ACAD Command Concepts, References, Aliases, and System Variables 1

Introduction

Computer generated and aided drawings or ENGINEERING

AND ARCHITECTURAL GRAPHICS has been around for a long
time as a means of defining an object graphically before it is
constructed and used. Previously, the process for producing the
drawing involved drawing aids such as pencils, ink pens, triangle,
rulers (t-squares), templates, etc. to place the idea on paper
before making changes and producing blue line prints for
distribution. The ability to produce these drawing on a computer
is quite new, however the principles and basics of engineering
drawing remains the same.

This AutoCAD Text Reference (revison 5- [2008] provides a

comprehensive reference to all AutoCAD commands, aliases and
system variables discussed during the training. This text
reference covers topic from AutoCAD fundamentals command to
solid modeling and bonus command for rendering models. The
command, aliases and system variable are presented in a group
of related categories just like in the lecture and laboratory
discussion.
ACAD Command Concepts, References, Aliases, and System Variables 2

CAD/CADD – Computer Aided Drafting and Design

1

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) is the use of computer technology

to aid in the design of a product. Current software packages range from
2D vector base drafting systems to 3D solid and surface modellers.
CAD originally meant Computer-Aided Drafting or designing
because of its original use as a replacement for traditional drafting. Now,
CAD usually means Computer Aided Design to reflect the fact that
modern CAD tools do more than just drafting. CAD is sometimes
translated as "computer-assisted", "computer-aided drafting", or a similar
phrase. Related acronyms are CADD, which stands for "computer-aided
design and drafting", CAID for computer-aided industrial design and
CAAD, for "computer-aided architectural design". All of these terms are
essentially synonymous, but there are a few subtle differences in
meaning and application.
CAD is used to design, develop and optimize products, which can
be goods used by end consumers or intermediate goods used in other
products. CAD is also extensively used in the design of tools and
machinery used in the manufacture of components, and in the drafting
and design of all types of buildings.
CAD is mainly used for detailed engineering of 3D models and/or
2D drawings of physical components, but it is also used throughout the
engineering process from conceptual design and layout of products,
through strength and dynamic analysis of assemblies to definition of
manufacturing methods of components.
CAD has become an especially important technology. CAD enables
designers to lay out and develop work on screen, print it out and save it
for future editing, saving time on their drawings.

The CAD process.

ACAD Command Concepts, References, Aliases, and System Variables 3

Fields of use
• The Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) Industry
o Architecture
o Architectural engineering
o Interior Design
o Interior Architecture
o Building engineering
o Civil Engineering and Infrastructure
o Construction
o Roads and Highways
o Railroads and Tunnels
o Water Supply and Hydraulic Engineering
o Storm Drain, Wastewater and Sewer systems
o Mapping and Surveying
o (Chemical) Plant Design
o Factory Layout
o Heating, Ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC)
• Mechanical (MCAD) Engineering
• Automotive - vehicles
o Aerospace
o Consumer Goods
o Machinery
o Shipbuilding Fully editable digital multi-
o Bio-mechanical systems CAD mockup

• Electronic design automation (EDA)

o Electronic and Electrical (ECAD)
o Digital circuit design
• Electrical Engineering
o Power Engineering or Power Systems Engineering
o Power Systems CAD
o Power analytics
• Manufacturing process planning
• Industrial Design
• Software applications
• Apparel and Textile CAD
o designing musical instruments
o Fashion Design
• Garden design
• Lighting Design
• Medicine
• Production Design
ACAD Command Concepts, References, Aliases, and System Variables 4

History
Designers have long used computers for their calculations.
1. Initial developments (1960)- aircraft and automotive industries in
the area of 3D surface construction and NC programming
• Polynomial curves and sculptured surface was done by Pierre
Bezier (Renault), Paul de Casteljau (Citroen), Steven Anson
Coons (MIT, Ford), James Ferguson (Boeing), Carl de Boor (GM),
Birkhoff (GM) and Garibedian (GM) in the 1960s and W. Gordon
(GM) and R. Riesenfeld in the 1970s.
• The SKETCHPAD system was developed at MIT in 1963. It
allowed the designer to interact with his computer graphically:
the design can be fed into the computer by drawing on a CRT
monitor with a light pen.
2. First commercial applications of CAD (1970) were in large
companies in the automotive and aerospace industries, as well as
in electronics.
• Notable company projects were at GM (Dr. Patrick J.Hanratty)
with DAC-1 (Design Augmented by Computer); Lockheed
projects; Bell GRAPHIC 1 and at Renault (Bezier) – UNISURF
1971 car body design and tooling.
• Manufacturing and Consulting Services Inc. led by Dr. P. J.
Hanratty, wrote the system ADAM (Automated Drafting And
Machining) and supplied code to companies such as McDonnell
Douglas (Unigraphics), Computervision (CADDS), Calma,
Gerber, Autotrol and Control Data.
• Foundation of CAD systems United Computing, Intergraph,
IBM, Intergraph IGDS in 1974 (which led to Bentley Systems
MicroStation in 1984)
3. Advances in programming and computer hardware, lead to solid
modeling in the 1980, it allows more versatile applications of
computers in design activities.
• Solid modelling packages -Romulus (ShapeData) and Uni-
Solid (Unigraphics) based on PADL-2 and the release of the
surface modeler CATIA (Dassault Systemes).
• Autodesk was founded 1982 by John Walker, which led to
the 2D system AutoCAD.
• The next milestone was the release of Pro/ENGINEER in
1988, which heralded greater usage of feature-based
modeling methods and parametric linking of features.
• Development of the B-rep solid modeling kernels (engines for
manipulating geometrically and topologically consistent 3D
objects) Parasolid (ShapeData) and ACIS (Spatial Technology
Inc.)
ACAD Command Concepts, References, Aliases, and System Variables 5

4. Release of mid-range packages such as SolidWorks in 1995, Solid

Edge (Intergraph) in 1996, IronCAD in 1998, and Autodesk
Inventor in 1999.
5. Today CAD is one of the main tools used in designing products and
architects.

Capabilities

An example of a CAD
engineering drawing.

Reuse of component Simulation of airflow

from design library over an engine

The capabilities of modern CAD systems include:

• Wireframe geometry creation
• 3D parametric feature based modelling, Solid modelling
• Freeform surface modelling
• Automated design of assemblies, which are collections of parts
and/or other assemblies
• create Engineering drawings from the solid models
• Reuse of design components
• Ease of modification of design of model and the production of
multiple versions
• Automatic generation of standard components of the design
• Validation/verification of designs against specifications and design
rules
• Simulation of designs without building a physical prototype
• Output of engineering documentation, such as manufacturing
drawings, and Bills of Materials to reflect the BOM required to
build the product
• Import/Export routines to exchange data with other software
packages
• Output of design data directly to manufacturing facilities
ACAD Command Concepts, References, Aliases, and System Variables 6

• Output directly to a Rapid Prototyping or Rapid Manufacture

Machine for industrial prototypes
• maintain libraries of parts and assemblies
• calculate mass properties of parts and assemblies
• aid visualization with shading, rotating, hidden line removal, etc.
• Bi-directional parametric association (modification of any feature is
reflected in all information relying on that feature; drawings, mass
properties, assemblies, etc.)
• kinematics, interference and clearance checking of assemblies
• sheet metal
• hose/cable routing
• electrical component packaging
• inclusion of programming code in a model to control and relate
desired attributes of the model
• Programmable design studies and optimization
• Sophisticated visual analysis routines, for draft, curvature,
curvature continuity.

Software technologies

A CAD model of a mouse.

Originally software for CAD systems were developed with computer
language such as Fortran, but with the advancement of object-oriented
programming methods this has radically changed. Typical modern
parametric feature based modeler and freeform surface systems are built
around a number of key C programming language modules with their
own APIs. A CAD system can be seen as built up from the interaction of a
graphical user interface (GUI) with NURBS geometry and/or boundary
representation (B-rep) data via a geometric modeling kernel. A geometry
constraint engine may also be employed to manage the associative
relationships between geometry, such as wireframe geometry in a sketch
or components in an assembly. Unexpected capabilities of these
associative relationships have led to a new form of prototyping called
digital prototyping. In contrast to physical prototypes, which entail
manufacturing time and material costs, digital prototypes allow for
design verification and testing on screen, speeding time-to-market and
decreasing costs. As technology evolves in this way, CAD has moved
beyond a documentation tool (representing designs in graphical format)
into a more robust designing tool that assists in the design process.
ACAD Command Concepts, References, Aliases, and System Variables 7

Hardware and OS technologies

Today most CAD computer workstations are Windows based PCs.
Some CAD systems also run on one of the the Unix operating systems
and a few with Linux. Some CAD systems such as QCad or NX provide
multiplatform support including Windows, Linux, UNIX and Mac OS X.
However for complex product design, machines with high speed (and
possibly multiple) CPUs and large amounts of RAM are recommended.
CAD was an application that benefitted from the installation of a numeric
coprocessor especially in early personal computers. The human-machine
interface is generally via a computer mouse but can also be via a pen and
digitizing graphics tablet.

Using CAD
CAD is one of the many tools used by engineers and designers and
is used in many ways depending on the profession of the user and the
type of software in question. Each of the different types of CAD systems
requires the operator to think differently about how he or she will use
them and he or she must design their virtual components in a different
manner for each.
3D wireframe is basically an extension of 2D drafting. Each line
has to be manually inserted into the drawing. The final product has no
mass properties associated with it and cannot have features directly
added to it, such as holes.
3D "dumb" solids are created in a way analogous to manipulations
of real word objects. Basic three-dimensional geometric forms (prisms,
cylinders, spheres, and so on) have solid volumes added or subtracted
from them, as if assembling or cutting real-world objects. Two-
dimensional projected views can easily be generated from the models.
3D parametric solid modeling (programs incorporating this
technology include Alibre Design, TopSolid, T-FLEX CAD, SolidWorks,
and Solid Edge) require the operator to use what is referred to as "design
intent". The objects and features created are adjustable. Any future
modifications will be simple, difficult, or nearly impossible, depending on
how the original part was created.
Some software packages provide the ability to edit parametric and
non-parametric geometry without the need to understand or undo the
design intent history of the geometry by use of direct modeling
functionality. This ability may also include the additional ability to infer
the correct relationships between selected geometry (e.g., tangency,
concentricity) which makes the editing process less time and labor
intensive.
Draft views are able to be generated easily from the models.
Assemblies usually incorporate tools to represent the motions of
components, set their limits, and identify interference. The tool kits
ACAD Command Concepts, References, Aliases, and System Variables 8

available for these systems are ever increasing, including 3D piping and
injection mold designing packages.
Mid range software was integrating parametric solids more easily
to the end user: integrating more intuitive functions (SketchUp), going to
the best of both worlds with 3D dumb solids with parametric
characteristics (VectorWorks) or making very real-view scenes in relative
few steps (Cinema4D).
Top end systems offer the capabilities to incorporate more organic,
aesthetics and ergonomic features into designs (Catia,
GenerativeComponents). Freeform surface modelling is often combined
with solids to allow the designer to create products that fit the human
form and visual requirements as well as they interface with the machine.

The Effects of CAD

Starting in the late 1980s, the development of readily affordable
CAD programs that could be run on personal computers began a trend of
massive downsizing in drafting departments in many small to mid-size
companies. One CAD operator could readily replace at least three or five
drafters using traditional methods. Many engineers began to do their
own drafting work, further eliminating the need for traditional drafting
departments.
The costs associated with CAD implementation now are more
heavily weighted to the costs of training in the use of these high level
tools, the cost of integrating a CAD/CAM/CAE PLM using enterprise
across multi-CAD and multi-platform environments and the costs of
modifying design workflows to exploit the full advantage of CAD tools.
CAD vendors have been effective in providing tools to lower these training
costs. These tools have operated in three CAD arenas:
1. Improved and simplified user interfaces. This includes the
availability of “role” specific tailorable user interfaces through
which commands are presented to users in a form appropriate to
their function and expertise.
2. Enhancements to application software. One such example is
improved design-in-context, through the ability to model/edit a
design component from within the context of a large, even multi-
CAD, active digital mockup.
3. User oriented modeling options. This includes the ability to free the
user from the need to understand the design intent history of a
complex intelligent model.
The adoption of CAD studio or "paper-less studio," as it is sometimes
called, in architectural schools was not without resistance, however.
Teachers were worried that sketching on a computer screen did not
replicate the skills associated with age-old practice of sketching in a
sketchbook.
ACAD Command Concepts, References, Aliases, and System Variables 9

AutoCAD
AutoCAD is a CAD (Computer Aided Design or Computer Aided
Drafting) software application for 2D and 3D design and drafting,
developed and sold by Autodesk, Inc. Initially released in late 1982,
AutoCAD was one of the first CAD programs to run on personal
computers.
In earlier releases, AutoCAD used primitive entities — such as
lines, polylines, circles, arcs, and text — as the foundation for more
complex objects. Since the mid-1990s, AutoCAD has supported custom
objects through its C++ API. Modern AutoCAD includes a full set of basic
solid modeling and 3D tools. With the release of AutoCAD 2007 came
improved 3D modeling functionality, which meant better navigation when
working in 3D. Moreover, it became easier to edit 3D models. The mental
ray engine was included in rendering, it was now possible to do quality
renderings. AutoCAD 2010 introduced parametric functionality and
mesh modeling.
AutoCAD supports a number of application programming
interfaces (APIs) for customization and automation. These include
AutoLISP, Visual LISP, VBA, .NET and ObjectARX. ObjectARX is a C++
class library, which was also the base for products extending AutoCAD
functionality to specific fields, to create products such as AutoCAD
Architecture, AutoCAD Electrical, AutoCAD Civil 3D, or third-party
AutoCAD-based applications.
AutoCAD currently runs exclusively on Microsoft Windows desktop
operating systems. Versions for Unix and Mac OS were released in the
1980s and 1990s, but these were later dropped. AutoCAD can run on an
emulator or compatibility layer like VMware Workstation or Wine, albeit
subject to various performance issues that can often arise when working
with 3D objects or large drawings.

AutoCAD LT
AutoCAD LT is a version of AutoCAD with more limited
capabilities. It costs less. In addition to being sold directly by Autodesk,
it is also available for purchase at computer stores, unlike the full
version of AutoCAD which must be purchased from an official Autodesk
dealer. It was developed so that Autodesk could have an entry-level CAD
package available to compete in that price class. AutoCAD LT is
marketed as a CAD package for those who only need 2D functionality.
Compared to the full edition of AutoCAD, AutoCAD LT lacks several
features: most notably, it has no 3D modeling capabilities (although it
has several 3D viewing functions for looking at 3D models created in
other CAD packages) and blocks the use of any programming interfaces,
such as support for most third party programs and does not allow
AutoLISP programs.
ACAD Command Concepts, References, Aliases, and System Variables 10

Student versions
AutoCAD is licensed at a significant discount over commercial
retail pricing to qualifying students and teachers, with both a 14 month
and perpetual license available. The student version of AutoCAD is
functionally identical to the full commercial version, with one exception:
DWG files created or edited by a student version have an internal bit-flag
set (the "educational flag"). When such a DWG file is printed by any
version of AutoCAD (commercial or student), the output will include a
plot stamp / banner on all four sides. Objects created in the Student
Version cannot be used for commercial use. These Student Version
objects can and will 'infect' a commercial version DWG file if imported.
The Autodesk student community provides registered students with free
access to different Autodesk applications.

Vertical programs
Autodesk has also developed a few vertical programs, for
discipline-specific enhancements. AutoCAD Architecture (formerly
Architectural Desktop), for example, permits architectural designers to
draw 3D objects such as walls, doors and windows, with more intelligent
data associated with them, rather than simple objects such as lines and
circles. The data can be programmed to represent specific architectural
products sold in the construction industry, or extracted into a data file
for pricing, materials estimation, and other values related to the objects
represented. Additional tools allow designers to generate standard 2D
drawings, such as elevations and sections, from a 3D architectural
model. Similarly, Civil Design, Civil Design 3D, and Civil Design
Professional allow data-specific objects to be used, allowing standard civil
engineering calculations to be made and represented easily. AutoCAD
Electrical, AutoCAD Civil 3D, AutoCAD Map 3D, AutoCAD Mechanical,
AutoCAD MEP, AutoCAD P&ID and AutoCAD Structural Detailing are
other examples of industry-specific CAD applications built on the
AutoCAD platform.

File formats
AutoCAD's native file format, DWG, and to a lesser extent, its
interchange file format, DXF, have become de facto standards for CAD
data interoperability. AutoCAD in recent years has included support for
DWF, a format developed and promoted by Autodesk for publishing CAD
data. The current AutoCAD file format (.dwfx) is based on ISO/IEC
29500-2:2008 Open Packaging Convention.
ACAD Command Concepts, References, Aliases, and System Variables 11

2
Basic AutoCAD

AutoCAD Quick Start

Design/drafting is what AutoCAD is. So how do you get into

AutoCAD? Choose the button (windows XP operating system)
select the acad2005 program group, and then select acad2005. Or
select the icon on the desktop.

The Acad 2005 Graphical Screen

Tool Palettes - are tabbed areas within the Tool Palettes window that
provide an efficient method for organizing, sharing, and placing blocks
and hatches.
Toolbars - Use buttons on toolbars to start commands, display flyout
toolbars, and display tooltips.
Menu Bar - Display pull-down menus from the menu bar using one of
several methods.
Shortcut Menus - a shortcut menu for quick access to commands that
are relevant to your current activity.
Command Line /Prompt - You can enter a command by using the
keyboard. Some commands also have abbreviated names called
command aliases
Design Center - You can manage block references, xrefs, and other
content such as layer definitions, layouts, and text styles.
Pointing Devices - You can use as your pointing device a mouse, a
digitizing puck, or a stylus, and it may have more than two buttons.
ACAD Command Concepts, References, Aliases, and System Variables 12

Digitizing Tablets - A digitizing tablet, or digitizer, is a peripheral device

that can be used to trace paper drawings into an AutoCAD drawing file
or to choose commands from the digitizing tablet overlay supplied with
AutoCAD.

Keyboard Function Keys

Key Function Definition Key Function Definition
F1 Windows Online Help F7 GRID Mode
F2 Text/Graphics screen F8 ORTHO Mode
F3 OSNAP Settings Dialog F9 SNAP Mode
Box
F4 Tablet Mode On/Off F0 Status bar on/off
F5 Isoplane Mode On/Off F11 OSnap Tracking Mode
F6 Coordinates On/Off

Starting a New Drawing

To start a new drawing file, select the NEW command in the
pulldown menu or could easily be entered in the command prompt. After
invoking the NEW command the Create New Drawing dialog box will
prompt you with four available option: Using a Wizard, Using A
Template, Starting from a Scratch, (and Open a Drawing).

Start from scratch - A quick way to begin a new drawing, this starts a
drawing that uses settings from a default drawing template file. You can
specify either imperial or metric units for the new drawing.

Setup Wizard - A setup wizard establishes basic drawing settings step by

step.
1. Quick Setup Wizard. Sets units of measurement, precision of
displayed units, and grid limits.
2. Advanced Setup Wizard. Sets units of measurement, precision of
displayed units, and grid limits. Also establishes angle settings such as
units of measurement style, precision, direction, and orientation.
ACAD Command Concepts, References, Aliases, and System Variables 13

Template File to Start New Drawing - A drawing template file contains

standard settings. Select one of the template files supplied, or create
your own template files.

Opening Drawings- you can choose Open from the File menu to display
the Select File dialog box and select one or more files and choose Open.

Saving a drawing- you can save drawing files for later use just as
you do with other Windows applications. On the File menu, click
Save. In the Save Drawing As dialog box under File Name, enter
the new drawing name- then click Save.

Command Description TB Menu bar SC Key

NEW Creates a new File>New Ctrl + N
drawing file
OPEN Opens an existing File>Open Ctrl + O
drawing file
SAVE Saves the drawing File>Save Ctrl + S
under the current
file name or a
specified name
EXIT/ Exits/Quit File>Exit Ctrl + Q
QUIT AutoCAD
CLOSE Closes the current File Close Alt + F4
drawing

The X,Y co-ordinate system

Everything that you draw in AutoCAD is exact. It will be more

accurate than you will ever need it to be. All objects drawn on the screen
are placed there based on a simple X,Y co-ordinate system. In AutoCAD
this is known as the World Co-ordinate System (WCS). You must
understand this to know how to put things where you want them. (3-D
work has an added axis, the Z-axis.)
ACAD Command Concepts, References, Aliases, and System Variables 14

Angular Measurement
AutoCAD measures angles in a particular way also. Look at the
diagram below and then place your mouse on it to see how this is done.

When drawing lines at an angle, you have to begin measuring the

angle from 0 degrees, which is at the 3 o'clock position. If you drew a line
at 90 degrees, it would go straight up. The example above (when you
move your mouse over it) shows a line drawn at +300 degrees (270+30),
or -60 degrees.
You might not always have an obvious reference point for 0
degrees. Look at the example below and place your mouse on the image
to find out angle in question.

Entering Points in AutoCAD

You can enter points directly on the command line using three
different systems. The one you use will depend on which is more
applicable for the situation. The three systems are as follows:
ACAD Command Concepts, References, Aliases, and System Variables 15

ABSOLUTE CO-ORDINATES - Using this method, you enter the points

as they relate to the origin of the WCS. To enter a point just enter in the
exact point as X,Y.
RELATIVE CO-ORDINATES - This allows you to enter points in relation
to the first point you have entered. After you've entered one point, the
next would be entered as @X,Y. This means that AutoCAD will draw a
line from the first point to another point X units over and Y units up
relative to the previous point.
POLAR CO-ORDINATES - You would use this system if you know that
you want to draw a line a certain distance at a particular angle. You
would enter this as @D<A. In this case, D is the distance and A is the
angle. Example: @10<90 will draw a line 10 units straight up from the
first point.

Basic AutoCAD Terminology

Absolute co-ordinates A way of inputting points based on AutoCAD's origin.
This is the default template that automatically loads whenever you start a
Acad.dwt
drawing session. It can be customized to suit your needs.
Dimensions that are associated with specific points will update as that
Associated Dimensioning
point is moved.
A pre-drawn image you can insert in your drawing to save time and make
Block
your file size smaller.
Crosshairs This is your cursor when it is in the drawing space.
Cursor Your cursor will change depending on where it is in the program.
An AutoCAD drawing file is actually one large database containing all the
Database information needed to reproduce the objects when the file is opened. Info
for layers and linetypes, etc are stored in this manner.
AutoCAD uses a large number of dialog boxes to get information from you.
Dialog box
You must know how input the information that it asks for.
This is a file that contains preset values for frequently used settings. AKA a
Drawing template file
prototype drawing. The file extension is DWT.
Extents The outer boundaries of the objects you have drawn.
This is pattern of dots displayed on the screen to guide you. It can be
Grid
toggled on and off by pressing the F7 key.
Grips Small 'handles' on objects that allow for quick editing.
All objects are drawn on a layer. You can group objects (such as electrical)
Layer
on a single layer and organize your drawing.
Layout Tabs A space used for plotting your drawings (formerly called Paper Space).
A setting to impose an 'artificial' boundary on your drawing that sets the
Limits (Grid)
area of the grid, and when turned on, limits you to drawing in the grid area.
ACAD Command Concepts, References, Aliases, and System Variables 16

All objects are drawn with a particular linetype. Examples would be solid,
Linetype
center, dashed, etc.
Model space The drawing space where you 'model' the objects.
Modify A generic term used for changing your objects
Object Any item that is in the AutoCAD database. Also known as an entity.
Origin The (0,0) point of your current co-ordinate system.
This is a drawing mode that allows you to draw only perpendicular lines. It
Ortho mode
is toggled on and off by pressing the F8 key.
Osnap - Object Snap This is a method of 'snapping' to certain, precise points on an object.
To move around drawing by dragging the drawing area around your
Pan
screen.
Path The specific folder where AutoCAD looks for, or saves files.
Pick To select an object by 'left-clicking' on it.
Plot Also known as print. To make a hard copy of your drawing.
Polar co-ordinates A way of inputting points based on distance and angle.
Any specific characteristic of an object such as layer, scale, linetype, start
Property
point, etc.
Relative co-ordinates A way of inputting points based on a starting point.
Selection set The current group of objects selected for modifying.
This is a drawing mode that allows you to snap your cursor to precise
Snap
points laid out in a grid pattern. Toggle with the F9 key.
Styles Formatting that defines the look of text, dimensions, etc.
The basic drawing unit set for you drawing. For example, you can use
Units inches or millimeters depending on your needs. You can also set the
precision you want displayed, such nearest 1/4", 1/2" 1/64", etc.
User co-ordinate system Modifications made to the World Co-ordinate System (WCS) results in a
(UCS) User Co-ordinate System (UCS)
View A particular area of your drawing.
A separate 'window' on your drawing. You may have more than one
Viewport
viewport visible to see different areas of your drawing at the same time.
An easy step-by-step instruction set to help you set-up certain aspects of
Wizard
your drawing.
World Co-ordinate System This is the common X-Y co-ordinate system that is the default. If it is
(WCS) modified, it becomes a User co-ordinate System (UCS)
To view either a smaller section of your drawing (zoom in) or a larger
Zoom
section (zoom out)
ACAD Command Concepts, References, Aliases, and System Variables 17

Drawing Limits and Units

Command Description Menu bar

LIMITS Sets and controls the limits of the Format> Drawing
drawing boundaries. Limits
UNITS Controls coordinate and angle Format> Units
display formats and precision
ACAD Command Concepts, References, Aliases, and System Variables 18

Basic Draw Commands

3

AutoCAD give you ample variety of drawing elements, called

objects. Below is the list of basic commands and concepts in
AutoCAD that can be used to complete a simple drawing.

Command Description TB Pull-down

/(Aliases) menu
LINE (L) Creates straight line Draw>Line
segments

RECTANG Draws a rectangular polyline Draw>Rectangle

(REC)
First Specifies a corner point of the rectangle.
Corner
Chamfer Sets the chamfer distances for the
rectangle
Elevation Specifies the elevation of the rectangle
Fillet Specifies the fillet radius of the rectangle
Thickness Specifies the thickness of the rectangle
Width Specifies the polyline width of the
rectangle to be drawn

CIRCLE Creates a circle Draw>Circle

(C)
Center Draws a circle based on a center point and a
point diameter or a radius
3P Draws a circle based on three points on the
ACAD Command Concepts, References, Aliases, and System Variables 19

circumference
2P Draws a circle based on two endpoints of the
diameter
TTR Draws a circle with a specified radius tangent
to two objects

ARC (A) Creates an arc Draw>Arc

3P Draws an arc using 3 specified points on the

arc’s circumference.
SCE Draws an arc using 3 specified points, the
start point, the center of the arc, and the
endpoints
SCA Start, Center, Angle
SCL Start ,Center, Length(chord length of the arc
from start point to endpoint)
SEA Start, End, Angle (Subtended Angle of the arc)
SED Start, End, Direction( direction of the arc as
directed by the tangent on the start point.)
SER Start End, Radius(radius of the arc)
CSE Center, Start ,End
CSA Center, Start, Angle
CSL Center, Start, Length
Cont. Continue an arc from the previous or last
point.

ERASE (E) Removes objects from a Modify>Erase

drawing

UNDO (U) Reverses your last action Edit> Undo

ACAD Command Concepts, References, Aliases, and System Variables 20

REDO Reverses the effects of

previous UNDO or U
commands
OOPS Restores erased objects

Coordinates Display
AutoCAD displays the current cursor location as a coordinates on
the status bar at the bottom of the AutoCAD window.

Three types of coordinate display mode:

• Dynamic display updates the X,Y coordinate location as you move
the cursor.
• Distance and angle display updates the relative distance
(distance<angle) as you move the cursor.
• Static display updates the X,Y coordinate location only when you
specify a point.

Press F6 or CTRL+D - to change the coordinate display on the status

bar .

Coordinate Entry
When a command prompts you for a point, you can use the
pointing device to specify a point, or you can enter a coordinate value on
the command line.

Coordinate Modes
Format Mode Concepts
x,y Absolute Absolute coordinate values are based on
the origin (0,0), where the X and Y axes
intersect.
@ x, y Relative Relative coordinate values are based on the
Rectangular last point entered. Use a relative coordinate
when you know the position of a point in
relation to the previous point.
@d<β Relative Polar coordinates use a distance and an
Polar angle to locate a point.

Direct Distance Entry

A method to specify a second point by first moving the cursor to
indicate direction and then entering a distance.
ACAD Command Concepts, References, Aliases, and System Variables 21

Exercise 1
Draw the Figure below using the 3 coordinate methods.

Exercise 2
Draw the Figure below using the 3 coordinate methods.
ACAD Command Concepts, References, Aliases, and System Variables 22

Plate 1

1. Set Up the Drawing Other corner: 8.375, 3.125

Use Wizard –Quick Setup Draw the trapezoidal shapes located in
Units –Decimal the top of the instrument.
Area – 11”x 8.5” (short coupon- Command: line
landscape) SFP: 7.375, 3.75
2. Draw Borders SNP:@0.375<0
Command: RECTANG SNP: 7.625,3.5
“Use Line Command instead of SNP:@0.125<180
rectangle” SNP: c
Command:LINE Command: LINE
Specify First Point: 0.25,0.25 Line from point : 8.000, 3.75
Specify Next Point:0.25,8.25 SNP: @ .375<0
Specify Next Point:10.75,8.25 SNP: 8.25, 3.5
Specify Next Point: 10.75,0.25 SNP: @ .125 < 180
Specify Next Point: C SNP: c
3. Draw The DOOR JAMB Draw the circular gauges with the arrow
Command:LINE pointers located in the instrument panel.
From Point: 2,1.5 Command: circle
Specify Next Point: 2,2.5 <Center point>: 6.625, 3.25
Specify Next Point: 1.625,2.5 <Radius>:@ .5<0
SNP: 1.625,3.5 Command: c
SNP: 2,3.5 <Center Point>: 9.125, 3.25
SNP: 2,4.25 <Radius> <0.5000>: @.5<0
SNP: 3.125,4.25 Draw the arrow pointers.
SNP: 3.125,4 Command: line
SNP: 3,4 SFP: 6.5,3.5
SNP: @0.125<90 SNP: 6.625, 3.75
SNP:@0.875<180 SNP: 6.75,3.5
SNP: @0.75<270 SNP: enter
SNP: @0.375<180 Command: line
SNP: @0,-0.75 SFP: 6.625, 3.25
SNP: @0.375,0 SNP: 6.625, 3.25
SNP: @0,-1 SNP: 6.625, 3.75
SNP: @0.875,0 SNP: enter
SNP: @0,0.125 Command: line
SNP: @0.125,0 SFP: 9.375, 3.375
SNP: @0,-0.25 SNP: 9.625, 3.25
SNP: @-1.125,0 SNP: 9.375, 3.125
SNP: ENTER SNP: enter
4. Save the current status of drawing Command: line
File – Save SFP: 9.125, 3.25
Filename –{Your Name}Draw1 SNP: 9.625, 3.25
Location : c:cad_draw\{your folder} SNP: enter
5. Draw the Intrument Panel Draw the two circles located in the
Draw the main outline of the instrument bottom of the instrument panel.
panel and the central rectangle. Command: circle
Command: rectang <Center point>: 7.5, 1.875
<First Corner>: 5.75, 1.25 <Radius> <0.5000>:.25
Other corner: 9.875,4 Command: enter
Command: repeat the rectang <Center point>: 8.25, 1.875
command <Radius> <0.2500>:.25
<First Corner> 7.375’ 2.5
ACAD Command Concepts, References, Aliases, and System Variables 23

Draw the switches located in the bottom End point: 2.25,7.25

of the instrument panel. Command:press enter to repeat arc
Command:rectang command
First Corner: 6..4375, 1.5 ARC Center/<start point>:(press
Other corner: 6.5625,2 enter to continue from previous
Command: rectang point)
<First Corner>:9.1875,1.5 End point: 2.25,5.25
Other Corner:9.3125,2 Command: press enter to repeat arc
Command: arc command
<Start point>: 6.5625,1.875 ARC Center/<start point>:(press enter to
<Center>: 6.5,2 continue from previous point)
<End point> 6.4375,1.875 End point: 2,5.25
Command: arc Command: press enter to repeat arc
<start point> 9.3125,1.875 command
<Center> 9.25,2 ARC Center/<start point>:(press enter to
<End point>:9.1875,1.875 continue from previous point)
Save the current status of the drawing. End point: 2,7.25
0
Draw the 90 ELL Command: press enter to repeat arc
Draw the lower lines of the 90-degree command
ell. ARC Center/<start point>:(press enter to
Command: line continue from previous point)
SFP: 8.25,5.875 End point: 3.25,7.25
SNP: @.125<0 This complete the first loop. Take a
SNP: @.625<-90 breath.
SNP:@1.625<180
SNP: @0.625<90 Command: press enter to repeat arc
SNP:@0.125<0 command
SNP: enter ARC Center/<start point>:(press enter to
Draw the large outer arc. continue from previous point)
Command: arc End point: 3.25,5.25
<start point>:6.875,5.875 Command: press enter to repeat arc
<Center>@1.875<0 command
<Angle>:-90 ARC Center/<start point>:(press enter to
Draw the upper lines of the 90-degree continue from previous point)
ell. End point: 3,5.25
Command: line Command: press enter to repeat arc
SFP: 8.75,7.75 command
SNP: @0.125<90 ARC Center/<start point>:(press enter to
SNP:@0.625<0 continue from previous point)
SNP:@1.625<-90 End point: 3,7.25
SNP:@0.625<180 Command: press enter to repeat arc
SNP:@0.125<90 command
SNP:enter ARC Center/<start point>:(press enter to
Draw the smaller outer arc. continue from previous point)
Command: arc End point: 4.25,7.25
Center/<Start point> (type @ and This completes the second loop and
press enter to select the last point starts the last loop of the coil. Take
as the start point) another breath.
Center: @0.5<-90
<End point>:@0.5<180 Command: press enter to repeat arc
Save the current status of the drawing. command
Draw the Coil ARC Center/<start point>:(press enter to
Draw the coil. continue from previous point)
Command: arc End point: 4.25,5.25
<Start point>: 1,7.25 Command: press enter to repeat arc
<Second point>: 1.625,7.625 command
ACAD Command Concepts, References, Aliases, and System Variables 24

ARC Center/<start point>:(press enter to ARC Center/<start point>:(press enter to

continue from previous point) continue from previous point)
End point: 4,5.25 End point: 5.25,7.25
Command: press enter to repeat arc Save the current status of the drawing.
command
ARC Center/<start point>:(press enter to Your drawing should look as shown in
continue from previous point) figure below.
End point: 4,7.25
Command: press enter to repeat arc
command