AutoCAD Vocabulary

Carlin BrightJanury 2014

CAD

• Computer Aided Design

AutoDesk

• A software corporation that acquires and distributes CAD software

• It is not a developer

• It controls CAD in most sectors

AutoCAD

• A software application for 2D and 3D CAD

• AutoCAD is used across a range of industries

Model Space

• The space in which you construct your true to size model

• In AutoCAD, the model space is found as a tab in the bottom left of the page

Paper Space

• The space where you set up the sheets you are going to print

• Viewports are used to “see into” model space

Viewport

• A window in paper space through which you can see your model in model space

• Viewports are where you will set your scale, and are extremely important to understand

Command Line

• A line for text, usually near the bottom of the window, where commands can be typed in and that lists previous commands

• It will also include instructions to complete a command if you have already started one

• You do not need to click in the command line to type a command, you just need to not be in the middle of another command, and need to have your cursor in model space

Ribbon Tab

• Near the top of the window, the ribbon tabs break down the main categories of commands that you can access in the ribbons

• Very similar to Word

Ribbon

• The ribbon is an area near the top of the window with a selection of buttons that activate common commands

• Similar to Word

Drawing Panel• Sections within the ribbon that

contain related commands

• For example, there is a draw panel that allows you to create lines and shapes and a modify panel that lets you modify shapes already made

Quick Access Toolbar

• Toolbar at the very top that allows you access to file commands

• This toolbar can be altered at your desire

Properties Menu

• Accessed with the command MO

• Provides information and allows you to edit elements of what you have highlighted.

• For example, if you have 8 pieces of text and they are all to small, you can highlight all 8 and then edit the text height

Layers Menu

• Accessed with the command LA

• Used to create new and edit existing layers

• For example, instead of having to edit the properties for every line that is hidden, you can simply make a layer called “hidden lines” that is dashed, and put all hidden lines on this layer

• You can do the same for center lines and phantom lines, etc.