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TRAINING MANUAL

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AUTOCAD

MODULE ONEINTRODUCTION (GETTING STARTED)MODULE TWOSETTING UP YOUR DRAWING ENVIRONMENTMODULE THREE DRAWING WITH PRECISIONMODULE FOURCONTROLLING THE DRAWING DISPLAYMODULE FIVE CREATING OBJECTMODULE SIXEDITING METHODSMODULE SEVEN USING LAYERS AND OBJECT PROPERTIESMODULE EIGHTADDING TEXT TO DRAWINGMODULE NINECREATING DIMENSIONSMODULE TEN USING BLOCKS AND EXTERNAL REFERENCESMODULE ELEVENCREATING A LAYOUT TO PLOTMODULE TWELVEPLOTTING YOUR DRAWING

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INTRODUCTIONAutomatic Computer Aided Design (AutoCAD) is an application software developed for engineering and architectural designs. It has completely Changed the way engineers, technologist and allied professionals worked. With AutoCAD software application, complex drawings can be created more easily, accurately and quickly. Hence CAD can easily be integrated into Design process. Furthermore, accurate three-dimensional (3D) models can readily be produced and potential production problems can be detected Early enough in the design stage and corrected before actual production.

INTRODUCTION TO THE AUTOCAD WINDOW The AutoCAD window consist of the TEXT SCREEN and the GRAPHIC SCREEN The TEXT SCREEN is used when giving statistical data The GRAPHIC SCREEN is used as drawing screen.

USE OF FUNCTION KEYSAutoCAD uses many of the F keys on the keyboard as toggle switches, that is to turn functions on and off. The GRID background is toggled using the F7 key, the SNAP is by F9, and the STATUS (Coordinates) reading at the bottom of the screen by F6.

Getting Started When you start AutoCAD, the setup dialog box is displayed. The dialog box provides you with four ways to start a drawing. You can:Open an existing drawingStart a drawing from scratchStart a drawing based on a template Use wizards to help you set up your drawing

To Start AutoCAD From the start menu choose programs. Then choose AutoCAD from the menu.In the startup dialog box, choose one of the following as shown in the screen.

STARTING DRAWINGS FROM SCRATCH Starting a drawing from scratch is a quick way to begin a new drawing. When you select this drawing startup method, you can select one of two measurement systems on which to base the new drawing:English: creates a new drawing based on the Imperial measurement system. The default drawing boundary, called the drawing limit, is 12x9 inches.

Metric: creates a new drawing based on the metric measurement system. The default drawing boundary is 420x297 millimeters.

WORKING WITH TOOLBARSAutoCAD provides 24 toolbars for access to frequently used commands, settings, and modes. The standard, object properties, draw and modify toolbars are displayed by default.

TO DISPLAY OR CLOSE TOOLBARS Right-click the background or title bar of any displayed toolbar, such as the standard or Draw toolbar. From the shortcut menu, select the toolbar you want to display or close.

SAVING DRAWINGSWhen you are working on a drawing, you should save it frequently. If you want to create a new version of a drawing without affecting the original drawing, you can save it under another name.To save a drawingFrom the File Menu, Choose save.In the save drawing dialog box under the file name, enter the new drawing name (the file extension is not required).Choose save.

CLOSING DRAWINGSThe CLOSE command closes the active drawing. You can also click the close button in the upper-right corner of the drawing.

To close a drawingClick the drawing you want to close to make it the active drawing.From the file menu, choose close.

EXITING AUTOCADIf you saved your most recent changes to all drawings, you can exit AutoCAD without saving the drawings again. If you have not saved your changes, AutoCAD prompts you to save or discard the changes.

To exit AutoCADFrom the file menu, choose EXIT.

MODULE TWO

SETTING UP YOUR DRAWING ENVIRONMENT Setting Drawing UnitsEvery object you draw is measured in unit. You determine the value of the units within AutoCAD before you draw. For example, in one drawing, a unit might equal one millimeter of the real-world object. In another drawing, a unit might equal an inch. You can set the unit type and number of decimal places for object lengths and angles.

Setting drawing units do not automatically set units for dimensions. You generally set drawing units and dimension units to the same type and precision, but you can set different values for dimension units.

To format drawing units from the Format menu, choose units. In the drawing Units dialog box, set the unit values for your drawing. As you change unit settings , AutoCAD shows examples under sample output.

Under Length, select a unit type and level of precision.Under Angle, select an angle type and precision.To specify an angle direction, choose Direction, and then select the base angle in the Direction Control dialog box.

The angle direction controls the point from which AutoCAD measures angles and the direction in which they are measured. The default is 0 degrees on the right side of the figure, measured counter clockwise. If you select other, you can enter an angle, or choose Angle to specify an angle using your pointing device. choose OK to exit each dialog box.

SETTING DRAWING UNITSSetting Grid LimitsYou can set the rectangular boundary, or limits, of the drawing area that is covered by grid dots when the grid is turned on. The grid provides a visual representation of the limits. Setting the limits controls the extent of the display of the grid.

SETTING THE GRIDThe grid is a pattern of dots that extends over the area specified by the limits.

MODULE THREE

DRAWING WITH PRECISIONCHANGING THE SNAP ANGLE AND BASE POINTTo draw objects along specific alignments or angles, you can rotate the snap angle, which rotates the crosshairs and the grid. Then, if Ortho mode is on, AutoCAD constrains cursor movement to the new snap angle and its perpendicular angle.Changing the snap angle changes the grid angle. You can see the new snap alignment.3.2 TO ROTATE THE SNAP ANGLEFrom the tools menu, choose Drafting Settings.On the Snap and Grid tab in the Drafting Settings dialog box enter a snap angle.For example, to rotate the snap angle 30-degrees, enter 30.

To change the snap angle base point From the tools menu, choose Drafting Settings.On the Snap and Grid tab in the Drafting Settings dialog box enter new X and Y coordinates in X base and Y base.Choose OK.

3.3SETTING SNAP AND GRID TO ISOMETRIC MODEIsometric Snap/Grid mode helps you create 2D drawings that represent 3D objects, such as cubes. Isometric drawings are not:

True 3D drawings. They stimulate a 3D object from a particular viewpoint by aligning along three major axes. If the snap angle is 0, the axes of the isometric plane are 30-degrees, 90-degrees and 150 degrees. When you set snap mode to isometric, use F5 key (or CTRL+E) to change the isometric planes to left, right, or top orientations:Left: Orients the snap and grid alignment along 90-and 150-degrees axes.Right: Orients the snap and grid alignment along 90-and 30-degrees axesTop; Orients the snap and grid alignment along 30-and 150-degrees axes.

Choosing an isometric plane realigns the snap intervals, grid and crosshairs along the corresponding isometric axes.

3.4 TO TURN ON AN ISOMETRIC PLANEFrom the Tools menu choose Drafting Settings.On the Snap and Grid tab in the Drafting Settings dialog box under Snap Style & Type, Select Isometric Snap.Choose OK.

3.5 SETTING RUNNING OBJECT SNAPSIn addition to single-point object snaps, you can turn on running object snaps. Running object snaps stay on until you turn them off. You can also turn on more than one running object snap at a time.To set running object snapsFrom the Tools menu, choose Drafting Settings.

2. On the Object Snap tab in the Drafting Settings dialog box, select Object Snap On.3. Select the running object snaps you want, and then choose OK.

MODULE FOUR

4.0 CONTROLLING THE DRAWING DISPLAY4.1 USING ZOOM PANUsing ZOOM Real time In Real-time Zoom mode, you can zoom in or out of the drawing by moving the cursor up or down. Hold the pick button down at the midpoint of the drawing and move the cursor vertically to the top (positive direction) of the window to zoom in to 100 percent (2x magnification). Hold the pick button down at the midpoint of the drawing and move the cursor vertically to the bottom (negative direction) of the window to zoom out 100 percent (.5x magnification).To zoom in real timeFrom the view menu, choose zoom real-time.To zoom in or out to different magnifications, hold down the pick button on your pointing device and move the cursor vertically.Move the cursor above the midpoint of the drawing area to zoom in on the image. Move the cursor below the midpoint of the drawing area to zoom in on the image. Move the cursor below the midpoint of the drawing area to zoom out from the image.

4.2 USING PAN REALTIME

Real time is the default saving for PAN pressing ENTER after entering pan on the command line automatically places you in Real time Pan mode.Hold down the pick button on the pointing device and move the hand cursor to pan the drawing.

To pan in Real timeFrom the View Menu, choose Pan Real Time.Hold down the pick button and move the pointing device to reposition the drawing.

4.3 DISPLAYING DRAWING LIMITS AND EXTENTSTo display a view based on the drawing boundaries or the extents of the objects in the drawing use ZOOM ALL or ZOOM Extents.Zoom Extents displays a view that includes all objects in the drawing at the highest magnification that will fit the drawing area or the current viewport.Zoom All displays a view that includes the drawing limits you defined when you set the drawing and any objects that extend beyond the limits.

MODULE FIVE5.0 CREATING OBJECTS5.1 DRAWING LINE OBJECTSA line can be one segment or a series of connected segments, but each segment is a separate line object.

To draw a lineFrom the Draw Menu, Choose Line.Specify the start point Specify the endpoint.Press ENTER to complete the line.

5.2 DRAWING POLYLINESA polyline is a connected sequence of the line or arc segments created as a single object.

To draw a polyline with straight segmentsFrom the Draw menu, choose polyline.Specify the first point of the polyline.Specify the endpoint of each polyline segment.Enter c (Close) to close the polyline or press ENTER to end the command.

5.3 DRAWING MULTILINESMultilines consist of between 1 and 16 parallel lines, called elements. You position the elements by specifying the desired offset of each element from the origin of the multiline.

To draw a multiline From the Draw menu, choose Multiline. At the command prompt, enter ST to select a style. To list available styles, enter the style name or enter? To justify the multiline, enter j and choose top, zero, or bottom justification. To change the scale of the multiline, enter s and enter a new scale.Now draw the multiline.6. Specify the starting point. 7. Specify the second point.8. Specify the third point.9. Specify the fourth point or enter c to close the multiline, or press ENTER.

5.4 DRAWING INSCRIBED POLYGONSUse inscribed polygons when you want to specify the distance between the center of the polygon and each vertex. This distance is the radius of the circle within which the polygon is inscribed.

To draw an inscribed square. From the Draw menu, choose polygonEnter 4 to specify four sides for the polygonSpecify the centerpoint for the polygonEnter I (Inscribed in Circle)Specify the radius.

5.5DRAWING CIRCUMSCRIBED POLYGONSUse circumscribed polygons when you want to specify the distance between the center of the polygon and the midpoint of each side. This distance is the radius of the circle the polygon circumscribes.To draw a circumscribed hexagon

From the Draw menu, choose polygon.Enter 6 for the number of sides Specify the center of the polygonEnter c (Circumscribed about Circle)Specify the radius length.

5.6SKETCHING FREEHANDYou can see the SKETCH command to draw free hand sketches. Freehand sketches comprise many line segments. You set the minimum length or increment of the segments. Sketching is useful for creating irregular boundaries or for tracing with a digitizer. Small line segments' allow for greater accuracy, but they can greatly increase the drawing file size. For this reason, us this tool sparingly.

To sketch and record freehand lines1. At the command prompt, enter sketch2. At the Record Increment prompt, enter the minimum line segment length.3. Click the start point to put the pen down.

When you move the pointing device, AutoCAD draws temporary freehand line segments of the length you specified. SKETCH doesn't accept coordinate input. During the command, freehand lines are displayed in a different color.

4 Click the endpoint to lift the pen up so that you can move the cursor around the screen without drawing. Click a new start point to resume drawing from the new cursor position.5. Enter r at any me to record (save) in the database the line youre drawing and those already drawn.6. Press ENTER to complete the sketch and record all unrecorded lines.

5.7 DRAWING CIRCLES You can create circle in several ways. The default method is to specify the center and radius. You can also specify the center and diameter or define the diameter alone with two points. You can define the circles circumference with three points. You can also create the circle tangent to three existing objects or create it tangent to two objects and specify a radius.

Methods of drawing circlesTo draw a circle by specifying a center point and radius

From the draw menu, choose Circle Center, RadiusSpecify the center pointSpecify the radius.

To create a circle tangent to existing objects

From the Draw menu, choose Circle Tan,Tan, Radius You are now in Tangent snap modeSelect the first object to draw the circle tangent to. Select the second object to draw the tangent toSpecify the radius of the circle.

To create a circle tangent at two or three points, set OSNAP to tangent and use the two point or three point method to create the circle.

5.8 DRAWING ARCSYou can create arcs in many ways. The default method is to specify three points a start point, a second point on the arc, and an endpoint.

To draw an arc by specifying three pointsFrom the draw menu, choose Arc-Start, Center, End.Specify the start point (1) by entering endp and selecting the line. The arc snaps to the endpoint of the line. Specify the second point (2) by entering cen and selecting the existing arc to define the center of the arc.Specify the endpoint of the arc (3)

To draw an arc using a start point, a center point, and a chord length

From the draw menu, choose Arc Start, Center, Length.Specify a start point (1)Specify the center point (2)Specify the chord length.

5.9 DARWING SPLINE CURVESA spline is a smooth curve passing through a given set of points. Splines are useful for creating irregular shaped curves, for example drawing contour lines for geographic information system (GIS) applications or automobile design.

To create a spline by specifying points From the Draw menu, choose Spline.Specify the splines start point (1). Specify points (2 through 5) to create the spline and press ENTER.Specify the start and end tangents (6 and 7).

5.10 DRAWING ELLIPSES The default method of drawing an ellipse is to specify the endpoints of the axis and the distance, which is half the length of the second axis. The longer axis of an ellipse is called the major axis, and the shorter one is the minor axis. The order in which you define the axes does not matter.

To draw a true ellipse using endpoints and distance

From the draw menu, choose Ellipse Axis, End.Specify the first endpoint of the first axis(1).Specify the second endpoint of the first axis (2)Drag the point device away from the midpoint (3) of the first axis and click to specify the distance.

You can provide a rotation angle instead of a distance or draw the ellipse based on a center point, an endpoint of one axis, and half the length of the other axis.

5.11 DRAWING ISOMETRIC CIRCLESIf you are drawing on isometric planes to stimulate three dimensions, you can use ellipses to represent circles viewed from an oblique angle. First you need to turn on an isometric plane.

To draw an isometric circleTurn on the Isometric snap and grid. from the Draw menu, choose Ellipse Axis, End. Enter I (Isocircle).Specify the center of the circle (1)Specify the radius or diameter of the circle (2)

5.12 DRAWING DONUTSDrawing donuts is a quick way to create filled rings or solid- filled circles. Donuts are actually closed polylines that have width.To draw a donut1. From the draw menu, choose Donut.

2. Specify the inside diameter (1).3. Specify the outside diameter (2).4. Specify the center of the donut (3).5. Specify the center point for another donut or press ENTER to end the command.

5.13 HATCHING AREASCreating an Associative Hatch

Hatching areas created with BHATCH are associative by default. If you specify points to create an associative hatch, specify only one internal point per hatch block placement.

To hatch an enclosed area From the Draw menu, choose Hatch.In the Boundary Hatch dialog box, choose pick points.Specify a point in your drawing inside each area you want to hatch. If you make a mistake, you can right-click and choose clear All or Undo last Select/Pick from the shortcut menu.To preview the hatch, right click and choose preview.Press ENTER to return to the Boundary Hatch dialog box and Select a hatch pattern.Choose OK to apply hatch.

USING HATCH PATTERNSAutoCAD supplies a solid fill and more than 50 industry-standard hatch patterns that you can use to differentiate the components of objects or represent object

Materials. AutoCAD supplies 14 hatch patterns that conform to the ISO (International Standardization Organization) standards. When you select an ISO pattern, you can specify a pen width, which determines the line weight in the pattern.To use an ISO hatch pattern1. From the Draw menu, choose Hatch.2. In the Boundary Hatch dialog box, choose quick tab.3. Under Type, Choose Predefined.4. Under Pattern, Choose an ISO pattern name from the list, or if you prefer to choose the viewing preview images, choose the [] button next to the pattern list.5. I n the Hatch pattern Palette dialog box, choose the ISO tab.6. Choose a pattern and choose ok.7. In the Boundary hatch dialog box, choose pick points.8. Specify an internal point and press ENTER.9. To preview the hatch, right-click and choose preview.

If pattern is not displayed the way you want, you may need to adjust the pattern, scale, or angle. Use the preview button in the Boundary Hatch dialog box to preview the hatch with the settings.

10. Press ENTER to return to the Boundary Hatch dialog box. Choose OK to apply the hatch.

To define a hatch pattern.From the Draw menu, choose Hatch.

2. In the Boundary Hatch dialog box, choose the QUICK TAB.3. Under Type, choose User Defined.4. Under spacing, enter the spacing between lines.5. Select Double to add lines at 90 degrees to the original.6. Choose pick points. 7. Specify an internal point and press ENTER.8. Choose OK to apply the hatch.

MODULE SIX

6.0 EDITING METHODS 6.1SELECTING OBJECTS

Using selection windowsYou can select objects by enclosing them in a selection window. A selection window is a rectangular area that you define in the drawing area by specifying two corner points at the Select Objects prompt. The order in which you specify the points makes a difference. Dragging from left to right (window selection) selects only objects entirely within the selection area. Dragging from right to left (crossing selection) selects objects within and objects crossing the selection area. Objects must be at least partially visible to be selected.

Using pointing technique Position target box over each item and check one at a time. The box must touch the object itself rather than the space it encloses. To select objects within an irregularly shaped area, enclose them in a polygon selection window. A window polygon selects only objects it encloses entirely, and a crossing polygon selects objects it encloses or crosses. Create the window by specifying points to enclose the area. The order in which you specify points defines a window or a crossing polygon.

To select objects within an irregularly shaped area.

At the Select Objects prompt, enter cp (crossing polygon) or wp (Regular polygon).Specify points from left to right to define an area that entirely encloses the lies you want to select.Press ENTER to close the polygon and complete the selection.

6.2USING THE OBJECT PROPERTIES TOOLBAREditing Layers With the layer buttons and the layer control, you can view a selected objects layer, change an objects layer, make a layer current, and change a layers properties.

To change an objects layer Select the objects whose layers you want to change.On the Object properties toolbar, choose the Layer Control.Choose a layer.

AutoCAD applies the chosen layer to all selected objects.

To make a layer currentWith no objects selected, on the Objects Properties toolbar, choose the layer control.Choose the layer you want to make current.

To make an objects layer currentSelect the object whose layer you want to make current.On the Object Properties toolbar, choose Make Objects Layer Current.

To change a layers properties On the Object Properties toolbar, choose the Layer control.Click the layer property icon that you want to toggle.Choose the Layer control again to collapse the list.

To access the layer Properties Manager On the Object Properties toolbar, choose layers.

6.3 EDITING COLORSWith the Color control, you can view the current color of a selected object, change the color of an object, and make a color current.The Color control lists BYLAYER, BYBLOCK, seven standard colors, and the four most recently used non-standard colors. If the color you want is not on the list, choose other and choose the color in the select color dialog box.

To change an objects colorSelect the objects whose colors you want to change. On the Object Properties toolbar, choose he color control.Choose a color.If you do not see the color that you want, choose Other.In the select color dialog box, select the color that you want.

You an select a color from one of the palettes or enter an AutoCAD color index (ACI) color number under color.

Choose OK.

AutoCAD applies the chosen color to all selected objects.

TO MAKE A COLOR CURRENT With no objects selected, on the Object Properties toolbar, choose the color control.Choose a color from the list.If you do not see the color that you want, choose other.In the Select Color dialog box, select the color that you want and choose OK.

6.4 EDITING LINETYPES

With the linetype control, you can view a selected objects linetype, change an objects linetype, make a linetype current, and access the Linetype Manager.The linetype control displays BYLAYER, BYBLOCK, CONTINUOUS, and any linetypes that you have loaded. If the linetype you want is not listed, access the linetype Manager as described in this section to load additional linetypes.

To change an objects linetype

Select the objects whose linetypes you want to change.On the Object Properties toolbar, choose the Linetype control.Choose a linetype.If you do not see the linetype that you want, choose other. In the Linetype Manager, you can load additional linetypes. 5. Choose the linetype that you want and choose OK.

AutoCAD applies the chosen linetype to all selected objects.

To make a linetype currentWith no objects selected, on the Object Properties toolbar, choose the Linetype control.Choose the linetype you want to make current.If you do not see the linetype that you want, choose other.

In the linetype Manager, you can load additional linetypes.

Choose linetype that you want and choose OK.

6.5 OFFSETTING OBJECTSOffsetting creates a new object that is similar to a selected object but at a specified distance. You can offset lines, arcs, circles etc.

To offset an object by specifying a distance

From the Modify menu, choose Offset.Use the pointing device to specify the offset distance, or enter a value. Select the object to offset.Specify which object to offset.Select another object to offset, or press ENTER to end the command.

6.6 MIRRORING OBJECTSYou mirror objects around a mirror line. Which you define with two points. You can delete or retain the original objects.

To mirror objects From the Modify menu, choose Mirror .Select the objects to mirror with a window. Specify the first point of the mirror line.Specify the second point.Press ENTER to retain the original objects.

6.7 ARRAYING OBJECTSCreating Polar Arrays

A circular table can be surrounded with chairs by making a polar array of the original chair and rotating the copies as they are arrayed. Whether the array is drawn counter clockwise or clockwise depends on the Direction Control setting in the Units Control Dialog box.

To create a polar array:From the Modify menu, choose Array.Select the original object and press ENTER.Enter p (Polar).Specify the center point of array.Enter the number of items in the array. Including the original object.Enter the angle the array is to fill, from 0 through 360

The default setting for the angle is 360 degrees.7. Press ENTER to rotate the objects as they are arrayed.

Creating Rectangular Arrays A rectangular array of a chair can be made using the option. The array has rows and columns.

To create a rectangular array

From the Modify menu, choose Array.Select the chair.Enter r (Rectangular). Enter the number of rows.Enter the number of columns.Enter the distance between the rows.Enter the distance between the columns.

6.8 MOVING OBJECTSWhen you move objects, you can rotate or align them or move them without changing orientation or size. Use snap mode, coordinates, grips, and objects snap modes to move objects with precision.

To move an objectFrom the Modify menu, choose move.Select the object to move.Specify the base point for the move.Specify the second point of displacement.

6.9 ROTATING OBJECTSYou rotate objects by choosing a base point and a relative or absolute rotation angle. Specify a relative angle to rotate the object from its current orientation around the base point by that angle. Whether the objects are rotated counter clockwise or clockwise depends on the Direction Control setting in the Units Control dialog box. Specify absolute angles to rotate objects from the current angle to a new absolute angle.

To rotate an objectFrom the Modify menu, choose Rotate.Select the object to rotate.Specify the base point for the rotation.Specify the angle of rotation.

6.10 RESIZING OBJECTSStretching ObjectsTo stretch an object, you specify a base point for the stretch and then two points of displacement.

To stretch an objectFrom the Modify menu, choose Stretch.Select the object using a crossing selection.Specify the base point.Specify the point of displacement.

6.11 SCALING OBJECTS

Scaling by a Scale Factor

Scaling by a scale factor changes all dimensions of the selected object. A scale factor greater than 1 enlarges the object. A scale factor less than 1 shrinks the object.

To scale a selection set by a scale factor.From the Modify menu, choose Scale.Select the objects to scale. Specify the base point.Enter 5 (the scale factor)

6.12 EXTENDING OBJECTS

You can extend objects so they end precisely at a boundary defined by other objects.

To extend an objectFrom the Modify menu, choose Extend.Select the object for the boundary.Select the objects to extend and press ENTER.

6.13 TRIMMING OBJECTSYou can cut an object precisely at an edge defined by one or more objects. Objects you define as boundary edges or cutting edges do not have to intersect the object being trimmed.

To trim walls where they intersect From the Modify menu, choose Trim.Select the cutting edges with a crossing selection and press ENTER. Select the section of the wall you want trimmed and press ENTER.

6.14 INSERTING BREAKS IN OBJECTSYou can remove part of an object with the break command. You can break lines, circles, arcs, etc.

To break an objectFrom the Modify menu, choose Break.Select the object to break.By default, the point you select on the object will be the first break point. To choose a different first break point, enter f (first) and specify the new first break point.3. Specify the second break point.

6.16 EXPLODING OBJECTSExploding objects converts single objects to their constituent parts but has no visible effect.

To explode an objectFrom the Modify menu, choose Explode.Select the objects to be exploded and press Enter.

6.17 CHAMFERING OBJECTS

Chamfering by Specifying DistancesThe chamfer distance is the amount each object is trimmed or extended to meet the chamfer line or to intersect the other object.

To chamfer by specifying distances 1. From the Modify menu, choose Chamfer.2. Enter d (Distance).3. Enter the first chamfer distance.4. Enter the second chamfer distance.5. Press ENTER to re enter the chamfer command.6. Select the lines for chamfering.

6.18 FILLETING OBJECTSThe fillet radius is the radius of the arc that connects filleted objects. By default, the fillet radius is 0.500 or the last radius set. Changing the radius affects subsequent fillets but not existing ones.

To set fillet radius

From the Modify menu, choose Fillet.Enter r (Radius).Specify the fillet radius.Press ENTER to re-enter the FILLET command.Select the objects to fillet.

MODULE SEVEN7.0 USING LAYERS AND OBJECT PROPERTIES

7.1 WORKING WITH LAYERSCreating and Naming Layers

You can create and name a layer for each conceptual grouping (such as walls or dimensions) and assign common properties to those layers. By grouping objects into layers, you can control their display and make changes quickly and efficiently.

You can create new layers and assign color, linetype, and lineweight.

TO CREATE A NEW LAYERFrom the Format menu, choose Layer. In the Layer Properties Manager, choose New.

A new layer is displayed in the list with the temporary name LAYER 1.

3. Enter a new name. 4. To create more than one layer, choose New again, enter the new layer name and press ENTER.5. Choose OK.

Assigning Color to a Layer

You can assign a color to a layer using the Layer Properties Manager. For example, you can assign the color red to a layer to help you identify the component in your drawing.

To assign a color to a layerFrom the Format menu, choose Layer.In the Layer Properties Manager, select a Layer and click the Color icon.In the Select Color dialog box, select a color.Choose OK.

7.2 ASSIGNING A LINETYPE TO A LAYERWhen you are defining layers, linetypes provide another way to convey visual information. A linetype can be a straight line or a repeating pattern of dashes, dots, and blank spaces that you can use to distinguish the purpose of one line from another.

To assign a linetype to a layer

From the Format menu, choose Layer.In the Layer Properties Manager, select a layer and then click the linetype associated with that layer.In the Select Linetype dialog box, do one of the following: Select a linetype from the list or Choose Load to load a linetype from a fileChoose OK to exit each dialog box.

RENAMING LAYERS

You may want to rename a layer to better define how its used in your drawing. You can rename a layer at any time during a drawing session. You cannot rename layer 0 or an xref-dependent layer.

To rename a layerFrom the Format menu, choose Layer.In the Layer Properties Manager, select a layer to rename, select the layer name and enter the new name.Choose OK.

7.3 SETTING THE CURRENT COLORYou can assign a color to a layer, set the current color for new objects that you create (including BYLAYER or BYBLOCK), or change the color of existing objects in your drawing. To use a color to draw, you must choose a color and make it current. All newly created objects are drawn using the current color.

To make a color currentFrom the Format menu, choose Color.In the Select Color dialog box, select a color name or enter a color number in the Color box.Choose OK.

DELETING LAYERSYou can delete a layer at any time during a drawing session. You cannot delete the current layer, layer 0, an xref-dependent layer, or a layer that contains objects.

To delete a layer

From the Format menu, choose Layer.In the Layer Properties Manager, select one or more layers, and then choose Delete.Choose OK.

7.4 LINETYPE A linetype is a repeating pattern of dashes, dots, and blank spaces. A complex linetype is a repeating pattern of symbols along with dashes, dots, and blank spaces.

To use a linetype you must first load it into your drawing.

To load a linetype From the Format menu, choose Linetype.In the linetype Manger, choose Load.In the Load or Reload Linetypes dialog box, select one or more linetypes to load and then choose OK.

To select or clear all linetypes simultaneously, right-click the lnetypes list and choose select All or Clear All from the shortcut menu.The linetypes you select are displayed in the linetype list in the Linetype Manager and in the Linetype control on the Object Properties toolbar.4. Choose OK.

DELETING LINETYPESYou can delete a linetype at any time during a drawing session; however, some linetypes cannot be deleted, including BYLAYER, BYBLOCK, CONTINUOUS, the current linetype, xref-dependent linetypes that are being used by objects in the drawing . Also, linetypes referenced by block definitions cannot be deleted, even if they contain no visible objects.

To delete a linetype

From the Format menu, choose Linetype.In the Linetype Manager, select one or more linetypes, and then choose Delete.Choose OK.

MODULE EIGHT

8.0ADDING TEXT TO DRAWINGS

8.1 CREATING LINE TEXTUsing TEXT you can create one or more lines of text and end each line when you press ENTER. Each text line is a separate object that you can relocate, reformat, or otherwise modify.To create line textFrom the Draw menu, choose Text single line Text.Specify the insertion point for the first character. Press ENTER to locate the new text immediately below the last text object you created, if any. If the text height is set to 0 in the current text style, you are prompted to specify the height of the text.Set the text height by entering a value in drawing units.Set a text rotation angle by entering a desired angle.Enter the text. Press ENTER to end one line of text and begin another.Press ENTER on a blank line to end text creation.

ASSIGNING A STYLE TO LINE TEXTAll text in a drawing has a style associated with it that sets the font, size, angle, orientation, and other text characteristics. When you enter text, the TEXT command uses the current text style. You can assign a different, existing style by entering its name at the style prompt.

To specify a style when you create line text.From the draw menu, choose text single line text.Enter s (style).At the style Name prompt, enter an existing style name. Or Enter? For a list of available styles, and then enter a style name.Continue creating text.

Changing line textLike any other object, line text objects can be moved, rotated, erased, and copied. You can also mirror, or make a reverse copy of text.If you do not want the text to be reversed when you mirror it, you can set the MIRRTEXT system variable to 0.You can change line text with the DDEDIT and PROPERTIES commands. For line text, DDEDIT displays the Edit Text dialog box, in which you can edit only the text content. PROPERTIES displays the properties window, in which you can change the text content, insertion point, style, justification, size, and other properties.

TO EDIT LINE TEXT CONTENT ONLY

From the Modify menu, choose Text.Select the line text object you want to edit.Note: each line text is a separate object, so you can edit only one line at a time.In the Edit Text dialog box, enter the new text. Choose OKselect another text object to edit, or press ENTER to exit the commandTo modify line text object propertiesFrom the Modify menu, choose properties.Select a line text object.In the properties window, change the contents and other properties as needed.These changes affect all the text in the text object.Choose OK.

8.4USING MULTILINE TEXT

Creating Multiline TextYou can create text in the multiline Text Editor, on the command line, or with a third-party text editor. You specify a third-party text editor in the option dialog box or with the MTEXTED system variable.Before creating the text, you must define the paragraphs width. When text entry is complete, AutoCAD inserts the text entered in the dialog box within this width limit.The height of the multiline Text object you create with MTEXT depends on the amount of text you enter, not the height you specify when defining the boundary box.To create multiline textFrom the Draw menu, choose Text Multiline TextAt the specify First corner prompt, use your pointing device to specify the corner, or Enter coordinate values on the command line.At the next prompt, define the text width by using your pointing device to specify the opposite corner of the boundary box.Or Enter a width value on the command line. In the multiline Text Editor, enter the text.Text that extends beyond the boundary box width wraps to the next line.To convert text to uppercase as you enter it, double-click AutoCAPS.Choose OK

8.5FORMATTING MULTILINE TEXT

You can edit the content and change the properties of an mtext object in the properties window.To format exiting multilines text in the multiline Text EditorFrom the Modify menu, choose Text.Select the multiline text object you want to edit.In the multiline Text Editor, highlight the text you want to editEnter replacement text, if necessary.To use formatting option, choose one of the following tabs:Character; provides options that apply to words and characters within a text object, including fonts, text height, italics, and color.Properties; provides options that apply to the entire mtext object, including style, width, and justification.Line spacing; provides options for defining line spacing.Find/ replace; finds text within an mtext object and replaces it.Choose OK.

CHECKING SPELLING

The SPELL command checks the spelling in your drawing, including spelling in dimension text. You use one of several main dictionaries, available in different languages. The main dictionaries use standard word list, which you can customize. To check spelling

From the Tools menu, choose spelling.Select the text objects you want to check, or enter all to select all text objects.If AutoCAD does not find any misspelled words, it displays a message. If AutoCAD finds a misspelling, the check spelling dialog box identifies the misspelled word.The misspelled word and the text that surrounds it are displayed under context.Do one of the following:To correct a word, select an alternative from the suggestions list or enter a word in suggestions. Then choose change or change All.To leave a word unchanged, choose ignore or ignore AllTo leave a word unchanged and add it to the custom dictionary, choose Add (This option is not available unless a custom dictionary is specified.)5. Choose cancel to exit dialog box.

MODULE NINE

CREATING DIMENSIONS

9.1 CREATING LINEAR DIMENSIONSLinear dimensions create distance measurements between two plane in the XY plane of the current user coordinate system (UCS). You can specify the points or select an object.

Horizontal : measures a distance between two points parallel to the X axis.Vertical: measures a distance between two points parallel to the Y axis.

When you start a linear dimension, AutoCAD creates a horizontal or vertical measurement automatically based on where you placed the dimension. You can also specify the type of linear dimension explicitly.

To create a linear dimensionFrom the dimension menu, choose linear.At the prompt, specify the first and second dimension points, or press ENTER and select an object to dimension.Before you place the dimension, you can enter one of the following options to edit and position the dimension text.

To edit dimension text using the multiline text editor, enter m.

The angle brackets () represents the calculated measurement. In the Multiline Text Editor, enter text before or after the angle bracket to add text before or after the dimension text. To replace the dimension text, delete the brackets, and then enter the new text. Choose OK.

To edit dimension text on the command line, enter t.

The text you enter on the command line replaces the original text. Press ENTER to display the new text. To restore the original dimension text, enter t.

To rotate the dimension text, enter a, and then enter the text rotation angle.To rotate the dimension, enter r, and then enter the dimension rotation angle.To specify a horizontal or vertical dimension, enter h or v.

4. Specify the dimension line location.

9.2 CREATING ALIGNED DIMENSIONS

Use the aligned dimension (also called true length dimension) to create a linear dimension aligned with the dimension points.

To create an aligned dimension

From the Dimension menu, choose aligned.At the prompts, specify the first and second extension line origins, or press ENTER to select an object to dimension.Before you place the dimension, you can edit its text or change the text angle.Enter m to edit the dimension text using the Multiline Text Editor; enter t to edit the dimension text on the command line.Enter a to rotate the angle of the dimension text.

4. Specify the dimension line location.

9.3 CREATING RADIUS AND DIAMETER DIMENSIONSUsing radius and diameter dimensions to measure the radius or diameter of circles and arcs.

To measure a radius or diameterFrom the dimension menu, choose Radius or Diameter.Select a circle or arcBefore you specify the dimension line location, you can edit its text or change the text angle:

Enter m to edit the dimension text using the Multiline Text Editor; enter t to edit the dimension text on the command line.Enter a to rotate the angle of the dimension text.Specify the dimension line location

9.4 CREATING ANGULAR DIMENSIONSAngular dimensions measured angles created by circles and arcs, angle between two lines, or angles created by three points.

To create an angular dimension1. From the Dimension menu, choose angular.2. To specify the object you want to dimension, do one of the following:Select a circle and specify the second point on the circle.Select an arc.

Select a line, and specify the second line.Press ENTER and specify the angle vertex and two points from the angle.

3. Before you set the dimension location, you can edit its text or text angle:

Enter m to edit the dimension text using the Multiline Text Editor; enter t to edit the dimension text on the command line.Enter a to rotate the angle of the dimension text.

4 Specify the dimension line location

AutoCAD displays either the minor or the major angle, depending on where you place the dimension. To specify one or the other, move the cursor inside (minor) or outside (major) the extension lines.

CREATING BASELINE AND CONTINUED DIMENSIONS

As you dimension your design, you may need to create a series of dimension all measured from the same base or datum point, or several dimensions that add up to the total measurement. Baselines and continued dimension help you to accomplish both tasks. Baseline dimensions create a series of dimensions measured from the same dimension origin.

Continued dimensions create a series of dimension placed end to end. Each continued dimension begins at the second extension line of the previous one.

To create a baseline or continued dimension, you must first create (or select) a linear ordinate, or angular dimension to serve as the base dimension. AutoCAD measures

Baseline dimensions from the base dimensions extension lineThe first continued dimension from the base dimensions second extension line and then each succeeding continued dimension from the second extension line of the previous one.

To create a baseline dimensionCreate (or select) a linear, ordinate, or angular dimension to serve as the base dimensionFrom the dimension menu, choose base line.AutoCAD uses the base dimensions first extension line as the origin.Specify the second extension line location and then continue to select extension line locations until you continue the base line series.AutoCAD places the second dimension above the first at the baseline spacing specified in the lines and arrows tab of the Dimension Style Dialog box (see Formatting Dimension Lines and Arrows)Press ENTER If you want to create another baseline dimension series, choose a new base dimension and create the baseline dimensions. Otherwise, press ENTER to exit the command.When dimensioning a series of connected objects, use object snap such as Endpoints and intersection to precisely place baseline dimensions.

TO CREATE A CONTINUED DIMENSIONCreate a baseline ordinate, or angular dimension.The second point you specify is the first for the first continued dimensionFrom the dimension menu, choose continue.

AutoCAD uses the second extension line of the base dimension as the origin and prompts you to place the second extension line point.Specify the second extension line point.Continue to select additional extension line origins until you complete the continued dimension series.Press ENTER twice to end the command.

9.7DIMENSIONING MULTIPLE OBJECTS

You can use Quick Dimension to dimension multiple objects at one time. Using Quick Dimension, you can

Quickly create arrangements of baseline, continued, staggered and ordinate dimensionsQuickly dimension multiple circles and arcsEdit existing dimension arrangements

To dimension multiple objectsFrom the dimension menu, select QSIM.Select the objects you want to dimension, then press ENTER.At the prompt, enter the dimension type, or press ENTER for the defaultSpecify the dimension line location.

9.8TO EDIT DIMENSIONS

From the dimension menu, choose QDIM.Select the dimensions you want to edit. To add or change dimensions, includes the objects whose dimensions you want to include in the selection set.At the prompt, enter e

AutoCAD places a cross at each eligible edit point.

To edit the points, do one of the following:select the points of the dimensions you want to remove.enter a , then specify the points you want to add.Enter x to exitIf the default dimension type is not the one you want, enter the letter of the dimension type at the promptSpecify location for the new dimension arrangement.Press ENTER

9.9EDITING DIMENSION TEXT

After you create a dimension, you can edit or replace the dimension text and change dimension text properties and rotation angle. You can move the text to a new location or back to its home position.To edit the dimension text position, right-click the dimension and select a position option from the shortcut menu. You can move the text, with or without a leader, or move the text back to its original (home) position.

TO EDIT DIMENSION TEXTSelect the dimensionFrom the Modify menu, choose PropertiesIn the Properties window under Text, enter the new or edit dimension text in the Text Override box.To set dimension text alignmentfrom the Dimension menu, choose align text and then one of the following alignment options:Home: Return dimension text to the position defined by the dimension style assigned to the dimension.Rotate: prompts you to enter an angle to rotate the dimension text.Left: positions dimension text on the left side of the dimension line.Center: positions dimension text on the right side of the dimension line.Select one or more dimensions, and then press ENTER.

CREATING LEADERS AND ANNOTATIONFormatting leadersWhen you create a leader, its color, lineweight, scale, arrowhead type, size, and other properties are defined by the current dimension style.When you create a leader, you can set annotation, leader line and arrow, and attachment options on the tabs in the leader settings dialog box.

Use the attachment tab to specify how you want AutoCAD to attach multiline text to leaders.

TO CREATE A SIMPLE LEADER WITH TEXTFrom the dimension menu, choose leader.specify the arrow pointspecify the text point, and then press ENTER to enter the leader textspecify the text widthEnter the first line of text. To enter another line of text, press ENTER, and then enter the text.Press ENTER twice to end the command

TO CREATE A SPLINE LEADER WITH TEXTFrom the Dimension menu, choose leader.press ENTER to display the leader settings dialog box, and choose any tab; On the Annotation tab, select Mtext. On the leader line & Arrow tab, select splineselect OKSpecify the first, second, and third (optional) leader line points, and then press ENTER.Enter the first line of text, to add additional lines, press ENTER once.Press ENTER twice to end the command.To append a feature control frame to a leaderFrom the Dimension menu, choose leader.Press ENTER to display the leader settings dialog box.On the Annotation tab, select Tolerance.Choose OKSpecify the first, second, and the third (optional) leader line points, and then press ENTER.In the geometric tolerance dialog box, specify the tolerance values and symbols.choose OK

MODULE TEN10.0 USING BLOCKS AND EXTERNAL REFERENCES Auto CAD provides several features to help you manage objects in your drawings. With blocks you can organize and manipulate many objects as one component. You can also associate items of information with the blocks in your drawings for example, part numbers and prices by attaching attributes. Specification sheets or bills of materials can be created using this information.

10.1 WORKING WITH BLOCKSA block is a collection of objects you can associate together to form a single object, or block definition. You can insert, scale, and rotate a block in a drawing. You can explode a block into its component objects, modify them, and redefine the block. AutoCAD updates all current and future instances of that block based on the block definition. Blocks streamline the drawing process. For example, you can use blocks to:-

Build a standard library of frequently used symbols, components, or standard parts. You can insert the same block numerous times instead of re-creating the drawing elements each time.Revise drawings efficiently by inserting, relocating, and copying blocks as components rather than individual geometric objects.Save disk space by storing all references to the same block as one block definition in the drawing database.

When you insert a block in your drawing, you are creating a block instance. Each time you insert a block instance, you assign a scale factor and rotation angle to the inserted block. You can also scale a block instance using different values in any coordinate (X, Y, Z) direction.

Blocks make it possible for you to organize your drawings tasks in a systematic way, so that you can set up, redesign, and sort the objects in your drawings and the information associated with them.

10.2 DEFINING BLOCKS

You can group objects to create block definitions in the current drawing, or you can save the block as a separate drawing file. When you define a block, you specify the base point, the objects to group, whether to remain or convert them to a block in the current drawing.To create a block definition1From the Draw Menu, choose Block Make.2In the block Definition dialog box, enter a name for the block.3Under Objects, choose the select Objects button to use the pointing devise to select object for the block definition.The dialog box closes temporarily while you select objects for the block. Press Enter when you are done selecting blocks. The dialog box reopens.4Under Objects specify whether to retain, convert to a block, or delete the selected objects.Retain: Keeps selected objects in the current drawing, in their original state Convert to Block: Replaces selected objects with an instance of the block.Delete: Removes selected objects after the block is defined.5 Under base point, enter the coordinate values for the insertion base point or choose the Specify Insertion Base Point button to use the pointing device.6Under description, enter text to help identify the block for easy retrieval. 7Choose ok.The block definition is the current drawing.

To save a block or object as a separate drawing file (WBLOCK)1At the command prompt, enter wblock.2 In the Write Block dialog box, specify a block or an object to write out as a file.Block: specifies a block to save as a file.Enter Drawing: Selects current drawing as a block.Object: Specifies objects to be saved as a file.3Under block, select a name from the list to save as a file.4Under base point, use the pick point button to define the base point.5 Under objects, use the select objects button to select the object for the block file.6Enter a name for the new file.If a block is selected wblock automatically uses that blocks name for the new file.7Choose Ok.The block definition is saved as a drawing file.

10.3 INSERTING BLOCKSYou can insert blocks or entire drawings into the current drawing with insert. When you insert a block or drawing, you specify the insertion point, scale and rotation angle.

To insert a block reference1From the Insert Menu, choose block.2In the Insert dialog box, specify the block name, where you want to insert it in theCurrent drawing and whether you want to explode it after insertion.3If you have modified the original drawing file for a block, you can redefine the block in the current drawing by choosing File to locate the file for the block.4Choose Ok.The block reference is updated in the current drawing.

Exploding a BlockUse Explode to break a block instance By exploding a block, you can modify the block or add to or delete the objects that define it.

To explode a block1From the modify menu, choose Explode.2Select the block to explode.3The block instance are broken into its component objects; however, the block definition still exists in the drawings block symbol table.

10.4 WORKING WITH ATTRIBUTES

An attribute provides a label or tag for you to attach text to a block. Whenever you insert a block that has a variable attribute, AutoCAD prompts you to enter the data to be stored with the block. Examples of data are part numbers, prices, comments, and owners name.

Creating AttributesTo create an attribute, you must first use ATTDEF to create an attribute definition, which describes the characteristics of the attribute. The characteristics include the tag, prompt, value information, text formatting, location, and any optional modes.

To create an attribute definition1On the command line, enter attdef.2In the attribute Definition dialog box, specify the insertion point and set the attribute modes and the tag, prompt and text options.3Choose OK.After creating the attribute definition, you can select it as an object in a block definition. If the attribute definition is incorporated into a block, whenever you insert the block. AutoCAD prompts you with the text string you specified for the attribute. Each subsequent instance of the block can have a different value specified for the attribute.

If you want to use several attributes together, create each one separately and then include them in the same block.

Editing Attribute Definitions You can use DDEDIT to edit an attribute definition before it is associated with a block.To edit an attribute definition before it is associated with a blockFrom the Modify Menu, choose TextSelect the attribute to edit.In the Edit Attribute Definition dialog box, specify the attribute tag, prompt and default value. Then choose Ok.

Attachment attributes to blocks You can attach attributes to a block when you define or redefine that block. When AutoCAD prompts you to select the objects to include in the block definition, include the desired attributes in the selection set. The order in which you select the attribute information when you insert the block.

Editing the attribute attached To blocks1From the modify menu, choose attribute single.2Select a block to edit.3In the Edit attributes dialog box, edit the attribute information as necessary.4Choose Ok.

10.5USING EXTERNAL REFERENCESAn external reference (xref) links another drawing to the current drawing. When you insert a drawing as a block, the block definition and all of the association geometry are stored in the current drawing database. The block is not updated if the original drawing changes. When you insert a drawing as an xref, however, the xref is updated when the original drawing changes. A drawing containing xrefs always reflects the most current editing in each externally referenced filed.

Like a block reference, an xref is displayed in the current drawing as a single object. However, an xref does not significantly increase the files size of the current drawing and cannot be exploded.

Attaching XrefsAttached xrefs are designed to you build drawing using other drawings. By attaching drawings as xrefs, as opposed to inserting drawing files as blocks, you can display changes to the externally referenced drawing in the host drawing each time it is opened. The host drawing always reflects the latest revision made to the referenced files.

To attach a new XrefsFrom the insert menu, choose external reference.In the Select reference File dialog box, select a drawing, and then choose Open. After you select a file to attach, the external reference dialog box is displayed.In the External Reference dialog box under reference Type, select attachment.Specify the insertion point, and rotation angle. Choose Specify On-screen to use the pointing devise.Choose Ok.

Detaching XrefsDetach removes xrefs from the drawing. When you detach an xref, AutoCAD erases all xref copies, deletes the xref definition, and removes the xref from the tree and list views. All non-graphical information (such as layers and line types) is also deleted. You cannot detach nested xrefs, nor can you detach atop-level xref, if it is a nested xref of another xref in the xref tree.To detach an xrefFrom the insert menu, choose xref Manager.In the xref Manager, select an xref and then choose detach.Choose Ok.

MODULE ELEVENCREATING A LAYOUT TO PLOTA layout is a paper environment that simulates a sheet of paper and provides a predictable plotting setup. In a layout, you can create and position viewport objects and you can add a title block or other geometry. You can create multiple layouts in a drawing to display various views, each of which can contain different plot scales and paper sizes. Each layout displays the drawing as it will be plotted on the sheet of paper.

11.1USING MODEL AND PAPER SPACE

Switching Between Model and Paper Space.After youve created your layout and designed the floating viewports, you can continue working on your drawing from the Model tab or a layout tab. You can change the layout page settings to plot to a different size paper or at a different scale.To make the Model tab current, choose the Model tab or enter model at the command line. To move from the Model tab to paper space, choose the Layout1 tab or enter paper at the command line.

Working in Paper SpacePaper space represents the paper on which you arrange the drawing prior to plotting. With AutoCAD 2000, single or multiple paper space environments can be easily designed manipulated using layout tabs. Layouts are accessible by choosing a layout tab at the bottom of the drawing area. Each layout represents an individual plot output sheet, or an individual sheet in a drawing project.

Using a Layout TabChoosing a layout tab places you into the paper space environment. A rectangular outline (shadow) indicates the paper size of the currently configured plotting device. The margins displayed within the paper indicate the printable area of the paper.

You can control the display of the paper background in the layout from the Display tab in the Options dialog box. Also on the Display tab in the Options dialog box, you can control whether the Page setup dialog box is automatically displayed the first time you select a layout.

After creating an initial layout for your project, you can choose to create multiple layouts to display various views for plotting.

To create multiple layoutsIn the layout tab, right click to display the shortcut menu.From the Shortcut Menu, choose New Layout.To rename a layout tab, choose Rename from the shortcut menu.

WORKING WITH LAYOUTSAfter you complete a drawing model, you can begin creating a layout to plot by choosing a layout tab. When you choose a layout tab for the first time in a drawing session, a single viewport is displayed and a sheet with margins indicates the paper size of the currently configured plotter and printable area of the paper. AutoCAD displays the Page Setup dialog box, in which you specify layout and plot device settings. Setting the plot settings and using Preview, you can visualize the resulting layout without actually plotting. The layout settings you specify are stored with the layout.

To switch from model space to a layout.After creating a drawing in model space, choose the Layout1 tab. A single viewport containing the model drawing is displayed. The Page Setup dialog box is also displayed, in which you can specify a plotter and page setup.

To setup the plotting environment

From the File Menu, choose Page SetupIn the Page Setup dialog box, enter a name for the layout you are preparing for plotting. To rename a layout, right click the layout tab and then choose Rename from the short cut menu. You can also change the name of a layout in the Page Setup dialog box.To name and save the current page setup, choose Add to display the User Defined Page Setup dialog box.On the Plot Device tab, verify the configured plotter name, or select a plotter from the list of currently configured plotter.To view or modify the plotter configuration information, choose Properties the Plotter Configuration Editor displayed.To apply a plot style table to the layout, select a table from the Plot Style Table list.To view or modify the plot styles associated with the attached plot style table, choose Edit. The Plot Style is displayed.To add a new plot style table, choose New. The Plot style Table wizard is displayed, in which you can create a new plot style table.Choose OK. The layout settings you have specified are applied to the current layout.To plot the current layout with the settings you have specified, choose Plot.

To create a layout to plotBefore you begin creating a layout to plot, specify the plotting device. To add a new plotter configuration, choose Plotter Manager from the File Menu.Choose the layout tab you want to plot.From the File Menu, choose Page Setup (if the Page Setup dialog box isnt already displayed).In the Page Setup dialog box on the Layout Settings tab, specify the paper size, paper units and drawing orientation.Under Plot Area, select the area you want to plot. The default setting is Layout for the layout tab and Display for the Model tab.

To define an area in the layout to plot, select Windows and then choose the Window button to the right. Use your pointing device to define the boundary of the area in the drawing you want to plot.Under Plot Scale, either select from the list of standard scales or enter a custom scale. If you select a standard scale, that scale is displayed at Custom.The default scale setting for a layout is 1:1. The default scale setting for a model is Scaled to Fit.To scale lineweights proportionately with the plot scale, select Scale Lineweights.Typically, the plot scale is 1:1. However, if you plot scale at half scale, the plot scale would be 1:2 and the lineweight would be scaled proportionately.Under Plot Offset, enter the X and Y offset values to specify an offset from the lower-left corner of the printable area. The values you enter are calculated automatically to center the plot.Choose OK.The settings you specified are applied to the current layout. To plot the current layout with the settings you specified, choose Plot.

Saving and Naming a Page Setup.After creating a page setup, you can save and name the setup and then choose to apply it to the current or to another layout.To save and name a page setupFrom the File Menu, choose Page Setup.In the Page Setup dialog box, choose the Layout Settings tab and change settings as necessary.At Page Setup Name, choose Add.In the User Defined Page Setups dialog box, enter a name for the page setup.To edit the page setup name directly, choose F2. to delete or rename a user-defined page setup, select a name from the list, then right-click and choose Delete or Rename.Choose OK. The name you enter is displayed as the current name in the Page Setup dialog box.

Importing a named page setup.Once you have saved and named page setups in one drawing, you can import those page setups into another drawing.

To import a named page setupAt the Command prompt, enter psetupin.In the Select file dialog box, select the drawing (DWG) file from which you want to import the named page setup.In the Import User Defined Page Setup (s) dialog box, select the named page setup you want to import. The dialog box indicates whether it is a model or layout page setup.Choose OK.The page setups are imported and can be applied after the currently specified layout.The Model tap cannot be moved or copied.

To use an existing layout template.from the Insert Menu, choose Layout from Template.In the Select File dialog box, select a drawing template file from the list.Choose open.In the Insert Layout dialog box, select the layout template from the list, then choose OK.A new layout is created using the layout template you selected. The new layout is automatically assigned the name Layout with the next number in the sequence, along with the name of the imported layout attached.

Saving a Layout Template.Any drawing can be saved as a template drawing and all of the geometry and layout settings can be saved to a DWT file. You can save a layout to a DTW file by selecting the Save option from the file directory as defined in the Options dialog box.When you create a new layout template, any referenced symbol definitions are saved with the template; the referenced symbol definitions are imported as part of the layout settings if you import this template into a new layout. It is recommended that you use the Save option of the LAYOUT command to create a new layout template. When you use the Save option, unused symbol table definitions are not saved with the file; they are not added to the new layout where you are importing the template.

To save a layout templateAt the Command prompt, enter layoutAt the prompt, enter sa to save the current layout template. Respond to the prompt asking for the name of the layout you are saving.In the Create Drawing file dialog box, enter a name for the drawing template file you are saving.At Save as Type, select Drawing template File (.dwt).Choose Save.

Determining Layout SettingsLayout settings, which are also referred to as page setups, controls the final plotted output. These settings affect the plot device, paper size, plot scale, plot area, plot origin and the drawing orientation. Understanding how to use layout settings ensures that the layout plots as expected. All of the settings for a layout can be changed and saved to the layout, without actually plotting, using the Page Setup dialog box. You an also choose to import layout settings from a PCP or PC2 file into the current layout.

To plot an image in portrait or landscape orientationFrom the File Menu, choose Page SetupIn the Page Setup dialog box, choose the Plot Settings Tab. If your drawing is horizontal, select Landscape. If your drawing is vertical, select Portrait. Choose OK.

To change the drawing orientationFrom the File Menu, choose Page Setup.In the Page Setup dialog box, choose the Plot Settings tab.To rotate a horizontal drawing, select Portrait. To rotate a vertical drawing, select Landscape.To rotate 180 degrees, select either Portrait or Landscape, and then select Plot Upside-Down.Choose OK.

Adjusting the Plot OriginThe plot origin is the lower-left corner of the specified area. Typically, the plot origin is set to 0,0. However, you can center the plot on the sheet of paper by selecting Center the Plot in the Page Setup dialog box. Centering the plot alters the plot origin. If you want to move the drawing relative to the lower left corner of the paper, specify positive or negative values for the plot offset. To offset the plot below the lower-left corner, enter negative values. This may result in the plot area being clipped.

To offset the plot originFrom the file Menu, choose Page Setup.In the Page setup dialog box, choose the Plot Settings tab.Under Plot Offset, enter a value in units for X or Y or both.The origin is offset by the number of units you enter. A positive value moves the origin up and to the right. A negative value moves the plot origin down and to the left.Choose OK.

Setting the plot areaWhen you prepare to plot from the Model tab, you can specify the plot area to determine what will be included in the plot. When you create a new layout, the default option is Layout. Layout plots all geometry within the margins of the specified paper size. The plot origin is calculated from 0,0 which is at the lower-left corner of the margins.The Display option plots all geometry display in the drawing area.If you have imported a drawing that was saved in the paper space in the format of a previous AutoCAD release, plot Area defaults to Extents and Plot Scale default to Scaled to Fit.

To set the plot area and adjust the displayFrom the File Menu, choose Page Setup.In the Page setup dialog box, choose the Plot Settings tab.Under Plot Area, select one of the following options:Layout: Prints all geometry within the margins of the paper. This option is only available from the layout tab.Limits: Prints or plots the current drawing limits. This option is only available from the Model tab.Extents: Plots all objects in the drawing.Display: Plots all geometry displayed in the drawing area.View: Prints or plots a saved view. Select the View option and then choose the view button to display the Named View dialog box and choose a named view.

Window: Plots the geometry in the area you define. Select the Window option, and then choose the window button and respond to the prompt to define the area.To remove hidden lines when plotting from the current viewport on the model tab, select Hide Lines. When you are plotting a layout, only the objects in paper space are hidden.Choose OK.NOTE: to specify displaying hidden lines for a model space viewport in a layout, you must set the HIDEPLOT properly of the viewport object.

Setting the Plot ScaleGenerally, you draw objects at their actual size. When you plot the drawing, you can either specify a precise scale or fit the image to the paper. To specify a scale, you can enter the ratio of plotted units to drawing units, or you enter a standard or custom plot scale.When you are receiving an early draft view, a precise scale is not always important. You can use the Scaled to Fit option to plot the view at the largest possible size that fits the paper.

To set the plot scaleFrom the File Menu, choose Page SetupIn the Page Setup dialog box, choose the Plot Settings tabUnder scale, select a scale from the list.The default scale when plotting a layout is 1:1. To set a custom plot scale, enter a plot scale under Custom.Choose OK.

Setting the Lineweight scaleLine weights can be scaled proportionately in a layout with the plot scale. Typically, line weights specify the line width of plotted objects and are plotted with the line width size regardless of the plot scale.

To set the lineweight scaleFrom the File menu, choose Page Setup.In the Page Setup dialog box, choose the plot Settings tab.Under Plot Scale, select Scale Line weights.The line weights in the current layout are scaled in proportion to the designated plot scale. When you are working in the Model tab, this option is not available.

CREATING FLOATING VIEWPORTS.When you are composing a layout, you can consider viewport as objects with a view into model space that you can move and resize. Floating viewports can be overlapping or separated from one another. Because floating viewports are AutoCAD objects, you cannot edit the model while arranging the layout in paper space. To edit the model you must switch to model space using one of the following methods:Choose the Model tab.Double-click over the floating viewport. On the status bar, Paper changes to Paper.Click Paper on the status bar to return to the floating view that was last current.When you make a viewport in a layout current, you are then working in model space in a floating viewport. Edits in model space is reflected in all paper space viewports. One benefit to using floating viewports is that you can selectively freeze layers in each viewport. By freezing layers, you can view different geometry in each floating viewport. You can also specify different views by planning and zooming in the viewport.

Switching between Paper and Floating ViewportsWhen you are working in a layout, you can either work in a floating viewport, which is a view into model space, or you can work in the paper space layout outside the viewport.To switch between a paper space layout and a floating viewportClick Paper on the status bar.Clicking Paper on the status bar switches you between paper space and the last current viewport. To return to the paper layout, click Model on the status bar. On the status bar, Model changes to Paper.To create a floating viewportChoose a layout tab.From the View Menu, choose Viewports New Viewports.In the Viewports dialog box, select a viewport configuration from the list.Under Setup, select either 2D or 3D.

When you select 3D, a set of standard 3D views are applied to each viewport in the configuration.Under Viewport Spacing, select the amount of spacing you want to add between the configured floating viewports.To change a view, select a viewport in the preview image, and then, under Change View To, select a view from the list of standard viewport configurations.

This includes top, bottom, front, back, left, right and isometric view, along with any named views that are saved in the drawing. The selected view is displayed under preview. You can change the view that is generally in each viewport by selecting the viewport in the preview image and then selecting a view from the list.Choose OK.

Changing the Properties of a ViewportViewports are AutoCAD objects and have object properties, including colour, layer, linetype, linetype scale, lineweight and plot style. Lineweight and linetype are displayed on nonrectangular viewports and ignored on rectangular viewport. You can modify a viewport property using the Properties window.

To modify viewport properties using the Properties windowselect the floating viewport whose properties you want to modify. From the Tools Menu, choose PropertiesIn the properties window, select the value for the property you want to modify and then enter a new value or select a new setting from the list provided.The new property setting or value is assigned to the current viewport.

MODULE TWELVEPLOTTING YOUR DRAWINGSAfter youve created your drawing with AutoCAD, you can print your designs on a sheet of paper or create an electronic plot that is accessible from the World Wide Web. A plotted drawing can contain a single view of your drawing or a complex arrangement of views. Depending on your needs, you can plot one or more viewports or set options that determine what is plotted and how the image fits on the paper.

Plotting in AutoCAD 2000You can reproduce your drawing on a variety of plotters and Windows system printers. AutoCAD uses the plotter specified on the Layout tab if you are plotting from a layout tab. If you are plotting from a model tab, AutoCAD uses the plotter specified in options to determine the default plotter. The default plotter is specified on the plotting tab in Options.

Plotting a DrawingWhen you create a layout, you can specify all your plot settings and save the drawings. When you are ready to plot, you can fill in the Plot dialog box in one step by selecting the saved settings from the Page Setup Name list.

To plot a drawingFrom the File Menu, choose PlotIn the Plot dialog box, the name of the current layout is displayed under Layout Name.In the Plot dialog box, if you have created named page setups, select one in the Page Setup Name list.The settings in the Plot dialog box are replaced by named page setup,On the Plot Device tab, under Plot Style Table (Pen Assignments) verify that the correct plot style table is attached.If you are plotting a drawing created in a previous version of AutoCAD and you want to use the pen assignment from the last time you plotted in AutoCAD Release 14, make sure that Default R14 pen assignments.ctb is specified as the plot style table file. If you dont have that plot style table in your list, AutoCAD was not able to locate an acadr14.cfg file with unique pen settings. You can create a plot style that contains your pen mappings if you have an acadr14.cfg file or a PCP PC2 file.Choose OK.Shortcut menu: Right-click the Model tab or a layout tab and choose Plot.

To plot on the command line instead of in a dialog box use PLOT.If you want to change plot settings for a single plot but dont want to change the layout, clear the Save Changes to Layout check box. Make changes in the Plot dialog box and choose OK.

Understanding Paper Orientation and Image OrientationWith some plotter you can load the same size sheet of paper in either landscape or portrait orientation. These plotters list the same paper size twice in the paper size menu, for example, ANSI A (8.5 x 11) and ANSI A (11 x 8.5). The paper size you select must match the way you load the paper in the plotter.

When you are looking at the paper image on the Layout tab, AutoCAD automatically rotates the plot so the paper image is displayed in landscape orientation, even if the paper was loaded into the plotter in portrait orientation. Full Plot Preview displays the actual paper orientation.

The Plot Settings tab in the Plot dialog box displays an icon in the Drawing Orientation area. The icon shows the physical orientation of the paper (as it was loaded into the plotter) and displays the letter A to represent the image orientation of your plot. For most desktop printers, portrait paper orientation is represented by a tall icon with the A on its side, indicating that the plot has been for landscape viewing.

Use the Drawing orientation options to rotate the plot on the page. As you select the options, the letter A rotates to indicate how your plot will appear on the page.

Assignment Plot Style LineweightWhen you select the Lineweight field, AutoCAD displays a sample of the lineweight as well as its numeric value. The default setting for plot style lineweight is Use Object Lineweight. If you assign a plot style lineweight, the plot style lineweight overrides the objects lineweight at the plot time. You can modify an existing lineweight if the one you need is not available.

To assign plot style lineweightfrom the File Menu, choose Plot Style Manager.Right-click a CTB or STB file and choose Open from the shortcut menu.Click the lineweight field for the plot style you want to change.The list of available Lineweights is displayed.select a lineweight

Editing LineweightsThere are 28 lineweights available to apply to plot styles in plot style table. If the lineweight you need doesnt exist in the list of lineweights stored in the plot style table, you can edit an existing lineweight. You cant add or delete lineweights from the list in the plot style table.

To edit a lineweightDouble-click the plot style table file you want to edit to open it in the Plot Style Table Editor.Choose either the table View tab or the Form View tab.

Choose Edit Lineweights.In the Edit Lineweights dialog box, select the lineweight you want to edit in the list. A check mark in the In Use column indicates which lineweights have been assigned to plot styles in the plot style table file.

Edit the lineweight value using any of the following methods.Press Enter, edit the value and then press Enter again.Press F2, edit the value and press Enter.Choose Edit lineweight, edit the value and then press Enter.Right-click and choose Edit. Edit the value and then press Enter.Click to inset a cursor, edit the value and then press Enter.NOTE: if you change a lineweight value, other plot styles that use the lineweight also change.Under Units for listing, you can specify whether to display lineweights in millimeters or inches.Choose Sort Lineweights to sort the list of line weights by value.

When you edit a lineweight value, it is rounded and displayed with a precision of four places past the decimal point. The precision is the same for both millimeters and inches. Lineweight values must be zero or a positive number. If you create a lineweight with a zero width, the line is plotted as thin as the plotter can create it. The maximum possible lineweight value is 100 millimeters (approximately four inches).