. You can also set the Normal
style by adding ,N to the pattern name in the HPNAME system variable.
C) Outer
Hatches or fills inward from the outer boundary. AutoCAD turns hatching or filling off if it
encounters an internal intersection. Because this process starts from both ends of each hatch or
fill line, AutoCAD hatches or fills only the outermost level of the structure and leaves the
internal structure blank. You can also set the Outer style by adding ,O to the pattern name in the
HPNAME system variable.
D) Ignore
Ignores all internal objects and hatches or fills through them. You can also set the Ignore style by
adding ,I to the pattern name in the HPNAME system variable.
Note: Hatching concave curves with the Outer and Ignore styles can cause hatching
discrepancies.
The Normal, Outer, and Ignore options are also available from a shortcut menu by right-clicking
in the drawing area while you specify points or select objects to define your boundaries.
E) Object Type
Specifies whether to retain boundaries as objects, and the object type that AutoCAD applies to
those objects.
F) Retain Boundaries
Adds the temporary boundary objects to the drawing.
G) Object Type
Controls the type of the new boundary object. AutoCAD creates the boundary as a region or a
Polyline. This option is available only if you select Retain Boundaries.
H) Boundary Set
Defines the set of objects AutoCAD analyzes when defining a boundary from a specified point.
The selected boundary set has no effect when you use Select Objects to define a boundary.
By default, when you use Pick Points to define a boundary, AutoCAD analyzes all objects
visible in the current viewports. By redefining the boundary set, you can disregard certain
objects when defining boundaries without having to hide or remove those objects. For large
drawings, redefining the boundary set can also produce the boundary faster because AutoCAD
examines fewer objects.
I) Current Viewport
Defines the boundary set from everything visible in the current viewport. Selecting this option
discards any current boundary set and uses everything visible in the current viewport.
J) Existing Set
Defines the boundary set from the objects that you selected with New. If you have not created a
boundary set with New, the Existing Set option is not available.
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K) New
Prompts you to select the objects that define the boundary set. AutoCAD includes only the
hatchable or fillable objects you select when it constructs the new boundary set. AutoCAD
discards any existing boundary set, replacing it with the new boundary set defined by the objects
you select. If you don't select any objects, AutoCAD retains any current set. Until you exit
BHATCH or create a new boundary set, AutoCAD ignores objects that do not exist in the
boundary set when you define your boundaries by using Pick Points.
M) Flood
Includes islands as boundary objects.
N) Ray Casting
Runs a line from the point you specify to the nearest object and then traces the boundary in a
counterclockwise direction, thus excluding islands as boundary objects.
O) Gap Tolerance
Treats a set of objects that almost enclose an area as a closed hatch boundary. The default value,
0, specifies that the objects enclose the area, with no gaps. Enter a value, in drawing units, from
0 to 5000 to set the maximum size of gaps that can be ignored when the objects serve as a hatch
boundary. Any gaps equal to or smaller than the value you specify are ignored, and the boundary
is treated as closed. ( HPGAPTOL system variable)
Defines the appearance of the gradient fill to be applied.
5. 3 Gradient
A) One Color
Specifies a fill that
uses a smooth
transition between
darker shades and
lighter tints of one
color. When One
Color is selected,
AutoCAD displays
a color swatch with
Browse button and
a Shade and Tint
slider.
B) Two Color
Specifies a fill that
uses a smooth
transition between
two colors. When
Two Color is
selected, AutoCAD
displays a color
swatch with a
Browse button for
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C) Color Swatch
Specifies the color for the gradient fill. Click the Browse button [...] to display the Select Color
dialog box, where you can select an AutoCAD Index color, true color, or color book color. The
default color displayed is the current color in the drawing.
E) Centered
Specifies a gradient configuration that is symmetrical. If this option is not selected, the gradient
fill is shifted up and to the left, creating the illusion of a light source to the left of the object.
F) Angle
Specifies the angle of the gradient fill. The specified angle is relative to the current UCS. This
option is independent of the angle specified for hatch patterns.
G) Gradient Patterns
Displays nine fixed patterns for gradient fills. These patterns include linear sweep, spherical, and
parabolic.
5. 4 Additional options:
5. 4. 1 Pick Points
Determines a boundary from existing objects visible on the screen. The objects must form an
enclosed area. How AutoCAD detects objects using this option depends on which island
detection method is selected on the Advanced tab. For example, if the island detection method is
Flood, AutoCAD detects objects within the outermost boundary as islands and includes them in
the boundary definition. The island detection style (which you also set on the Advanced tab) then
determines how to hatch the detected islands.
When you select Pick Points, the dialog box closes temporarily, and AutoCAD displays a
prompt.
Select internal point: Specify a point within the area to be hatched or filled
Select internal point: Specify a point, enter u or undo to undo the last selection, or press ENTER
to end point specification and return to the dialog box
While specifying points, you can right-click in the drawing area at any time to display a shortcut
menu. You can undo the last or all point specifications, change the selection method, change the
island detection style, or preview the hatch or gradient fill.
5. 4. 2 Select Objects
Specifies objects for hatching or filling. The dialog box closes temporarily, and AutoCAD
prompts you to select objects. When you use the Select Objects option, AutoCAD does not
detect interior objects automatically. You must select the objects within the selected boundary to
hatch or fill those objects according to the current Island Detection Style (which you set on the
Advanced tab). Each time you choose Select Objects, AutoCAD clears the previous selection set.
While selecting objects, you can right-click at any time in the drawing area to display a shortcut
menu. You can undo the last selection or all selections, change the selection method, change the
island detection style, or preview the hatch or gradient fill.
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5. 4. 3 View Selections
Temporarily dismisses the dialog box and displays the currently defined boundaries with the
hatch or fill settings that you last previewed. This option is unavailable when no boundary has
been defined.
5. 4. 4 Inherit Properties
Hatches or fills specified boundaries using the hatch or fill properties of one object. After
selecting the associative hatch or fill object whose properties you want the hatch or fill to inherit,
you can right-click in the drawing area and use the shortcut menu to toggle between the Select
Objects and Pick Points options to create boundaries.
5. 4. 5 Draw Order
Assigns draw order to a hatch or fill. You can place a hatch or fill behind all other objects, in
front of all other objects, behind the hatch boundary, or in front of the hatch boundary.
5. 4. 6 Composition
Controls whether the hatch or gradient fill is associative or nonassociative.
Associative
Creates a hatch or fill that is updated when you modify its boundaries.
Nonassociative
Creates a hatch or fill that is independent of its boundaries.
5. 4. 7 Preview
Dismisses the dialog box and displays the currently defined boundaries with the current hatch or
fill settings. Click in the drawing or press ESC to return to the dialog box. Right-click or press
ENTER to accept the hatch or fill. This option is not available when you have not yet specified
points or selected objects to define your boundaries.
Block
The Concept of Block
The ability to store part of a drawing, or the entire drawing, so that they need not be redrawn
when required in the same drawing or another drawing is greater benefit to the user. These parts
of a drawing, entire drawing, or symbols (also known as blocks) can be placed (inserted) in a
drawing at the location of your choice, in desired orientation, and with the desired scale factor.
The block is given name (block name) and the block reference by its name. All the objects
within a block are treated as a single object. You can MOVE, ERASE, or LIST the block as a
single object, i.e. you can select the entire block simply by selecting anywhere on it.
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4. If the specification for an object changes, the drawing needs to be modified. This is a
very tedious task if you need to detect each location where the change is not be made and
edit it individually. But if this object has been defined as block, you can redefine it, and
everywhere the object appears, it is revised automatically.
5. You can insert the blocks in the drawing in which they were defined. There is no limit to
the number of times you can insert a block in a drawing.
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CHAPTER 6
Working with Block
The Concept of Block
The ability to store part of a drawing, or the entire drawing, so that they need not be redrawn
when required in the same drawing or another drawing is greater benefit to the user. These parts
of a drawing, entire drawing, or symbols (also known as blocks) can be placed (inserted) in a
drawing at the location of your choice, in desired orientation, and with the desired scale factor.
The block is given name (block name) and the block reference by its name. All the objects
within a block are treated as a single object. You can MOVE, ERASE, or LIST the block as a
single object, i.e. you can select the entire block simply by selecting anywhere on it.
Name
Names the block. The name can have up to
255 characters and can include letters,
numbers, blank spaces, and any special
character not used by
Microsoft Windows and AutoCAD for
other purposes, if the system variable
EXTNAMES is set to 1.
A) Base Point
Specifies an insertion base point for the
block. The default value is 0,0,0.
X: Specifies the X coordinate value.
Y: Specifies the Y coordinate value.
Z: Specifies the Z coordinate value.
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C) Objects
Specifies the objects to include in the new block and whether to retain or delete the selected
objects or convert them to a block instance after you create the block.
Select Objects
Closes the Block Definition dialog box temporarily while you select the objects for the block.
When you finish selecting objects, press ENTER to redisplay the Block Definition dialog box.
Quick Select
Displays the Quick Select dialog box, which defines a selection set.
Retain
Retains the selected objects as distinct objects in the drawing after you create the block.
Convert to Block
Converts the selected objects to a block instance in the drawing after you create the block.
Delete
Deletes the selected objects from the drawing after you create the block.
Objects Selected
Displays the number of selected objects.
Preview Icon
Determines whether to save a preview icon with the block definition and specifies the source of
the icon.
Preview Image
Displays an image of the preview icon you've specified.
Description
Specifies the text description associated with the block.
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6.3 Insert
The last block you
insert during the
current editing session
becomes the default
block for subsequent
uses of INSERT. The
position of the inserted
block depends on the
orientation of the UCS.
When you insert a
block, you determine
its location, scale
factor, and rotation
angle. You can specify
the scale of a block
reference using
different X, Y, and Z
values. Inserting a block creates an object called a block reference because it references a block
definition stored in your current drawing.
Name
Specifies the name of a block to insert, or the name of a file to insert as a block.
Browse
Opens the Select Drawing File dialog box (a standard file selection dialog box) where you can
select a block or drawing file to insert.
Path
Specifies the path to the block.
Insertion Point
Specifies the insertion point for the block.
Specify On-Screen
Specifies the insertion point of the block using the pointing device.
X: Sets the X coordinate value.
Y: Sets the Y coordinate value.
Z: Sets the Z coordinate value.
Scale
Specifies the scale for the inserted block. Specifying negative values for the X, Y, and Z scale
factors inserts a mirror image of a block.
Specify On-Screen
Specifies the scale of the block using the pointing device.
X: Sets the X scale factor.
Y: Sets the Y scale factor.
Z: Sets the Z scale factor.
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Uniform Scale
Specifies a single scale value for X, Y, and Z coordinates. A value specified for X is also
reflected in the Y and Z values.
Rotation
Specifies the rotation angle for the inserted block in the current UCS.
Specify On-Screen
Specifies the rotation of the block using the pointing device.
Angle
Sets a rotation angle for the inserted block.
Explode
Explodes the block and inserts the individual parts of the block. When Explode is selected, you
can specify a uniform scale factor only.
Component objects of a block drawn on layer 0 remain on that layer. Objects having color
BYBLOCK are white. Objects with linetype BYBLOCK have the CONTINUOUS linetype.
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CHAPTER 7
Inquiry Drawings
7. 0 Introduction
A re a L o ca te P o in t
This is use to know the position, length, area,
D ista n ce L ist
perimeter and other properties of the object.
When you work with drawing you have know
all the geometry of the drawing and for
knowing it you use the inquiry toolbar. In this
toolbar you study about how to calculate area,
distance, position, and their properties. See
figure 7-1
R e g io n/M a ss P ro p e rtie s
Figure 7-1
7. 1 Distance
This command is used to calculate the distance or length and their position in the drawing with
the X, Y, and Z coordinate from origin of UCS (User Coordinate System).
To determine the relation between two points, you can display the
Distance between them
Angle between the points in the XY plane
Angle of the points from the XY plane
Delta, or changed, X, Y, and Z distances between them
7. 2 Area
This command is used to calculate the area and perimeter of closed loop object for a closed loop
given in figure 7-3
4th pt.
Toolbar: Inquiry > Area
Command: aa
5th pt.
Command: _area
2nd pt. 3rd pt.
Specify first corner point or [Object/Add/Subtract]: 1st point
Specify next corner point or press ENTER for total: 2nd point
Specify next corner point or press ENTER for total: 3rd point
Specify next corner point or press ENTER for total: 4th point
Specify next corner point or press ENTER for total: 5th point 7th pt.
Specify next corner point or press ENTER for total: 6th point
Specify next corner point or press ENTER for total: 7th point 6th pt.
Specify next corner point or press ENTER for total: 8th point
Specify next corner point or press ENTER for total: End point 1st pt. (End pt.)
Area = 53975.8669, Perimeter = 1114.9073 Figure 7-3
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A) Object
1. Calculates the area and perimeter of the selected object. You can calculate the area of circles,
ellipses, splines, polylines, polygons, regions, and solids.
Note 2D solids (created with the SOLID command) do not have an area reported.
Select objects:
2. If you select an open polyline, AutoCAD calculates the area as if a line were drawn from the
last point entered to the first. When calculating the perimeter, however, AutoCAD ignores
that line.
3. The centerline of a wide polyline is used to make area and perimeter (or length) calculations.
B) Add
Turns on Add mode and keeps a running balance of the total area as you continue to define areas.
The Add option calculates the individual areas and perimeters of defined areas and objects as
well as the total area of all defined areas and objects. You can use the Subtract option to subtract
specified areas from the total area.
Specify first corner point or [Object/Subtract]: Specify a point (1) or enter an option
a) First Corner Point: Calculates the area and perimeter you define by selecting points. All
points must lie in a plane parallel to the XY plane of the current UCS.
Specify next corner point or press ENTER for total (ADD mode): Specify a point (2)
Specify points to define a polygon (3). Press ENTER. AutoCAD calculates the area and
perimeter and returns the total area of all the areas defined by selecting points or objects
since Add mode was turned on.
If you do not close the polygon, AutoCAD calculates the area as if a line were drawn from
the last point entered to the first. When calculating the perimeter, AutoCAD adds that line
length.
b) Object: Calculates the area and perimeter of the selected object. (ADD mode) Select
objects: AutoCAD calculates the area and perimeter and returns the total area of all the
areas defined by selecting points or objects since Add mode was turned on. If you select an
open polyline, AutoCAD calculates the area as if a line were drawn from the last point
entered to the first. When calculating the perimeter, however, AutoCAD ignores that line.
The centerline of a wide polyline is used to make area and perimeter calculations.
C) Subtract: Turns on Subtract mode and keeps a running balance of the total area as you
subtract specified areas.
7. 3 List
AutoCAD lists the object type, object layer, and X,Y,Z position relative to the current user
coordinate system (UCS) and whether the object is in model space or paper space.
LIST reports color, linetype, and lineweight information if these items are not set to BYLAYER.
The thickness of an object is displayed if it is nonzero. Z coordinate information defines the
elevation. If the extrusion direction of the entry differs from the Z axis (0,0,1) of the current
UCS, LIST also reports the extrusion direction in UCS coordinates.
LIST reports additional information related to the specific object selected.
Toolbar: Inquiry > List
Command: Li
Draw any Ployline given in figure 7-4
Command: li LIST
LWPOLYLINE Layer: "0" Figure 7-4
Space: Model space
Handle = FF
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Open
Constant width 0.0000
area 101029.4545
length 1516.4730
at point X=1093.6606 Y=-721.4359 Z= 0.0000
at point X=1319.0970 Y=-390.7152 Z= 0.0000
at point X=1558.9230 Y=-726.2290 Z= 0.0000
at point X=1712.4116 Y=-381.1291 Z= 0.0000
at point X=1976.2202 Y=-572.8512 Z= 0.0000
7. 4 Location of Point
The UCS coordinate of the location is displayed on the command line.
ID lists the X, Y, and Z values of the specified point and stores the coordinate of the specified
point as the last point. You can reference the last point by entering @ at the next prompt that
requests a point.
If you snap to an object in 3D space, the Z coordinate value is the same as that of the selected
feature of the object.
Toolbar: Inquiry > Location
Command: Id
Command: id
Specify point: Specify the any point of object it give the coordinate.
X = 962.1742 Y = -298.3709 Z = 0.0000 Figure 7-5
7. 5 Mass Properties
This command is used to calculate the complete properties of solid for e.g. Centroid, Moment of
inertia, Radii of gyration, Product of inertia etc. Note that it is only used for the solids in 3D
which is used for making 3D object
Toolbar: Inquiry > Mass properties
Command: _mass
3D solid which is shown in figure 7-6, their mass properties is given below.
Command: _massprop
Select objects: 1 found
Select objects:
---------------- SOLIDS ----------------
Mass: 103814.9777
Volume: 103814.9777
Bounding box: X: 1833.7804 -- 1872.6176
Y: 97.6712 -- 186.7737
Z: 0.0000 -- 30.0000
Centroid: X: 1853.1990
Y: 142.2224
Z: 15.0000
Moments of inertia: X: 2199717126.7107
Y: 3.5658E+11
Z: 3.5872E+11 Figure 7-6
Products of inertia: XY: 27362145173.0932
YZ: 221472264.4408
ZX: 2885847183.5155
Radii of gyration: X: 145.5638
Y: 1853.3138
Z: 1858.8601
Principal moments and X-Y-Z directions about centroid:
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7. 6 Properties
It is a special feature of AutoCAD in which all the properties of object are shown on it. For
example if you select a line in the model, their general properties like color, layer, line type, plot
style, lineweight etc. geometry properties like start point and end point is given with X, Y, Z
coordinate, their length is also shown in the properties. It is use for all type of object which is
drawn in the AutoCAD drawing and it is open at that time. See figure 7-7. It shows a properties
of line.
Toolbar: Standard > Properties
Menu: Modify > Properties
Command: MO or Properties
It is also use for modification of object with their types.
Figure 7-7
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CHAPTER- 8
Dimension
8. 0 Introduction
To make designs more informative and practical , the drawing must convey more than just the
graphic picture. To manufacture an object, the drawing must contain size descriptions such as the
length, width, angle radius, diameter, and location of features. All the information is added to the
drawing with the help of dimensioning. By dimensioning, you are not only giving the size of a
part, you are also giving a series of investigation to a machinist, engineers, or an architect. See
figure 8-1 to drawing toolbar and use it your self in the drawing.
Ordinate Dim. Quick Dim. Tolerance Dim. Update
Linear Dim. Diameter Dim. Continues Dim. Dim. Edit
Figure 8-2
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Figure 8-3
a) Color: Sets the color for the dimension line. If you click Select Color (at the bottom of the
Color list), the Select Color dialog box is displayed. You can also enter the color name or
number in the text box. You can select colors from the 255 AutoCAD Color Index (ACI)
colors, true colors, and Color Book colors.
b) Lineweight: Sets the lineweight of the dimension line.
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c) Extend Beyond Ticks: Specifies a distance to extend the dimension line past the extension
line when you use oblique, architectural, tick, integral, and no marks for arrowheads. This
spinner is used to specify the distance by which the dimension line will extend beyond the
extension line. See figure 8-4.
d) Baseline Spacing: Sets the spacing between the dimension lines of a baseline dimension
or enter a distance. This value is stored in the DIMDLI system variable. See figure 8-5
e) Suppress: Suppresses display of dimension lines. Dim Line 1 suppresses the first
dimension line; Dim Line 2 suppresses the second dimension line. ( DIMSD1 and
DIMSD2 system variables). See figure 8-6
10.00 Extension Line
Extension Line
0.20 0.20
7.50 10.00
10.00 Fig
5.00 ure Dimension Line
10.00 10.00
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c) Leader: Sets the arrowhead for the leader line. To specify a user-defined arrowhead block,
select User Arrow. The Select Custom Arrow Block dialog box is displayed. Select the
name of a user-defined arrowhead block. (The block must be in the drawing.)
d) Arrow Size: Sets the size of arrowheads.
Figure 8-10
8. 4. 1 Text Appearance
Controls the dimension text format and size.
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a) Text Style: Displays and sets the current style for dimension text. Select a style from the
list. To create and modify styles for dimension text, choose the [...] button next to the list.
b) Text Color: Sets the color for the dimension text. If you click Select Color (at the bottom
of the Color list), the Select Color dialog box is displayed. You can also enter the color
name or number in the text box.
c) Text Height: Sets the height of the current dimension text style. If a fixed text height is set
in the Text Style (that is, the text style height is greater than 0), that height overrides the
text height set here. If you want to use the height set on the Text tab, make sure the text
height in the Text Style is set to 0.
d) Fraction Height Scale: Sets the scale of fractions relative to dimension text. This option is
available only when Fractional is selected as the Unit Format on the Primary Units tab. The
value entered here is multiplied by the text height to determine the height of dimension
fractions relative to dimension text.
e) Draw Frame Around Text: Draws a frame around dimension text. Selecting this option
changes the value stored in the DIMGAP system variable to a negative value. See figure
8. 4. 2 Text Placement
Controls the placement of dimension text. Choose the option see the change in prevew of figure
8-10
a) Vertical: Controls the vertical placement of dimension text in relation to the dimension
line. The vertical setting is stored in the DIMTAD system variable. Vertical position
options include the following:
Centered: Centers the dimension text between the two parts of the dimension line.
Above: Places the dimension text above the dimension line. The distance from the
dimension line to the baseline of the lowest line of text is the current text gap.
Outside: Places the dimension text on the side of the dimension line farthest away from
the first defining point.
JIS: Places the dimension text to conform to a Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS)
representation.
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8. 4. 3 Text Alignment
Controls the orientation (horizontal or aligned) of dimension text whether it is inside or outside
the extension lines.
a) Horizontal: Places text in a horizontal position.
b) Aligned With Dimension Line: Aligns text with the dimension line.
c) ISO Standard: Aligns text with the dimension line when text is inside the extension lines,
but aligns it horizontally when text is outside the extension lines.
8. 5 Fit
8. 5. 1 Fit Options
Controls the placement of text and arrowheads based on the space available between the
extension lines. When space is available, AutoCAD places text and arrowheads between the
extension lines. Otherwise, text and arrowheads are placed according to the Fit options. Either
the Text or the Arrows, Whichever Fits Best
Places text and arrowheads as follows:
When enough space is available for text and arrowheads, places both between the
extension lines. Otherwise, AutoCAD moves either the text or the arrowheads based on
the best fit.
When enough space is available for text only, places text between the extension lines and
places arrowheads outside the extension lines.
When enough space is available for arrowheads only, places them between the extension
lines and places text outside the extension lines.
When space is available for neither text nor arrowheads, places them both outside the
extension lines.
Figure 8-12
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c) Both Text and Arrows: When not enough space is available for text and arrowheads,
places both outside the extension lines.
d) Always Keep Text Between Ext Lines : Always places text between extension lines. This
value is stored in the DIMTIX system variable. Suppress Arrows If TheyDont Fit inside
Extension Lines, Suppresses arrowheads if not enough space is available inside the
extension lines.
8. 5. 2 Text Placement
Sets the placement of dimension text when it is moved from the default position, that is, the
position defined by the dimension style. ( DIMTMOVE system variable)
a) Beside the Dimension Line: Places dimension text beside the dimension line.
b) Over the Dimension Line, with a Leader: If text is moved away from the dimension line,
creates a leader connecting the text to the dimension line. AutoCAD omits the leader when
text is too close to the dimension line.
c) Over the Dimension Line, Without a Leader: Keeps the dimension line in the same
place when text is moved. Text that is moved away from the dimension line is not
connected to the dimension line with a leader.
8. 5. 4 Fine Tuning
Sets additional fit options.
a) Place Text Manually When Dimensioning: Ignores any horizontal justification settings
and places the text at the position you specify at the Dimension Line Location prompt. This
value is stored in the DIMUPT system variable.
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b) Always Draw Dim Line Between Ext Lines: Draws dimension lines between the
measured points even when AutoCAD places the arrowheads outside the measured points.
This value is stored in the DIMTOFL system variable.
8. 6 Primary Unit
8. 6. 1 Linear Dimensions
Sets the format and precision for linear dimensions.
a) Unit Format: The formats that are available include Decimal, Scientific, Architectural,
Engineering, Fractional. Keep in mind that by selecting a dimension unit format, the
drawing units (which you might have select by using the UNITS command) are not
affected. Sets the current units format for all dimension types except Angular.
Figure 8-13
b) Precision: Sets the number of decimal places in the dimension text.
c) Fraction Format: Sets the format for fractions
d) Decimal Separator: Sets the separator for decimal formats.
e) Round Off: Sets rounding rules for dimension measurements for all dimension types
except Angular.
If you enter a value of 0.25, all distances are rounded to the nearest 0.25 unit. Similarly, if you
enter a value of 1.0, AutoCAD rounds all dimension distances to the nearest integer. The number
of digits displayed after the decimal point depends on the Precision setting.
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f) Prefix: Indicates a prefix for the dimension text. You can enter text or use control codes to
display special symbols. For example, entering the control code %%c displays the diameter
symbol. When you enter a prefix, it overrides any default prefixes such as those used in
diameter (D) and radius (R) dimensioning. This value is stored in the DIMPOST system
variable. If you specify tolerances, AutoCAD adds the prefix to the tolerances as well as to
the main dimension.
g) Suffix: Indicates a suffix for the dimension text. You can enter text or use control codes to
display special symbols. For example, entering the text mm results in dimension text
similar to that shown in the illustration. When you enter a suffix, it overrides any default
suffixes.
8. 6. 2 Measurement Scale
Defines measurement scale options as follows:
Scale Factor: Sets a scale factor for linear dimension measurements. AutoCAD multiplies
the dimension measurement by the value entered here. For example, if you enter 2,
AutoCAD displays a 1-inch dimension as 2 inches. The value does not apply to angular
dimensions and is not applied to rounding values or to plus or minus tolerance values.
Apply to Layout Dimensions Only: Applies the linear scale value only to dimensions
created in layouts. This sets the length scale factor to reflect the zoom scale factor for
objects in a model space viewports.
8. 6. 3 Zero Suppression
Controls the suppression of leading and trailing zeros, and of feet and inches that have a value of
zero.
Leading: Suppresses leading zeros in all decimal dimensions. For example, 0.5000
becomes .5000.
Trailing: Suppresses trailing zeros in all decimal dimensions. For example, 12.5000
becomes 12.5, and 30.0000 becomes 30.
0 Feet: Suppresses the feet portion of a feet-and-inches dimension when the distance is
less than one foot. For example, 0'-6 1/2" becomes 6 1/2".
0 Inches: Suppresses the inches portion of a feet-and-inches dimension when the distance
is an integral number of feet. For example, 1'-0" becomes 1'.
8. 6. 4 Angular Dimensions
Sets the current angle format for angular dimensions.
a) Units Format: Sets the angular units format. For example Degree/ minuet/ Second.
b) Precision: Sets the number of decimal places for angular dimensions.
8. 6. 5 Zero Suppression
Suppresses leading and trailing zeros.
Leading: Suppresses leading zeros in angular decimal dimensions. For example, 0.5000
becomes .5000.
Trailing: Suppresses trailing zeros in angular decimal dimensions. For example, 12.5000
becomes 12.5, and 30.0000 becomes 30.
8. 7 Alternate Units
Sets the current alternate units format for all dimension types except Angular. See figure 8-14 for
alternate Units setting.
8. 7. 1 Alternate Units
a) Unit Format: Sets the alternate units format.
b) Precision: Sets the number of decimal places in the alternate units.
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c) Multiplier for Alternate Units: Specifies a multiplier to use as the conversion factor
between primary and alternate units. To determine the value of alternate units, AutoCAD
multiplies all linear distances (measured by dimensions and coordinates) by the current
linear scale value. The length scaling value changes the generated measurement value. The
value has no effect on angular dimensions
d) Round Distances To: Sets rounding rules for alternate units for all dimension types except
Angular. If you enter a value of 0.25, all alternate measurements are rounded to the nearest
0.25 unit. Similarly, if you enter a value of 1.0, AutoCAD rounds all dimension
measurements to the nearest integer. The number of digits displayed after the decimal point
depends on the Precision setting.
e) Prefix: Indicates a prefix for the alternate dimension text. You can enter text or use control
codes to display special symbols. For example, entering the control code %%c displays the
diameter symbol.
f) Suffix: Includes the suffix in the alternate dimension text. You can enter text or use control
codes to display special symbols. For example, entering the text cm results in dimension
text similar to that shown in the illustration. When you enter a suffix, it overrides any
default suffixes.
Figure 8-14
8. 7. 2 Zero Suppression
Controls the suppression of leading and trailing zeros, and of feet and inches that have a value of
zero.
a) Leading: Suppresses leading zeros in all decimal dimensions. For example, 0.5000
becomes .5000.
b) Trailing: Suppresses trailing zeros in all decimal dimensions. For example, 12.5000
becomes 12.5, and 30.0000 becomes 30.
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c) 0 Feet: Suppresses the feet portion of a feet-and-inches dimension when the distance is
less than 1 foot. For example, 0'-6 1/2" becomes 6 1/2".
d) 0 Inches: Suppresses the inches portion of a feet-and-inches dimension when the distance
is an integral number of feet. For example, 1'-0" becomes 1'.
8. 7. 3 Placement
Controls the placement of alternate units. These values are stored in the DIMAPOST system
variable.
a) After Primary Value: Places alternate units after the primary units.
b) Below Primary Value: Places alternate units below the primary units.
8. 8 Tolerance
See figure 8-15 for Tolerance Setting.
8. 8. 1 Tolerance Format
Controls the tolerance format.
a) Method: Sets the method for calculating the tolerance.
None: Does not add a tolerance. The DIMTOL system variable is set to 0.
Symmetrical: Adds a plus/minus expression of tolerance in which AutoCAD applies a
single value of variation to the dimension measurement. A appears after the dimension.
Enter the tolerance value in Upper Value. The DIMTOL system variable is set to 1. The
DIMLIM system variable is set to 0.
Deviation: Adds a plus/minus tolerance expression. AutoCAD applies different plus and
minus values of variation to the dimension measurement. A plus sign (+) precedes the
tolerance value entered in Upper Value, and a minus sign () precedes the tolerance value
entered in Lower Value. The DIMTOL system variable is set to 1. The DIMLIM system
variable is set to 0.
Limits: Creates a limit dimension in which AutoCAD displays a maximum and a
minimum value, one over the other. The maximum value is the dimension value plus the
value entered in Upper Value. The minimum value is the dimension value minus the
value entered in Lower Value. The DIMTOL system variable is set to 0. The DIMLIM
system variable is set to 1.
Basic: Creates a basic dimension in which AutoCAD draws a box around the full extents
of the dimension.
8. 8. 2 Zero Suppression
Controls the suppression of leading and trailing zeros, and of feet and inches that have a value of
zero.
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a) Leading: Suppresses leading zeros in all decimal dimensions. For example, 0.5000
becomes .5000.
b) Trailing: Suppresses trailing zeros in all decimal dimensions. For example, 12.5000
becomes 12.5, and 30.0000 becomes 30.
c) 0 Feet: Suppresses the feet portion of a feet-and-inches dimension when the distance is
less than 1 foot. For example, 0'-6 1/2" becomes 6 1/2".
d) 0 Inches: Suppresses the inches portion of a feet-and-inches dimension when the distance
is an integral number of feet. For example, 1'-0" becomes 1'.
Figure 8-15
8. 8. 3 Alternate Unit Tolerance
Sets the precision and zero suppression rules for alternate tolerance units.
a) Precision: Sets the number of decimal places. This value is stored in the DIMALTTD
system variable.
b) Zero Suppression: Controls the suppression of leading and trailing zeros, and of feet and
inches that have a value of zero.
Leading: Suppresses leading zeros in all decimal dimensions. For example, 0.5000
becomes .5000.
Trailing: Suppresses trailing zeros in all decimal dimensions. For example, 12.5000
becomes 12.5, and 30.0000 becomes 30.
0 Feet: Suppresses the feet portion of a feet-and-inches dimension when the distance is
less than 1 foot. For example, 0'-6 1/2" becomes 6 1/2".
0 Inches: Suppresses the inches portion of a feet-and-inches dimension when the distance
is an integral number of feet. For example, 1'-0" becomes 1'.
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CHAPTER 9
Plotting Drawing
Figure 9-1
9. 1 Page setup Area
The Name drop-down list provided in this area displays all the named page setups. A page setup
contains the settings required to plot a drawing on a sheet of paper to create a layout. It consist of
all the setting related to the plotting of the drawing such as the scale, ht pen setting, and so on,
and also includes the plot device being used. These setting can be saved as a named page setup,
which can be later selected from this drop-down list and then be used for plotting a drawing. If
you select previous plot from the drop-down list, the settings used for the last drawing plotted are
applied to the current drawing.
9. 2 Printer/plotter
This area display all the information about the confabulated printers and plotters currently
selected from the name drop-down list. It displays the plotter driver and the printer port being
used. It also displays the physical location and some description text about the elected plotter or
printer.
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a) Properties: If you want to check information about a configured printer or plotter, choose
the properties button, the plotter configuration editor is displayed. This dialog box lists all
the details of the selected plotter under three tabs;; General, Ports, and device and
document settings
b) Plot to file: If you select this check box, AutoCAD plots the output to a file rather than to
the plotter. Depending on the plotter selected, the file can be plotted in the .dwf, .plt, or
.png format. The file name and the location of the plot file can be specified using the
browse for plot file dialog box, which is displayed when you choose OK from the plot
dialog box after selecting this check box.
9. 4 Plot area
Using what to plot drop-down list provided in this area, you can specify the portion of the
drawing to be plotted. You can also control the way the plotting will be carried out. The option
available in what to plot drop-down list are described next.
a) Display: If you select this option, the portion of the drawing that is currently being
displayed on the screen is plotted.
b) Extents: This option resembles the Extents option of the Zoom command and print the
drawing to the extents of the objects. If you add more objects to the drawing, they are also
included in the plot and the extents of the drawing are recalculated. If you reduce the
drawing extents by erasing, moving, or scaling the object, the extents of the drawing are
again recalculated. You can use the Extents option zoom command to determine which
objects shall be plotted.
c) Limits: This option is available only if you are plotting from the model tab. Selecting this
option plots the complete area defined within the drawing limits.
d) Window: With this option, you can specify the section of the drawing to be plotted by
defining a window. The section of the drawing contained within the window defined by
selecting a lower left corner and an upper right corner is plotted. To define a window,
select the window option from the what to plot drop-down lists.
e) View: Select the view option enables you to plot a view that was created with the view
command. The view must be defined in the current drawing. If no view has been created,
the view option is not displayed. When you select this option, a drop-down list is displayed
in this area. You can select a view for plotting from drop-down list and then choose OK in
the Plot dialog box. When using the view option, the specification of the plot depends on
the specifications of the named view.
f) Layout: This option is available only when you are plotting from the layout. This option
prints the entire content of the drawing that lies inside the printable area of the paper
selected from the drop-down list in the paper size area.
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9. 5 Plot offset
This area allows you to specify an offset of the plotting area from the lower left corner of the
paper. The lower left corner of a specified plot area is positioned at the lower left margin of the
paper by default. If you select the Center the plot check box, AutoCAD automatically centers the
plot on the paper by calculating the X and Y offset values. You can specify an offset from the
origin by entering positive or negative values in the X and Y edit boxes. For example, if you
want the drawing to be plotted 4 units to the right and 4 units above the origin point enter 4 in
both the X and Y edit boxes. Depending on the units you have specified in the Paper size and
paper units area of the dialog box, the offset values are either in inches or in millimeters.
a) Shade plot: This drop-down list is used to select a technique that will be used to plot the
drawings. If you select As Displayed from this drop-down list, the drawing will be plotted
as it is displayed on the screen. If the drawing is hidden, shaded, or rendered, it will be
printed as it is.
b) Quality: This drop-down list is used to select printing quality in term of dots per inch (dpi)
for the printed drawing. The Draft option prints the drawing with 0 dpi, which results in the
wireframes printout. The preview option prints the drawing at 150dpi, the normal option
prints the drawing at 300 dpi, the presentation option prints the drawing at 600 dpi, the
Maximum option prints the drawing at the selected plotting devices maximum dpi. You
can also specify accustom dpi by selecting the custom option from this drop-down list.
9. 8 Plot option
This area displays six options that can be selected as per the plot requirements.
a) Plot with plot styles: This check box is not available if the plot with plot styles check box
is selected. To activate this option, clear the Plot with plot styles check box. This check
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box is selected by default and AutoCAD plots the drawing with the specified lineweight.
To plot the drawings without the specified lineweight clear this check box.
AutoCAD plots using the plot styles applied to the objects in the drawing and defined in
the plot style table. The different property characteristics associated with the different style
definitions are stored in the plot style tables and can be easily attached to the geometry.
b) Plot paper space last: This check box is not available when you are in model tab because
no paper space objects are present in the model tab. This option is available when you are
working in a layout tab. By selecting the Plot paper space last check box, you get option of
plotting model space geometry before paper space objects. Usually paper space geometry
is plotted before model space geometry. This option is also useful when there are multiple
tabs selected for plotting and you want to plot the model space geometry before the layout
tabs.
c) Hide paper space objects: This check box is used to specify whether or not the objects
drawn in the layouts will be hidden while plotting. If this check box is selected, the objects
created in the layouts will be hidden.
d) Plot stamp on: This check box is selected to turn the plot stamp on. Plot stamp is user-
defined information that will be displayed on the sheet after plotting. You can set the plot
stamping when you select this check box. When you select this check box, the Plot Stamp
Settings button is displayed on the right of this check box. You can choose this button to
display the Plot Stamp dialog box to set the parameters for the plot stamp.
e) Save changes to layout: This check box is selected to save the changes made using the
Plot dialog box and apply them to the layout selected to plot.
f) Drawing Orientation: This area provides options that help you specify the orientation of
the drawing on the paper for the plotters that support landscape or portrait orientation. You
can change the drawing orientation by electing Portrait or landscape radio button.
9. 9 Preview
When you choose the preview button, AutoCAD display the drawing on the screen just as it
would be plotted on the paper. Once the regeneration is performed, the dialog box on the screen
is removed temporarily, and an outline of the paper size is shown.
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