“Heaven’s Light is our guide”

Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology

Department of Mechatronics Engineering.

Course No : ME 2130
Course Title : CAD Practice
Experiment No : 01.
Experiment Name : Introduction to the basic tools of Auto CAD.

REMARKS

Submitted to,
Submitted By,
Md. Robiul Islam.
Name: Mohammad Rokibul
Hasan Rakib Assistant Professor,
Roll: 2208017 Department of Mechatronics
Engineering,
Roll: 2208033.
Rajshahi University of Engineering &
Technology.
Date of performance : 10/09/2024
Date of Submission : 06/01/2025
Experiment No.: 01
Experiment Name: Introduction of Basic Tools of AutoCAD.
Objectives:
1. To familiarize basic tools used to sketch in AutoCAD.
2. To learn the skills required to design.
Introduction:
One of the most popular computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting software programs is
AutoCAD, created by Autodesk. It is an essential tool for designers, engineers, and architects
to produce accurate 2D and 3D models for a variety of uses. With its many capabilities,
AutoCAD provides a flexible platform that enables users to efficiently depict and convey their
ideas. AutoCAD's intuitive interface, adaptable tools, and robust features have made it a
mainstay of contemporary design processes in a variety of sectors.
Students are introduced to AutoCAD's basic tools and commands during this lab session.
Students can start making and modifying simple geometric drawings, which serve as the
foundation for more intricate designs, by mastering these tools. The focus of this lab is on
practical, hands-on.

Auto CAD: AutoCAD is a computer-aided design and drafting program that has completely
changed how people think about and share designs. Since its initial release in 1982, it has
developed into a potent instrument that can produce intricate 2D and 3D models. For technical,
architectural, and industrial applications, the program is vital since it allows users to sketch
designs with extreme precision and accuracy. Numerous file types are supported by AutoCAD,
facilitating easy interaction with other programs and resources. Using layers to arrange
drawings, dimensioning for precise measurements, and automating repetitive processes with
scripts and macros are some of its primary features. AutoCAD is still the industry leader in
computer-aided design because of its wide range of capabilities.

Figure 1: AutoCAD Logo

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Basic Commands of AutoCAD:
2D Commands:

1. Line: Creates a straight line between two points.

2. Rectangle: Draws a rectangle by specifying two opposite corners.
3. Circle: Draws a circle by defining its center and radius.
4. Polyline: Creates a continuous line composed of one or more connected line
segments.
5. Trim: Removes unwanted parts of objects that intersect with other objects.
6. Extend: Lengthens an object to meet the edges of another object.
7. Offset: Creates a parallel copy of an object at a specified distance.
8. Move: Shifts an object from one location to another within the drawing.
9. Mirror: Creates a mirrored copy of an object across a specified axis.
10. Scale: Changes the size of an object while maintaining its proportions.
11. Rotate: Rotates an object around a specified point.

3D Commands:

1. Extrude: Converts a 2D object into a 3D object by giving it depth.

2. Union: Combines two or more 3D objects into a single object.
3. Subtract: Removes one 3D object from another to create a new shape.
4. 3D Rotate: Rotates a 3D object around a specified axis in 3D space.

Other Commands:

1. Units: Sets the drawing units and precision for measurements.

2. Properties: Displays and allows editing of an object's properties, such as color and
layer.
3. Measure: Measures the distance, area, or angle between specified points or objects.
4. Dimension: Adds measurement annotations to a drawing for clarity and accuracy.

Interface of AutoCAD and Different Tools of AutoCAD:

Toolbars: A toolbar is a graphical user interface component in AutoCAD that consists of a

group of buttons or icons, each of which stands for a distinct command or function. Without
having to go through menus, users can immediately access frequently used tools and tasks with
these toolbars. Drawing, editing, and annotation toolbars are just a few of the predefined
toolbars that AutoCAD offers to help increase productivity.

Users can add, remove, or reorganize buttons on AutoCAD toolbars to suit their tastes or the
requirements of a particular project. For easy access, they can also be freely floating around
the workspace or docked to the edges of the program window. Toolbars allow users to
streamline the design process and increase productivity.

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 Figure 2: Different Tools of AutoCAD

Command Interface: In AutoCAD, the command interface refers to the text-based input
area where users can type commands to execute specific functions. It is typically located at the
bottom of the AutoCAD workspace and serves as a primary way to interact with the software.
Users can enter commands, specify parameters, or interactively respond to prompts in the
command line to perform various tasks, such as drawing, editing, or modifying objects.

• Command Input:
Users can directly type commands (e.g., LINE, CIRCLE, TRIM) into the command line
to execute specific functions. This allows quick access to a wide range of tools
without navigating menus or toolbars.
• Prompts and Guidance:
The command interface provides step-by-step prompts that guide users through the
process of using a command. For example, after entering LINE, the command
interface prompts users to specify the start and end points.
• Auto-complete:
As users type commands, AutoCAD suggests possible matches, helping to quickly
find the desired command and reducing the likelihood of typing errors.
• Command History:
The interface maintains a log of previously executed commands, which users can
review or re-execute. This is especially helpful for repetitive tasks or troubleshooting.
• Dynamic Feedback:
The command interface provides real-time feedback, such as measurements, angles,
or error messages, ensuring precision and helping users correct mistakes on the spot.
• Customization:
Users can adjust the size, location, and appearance of the command line. It can be
docked, floated, or minimized to fit individual preferences and improve workspace
organization.
• Integration with Scripts and Macros:
Advanced users can input scripts or macros directly through the command interface,
automating repetitive or complex tasks to enhance efficiency.

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 • Real-time Suggestions and Options:
During command execution, the interface often displays related options (e.g., typing
CIRCLE may display options for center-radius, diameter, etc.), giving users flexibility
in how they perform the task.

Figure 3: Command Interface

3D Commands:
To create, edit, and visualize intricate 3D models in AutoCAD, 3D commands are necessary.
Realistic 3D designs, prototypes, and technical models can be produced thanks to these
commands, which give users the means to operate in three dimensions. Because it necessitates
exact control over depth, perspective, and orientation, the transition from 2D to 3D adds even
more complexity. By applying transformations like rotation, scaling, extrusion, and
subtraction, these commands let users to work with 3D objects and provide them the freedom
to view and examine models from any perspective. Professionals in engineering, architecture,
industrial design, and other domains that demand precise and in-depth 3D modeling depend
heavily on AutoCAD's 3D features.

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 Figure 4: 3D Commands

Units and Properties in AutoCAD:

Units: Units in AutoCAD define the measurement system and precision used when creating
drawings. These units affect how objects are dimensioned, scaled, and displayed in AutoCAD.

1. Unit Types:

▪ Imperial Units: Used primarily in countries like the United States, including
units such as inches, feet, yards, etc.
▪ Metric Units: Common in most countries, using units like millimeters,
centimeters, meters, and kilometers.

2. Setting Units:

▪ To set units in AutoCAD, go to the Application Menu (AutoCAD logo) →

Drawing Utilities → Units. You can then specify the type (imperial or metric),
precision, and scale factor.

3. Unit Precision:

▪ The precision defines the number of decimal places used in the measurement.
For example, a setting of 0.00 gives a precision to two decimal places, while
0.0000 offers four decimal places.

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 4. Scale Factor:

▪ In AutoCAD, you can scale drawings to any unit size. For example, you can
work with millimeters but choose to display measurements in meters. The scale
factor helps convert measurements between different units.

5. Drawing Limits:

▪ Limits in AutoCAD define the working area of the drawing. Setting appropriate
drawing limits ensures that the model fits within the desired area and scale,
avoiding errors in dimensions and rendering.

Properties in AutoCAD:

Properties in AutoCAD refer to the characteristics of objects in the drawing, such as their
appearance, behavior, and geometric attributes. These properties help define how objects
interact within the drawing and can be modified to fit specific needs.

1. Common Object Properties.

2. Geometry Properties.
3. Advanced Properties.
4. Viewing and Modifying Properties.

Figure 5: Units and Properties in AutoCAD

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Measure and Dimensions in AutoCAD:
Dimensioning in AutoCAD is a critical aspect of drafting that involves adding measurements
to your drawing to clearly indicate the size, shape, and position of objects within a design. This
ensures that the drawing conveys precise information for construction, fabrication, or
manufacturing, making it easier for others to understand and implement the design.
Dimensioning in AutoCAD uses various types of dimensions, each suited for specific purposes,
and can be customized to meet different design requirements.

Figure 6: Measure and Dimensions in AutoCAD:

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Discussion and Conclusion:

We studied the fundamental AutoCAD tools and instructions in this lab, with an emphasis on
those necessary for producing and adjusting 2D and 3D designs. In order to create precise
drawings and make fast revisions, we practiced using commands like Line, Circle, Rectangle,
Trim, Extend, Move, and Rotate. These tools provide accuracy and speed in the design process
by assisting in the creation and editing of fundamental shapes.
We also looked at the parameters Palette, which simplifies the administration of intricate
drawings by enabling users to change object parameters like color, layer, and line type. Since
these fundamental commands serve as the cornerstone for more complex AutoCAD
procedures, mastering them is essential.
All things considered, the lab reinforced the value of accuracy by offering invaluable practical
experience with the fundamental AutoCAD tools.

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