AutoCAD Fundamentals - 2D PDF

AutoCAD® 2014
2D Fundamentals
Portfolio
Submitted by
Ikhlaas Ahmad Baichoo (1316124)
Jed Michael Se Hin Son (1316585)
Jason Neals Sham (1310186)
Submitted to
Dr Jaylina O. Rana
05 March, 2012
 AutoCAD Fundamentals`
Table of Contents
Chapter 1- Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 4
Aim and Objectives .......................................................................................................................... 4
Chapter 2- Methodology...................................................................................................................... 5
Introduction to AutoCAD ................................................................................................................. 5
Workspace ........................................................................................................................................ 8
Introduction to Commands ............................................................................................................ 11
Draw Commands (in AutoCAD Classic) ..................................................................................... 14
Text ................................................................................................................................................... 18
Dimensions...................................................................................................................................... 22
Model Space ................................................................................................................................... 24
Others .............................................................................................................................................. 28
Chapter 3- Results of Exercises ...................................................................................................... 31
Chapter 4- Conclusion ....................................................................................................................... 34
Chapter 5- References ...................................................................................................................... 34
 Page ii
 AutoCAD Fundamentals`
List of Figures
Figure 1 (a) Start Menu (b) AutoCAD screen ........................................................................ 5
Figure 2 AutoCAD components............................................................................................. 6
Figure 3 AutoCAD toolbar ..................................................................................................... 9
Figure 4 Menu Bar .............................................................................................................. 10
Figure 5 Saving Options...................................................................................................... 10
Figure 6 Open and Save Option .......................................................................................... 11
Figure 7 Drawing Units........................................................................................................ 13
Figure 8 Example for drawing units ..................................................................................... 14
Figure 9 Different ways of presenting angles ...................................................................... 14
Figure 10 Circle options ...................................................................................................... 16
Figure 11 Arc Option ........................................................................................................... 16
Figure 12 Text Formatting toolbar ....................................................................................... 19
Figure 13 Conversion table ................................................................................................. 20
Figure 14 Text Style window ............................................................................................... 20
Figure 15 Text Style- Paper Text Height ............................................................................. 21
Figure 16 Annotate ribbon ................................................................................................... 21
Figure 17 Superimposed annotative text ............................................................................. 21
Figure 18 Type of leaders ................................................................................................... 22
Figure 19 Dimension Style Manager ................................................................................... 23
Figure 20 New Annotation Style .......................................................................................... 23
Figure 21 Options in changing Dimension Styles ................................................................ 24
Figure 22 New Layout space............................................................................................... 25
Figure 23 Page Setup Manager window ............................................................................. 25
Figure 24 Page Setup Manager window............................................................................. 26
Figure 25 Viewport Scale menu .......................................................................................... 27
Figure 26 Layers access ribbon .......................................................................................... 28
Figure 27 Layer Option Menu .............................................................................................. 29
Figure 28 Hatching Ribbon ................................................................................................. 30
Figure 29 Geometric Shapes with dimensioning ................................................................. 31
Figure 30 Drawings showing Rotate, Copy, Mirror and Offset command............................. 31
Figure 31 Using Rotate and Extend command .................................................................... 32
Figure 32 Pentagon formatted with ARRAY command ........................................................ 32
Figure 33 Circles using ERASE and TRIM command.......................................................... 33
Figure 34 Dimensioning with Continue command ............................................................... 33
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 AutoCAD Fundamentals
Chapter 1- Introduction
AutoCAD® is a computer-aided design (CAD) software used in drafting and 3 dimensional

modelling. Developed and marketed since 1982, the CAD software has acquired good
reputation among professionals such as architects and engineers. Its popularity can be
explained by its user-friendly graphic display and performance-oriented tools.
AutoCAD brings together a whole array of functionalities that one can use to create objects
of different degree of complexities. One can make use of basic commands to Draw and Edit
objects, add explanatory details through annotative text, leaders and dimensions, vary their
level of precision and even scale the drawings to one’s own liking. It is also possible to
provide visual effects to one’s drawings. For example, hatch commands may be used to
produce more realistic drawings by specifying the textures of materials used.
At some point in the drafting procedure, one will have to produce a hardcopy of one’s
drawings. AutoCAD beginners may be happy to learn that the software provides the
necessary options for plotting.
To know and master AutoCAD is hence a necessity for civil engineers, hence the presence
of an introductory module in our civil engineering programme. This portfolio covers the
basics of AutoCAD and can be considered a compilation of what has been covered in class
.Aim and Objectives
Our aim as a group is to enhance and develop our basic understanding of AutoCAD
functionalities as a preliminary to going in complex geometries and drafting. Our objectives
are as follows:
1) To summarise the basics of AutoCAD covered in class into a portfolio;

2) To put this knowledge in application; that is to draft and plot simple drawings
illustrating the covered commands and tools.
Task Plan
Table 1- Planning of work
Member Contribution
Jed M. Se Hin Son Introduction to AutoCAD- Introduction to Commands + exercise 2&6
Jason N. Sham Draw commands- Model Space +exercise 1 & 5
Ikhlaas A. Baichoo Others & Introduction & Conclusion+ exercise 3 & 4
 Page 4
Chapter 2- Methodology
Introduction to AutoCAD
 Starting up AutoCAD® 2014
1. Select the AutoCAD 2014 option on the programs menu (Start > All Programs >
Autodesk > AutoCAD 2014 – English > AutoCAD 2014 – English) OR type “AutoCAD
2014” in the “Search programs and files” OR double-click on the AutoCAD 2014 icon on
the desktop.
(a) (b)
Figure 1 (a) Start Menu (b) AutoCAD screen
Once the program is loaded into memory, the AutoCAD 2014 drawing screen will appear on
the screen as shown in fig. 1(a).
Note that AutoCAD automatically assigns generic name, Drawing X, as new drawings are
created. In our example, AutoCAD opened the graphics window using the default system
units and assigned the drawing name Drawing1. It also opened AutoCAD in the “Drafting &
Annotation” workspace. The workspace can switched to “AutoCAD Classic” by clicking on
“Drafting & Annotation” and then “AutoCAD Classic” in the top bar.
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2 4
3 5
12
13
11
7
8
9 10
Figure 2 AutoCAD components
1. Application button: This is where the most widespread tools common to most programs
are found.
2. Quick access toolbar(QAT) : where the most commonly used tools are found (can be
customized using the little down arrow at the utmost right of the QAT)
3. Menu bar: this is where most tools are (it can be added or removed in the chosen
workspace “drafting and annotations”.
4. Help bar.
5. Ribbon: most tools are classified there. It is to note that the tools classification differ
according to each workspace.
6. Axes
7. Drawing space: where all the drawings are actually made.
8. Tabs :model(for drawing) and layout(for printing)
9. Command line: for typing commands
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10. Status bar: gives information about coordinates, scale and also allows change in settings
such as snap and polar tracking though toggling of appropriate buttons on and off.
11. Cursor (note that here the crosshair has been extended and need not be so)
12. View cube: information about the viewport, etc…
13. Navigation bar (faded out in diagram): for “navigation” (eg: 3-D rotation, panning, etc…)
 Use of cursor
The cursor is used to click on icons, select drawings, pinpoint vertices and other points.
Its appearance depends on what one is doing:
1. If one is prompted to specify a location, it appears as a crosshair.
2. If used for selection of objects it changes to a small square known as the pickbox.
3. If not in a command, it appears to a combination of both the crosshair and the

pickbox.
4. If one is prompted to enter text, it reverts to the well-known vertical bar.
 Menu bar
This bar contains all the possible commands, editing, formatting and settings present in
AutoCAD, each classified under the appropriate drop down menus.
1. File: Under this one are the “classics”: new file, save file, close, import, save, save
as…
2. Edit: In this are some simple traditional commands such as copy and paste…simple
editing tools.
3. View: This drop down menu contains all the viewing options for the drawing itself
(pan, zoom, etc), those concerning the interface of AutoCAD (toolbar, etc) as well as
the possibility to redraw or regenerate all drawings.
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4. Insert: This is obviously used to insert various things….even pictures as OLE objects.
5. Format: This part of AutoCAD can be used to format each and every part and parcel.
6. Tools: This is the longest drop down menu in AutoCAD. It contains many options and
can be customised to fit one’s personal taste.
7. Draw: where one chooses what to draw and can add some effects to the drawing
(hatching, etc...).
8. Dimension: dimensioning (in proper units) is very important in AutoCAD. One should
not forget that these drawings are often used professionally by engineers and
architects. Hence this menu comprising the various options available for
dimensioning in AutoCAD.
9. Modify: in this drop down menu, all sorts of modifications can be applied to objects (in
2-D or even 3-D). These range from the traditional functions “copy”, “erase” to the
more complex ones “chamfer”, “fillet”, “explode”, etc....
10. Parametric: not to be confused with the same term in mathematics, this part of
AutoCAD is used to define parameters and set constraints for the drawings (and
dimensions).
11. Window: this is simply used to modify the AutoCAD window (toolbar, etc...)
12. Help: present in most programs, the help feature is certainly a great succour for the
novice...
13. Express: these are a small collection of tools available for advanced drawings.
 Workspaces (and profiles)
Workspace
1. Made up of the tools one uses and where one puts them (visible interface on the
screen and their location).
2. Default ones (Drafting & Annotation, 3D basics, 3D modelling, AutoCAD Classic) are
already defined in AutoCAD.
3. Can create one of one’s own liking.
4. Can save changes automatically or not.
5. Can be transferred and modified (not exported or imported) as CUI or CUIX files
(accessed using CUI command).
6. Note that the tools themselves are usually the same; the only major difference is in
the location.
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 Profiles
1. Preferences and settings that control the environment.
2. Colour and size of elements.
3. File locations.
4. Save settings.
5. Status tools (object snap, polar tracking, dynamic input).
6. Managed using the “options” command.
7. Does not affect the user interface.
8. Are dynamic: any change done gets saved automatically.
9. Better export a backup as “.arg” file so that if profile gets messed up, can import the
desired one back.
 Toolbar (in AutoCAD Classic)
Figure 3 AutoCAD toolbar
The toolbar, as its name suggest, consists of many tools. Toolbars can be docked or
undocked. Moreover, more toolbars can be added by right-clicking on the main toolbar
(compilation of many minor toolbars) shown in the green rectangle above. Note that the
toolbar can be considered to replace the ribbon.
 Page 9
 Opening and saving drawings
Drawings can be opened through the menu bar (File>open), by pressing “Ctrl + O” or
through the application button as shown below.
Figure 4 Menu Bar
Drawings can be saved through the menu bar (File> Save or File> Save As), through the
use of the keyboard (Ctrl + S or Ctrl + Shift + S) or through the use of the application button
as shown below.
Figure 5 Saving Options
It is to note that opening and saving options can be accessed and modified under options or
though the menu bar (Tools > Options).
 Page 10
Figure 6 Open and Save Option
There, we can for example save the file as older AutoCAD versions’ file type.
Introduction to Commands
 Zoom
Many types of zoom commands are present in AutoCAD. These are found under View >
Zoom in the menu bar.
1. Realtime: This option changes one’s cursor to look like a magnifying glass with a +
and a – sign on each side. By clicking and dragging one can zoom in or out in real
time, hence the naming of this zooming option.
2. Previous: This is a kind of undo option for the zoom/view.
3. Window: here, one will be able to draw a rectangular window with one’s cursor. The
zoom option then fits the contents of this drawn window to one’s drawing window
(note that this can only be used to zoom in).
4. Dynamic: This is a very useful ZOOM option once it is understood. It permits very
quick movement around the drawing. Once selected, this option redraws the graphics
area of the screen and displays two rectangles. The larger box shows the extents of
the current drawing. The smaller box shows the current view with an "X" in the
middle. This moves with the mouse. This view box should be positioned so that its
lower left corner is at the lower left corner of the view required. By pressing the left
button on the mouse, the "X" is replaced by an "> " pointing to the right side of the
 Page 11
view box. This allows you to change the magnification. As the mouse is moved, the
view box shrinks and expands so that the size of the required view can be set. The
left mouse button toggles between PAN "X" and ZOOM "> " mode so that fine
adjustments can be achieved. When the view required has been selected, press
<ENTER> or right click to cause AutoCAD to display it.
5. Scale: Here one just needs to position one’s mouse and type in the required scale
zoom (if fractional this can actually zoom out)
6. Centre: This option requires two things: a point that is to be the center of the new
display and a value to be its new height in drawing units. The existing height is the
default for the new height to allow for panning across the drawing. If the new height
value is followed by "X" (e.g. 2x), then it is taken as a magnification factor relative to
the current height. If followed by "XP", then it is taken as a scale factor relative to
paper space and can be used for scaling the contents of paper space viewports.
7. Object: here, one is required to select one or more object(s) and press enter. The
view is zoomed to the selection.
8. In: allows zooming in, magnifying power > 1.
9. Out: allows zooming out, 0< magnifying power <1.
10. All: This option causes AutoCAD to display the whole drawing as far as its drawing
limits or drawing extents (whichever is the greater of the two).
11. Extents: choosing this will zoom in or out so that all the drawings are shown (can be
done by double middle clicking).
 Pan
This allows the view/window to be moved without changing the magnification.
1. Realtime: changes cursor to a hand-like one. Allows movement as one pleases. Can
also be done by holding the middle-click.
2. Point: Allows one to specify two points. The window will move accordingly.
3. Left, Right, Up, Down: These scroll/move the window in the specified direction by a
certain amount of units (this amount can be modified).
 Status tools (part only)
1. Infer increments: restricts movement to preset increments.

2. Snap: Snaps/ sends the cursor to specified points (corner, centre, etc…) if near
enough.
3. Grid: Switches grid on or off
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4. Ortho Snap: Allows drawing only at right-angles.

5. Polar tracking: Restricts your drawing motions to reset defined angles and allows
direct distance input of coordinates
6. Object Snap: snaps to preset points on objects.
7. 3D Object Snap: same as above but in the third dimension.
8. Object Snap Tracking: allows you to snap to alignment track paths based on
acquired Object snap points of existing objects.
 Drawing limits
These can be defined as the size of the drawing area. Used specially for printing purposes.
Also affects the extents of the “Zoom All” option. Can be accessed through the menu bar
(Format > Drawing Limits) or by typing “limits” in the command bar. One is then prompted to
specify the bottom-left and upper-right vertices of the rectangular drawing limits.
 Units and scale
These are necessary especially for annotations and for printing purposes.
They must be chosen beforehand for annotations...but can be setup at the last minute if
needed only for scaling for printing purposes.
Accessed using menu bar (Format > Units) or typing units in the command bar (be careful to
choose this one : ). A window such as the following will then open.
Figure 7 Drawing Units
It is to note that units for length and angles are on the left hand side and right hand side
respectively.
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Length: one can choose the way the length is represented: architectural, decimal,
engineering, fractional or even scientific.
Example of types for the same drawing unit:
Figure 8 Example for drawing units
Its precision can also be modified.
Scale: this provides what one calls the physical unit of the dimension (for length)…most
of which are not usually used by civil engineers (parsec for example is way out of
board).
Angle: there are also lots of ways to represent angles, including radian mode.
Figure 9 Different ways of presenting angles
One can change the direction of increments (clockwise or anticlockwise) and even the
position of the base-line (reference of zero) by clicking on dimension.
Lighting: Three conventions for the different units of lighting are available, namely
“International”, “American” or “Generic”.
Draw Commands (in AutoCAD Classic)
Drawing commands are used to create a range of objects from geometric shapes to a
combination of these. They can be accessed from the extreme left corner DRAW panel (see
fig. 3) or can be opened from the menu bar (Draw >).
Drawings in CAD are defined using a set of points that are input in the World space. The
world space consists of three mutually perpendicular axes forming the x-y-z Cartesian
coordinate system. In AutoCAD, this is referred to as the User Coordinate System (UCS).
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The UCS is by default aligned to the World Coordinate System. The latter cannot be
moved or rotated as its former. The point of intersection of the three axes is termed as the
origin. Every point is defined in relation to the distance from the origin.
 Entering Points in AutoCAD
Points in two-dimensional space can be represented using any of two coordinate systems;
Cartesian or polar.
Cartesian coordinate system: It defines points as X and Y distances away from the origin
Polar coordinate system: It locates points as r and θ units away from the origin where θ is
measured counter- clockwise from positive X-axis.
With both polar and Cartesian coordinates, one can specify a point using absolute
coordinates based on the origin point (0, 0) or with relative coordinates in relation to the
last point coordinates.
It is to note that entries are implied to be absolute Cartesian coordinates by default. One has
to use the @ symbol before putting any entry to switch to relative coordinates.
 Defining Positions
In two-dimensional space, ONLY FIVE coordinate methods of inputting points exist. All these
methods, excepting the first, make use of direct entry in command line. They are as follows;
Interactive method: Using this method, one can select point’s position on the screen with
the cursor.
Absolute coordinates: One locates points based on the origin (0, 0). To enter a point, type
X,Y coordinates.
Relative rectangular coordinates: After one has entered a first point, one can specify the
next point in relation to the previous by typing @X,Y.
Relative polar coordinates: To specify the location of a point, type the distance and angle
relative to the previous one- @ Distance<angle
Direct Distance entry technique: Enter a second point’s location by specifying the direction
using the cursor and type the distance in the command line.
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 Geometric Shapes
The Draw Commands in-built can be used in conjunction with other setting in the status bar
such as SNAP, GRID and POLAR to assist the sketching.
Lines: It is used to create straight line segments. It can be accessed on the DRAW panel,
through the menu bar (Draw>Line) or type in the command line: LINE or L and press
ENTER.
Circle: One can create a circle using a centre point and a radius. The command can be
accessed on DRAW panel, through the menu bar (Draw>Circle) or type in the command line:
CIRCLE or C and press ENTER.
Several ways of inputting data to draw a circle are available. One can use Center, Radius or
Centre, Diameter and other more as shown in figure 10.
Figure 10 Circle options
Rectangle: One can sketch a rectangle by simply inputting the dimensions of width
and then length or by entering the area. The command can be accessed on DRAW
panel, through the menu bar (Draw>Rectangle) or type in the command line: RECTANG or
REC and press ENTER.
Arc: By just specifying three points on the drawing screen, one can draw an arc and change
the arc length. One can also use different options in the menu bar (Draw>Arc) to sketch the
arcs. The command may be accessed by entering ARC in the command line.
Figure 11 Arc Option
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Polygon: As the name suggest, it is used to draw polygons. The number of

sides of a polygon may be specified and one can choose to draw a polygon inscribed in
circle or circumscribed about circle. The command access is given by POLYGON.
Edit Commands
The editing commands in AutoCAD are used to modify a drawing. One can access the
MODIFY panel on the extreme right corner or through the menu bar (Modify>). A non-
exhaustive list of modify commands are defined below.
Erase: The erase command deletes the selected object from the drawing area. One can
also access it by entering ERASE or E in the command line and press ENTER.
Copy: This command allows objects to be duplicated once or more than once in the
drawing area. Enter COPY or CO in command line then press ENTER to copy a selected
object. One may vary the displacement of the duplicate from the base point selected.
Mirror: One can create a mirror image of a selected object. It can be accessed through
the command line using MIRROR or MI. One may find it useful when dealing with symmetric
objects. The option of deleting the source object or keeping it is available.
Offset: A parallel object is drawn to a set distance from the original object. Concentric
circles, and parallel curves and lines may be drawn using the command OFFSET or O.
Rectangular Array: It creates a repeated pattern of selected object in rows and

columns and levels in different direction. One can use ARRAY or AR command to access it.
Array can be Rectangular, Path or Polar. On entering the AR command, one has the option
to select one of the three tools. The Array command may also be accessed through the
menu bar Modify>Array.
Move: This command allows a selected object to be moved at a given distance in a

specified direction. Move command is given by MOVE or M.
Rotate: Objects can be rotated at different angles from their original position. Its
command is simply ROTATE.
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Stretch: STR or STRETCH, then press ENTER to start the stretch command. Using the
cross window selection, one selects the area one wants to stretch. Any line that is
completely in the crossing box will be moved. Only the lines which touch the crossing box
will be stretched.
Trim: Objects can be shortened to a selected edge of an object. It can be accessed

using TRIM or TR command.
Extend: Extend Commands lengthen the objects to meet a boundary edge. EXTEND or
EX is used to access the command.
Chamfer: One can create a bevelled corner between two selected lines using the
command CHAMFER or CHA.
Fillet: Fillet creates a curved edge using two lines and can be accessed using FILLET or
F command.
Text
Though AutoCAD is a drawing tool, text has a lot of importance in it, text being after all used
to enter commands, for titles and for annotation for instance.
Text as command need not be exemplified as such since it has been used since the
beginning.
Command for text input on the drawing space if, of course, “text” (this gives
one access to single line text by default).
This command can also be accessed through the menu bar (Draw > Text) where both
Multiline text and single line text options are available.
Single line: one is prompted to enter the starting point of the text (bottom left corner), then
the height of the text and finally its rotation.
Individual lines of text as objects are created.
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Multiline text: here, the user is prompted to draw a rectangle first. This rectangle will contain
the text. Also the text formatting toolbar appears. Used normally when there is much text to
be written. One block of text as an object is created.
2 3 7 8 9 10
4 6
5
13 14 15 17 19 21
1
20 22
11 12 16 18
Figure 12 Text Formatting toolbar
1. Text can be toggled between “Standard” and “Annotation” text styles (can be
accessed using Format > Text).
2. Its font can be changed.
3. Text is switched to annotative form.
4. Its height (and therefore size) can be changed.
5. These are used to change/format the text into bold, italic, strikethrough, underline or
overline)
6. These are used to undo, redo or stack text.
7. This option is used to change the colour of the text is made….
8. The ruler above the text can be turned on or off.
9. The OK button is used to validate our text.
10. Many other options are available under this arrow (a drop down menu will appear).
11. Columns options are available here.
12. This is to select where the text will be entered (in the rectangle).
13. This option is for paragraphing.
14. These are the classic left, centre, right, justify and the less common distribute
options.
15. This button is concerned about line spacing.
16. There, many options for bullets and numbering are present.
17. Fields can be inserted by using this button.
18. Used to switch characters to uppercase or lowercase.
19. Symbols can be inserted here.
20. Used for changing the angle of the vertical line cursor (and text).
21. Used for tracking options.
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22. This is used to modify the width to height ratio...One can hence obtain either an
elongated or flat character.
It is to note that text height and printed height are not usually the same. To make selection of
height easier, a conversion table such as the one below is usually used:
Figure 13 Conversion table
 Styles
Accessed either through menu bar (see previous page) or by typing “ST” in the command
bar.
Figure 14 Text Style window
This is used to create (click on “New”) or modify patterns for formatting of text, especially if
the specific pattern is used often.
Most of the options which can be viewed here have already been explained above.
It is to note that addition of effects is also available.
One can also set the modified style as the active one by clicking on “Set Current”.
It might be worthy to note that spell check is available under annotation in the ribbon in
“Drafting & Annotations”.
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 Annotative text
The style has a little triangular blue symbol next to it.
There is no need for conversion table as it is written “Paper Text Height”.
Figure 15 Text Style- Paper Text Height
Note that the scale can be modified using the following (found under the annotate tab in the
ribbon).
Figure 16 Annotate ribbon
The document will appear professional since the text height will be the same overall.
One should remember to add the scale required for printing (the default one added is the
one which was active when the annotative style was created).
One should note that the actual paper height is CONSTANT and that if the scale has been
changed the text will shrink or grow accordingly. Hence when for example the scale 1:2 is
added (my active one was 1:1) and the annotative text is selected, one will be shown the two
possible sizes of the text superposed.
Figure 17 Superimposed annotative text
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 Leaders
Leaders are used to connect part(s) of a drawing to an annotation. One may insert leaders
through Dimension>Multileader or use the command MLEADER or MLD. One can still opt to
insert leaders using the Quick Leader command QLEADER or LE, or simple the LEADER or
LEAD command.
LEADER: Insert a leader by specifying two points. One can insert annotation but cannot
modify the width and other formatting. Spline and straight line may be formed.
QLEADER: One is able to write MText. By hitting ‘s’, one has access to Leader Settings
menu and modify the leader lines and properties to one likings.
MLEADER: A single object with a leader and a content may be obtained. One has the option
of creating the arrowhead or tail first. It is also possible to insert the content followed by the
leader. More than one leader may be connected to a single comment. Other options exist to
modify the leader and formatting the text. See below for some example of changes.
Figure 18 Type of leaders
Dimensions
Dimensioning is an important part of AutoCAD. One should not forget that the drawings will
in fact be used to create real, physical objects/buildings. The drawings should therefore be
“dimensioned” that is, have their lengths, angles, and so on put at the appropriate place and
with the proper units.
Found in Annotate tab in the ribbon or directly in the menu bar. One can use standard text
(size relative to drawing) or annotative text (fixed size on paper).
1. Quick dimension: gives one dimension of one or more geometric object(s).

2. Linear: yields the length between two chosen points but only in the vertical or
horizontal directions.
3. Aligned: same as linear but in diagonal (aligned with the side of the drawing, hence
the name).
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4. Arc length: this yields the length of arc.

5. Ordinate: this gives the actual coordinate of the specified feature.
6. Radius: this yields the radius of the arc or circle.
7. Diameter: that option yields the diameter of the selected arc or circle.
8. Angular: this is used to quantify angles.
9. Baseline: this option is used to dimension the features from a common reference
line.
10. Continuous: this option is used to add a string or continuous set of dimensions, the
new reference line for each dimension being the ending line of the last one.
 Styles
Can be accessed using the menu bar (Format>Dimension Styles OR Dimension>Dimension

Styles).
Figure 19 Dimension Style Manager
It is to note that one can choose a different annotating style for each dimension.
Figure 20 New Annotation Style
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Each dimension style can be modified:
From the colour of the line, to the size of the arrows and down to the system units, the
precision and the tolerances, almost everything in the dimensioning style can be customised
to one’s liking.
One could note that there is a preview on the right hand side of the window. This is really
useful so as to see what is the actual output of any change.
Figure 21 Options in changing Dimension Styles
Model Space
The Model tab and Layout tab can be accessed in AutoCAD window on the lower left corner
above the command line.
Model space is where all the drawings are done in actual size.
Layout or Paper space is where the drawing may be scaled up or down with the intention of
printing, also known as plotting in CAD.
New Layout: After a drawing has been completed, one may choose to go to the layout tab
or insert LAYOUT then N before pressing ENTER in the command line, for the purpose of
plotting. The drawing will appear in a generic Viewport.
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Viewport
Edge
Virtual sheet
Plot
margin
PAPER or MODEL Mode

Figure 22 New Layout space
A layout viewport is a window inside the paper space which displays the content of the
model space. The contents are scaled to fit the viewport. One can create new viewports and
change the view of the model space accordingly. (use MVIEW command)
 Paper space and Model Space Properties
The PAPER space is active by default. Only when PAPER is active may one zoom in and
out of the paper space, and modify the viewport size.
Double-clicking inside and outside a viewport region switches from PAPER mode to MODEL
mode. Right-clicking on the tab once does the same. Command for using Paper space is PS
and MS for Model space. The viewport edge becomes thicker when model space is active.
When model space is active, one may Zoom and Pan the model space.
 Page Setup in Layout
The paper size, plot scale and other settings may be applied to a layout. These settings are
attached to the layout. To attribute specific settings to a layout Right click on the Layout tab
to open the menu and select Page Setup Manager.
Figure 23 Page Setup Manager window
 Page 25
In the Page Setup Manager window, click on Modify to edit the settings of an existing
layout. One may click on New to define the settings for a new layout.
The window below will appear.
6
1
8
2
4
9
10
5
11
Figure 24 Page Setup Manager window
1. Choose the desired printer or plotter from the list in the drop-down list. One may
select to print the drawing in .pdf format using a virtual printer with extension .pc3
2. One may also choose from a variety of paper sizes that the printer chosen above
may accept. Hence this allows different layout to be print using different paper
formats.
3. The option allows one to choose to plot the Layout, Display, Limits, Extents, or
Window region depending on one’s need.
4. One can specify an offset of the plotted drawing in the X and Y direction from the
lower left corner of the layout. When both axes are set to 0, the smallest margin is
obtained.
5. Through the Plot Scale Section, one can set the scale of the plot area. However,
most plotted layout if not all are scale to 1:1 (1 mm = 1 unit) since the viewport can
also be scaled afterwards. The advantage of it is that the drawing scale and
annotation scale need not be known. Selecting the Scale Lineweights will change the
lineweights proportionally.
 Page 26
6. Plot Style Table Selection options affect the look of the plot. One may choose
monochrome.ctb to get black lines or acad.ctb to get the line in actual colour.
7. It allows one to specify the model plot looks. It is usually kept as default Normal
8. The different options enable one to choose what to plot by checking the box(es).
9. The orientation in portrait, landscape or upside down may be selected.
10. Click on Preview to get a realtime look of the changes.
11. If one is satisfied with the changes, click on OK to return to the Page Setup Manager
and CLOSE to proceed.
 Scaling Viewport
To resize the viewport, one should click on the viewport border to activate the grips. And
using these, one can move the viewport within the plotting area. Any drawing beyond the
plotter margin will not be plotted. When one is satisfied with the position and size on the
viewport, press ESCAPE to deactivate the grips.
Then, toggle to the MODEL mode. Once in it, either click View>Zoom>Extents or Z+ENTER
E+ENTER so that the drawing fills the space. Then toggle back to PAPER mode.
Now scaling of the viewport can be done. From the knowledge that in AutoCAD drawing
units equals paper units by default, one may infer that the scale of the paper will be that of
the drawing.
In-built scales are available and may be used to scale the viewport. These can be accessed
through the Viewport scale button in the status bar or by entering SCALELISTEDIT in the
command line.
Figure 25 Viewport Scale menu
However, if the paper units are in millimetres while drawings are in metres, other scale ratios
need to be used. One may again go to Viewport scale button or accessed it through the
command line then go to custom>Add scale and define a new scale preference (e.g. 1000
paper units = 2000 drawing units). Then hit OK and OK again. Then select the new scale
from the Viewport Scale menu to apply the change.
 Page 27
 Plotting a drawing
All that is left to plot the drawing is to go to the quick access toolbar and click on Plot button.
Since all the settings were already input above, one has only to hit OK to send the drawing
to the plotter.
Others
Layer
Default layer 0 applies to all drawings.
This can be accessed in the ribbon under home.
3 4 5 6
8
1
2 7
9
Figure 26 Layers access ribbon
1. Layer properties(see below)

2. Make object current layer: this option takes a selected object’s layer and makes it
the active layer.
3. Match: One will be first prompted to select a destination object and then a source
object, the latter’s layer will be transferred to the former.
4. Previous: this option acts as an undo for layer properties.
5. Isolate: hides or locks all layers except those of selected objects.
6. Unisolate: cancels the action of the previous command explained.
7. Freeze: the layer(s) of the selected object(s) become invisible AND the layer is
released from memory, increasing performance.
8. Off: turns off the layers of the selected objects.
9. These are shortcuts for some functions above: turn layer on/off, freeze or thaw a
layer (particularly useful in 3D), lock or unlock a layer (still visible but cannot be
changed or deleted) and colour of the layer.
 Page 28
 Layer properties
Clicking on the button mentioned above yields the following window.
1 2 3 4
Figure 27 Layer Option Menu
1. New Layer: allows the user to create a new layer.

2. New Layer VP Frozen in all viewports: creates a new layer and freezes it in all
existing viewports.
3. Delete layer
4. Set current: puts the selected layer as the active one.
Note that the layer properties can be easily modified by clicking on the required encircled
part of the window, the properties will be either toggled on or off or there will be a drop
down menu.
Another interesting property of layers is that you can actually see a layer on your screen
but avoid printing it.
The layer properties can be overridden using properties.
 Hatching
This adds “shadings” inside a drawing. These “shadings” are in fact patterns available and
can be used to represent blocks, etc....
Accessed using the menu bar (Draw > Hatch) or the command bar (type “hatch”).
The use is prompted to select a point (note that this command works only if the chosen point
is fully bounded).
 Page 29
As soon as the point is picked, the hatching is done with the default settings and the hatch
editor appears.
Figure 28 Hatching Ribbon

Under boundaries, the actual boundaries of the hatched region can be modified.
Under pattern, the different patterns available can be chosen for the selected hatching
region.
Under properties, the actual properties (angle of rotation, transparency, scale, etc...) can be
modified so as to customise the hatch accordingly.
Set origin changes the “origin”/ (0, 0) of the pattern hatch inside the boundary.
The hatching can be associative, that is it changes along with its boundaries (if these are
moved after the hatching process is done).
Annotative is the same as for text; it specifies the scale at which the hatching will be
adjusted in the viewport.
 Match properties
This is the same as the “Format Painter” option in Ms Word. The properties of one object can
be copied to another. This avoids changing the properties again and again.
 Page 30
Chapter 3- Results of Exercises
Polygon of 5 sides with linear

and aligned dimensioning style
Arc with dimension

showing angle of curvature
Circle with radius 2.5 units
Length and width

of rectangle
Arc with dimension

showing arc length
Figure 29 Geometric Shapes with dimensioning
Concentric Offset deleted using

Pentagon Copied 5 times
Pentagon using ERASE command
Offset 4 times
Mirror line or Line of Symmetry
Pentagons
Mirrored
Figure 30 Drawings showing Rotate, Copy, Mirror and Offset command
 Page 31
Shape rotated 900 and

extended to incline line
Figure 31 Using Rotate and Extend command
Polar Array formatting
Figure 32 Pentagon formatted with ARRAY command
 Page 32
Figure 33 Circles using TRIM command
Figure 34 Dimensioning with Continue command
 Page 33
Chapter 4- Conclusion
After going through this portfolio, one may infer that the only pre-requisite to begin using
AutoCAD is a basic knowledge of Cartesian and Polar Coordinates as well as some notion in
mathematics. The main difficulty is to know the shortcut commands and their location.
However, in the latest versions, one can simply type (either in command bar or even in the
drawing space) what one wants and the artificial intelligence will start to “guess” what
command the user wants to use. It should also be noted that in the “Drawing & Annotations”
workspace, the ribbon is certainly a great help to novices since most commands are
classified under their relative appropriate tab. This might be the reason why this workspace
is the most preferred one. However, for veterans using AutoCAD since long, “AutoCAD
Classic” might be the workspace of choice, since it is similar to the older versions.
In the light of the portfolio, one can also conclude that the various commands present in
AutoCAD are relatively easy to use for 2-Dimensional works. One need not be an extremely
skilled professional to be able to create intrinsic designs and complex plans. However, one
should note that experienced users find shorter or simpler pathways to the same result...as it
is possible for one to get to the same drawing through various methods.
Furthermore the use of layers, viewports, hatching and different styles can actually give life
to the project while the use of dimensions and leaders actually allow one to project the
drawing into reality. It is therefore obvious that AutoCAD remains the choice software for 2-D
drafting and 3-D modelling. One should however note that the thorough learning, proper use
of this powerful tool as well as the counterchecking of the results is not only advisable but
mandatory since, in the civil engineering field, these drawing will be used in real
projects...and that lives are at stake.
 Page 34
Chapter 5- References
1. Autodesk Inc. (January 2012). AutoCAD 2013, User’s Guide. [e- book] Autodesk Inc.
Available at: Autodesk.com
<http://docs.autodesk.com/ACDMAC/2013/ENU/PDFs/acdmac_2013_users_guide.p
df> [Accessed 23 February 2014].
2. Brooke Godfrey (2013). AutoCAD 2013 - 2D Drafting Basics. [video online] Available
at <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Naf-VAmwFfk> [Accessed 21 February 2014]
3. David Watson (2014). Plotting scaled drawings with AutoCAD 2011 – 2014. [online]
Available through Coursestuff at <http://www.coursestuff.co.uk/tutorials/plotting-to-
scale/> [Accessed 02 March 2014]
4. Ellen Finkelstein (n.d.). Tutorial: Create a page setup for plotting. [online] Available at
<http://www.ellenfinkelstein.com/acadblog/tutorial-create-a-page-setup-for-plotting/>
[Accessed 26 February 2014]
5. Greg Battin (2014). AutoCAD tips. [online] Available at

<http://autocadtips.wordpress.com/> [Accessed 26 February 2014]
6. Kristen S. Kurland (2004). AutoCAD 2004, 2D Training Manual. [e- book] Available
at:Washington.edu
<http://courses.washington.edu/udpddp/AutoCAD20042DTutorial.pdf> [Accessed 23
February 2014].
7. MYCADSITE (2013). Autocad tutorials. Available through We-r-here at

<http://www.we-r-here.com/> [Accessed 24 February 2014]
8. Randy H. Shih (n.d.). AutoCAD 2013 Tutorial - First Level: 2D Fundamentals.[e-book]

SDC Publication. Available at: SDC Publications
<http://www.sdcpublications.com/pdfsample/978-1-58503-716-2-1.pdf> [Accessed 23
February 2014].
 Page 35

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AutoCAD® 2014

Jed Michael Se Hin Son (1316585)

Jason Neals Sham (1310186)

AutoCAD® is a computer-aided design (CAD) software used in drafting and 3 dimensional

.Aim and Objectives

1) To summarise the basics of AutoCAD covered in class into a portfolio;

Ikhlaas A. Baichoo Others & Introduction & Conclusion+ exercise 3 & 4

 Starting up AutoCAD® 2014

7. Drawing space: where all the drawings are actually made.

8. Tabs :model(for drawing) and layout(for printing)

9. Command line: for typing commands

12. View cube: information about the viewport, etc…

Its appearance depends on what one is doing:

1. If one is prompted to specify a location, it appears as a crosshair.

3. If not in a command, it appears to a combination of both the crosshair and the

4. If one is prompted to enter text, it reverts to the well-known vertical bar.

 Workspaces (and profiles)

3. Can create one of one’s own liking.

4. Can save changes automatically or not.

1. Preferences and settings that control the environment.

2. Colour and size of elements.

5. Status tools (object snap, polar tracking, dynamic input).

6. Managed using the “options” command.

7. Does not affect the user interface.

8. Are dynamic: any change done gets saved automatically.

 Toolbar (in AutoCAD Classic)

Figure 3 AutoCAD toolbar

 Opening and saving drawings

Figure 4 Menu Bar

Figure 5 Saving Options

Figure 6 Open and Save Option

This allows the view/window to be moved without changing the magnification.

 Status tools (part only)

1. Infer increments: restricts movement to preset increments.

4. Ortho Snap: Allows drawing only at right-angles.

 Units and scale

Figure 7 Drawing Units

Example of types for the same drawing unit:

Figure 8 Example for drawing units

Its precision can also be modified.

Figure 9 Different ways of presenting angles

Draw Commands (in AutoCAD Classic)

 Entering Points in AutoCAD

Figure 10 Circle options

Figure 11 Arc Option

Polygon: As the name suggest, it is used to draw polygons. The number of

Rectangular Array: It creates a repeated pattern of selected object in rows and

Move: This command allows a selected object to be moved at a given distance in a

Trim: Objects can be shortened to a selected edge of an object. It can be accessed

Individual lines of text as objects are created.

Figure 13 Conversion table

Figure 14 Text Style window

It is to note that addition of effects is also available.

The style has a little triangular blue symbol next to it.

There is no need for conversion table as it is written “Paper Text Height”.

Figure 15 Text Style- Paper Text Height

Figure 16 Annotate ribbon

Figure 17 Superimposed annotative text

Figure 18 Type of leaders

1. Quick dimension: gives one dimension of one or more geometric object(s).

4. Arc length: this yields the length of arc.

Can be accessed using the menu bar (Format>Dimension Styles OR Dimension>Dimension

Figure 19 Dimension Style Manager