Introduction To AutoCAD Features/Windows Reviewmedia.scc.losrios.edu/FitzpaK/310/310_PPT/AutoCAD_Introduction.pdf · EDT 310 1 Introduction to AutoCAD Features Sacramento City College

EDT 310 1

Introduction to AutoCAD Features

Sacramento City College

EDT 310

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Objectives

Describe methods and procedures used in CAD.

Explain the value of planning your work and system management.

Describe the appropriate locations for saving drawing files.

Load AutoCAD from the Windows Desktop

Describe the AutoCAD screen layout and user interface.

Describe the functions of dialog boxes.

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Objectives

Use the keyboard and an input device to select commands, enter text and pick locations on the screen

Identify the function of the AutoCAD DesignCenter and the Properties window.

Review Help.

Define function, control and shortcut keys.

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The Tools of CAD

Computer

Software

These components together make up a system referred to as CAD.

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Users of CAD

CAD is used by:

Drafters

Designers

Engineers

Architects

They develop designs and drawings; and plot them on paper.

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CAD Power

CAD is extremely powerful.

Because of its speed, power, accuracy and flexibility it has surpassed manual drafting.

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CAD Limitations

CAD does have limitations:

CAD files are only electrical impulses

Computers cause repetitive strain injury.

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The Applications of AutoCAD

We will learn how to construct, layout, dimension and annotate two-dimensional drawings.

Advanced AutoCAD classes will study three-dimensional drawing.

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A drawing can have hundreds of colors and layers which contain different kinds of information.

The drawing objects can have “intelligence” in the form of attributes.

3D models can be constructed, and rendered.

Animation can be used to rotate models so they can be viewed from any direction.

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The entire project must be considered when developing a drawing plan.

A detailed knowledge of AutoCAD and its tools will assist you.

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Learn the X,Y,Z Coordinate System

Drawings are constructed using the Cartesian coordinate system X-Y-Z

Origin = (0,0)

Rectangular coordinates X = horizontal

Y = vertical

Z = third dimension

Distance measure horizontally is an X value

Distance measured vertically is a Y value.

Add the Z, creates 3D drawing.

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Planning Your Drawing

Set a plan prior to working.

Determine drawings to be created

Determine how they will be titled and numbered

“Seat of the pants approach” does not work well here.

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Use Drawing Standards

Standards are guidelines for operating procedures, drawing techniques, and record keeping.

Most companies and schools have established standards.

It is important that standards exist and are used uniformly by all CAD personnel.

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Standards may include Methods of file storage; Location and name

Dimensioning techniques

File naming conventions

Text styles

Drawing sheet sizes and title blocks to be used

Linetypes

Drawing symbols

Color schemes for plotting

File backup methods and times of backup

The most important aspect of standards is that they are used.

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Planning Your Work

Plan Your Work FIRST!

The time spent on a project will be shortened if good planning is performed up front.

Good Planning Poor Planning

Pro

ject

Pro

gre

ss

Time Spent

Time Spent

Project Duration/Time Expenditure Pyramid

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Variables Customize AutoCAD

Learn the Function of Variables

AutoCAD uses variables to customize how it functions for each user.

Most variables can be changed by typing the name of the variable at the Command: prompt, and changing a value.

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SAVETIME Variable

One variable is SAVETIME.

SAVETIME saves your work at a user-defined time period.

Use SAVETIME variable to regularly save your work.

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Drawing Planning Sheets

Use Drawing Planning Sheets

Good work plans save time

Planning should include sketches and drawing planning sheets.

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These tools help in the following ways: Determines the drawing layout.

Sets the overall size of the drawing by laying out the views and required free space

Confirms the drawing units based on the dimensions provided

Predetermines the point entry system and locates the points

Establishes the GRID and SNAP settings

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Presets some of the drawing variables such as LINETYPE, FILL and polyline width.

Establishes how and when various activities are to be performed.

Determines the best use of AutoCAD

Results in an even workload

Provides maximum use of equipment.

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Planning Checklist

Take the time and plan your work.

Avoid tendency to want things to happen immediately.

Analyze the problem.

Study all engineering sketches.

Locate all available resources and list for future

use.

Determine the applicable standards for the

project.

Sketch the problem.

Decide on the number and kind of views

required.

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Planning Checklist

Determine the final plotted scale of the drawing, and of all views.

List the AutoCAD commands to be used.

Determine the drawing sequence (lines, features, dimensions, notes, etc.).

Follow the standards and refer to resources as you work.

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Working Procedures Checklist

Several skills are required for you to become a proficient CAD user.

Establish a Working Procedures Checklist to assist you.

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Here are some hints:

Plan all work with pencil and paper before using the computer

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

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

Watch disk drive lights to see when the disks are being accessed.

Think ahead.

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Learn new commands every day.

Don't rely on just a few that seem to work.

Find commands that can speed your work and do it more efficiently. (Shortcuts).

Save your work every 10 to 15 minutes in case of power failure or system crash.

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If you're stumped ask the computer for help. Use on-line help.

Read the command line after entering data and before pressing the [ENTER] key.

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Starting AutoCAD

AutoCAD operates with

Windows 95, 98, NT, 2000, XP.

Windows versions are almost identical with regard to functionality.

When AutoCAD is installed, Windows places a Program Icon on the desktop.

AutoCAD can be started from the Start Menu or from the Program Icon.

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Starting AutoCAD

Sacramento City College runs AutoCAD version 2005 with Windows XP.

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Starting AutoCAD

To start AutoCAD

1. Double-click the AutoCAD 2005 icon on the desktop

or

2. Select

“Start”

“Programs”

“AutoCAD 2000” Folder

“AutoCAD 2000”

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Standard Screen Layout

Graphical User Interface

One of the most important aspects of AutoCAD is the Graphical User Interface (GUI).

Most common component of the GUI is the dialog box.

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The AutoCAD Graphics Window

The AutoCAD graphics window is similar to any other window within the Windows operating system.

Maximize and minimize buttons

Close buttons, in the upper right corner

Window sizing operations are done as with any other window.

AutoCAD uses the Windows Guidelines for appearance:

Buttons, pull-down menus, and dialog boxes.

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The Standard Screen Layout provides a large graphics or drawing area.

The drawing area is bordered by the toolbar at the top and the command line at the bottom.

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Items are floating, meaning they can be freely moved about on the screen.

When an item is floating, it has the standard Windows border and title bar.

Floating windows can be moved and adjusted for size like other windows.

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Floating Items can be docked around the edges of the graphics window.

Toolbars can be docked or floated.

To dock an item,

drag it to the edge of the graphics window (top, bottom, left or right).

The border will change shape.

The item will dock at that location.

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Floating Command Window -

In default position the window is docked at the bottom of the graphics window.

Displays the "Command:" prompt at the bottom of the graphics window.

It also displays prompts that supply information to you or request input.

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The Floating Command Window is the primary communications area with AutoCAD ! !.

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Menu bars Appears just below the title bar and

displays a number of menu names. File

Edit

View

Insert

Format

Tools

Draw

Dimension

Modify

Window

Help

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Use the cursor to point at a menu name and press the left mouse button.

A pull-down menu is displayed.

Any time you pick an item followed by an ellipsis (…) a dialog box is displayed.

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Dialog Box

A dialog box is a rectangular area that appears on the screen after you type or select certain commands.

Dialog Boxes

Contain specific information related to a specific command or function.

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Scroll bars

Allow you to adjust your view of the drawing area.

Horizontal scroll bars

Vertical scroll bars.

Graphics cursor size

The graphics cursor size can be adjusted - preferences, tools; cursor size.

A value of 100% is full-screen cursor.

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Coordinate System Icon

Displays the current coordinate system.

Floating toolbars

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

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Status bar

Contains several display fields that reflect the current state of specific drawing control features.

When a menu item is highlighted a brief explanation of the item is shown here.

Coordinate display

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

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Standard toolbar

When you move the pointing device to the toolbar, the crosshairs change to the Windows arrow pointer.

ToolTips

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

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Flyout Buttons

Some buttons show a small black triangle in the lower-right corner.

These buttons are called flyouts.

Press and hold the pick button while pointing at a flyout to display a set of related buttons.

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Object Properties toolbar

Contains buttons and display fields for commonly used AutoCAD commands.

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Make Object's Layer Current Allows selection of a drawing object to change

the current layer to that of the selected object

Layers Accesses the Layer & Linetype Properties

dialog box.

Allows you to create and manage drawing layers and linetypes

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Layer Control Shows the current layer and its properties

Picking the drop-down box shows information on all drawing layers and provides a handy shortcut to common layer control options.

Color Control Displays the current object creation color and

when picked displays the four most recently used colors and the seven standard colors

Also allows access to the Select Color dialog box.

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Linetype Access the Layer & Linetype Properties dialog

box for selecting and loading object linetypes.

Linetype Control Displays the current object linetype. Clicking

on the down arrow to the right allows you to select a new linetype from the currently loaded line-types.

Properties Allows modification to the properties of existing

objects in a drawing.

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Pull-Down Menus

Pull-down menus are located on the menu bar at the top of the screen.

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Pull-Down Menus

AutoCAD contains ten pull-down menu items File

Edit

View

Insert

Format

Tools

Draw

Dimension

Modify, and Help

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Dialog Boxes

A dialog box is a box that allows you to set variables and select items using your cursor.

Information, options, and choices are displayed graphically for you by the software. Colors can be displayed by number.

Dialog boxes eliminate typing, save time and increase productivity.

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Dialog Boxes

A pull-down selection that is followed by an ellipsis (. . .) displays a dialog box when picked.

Buttons in a dialog box that are followed by an ellipsis display yet another dialog box which is displayed on top of the first dialog box.

You must make a selection from the second dialog box before returning to the first dialog box.

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Dialog Boxes

Command buttons Most common buttons are: OK, Cancel, Help

Button with the dark gray border is the default.

Radio buttons Only one button can be selected at a time, like

a car radio

Check boxes A check mark is displayed when it is active

Box is empty when not selected.

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List boxes Contain a list of options

Drop-down list boxes Similar to list boxes but initially, only one choice

is shown

Other choices are shown by clicking on the arrow pointing downward on the right side of the screen.

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Text boxes

You can enter a name or a single line of information in a text box.

Existing text appears highlighted, typing when highlighted text exists replaces the text.

Pressing either the Backspace key or the Delete key deletes all of the highlighted text.

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Text boxes

You can edit the highlighted text by first moving the cursor

Right and left arrow keys move the cursor one character at a time.

Using the Ctrl key with the arrows, causes the cursor to jump words.

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File Dialog boxes

Provide a simple means of locating and specifying file names using the familiar Windows dialog box.

Double-clicking a folder opens it.

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File Dialog boxes

The Look In: drop-down list displays the directory tree and allows you to browse other directories.

The Files of Type: drop-down list is used to specify the type of file being searched for.

Selecting a file with one click causes its name to appear in the Filename: box, and its image to appear in the Preview box.

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File Dialog boxes

The four buttons above the upper-right corner of the list box allow you to:

Backup one folder level.

Create a new folder.

Display the files as a list of icons or names with all file details.

The Find File button allows you to browse for a file.

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Scroll bars and buttons

Click above the scroll box to page up.

Click below the scroll box to page down.

Drag scroll box to move through list of items.

Click on up and down arrows individually to move through a list of values.

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Preview Box or Image Tile

A preview box is an area of a dialog box that displays a "picture" of the item you select such as a hatching style, linetypes or text fonts.

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Dialog Box Tab

A dialog box tab is like an index tab used to separate files.

Many dialog boxes contain two or more pages of information, each with a tab at the top.

The dialog box is only dismissed when the OK or Cancel are selected.

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Function Keys

Function Keys provide instant access to commands.

They can also be programmed to perform a series of commands.

AutoCAD uses only nine function keys

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Function Keys

[F1] - Help

[F2] - Flip screen from graphics to text toggle

[F3] - displays Osnap Settings dialog box

[F4] - Tablet mode toggle

[F5] - Isoplane left, right, top

[F6] - Coordinate display

[F7] - Grid mode toggle

[F8] - Ortho mode toggle

[F9] - Snap mode toggle

[F10] - Polar mode toggle

EDT 310 85

Getting Computer Help

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Getting Help

Help is a powerful and convenient on-line system. Help can be activated three ways:

F1 key

Pressing the ? Mark icon on the right end of the Standard toolbar

Picking AutoCAD help topics from the Help pull-down menu Displays Table of Contents; Index; Find

AutoCAD does not have to be running to obtain help Pick, Start, Programs, AutoCAD R14, and On-

line Help.

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Exploring Help

Contents Tab

Displays eight book icons and topic names Using Help

Tutorial

How To…

Command Reference

Users’ Guide

Installation Guide

Customization Guide

ActiveX Automation

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Exploring Help

Using Help

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Selecting AutoCAD Commands

Commands may be selected in four ways

1. Executed by picking a toolbar button or icon

2. Selected from one of the pull-down menus

3. Selected from the digitizer table menu overlay

4. Typed at the keyboard

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Selecting AutoCAD Commands

Command Line Editing

You can select previously used commands by using the up and down arrow keys

This capability allows for fast, repeated use of the same command.

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Keys

The [Esc] key

Control Keys

Function Keys

Button Functions

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Keys

The [Esc] key

Cancels a command and returns to the Command: prompt

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Keys

Control Keys

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

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Keys

Ctrl B - Snap mode (toggle)

Ctrl C - Copy

Ctrl D - coordinate display on/off toggle

Ctrl E - crosshairs in isoplane toggle (left/right/top)

Ctrl G - Grid on/off toggle

Ctrl H - same as backspace

Ctrl K - PICKADD system variable toggle

Ctrl L - Ortho mode toggle

Ctrl O - Open

Ctrl P - Print (Plot)

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Keys

Ctrl R - toggle viewport

Ctrl S - Save

Ctrl T - Tablet mode toggle

Ctrl V - Paste

Ctrl X - Cut

Ctrl Y - Redo

Ctrl Z - Undo Provides detailed information on using

Windows help system.

To open a topic, simply double-click on the topic name or the book icon that precedes it.

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Exploring Help

Picking an item preceded by a ? Mark, displays a Windows Help dialog box. Three buttons are located at the top of this

window: Help Topics - returns to the Help Topics Dialog box.

Back - flips back to the previous Windows Help page

Options

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Exploring Help

Options

Annotate - allows you to write a note that relates to the current help topic. Picking Save attaches your note to the help

topic with a paper clip icon.

To read the annotation, click on the paper clip

Copy - copies the entire content of the Windows help to the Clipboard.

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

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Exploring Help

Options

Font - allows you to select between small, normal, and large fonts for the display of Windows Help dialog box text.

Keep Help on Top - Allows you to keep the Help window on top of all other windows.

Use System Colors - returns the help windows to the default Windows system colors.

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Exploring Help

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

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Exploring Help

Index Tab

Used by typing the first few letters of the word you’re looking for As you type the lower list changes to match

your entry as close as possible

Hypertext - is green underlined text

If a hypertext item is selected, it automatically displays the help screen it is linked to.

When the cursor is on hypertext, it becomes a hand

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Exploring Help

Additional information displayed just below the command name:

Quick Help Displays a pop-up topic box that provides

definitions of the buttons in the AutoCAD Help dialog box

Up A Level Displays an alphabetical listing of AutoCAD

commands and system variables

See Also Displays a pop-up topic box that provides links

to commands and variables that are related to the one currently displayed

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Exploring Help

Find

Allows you to conduct a detailed search based on one or more words

Glossary

Provide a quick definition of a topic

EDT 310 103

5 Minute Assessment

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5 Minute Assessment

What system is used to construct drawings in AutoCAD?

A. the X-Y-Z system.

B. the Cartesian System.

C. the orthographic system.

D. both A and B.

E. none of the above.

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5 Minute Assessment

Drawing Standards. Which of the following statements are TRUE.

A. Standards are guidelines for operating procedures, drawing techniques, and record keeping.

B. Most companies and schools have established standards.

C. It is important that each drafter have their own standards and adhere closely and uniformly to the standards.

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5 Minute Assessment

What is the difference between a “button” and a “key”?

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5 Minute Assessment

What is the difference between a “button” and a “key”?

A button is located on the screen on a Toolbar.

A key is located on the keyboard.

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5 Minute Assessment

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

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5 Minute Assessment

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

A variable

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5 Minute Assessment

The “Menu Bar” is located

A. At the bottom of the screen

B. At the top of the screen

C. On the side of the screen

D. Any, or all of the above, because the user can move the Menu Bar around.

E. The menu bar is not used in AutoCAD.

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5 Minute Assessment

The “Menu Bar” is located

A. At the bottom of the screen

B. At the top of the screen

C. On the side of the screen

D. Any, or all of the above, because the user can move the Menu Bar around.

E. The menu bar is not used in AutoCAD.

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5 Minute Assessment

When using AutoCAD, why should your work be saved frequently?

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5 Minute Assessment

When using AutoCAD, why should your work be saved frequently?

Frequently saving your work will help avoid losing work in the event of a power outage or computer crash.

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5 Minute Assessment

Why should you read the Command window at the bottom of the screen?

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5 Minute Assessment

Why should you read the Command window at the bottom of the screen?

Because AutoCAD displays very important information to the user in this window.

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5 Minute Assessment

Name two ways to start AutoCAD.

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5 Minute Assessment

Name two ways to start AutoCAD.

1. Double-click the AutoCAD icon on the desktop.

2. Double-click an AutoCAD file

3. Choose Start, Programs, AutoDesk, AutoCAD

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5 Minute Assessment

Name two ways to close AutoCAD.

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5 Minute Assessment

Name two ways to close AutoCAD.

File Exit

Click the Close Box in the upper right corner of the AutoCAD window.

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5 Minute Assessment

What is the function of “drawing limits”?

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5 Minute Assessment

What is the function of “drawing limits”?

Limits define a drawing space.

Example: if you have an 11 x 8.5 paper, you may want to set the limits to Lower left: 0,0

Upper right: 11, 8.5

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5 Minute Assessment

What is the “grid”?

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5 Minute Assessment

What is the “grid”?

A rectangular pattern of dots visible on the screen drawing area that assists the AutoCAD user when creating drawings.

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5 Minute Assessment

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

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5 Minute Assessment

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

F7 – turns GRID on/off

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5 Minute Assessment

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

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5 Minute Assessment

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

F9 (turns SNAP on/off)

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5 Minute Assessment

To cause the coordinates to be displayed, what function key should be used?

129

5 Minute Assessment

To cause the coordinates to be displayed, what function key should be used?

F6

130

5 Minute Assessment

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

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5 Minute Assessment

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

File, Save As

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5 Minute Assessment

Name three ways an AutoCAD command can be executed.

133

5 Minute Assessment

Name three ways an AutoCAD command can be executed.

Toolbar

Typed in at the Command: prompt

Pull-Down menus

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5 Minute Assessment

The fastest method of performing the AutoCAD command “COPY” is:

A. Selecting it from a menu.

B. Typing in the command

C. Pressing Ctrl-C.

D. Clicking on the Copy button.

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5 Minute Assessment

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

What are two methods you would show him to display this toolbar?

136

5 Minute Assessment

What is the difference between a “docked toolbar” and a “floating toolbar”?

137

5 Minute Assessment

What happens when you press the Space Bar after successfully executing a command?

138

5 Minute Assessment

What happens when you press the Up Arrow after successfully executing a command?

139

5 Minute Assessment

Give an example of a “sub-command”.

Documents

Introduction To AutoCAD Features/Windows Reviewmedia.scc.losrios.edu/FitzpaK/310/310_PPT/AutoCAD_Introduction.pdf · EDT 310 1 Introduction to AutoCAD Features Sacramento City College