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Auto Cad Notes

The document provides a comprehensive guide on using the Offset and Array commands in AutoCAD, detailing steps for each command and their applications. It also explains how to use absolute, relative, and polar coordinates for precise drawing placement. Examples and tips are included to enhance understanding and efficiency in AutoCAD operations.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
13 views5 pages

Auto Cad Notes

The document provides a comprehensive guide on using the Offset and Array commands in AutoCAD, detailing steps for each command and their applications. It also explains how to use absolute, relative, and polar coordinates for precise drawing placement. Examples and tips are included to enhance understanding and efficiency in AutoCAD operations.

Uploaded by

maverivk69
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Here’s a detailed explanation of how to use the Offset and Array commands in AutoCAD.

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1. Offset Command

The Offset command is used to create parallel copies of objects at a specified distance.

Steps to Use Offset:


1. Activate the Command:
- Type `OFFSET` or `O` in the command line and press Enter.

2. Specify Offset Distance:


- AutoCAD will prompt you to specify the offset distance.
- Type the distance you want between the original object and the offset object, then press Enter.

3. Select the Object to Offset:


- Click on the object you want to offset (it could be a line, arc, polyline, or other objects).

4. Specify the Side for Offset:


- After selecting the object, move your cursor to the side where you want the offset to appear and
click.
- The new object will be created parallel to the original at the specified distance.

Example of Use:
- Offset a line by 5 units to create parallel lines for a road or wall plan.
- Offset a rectangle to create a buffer zone or margin.

Tips:
- You can use the Multiple option to create multiple offsets in one command. After entering the
offset distance, type M and press Enter to keep offsetting without restarting the command.

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2. Array Command

The Array command is used to create multiple copies of an object in a pattern, such as in rows,
columns, or a circular arrangement.

Types of Arrays:
1. Rectangular Array: Copies the object in rows and columns.
2. Polar Array: Copies the object around a central point in a circular pattern.
3. Path Array: Copies the object along a specified path.

Steps to Use Rectangular Array:


1. Activate the Command:
- Type `ARRAY` in the command line and press Enter.

2. Select Object:
- Select the object(s) you want to array and press Enter.

3. Choose Array Type:


- AutoCAD will ask you to choose between Rectangular, Polar, or Path.
- Type `R` for Rectangular Array and press Enter.

4. Specify Number of Rows and Columns:


- AutoCAD will automatically display a rectangular grid. You can change the number of rows and
columns by specifying new values in the array dialog or on the ribbon.

5. Set Row and Column Distances:


- Set the distance between each row and column (e.g., 5 units between each object in the grid).

6. Finalize the Array:


- Press Enter to complete the array.

Steps to Use Polar Array:


1. Activate the Command:
- Type `ARRAY` and press Enter.

2. Select Object:
- Select the object(s) you want to array and press Enter.

3. Choose Array Type:


- Type `P` for Polar Array and press Enter.

4. Specify the Center Point:


- AutoCAD will ask you to specify a center point for the array (e.g., the center of a circle).

5. Specify the Number of Items:


- Enter the number of items to be arranged around the circle (e.g., 6 items).

6. Angle to Fill:
- Specify the total angle around the circle to fill with the array (e.g., 360 degrees for a complete
circle, or 180 for a semicircle).

7. Finalize the Array:


- Press Enter to complete the array.

Path Array:
- The Path Array allows you to copy objects along a predefined path, like a line, polyline, or curve.
The procedure is similar to the previous arrays, but you must select the path after selecting the
object.

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Examples of Usage:
- Offset: Used to create concentric circles, parallel lines, or wall thicknesses in architectural plans.
- Array:
- Rectangular: For repeating objects like chairs in an auditorium, tiles in a floor plan.
- Polar: For patterns like bolts arranged around a circular flange or lights around a fountain.
- Path: For placing objects like trees along a curved road or lights along a pathway.

---
Shortcuts:
- Offset: `O + Enter`
- Array: `ARRAY + Enter`, or use `AR` for quicker access.

Drawing using coordinates in AutoCAD allows for precise placement of points and objects. There
are three main types of coordinate systems you can use: absolute coordinates, relative coordinates,
and polar coordinates. Here’s a breakdown of how to use each type.

---

1. Absolute Coordinates

In absolute coordinates, you specify points based on their exact position in relation to the origin
point (0,0).

Syntax: `(x, y)` or `(x, y, z)` (for 3D)

- X is the horizontal distance from the origin.


- Y is the vertical distance from the origin.
- Z (optional) is the height for 3D drawings.

Steps to Draw with Absolute Coordinates:


1. Activate a drawing command (e.g., LINE).
2. Enter the absolute coordinates for the first point (e.g., `5,10`).
3. Enter the absolute coordinates for the next point (e.g., `15,25`).

Example:
- To draw a line from (0,0) to (10,15):
1. Type `LINE` and press Enter.
2. Type `0,0` for the starting point and press Enter.
3. Type `10,15` for the next point and press Enter.

The line will be drawn from the origin (0,0) to the point (10,15).

---

2. Relative Coordinates

Relative coordinates are based on the last point you placed, not the origin. You can use this to
specify points in relation to your last position, making drawing quicker when working with
consecutive points.

Syntax: `@x,y` or `@x,y,z`

- @x is the distance to move from the last point horizontally.


- @y is the distance to move vertically.
- @z is optional for 3D drawing.

Steps to Draw with Relative Coordinates:


1. Activate a drawing command (e.g., LINE).
2. Specify the first point using absolute coordinates or by clicking anywhere.
3. Enter the relative coordinates for the next point by starting with `@` (e.g., `@5,10` moves 5 units
right and 10 units up from the last point).

Example:
- To draw a line from the current point to a new point that is 10 units to the right and 5 units up:
1. Start the LINE command.
2. Pick a starting point (e.g., `5,5`).
3. Type `@10,5` and press Enter.
4. The second point will be placed 10 units to the right and 5 units up from the first point.

---

3. Polar Coordinates

Polar coordinates are used when you want to specify a point by distance and angle relative to the
last point.

Syntax: `@distance<angle`

- @distance is how far the point is from the last point.


- <angle specifies the direction in degrees.
- 0°: to the right (along the X-axis).
- 90°: straight up (along the Y-axis).
- 180°: to the left (negative X-axis).
- 270°: straight down (negative Y-axis).

Steps to Draw with Polar Coordinates:


1. Activate a drawing command (e.g., LINE).
2. Specify the first point.
3. Enter the polar coordinates for the next point using the `@distance<angle` format (e.g.,
`@10<45` draws a line 10 units long at a 45° angle).

Example:
- To draw a line that is 10 units long at a 30° angle:
1. Start the LINE command.
2. Pick a starting point.
3. Type `@10<30` and press Enter.

The line will be drawn 10 units away from the starting point at a 30° angle.

---

Examples Using Coordinates:

Absolute Coordinates Example:


1. LINE command.
2. First point: `5,10`.
3. Second point: `15,25`.

You get a line from (5,10) to (15,25).

Relative Coordinates Example:


1. LINE command.
2. First point: `5,5`.
3. Second point: `@10,0` (moves 10 units horizontally to the right).
4. Third point: `@0,5` (moves 5 units vertically up).

You’ll get an L-shaped line.

Polar Coordinates Example:


1. LINE command.
2. First point: `0,0`.
3. Second point: `@5<90` (5 units up).
4. Third point: `@5<0` (5 units to the right).

This creates an "L" shape with precise angles.

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Tips:
- F12 (Dynamic Input): Enables dynamic coordinate input, allowing you to see coordinate values as
you move your mouse.
- Command Line History: Use the command line to review coordinates or errors if something is
placed incorrectly.

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By using these methods, your students can create very precise drawings by directly inputting
coordinates. This is particularly useful for engineering, architecture, and technical drawings!

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