Dynamic Block Tutorial Creating Wall

By Edwin Prakoso
– August 20, 2009Posted in: AutoCAD Tutorial

Dynamic block feature has opened many possibilities to enhance your AutoCAD libraries and your
workflow. You can manage less objects in your library, and you can automate some proses with it. In
this first AutoCAD dynamic block tutorial, we will learn how to create an object with adjustable
length. Many practices can use this process, but this time we will create a wall.

How long does it take to draw a simple floor plan with AutoCAD? Let’s say a typical rent office plan,
not much walls to be drawn, plenty of open spaces. What if I say only need a few minutes? Includes
annotation, door schedule, column schedule, and wall schedule? Drawing, not designing.

The secret is prepare your template, create some reusable content definitions, some customization, use
the proper tools, then you are ready to rock! I will post several tutorials to prepare them, and will close
this series with using all of them in creating our plan! In this topic, we will create a wall definition
with dynamic block. You will see how dynamic block can speed up the design process.

Creating the Wall

Create a new file. Use acadiso.dwt as template. Sorry if you use imperial units, you might want to try
use the same unit as I do, or use imperial by converting it.

Lets create 3 layers:

1. A-Wall, set the color to red, lineweight to 1.5

2. A-Wall-Structure, set the color to 9, lineweight to 0.09
3. A-Wall-Pattern, set the color to 8, lineweight to 0.00

For your information, if you are not familiar with lineweight 0.00, setting it to 0.00 will plot the
AutoCAD geometry using the lineweight as thin as your plotter can support.

Why we created 3 AutoCAD layers? We separate the structure and hatches so we can represent our
AutoCAD drawing in different details. When we represent it in relatively large scale drawing, we can
show all of them. But when we use very small scales, we will hide some details i our drawing. Yes, if
you are Revit user, I’m imitating Revit detail level :)

Let’s start drawing our object. Activate layer A-Wall. Draw a rectangle with size 500×150 like below.
Then draw rectangle 500×110 inside it on layer A-Wall-Pattern. After that, add a brick pattern on layer
A-Wall-Structure. I use ANSI32 with scale 8 for this drawing. Make sure the pattern is associated!
Defining Block

After creating the wall geometry, let’s create a block from it.

Select your wall as the block objects, and pick insertion point as shown below. Give your block name
‘brickwall’.

First step is done. You’ve created a reusable content for wall object, next we will add some
intelligence to our object.

Add some Action

I want my wall can be stretched so it can fit wherever I place it. This is a very simple AutoCAD
dynamic block, but I think it’s perfect practice if you never created a dynamic block. To add actions to
your block, you have to open it in block editor.

Select your block, right click, and select Block Editor from context menu. This will bring you to block
editor interface. Let’s take a look to Block Authoring Palette.

It has three palette: parameters, actions, and parameter sets. Placing parameters is how you specify
which parts of your objects to be references, and provide the information to actions you will add later.

Open your parameter palette, then activate linear parameter. Place the linear parameter like below. It’s
similar to placing dimension!
See the arrow on both side. We only need this wall stretched on the right side only, so we don’t need
the left arrow. Select the left arrow, and delete it.

Open properties palette, it’s on view tab. Or you can simply type CH [enter] for command line freaks.

Select your parameter, change the distance label to ‘Length’.

We will use this label to create our wall schedule later. If you don’t change it, then you will have the
default value ‘distance’ as column header.

Now we have finished placing our parameter. Now the block know we want to do something with the
distance with the referenced points. There are several action can use linear parameter, but now we
want to use stretch.

Open the action palette. Activate stretch action.

Select parameter:
Select the linear parameter you’ve placed before.

Specify parameter point to associate with action or enter [sTart point/Second point] <Second>:

Select the right point of our parameter, we want the wall stretched to this side.
Specify first corner of stretch frame or [CPolygon]:

This time you will have to define the stretch frame. Same with when you are doing stretch, only this
time you predefine it.

Specify objects to stretch

We want all of our objects to stretch, so select them all.

Specify action location or [Multiplier/Offset]:

Place the action location. You can place it anywhere, it’s just a symbol. But the better place is near
your action, so if anybody want to modify it later can find it easily.

Close your block editor. When AutoCAD ask you to save your block, save it. You are done!

Test your block, see if it works perfectly. stretch it to lengthen and shorten it.

Next, we will create another dynamic block. We will create multiple size of column inside a block. We
will also use the column in our complete plan I promised you earlier.
Dynamic Block Tutorial #2: Creating Column
By Edwin Prakoso
– August 26, 2009Posted in: AutoCAD Tutorial

Let’s continue our dynamic block tutorial. We have created a basic dynamic
block tutorial by adding one stretch action to our wall block. We will discuss
further about parameter properties in this post.

Now let’s talk about what we want to achieve. We want one block that contain several column size.
But column size is not supposed to be modified by freely stretching it. We have to limit the column
minimum and maximum size. And we also have to set the increment value for this size, so the changes
can be predictable.

If you’re not familiar with dynamic block, you should read this tutorial first. Basically we are doing
the same thing, but there are some properties we are going to change. As we did when we create wall,
we have to add some layers. Let’s add these layers:

1. A-Column, color:green, lineweight: 0.20

2. A-Column-Pattern, color:8, lineweight: 0.00
3. A-Column-Structure, color:9, lineweight: 0.09

Let’s create our column. Set layer A-Column as current layer. Draw a rectangle with size 400x400mm.
Change your current layer with A-Column Structure, then offset your rectangle by 20mm. Remember
to set the offset object layer to current. So this operation will create a new object on current layer.
Offset it to the inside of the existing rectangle.

Command:
OFFSET
Current settings: Erase source=No Layer=Source OFFSETGAPTYPE=0
Specify offset distance or [Through/Erase/Layer] <20.0000>: l
Enter layer option for offset objects [Current/Source] <Source>: C
Specify offset distance or [Through/Erase/Layer] <20.0000>:
Select object to offset or [Exit/Undo] <Exit>:
Specify point on side to offset or [Exit/Multiple/Undo] <Exit>:
Select object to offset or [Exit/Undo] <Exit>:

The last one, set your current layer to A-Column-Pattern. Fill the inner rectangle with concrete hatch.
Create a block from these objects. Make sure the insertion point is the column center.

Give the block name ‘Rectangular Column’. After you finish defining the block, open block editor and
edit it.

Similar to what we did in creating wall, we have to add parameters. This time we need to modify the
column length and width, so we need to place 2 parameters.

Select the Distance1 parameter, then open properties palette.

1. Change the parameter name to ‘width’.

2. Change the distance type to increment.
3. Set the distance increment to 100
4. Set the distance minimum to 150
5. Set the distance maximum to 600
6. Under Misc category, change the base location to Midpoint.
Do the same thing to Distance2.

I think you already know what to do next: add the stretch action. But this time you add it to the both
sides. Refer to the dynamic block #1 tutorial.

After you finish, close dynamic block editor. Try your block!

You should see some thick mark every 100mm between 150 and 600. Oops, my bad! You can’t create
150mm width column because we set the increment to 100! The minimum width you can achieve is
200. You have to change the increment to 50 to get it.

We also changed the base location to midpoint. So when we stretch it, it will be stretched both way.
Not so difficult creating dynamic block, isn’t it?
Dynamic Block Tutorial #3: Door
By Edwin Prakoso

– August 27, 2009Posted in: AutoCAD Tutorial

This is the last object we are going to create using dynamic block. We are going to
create a door. Basically it’s not that different with what we did before. But this time, we are going to
learn about action properties. We are going to use wipeout as well.

Now, open your previous tutorial file. We are going to create all of our blocks in a single file. This file
will be our block library. Don’t loose it until we finish our tutorial.

Creating the Geometry

Create a new layer: A-Door, with color: blue, and lineweight: 0.09 mm. Set this layer as current
layer.

Draw a 50×150 rectangle as the door frame. Copy it to it’s right with 700mm distance. Draw a
rectangle 30×650 as door panel. Then draw an arc for swing symbol to complete it.

The last thing we are going to add is a wipeout. Activate it, and draw a rectangle wipeout that covers
the whole door width.

You will see the door frames are covered by the wipeout. Select the wipeout, right click, then from
context menu select draw order>send to back.
Why do we use wipeout? We are going to host our door to a wall. We don’t want to trim or modify our
wall after door placement. And modifying the wall length will be reported incorrectly. So we add
wipeout to cover our wall later. We will try this at the end :)

Now as usual, create a block from this object. Give it name ‘Single Door’. You can define insertion
point wherever you think appropriate. Open your block in block editor.

Adding Parameters and Action

We are still using linear parameter. Add a linear parameter as below.

Delete the left arrow. Or you can change ‘number of grips value’ to 1 in properties palette.

There are 3 action we need to add, based to this parameter:

1. Add a stretch action to stretch our door width. Similar to what we do with adding action to wall.
This time we only need to create a small rectangle to include the right door frame and the wipeout.
2. Add scale action to resize the arc door swing symbol. This action is very simple to add. Just select
the parameter, then select the arc. [ENTER] to finish.

3. Add another stretch action for resizing the door panel. Only select the door panel when this action
ask you to select object.

Parameter and Action Properties

Placing those action is easy I believe. But we are not finish yet. We are going to limit the door size.
We will change some parameter properties just like we did when we create column. Select the
parameter. Change the Dist type to ‘List’ and click the … button to input distance value list.

Don’t forget to change this parameter name to something like ‘width’ or ‘door width’.

*You may want to use Increment. But since the last time we used it, I think it will be better to use list
now.

Add more values to define your door width.

The last one, is changing an action properties. Not only parameter has properties! Remember the
stretch action for the door panel? Where do you think the door panel will be stretch? Horizontally!

We need to change a property to override this behavior. Select this action, open your palette property.
Under overrides category, change the angle offset to 90 degrees.

This will override the stretch action, it will stretch the door panel vertically even the parameter is
stretch horizontally.

Ok, we are done! Save block, and close block editor.

One more thing. We still can see our wipeout frame. Let’s turn it off. Activate wipeout, then type F
[ENTER] to activate frame option. Type OFF [ENTER] to turn it off.

Command: WIPEOUT
Specify first point or [Frames/Polyline] <Polyline>: F
Enter mode [ON/OFF] <ON>: OFF
Regenerating model.

Try to stretch your door and don’t forget to try placing your door at walls!
*Notes:

1. If you can’t see the wipeout covering your wall, select your wall and change the drawing order: send it
to back.
2. You might want to add flip actions so you don’t need to mirror it.
Dynamic Block Tutorial #4: Adding More
Actions
By
Edwin Prakoso
– September 1, 2009Posted in: AutoCAD Tutorial

Previously, we have created a door. We add some actions so this door can be
resized to an available width in our list. But it’s not perfect yet. At least not for
our purpose. Now we are going to add more actions so this door can be flipped,
and will align automatically to our wall orientation.

Open your file that contain the door block we have created on previous tutorial.
Open that block in block editor. We are going to add two flip actions. Let’s just use parameter sets.
Parameter sets basically just the same with placing parameters and actions. Only it place them both
right away. Sometimes this is harder to control. But flip action is quite simple, so I think this will be
safe :) In block authoring palette, open parameter set tab. Activate flip set.

We are going to add one flip action first. Click first and second point at mid point of our door frame as
below. This will allow our door to be flipped vertically.

When we placed the flip action set, the only thing we define is the reflection line. Look at the action
button, we have a warning sign on it. It means we haven’t give all the data it’s required. We haven’t
define which objects will be affected by this action.

Click on the flip action button, right click. Select action selection set>new selection set from context
menu.
When AutoCAD ask you for objects, type ALL [enter]. Do not try to select objects, just type ‘all’ to
select all objects. I’ve tried to select by crossed window, and my dynamic block didn’t work as
expected. I suspect that there are some objects are not selected. It shows different numbers on how
many objects selected.

Try to test your dynamic block, and see if it works fine. Now let’s move on, we are going to add
another flip action. Add it so we can flip our door horizontally.

Just like before, add all objects to be flipped. Test it. You will see that our insertion point is shifted.
There is no way to eliminate this error by using parameters and action only. At least there’s no way
that I know. Even in door sample from Autodesk, they can’t keep the insertion point at it’s place. We
can use dimension and geometric constraints in AutoCAD 2010 (or newer), but not with parameter and
actions. I will write about parametric constraints later, after we finish our plan.

However, we can minimize this impact. I hate to move my door after I placed it. So I add one more
stretch action to our linear parameter. I add the stretch frame outside the flip parameter. I want this
parameter also stretched when my door is resized.
I also change the distance multiplier to 0.5. Changing this value will keep my flip action at midpoint of
my door width. (Door width changes)/2.

Save it, and test it. When we stretch it first, then flip it horizontally, then the insertion point will
remain at it’s position. But if we stretch it at this position, then the insertion point will be shifted. At
least this is better.

The last parameter we will add is alignment. Alignment don’t need action. We just add this parameter,
and it will work.

This is our finished door.

Save it, close block editor. Try to place some wall, vertical, horizontal, and angled wall. Try our door
to these walls :)
Creating Your Own AutoCAD Palette
By Edwin Prakoso
– September 2, 2009Posted in: AutoCAD Tutorial

Autodesk has introduced palette since a long time ago. If I’m not mistaken, since
AutoCAD 2005. Palette is a very easy way to manage (and create) your reusable
content. We will place every blocks we’ve created to our palette in this step.

Later, this palette will be used to access the reusable contents when we draw.

Understanding Tool Palettes

Snipped from help file:

Tool palettes are used to manage blocks, hatches, and other custom tools.

If you see the palette that’s included with AutoCAD installation, you will see a collection of blocks,
hatches, and other tools. This is a great way to you who want to customize your own workspace
without a lot of work. You can access your blocks quickly, without having to use insert tool, find
where your blocks are. It’s just a click away.

It’s not just blocks that can be managed by palettes. You can manage lines with different line type, line
scale, etc dimension with different dimension styles, hatches with different scales, etc. That’s what I
love about tool palette: simple but powerful.

Take a look at this example, I use 2 icon on palette to manage same pattern, but different scale. We
don’t have to activate hatch, find the pattern type, or make adjustment to hatch scale. Simply 2 clicks:
activate, and click on boundary.
You can also use it for dimension, lines, etc.

Creating Our Own Palette

Make sure your tool palette is opened. Right click on tool palette title bar. You will see a list of
palettes group on your context menu. Select architecture to activate palette group. This will activate
architecture palette group. By default, this sample group only have one palette in it. We will add new
palette here.

Right click again on your palette title bar. Select Customize Palettes from context menu. You will see
customize palette open.

There are two column in this dialog box. The left column, consist all the palettes available. On the
right column, we can see how we group our palettes. Architectural group still only have one palette.
We will use it as our tool group.

Right click on left column, then select new palette from context menu. Rename it to something like
‘My Architectural Objects’. Find Architectural group on the right column. Your new palette should’ve
already been placed here. To your active palette group. If it’s not, drag and drop your new palette
under Architectural group.

Close this dialog box.

Adding Objects to Our Palette

Before adding objects to our palette, let’s discuss about objects, blocks, files, and tool palettes.

For objects like lines, dimension, hatches, you don’t need to keep your file. But if you intend to insert
blocks to your palette, don’t loose your file. Let’s say it this way: That file is your library, and tool in
palette will load that block. So plan where you will put your file. If you want to put it on server, do it
before you start placing tool to your palette. Now we can pretend our previous file that has our wall,
column, and door has been save at appropriate place. Open it.
Let’s create a new layer. Name it ‘A-Centerlines’. Use magenta as it color, and lineweight 0. For
linetype use ‘center’.

On command line, type LTS then [enter]. Enter value 10 then [enter]. Set A-Centerlines as current
layer, then draw a line in your drawing area. Size doesn’t matter.

Now, click and drag the line to our palette. By default, it will be named Line. Right click on that tool,
select rename. Give it new name: Centerline.

If you want your tool palette to look more informative, you can change the ugly line icon with an
image (jpg, bmp, etc)

Drag and drop all your blocks to this palette.

These tools will be named after blocks. There you go. Easy right?

Testing Our Palette

If you have more tools and blocks, you can arrange your palette further. You can create more palette if
you need to. After you’ve done, try to create a new file.

1. Check on your layer manager, make sure you only have layer 0 (by default).
 2. Draw using Centerline tool we’ve just created. It will be created using A-Centerlines layer,
with it’s properties! You don’t even need to create a layer! Check your layer properties now.
Tool palette can be very useful for maintaining your CAD standard.
3. Place all other blocks to your drawing.

Very easy right? Next, we will discuss about template, cad standard. And finally using them all in our
design.

I would like to know your opinion about this tutorial series. If there’s anything you would like to add, i
wrote something wrong, yours doesn’t work as expected… anything… feel free to write in comments
form.

Preparing Your AutoCAD Template

By Edwin Prakoso

– September 4, 2009Posted in: AutoCAD Tutorial

Using template will increase your productivity. We are not just talking about
AutoCAD, but also Revit, Inventor, and any other software like Microsoft Word,
Excel, etc. In this tutorial, we are going to prepare our template, save it, and a little
configuration to tell AutoCAD to use our template each time we create a new file.

So What is a Template and Why Using It?

Template is a file you use to start a drawing (or any other documents). By default, almost every
documentation software provide it. But the default template usually only provide very basic
configuration. And mostly don’t meet your criteria.

When you started AutoCAD, by default it will use acad.dwt template. It holds minimum information
you need to create a proper drawing. It use inch as units. For me who use metric units, I have to change
it to mm. Then I have to do this following things:

1. Create layers and set their properties.

2. Create styles for text, dimensions, and other annotation.
3. Setup my layout for plotting
4. I don’t usually do this, but I saw some AutoCAD users create block symbols. I prefer to keep them in a
block library.
5. Then I start drawing

Imagine that I have to do that steps each time I start a new drawing. How many hours that I waste in a
month? In a year? Wouldn’t it be nice when we start our drawing, we start directly from point no. 5?
That’s what a template for. We set our common settings and styles.

Create a new file. Use AutoCAD menu or type NEW [enter]. DO NOT use new icon from quick
access toolbar. Using file>new or typing NEW will load a dialog box to select a template. If you use
icon from quick access, it won’t open.

Now, because we started using metric, then we use metric template. You can also try to use imperial
later.
Preparing Layers

Layers is one of the basic configurations. We will add some layers to this template. Remember the file
we created before? The one that contain walls, columns, doors, and centerlines? We will import layers
from that file. Check on your layer manager, by default it only contains layer 0. If you see other layers,
just remember it.

Open design center. You can click on ribbon>view tab >palettes. Or simply type ADCENTER
[enter].

Design center is basically looks like explorer. Find your file. In windows explorer you can expand
until file name, but in Design Center, you can see what’s inside an AutoCAD file: layers, dim styles,
etc. Click on layers, select all layers you created before. Drag and drop to your drawing area.

Now check in your layer list. Is it already there? :)

Preparing Dimension Styles and Table Styles

I’m not going to write in details how to define a dimension style or table style. If you are new to
AutoCAD and interested to know, I can write it in separate post. But I believe many of you who read
this already familiar with dimension styles and table styles.

1. Create a dimension style. We are going to create a plan to be plotted at 1:50 scale. So create a style
with name ’1-50 scale’ with arrow size and text height 150, and offset from dimline with 40 unit
distance. Create another one with scale 1:100. Give it arrow size and text height 300, and ‘offset from
dimline’ with 80. If you have other common scales to use, create it too.
2. Create a table style for 1:50 scale. Give it text height 150 and margin 50.

Set the new styles for 1:50 for both dimension and table as current.

Preparing Our Layout

The last common setting we are going to set it Layout/Page. You can refer to this post on how to do it.
Create several page setup for most common paper size you use. I created 1:50 and 1:100 in this
example.
Save your template. Use save as, then change files of type to ‘AutoCAD Drawing template (*.dwt)’.

Setting Our Default Template

We are almost done! The last thing we need to setup is telling AutoCAD to use our new template.
There are several ways to do this. You have to remember that AutoCAD use default template acad.dwt
every time AutoCAD started. You can select default template for QNEW command, but not working if
you started AutoCAD. I don’t know if there’s a work around, but honestly I can’t find it. Share it if
you know how to do it. So, we can set it by doing this:

Use STARTUP menu:

Set STARTUP system variable to 1. This will load a dialog box that allows you to choose which
template you wanted.

This was a default in older AutoCAD. I don’t know why Autodesk decided to change this sys var to 0
by default. This is a good choice if you have many templates to choose before you started to draw.
This work for all version of AutoCAD. Well at least I use it since AutoCAD R.14. I don’t know if they
have it in older version.

Alternatively, you can do this to:

AutoCAD 2009 or Older

Backup your acad.dwt. Place the template we’ve created in default template folder,and rename it to
acad.dwt.

AutoCAD 2010 or newer

Go to option, user preference tab. Click on Initial Setup button. You will see a wizard that allows you
to choose your industry (page 1), your workspace (page 2) and your default template (page 3).
Setup default template for QNEW

The last one, set your default template for QNEW. If you type QNEW or select new from quick access
toolbar, this is the template AutoCAD will use. You can find it in option, files tab. It’s under template
settings.

Maintaining Your CAD Standard

By
Edwin Prakoso
– September 7, 2009Posted in: AutoCAD Tutorial

In previous tutorial, we have prepared and set our default template. It might
cross your mind, why would bother creating a template? We can use tool
palettes to create our objects without having to creating any layers or styles.

One, templates can hold more information than palettes. And there are some
objects you need to create without using palettes. Two, we can use it to define
our CAD Standard.

When we created our template, basically it holds every common information we use in our company.
So every body can use it without creating other layers or styles we have set. But when we are working
in a large group, some of them might ‘violate’ the company standards. We can associate our files to
cad standard file(s) to manage this. It will be easier if we have the same content in cad standard and in
our template.

Create a new file using our template. You don’t need to create anything, save it as dws.

Alternatively, if you already have a drawing file that you consider as standard, you can open it and
save it as dws. But remember, the best practice is having your template the same as your cad standard.
Imagine if your template have different layers that’s not defined in cad standard. Every time you start
your drawing, you will get a warning that your drawing violating your company standard!

OK, now we have define a file to be referenced as a standard. Now we can configure and tell
AutoCAD to use it.

Cad standard configuration is file specific. It means when you have active drawing now, associate it to
a dws file… When you create a new file, the new file is no longer associated to that dws. If we want
every new file we created to be associated to that dws, what should we do? Correct! We can define it
in our template!

Open your template (dwt) file. On AutoCAD ribbon> manage tab> Cad Standard section, select
Configure.
Click on the + button, and add your dws file. Click OK.

Save your template. From now on, every time you create a new file using that template, it’s already
associated to your cad standard file.

So how cad standard works? Try to create a new layer, give it a random name. You will see AutoCAD
is showing a pop up on lower left of your screen. Warning you that you are violating standard.

Click on Run Check Standards. AutoCAD will open a check standards dialog box. It will show you
what’s the problem. You can move that object to other layer that conform your standard. Simply select
it from the list, and click Fix.
Until AutoCAD 2010, cad standard only able to check these following styles:

1. Dimension styles
2. Layers
3. Line types
4. Text Styles

I know it’s limited, but it’s a start. I expect we can see more in the future.

There are a lot of resources why we should use CAD Standard. I won’t discuss about it here. When
you serious about productivity, you should have implement cad standard.

We are getting closer to use the AutoCAD magic. After this we will prepare our schedule template
with data extraction. Then we will test our workflow. Be prepared!

Summary: The Magic of Defining Your Own

Workflow
By Edwin Prakoso

– September 7, 2009Posted in: AutoCAD Tutorial

I have posted a tutorial series for AutoCAD. It’s not really a basic
tutorial, but it’s about defining a system. We learn how create a custom
workflow for our specific use. And become more productive. Your
industry may not use the same objects. And you may need different
techniques, but basically it’s the same.

Let’s summarize it.

After we define our workflow, we can draw a floor plan easily. Only take a few minutes to finish this
floor plan. I’m sorry that I can’t record the whole process because recording it is killing me. Camtasia
just make my machine sooo slow. But I hope you’ll get the picture from this short video.
There are some things to be done before. There are good news and bad news in creating this workflow.

The bad news is it can be a lot of work before you can actually take advantage from creating a system.
The good news is, it might not be your job. It’s your CAD manager’s job. I can’t imagine if every one
in a company have their own standard, their own library, etc. It doesn’t work that way!

Here is basically what you need to prepare.

1. Creating Reusable Content

When we draw, there are a lot of similar objects we use over and over again. We can use blocks, or
dynamic blocks for this purpose. Basically blocks are library. Create your library and place them in
safe place. You may want to place it on server, so it can be accessed by your colleagues.

We have prepared some reusable content from most typical objects in architecture industry. There are
three objects we’ve created. We created wall, read the full tutorial here. Then we created a column that
can be resized on both direction. Full tutorial here. And the last one, we created a single door. Tutorial
for this door can be read here, and continue to here.

2. Managing your Reusable Content

There are many ways to use your reusable contents. You can use insert, design center, or modify your
toolbar, using AutoLISP, etc. But let’s do it the easy way: using tool palettes. We’re not just placing
our blocks here. But you can also place your lines, dimension, and any other tools. Full tutorial here.

3. Defining Styles in a Template

Preparing your template can provide you some predefined setup. So you don’t have to create a new
styles, new layout, or other settings before you actually start to work. Using template will also make
your drawing more consistent. Imagine if you create a layer ‘wall’ now. But in the next drawing, you
name it ‘A-wall’ ? By using template, you already have layers! Tutorial on preparing templates can be
read here.

4. Defining CAD Standard

Having a drawing standard will be easier for everyone. To make sure your team comply your company
drawing standard, you can reference it to a file that you consider as ‘standard’. You can also fix the
violation using cad standard wizard. Explained here.

More tutorials next!

Well, it’s not finished yet. But I guess I’ll just show you where’s this tutorial going to. I hope you like
this whole series.

5. Data Extraction

Next, we will learn how to create door, column, and wall schedule from our drawing.

6. Layer States

We are going to create two drawing details: high details and low details using layer states.

You might also like :

 •

Modifying AutoCAD Drawing Objects

It’s been a while since I wrote the last AutoCAD tutorial. Let us continue the AutoCAD basic.
The last tutorial discuss about how to draw in AutoCAD ...

Introduction to Annotation Scale

By
Edwin Prakoso
– September 29, 2009Posted in: AutoCAD Tutorial

Annotation scaling was introduced first time on AutoCAD 2008. I love this feature. There are some
work around AutoCAD users do before annotation scaling exist. But now, presenting our drawing in
different scales is very easy and quick. If you are interested to learn annotation scaling, this annotation
scaling tutorial will be a nice reading to start.

First, what is annotations?

Annotation is every object in your drawing which is not a model or geometry. We use annotation to
show dimensions, text as description, symbols, and pattern to show sections, materials, etc.

The problem with annotation occurs when you need to represent your drawing in different scales.
Two images above are the same model in different viewport, with different scales. If we draw the
model and prepare it to a certain scale, say 1:100, when we need to represent the drawing in 1:200
scale, the text, hatches, and all other annotations will be shown in half size to what we expected.

AutoCAD users used to create annotations in layout. But there are some downside.

1. It works for text and dimension, but not for hatches.

2. You may need to create more than one annotation to the same object, if you show them in
different viewports. When you need to change the text content, you will have to change them
all manually. Sometimes you left some of them unchanged.
3. When you move the viewport, some annotations might be left behind.

So, if you have those problems, you may love annotation scale.

Download and open this drawing. We are going to continue using the same drawing. Change your
active scale from annotation scale list. It’s on your status bar. Change it to 1:100. We are going to set
our drawing for 1:100 scale first.

Now open your dimension style. You should see a style named ’1-100 3mm’. Right click on it, and
rename it to ’3 mm’. Click modify button on the right side of this dialog box.

On the FIT tab, scale for dimension features section, activate annotative.
 1. On the Text tab, change text height to 3, offset from dimline to 1.
2. On Symbols and Arrows tab, change arrow size, center marks, and break size to 2.5.

Close the dimension style dialog box.

You see all your dimension text and arrow too small? Don’t worry. We need to update them to apply
the changes.

Activate update in dimension panel, annotation tab. When AutoCAD ask you to select object, just type
ALL then [enter]. Now you should see your dimension correctly.

Now we are going to add another scale to these dimensions. Activate ‘automatically add scales
…bla..bla..bla…’ in annotation scale group.

Change the annotation scale to 1:200. You should see the dimension size adjusted for 1:200 scale!
Turn off the ‘automatically add scales…’ again. Try to change the scale to 1:50. What happen?
Nothing.

Open your layout. Select the left viewport border, and change the scale to 1:100. Press [esc] to deselect
the viewport. Select the right viewport, and change the scale to 1:200.

Compare the dimension size on those two viewport. Even the viewports have different scales, the
dimension size will always be the same! When you plot this sheet, the text in all viewports will be
3mm.
Creating Schedule from Your AutoCAD
Drawing
By

Edwin Prakoso
– September 15, 2009Posted in: AutoCAD Tutorial

In AutoCAD tutorial series I’ve posted, we have created our reusable contents, and
use it to draw a building plan. Now, we are going to create some schedules from it.
We are going to create a door schedule, column schedule, and a wall schedule. It’s
not just Revit that can do that!

If you have created your own floor plan, you can use it. Or simply download this
one for this tutorial.

Open your file (or mine). My file will look like this. You should be familiar with these objects :)

Door Schedule

We can create a schedule using data extraction. It’s on your ribbon bar> insert> linking &
extraction> extract data.

This will open data extraction wizard. I’ve posted about this before, to create a report of lines length
and coordinate, so I won’t be write many details this time.

Page 1 – Begin
This is the first time we use data extraction, so use create a new data extraction. Click next, and when
AutoCAD ask you for file name, give it door schedule.dxe. You can use this file again later when you
need to create another door schedule. Save it.

Page 2 – Define Data Source

AutoCAD give you a choice: you want to create a data extraction from file(s) or from some objects in
your drawing. If you have several floor plans in one drawing, you can select them separately. But now
let’s just use drawing/sheetset. Click next.

Page 3 – Select Objects

AutoCAD will recognize all type of objects you have in your drawing. Now we need to filter what
kind of objects to be included in the schedule. Let’s just select the SingleDoor, and left the rest
unchecked. Click next.

Page 4 – Select Properties

This time we will need to define which properties we want to be included in our report. We only need
the door width. Let’s filter it first.

On the right column, category filter, uncheck everything except Dynamic Block. Now it should be
only 3 properties left. Check only Width.

Where’s this width property come from? We define it by renaming the parameter to width. You can
find more details in this dynamic block tutorial.

Page 5 – Refine Data

In this page you will see your schedule preview. Nothing hard here. You can sort your data by clicking
the header name. Or you can arrange the column by dragging the header name. You can also choose
several other options here. Try them, you can see the preview right away. Click next after you’ve done.

Page 6 – Choose Output

On the next page, we can select where we want to put this schedule. You can put it in your drawing, or
save it to external file (excel, database, or text).
Click next.

Page 7 – Table Style

If you use your own drawing, you might not yet set your table style. If you use mine, just use the
standard table style. Type the table title ‘Door Schedule’. Click next.

Page 8 – FInish

Nothing here :) It’s just telling you you’re done. Click finish. Now place your table to your drawing.
Or if you choose external file, then you’re done.

Column and Wall Schedule

So what about column and wall schedule? Sure, you can create them too. You should try it by yourself.

Pay attention to door and column schedule. Remember we only have one door block and one column
block. But in this schedule, we can see 3 door type and 3 column type! Yup, their size are different.
Data extraction can recognize it. It’s great isn’t it?

Unfortunately for wall schedule, we can’t sum them all and only list wall with the same name. It will
only group wall with the same length and name. If you want to do more than that, you should choose
the output to external file. Edit it in excel, then import it back. But at least you don’t have to count
them manually ;)
You can also use data extraction to report any kind of data your drawing have. Points coordinate, line
length, everything! I wrote how to report line length, coordinate, layer, and color here. Some one ask
me that question to create laser cutting estimation.

Controlling Annotation Scale Further

By
Edwin Prakoso
– September 29, 2009Posted in: AutoCAD Tutorial

In my previous post, I’ve introduced annotation scaling for dimension. We

have added two scales to all of our dimensions automatically. In this post, we will discuss how we use
annotation scale for hatches. We will also discuss how we can control annotation scale further.

Two questions popped up when I first time learn about annotation scaling:

1. Can we selectively show objects in a certain scales, but not in other scale?
2. Showing annotation in different scales is great. But sometimes it can obstruct my drawings on
relatively large scale. But I need it there in small scale.

To answer these questions, let’s open our drawing again. Select any wall, right click, and select block
editor from context menu.

Here’s what we are going to do: We want our brick pattern will be not too large in 1:50. And we don’t
want this pattern shown in 1:200 scale. Let’s assume we only use those 3 scales.

First, we need to tell AutoCAD this is how we want it look like in 1:100 scale. Change your
annotation scale to 1:100.

Now we need to add annotative behavior to this pattern. Select it, right click, select hatch edit. In the
options area, activate annotative.

Click OK to close this dialog. Now try to move your pointer above this pattern, you will see annotative
symbol right next your cursor.
Now we need to tell AutoCAD to also show this pattern in 1:50. Select the pattern. Look at your
properties palette. If it’s not opened yet, right click and select properties.

In pattern section, click on text field next to annotative scale. You will see … button next to it. Click
it.

This will open object scale dialog. You will see 1:100 scale listed here. Click add. Select 1:50 and
click OK. Now this pattern will show only in 1:50 and 1:100 scale! This is how you can add scale
manually to your annotations. Save this block and close block editor.

Turn off annotation visibility. It’s the button next to your annotation scale list. Try several scales. You
should see your pattern only in 1:50 and 1:100. Try to compare how it looks in your layout, different
viewport scale.

Now let’s back to our dimension. Add some more dimension using 3mm style like this.

Now, here’s a challenge. Can you show all dimensions in 1:50 scale, but only some in 1:100?
After you finish, here’s the last one on this post.

Activate 1:100 viewport. Let’s pretend that our dimension too far from our drawing. But we feel it’s
OK for 1:50. Select a dimension. You will see your dimension showing two sizes: On 1:50 and 1:100.

Drag your dimension closer to your drawing. Pay attention to your other viewport while doing this. It’s
only adjusted in your active viewport, but not in the other scale! Amazing isn’t it?

Basically that’s all you need to know about annotation scale. But I’ll cover a little about blocks and
text on my next post.

Dynamic Block Tutorial #5: Controlling

Visibility
By
Edwin Prakoso
– November 3, 2009Posted in: AutoCAD Tutorial
It’s been a while since I wrote my last dynamic block tutorial. Besides of using parameters and actions,
there is one thing left: using visibility states. You can hide and show some (or all) objects and save
them on separate visibility state.

Let’s take a dynamic block sample from AutoCAD. I use the trees block. Insert it to your drawing, and
click the down arrow in the block. You will see a list of trees. Try to change it to other type of tree.

What it does is hiding objects that form the palm (plan) and show other objects. Let’s try to create our
own visibility states.

These doors are actually have a same door type. The only difference is the door on the left can be
opened to inside and outside. And the other one can only be opened to one direction.

*What do you call them? single swing and double swing door?

Create a drawing like the door on the left. Make it as a block. Then open it in block editor. You’ve
been doing this several of times, haven’t you? :)

We can’t click any button in visibility panel yet. To enable the visibility states, we need to place
visibility parameter first. You can find it in block authoring palette, parameters tab.

Place it near your block. Pick a good spot, so you and others who will use it can find it easily.

Click the visibility states button. The visibility states dialog box will open.

By default, we will have one visibility state with name VisibilityState0. Select it, and click rename.
Rename it to double swing door (or something you prefer).

Click new to create a new visibility state. Give it name single swing door. And make sure you select
the leave visibility of existing objects unchanged in new state. Click OK.
AutoCAD will automatically set the new visibility state as current. If the single swing door is not
current, select it and click set current. Click OK to close the dialog.

Now we will hide some lines. Activate make invisible from your ribbon.

Select all the dashed line that showing the door swing. [enter] to accept.

Click visibility mode to see/hide the invisible lines as opaque lines or hidden. You may want to set it
as hidden to see applied changes clearly. But sometimes you need to see the invisible objects when you
need to change it to visible.

Test your visibility state. Change it from one to another in visibility state list.

If everything is working fine, you can save the block and close the block editor.

Understanding Geometric Constraint

By
Edwin Prakoso
– November 26, 2009Posted in: AutoCAD Tutorial

Finally, Autodesk add parametric features in AutoCAD 2010. Why finally? This feature is already
there in manufacturing industry for decades. If you have used any manufacturing application like
Inventor, CATIA, SolidWorks, ProE, etc, then you should be already familiar with this feature.
There are 3 panels in parametric tab: geometric, dimensional, and manage. Let’s talk about geometric
first.
Geometric constraint will maintain how your objects related to each other. Let’s see this example.
Let’s say we have a rectangle. We know that the sides have to be perpendicular to each other. But
sometimes during the design, you may need to change it. If I stretch one of the rectangle vertex, then it
would not be a rectangle anymore. AutoCAD doesn’t know that you want to keep it as a rectangle.

We can prevent this by telling AutoCAD that we want them always perpendicular to each other. We
can add perpendicular constraint. So I add a perpendicular constraint to the two sides. I try to stretch
the vertex again.

As you can see, the two sides are kept to be perpendicular to each other. But the other edges don’t. We
have to add all constraint to keep it a rectangular.

That’s the concept.

I don’t know if this gives many advantages to AEC industy or or. I know that MicroStation has this
feature years ago, but it’s not become a popular feature. Maybe because Bentley Systems doesn’t have
solutions in manufacturing industry.
There are some use that I can think of: in dynamic block. But I’m not sure if we can use it extensively
in drafting. I saw the example in new features workshop, the sample is for manufacturing, not AEC.
Do you have any idea, where we can use it in AEC industry? I will try to post some dynamic blocks
using this parametric feature, and maybe you can suggest me how we can use it in drawings.

Understanding Dimensional Constraint

By

Edwin Prakoso
– December 3, 2009Posted in: AutoCAD Tutorial
Another parametric feature available is dimensional constraint. We discussed about geometric
constraint, and this time dimensional constraint.

Dimensional Constraint Types

Basically we use dimensional constraint to maintain distance between points or objects. Usually
dimensional constraint don’t work alone. We use geometric constraint along with dimensional
constraint.
There are three types of dimensional constraint:

1. Dynamic Constraint
2. Annotational Dimension
3. Reference Constraint

Annotational Dimension

In a nut shell, annotational constraint behave like common dimension we know all these years. You
can plot it, you can assign it on a layer, and the size behave like other annotation. The size is not
affected when you zoom the drawing.

Dynamic Constraint

Dynamic constraint is a bit different. it’s only for display purpose. It will not be printed. If you
remember how you use parameter in dynamic block, it also display at the same size when you zoom
the drawing.
You can change the form, dynamic or annotational by changing the ‘form’ variable.

Command:
DIMCONSTRAINT
Current settings: Constraint form = Dynamic
Select associative dimension to convert or
[LInear/Horizontal/Vertical/Aligned/ANgular/Radial/Diameter/Form] <LInear>:F
Enter constraint form [Annotational/Dynamic] <Dynamic>: A

Reference constraint

Reference constraint is not created directly. You can create a dynamic or annotational dimension, and
then convert it to reference dimension.

We use reference constraint only for showing the distance values. We can’t change the parameter like
dynamic or annotational constraint. Let’s compare them.
Annotation constraint size will follow the object size when you zoom. Dynamic constraint will show
the same size, no matter how you zoom it. The reference dimension is shown with brackets.

Using Dimensional Constraint

After you placed dimensional constraint, you will see the parameter name like d1, d2… dia1, dia2…
by default. We can change it later. You can change the parameter by selecting the constraint, right
click your mouse above dimension, and select edit constraint.
Or you can change the name and value in properties palette.

We can input calculation in expression field. For example, we want the base length is dependant to
body length plus 20mm clearance. This workflow is used heavily in manufacturing design.
By using dimensional constraint, we don’t modify the object. We change the parameter value, and the
object will be adjusted. To make the result predictable, we use it together with geometric constraint.
We will create some objects using these parametric behavior later. But that’s the concept.
As I don’t write too much details in this parametric feature, you can also read them in my friend blog,
Orhan Toker:

1. Geometric Constraint (1)

2. Geometric Constraint (2)
3. Dimensional Constraint (1)
4. Dimensional Constraint (2)

5.Using Parametric Features in Dynamic

Block
6. By
7. Edwin Prakoso
8. – December 4, 2009Posted in: AutoCAD Tutorial
9.
Parametric feature is very useful if you have similar object with slightly different geometry or
size. In manufacturing, if you have nuts and bolts that looks the same, but have different sizes,
parametric features is perfect for this purpose. This kind of remind us about dynamic block,
isn’t it? Dynamic block has the same purpose, but has limitation. I can’t figure yet how we can
use it in AEC industry, except for reusable contents.
So this time, we are going to create a column with dynamic block. This is similar with the
column we created in dynamic block tutorial. But we are not using the parameter and action.
We are going to use geometric and dimension constraint. We will see how we can get different
dynamic block behavior.

For a start, let’s create two rectangles like this.

I made a 200x200mm rectangle and offset it 20mm to outside. The 200x200mm is the column,
and 20mm is the column finishing layer. Make it as a block, and use the center of the rectangle
as insert point. Same like we did before.

10. As usual, to add ‘dynamic’ behavior to the block, we need to open it in block editor. Let’s
forget the block authoring palette for a while. We will focus on the contextual tab: block editor.

Let’s activate the dimensional constraint. use linear dimension, and snap to the rectangle end
points. Change the constraint name immediately to h and w like below.
Now we will tell AutoCAD that we want the finish thickness is 20mm. Let’s add one more
constraint, name it finish.

Here is the deal. We have four rectangular sides that need to define the offset distance. Add
them all and when AutoCAD ask you for the value, type ‘=finish’. It means we are going to use
the same value as the previous constraint.

And when AutoCAD ask you the number of grips, enter 0. We don’t need it since we refer to
‘finish’ constraint. Here is the finished dimension constraint placement.
We haven’t finished yet. But let’s test it before we continue. Click parameter manager button
on your ribbon.

As you can see, the result can be unpredictable! Why? We haven’t tell AutoCAD the objects
relations to each other. We need to add geometric constraint.

Undo until you see the rectangle back. We will add geometric constraint to these rectangle.
Instead of adding them one by one, let’s activate Auto Constraint. Press S then [enter] to
change the settings. Deactivate all, except perpendicular. We want or rectangle sides to be
perpendicular to each other.
Click OK then select them all. Add one horizontal constraint to any horizontal edges. You can
left the whole constraint on actually. Not just the perpendicular. I just want you to know the
option exist :)
Try to change the parameters again. We still have a problem: the insertion point is shifted.

The last thing, we need to define a fixed point as the center of the column.
Let’s create a point at #0,0. You can activate point by typing POINT then [enter]. Then type
#0,0 [enter]. If you can’t see the point, type DDPTYPE [enter] to change the point appearance.
Lock it at its position using fix constraint.

Now add dimensions from the point to the rectangle edges. Use h/2 and w/2 as the value. This
will make sure our column center won’t shifted.
 Let’s try again. Does it work?
We will explore this column again next time.

Introduction to AutoCAD: the Interface

By

Edwin Prakoso
– January 7, 2010Posted in: AutoCAD Basic Tutorial

This is the first article of my AutoCAD tutorial series. Since I have Revit and MicroStation tutorial for
beginners, then I think, why not writing AutoCAD for beginners too? I know that there are many
resources for learning AutoCAD, but I hope this is still useful.

I have posted 12 steps you need to get through to mastering AutoCAD. This AutoCAD tutorial will be
based on that article.

The AutoCAD Interface

Let’s start your AutoCAD and get familiar with the AutoCAD interface elements, what they do, and
where you can access them. You can see an image at the bottom of this post. You can see where are
the interface elements by clicking the next/previous button on the image. If you can’t see the image,
you need to install flash player for your browser.

Changing the Workspace

Before we start, I want to make sure we all see the same AutoCAD interface, so if you don’t see the
same interface as we see in this image, click the workspace button in your AutoCAD, then select the
‘2D Drafting and Annotation’. Click next button to see how to do it.

AutoCAD Interface Elements

1. Your AutoCAD drawing area. This is where you will drawing your AutoCAD objects.
2. AutoCAD Ribbon. This is where you can access AutoCAD tools and settings.
3. AutoCAD Ribbon has several tabs. Each tab holds AutoCAD tools based on your drawing task. For
example, we can use drawing tools and modify tools in home tab. But when we need to add text and
dimensions, we need to open the Annotate tab. When we need to insert blocks, we need to move to
insert tab.
4. In each tab have several panels. This panels have similar AutoCAD tools inside them.
5. Command Line. We can activate tools and change the tool settings by typing in command line.
Command line is also providing information what you should do next.
6. Drafting Settings. While we draw, we need to change some drafting settings. This is where you can
change it.
7. The AutoCAD logo. Click it once (do not click it twice, as doing it will end your AutoCAD session).
8. AutoCAD will show you the AutoCAD menu. Some will say ‘application menu’, since the application
name is AutoCAD, I prefer to call it AutoCAD menu :) This is where you can access tools related to
applications, such as saving files.

You will see more interface elements as we move forward.

The Basic of Using AutoCAD Drawing Tools

By

Edwin Prakoso
– January 8, 2010Posted in: AutoCAD Basic Tutorial

This time we are going to learn how to use AutoCAD drawing tools. I will not describe how you can
use every tools, but how to use AutoCAD drawing tools in general. My objective is you know how to
learn AutoCAD by yourself. I can write how to use every AutoCAD tools, but don’t you think
understanding it is better?

Using AutoCAD Drawing tools is simple

There’s nothing hard in using AutoCAD drawing tools. Let’s try this simple steps. You can see the
screenshot below, click next/forward button to move to the next step.

1. Click the tool you want to use on the ribbon. AutoCAD drawing tools is on home tab. Let’s start with
line.
2. You will see the dynamic input near your pointer. It will tell you what you need to do next. Most of
drawing tools will ask you a point location. We will learn how to input the coordinate precisely later.
Just click anywhere on your drawing area.
3. Again, dynamic input will tell you what to do. Another point location. Click anywhere again. Pay
attention that information in dynamic input is also shown in command line.
4. AutoCAD is continue asking you for point location. Click again.
5. When you finish drawing line segments, press [enter] to finish it. Many veteran AutoCAD users like to
use [space] as an alternative.
 6. Now let’s try to draw a rectangle.
7. Just like drawing lines, it will ask you for a point location. Click anywhere.
8. And just like line tool, it will ask next point. But don’t click your mouse yet. Press down arrow on your
keyboard, or click the small arrow next to ‘specify other corner point or’
9. This is how you can see options for creating rectangle. The most common way is defining 2 points, but
you can also define it by using other methods. If you see in the command line, you can see the options
too. You can use the option by typing the capital letters in available options.

In a Nut Shell

Using most AutoCAD drawing tools can be used the same way.

1. Click the tool to activate it.

2. Follow the instructions.
3. Change the options if necessary.
4. Some tools will end after you define points, like rectangle and circle. Some other tools require you to
end it manually, press [Enter] to do it.

It’s very simple isn’t it?

Now, try to use the other drawing tools. Don’t worry about the size for now. We will learn how to
input points precisely later.

Using AutoCAD Navigation Tools

By

Edwin Prakoso
– January 15, 2010Posted in: AutoCAD Basic Tutorial

The next first thing you should get familiar when first time learning AutoCAD is using navigation
tools. You will want to see your drawing closer, move it to see another part of your drawing, see your
model from different angle (for 3D), etc.

There are several methods to do it in AutoCAD:

Using Mouse

This is probably the most common way in many applications. You can zoom in/zoom out your
drawing by scrolling your scroll button. The drawing will be zoomed in/out about your pointer
position.

You can pan by click the mid button, hold it, and move your mouse.
Using Navigation Tools in Ribbon Bar

You can find the navigation tools in view tab, navigate panel. There are pan button, orbit (we will not
discuss this until 3D tutorial), and zoom. There are several zoom tools you can use. The tool name
should self explain what it’s for. But you might want to try them by yourself. Click the tool you want
to use, then use it by hold your left mouse button. [Enter] to end the tool.

Using Steering Wheel

Steering wheel is the navigation tool that stick to your mouse. You can find the navigation tools here,
like: zoom, pan, and rewind. If you want to try the navigation tools other than those three, try in 3D
model. You can show/hide the steering wheel by pressing [shift]+W. Or click the steering wheel
button on the try, right side of your status bar. (see animation below)

Typing in Command Line/Dynamic Input

This is probably the fastest way. You can type Z then [enter] to activate zoom tools. Press [enter] again
will activate zoom real time. You have other zoom options if necessary. Refer to previous tutorial how
to change the option.

Command: Z
ZOOM
Specify corner of window, enter a scale factor (nX or nXP), or
[All/Center/Dynamic/Extents/Previous/Scale/Window/Object] <real time>: W
Specify opposite corner:

Play this animation to see how it works. You can play it by right click and choose play from contextual
menu.

Try to open sample files to do this exercise. You can find AutoCAD sample files in AutoCAD folder:
C:\Program Files\AutoCAD 2010\Sample\Sheet Sets

Using Template and Setting Your Unit

By

Edwin Prakoso
– January 22, 2010Posted in: AutoCAD Basic Tutorial

There’s not much in this tutorial. However, I consider this is very important part for the rest of the
tutorial.
I found most AutoCAD users never aware about using template. And worse, sometimes they just open
existing drawing, erase the drawings, and use the existing styles and objects. Avoid this, since this will
make your files corrupted.

What is a template? Template is a starting point of your work. There are some default settings you,
your company use. Each industry may have different template, even the drawing come from the same
company.

How can use template? When you choose file>new, AutoCAD will ask you to choose your template.
When you first time starting AutoCAD, it will use the default imperial template. If you work in metric,
create another file and close the first one.

AutoCAD Drawing Unit

When you draw with AutoCAD, AutoCAD doesn’t recognize what unit you are using. It just know
you are drawing a 5 unit length line. However, this is useful to set the unit when you work further.
Especially when you work with someone else, with different unit.

You can check and change your unit by accessing application menu>drawing utilities>units.

If you use metric as template, it’s already use millimeters. Imperial using inch. Keep in mind that
AutoCAD use mm and inch only as default unit in plotting. So if you don’t want to have headache
figuring what scale to use, stick to mm or inch. You can use other units, but you need to adjust the
scale value when plotting.

AutoCAD 2010 Initial Setup

There is a new feature in AutoCAD 2010 that we can use to easily manage our template: initial setup.
You probably have set it when the first time running AutoCAD 2010. But if you are not sure, let us
define our initial setup.

Click the option button in your ribbon>view tab>windows panel.

This will open options dialog box. Switch to user preferences tab, and click the initial setup.

On the first page, select your industry. Click next.

On the second page, select which tools you want to add to your ribbon.

On third page, you can specify your default template. This is the one AutoCAD will open every time
you star AutoCAD. If you already have your template, you can select it. But as we just started here, let
us just new default drawing. But use metric/imperial.
Using Template

And how we can create our own template? You can find the detailed tutorial here. You can bookmark
it to learn it later. We haven’t touch many area in the tutorial yet. However, I need to emphasize that
you have to consider your template (which will affect drawing units) from very early stage.

AutoCAD Precise Input: Specifying Point

Coordinate
By

Edwin Prakoso
– February 15, 2010Posted in: AutoCAD Basic Tutorial

You have learned how to use AutoCAD drawing tools. When you activate an AutoCAD drawing tool,
there are two possibilities what AutoCAD will ask you: options or specifying points. Some AutoCAD
tools ask your confirmation for settings before asking you for a point. You will need to define points
eventually. In this tutorial, we will discuss how we can give precise input when AutoCAD asking us
for a point location.

Drawing Object versus AutoCAD Scale

First, let us discuss how we should draw in your AutoCAD drawing, relevant to your scale. We draw
our object in real size. If you have 5 feet length object, then draw 5 feet length line. If you have 100
cm length object, then draw it 100 cm length. I have to emphasize this because I found some people
don’t work this way. They have 100 cm length object, and because they plan to plot it to 1:100 scale,
they draw it 1 cm length. It’s a no-no.
We always draw the objects in their real size in CAD… any CAD applications. We only use scale for
plotting purpose. We are drawing in a limitless area. Well, I know this is not true. But most CAD
application can handle your design size.

AutoCAD only has 2 units by default: inch (imperial) and mm (metric) for plotting. So we better use
that two units to avoid confusion when we plot (later about this). So if you work in metric, and you
want to draw 1 m length line, draw it 1000 mm.

So AutoCAD only recognize mm and inch? No. Only for plot purpose. We can use other units like
feet, cm, or m, but I recommend you to use inch or mm for the first time.

‘Classic’ versus Dynamic Input

Since AutoCAD 2006 (correct me if I’m wrong) Autodesk introduce ‘dynamic input’ to AutoCAD
users. If you’ve just installed AutoCAD, then this feature by default is on. If you or someone turn it
off, try to turn it on. Give it a try first. Later, if you don’t like it, you may turn it off. Click the dynamic
input button in drafting settings group.

The method in defining coordinate using dynamic input or ‘classic’ input is a bit different. However
they have the same concept.

Relative Coordinate

Activate line tool. We will try this basic tool to comprehend how we can talk with AutoCAD about
point coordinate.

AutoCAD will ask you for first point. Since we don’t have anything in our drawing yet, just click
anywhere to define a start point.
Polar Coordinate

After you place the first point, AutoCAD will show you dynamic input like image below. By default
the dynamic input will ask for polar coordinate input.

Drawing description

1. The line length

2. The line angle, relative to positive X axis
3. The tool option

You can simply type the line length, press tab to move to angle field, type the angle value and press
[enter].

When you use more complex AutoCAD tool, you probably need to change the tool options. You can
press down arrow to see available options. For AutoCAD line tool, there is only ‘undo’ option. This
will cancel the last line segment.

The value shown by dynamic input is relative coordinate. It means it shows the distance between your
pointer and previous point. So if you want to draw a horizontal 100 length line: after you click the first
point, type 100 for length, press [tab] to move to angle field type 0 then [enter]. It will create a line
with 100 unit length, and parallel to positive X axis.

What will happen if you type 100 for length, and 180 for angle? Try it!

Hint: You can also define the length and angle by typing distance<angle. For example 100<30.

Cartesian Coordinate

The other common coordinate we use is Cartesian coordinate, by defining X and Y value. We can do
this by typing X,Y when dynamic input is asking for next point. After we press comma, then the
dynamic input will show you X and Y value like this.

25,50 means 25 units to the right, then 50 units to the top.

If you type positive value, then the next point will be to X/Y positive axis. But if you type negative
value, it will be to negative axis FROM your last point. Try it!

Global Coordinate

If you work in land surveying industry, then you will need what we call global coordinate. You may
want to precisely draw points or objects from a benchmark point. The intersection point of AutoCAD
X and Y axis is the 0,0 coordinate.

Remember: by default positive X axis is to the right, and positive Y to the top.

We can input global coordinate by add prefix hash tag # before typing the XY value. If you add the #
prefix, then AutoCAD will ignore the previous point, and measure your point from AutoCAD global
0,0 coordinate. Give it a try!

Using AutoCAD ‘Classic’ Input

All the above input mode is if you have the dynamic input turned on. If you turn it off, then inputting
coordinate is slightly different. You will probably see many veteran AutoCAD users still using this
way. The main reason people don’t like using dynamic input is because they feel it’s disturbing their
view.

If you turn dynamic input off then:

1. When you type X,Y value, you are defining global coordinate.
2. To define relative coordinate you need to add prefix @ before typing X, Y. It will be @X,Y.
3. It also applies to polar coordinate. You have to type @distance<angle for relative coordinate.

It is up to you which one you will use. However, I recommend you to use dynamic input because it is
the common way to define coordinate in other CAD applications.

We will have some exercise next.

AutoCAD Precise Input: Drafting Tools

By
Edwin Prakoso
– February 17, 2010Posted in: AutoCAD Basic Tutorial

You have learned how to precisely specify points by their coordinates. However, sometimes we need
other methods to define points. There are some drafting tools that we can use to help us in specifying
points.

AutoCAD Object Snap

Object snap is a tool that you can use to refer for a location from existing objects. For example, a
center point of an arc or circle. You can snap to a reference point after you see the snap symbol on that
point. Below is an example for midpoint snap.

Object snap is only working when AutoCAD is asking you for a point. You will not see the object snap
symbol when AutoCAD is not asking for point.

Object Snap Settings

There are many modes of object snap you can use. Activating all of the object snaps is not a wise
decision. You will find difficulties snapping to objects when you have complex drawing. You need to
decide which object snaps you commonly use. To activate or deactivate object snaps, you can right
click on object snap button, and choose the object snap.

You can also click settings… to open the settings dialog box. You can turn off the object snap (for all
modes of snap) or you can check/uncheck a single snap mode.
Hint: You can press F3 to turn on/off object snap.

Overriding Snap Mode

You have decided which object snaps you mostly use. However, you will need to use other snap mode
eventually. And sometimes when the drawing become very crowded, you will wish only one snap
mode is active. No need to change the object snap settings.

You can simply hold [shift], right click your mouse. AutoCAD will show you snap override context
menu. This will ignore your object snap settings temporarily, and use only the snap mode you choose.
Remember, you can only use object snap when AutoCAD is asking you for a point!

Polar Tracking

When you draw an object, and your pointer is about parallel to AutoCAD axis, what will happen? It’s
getting sticky and the angle show multiplication of 90 degrees. This is the polar tracking. It will track
your pointer when at certain angle and snap your pointer. You can type the relative distance without
typing the angle. This is very useful when you need to draw parallel lines. Simply move your pointer,
snapped to the axis and type the desired distance.

By default, it will track your pointer when it’s at 90 deg, 180 deg, 270 deg, and 360 deg. We can
change the incremental value by right clicking the polar tracking button, and choose incremental angle
from the list.
Try to take a look in settings dialog for more control.

Object Snap Tracking

Object snap tracking works with object snap. If you turn object snap off, then this tool will not work.
This tool will help you to define a point from another point in an object.

In this example, I want to define a circle center 400 units to the right of a rectangle corner. So I
activate circle tool, place my pointer above the corner point. Wait for a while until AutoCAD
recognize the point, and move your pointer to the right. The dynamic input should say ‘extension:…’.
Type the distance and press [enter].

You can use more than one point as reference. In this example, I use object snap tracking to find a
rectangle center.

Or to find extended intersection from two lines.

I guess now you have enough knowledge to start drawing with AutoCAD precisely. We will start an
exercise on the next tutorial.
Exercise: Coordinate Input and Drafting Tools
By

Edwin Prakoso
– March 8, 2010Posted in: AutoCAD Basic Tutorial

You have learned how to provide coordinate input in AutoCAD, and using AutoCAD drafting tools.
Let us do a little exercise before continue to the next topic. We are going to use some AutoCAD
drawing tools and drafting tools.

Using the Metric Template

We are using metric template for this AutoCAD tutorial. If you haven’t set the default template to
metric, create a new file from AutoCAD menu: new>drawing. Do not click the new file button on
quick access toolbar! The button will use the default template and AutoCAD will not ask you which
template you want to use. Select acadiso.dwt as template then click open.

Using Drawing Tools

You can access AutoCAD drawing tools on AutoCAD ribbon, home tab, draw panel.

Activate rectangle.

To Input Coordinate

Click anywhere on your screen. The active field should be X field.

• Type 50 to define 50 units to the right (the X positive). Press comma. This will lock the X value and
move the active field to Y field.
• Type 150 then press enter. This will define the second point Y value 150 units up (Y positive).

You just define a rectangle by defining X and Y value.

Using Object Snap Tracking

Activate rectangle again

Hint: You can press [enter] to reactivate last tool

Move your pointer above the right-bottom corner of the previous rectangle. Wait for a moment and
move your pointer to the right. You will see dashed line and the dynamic input mentioning ‘extension:
DISTANCE<ANGLE’. Move your pointer horizontally, sticky to the X axis. Type 700 then press
[enter].

Type 50,150 [enter] to define the next point.

You’ve just created another rectangle by defining the distance from another object.

Using Object Snap

Activate rectangle again. This time snap the first point to the top right corner. Click to define the first
point.

Type 30,700 [enter] to define your rectangle.

Creating Arc

AutoCAD has many method to draw an arc, depends on what points do you have as references.

This time click the 3-point method. Pay attention to what AutoCAD is asking you. Specify start point
of arc or ↓
The down arrow is showing that there are options related to this tool. Press down arrow. There is one
option for this tool: Center. Select it.

Now AutoCAD is asking for center point. Click point 1 as the center point. Point 2 as start point, and
point 3 as the end point. If you draw arc using start-end point, then AutoCAD will draw it counter-
clock wise.

Hint: You can use command line to change option. Type the capital letter to choose available option
then [enter]. If there are more than 1 character in capital letter, type all of the capital letters.

Specify next point or [Arc/Halfwidth/Length/Undo/Width]:

Nothing hard right? :) When you draw with AutoCAD drawing tools, you will only need to change
options if necessary, then define the points. Look for some drawing samples and try to draw it. You
may submit your inquiry here, probably I can help.

Next, we will learn to use modify tools.

Modifying AutoCAD Drawing Objects

By

Edwin Prakoso
– April 17, 2010Posted in: AutoCAD Basic Tutorial

It’s been a while since I wrote the last AutoCAD tutorial. Let us continue the AutoCAD basic. The last
tutorial discuss about how to draw in AutoCAD. Let us refresh our memory how we use the drawing
tools. To draw in AutoCAD, we activate the tool, then define the coordinate. You might need to use
drafting tools to help you to define the precise position. Modifying object is a bit different. Some tools
also require you to input coordinate. But there is one more thing you should learn to modify object:
selecting your objects.

There will be time you need to modify your objects. It might because you make a mistake, or because
sometimes it’s easier and faster you modify them later. Let us see the tools we can use to modify the
objects.

You can find the tools in AutoCAD ribbon, home tab>modify panel. There are many tools you will
see here. Most of the tool name are self-explanatory. Like several previous posts, I will not describe
each tool. You can always get the tool description by moving your pointer above the tool. Wait a little
longer, then you will get more detailed description.

What I want to emphasize here, is how we use AutoCAD modify tools. There are several possibilities
of what you will see after activating a modify tool. Most basic modification tools will ask you to select
objects to modify. And sometimes the tool will also ask you to define point coordinates. Some other
tools will ask you several more options.
Let us try several AutoCAD modify tool.

Copy/Move

Try to activate copy or move tool.

Command: _copy
Select objects: 1 found

Select objects:
Current settings: Copy mode = Multiple
Specify base point or [Displacement/mOde] <Displacement>: Specify second point
or <use first point as displacement>: 700

Specify second point or [Exit/Undo] <Exit>:

• After you activate the copy tool, AutoCAD will ask you to select objects you want to modify. There are
many ways that you can use to select objects in AutoCAD drawing. The basic way to do it is by clicking
each object you want to modify, or create a rectangular selection.
• Next question is the tool option. Of course the option will be different for each tool. Try them or read
the documentation for more details.
• The last thing you need to do is defining the reference points to place the duplicate object.

All three question is the common steps you need to go through when you use modify tools.

Scale

Now let us try scale tool.

Command: _scale
Select objects: Specify opposite corner: 1 found

Select objects:
Specify base point:
Specify scale factor or [Copy/Reference]: 2

Scale tool will ask you to select object, define the base point, then the scale factor. Very similar steps
with copy, right?

Array

Now array. Array is a little different. Not like most modify tool, it use dialog box.
Rectangular array have several options, and select object button. But it doesn’t require you to define a
point. However, polar array does need you to define the center point of array.

Summary

Basically you need to select objects, change some settings, and define points. Not necessarily all of
them, but most of the modify tool do. We will do some exercise later. In the mean time, try the modify
tools by yourself to get familiar with them.

Noun-verb vs Verb-noun selection

I’m not really sure about this, but I guess the default workflow to modify object in AutoCAD is using
verb-noun selection. You activate the tool, then select the objects. However, you can also select your
object first, then activate the tool. This is a default workflow in most Windows applications: noun-verb
selection.

Controlling UCS for Angled Drawing and Local

Coordinates
By

Edwin Prakoso
– July 7, 2010Posted in: AutoCAD Basic Tutorial

If you already familiar with 3D modeling in AutoCAD, then you must be familiar with controlling
UCS. In 2D, there are many things that you can do by controlling UCS. In this article, we are going to
discuss how to control it and why.
So Why Would We Need to Move/Rotate Our Coordinate?

1. Working on angled coordinate/object.

UCS (user coordinate system) icon is showing you X axis and Y axis, an the origin. As you know, we
input the point coordinate base on those axis. When we need to draw angled object, in some cases it
would be easier if we rotate the UCS temporarily.
2. Working on local coordinate.
Surveyor often need to work with local coordinate, but they may not mess up with the global
coordinate.

What a coincidence. When I’m thinking about this post, Autodesk release a video on YouTube: tip to
work on angled portion of your drawing.

How We Can Control the UCS?

In the old days, we type UCS [enter] and choose the options. We still can do it now, but if you are not
command line big fan, you may want to use the ribbon panel. Go to view tab, coordinates panel. All
the options are here.

The tools on first row, are used to move, save, or reset UCS to world coordinate system.

On the second row, you can use the tools to rotate UCS using coordinate axis. Except the last one, the
one with the light bulb is for turning UCS icon on or off.

The last row, there are tools that you can use to quickly aligned the UCS by view, object, or picking 3
points.

Try to see the extended tool tip to see more explanation.

Examples

Aligned Objects

Let us see the building footprint below.

Let’s say we need to draw the interior, parking lot and more objects to complete the drawing. It would
be easier to rotate the UCS to complete the job. In this example, I use object and pick a line in the
drawing.

As you can see, the UCS icon is now moved and aligned to the top most line (I pick that line).

Now when we create rectangle, linear dimensions, etc it will be aligned to the now UCS orientation.
And don’t forget, ortho mode and polar tracking also using the XY axis! Try to create linear dimension
and see how it works.

Rotating View

Still find it difficult? Many of us prefer to work with the object aligned to our screen. No problem.
After you rotate the UCS, now you can set the viewpoint preset. Type VP then [enter], you should see
the dialog below. Or using DDVPOINT command also works.

Change the viewing angles option to relative to UCS. And change the from X Axis to 0.
Click OK. You should see now the view rotated!

Don’t you think this is much easier than working on rotated object? When you need to restore the
view, open the view point presets dialog again, and choose absolute to WCS. Click OK. To restore
UCS icon, click world coordinate on ribbon (the one with the earth globe)

Using Local Coordinates

Sometimes you need to draw or annotate relative to local coordinate and not to world coordinate. You
surveyors should familiar with this. If you are in manufacturing industry, you probably need to
annotate part/assembly coordinates, or holes coordinates. In Architecture drawing, you may need to
annotate the elevation view.
This example, shows a rough elevation view (yes it’s bad and lazy drawing, I know), but the elevation
level is not showing correctly. The bottom red line should be at 0,00 elevation. It’s because ordinate
dimension use 0,0 as origin. We need to move the origin before create the ordinate dimension.

So after we restore the UCS to World coordinate, the dimension will use the world coordinate value?
Nope. See below. The right dimensions was created in word coordinate. The left dimensions on local
coordinate. The value never changed even we move the UCS around to new places.

So how do you use UCS to increase drawing productivity? Is there any other tips you want to share
with us?

AutoCAD Startup Dialog Box

By
Edwin Prakoso
– June 3, 2009Posted in: AutoCAD Tips

Are you an old style AutoCAD user? Miss this dialog box?

I like the dialog box because I mostly use different templates in my drawings. First time I started
AutoCAD, it always create a new file. It’s useless. Not to mention sometimes a freshman just draw
without knowing what are the units, scale list, and other related settings. Using this dialog box is safer.
You can set this dialog box to open everytime you start AutoCAD, just like the old days!
Just type STARTUP [enter] then type 1 as new value then [enter].
AutoCAD Match Properties Settings
By Edwin Prakoso – June 3, 2009Posted in: AutoCAD Tips

Many of AutoCAD users already know about MATCHPROP (or MA for short key in). This tool is
very handy for you who wants to change an object properties to match other existing object properties.

But many of them don’t realize that there are some settings that we can use in this tool. Let’s say you
want to match an object line style. But you don’t want to change it’s color, layer, and any other
properties.

Let’s try to activate this tool. Type MA then hit [enter].

Command: MATCHPROP
Select source object:
Current active settings: Ltype Ltscale Dim Text Hatch Polyline Viewport Table
Material Shadow display Multileader
Select destination object(s) or [Settings]:
Pay attention that there is an option to choose settings. Type S then hit [enter].

You will see property settings dialog box. Uncheck any properties that you don’t want to change. Click
OK. Now you can match only selected properties to your objects!

AutoCAD Layer Walk

By Edwin Prakoso – June 4, 2009Posted in: AutoCAD Tips
Have you ever get confused which objects are on which layer? Here is a little tool that will be useful:
layer walk.
Type LAYWALK then [enter] to activate this tool. Alternatively, you can access it from AutoCAD
menu: Format> Layer Tools> Layer Walk.

4 Reasons to Love AutoCAD Dynamic Input

Many AutoCAD users that have used AutoCAD since Acad 2005 or older don’t like dynamic input. I
often receive questions about how to turn off this feature. To be honest, I used to hate it too. Especially
when the first time I use AutoCAD 2006, first time this feature being introduced. But I tried to give it a
shot. After a while, I found that dynamic input can be very useful.

Here is a little list, why you should consider using dynamic input.

1. Dynamic Input keep your heads up

One thing annoying about using command line is you have to look down to change tool settings. I
know many AutoCAD users love using command line, because it can be very fast. Better than using
toolbar. But it also means you have to look down to see available options, and what you’ve typed.
Using dynamic input will let you focus on your drawing area. I know, you might have heard this about
a thousand of times already.

2. Less character to key in

Another good thing about using dynamic input is, you don’t have to type ’@’ to define relative
coordinate. So you can just type x,y. Or length [tab] angle to define length and angle. This is the
default setting, you may have override this. If you want to define global coordinate (relative to UCS)
then you have to type #x,y. But most people use relative coordinate anyway!

3. Flexible Angle Input

How do you define angle in AutoCAD? You have to measure it counter clockwise from x positive
axis. See below. If you want to define a line, 5 unit length and 30 degrees clockwise, you have to type
@5&<330 or @5<-30 before. Using dynamic input, simply move your pointer to define direction,
type 5 then press [tab] 30 then [enter]. Dynamic input will recognize where you want your line to be
drawn, clockwise or counter clockwise!
4. Larger Drawing Area

Dynamic input can’t fully replace command line. But most command works fine. Try to close
command line window to get larger drawing area! Press [crtl] + 9 to open and close command line
window. If you are really good, remember most of the key in commands, may be you will want to
close your toolbar too!

10+ Ways to Use AutoCAD

Object Selection
Picking objects in AutoCAD can be frustrating, especially if you have a
complex drawing. You can see (most of) AutoCAD tools options on
command line or dynamic input. Like this polyline tool for example.
You can see it’s options: arc, halfwidth, length, undo, and width.

But do you see the options for selection tool? Nope. AutoCAD
selection tool has options that you can use, but somehow, Autodesk
just decided not to show them.

Let’s explore about this tool, from very basic knowledge that you might already know, to the hidden
options!

1. Pick Single Object

You can pick single object when AutoCAD ask you to select objects.

2. Window Selection

You can define a window selection by clicking at two points. Click first point on the left side your
objects, and 2nd point on the right side. This will select all objects inside the window.

This action will select:

(dotted objects are the
selection)

If you pick your points right then left, then it will be cross window selection (will be explained next).
This two are the default window selection.
If you want to activate window selection, type W then [enter]. Type it when AutoCAD ask you: select
objects…

Even you pick points from right then left, it will be window selection.

3. Cross Window Selection

Basically if your window selection defined from right to left, then it will be cross window selection. It
will select all objects inside and touching the window.

This action will select:

You can override to activate cross window selection by typing C then [enter].

4. Fence Selection

You can select objects by defining ‘a fence’ that touched objects you wanted. Just type F then [enter]
to activate it. After you finish defining your fence, press [enter] to select.

This action will select:

5. Window Polygon Selection

This option behave as window selection, but you can define unlimited points for that window. Just
type WP then [enter] to activate it. All objects inside the window will be selected.
 This action will select:

6. Crossing Polygon Selection

Similar to cross window selection. CP

This action will select:

7. Touching Objects Selection

When AutoCAD ask you to select object, type ‘FS then [enter]. We use ‘ for transparent use. Pick your
object, then all objects touching it will be selected.

Select objects: ‘FS

Use ‘FSMODE to control chain selection.

FSMODE = OFF
Select touching object: 3 object(s) found. 3 found, 7 total

Select objects:
Exiting Fastsel

FASTSEL is an express tool. So if you don’t have express tools installed, it might not work.

This selection is controlled by FSMODE system variable.

FSMODE = OFF (default), it will select objects touching your picked object only.
FSMODE = ON, it will select objects touching it, and all objects touching them too.

8. Cycle Overlapping Objects

If you have many objects overlapped or close to each other, and you are too lazy to zoom in, you can
cycle between those objects by pressing [shift] + [space]. Hold your [shift] key, and press [space]
several times until you found your object. Release your keyboard key, then click your mouse.

9. Select Previous Selection or Last Object

Did you ever want to select your previous selection? Easy, just type P then [enter] when AutoCAD
ask you to select objects!

What about last object created? Either objects you’ve drawn or result from modify operations such as
copy. Type L then [enter]!

10. Remove/Add Selection

Sometimes it’s easier to select all of your objects then remove some of them from your selection set.
You can do this by holding [shift] and select objects you want to exclude. OR, you can type R then
[enter] to change selection to remove mode.

To activate add objects to selection, type A then [enter].

Bonus: Undo Selection

Here is a bonus option. You can undo your last object selection by typing U [enter] while your
selection still active. This only undoing your last selection.

Have fun with object selection! I will write about quick select and filter some other times.
Any selection tips you want to share?

A Simple Guide: 12 steps to Mastering AutoCAD

I saw in Twitter that a lot of people having trouble learning AutoCAD. I’m not sure what is the
problem, but I think learning AutoCAD is not too difficult. In this post, I will
try to write a simple guide for you who are learning AutoCAD.

No, this is not a tutorial, but it’s about stepping your right foot at the right
place. I hope this is easy enough to follow.

There are some steps in learning AutoCAD. Don’t rush it. Too much
information will confuse you.

1. Getting Started

First of all, of course you have to be familiar with the

interface. AutoCAD interface now is easier for new users. I
know a lot of senior users complaint about ribbon and all, but
I think for new users it easier to understand. Learn how you
can access and activate drawing tools, modify tools, and any
other tools. If you already familiar with Windows application,
then this won’t take too long. AutoCAD is an Windows
compliant, so should taste the same.

Now try to open any drawing, if you don’t have any start with a sample file. I always teach this first:
navigation tools. Try to navigate through your drawing. Pan, zoom in, zoom out, and then zoom
extend. Get familiar with navigation tools. Then it will be easier for you later when you start learn how
to draw.

After that, create a new drawing using appropriate template. If you draw with metric units, don’t use
imperial templates!

2. Drawing Tools

After you get familiar to AutoCAD interface and it’s

navigation tools, now it’s time for you to learn how to use
drawing tools. I know a lot of instructor showing the students
how to use each drawing tools. But then a couple of weeks
after finishing their training, the students struggle to
remember how using them.

Drawing tools should be very easy. Each of the tools name

describe what they do. Line tool will draw a line, rectangle
tool will draw rectangle. Easy, right? What you have to
understand is, every tool might have different way to be used.
It’s difficult to remember all of the steps in each tool. That’s what command line is for (or you can use
dynamic input).

Command line is just like a road sign, it will guide you so you don’t get lost. Try to activate a drawing
tool, like a line.

Command: _line Specify first point:

Specify next point or [Undo]:
Specify next point or [Undo]:
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]:

After you activate the line tool, then AutoCAD will tell you what to do: specify first point. Define your
point by clicking in the drawing area, then it will ask you again: specify next point. Just click any
where in your drawing area, don’t worry about the size or precise coordinate yet.

Now let’s try for circle:

Command: ARC Specify start point of arc or [Center]: C

Specify center point of arc:
Specify start point of arc:
Specify end point of arc or [Angle/chord Length]:

After I activate circle, AutoCAD will tell me to specify a start point, and give an option: I can switch
from specifying a start point to a center point. This time, I type the capital letter in the option, C, to
switch to specify center point. Then AutoCAD ask me for center point, start point, then end point
consecutively.

Follow command line, then you should be OK. Even for you who have used AutoCAD for years, you
should be watching command line sometimes. Especially when you use a new version, try to find if
there is any new option there.

3. Precise Input

After you get familiar with using drawing tool, then now you should get familiar with precise input. At
this time you will learn about global and relative coordinate, then snap to geometry. After finishing
this step, you will be able to draw precisely.

I will not discuss this further in this post, may be I will write more in separate post.

4. Modify Tools

Next step: modify tools. There are a lot of modify tools. But same as drawing tools, it’s name should
describe what they do. Or at least they icon will describe more. And you can just let your pointer
above the icon, and let the help tool tip expand and explain more.
You can also try to activate the tool, then press F1. It will open help file with related topic. A lot of
Windows users don’t realize this. They open then search the help file. And sometimes can’t find what
they are looking for.

Same rules apply here: keep watching the command line!

5. Object Selection

After you playing with the modify tools, now you should learn about object selection. I have written
about this before. When you get to this step, may be you want to read this.

You can use noun-verb or verb-noun selection to modify objects. But (I think) the default is verb-noun
selection, contrary to Windows default: noun-verb selection.

6. Annotation and Styles

Ok, now you can draw, you can modify your drawings. Next step:
creating annotation and understand using styles. What is annotation?
Everything in your drawing that’s not included to the geometry. It can
be text, hatches, dimensions, tables, etc. Using annotation tools should
be easy, after what you’ve been through from step 1-5.

The problem in this step might be setting up the annotation styles and
scales. Styles are used to define how your annotation will look like.
There are a lot of option in styles, but what usually confusing is options
related to the scale. What size I should create my text, so I can read it
clearly when it’s plotted? What size are my dimension arrows should be
set?

Thanks to Autodesk, now you can set this quite easily using annotation
scale. Later I will discuss about this. There is no special guide to learn
this. Just try to play with the options a bit for now.

If you work in a company that has establish a drawing standard, you might not need to set styles any
more. Simply use a template that already has all the styles, then use it.

7. Drawing Management

After learning AutoCAD from step 1-6, you should already be able to draw with AutoCAD. But to be
more efficient, you need to learn also about managing your drawings. In this step you will learn about
layers, layout, and may be sheet sets.

8. Reusable Content

Next, you might need to create a library for typical objects. Some drawings contain same objects like
symbols, standard parts, standard objects, etc. Instead of drawing it every time you start a new
drawing, you can manage them as reusable content.

You will learn about creating, modifying, and using blocks here. You might also will be introduced to
pallets to manage them.

9. Manage your Standard

Every body have standard in their drawing, even you don’t realize it. It is a good practice to have them
compiled in your templates. Further more, to maintain your standard, you can use cad standard. You
can also have your reusable content to manage your drawings standard.

Having standard will be easier for you and every body who is working with you. And you will become
more productive after implementing your standard.

10. Design Collaboration

You will work with the others for sure. You might be have to
work with your partners in your company. It’s a waste of time
if they have to wait until you finish, close your file, then they
continue your drawings. Or worse, they copy your file, and
work separately with you. It’s difficult to track changes if you
do this.

You can work simultaneously with your partners if you divide

your design in to separates files, then use reference or
underlay. Because they are separate files, each of them can be
opened by different person. Separating file will also keep your
files simple, avoiding you from the killing ‘fatal error’ message. More complex your file, more
chances it will get corrupted.

Learn about XREF. And may be you want to implement centralize database with Vault.

11. Develop Your Own Workflow

I saw AOTC (Autodesk Official Training Course) a few years ago. When I was still working in ATC. I
think it’s too general. But what can you expect? AutoCAD is a general CAD application. If your
instructor have architecture background, he/she might teach you to draw with his/her workflow. It
might not be suitable for you who work in different industry.

After using AutoCAD for a while, you will be able to develop your own workflow. It will suit you, and
you will become more productive. Don’t stuck with what your instructor teach you, and obviously
don’t stuck with what I say.

12. Keep Practicing

Practice makes perfect. You will get better with a lot of

practice. I think no body will disagree with this. Try to
actually drawing a project. Don’t just drawing lines with no
meaning.

If you don’t have a project yet, find a sample then draw it.
You will find problem when you actually use it.

If there are anything else you want to add, please do. You can
write in comment and I will add them here. You will be
credited.
Creating Sketch From Your AutoCAD Drawing

Images on the left looks like hand-drawn sketch (you might

have to click on the image to see the larger image). It’s
actually an AutoCAD drawing, with a little tweak on visual
styles. This is from a sample file included in AutoCAD 2009
installation.

AutoCAD has this capabilities since AutoCAD 2007. When

Autodesk made major changes on AutoCAD 3D modeling.
Let’s see how we can do this!

Open your visual styles manager palettes. Create a new visual

styles (you don’t want to mess your existing visual styles!). Give an appropriate name for it. Apply this
visual style to your viewport.

Now on the edge modifiers group, activate overhanging edge and jitter edge. Tweak the overhang
value and jitter if necessary.

You should see the effect immediately! You can apply this to any existing visual styles, except for 2D
wireframe. You can also plot this effect to your plotter!
Don’t cheat if your lecturer told you to sketch your design!
Creating New Command in AutoCAD
If I’m not mistaken, AutoCAD use CUI since 2006. Not MNU or MNS as it used to be.
CUI (customize user interface) is a XML file. It’s easier to manage. In this post, I will
create a new command to set all properties to ByLayer. This is a request from my
colleague. He likes to override color and linetype when he draw, and want to be able to
reset all of the properties back to ByLayer. By clicking my new command, every properties
will be set to By Layer.

First you may want to take a look to what I want to achieve. Click here to see animation.

Let’s do it. First open CUI by accessing menu tools>customize>interface… or by typing CUI then
[enter] from command line. You will see browser like this. If you use ribbon, find it in manage tab,
customization section.

CUI browser is easier to use than creating old AutoCAD menu. There are 3 areas I would like to
highlight

1. All customization. Here is where you can put all your command. Either you want to put it in
ribbon, tool bar, right click context menu, and even double click.
2. Command list. Here is all your AutoCAD commands. When you create a new command, it will
appear here.
3. Properties. Here is your command properties. After creating new command, you will have to
define what it should do.

Let’s start with creating a new command. Right click on command list (2), and select new command
from context menu. Rename it. Give it name ‘All ByLayer’ without quote. You can see the animation
here.

Now, we have created a command. But it doesn’t know what to do yet. We have to tell it what it
should do by typing macro command in properties area (3). Type this macro on the macro field.

^C^C(setvar "cecolor" "ByLayer") (setvar "celweight" -1) (setvar "celtype" "ByLayer")

^C^C will cancel all running command. Similar to pressing [esc] twice. Then we tell AutoCAD to
change current color to ByLayer. Then current lineweight to ByLayer, and finally current line type to
ByLayer.
Give a description for this command.

We have created a new command, and give instruction what it should do when it’s executed. But
AutoCAD doesn’t know yet, where you want the command can be accessed. Now find your command
in command list. We named it ‘All ByLayer’ before.

Click and drag it to the place where you want it appear. In this example below, I put it on my layer
toolbar. You can also put it on right click context menu (more about this later) or double click!

Click OK on this CUI browser to finish our work. Now take a look on your layer toolbar (or anywhere
you put it before). Is it there? Try it!

Not so hard right? Learning macro is one thing, but creating customization with CUI is a lot easier
than MNU or MNS. Good luck!

How to: Modify Objects With Non-Uniform Scale

I drew this image using AutoCAD. Just using simple drafting tools. I haven’t met
Revit at that time. If you see the area in red circle, you can see that it is scaled on
X axis, but the scale on Y axis is not affected. Or may be you think I drew all of
the baluster at the location manually? :) No, I use non-uniform scale. Only scale it
on X axis, but ignore the scaling on Y axis. How to do this?

I know MicroStation can do this with scale tool directly, but in AutoCAD there is
a workaround we should do.

First of all, I create a block to define the baluster . Then I insert the block. In the block dialog box, I
turn off the uniform scale check box, left the X scale to 1, and change the Y scale a bit. I repeat this
several times until all of them placed. I may have to do trial and error several times to get it the right
size. Well, we can do it easily in Revit or AutoCAD Architecture. But obviously not in 2D drafting!
Adding Command to Your Right Click

We have discussed how to add new command to AutoCAD. We added our

new command to Now let’s discuss how to add it to context menu. We want
this command appear when we select particular type of object. This is what
a contextual menu all about, right?

This time we will create a command to automatically convert line(s) to polyline. This is not something
new. I’ve seen a lot of people have discuss it in forum or blogs. One of them is in Autodesk evangelist,
Lynn Allen blog. But we are going to do it slightly different: put it to our context menu.

Open your CUI browser. You might want to read the previous post about creating a new command
before you continue.

Right click on command list area, select new command from context menu. Rename it. Let’s call it
Line to Pline. Or if it’s sound ridiculous to you, you can use another name that suit you.

Now in properties area, macro field, type this value:

^C^C_pedit;;;^C

A little explanation:

• ^C is similar to pressing [esc], pressing [esc] twice will cancel a running command (if any).
• PEDIT is activating polyline edit command
• ;;; means you press [enter] three times. ; will execute [enter]
In Lynn’s blog she use ^C^CPEDIT;y;; It would work fine too. What’s the difference? Let’s compare
to what we do.

• ^C^C is just the same to what we do.

• she use PEDIT instead of _PEDIT. Mostly using either one of it works fine. Adding underscore
is an AutoCAD convention so this command can be used by AutoCAD in any other language.
If you use English, then there’s no difference with or without underscore.
• She use Y after the first ; If you activate PEDIT and select a line or arc, then AutoCAD will ask
you: Object selected is not a polyline Do you want to turn it into one? <Y>
By default the answer is yes. So pressing [enter] without typing Y will return the value of Yes.
She decided to make sure AutoCAD will accept yes as the answer, so add Y then [enter] to do
this.

Not different at all, aren’t they?

Now we have done with creating command. Now we have to define a new shortcut menu. Look at
customize section. Find shortcut menus group. Right click on it, and click new shortcut menu. Rename
it to Line Object Menu.

What are we doing? We define a condition, when this menu should appear. We want this menu appear
when we select line. But it won’t appear when we select other type of objects. We have created the
menu, but haven’t define the condition. Now we add this condition on properties section, aliases field.

Click ‘…’ button on this field. Use it, don’t type directly on the text field. Type on each line as follow:

• OBJECT_LINE –> this will enable your menu appear when you select a single line
• OBJECTS_LINE –> this will enable your menu appear when you select multiple lines

Adding both of them will enable your menu to appear on both conditions.
Click OK. You will see your aliases as below. You might have different ID than mine (mine POP520),
but that’s not a problem.

Now, drag and drop our new command to this shortcut menu.

Click OK to close your CUI browser. Now try to draw some lines. Select it, then right click. See if
your command show up in your context menu.

Kinda fun, isn’t it?

5 Steps Preparing Your AutoCAD Plot

Plotting your drawing can be tricky for some people

who just learn AutoCAD. Saw several posts in the forum saying they are confused how to do it. Why
the plot result is not correctly scaled.

Plotting is actually very easy. Simple. Just click plot or publish then you’re done. But there are some
rules and steps you have to do when you draw and arrange your model in layouts, it’s already started
when you create your file!

1. Set Your Units!

The first rule is set your drawing unit correctly, and draw with that unit. I’m saw that many AutoCAD
users actually don’t care about units. When they insert blocks with incorrect unit, it’s kind of messy.
They have to rescale it manually. And this might sound weird, but some of them actually draw it by
scaling it, just like drawing it manually on paper. Use appropriate template for your drawing. If you
use metric, then use ISO templates. Or you may change the units after you draw.

Basically AutoCAD only recognize two units in plotting: inch and mm. So the easiest for you is
drawing in those units. Of course you can draw in meters, feet, or other units. But that’s a different
story. Let’s talk about the basic first.

Draw the object original size, not scaled. Draw all your objects. For annotations, there are two choices:

• Draw all your objects in model and annotation in layout

• Or you can annotate in your model and use annotation scaling (for AutoCAD 2008 or newer).
We will discuss about this on separate post.

2. Set Your Page/Layout

Next thing you should do is setup your page. Open your layout. We should already have a viewport.
Delete it, we don’t need it at this time. We will create a new one, this one might will be seen too small
or too large after we set our page.

Open your page setup manager. You can open it by right clicking over the tab name, then select page
setup manager. Or by right click over quick view layout.
On your page setup manager dialog box, you can see a list of your layouts. Let’s create a new page
setup. Click new, give it name such as ‘My A4 layout’, then click OK. This will open page setup
dialog box.

Set this values below:

1. Your printer/plotter type and sheet size.

2. On what to plot, select Layout.
3. Ensure plot scale 1:1.
4. Plot style table you want to use.

We created this layout with real paper size. So we use scale 1:1. The only scaling we will do is scaling
our objects view inside viewports. Click OK.

Now click set current to apply the changes to your active layout. Your layout1 is ready.

Open your layout2, then open page setup manager again. Select your previous page setup, then click
set current. I believe there is an easier way, but can’t find it. I usually already have it setup in my
template, or simply make a copy from existing layout. Do you have any suggestion how to apply the
page setup to multiple layout?

3. Setup Your Title Block

Now you should see your real paper size. The dashed rectangle is the area where your printable area.
Place your title block here. You can insert existing title block if you already have one, or draw a new
one. Remember, this is 1:1 scale. So if you want to have 3mm height text, use 3mm as it heights.
4. Place Viewports and Set the Scale

Now we are ready to place our viewport. You can place it by clicking new in view tab, viewports
section, new icon.

In the opened dialog box, select single standard viewport, then click OK. Draw your viewport as you
desired. You should see all your drawing inside it. Or in the old way, I prefer to type MV then [enter]
:)

Next, set the scale. Select your viewport, and select the scale you wanted. You can do it from
viewports toolbar or annotation scale bar.

5. Plot it!
Just activate plot by hitting [ctrl] + P or typing PLOT [enter]. Or of course, from menu or ribbon.
Everything should be ready now, but check it first by seeing the preview.

Not so difficult now, right? I’m looking forward if you have other plotting tips you would like to share.

Using Template and Setting Your Unit

There’s not much in this tutorial. However, I consider this is very important part for the rest of the
tutorial.

I found most AutoCAD users never aware about using template. And worse, sometimes they just open
existing drawing, erase the drawings, and use the existing styles and objects. Avoid this, since this will
make your files corrupted.

What is a template? Template is a starting point of your work. There are some default settings you,
your company use. Each industry may have different template, even the drawing come from the same
company.

How can use template? When you choose file>new, AutoCAD will ask you to choose your template.
When you first time starting AutoCAD, it will use the default imperial template. If you work in metric,
create another file and close the first one.

AutoCAD Drawing Unit

When you draw with AutoCAD, AutoCAD doesn’t recognize what unit you are using. It just know
you are drawing a 5 unit length line. However, this is useful to set the unit when you work further.
Especially when you work with someone else, with different unit.

You can check and change your unit by accessing application menu>drawing utilities>units.

If you use metric as template, it’s already use millimeters. Imperial using inch. Keep in mind that
AutoCAD use mm and inch only as default unit in plotting. So if you don’t want to have headache
figuring what scale to use, stick to mm or inch. You can use other units, but you need to adjust the
scale value when plotting.
AutoCAD 2010 Initial Setup

There is a new feature in AutoCAD 2010 that we can use to easily manage our template: initial setup.
You probably have set it when the first time running AutoCAD 2010. But if you are not sure, let us
define our initial setup.

Click the option button in your ribbon>view tab>windows panel.

This will open options dialog box. Switch to user preferences tab, and click the initial setup.

On the first page, select your industry. Click next.

On the second page, select which tools you want to add to your ribbon.

On third page, you can specify your default template. This is the one AutoCAD will open every time
you star AutoCAD. If you already have your template, you can select it. But as we just started here, let
us just new default drawing. But use metric/imperial.
Using Template

And how we can create our own template? You can find the detailed tutorial here. You can bookmark
it to learn it later. We haven’t touch many area in the tutorial yet. However, I need to emphasize that
you have to consider your template (which will affect drawing units) from very early stage.

AutoCAD Precise Input: Specifying Point

Coordinate
By

Edwin Prakoso
– February 15, 2010Posted in: AutoCAD Basic Tutorial

You have learned how to use AutoCAD drawing tools. When you activate an AutoCAD drawing tool,
there are two possibilities what AutoCAD will ask you: options or specifying points. Some AutoCAD
tools ask your confirmation for settings before asking you for a point. You will need to define points
eventually. In this tutorial, we will discuss how we can give precise input when AutoCAD asking us
for a point location.

Drawing Object versus AutoCAD Scale

First, let us discuss how we should draw in your AutoCAD drawing, relevant to your scale. We draw
our object in real size. If you have 5 feet length object, then draw 5 feet length line. If you have 100
cm length object, then draw it 100 cm length. I have to emphasize this because I found some people
don’t work this way. They have 100 cm length object, and because they plan to plot it to 1:100 scale,
they draw it 1 cm length. It’s a no-no.

We always draw the objects in their real size in CAD… any CAD applications. We only use scale for
plotting purpose. We are drawing in a limitless area. Well, I know this is not true. But most CAD
application can handle your design size.

AutoCAD only has 2 units by default: inch (imperial) and mm (metric) for plotting. So we better use
that two units to avoid confusion when we plot (later about this). So if you work in metric, and you
want to draw 1 m length line, draw it 1000 mm.

So AutoCAD only recognize mm and inch? No. Only for plot purpose. We can use other units like
feet, cm, or m, but I recommend you to use inch or mm for the first time.

‘Classic’ versus Dynamic Input

Since AutoCAD 2006 (correct me if I’m wrong) Autodesk introduce ‘dynamic input’ to AutoCAD
users. If you’ve just installed AutoCAD, then this feature by default is on. If you or someone turn it
off, try to turn it on. Give it a try first. Later, if you don’t like it, you may turn it off. Click the dynamic
input button in drafting settings group.

The method in defining coordinate using dynamic input or ‘classic’ input is a bit different. However
they have the same concept.

Relative Coordinate

Activate line tool. We will try this basic tool to comprehend how we can talk with AutoCAD about
point coordinate.

AutoCAD will ask you for first point. Since we don’t have anything in our drawing yet, just click
anywhere to define a start point.
Polar Coordinate

After you place the first point, AutoCAD will show you dynamic input like image below. By default
the dynamic input will ask for polar coordinate input.

Drawing description

1. The line length

2. The line angle, relative to positive X axis
3. The tool option

You can simply type the line length, press tab to move to angle field, type the angle value and press
[enter].

When you use more complex AutoCAD tool, you probably need to change the tool options. You can
press down arrow to see available options. For AutoCAD line tool, there is only ‘undo’ option. This
will cancel the last line segment.

The value shown by dynamic input is relative coordinate. It means it shows the distance between your
pointer and previous point. So if you want to draw a horizontal 100 length line: after you click the first
point, type 100 for length, press [tab] to move to angle field type 0 then [enter]. It will create a line
with 100 unit length, and parallel to positive X axis.

What will happen if you type 100 for length, and 180 for angle? Try it!

Hint: You can also define the length and angle by typing distance<angle. For example 100<30.

Cartesian Coordinate

The other common coordinate we use is Cartesian coordinate, by defining X and Y value. We can do
this by typing X,Y when dynamic input is asking for next point. After we press comma, then the
dynamic input will show you X and Y value like this.

25,50 means 25 units to the right, then 50 units to the top.

If you type positive value, then the next point will be to X/Y positive axis. But if you type negative
value, it will be to negative axis FROM your last point. Try it!

Global Coordinate

If you work in land surveying industry, then you will need what we call global coordinate. You may
want to precisely draw points or objects from a benchmark point. The intersection point of AutoCAD
X and Y axis is the 0,0 coordinate.

Remember: by default positive X axis is to the right, and positive Y to the top.

We can input global coordinate by add prefix hash tag # before typing the XY value. If you add the #
prefix, then AutoCAD will ignore the previous point, and measure your point from AutoCAD global
0,0 coordinate. Give it a try!

Using AutoCAD ‘Classic’ Input

All the above input mode is if you have the dynamic input turned on. If you turn it off, then inputting
coordinate is slightly different. You will probably see many veteran AutoCAD users still using this
way. The main reason people don’t like using dynamic input is because they feel it’s disturbing their
view.

If you turn dynamic input off then:

1. When you type X,Y value, you are defining global coordinate.
2. To define relative coordinate you need to add prefix @ before typing X, Y. It will be @X,Y.
3. It also applies to polar coordinate. You have to type @distance<angle for relative coordinate.

It is up to you which one you will use. However, I recommend you to use dynamic input because it is
the common way to define coordinate in other CAD applications.

We will have some exercise next.

AutoCAD Precise Input: Drafting Tools
You have learned how to precisely specify points by their coordinates. However, sometimes we need
other methods to define points. There are some drafting tools that we can use to help us in specifying
points.

AutoCAD Object Snap

Object snap is a tool that you can use to refer for a location from existing objects. For example, a
center point of an arc or circle. You can snap to a reference point after you see the snap symbol on that
point. Below is an example for midpoint snap.

Object snap is only working when AutoCAD is asking you for a point. You will not see the object snap
symbol when AutoCAD is not asking for point.

Object Snap Settings

There are many modes of object snap you can use. Activating all of the object snaps is not a wise
decision. You will find difficulties snapping to objects when you have complex drawing. You need to
decide which object snaps you commonly use. To activate or deactivate object snaps, you can right
click on object snap button, and choose the object snap.

You can also click settings… to open the settings dialog box. You can turn off the object snap (for all
modes of snap) or you can check/uncheck a single snap mode.
Hint: You can press F3 to turn on/off object snap.

Overriding Snap Mode

You have decided which object snaps you mostly use. However, you will need to use other snap mode
eventually. And sometimes when the drawing become very crowded, you will wish only one snap
mode is active. No need to change the object snap settings.

You can simply hold [shift], right click your mouse. AutoCAD will show you snap override context
menu. This will ignore your object snap settings temporarily, and use only the snap mode you choose.
Remember, you can only use object snap when AutoCAD is asking you for a point!

Polar Tracking

When you draw an object, and your pointer is about parallel to AutoCAD axis, what will happen? It’s
getting sticky and the angle show multiplication of 90 degrees. This is the polar tracking. It will track
your pointer when at certain angle and snap your pointer. You can type the relative distance without
typing the angle. This is very useful when you need to draw parallel lines. Simply move your pointer,
snapped to the axis and type the desired distance.

By default, it will track your pointer when it’s at 90 deg, 180 deg, 270 deg, and 360 deg. We can
change the incremental value by right clicking the polar tracking button, and choose incremental angle
from the list.
Try to take a look in settings dialog for more control.

Object Snap Tracking

Object snap tracking works with object snap. If you turn object snap off, then this tool will not work.
This tool will help you to define a point from another point in an object.

In this example, I want to define a circle center 400 units to the right of a rectangle corner. So I
activate circle tool, place my pointer above the corner point. Wait for a while until AutoCAD
recognize the point, and move your pointer to the right. The dynamic input should say ‘extension:…’.
Type the distance and press [enter].

You can use more than one point as reference. In this example, I use object snap tracking to find a
rectangle center.

Or to find extended intersection from two lines.

I guess now you have enough knowledge to start drawing with AutoCAD precisely. We will start an
exercise on the next tutorial.
Exercise: Coordinate Input and Drafting Tools
You have learned how to provide coordinate input in AutoCAD, and using AutoCAD drafting tools.
Let us do a little exercise before continue to the next topic. We are going to use some AutoCAD
drawing tools and drafting tools.

Using the Metric Template

We are using metric template for this AutoCAD tutorial. If you haven’t set the default template to
metric, create a new file from AutoCAD menu: new>drawing. Do not click the new file button on
quick access toolbar! The button will use the default template and AutoCAD will not ask you which
template you want to use. Select acadiso.dwt as template then click open.

Using Drawing Tools

You can access AutoCAD drawing tools on AutoCAD ribbon, home tab, draw panel.

Activate rectangle.

To Input Coordinate

Click anywhere on your screen. The active field should be X field.

• Type 50 to define 50 units to the right (the X positive). Press comma. This will lock the X value and
move the active field to Y field.
• Type 150 then press enter. This will define the second point Y value 150 units up (Y positive).

You just define a rectangle by defining X and Y value.

Using Object Snap Tracking

Activate rectangle again

Hint: You can press [enter] to reactivate last tool

Move your pointer above the right-bottom corner of the previous rectangle. Wait for a moment and
move your pointer to the right. You will see dashed line and the dynamic input mentioning ‘extension:
DISTANCE<ANGLE’. Move your pointer horizontally, sticky to the X axis. Type 700 then press
[enter].
Type 50,150 [enter] to define the next point.

You’ve just created another rectangle by defining the distance from another object.

Using Object Snap

Activate rectangle again. This time snap the first point to the top right corner. Click to define the first
point.

Type 30,700 [enter] to define your rectangle.

Creating Arc

AutoCAD has many method to draw an arc, depends on what points do you have as references.

This time click the 3-point method. Pay attention to what AutoCAD is asking you. Specify start point
of arc or ↓

The down arrow is showing that there are options related to this tool. Press down arrow. There is one
option for this tool: Center. Select it.
Now AutoCAD is asking for center point. Click point 1 as the center point. Point 2 as start point, and
point 3 as the end point. If you draw arc using start-end point, then AutoCAD will draw it counter-
clock wise.

Hint: You can use command line to change option. Type the capital letter to choose available option
then [enter]. If there are more than 1 character in capital letter, type all of the capital letters.

Specify next point or [Arc/Halfwidth/Length/Undo/Width]:

Nothing hard right? :) When you draw with AutoCAD drawing tools, you will only need to change
options if necessary, then define the points. Look for some drawing samples and try to draw it. You
may submit your inquiry here, probably I can help.

Next, we will learn to use modify tools.