Chapter 2

Getting Started with

AutoCAD

Learning Objectives
After completing this chapter, you will be able to:
• Draw lines using the LINE command and its options.
• Understand various coordinate systems used in AutoCAD.
• Use the ERASE command to clear the drawing area.
• Understand the two basic object selection methods: Window and Crossing.
• Draw circles using the options of the CIRCLE command.
• Use the ZOOM and PAN display commands.
• Set up units using the UNITS command.
• Set up and determine limits for a given drawing.
• Plot drawings using the basic plotting options.
• Use the Options dialog box to specify settings.
2-2 AutoCAD 2010: A Problem-Solving Approach

DRAWING LINES IN AutoCAD

Ribbon: Home > Draw > Line Toolbar: Draw > Line
Menu Bar: Draw > Line Tool Palettes: Draw > Line
Command: LINE or L

The most fundamental object in a drawing is line. A line can

be drawn between any two points by using the LINE
command. You can invoke the LINE command by choosing
the Line button from the Draw panel of the Home tab in
the Ribbon, as shown in Figure 2-1. Besides this, you can
choose the Line button from the Draw tab of the Tool
Palettes. To invoke the Tool Palettes, choose View >
Palettes > Tool Palettes from the Ribbon, as shown in
Figure 2-2. Alternatively, you can invoke the LINE command
from the Draw toolbar, as shown in Figure 2-3. However, the
Figure 2-1 Invoking the LINE
Draw toolbar is not displayed by default. To invoke this
command from the Ribbon
toolbar, choose Tools > Toolbars > AutoCAD > Draw from
the menu bar.

Figure 2-2 Invoking the Tool Palettes from Figure 2-3 Invoking the LINE
the Ribbon command from the Draw toolbar

You can also invoke the LINE command by entering LINE or L (L is the command alias of
the LINE) at the Command prompt. Once you have invoked the LINE command, the next
prompt, the Specify first point, requires you to specify the starting point of the line. You can
either select a point using the pointing device or you can enter its coordinates. After the first
point is selected, AutoCAD will prompt you to enter the second point at the Specify next
point or [Undo] prompt. At this point, you may continue to select points or terminate the
LINE command by pressing ENTER, ESC, or SPACEBAR. You can also right-click to display
the shortcut menu and choose the Enter or Cancel options to exit from the LINE command.
After terminating the LINE command, AutoCAD will again display the Command prompt.
The prompt sequence for the drawing shown in Figure 2-4 is given next.

Start a new file with the acad.dwt template in the 2D Drafting & Annotation or AutoCAD
Classic workshop.

Command: LINE «
Specify first point: Move the cursor (mouse) and left-click to specify the first point.
Specify next point or [Undo]: Move the cursor and left-click to specify the second point.
Getting Started with AutoCAD 2-3

Chapter 2
Figure 2-4 Drawing lines using the LINE command

Specify next point or [Undo]: Specify the third point.

Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: « (Press ENTER to exit the LINE command.)

The LINE command has the following three options:

Continue Close Undo

Tip
When you select the start point of the line by pressing the left mouse button, a rubber-band
line appears that stretches between the selected point and the current position of the cursor.
This line is sensitive to the movement of the cursor and helps you to select the direction and
the placement of the next point for the line.

Note
To clear the drawing area to work out the new exercises and examples, choose the Erase button
from the Modify panel, which is present in the Home tab of the Ribbon or type ERASE at the
Command prompt and press ENTER. The screen crosshairs will change into a box called pick
box and AutoCAD will prompt you to select objects. You can select an object by positioning the
pick box anywhere on it and then by pressing the left mouse button. Once you have finished
selecting the objects, press ENTER to terminate the ERASE command and the selected objects
will be erased. If you enter All at the Select objects prompt, AutoCAD will erase all objects
from the screen. (See “Erasing Objects” discussed later in this chapter.) You can use the U
(undo) command to undo the last command. Alternatively, choose the Undo button from the
Quick Access toolbar to undo the last command.

Command: ERASE or E « (E is the command alias of the ERASE command.)

Select objects: Select objects. (Select objects using the pick box.)
Select objects: «
2-4 AutoCAD 2010: A Problem-Solving Approach

Command: ERASE «
Select objects: ALL «
Select objects: «
Command: U « (The U command will undo the last command.)

The Continue Option

After exiting the LINE command, you may want to draw another line starting from the point
where the previous line ended. In such cases, you can use the Continue option. This option
enables you to grab the endpoint of the previous line and continue drawing the line from
that point, as shown in Figure-2-5. The prompt sequence for the Continue option is given next.

Command: LINE or L « (L is the command

alias of the LINE command.)
Specify first point: Pick first point of the line.
Specify next point or [Undo]: Pick second point.
Specify next point or [Undo]: «

Command: LINE « (Or choose Repeat LINE

from the shortcut menu.)
Specify first point: « (Press ENTER or
right-click to continue the line from the last line.)
Specify next point or [Undo]: Pick second point
of second line (third point in Figure 2-5).
Specify next point or [Undo]: « Figure 2-5 Using the Continue option
with the LINE command
Tip
You can also type the @ symbol to start the line from the last point. For example, if you draw
a circle and then immediately start the LINE command, the @ will snap to the center point
of the circle.

The Continue option snaps to the endpoint of the last line or arc even if other points have
been defined to draw entities such as circles, ellipses, and so on, after the line was drawn.

Command: LINE «
_line Specify first point: Pick first point of the line.
Specify next point or [Undo]: Pick second point.
Specify next point or [Undo]: «

Command: LINE or L « (L is the command alias of the LINE command.)

_line Specify first point: @ « (Continues drawing the line from the last point.)
Specify next point or [Undo]: Pick second point of the second line.
Specify next point or [Undo]: «
Getting Started with AutoCAD 2-5

The Close Option

The Close option can be used to join the current point with the initial point of the first line
when two or more lines are drawn in continuation. For example, this option can be used
when an open figure needs one more line to close it and make a polygon (a polygon is a
closed figure with at least three sides, for example, a triangle or rectangle). The following is
the prompt sequence for the Close option, refer to Figure 2-6.

Command: LINE «
_line Specify first point: Pick first point.
Specify next point or [Undo]: Pick second point.
Specify next point or [Undo]: Pick third point.
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: Pick fourth

Chapter 2
point.
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: C «
(Joins the fourth point with the first point)

You can also choose the Close option from the

shortcut menu, which appears when you right-click
in the drawing area. Figure 2-6 Using the Close option with
the LINE command
The Undo Option
If you draw a line, and then realize that you made an error, you can remove the line using the
Undo option of the LINE command. If you need to remove more than one line, you can use
this option multiple times and go as far back as you want. In this option, you can type Undo
(or just U) at the Specify next point or [Undo] prompt. You can also right-click to display the
shortcut menu, which gives you the Undo option. The following example illustrates the use
of the Undo option, refer to Figure 2-7.

Figure 2-7 Removing lines using the Undo option of the LINE command
2-6 AutoCAD 2010: A Problem-Solving Approach

Command: LINE or L « (L is the command alias of the LINE command.)

_line Specify first point: Pick first point (Point 1 in Figure 2-7).
Specify next point or [Undo]: Pick second point (Point 2).
Specify next point or [Undo]: Pick third point.
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: Pick fourth point.
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: U « (Removes last line from Point 3 to Point 4.)
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: U « (Removes next line from Point 2 to Point 3.)
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: «

Tip
AutoCAD allows you to enter the command aliases in place of the complete command name.
For example, you can enter L instead of LINE at the Command prompt to invoke the
LINE command.

Note
By default, whenever you open a new drawing, you need to modify the drawing display area. To
modify the display area, type ZOOM at the Command prompt and press ENTER. In the
command sequence, type ALL and press ENTER; the drawing display is modified. You will
learn more about the ZOOM command later in this chapter.

COORDINATE SYSTEMS
To specify a point in a plane, take two mutually perpendicular lines as references. The
horizontal line is called the X axis, and the vertical line is called the Y axis. The point of
intersection of these two axes is called the origin. The X and Y axes divide the XY plane into
four parts, generally known as quadrants. The X coordinate measures the horizontal distance
from the origin (how far left or right) on the X axis. The Y coordinate measures the vertical
distance from the origin (how far up or down) on the Y axis. The origin has the coordinate
values of X = 0, Y = 0. The origin is taken as the reference for locating any point on the XY
plane. The X coordinate is positive if measured to the right of the origin, and negative if
measured to the left of the origin. The Y coordinate is positive if measured above the origin,
and negative if measured below the origin. This method of specifying points is called the
Cartesian coordinate system, see Figure 2-8. In
AutoCAD, the default origin is located at the
lower left corner of the graphics area of the
screen. AutoCAD uses the following coordinate
systems to locate a point in an XY plane.

1. Absolute coordinates

2. Relative coordinates
a. Relative rectangular coordinates
b. Relative polar coordinates

3. Direct distance entry Figure 2-8 Cartesian coordinate system

Getting Started with AutoCAD 2-7

Absolute Coordinate System

In the absolute coordinate system, the points are located with respect to the origin (0,0). For
example, a point with X = 4 and Y = 3 is measured 4 units horizontally (displacement along
the X axis) and 3 units vertically (displacement along the Y axis) from the origin, as shown in
Figure 2-9. In AutoCAD, the absolute coordinates are specified at the Command prompt by
entering X and Y coordinates, separated by a comma. However, remember that if you are
specifying the coordinates using the Dynamic Input mode, you need to add # as the suffix
to the X coordinate value. For example, enter #1,1 in the dynamic input boxes to use absolute
coordinate system. The following example illustrates the use of absolute coordinates at the
Command prompt to draw the rectangle shown in Figure 2-10.

Chapter 2
Figure 2-9 Absolute coordinate system Figure 2-10 Lines created using the absolute
coordinates
Command: LINE «
_line Specify first point: 1,1 «
(X = 1 and Y = 1.)
Specify next point or [Undo]: 4,1 «
(X = 4 and Y = 1.)
Specify next point or [Undo]: 4,3 «
Specify next point or [Close /Undo]: 1,3 «
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: C «

Example 1 General
For Figure 2-11, enter the absolute coordinates of the points given in the following table.
Then, draw the figure using the absolute coordinates. Save the drawing under the name
Exam1.dwg.
2-8 AutoCAD 2010: A Problem-Solving Approach

Point Coordinates Point Coordinates

1 3,1 5 5,2
2 3,6 6 6,3
3 4,6 7 7,3
4 4,2 8 7,1

Start a new file with the acad.dwt template

in the 2D Drafting & Annotation or
AutoCAD Classic workspace. Once the
coordinates of the points are known, you can
draw the figure by using the LINE command.
But before you proceed with drawing the
object, you need to turn off the dynamic
input mode, if it is on by default, so that you
can view the command you are entering in
the command window. The prompt sequence
is given next.

Choose the Dynamic Input button

from the Status Bar, if it is already Figure 2-11 Drawing a figure using the absolute
chosen. coordinates
Command: ZOOM «
Specify corner of window, enter a scale factor (nX or nXP), or
[All/Center/Dynamic/Extents/Previous/Scale/Window/Object] <real time>: All «
Command: LINE «
_line Specify first point: 3,1 « (Start point.)
Specify next point or [Undo]: 3,6 «
Specify next point or [Undo]: 4,6 «
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: 4,2 «
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: 5,2 «
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: 6,3 «
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: 7,3 «
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: 7,1 «
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: C «

Choose the Save button from the Quick Access toolbar to display the Save Drawing As
dialog box. Enter the name Exam1 in the File name edit box to replace Drawing1.dwg and
then choose the Save button. The drawing will be saved with the specified name in the
default My Documents folder.

Exercise 1 General
For Figure 2-12, enter the absolute coordinates of the points given in the following table.
Then, use these coordinates to draw the same figure. The distance between the dotted lines
is 1 unit.
Getting Started with AutoCAD 2-9

Point Coordinates Point Coordinates

1 2, 1 6 _______________
2 _______________ 7 _______________
3 _______________ 8 _______________
4 _______________ 9 _______________
5 _______________

Chapter 2
Figure 2-12 Drawing for Exercise 1

Relative Coordinate System

There are two types of relative coordinates: relative rectangular and relative polar.

Relative Rectangular Coordinates

In the relative rectangular coordinate system, the displacements along the X and Y axes (DX
and DY) are measured with reference to the previous point rather than to the origin. If the
dynamic input is turned on, by default the
coordinates are entered using relative
rectangular method, You can simply enter the
X coordinate then type comma (,) and then enter
the Y coordinate. However, if the dynamic input
is turned off, the relative coordinate system is
designated by the symbol @ and it should
precede any relative entry. The following prompt
sequence illustrates the use of the relative
rectangular coordinate system to draw a
rectangle with the lower left corner at the point
(1,1). The length of the rectangle is 4 units and
the width is 3 units, as shown in Figure 2-13. Figure 2-13 Drawing lines using the relative
rectangular coordinates
Command: LINE «
_line Specify first point: 1,1 « (Start point)
Specify next point or [Undo]: @4,0 « (Second point DX = 4, DY = 0.)
2-10 AutoCAD 2010: A Problem-Solving Approach

Specify next point or [Undo]: @0,3 « (Third point DX = 0, DY = 3.)

Specify next point or [Close/Undo]:
@-4,0 « (Fourth point DX = -4, DY = 0.)
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: @0,-3 « (Start point DX = 0, DY = -3.)
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: «

Remember that if Dynamic Input is on, you need to input a comma (,) after entering the first
value in the dynamic input boxes. Else, AutoCAD will take coordinates in relative polar form.

Sign Convention. As just mentioned, in the relative rectangular coordinate system the
displacements along the X and Y axes are measured with respect to the previous point. Imagine
a horizontal line and a vertical line passing through the previous point so that you get four
quadrants. If the new point is located in the first quadrant, the displacements DX and DY are
both positive. If the new point is located in the third quadrant, the displacements DX and DY
are both negative. In other words, up or right are positive and down or left are negative.

Example 2 General
Draw Figure 2-14 using the relative rectangular coordinates of the points given in the table
that follows.

Point Coordinates Point Coordinates

1 3,1 8 @-1,-1
2 @4,0 9 @-1,1
3 @0,1 10 @-1,0
4 @-1,0 11 @0,-2
5 @1,1 12 @1,-1
6 @0,2 13 @-1,0
7 @-1,0 14 @0,-1

To draw the sketch of this example, start a new

file with the acad.dwt template in the 2D
Drafting & Annotation or AutoCAD Classic
workspace. Before you proceed, you need to
make sure the dynamic input is turned on.

Command: ZOOM «
Specify corner of window, enter a scale
factor (nX or nXP), or
[All/Center/Dynamic/Extents/Previous/
Scale/Window/Object] <real time>: All
«
Command: LINE «
_line Specify first point: Type 3,1 in the
dynamic input boxes and press «
(Start point) Figure 2-14 Using relative rectangular
coordinates with the LINE command
Getting Started with AutoCAD 2-11

Specify next point or [Undo]: Type 4,0 in the dynamic input boxes and press «
Specify next point or [Undo]: Type 0,1 in the dynamic input boxes and press «
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: Type -1,0 in the dynamic input boxes and press «
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: Type 1,1 in the dynamic input boxes and press «
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: Type 0,2 in the dynamic input boxes and press «
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: Type -1,0 and press «
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: Type -1,-1 and press «
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: Type -1,1 and press «
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: Type -1,0 and press «
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: Type 0,-2 and press «
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: Type 1,-1 and press «
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: Type -1,0 and press «

Chapter 2
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: Type 0,-1 and press «
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: «

Exercise 2 General
For Figure 2-15, enter the relative rectangular coordinates of the points given in the following
table. Next, use these coordinates to draw the figure. The distance between the dotted lines
is 1 unit.

Point Coordinates Point Coordinates

1 2, 1 17 _______________
2 _______________ 18 _______________
3 _______________ 19 _______________
4 _______________ 20 _______________
5 _______________ 21 _______________
6 _______________ 22 _______________
7 _______________
8 _______________
9 _______________
10 _______________
11 _______________
12 _______________
13 _______________
14 _______________
15 _______________
16 _______________

Relative Polar Coordinates

In the relative polar coordinate system, a point
is located by defining both the distance of the
point from the current point and the angle
that the line between the two points makes
with the positive X axis. The prompt sequence
Figure 2-15 Drawing for Exercise 2
to draw a line from a point at 1,1 to a point at
2-12 AutoCAD 2010: A Problem-Solving Approach

a distance of 5 units from the point (1,1), and at an

angle of 30-degree to the X axis, refer to Figure 2-16.

Command: LINE «
Specify first point: 1,1 «
Specify next point or [Undo]: @5<30 «

If the Dynamic Input mode is on, the relative polar

coordinate mode is activated and the second input box
shows the angle value, preceded by the < symbol.
Therefore, you do not need to input the @ symbol.
You can simply enter the distance value and then press
the TAB key to shift to the second input box for Figure 2-16 Drawing a line using
specifying the angle value. relative polar coordinates

Sign Convention. By default, in the relative polar coordinate system, the angle is measured
from the horizontal axis (3 ‘O’ clock) as the zero degree baseline. Also, the angle is positive
if measured in a counterclockwise direction and negative if measured in a clockwise direction.
Here, it is assumed that the default setup of the angle measurement has not been changed.

Note
You can modify the default settings of the angle measurement direction using the UNITS
command, which is discussed later.

Example 3 General
For Figure 2-17, enter the relative polar coordinates of each point given in the table, and
then draw the sketch. Use absolute coordinates for the start point (1.5, 1.75). The dimensions
are shown in the drawing. Also, save this drawing as Exam3.dwg.

Figure 2-17 Drawing for Example 3

Getting Started with AutoCAD 2-13

Point Coordinates Point Coordinates

1 1.5,1.75 7 @1.0<180
2 @1.0<90 8 @0.5<270
3 @2.0<0 9 @1.0<0
4 @2.0<30 10 @1.25<270
5 @0.75<0 11 @0.75<180
6 @1.25<-90 (or <270) 12 @2.0<150

Start a new file with the acad.dwt template in the 2D Drafting & Annotation or AutoCAD
Classic workspace. Now, you need to modify the drawing display area. To do so, choose the
ZOOM button from the Status Bar, enter All at the Command prompt and then press ENTER.
Next, turn off the dynamic input by choosing the Dynamic Input button from the Status Bar.

Chapter 2
Command: LINE «
_line Specify first point: 1.5,1.75 « (Start point)
Specify next point or [Undo]: @1<90 «
Specify next point or [Undo]: @2.0<0 «
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: @2<30 «
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: @0.75<0 «
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: @1.25<-90 «
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: @1.0<180 «
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: @0.5<270 «
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: @1.0<0 «
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: @1.25<270 «
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: @0.75<180 «
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: @2.0<150 «
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: C « (Joins the last point with the first point.)

Save this drawing by choosing the Save button from the Quick Access toolbar. The Save
Drawing As dialog box will be displayed. Enter the name Exam3 in the File name edit box
and then choose the Save button. The drawing will be saved with the specified name in the
My Documents folder.

Exercise 3 General
Draw the object shown in Figure 2-18. Locate the points using the absolute, relative rectangular,
and relative polar coordinate systems. Do not draw the dimensions; they are for reference only.

Direct Distance Entry

You can draw a line by specifying the length of the line and its direction using the Direct
Distance Entry, as shown in Figure 2-19. The direction is determined by the position of the
cursor and the length of the line is entered from the keyboard. If the Ortho mode is on, you
can draw lines along the X or Y axis by specifying the length of the line and positioning the
cursor along the ortho. You can also use it with the other draw commands like the
RECTANGLE command. You can also use Direct Distance Entry with polar tracking and
SNAPANG. For example, if SNAPANG is 45-degree and Ortho mode is on, you can draw a
2-14 AutoCAD 2010: A Problem-Solving Approach

Figure 2-18 Drawing for Exercise 3 Figure 2-19 Using the Direct Distance
Entry method to draw lines
line at 45 or 135-degree direction by positioning the cursor and entering the distance from
the keyboard. Similarly, if the polar tracking is on, you can position the cursor at the predefined
angles and then enter the length of the line from the keyboard.

Command: LINE «
_line Specify first point: Start point.
Specify next point or [Undo]: Position the cursor and then enter distance.
Specify next point or [Undo]: Position the cursor and then enter distance.

Example 4 General
In this example, you will draw the drawing, as shown in Figure 2-20, using Direct Distance
Entry method. The starting point is 2,2.

Figure 2-20 Drawing for Example 4

Getting Started with AutoCAD 2-15

In this example, you will use the polar tracking option to draw lines. The polar tracking
option allows you to track lines that are drawn at the specified angles. The default angle that
is specified for polar tracking is 90-degree. As a result, you can use the polar tracking to draw
lines at an angle that is divisible by 90, such as 90, 180, 270, and 360. This is the reason you
first need to add another angle of 45-degree to the polar tracking that will allow you to track
the lines drawn at an angle divisible by 45, such as 45, 90, 135, and so on.

Start a new file with the acad.dwt template in the 2D Drafting & Annotation or AutoCAD
Classic workspace. Now, to add a 45-degree angle to polar tracking, right-click on the
Polar Tracking button on the Status Bar and choose 45 from the shortcut menu. Again
choose the Polar Tracking button in the Status Bar to turn the polar tracking on. As you
move the cursor to draw lines, a tooltip that shows the length of the line and the angle will

Chapter 2
be displayed.

Note
To add the angular values other than those in the shortcut menu, choose Settings from the
shortcut menu. Next, select the Additional angles check box in the Polar Angle Settings area
and choose the New button. Enter a new value in the field that appears and then press ENTER.
Choose OK to close the dialog box.

The following is the Command prompt sequence for drawing the sketch in Figure 2-20. It is
presumed that you have modified the drawing display area.

Command: LINE «
Specify first point: 2,2
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: Move the cursor horizontally toward the right and when
the tooltip appears with the polar angle, enter 2.
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: Move the cursor at an angle close to 45-degree and when
the tooltip appears with the polar angle, enter 0.7071.
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: Move the cursor vertically upward and when the tooltip
appears with the polar angle, enter 1.
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: Move the cursor horizontally toward the left and when the
tooltip appears with the polar angle, enter 3.
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: Move the cursor vertically downward and when the tooltip
appears with the polar angle, enter 1.
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: C

Note
You will learn more about polar tracking in Chapter 4, Working with Drawing Aids.

Exercise 4 General
Use the direct distance entry method to draw a parallelogram. The base of the parallelogram
equals 4 units, the side equals 2.25 units, and the angle equals 45-degree. Draw the same
parallelogram using the absolute, relative, and polar coordinates. Note the differences and
the advantages of using Direct Distance Entry.
2-16 AutoCAD 2010: A Problem-Solving Approach

ERASING OBJECTS
Ribbon: Home > Modify > Erase Toolbar: Modify > Erase
Menu Bar: Modify > Erase Tool Palettes: Modify > Erase
Command: ERASE or E
After drawing some objects, you may need to erase some of
them. To erase, choose the Erase button from the Modify
panel of the Ribbon, see Figure 2-21. This command is used
exactly the same way as an eraser is used in manual drafting
to delete the unwanted information. You can also invoke the
ERASE command from the Modify toolbar, as shown in
Figure 2-22. To invoke the Modify toolbar, choose Tools >
Figure 2-21 Invoking
Toolbars > AutoCAD > Modify from the menu bar. When
the Erase command
you invoke the ERASE command, a small box, known as pick
from the Ribbon
box, replaces the screen cursor. To erase an object, move the
pick box so that it touches the object. Select the object by
pressing the left mouse button, as shown in Figure 2-23.
AutoCAD confirms the selection by changing the selected
objects into dashed lines and the Select objects prompt
returns. You can either continue selecting the objects or press
ENTER to terminate the object selection process and erase
Figure 2-22 Invoking the Erase
the selected objects. To enter the command from the keyboard,
command from the Modify toolbar
type E or ERASE. The prompt sequence is given next.

Command: ERASE «
Select objects: Select first object.
Select objects: Select second object.
Select objects: «

If you enter All at the Select objects prompt,

AutoCAD will erase all objects in the drawing,
even if the objects are outside the screen
display area.

Command: ERASE « Figure 2-23 Selecting object by positioning the

Select objects: All pick box at the top of the object and then pressing
Select objects: « the pick button on the pointing device

You can also first select the objects to be erased from the drawing and then right-click in the
drawing area to display the shortcut menu. From this menu, you can choose the Erase option.

CANCELING AND UNDOING A COMMAND

If you are in a command and you want to cancel or exit, press the ESC (Escape) key on the
keyboard.
Getting Started with AutoCAD 2-17

Command: ERASE «
Select objects: Press ESC (Escape) to cancel
the command.

Similarly, sometimes you unintentionally erase

some object. When you discover such an error,
you can correct it by restoring the erased object
by means of the OOPS command. The OOPS
command restores objects that have been
accidentally erased by the previous ERASE
command, refer to Figure 2-24. You can also
use the U (Undo) command to undo the last

Chapter 2
command. Figure 2-24 Use of the OOPS command

Command: OOPS « (Restores erased objects.)

Command: U « (Undoes the last command.)

OBJECT SELECTION METHODS

One of the ways to select objects is to select them individually, which can be time-consuming,
if you have a number of objects to select. This problem can be solved by creating a
selection set that enables you to select several objects at a time. The selection set options can
be used with those commands that require object selection, such as ERASE and MOVE.
There are many object selection methods, such as All, Last, Add, and so on. At this point,
you will learn two options: Window and Crossing. The remaining options are discussed in
Chapter 5.

The Window Option

This option is used to select an object or group of objects by enclosing them in a box or
window. The objects to be selected should be completely enclosed within the window; those
objects that lie partially inside the
boundaries of the window are not selected.
You can select the Window option by
entering W at the Select objects prompt. You
are prompted to select the two opposite
corners of the window. After selecting the
first corner, you can select the other corner
by moving the cursor to the desired position
and specifying the particular point. As you
move the cursor, a violet color window is
displayed that changes in size as you move
the cursor. The objects selected by the
Window option are displayed as dashed
objects, as shown in Figure 2-25.
Figure 2-25 Selecting objects using the Window
option
2-18 AutoCAD 2010: A Problem-Solving Approach

The prompt sequence for using the Window option with the ERASE command is given next.

Command: ERASE «
Select objects: W «
Specify first corner: Select the first corner.
Specify opposite corner: Select the second corner.
Select objects: «

You can also invoke the Window option by selecting a blank point on the screen at the Select
objects prompt. This is automatically taken as the first corner of the window. Moving the
cursor to the right will display a blue shaded window. After getting all the objects to be
selected inside this window, you can specify the other corner with your pointing device. The
objects that are completely enclosed within the window will be selected and highlighted. The
following is the prompt sequence for automatic window selection with the ERASE command.

Command: ERASE «
Select objects: Select a blank point as the first corner of the window.
Specify opposite corner: Drag the cursor to the right to select the other corner of the window.
Select objects: «

The Crossing Option

This option is used to select an object or group of objects by creating a box or window around
them. The objects to be selected should be touching the window boundaries or
completely enclosed within it. You can invoke the Crossing option by entering C at the
Select objects prompt. After you choose
the Crossing option, AutoCAD prompts you
to select the first corner at the Specify first
corner prompt. Once you have selected the
first corner, a shaded dashed box or window
of light green color is drawn. By moving the
cursor, you can change the size of the
crossing box, hence putting the objects to
be selected within (or touching) the box.
Here, you can select the other corner. The
objects selected by the Crossing option are
highlighted by displaying them as dashed
objects, as shown in Figure 2-26. The
following prompt sequence illustrates the Figure 2-26 Selecting objects using the Crossing
use of the Crossing option when you choose option
the Erase button.

Select objects: C «
Specify first corner: Select the first corner of the crossing window.
Specify opposite corner: Select the other corner of the crossing window.
Select objects: «
Getting Started with AutoCAD 2-19

You can also select the Crossing option automatically by selecting a blank point on the screen at
the Select objects prompt and moving the cursor to the left. The blank point you selected
becomes the first corner of the crossing window and AutoCAD will then prompt you to select
the other corner. As you move the cursor, a green shaded box or window drawn with dashed
lines is displayed. The objects that are touching or completely enclosed within the window
will be selected. The objects selected by the Crossing option are highlighted by being displayed
as dashed objects. The prompt sequence for automatic crossing selection when you choose
the Erase button is given next.

Select objects: Select a blank point as the first corner of the crossing window.
Specify opposite corner: Drag the cursor to the left to select the other corner of the crossing window.
Select objects: «

Chapter 2
Note
In AutoCAD, the entities are highlighted when you move the cursor over them. This feature is
known as the selection preview. To set the selection preview, choose the Visual Effects Settings
button in the Selection Preview area of the
Selection tab of the Options dialog box; the
Visual Effect Settings dialog box will be
displayed. This dialog box is used to set the
type of appearance during highlighting. The
preview will be a dashed line if the Dash
radio button is selected. The preview will be
thicken line, if the Thicken line radio button
is selected. If the Both radio button is selected,
the preview will be dashed thicken line. The Figure 2-27 The selection preview with the
selection preview of the different lines is shown Both, Thicken, and Dash radio buttons selected
in Figure 2-27.

DRAWING CIRCLES
Ribbon: Home > Draw > Circle Toolbar: Draw > Circle
Menu Bar: Draw > Circle Tool Palettes: Draw > Circle
Command: CIRCLE or C
To draw a circle, you can use the CIRCLE command.
You can invoke the CIRCLE command from the Draw
panel of the Ribbon, as shown in Figure 2-28. You can
also invoke CIRCLE command from the Draw toolbar
or the Tool Palettes. The prompt sequence for the
CIRCLE command is given next.

Command: CIRCLE «
Specify center point for circle or [3P/2P/Ttr
(tan tan radius)]: Figure 2-28 Invoking the CIRCLE
command from the Ribbon
2-20 AutoCAD 2010: A Problem-Solving Approach

The options of the CIRCLE command are explained in the following sections:

The Center and Radius Option

Using this option, you can draw a circle by defining the center and the radius of the circle,
as shown in Figure 2-29. After entering the CIRCLE command, AutoCAD will prompt you to
enter the center of the circle, which can be selected by specifying a point on the screen or by
entering the coordinates of the center point. Next, you will be prompted to enter the radius
of the circle. Here you can accept the default value, enter a new value, or select a point on the
circumference of the circle to specify the radius.

The following is the prompt sequence for drawing a circle with a center at 3,2 and a radius of
1 unit.

Command: CIRCLE «
Specify center point for circle or [3P/2P/Ttr (tan tan radius): 3,2 «
Specify radius of circle or [Diameter]<current>: 1 «

Note
You can also set the radius by assigning a value to the CIRCLERAD system variable. The
value you assign becomes the default value of the radius.

The Center and Diameter Option

You can use this option to draw a circle by defining its center and diameter. After invoking
the CIRCLE command, AutoCAD prompts you to enter the center of the circle, which can be
selected by specifying a point on the screen or by entering the coordinates of the center
point. Next, you will be prompted to enter the radius of the circle. At this prompt, enter D.
After this, you will be prompted to enter the diameter of the circle. For entering the diameter,
you can accept the default value, enter a new value, or drag the circle to the desired diameter
and select a point. If you use a menu option to select the CIRCLE command with the
Diameter option, the menu automatically enters the Diameter option and prompts for the
diameter after you specify the center. The following is the prompt sequence for drawing a
circle with the center at (2,3) and a diameter of 2 units, as shown in Figure 2-30.

Figure 2-29 A circle drawn by specifying Figure 2-30 A circle drawn by specifying
its center and radius its center and diameter
Getting Started with AutoCAD 2-21

Command: CIRCLE «
Specify center point for circle or [3P/2P/Ttr(tan tan radius): 2, 3 «
Specify radius of circle or [Diameter]<current>: D «
Specify diameter of circle <current>: 2 «

The Two-Point Option

You can also draw a circle using the Two-Point option. In this option, AutoCAD lets you draw
the circle by specifying the two endpoints of the circle’s diameter. For example, if you want to
draw a circle that passes through the points (1,1) and (2,1), you can use the CIRCLE command
with 2P option, as shown in the following example, refer to Figure 2-31.

Command: CIRCLE «

Chapter 2
Specify center point for circle or [3P/2P/Ttr (tan tan radius)]: 2P «
Specify first end point of circle’s diameter: 1,1 «
Specify second end point of circle’s diameter: 2,1 « (You can also use the relative
coordinates.)

The Three-Point Option

You can use this option to draw a circle by defining three points on its circumference. The
three points may be entered in any order. To draw a circle that passes through the points
(3,3), (3,1), and (4,2), refer to Figure 2-32. The prompt sequence for drawing a circle with
three points option is given next.

Command: CIRCLE «
Specify center point for circle or [3P/2P/Ttr(tan tan radius)]: 3P «
Specify first point on circle: 3,3 «
Specify second point on circle: 3,1 «
Specify third point on circle: 4,2 «

Figure 2-31 A circle drawn using the Figure 2-32 A circle drawn using the
Two-Point option Three-Point option
2-22 AutoCAD 2010: A Problem-Solving Approach

You can also use relative rectangular coordinates to define the points.

Command: CIRCLE «
Specify center point for circle or [3P/2P/Ttr(tan tan radius)]: 3P «
Specify first point on circle: 3,3 «
Specify second point on circle: @0,-2 «
Specify third point on circle: @1,1 «

The Tangent Tangent Radius Option

A tangent is an object (line, circle, or arc) that contacts the circumference of a circle at only
one point. In this option, AutoCAD uses the Tangent object snap to locate two tangent points
on the selected objects that are to be tangents to the circle. Then you have to specify the radius
of the circle. The prompt sequence for drawing a circle using the Ttr option is given next.

Command: CIRCLE «
Specify center point for circle or [3P/2P/Ttr(tan tan radius)]: T «
Specify point on object for first tangent of circle: Select first line, circle, or arc.
Specify point on object for second tangent of circle: Select second line, circle, or arc.
Specify radius of circle <current>: 0.75 «

In Figures 2-33 through 2-36, the dotted circles represent the circles that are drawn by using the
Ttr option. The circle actually drawn depends on how you select the objects that are to be
tangent to the new circle. The figures show the effect of selecting different points on the objects.
If you specify too small or large radius, you may get unexpected results or the “Circle does
not exist” prompt.

Figure 2-33 Drawing a circle using the Figure 2-34 Drawing a circle using the
Tangent Tangent Radius option Tangent Tangent Radius option

The Tangent, Tangent, Tangent Option

To invoke this option, click on the down arrow on the right of the Center, Radius tool in the
Draw panel of the Ribbon; a flyout will be displayed. Choose the Tan , Tan, Tan option from
it. In this option, AutoCAD uses the Tangent Object Snap to locate three points on the
three selected objects to which the circle is drawn tangent. The following is the prompt
sequence to draw a circle, as shown in Figure 2-37, using the Tan, Tan, Tan option.
Getting Started with AutoCAD 2-23

Chapter 2
Figure 2-35 Drawing a circle using the Figure 2-36 Drawing a circle using the
Tangent Tangent Radius option Tangent Tangent Radius option

Command: Choose Center, Radius > Tan, Tan, Tan from the Draw panel of the Ribbon.
_circle Specify center point for circle or [3P/2P/Ttr (tan tan radius)]: _3p Specify first
point on circle: _tan to Select the first object.
Specify second point on circle: _tan to Select the second object.
Specify third point on circle: _tan to Select the third object.

Figure 2-37 Circle drawn using the Tan, Tan, Tan option

Exercise 5 Mechanical
Draw Figure 2-38 using various options of the LINE and CIRCLE commands. Use absolute,
relative rectangular, or relative polar coordinates for drawing the triangle. The vertices of the
triangle will be used as the center of the circles. The circles can be drawn using the Center
and Radius, Center and Diameter, or Tan, Tan, Tan options. (Height of triangle = 4.5 X
sin 60 = 3.897.) Do not draw the dimensions; they are for reference only.
2-24 AutoCAD 2010: A Problem-Solving Approach

Figure 2-38 Drawing for Exercise 5

BASIC DISPLAY COMMANDS

Drawing in AutoCAD is much simpler than manual drafting in many ways. Sometimes while
drawing, it is very difficult to see and alter minute details. In AutoCAD, you can overcome
this problem by viewing only a specific portion of the drawing. This is done using the ZOOM
command. This command lets you enlarge or reduce the size of the drawing displayed on the
screen. Some of the drawing display commands such as ZOOM and PAN will be introduced
here. A detailed explanation of these commands appears in Chapter 7.

Zooming Drawings
Ribbon: View > Navigate > Zoom Status Bar: Zoom
Toolbar: Standard > Zoom or Zoom toolbar Command: ZOOM or Z
The Zoom command is used to enlarge or reduce
the view of a drawing on the screen, without
affecting the actual size of entities. Some ZOOM
commands are available in the Standard toolbar, as
shown in Figure 2-39. The ZOOM command can be
invoked by choosing the Zoom button from the
Status Bar. After invoking the ZOOM command, you
can use various zooming options to obtain the
desired display. To invoke these options directly, press
the down arrow next to the Extents button in the Figure 2-39 The ZOOM commands in the
Navigate panel of the View tab in the Ribbon; all Standard toolbar
options of the ZOOM command will be displayed in
the flyout, refer to Figure 2-40. You can also invoke the ZOOM command by choosing View
> Zoom from the menu bar. To display the menu bar, left-click on the arrow in the Quick
Access toolbar and then select Show Menu Bar.
Getting Started with AutoCAD 2-25

Following is the prompt sequence of the ZOOM command:

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

Realtime Zooming
You can use the Realtime Zoom to zoom in and zoom out
interactively. To zoom in, invoke the command, and then
hold the pick button down and move the cursor up. If you
want to zoom in further, bring the cursor down, specify a point, and

Chapter 2
move the cursor up. Similarly, to zoom out, hold the pick button down
and move the cursor down. Realtime zoom is the default setting for
the ZOOM command. At the Command prompt, pressing ENTER
after invoking the ZOOM command automatically invokes the
realtime zoom. To exit the Realtime Zoom, right-click to display the
shortcut menu and choose Exit. You can also press ESC or the
ENTER key to exit the command.

Window Option
This is the most commonly used option of the ZOOM
command. It lets you specify the area you want to zoom in Figure 2-40 Invoking
on by letting you specify two opposite corners of a the ZOOM command
rectangular window. The center of the specified window from the Navigate panel
becomes the center of the new display screen. The area inside the
window is magnified in size to fill the drawing area as completely as possible. The points can
be specified by selecting them with the help of the pointing device or by entering their
coordinates.

Previous Option
While working on a complex drawing, you may need to zoom in on a portion of the
drawing to edit some minute details. When you have completed the editing you may
want to return to the previous view. This can be done using the Previous option.
AutoCAD remembers the last ten views that can be restored using the Previous option.

All Option
This option zooms to the drawing limits or the extents, whichever is greater. Whenever
you increase the limits (Quick Setup in Use a Wizard dialog box) the current display
is not affected and hence does not show. You need to use the Zoom All option to
display the limits of the drawing. Sometimes it is possible that the objects are drawn beyond
the limits. In such a case, the Zoom All option zooms to fill the drawn objects in the drawing
area, irrespective of its limits.
2-26 AutoCAD 2010: A Problem-Solving Approach

Note
If the default view of the acad3d.dwt file is current, the ZOOM command will show only the
Extents, Window, Previous, and Realtime options when invoked from the Command prompt.

You will learn about the other options of the ZOOM command in detail in Chapter 7.

Panning in Realtime
You can use Pan Realtime to pan the drawing interactively, by sliding the drawing
and placing it at the required position. To pan a drawing, invoke the command from
the Status Bar and then hold the pick button down and move the cursor in any
direction. When you select realtime pan, AutoCAD displays an image of a hand, indicating
that you are in the PAN mode. You can drag the hand anywhere on the screen to move the
drawing. To exit realtime pan, right-click to display the shortcut menu and choose Exit. You
can also press ESC or the ENTER key to exit the command.

Note
The Realtime Zoom, Window Zoom, Zoom Extents, and Pan Realtime options can also be
invoked from the Status Bar.

Tip
You can right-click to display a shortcut menu while the realtime zoom or realtime pan options
are active. The Realtime Zoom, Realtime Pan, Exit, and other ZOOM command options
are available in this shortcut menu.

SETTING UNITS
Application Menu: Drawing utilities > Units Command: UNITS

In Chapter 1, you have already learned to set units while starting a drawing from the Startup
dialog box using the Wizards option. If you want to change the units while you are already
working on a drawing, the UNITS command can be used.

Setting Units Using the Drawing Units Dialog Box

The UNITS command is used to select a format for the units of distance and angle
measurement. To invoke this command, enter UNITS at the Command prompt; the Drawing
Units dialog box will be displayed, as shown in Figure 2-41. You can now specify the precision
for the length and angle in the respective Precision drop-down lists in this dialog box, refer
to Figure 2-42. You can also invoke the Drawing Units dialog box by choosing Format >
Units from the menu bar.

Specifying Units
In the Drawing Units dialog box, you can select a desired format of units from the drop-down
list displayed when you choose the down arrow to the right of the Type edit box. You can
select one of the following five formats.
Getting Started with AutoCAD 2-27

Chapter 2
Figure 2-41 The Drawing Units dialog box Figure 2-42 Specifying the precision
from the Precision drop-down list

1. Architectural (0'-01/16") 2. Decimal (0.00) 3. Engineering (0'-0.00")

4. Fractional (0 1/16) 5. Scientific (0.00E+01)

If you select the scientific, decimal, or fractional format, you can enter the distances or
coordinates in any of these three formats, but not in engineering or architectural units. In
the following example, the units are set as decimal, scientific, fractional, and decimal and
fractional to enter the coordinates of different points.

Command: LINE «
Specify first point: 1.75,0.75 « (Decimal)
Specify next point or [Undo]: 1.75E+01,3.5E+00 « (Scientific)
Specify next point or [Undo]: 10-3/8,8-3/4 « (Fractional)
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: 0.5,17/4 « (Decimal and fractional)

If you choose the engineering or architectural format, you can enter the distances or
coordinates in any of the five formats. In the following example, the units are set as
architectural; hence, different formats are used to enter the coordinates of points.

Command: LINE «
Specify first point: 1-3/4,3/4 « (Fractional.)
Specify next point or [Undo]: 1'1-3/4",3-1/4 « (Architectural.)
Specify next point or [Undo]: 0'10.375,0’8.75 « (Engineering.)
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: 0.5,4-1/4" « (Decimal and engineering.)
2-28 AutoCAD 2010: A Problem-Solving Approach

Note
The inch symbol (") is optional. For example, 1'1-3/4" is the same as 1'1-3/4, and 3/4" is the
same as 3/4.

You cannot use the feet (') or inch (") symbols if you have selected scientific, decimal, or fractional
unit formats.

Specifying Angle
You can select one of the following five angle measuring systems.

1. Decimal Degrees (0.00) 2. Deg/min/sec (0d00'00")

3. Grads (0.00g) 4. Radians (0.00r)
5. Surveyor’s Units (N 0d00'00" E)

If you select any of the first four measuring systems, you can enter the angle in the Decimal,
Degrees/minutes/seconds, Grads, or Radians system, but you cannot enter the angle in
Surveyor’s units. However, if you select Surveyor’s units, you can enter the angles in any of
the five systems. If you enter an angle value without any indication of a measuring system, it
is taken in the current system. To enter the value in another system, use the appropriate
suffixes and symbols, such as r (Radians), d (Degrees), g (Grads), or the others shown in the
following examples. In the following example, the system of angle measure is Surveyor’s
units and different systems of angle measure are used to define the angle of the line.

Command: LINE «
Specify first point: 3,3 «
Specify next point or [Undo]: @3<45.5 « (Decimal degrees)
Specify next point or [Undo]: @3<90d30'45" « (Degrees/min/sec)
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: @3<75g « (Grads)
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: @3<N45d30'E « (Surveyor’s units)

In Surveyor’s units, you must specify the

bearing angle that the line makes with the
north-south direction, as shown in
Figure 2-43. For example, if you want to
define an angle of 60-degree with north, in
the Surveyor’s units the angle will be
specified as N60dE. Similarly, you can
specify angles such as S50dE, S50dW, and
N75dW, refer to Figure 2-43. You cannot
specify an angle that exceeds 90-degree
(N120E). The angles can also be specified
in radians or grads, for example, 180-degree
Figure 2-43 Specifying the angle in Surveyor’s units
is equal to (3.14159) radians. You can
convert degrees into radians or radians into degrees using the equations given next.

radians = degrees X 3.14159/180; degrees = radians X 180/3.14159

Getting Started with AutoCAD 2-29

Grads are generally used in land surveys. There are 400 grads or 360-degree in a circle. A
90-degree angle is equal to 100 grads.

Tip
An example corresponding to the type of unit and angle selected from the Length or Angle
area of the dialog box can be seen in the Sample Output area of the dialog box.

You can also specify the units to be used for the measurement of intensity of the
photometric lights. The photometric lights are used for the rendering of the drawings. Select
the desired unit system from the Units for specifying the intensity of lighting drop-down
list in the Lighting area of the Drawing Units dialog box. While using the photometric lights
in rendering, you cannot use the Generic unit for the measurement of the intensity of light.

Chapter 2
The concept of rendering and lights is discussed in Chapter 30.

In AutoCAD, by default the angles are positive, if measured in the counterclockwise direction,
and negative if measured in the clockwise direction. Also, the angles are measured from the
positive X axis, see Figures 2-44 and 2-45. If you want the angles to be measured as positive
in the clockwise direction, select the Clockwise check box from the Angle area. Now, the
angles will be positive if measured in the clockwise direction, and the negative if measured in
the counterclockwise direction.

Figure 2-44 North, South, East, and West Figure 2-45 Measuring angles counterclockwise
directions from the positive X axis (default)
When you choose the Direction button in the Drawing Units dialog box, the Direction
Control dialog box appears, which gives you an option of selecting the setting for direction
of the base angle, see Figure 2-46.

If you select the Other option, you can set your own direction for the base angle by entering
a value in the Angle edit box or by choosing the Pick an Angle button to pick two points on
the screen to specify the angle. After selecting an angle, you can choose the OK button to
apply the settings. This will redisplay the Drawing Units dialog box.

You can also set the units of measure while inserting a block or a drawing. In the Drawing
Units dialog box, select any measuring unit from the Units to scale inserted content
2-30 AutoCAD 2010: A Problem-Solving Approach

drop-down list, see Figure 2-47. Now, while inserting a block or a drawing from the
DesignCenter, AutoCAD inserts the block with the specified unit. Even if the block was created
using a different measuring unit, AutoCAD scales it and inserts it using the specified measuring
unit. If you want to insert the block with the original units, then choose Unitless from the
drop-down list.

Figure 2-46 Setting direction from the Figure 2-47 Selecting measuring units for inserting
Direction Control dialog box drawings and blocks using the drag-and-drop method

Note
The insertion of blocks into a drawing is discussed in detail in Chapter 16.

The Sample Output area in the Drawing Units dialog box shows an example of the current
format of the units and angles. When you change the type of length and angle measure in the
Length and Angle areas of the Drawing Units dialog box, the corresponding example is
displayed in the Sample Output area.

Example 5 General
In this example, you will set the units of a drawing according to the given specifications and
then draw Figure 2-48. You also need to do the following.

a. Set the units of length to fractional, with the denominator of the smallest fraction equal
to 32.

b. Set the angular measurement to surveyor’s units, with the number of fractional places for
display of angles equal to zero.

c. Set the direction to 90-degree (north) and the direction of measurement of angles to
clockwise (angles measured positive in clockwise direction), refer to Figure 2-48.
Getting Started with AutoCAD 2-31

Chapter 2
Figure 2-48 Drawing for Example 5

The procedure of completing this example is given in the following steps.

1. Start a new file with the acad.dwt

template in the 2D Drafting &
Annotation or the AutoCAD Classic
workspace and invoke the Drawing
Units dialog box by choosing the
Drawing Utilities > Units from the
Application Menu. You can also invoke
this dialog box by entering UNITS at
the Command prompt.

2. In the Length area of the dialog box,

select Fractional from the Type
drop-down list. From the Precision
drop-down list, select 0 1/32, see
Figure 2-49.

3. In the Angle area of the dialog box,

select Surveyor’s Units from the Type
drop-down list. From the Precision
drop-down list, select N 0d E, if it is not
already selected. Also, select the Figure 2-49 Setting units for Example 5 in the
Clockwise check box to set the clockwise Drawing Units dialog box
angle measurement as positive.

4. Choose the Direction button to display the Direction Control dialog box. Next, select
the North radio button. Choose the OK button to exit the Direction Control dialog box.
2-32 AutoCAD 2010: A Problem-Solving Approach

5. Choose the OK button to exit the

Drawing Units dialog box.

6. With the units set, draw

Figure 2-48 using the relative
polar coordinates. Here, the units
are fractional and the angles are
measured from north (90-degree
axis). Also, the angles are
measured as positive in the
clockwise direction and negative
in the counterclockwise direction,
see Figure 2-50.

7. To modify the drawing display

area, choose the ZOOM button
from the Status Bar, enter All at Figure 2-50 Angles measured from north (Y axis)
the Command prompt, and press ENTER.

8. Turn off the dynamic input. The prompt sequence to complete the sketch is as follows:

Command: LINE «
Specify first point: 2,2 «
Specify next point or [Undo]: @2.0<0 «
Specify next point or [Undo]: @2.0<60 «
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: @1<180 «
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: @1<90 «
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: @1<180 «
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: @2.0<60 «
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: @0.5<90 «
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: @2.0<180 «
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: C «

SETTING LIMITS OF THE DRAWING

Command: LIMITS
In AutoCAD, the drawings must be drawn full scale and, therefore, the limits are needed to
size up a drawing area. The limits of the drawing area are usually determined by the following
factors.

1. The actual size of the drawing.

2. The space needed for putting down the dimensions, notes, bill of materials, and other
necessary details.
3. The space between various views so that the drawing does not look cluttered.
4. The space for the border and title block, if any.
Getting Started with AutoCAD 2-33

In Chapter 1, you have already learned to set the limits while starting a drawing from the
Startup dialog box using the Wizards option. If you want to change the limits while you are
already working in a drawing, the LIMITS command can be used. When you start AutoCAD
using the Imperial file, the default limits are 12,9. The following is the prompt sequence of
the LIMITS command for setting the limits of 24,18.

Command: LIMITS «
Reset Model space limits:
Specify lower left corner or [ON/OFF]<current>: 0,0 «
Specify upper right corner <current>: 24,18 «

At the preceding two prompts you are required to specify the lower left corner and the upper

Chapter 2
right corner of the sheet. Normally you choose (0,0) as the lower left corner, but you can
enter any other point. If the sheet size is 24 X 18, enter (24,18) as the coordinates of the
upper right corner.

Tip
Whenever you increase the drawing limits, the display area does not change. You need to use
the All option of the ZOOM command to display the complete area inside the drawing area.

Setting Limits
To get a good idea of how to set up
limits, it is always better to draw a
rough sketch of the drawing to help
calculate the area needed. For
example, if an object has a front view
size of 5 X 5, a side view size of 3 X 5,
and a top view size of 5 X 3, the limits
should be set so that they can
accommodate the drawing and
everything associated with it. In
Figure 2-51, the space between the
front and side views is 4 units and
between the front and top views is 3
units. Also, the space between the
border and the drawing is 5 units on Figure 2-51 Setting limits in a drawing
the left, 5 units on the right, 3 units
at the bottom, and 2 units at the top. (The space between the views and between the borderline
and the drawing depends on the drawing.)

After you know the sizes of various views and have determined the space required between
views, between the border and the drawing, and between the borderline and the edges of the
paper, you can calculate the space you need as follows.

Space along (X axis) = 1 + 5 + 5 + 4 + 3 + 5 + 1 = 24

Space along (Y axis) = 1 + 3 + 5 + 3 + 3 + 2 + 1 = 18
2-34 AutoCAD 2010: A Problem-Solving Approach

Thus, the space or work area you need for the drawing is 24 X 18. Once you have determined
the space, select the sheet size that can accommodate your drawing. In the case just explained,
you will select a D size (34 X 22) sheet. Therefore, the actual drawing limits are 34,22.

Limits for Architectural Drawings

Most architectural drawings are drawn at a scale of 1/4" = 1', 1/8" = 1', or 1/16" = 1'. You must
set the limits accordingly. The following example illustrates how to calculate the limits in
architectural drawings.

Given
Sheet size = 24 X 18
Scale is 1/4" = 1'

Calculate limits
Scale is 1/4" = 1'
or 1/4" = 12"
or 1" = 48"
X limit = 24 X 48
= 1152" or 1152 Units
= 96'
Y limit = 18 X 48
= 864" or 864 Units
= 72'

Thus, the scale factor is 48 and the limits are 1152",864", or 96',72'.

Example 6 General
In this example, you will calculate the limits and determine an appropriate drawing scale
factor for Figure 2-52. The drawing is to be plotted on a 12" X 9" sheet. Assume the
missing dimensions.

Figure 2-52 Drawing for Example 6

Getting Started with AutoCAD 2-35

The calculation for the scale factor is given next.

Given or known
Overall length of the drawing = 31'
Length of the sheet = 12"
Approximate space between the drawing and the edges of the paper = 2"

Calculate scale factor

To calculate the scale factor, you have to try various scales until you find one that satisfies
the given conditions. After some experience, you will find this fairly easy to do. For
this example, assume a scale factor of 1/4" = 1'.

Chapter 2
Scale factor 1/4" = 1' or 1" = 4'
Thus, a line 31' long will be = 31'/4' = 7.75" on paper. Similarly, a line 21' long = 21'/4' =
5.25".

Approximate space between the drawing and the edges of paper = 2"
Therefore, total length of the sheet = 7.75 + 2 + 2 = 11.75"
Similarly, total width of the sheet = 5.25 + 2 + 2 = 9.25"

Because you selected the scale 1/4" = 1', the drawing will definitely fit on the given sheet
of paper (12" x 9"). Therefore, the scale for this drawing is 1/4" = 1'.

Calculate limits
Scale factor = 1" = 48" or 1" = 4'
The length of the sheet is 12"
Therefore, X limit = 12 X 4' = 48'
Also, Y limit = 9 X 4' = 36'

Limits for Metric Drawings

When the drawing units are metric, you must use standard metric size sheets or calculate
the limits in millimeters (mm). For example, if the sheet size you decide to use is 24 X 18, the
limits, after conversion to the metric system, will be 609.6,457.2 (multiply length and width
by 25.4). You can round these numbers to the nearest whole numbers 610,457. Note that
metric drawings do not require any special setup, except for the limits. Metric drawings are
like any other drawings that use decimal units. As with architectural drawings, you can draw
metric drawings to a scale. For example, if the scale is 1:20, you must calculate the limits
accordingly. The following example illustrates how to calculate the limits for metric drawings.

Given
Sheet size = 24" X 18"
Scale = 1:20

Calculate limits
Scale is 1:20
Therefore, scale factor = 20
2-36 AutoCAD 2010: A Problem-Solving Approach

X limit = 24 X 25.4 X 20 = 12192 units

Y limit = 18 X 25.4 X 20 = 9144 units

Exercise 6 General
Set the units of the drawing according to the following specifications and then make the
drawing shown in Figure 2-53 (leave a space of 3 to 5 units around the drawing for
dimensioning and title block). The space between the dotted lines is 1 unit.

1. Set UNITS to decimal units, with two

digits to the right of the decimal point.

2. Set the angular measurement to decimal

degrees, with the number of fractional
places for display of angles equal to 1.

3. Set the direction to 0-degree (east) and

the direction of measurement of angles
to counterclockwise (angles measured
positive in a counterclockwise direction).

4. Set the limits leaving a space of 3 to 5

units around the drawing for
dimensioning and title block. Figure 2-53 Drawing for Exercise 6

INTRODUCTION TO PLOTTING DRAWINGS

Ribbon: Output > Plot > Plot Toolbar: Quick Access > Plot
Application Menu: Print > Plot Command: PLOT or PRINT
Once you have created a drawing in the current session of AutoCAD, you may need
to have its hard copy for your reference or for sending it to the client. This hard copy
is very useful in the industry and can be created by plotting and printing it on a sheet
of paper. Suppose, you have drawn an architectural plan on the computer, you can print it
and send its hard copy to a site for implementation. Similarly, if you have created a
mechanical component, you can print it and send its hard copy to a shop floor for
manufacturing. Drawings can be plotted using the PLOT command. If you invoke this
command, the Plot dialog box will be displayed. If the dialog box is not expanded by default,
choose the More Options button at the lower right corner of the dialog box to expand it, as
shown in Figure 2-54.

The values in this dialog box are the ones that were set during the configuration of AutoCAD.
If the displayed values conform to your requirements, you can start plotting without making
any changes. If necessary, you can make changes in the default values.
Getting Started with AutoCAD 2-37

Chapter 2
Figure 2-54 The expanded Plot dialog box

Basic Plotting
In this section, you will learn to set up the basic plotting parameters. Later, you will learn
about the advance options that allow you to plot according to your plot drawing specifications.
Basic plotting involves selecting the correct output device (plotter), specifying the area to
plot, selecting paper size, specifying the plot origin, orientation, and the plot scale.

Example 7 General
You will plot the drawing shown in Figure 2-55 using the Window option to select the area to
plot. The drawing was drawn in Example 3 of this chapter and here it is assumed to be open
on the screen. Assume that AutoCAD is configured for two output devices: Default System
Printer and Linotronic 300v52.3.

1. Invoke the Plot dialog box by choosing the Plot button in the Quick Access toolbar or
the Plot panel of the Output tab in the Ribbon, or by entering PLOT at the Command
prompt.

2. The name of the default system printer is displayed in the Name drop-down list in the
Printer/plotter area. In this example, it is Linotronic 300v52.3, see Figure 2-56. You can
use any other printer by selecting the name of the device from the Name drop-down list.
2-38 AutoCAD 2010: A Problem-Solving Approach

Figure 2-55 Drawing created in Example 3

Figure 2-56 The Plot dialog box with the default printer
Getting Started with AutoCAD 2-39

Note
The default system printer varies from system to system. It is based on the printer chosen as the
default printer while configuring your system for the output device.

3. Select the Window option from the What to plot drop-down list in the Plot area area.
The dialog box is temporarily closed and the drawing area will appear. Now, select the
two opposite corners to define a window that specifies the plot area (the area you want to
plot). Note that the complete drawing, along with the dimensions should be enclosed in
the window. Once you have defined the two corners, the Plot dialog box will reappear.

4. To set the size of the plot, you can select a size from the drop-down list in the Paper size
area, which lists all the plotting sizes that the present plotter can support. You can select

Chapter 2
any one of the sizes listed in the dialog box or specify a size (width and height) of your
own through the Plotter Manager. (This option is discussed later in Chapter 14,
Plotting Drawings.) Once you select a size, you can also select the orientation of the
paper. However, to set the orientation, you need to expand the Plot dialog box by choosing
the More Options button at the lower right corner of the dialog box. The expanded
form of this dialog box is shown in Figure 2-57. To set the orientation, select the Landscape
or Portrait radio button from the Drawing orientation area. The sections in the Plot

Figure 2-57 The expanded form of the Plot dialog box

2-40 AutoCAD 2010: A Problem-Solving Approach

dialog box related to paper size and orientation are automatically revised to reflect the
new paper size and orientation. In this example, you will specify A4 Paper size and
Portrait orientation.

5. You can also modify values for the plot offset from the Plot offset area; the default values
for X and Y are 0. For this example, you can select the Center the plot check box to get
the drawing in the center of the paper.

6. In AutoCAD, you can enter values for the plot scale from the Plot scale area. Clear the
Fit to paper check box, if selected and then open the Scale drop-down list in the Plot
scale area to display various scale factors. From this list, you can select a scale factor that
you want to use. For example if you select the scale factor 1/4" = 1'-0", the edit boxes
below the drop-down list will show 0.25 inches = 12 units. If you want the drawing to be
plotted so that it fits on the specified sheet of paper, select the Fit to paper check box.
When you select this check box, AutoCAD will determine the scale factor and display it
in the edit boxes. In this example, you will plot the drawing so that it scales to fit the
paper. Therefore, select the Fit to paper check box and notice the change in the edit
boxes. You can also enter your own values in the edit boxes.

7. You can preview the plot on the

specified paper size before
actually plotting it. This way you
can save time and stationery. To
preview a plot, choose the
Preview button. Once
regeneration is complete, the
preview image is displayed on the
screen, see Figure 2-57. Here, in
place of the cursor, a realtime
zoom icon is displayed. You can
hold the pick button of your
pointing device and then move
it up to zoom into the preview
image and move the cursor down
to zoom out of the preview image.

8. If the plot preview is satisfactory,

you can directly plot your
drawing by choosing Plot from
the shortcut menu, as shown in
Figure 2-58. If you want to make
some changes in the settings,
choose Exit in the shortcut menu
or press the ESC or the ENTER
key to get back to the dialog box.
Choose the OK button in the
Figure 2-58 Plot preview with the shortcut menu
dialog box to plot the drawing.
Getting Started with AutoCAD 2-41

MODIFYING AutoCAD SETTINGS USING THE OPTIONS

DIALOG BOX
Application Menu: Options Command: OPTIONS
You can use the Options dialog box to change the default settings that affect the drawing
environment or the AutoCAD interface and customize them to your requirements using
the Options dialog box. For example, you can use this dialog box to turn off the settings to
display the shortcut menu by right-clicking or specify the support directories that contain
the files you need. The most convenient way of invoking this dialog box is by right-clicking in
the command window or in the drawing area when no command is active or no object is
selected and choosing Options from the shortcut menu. The Options dialog box is shown

Chapter 2
in Figure 2-59. The dialog box contains ten tabs that display the sections to change the
various environmental aspects. The current profile and current drawing names are displayed
on the top, above the tabs. You can save a set of custom settings in a profile to be used later
for other drawings. If you do not specify a profile, the current settings are stored with the
name Unnamed Profile. The various tabs in the Options dialog box are discussed next.

Files
This tab stores the directories in which AutoCAD looks for the driver, support, menu, project,
template, and other files. It uses three icons: folder, paper stack, and file cabinet. The folder
icon is for a search path, the paper stack icon is for files, and the file cabinet icon is for a
specific folder. Suppose you want to know the path of the font mapping file. You can select
the Text Editor, Dictionary, and Font File Names folder and then select the Font Mapping
Files icon to display the path, see Figure 2-59. Similarly, you can define a custom hatch
pattern file and then add its search path. This way AutoCAD can locate the custom hatch
pattern.

Display
This tab controls the drawing and window settings like screen menu display and scroll bar.
For example, if you want to display the screen menu, select the Display screen menu check
box in the Window Elements area. You can also change the color of the graphics window
background, layout window background, command line background, and also the color of
the command line text using the Drawing Window Colors dialog box that is displayed by
choosing the Colors button. This tab also allows you to modify the display resolution and
display performance. You can also set the smoothness and resolutions of certain objects such
as the circle, arc, rendered object, and polyline curve. Here you can toggle on and off the
various layout elements such as the layout tabs on the screen, margins, paper background,
and so on. You can also toggle on and off the display performance such as the pan and zoom
with raster images, apply the solid fills, and so on.

Open and Save

This tab controls the parameters related to opening and saving of files in AutoCAD. You can
specify the file type for saving while using the SAVEAS command. The various formats are
2-42 AutoCAD 2010: A Problem-Solving Approach

Figure 2-59 The Options dialog box with the Files tab chosen

AutoCAD 2007 Drawing (*.dwg), AutoCAD 2004/LT 2004 Drawing (*.dwg), AutoCAD 2000/
LT2000 Drawing (*.dwg), AutoCAD R14/LT98/LT97 Drawing (*.dwg), AutoCAD Drawing
Template(*.dwt), AutoCAD 2007 DXF (*.dxf), AutoCAD 2004/LT2004 DXF (*.dxf),
AutoCAD 2000/LT2000 DXF(*.dxf), AutoCAD R12/LT2 DXF (*.dxf), and so on. You can
also set the various file safety precautions such as the Automatic Save feature, or the creation
of a backup copy. You can add a password and digital signatures to your drawing while saving
using the Security Options button in the File Safety Precautions area. You can control the
display of the digital signature information when a file with a valid digital signature is opened
with the help of the Display digital signature information check box. You can change the
number of recently saved files to be displayed in the File open area for opening. You can also
set the various parameters for external references and the ObjectARX applications.

Plot and Publish

The Plot and Publish tab controls the parameters related to the plotting and publishing of
the drawings in AutoCAD. You can set the default output device and also add a new plotter.
You can set the general parameters such as the layout or plot device paper size and the
background processing options while plotting or publishing. It is possible to select the spool
alert for the system printer and also the OLE plot quality. You can also set the parameters for
the plot style such as using the color-dependent plot styles or the named plot styles.
Getting Started with AutoCAD 2-43

System
This tab contains AutoCAD system settings options such as the 3D graphics display and
pointing device settings options where you can choose the pointing device driver. Here you
can also set the system parameters such as the single drawing mode instead of MDE, the
display of the Startup option while opening a new session of AutoCAD and the OLE Properties
dialog box, and beep for wrong user input. You also have options to set the parameters for
database connectivity.

User Preferences
This tab controls settings that depend on the way the user prefers working on AutoCAD,
such as the right-click customization where you can change the shortcut menus. You can set

Chapter 2
the units parameters for the DesignCenter as well as the priorities for various data entry
methods. Here it is possible to set the order of object sorting methods and also set the
lineweight options.

Drafting
This tab controls settings such as the autosnap settings and the aperture size. Here you can
also set the toggles on and off for the various autotracking settings. Using this tab, you can
also set the tool tip appearance in the Model tab and layouts for Dynamic Input mode.

3D Modeling
This tab controls settings related to 3D modeling, such as the display of cursor in the 3D
modeling environment, visual styles, 3D navigation, and so on.

Selection
This tab controls settings related to the methods of object selection such as the grips, which
enable you to change various grip colors and the grip size. You can also set the toggles on or
off for the various selection modes.

Profiles
This tab saves and restores the system settings. To set the profile in the Options dialog box,
choose the Profiles tab and then choose the Add to List button; the Add Profile dialog box
is displayed. Enter the profile name and description. Then choose the Apply & Close button.
Next, make the new profile current and then specify the settings. The settings are saved in
the new profile and can be restored anytime by making the profile current.

Note
The options in various tabs of the Options dialog box have been discussed throughout the book
wherever applicable.

Tip
Some options in various tabs of the Options dialog box have a drawing file icon in front of
them. For example, the options in the Display resolution area of the Display tab have
drawing file icons. This specifies that these parameters are saved with the current drawing
2-44 AutoCAD 2010: A Problem-Solving Approach

only and therefore affect it. The options without the drawing file icon are saved with the current
profile and affect all the drawings present in that AutoCAD session or future sessions.

Example 8 General
In the following example, you will use the Options dialog box to create a profile that contains
the specified settings.

1. Choose Options from the Application Menu to invoke the Options dialog box.
Alternatively, right-click in the drawing area to display the shortcut menu and choose
Options to invoke this dialog box.

2. Choose the Profiles tab and then choose the Add to List button to display the Add
Profile dialog box. Enter the name of the new profile as Myprofile1 and a description of
the new profile, and then choose the Apply & Close button to exit.

3. Select Myprofile1 profile and then choose the Set Current button to make Myprofile1
current. You will notice that the Current Profile name above the tabs changes from
<<Unnamed Profile>> to Myprofile1.

4. Choose the Display tab and then choose the Colors button; the Drawing Window Colors
dialog box is displayed. Select the 2D model space in the Context area and Uniform
background in the Interface element area. Select White from the Color drop-down list,
see Figure 2-60. This changes the color of the model tab background to white. Choose
the Apply & Close button to return to the Options dialog box. Notice that the screen
color changes to white.

5. Choose the Drafting tab and change the AutoSnap Marker Size to the maximum using
the slider bar. Choose the Apply button and then the OK button to exit the dialog box.

6. Draw a line and then choose the OSNAP button from the Status Bar. Again, invoke the
LINE command and move the cursor on the previously drawn line; a marker is displayed
at the endpoint. Notice the size of the marker now.

7. Invoke the Options dialog box again and choose the Profiles tab. Double-click on the
default profile (<<Unnamed Profile>>) to reload the default settings. The screen
settings will change as specified in the default profile.

Self-Evaluation Test
Answer the following questions and then compare them to those given at the end of this
chapter:

1. You can draw a line by specifying the length of the line and its direction, using Direct
Distance Entry. (T/F)
Getting Started with AutoCAD 2-45

Chapter 2
Figure 2-60 The Drawing Window Colors dialog box

2. Using the Crossing method of object selection, only those objects that are completely
enclosed within the boundaries of the crossing box are selected. (T/F)

3. The Three-Point option of the CIRCLE command lets you draw a circle by specifying
the two endpoints of the circle’s diameter. (T/F)

4. If you choose the engineering or architectural format for units in the Drawing Units
dialog box, you can enter the distances or coordinates in any of the five formats. (T/F)

5. You can erase a previously drawn line using the __________ option of the LINE command.

6. The __________option of the CIRCLE command can be used to draw a circle, if you
want the circle to be tangent to two previously drawn objects.

7. The __________ command enlarges or reduces the view of the drawing on the screen, but
it does not affect the actual size of the entities.

8. After increasing the drawing limits, you need to use the __________ option of the ZOOM
command to display the complete area inside the drawing area.
2-46 AutoCAD 2010: A Problem-Solving Approach

9. In __________ units, you must specify the bearing angle that the line makes with the
north-south direction.

10. You can preview the plot before the actual plotting using the __________ button in the
Plot dialog box.

Review Questions
Answer the following questions:

1. In the Relative rectangular coordinate system, the displacements along the X and Y axes
(DX and DY) are measured with reference to the previous point rather than to the
origin. (T/F)

2. In AutoCAD, by default the angles are positive if measured in the counterclockwise

direction and the angles are measured from the positive X axis. (T/F)

3. You can also invoke the PLOT command by choosing Plot from the shortcut menu,
which is displayed by right-clicking on the Command window. (T/F)

4. The Files tab of the Options dialog box stores the directories, in which AutoCAD looks
for the driver, support, menu, project, template, and other files. (T/F)

5. Which of the following keys on the keyboard is used to terminate the LINE command at
the Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: prompt?

(a) SPACEBAR (b) BACKSPACE

(c) ENTER (d) ESC

6. Which of the following options of the ZOOM command zooms to the drawing limits or
the extents, whichever is greater?

(a) Previous (b) Window

(c) All (d) Realtime

7. How many formats of units can you choose from the Drawing Units dialog box?

(a) Three (b) Five

(c) Six (d) Seven

8. Which of the following input methods cannot be used to invoke the OPTIONS command
that displays the Options dialog box?

(a) Menu (b) Toolbar

(c) Shortcut menu (d) Command prompt
Getting Started with AutoCAD 2-47

9. When you define the direction by specifying the angle, the output of the angle does not
depend on which one of the following factors?

(a) Angular units (b) Angle value

(c) Angle direction (d) Angle base

10. The __________ option of the LINE command can be used to join the current point with
the initial point of the first line when two or more lines are drawn in continuation.

11. The __________ option of drawing the circle cannot be invoked by entering the command
at the Command prompt.

Chapter 2
12. When you select any type of unit and angle in the Length or Angle area of the Drawing
Units dialog box, the corresponding example is displayed in the __________ area of the
dialog box.

13. If you want the drawing to be plotted so that it fits on the specified sheet of paper, select
the __________ option in the Plot dialog box.

14. The __________ tab in the Options dialog box stores the details of all profiles available in
the current drawing.

15. You can use the __________ command to change the settings that affect the drawing
environment or the AutoCAD interface.

Exercises
Exercise 7 General
Use the following relative rectangular and absolute coordinate values in the LINE command
to draw an object.

Point Coordinates Point Coordinates

1 3.0, 3.0 5 @3.0,5.0
2 @3,0 6 @3,0
3 @-1.5,3.0 7 @-1.5,-3
4 @-1.5,-3.0 8 @-1.5,3

Exercise 8 General
For the drawing shown in Figure 2-61, enter the relative rectangular and relative polar
coordinates of the points in the following table, and then use these coordinates to draw the
figure. The distance between the dotted lines is 1 unit. Save this drawing as Exer8.dwg.

Point Coordinates Point Coordinates

1 3.0, 1.0 9 _______________
2-48 AutoCAD 2010: A Problem-Solving Approach

2 _______________ 10 _______________
3 _______________ 11 _______________
4 _______________ 12 _______________
5 _______________ 13 _______________
6 _______________ 14 _______________
7 _______________ 15 _______________
8 _______________ 16 _______________

Figure 2-61 Drawing for Exercise 8

Exercise 9 Mechanical
For the drawing shown in Figure 2-62, enter the relative polar coordinates of the points in
the following table. Then use these coordinates to draw the figure. Do not draw the dimensions.

Point Coordinates Point Coordinates

1 1.0, 1.0 6 _______________
2 _______________ 7 _______________
3 _______________ 8 _______________
4 _______________ 9 _______________
5 _______________

Exercise 10 Mechanical
Draw the sketch shown in Figure 2-63, using the LINE and CIRCLE commands. The distance
between the dotted lines is 1.0 units.

Exercise 11 Mechanical
Draw the sketch shown in Figure 2-64 using the LINE command and the Ttr option of the
CIRCLE command.
Getting Started with AutoCAD 2-49

Chapter 2
Figure 2-62 Drawing for Exercise 9

Figure 2-63 Drawing for Exercise 10

Figure 2-64 Drawing for Exercise 11

2-50 AutoCAD 2010: A Problem-Solving Approach

Exercise 12 Mechanical
Set the units for a drawing according to the following specifications.
1. Set the UNITS to architectural, with the denominator of the smallest fraction equal to 16.
2. Set the angular measurement to degrees/minutes/seconds, with the number of fractional
places for display of angles equal to 0d00'.
3. Set the direction to 0-degree (east) and the direction of measurement of angles to
counterclockwise (angles measured positive in a counterclockwise direction).

Based on Figure 2-65, determine and set the limits of the drawing. The scale for this drawing
is 1/4" = 1'. Leave enough space around the drawing for dimensioning and title block. (HINT:
Scale factor = 48; sheet size required is 12 x 9; therefore, the limits are 12 X 48, 9 X 48 = 576,
432. Use the ZOOM command and then select the All option to display the new limits.)

Figure 2-65 Drawing for Exercise 12

Exercise 13 Mechanical

Draw the sketch shown in Figure 2-66. The distance between the dotted lines is 10 feet.
Determine the limits for this drawing and use the Architectural units with 0'-01/32" precision.

Exercise 14 General
Draw the object shown in Figure 2-67. The distance between the dotted lines is 5 inches.
Determine the limits for this drawing and use the Fractional units with 1 1/16 precision.

Exercise 15 General
Draw the object shown in Figure 2-68. The distance between the dotted lines is 1 unit.
Determine the limits for this drawing and use the Decimal units with 0.00 precision.
Getting Started with AutoCAD 2-51

Chapter 2
Figure 2-66 Drawing for Exercise 13

Figure 2-67 Drawing for Exercise 14

Figure 2-68 Drawing for Exercise 15

2-52 AutoCAD 2010: A Problem-Solving Approach

Exercise 16 General
Draw the object shown in Figure 2-69. The distance between the dotted lines is 10 feet.
Determine the limits for this drawing and use the Engineering units with 0'0.00" precision.

Figure 2-69 Drawing for Exercise 16

Problem-Solving Exercise 1 Mechanical

Draw the object shown in Figure 2-70, using the LINE and CIRCLE commands. In this
exercise only the diameters of the circles are given. To draw the lines and small circles (Dia 0.6),
you need to find the coordinate points for the lines and the center points of the circles. For
example, if the center of concentric circles is at 5,3.5, then the X coordinate of the lower left
corner of the rectangle is 5.0 - 2.4 = 2.6.

Figure 2-70 Drawing for Problem-Solving Exercise 1

Getting Started with AutoCAD 2-53

Problem-Solving Exercise 2 Mechanical

Draw the object shown in Figure 2-71 using various options of the CIRCLE and LINE
commands. In this exercise, you have to find the coordinate points for drawing the lines and
circles. Also, you need to determine the best and easiest method to draw the 0.85 diameter
circles along the outermost circle.

Chapter 2
Figure 2-71 Drawing for Problem-Solving Exercise 2

Problem-Solving Exercise 3 Mechanical

Draw the object shown in Figure 2-72 using the absolute, relative rectangular, or relative
polar coordinate system. Draw according to the dimensions shown in the figure, but do not
dimension the sketch. The dimensions are only for your reference.

Figure 2-72 Drawing for Problem-Solving Exercise 3

2-54 AutoCAD 2010: A Problem-Solving Approach

Problem-Solving Exercise 4 Mechanical

Draw the object shown in Figure 2-73 according to the given dimensions. Also, draw a centerline
as a continuous line in the object. Note that the dimensions are given only for your reference. **

Figure 2-73 Drawing for the Problem-Solving Exercise 4

Problem-Solving Exercise 5 Mechanical

Draw the object shown in Figure 2-74 according to the given dimensions. Also, draw a centerline
as a continuous line in the object. Note that the dimensions are given only for your reference. **

Figure 2-74 Drawing for the Problem-Solving Exercise 5

Answers to Self-Evaluation Test

1. T, 2. F, 3. F, 4. T, 5. Undo, 6. Tan, Tan, Radius, 7. ZOOM, 8. All, 9. Surveyor’s, 10. Preview