Basic Commands and Functions
Basic Commands and Functions
1. Drawing Commands:
o LINE: Draws a straight line segment.
o CIRCLE: Draws a circle.
o ARC: Draws an arc.
o RECTANGLE: Draws a rectangle.
o POLYGON: Draws a regular polygon.
2. Editing Commands:
o MOVE: Moves objects.
o COPY: Copies objects.
o ROTATE: Rotates objects.
o SCALE: Scales objects.
o TRIM: Trims objects to meet the edges of other objects.
o EXTEND: Extends objects to meet the edges of other objects.
o FILLET: Rounds or fillets the edges of objects.
o CHAMFER: Creates a beveled edge between two objects.
3. Modification Commands:
o OFFSET: Creates parallel lines or curves at a specified distance.
o MIRROR: Creates a mirrored copy of objects.
o ARRAY: Creates multiple copies of objects in a pattern.
4. Annotation:
o TEXT: Adds text to a drawing.
o DIMLINEAR: Creates linear dimensions.
o DIMANGULAR: Creates angular dimensions.
o DIMRADIAL: Creates radial dimensions.
5. Layer Management:
o LAYER: Opens the Layer Properties Manager to create, modify, or manage layers.
o LAYON, LAYOFF: Turns layers on or off.
o LAYFRZ, LAYTHW: Freezes or thaw layers to control visibility.
Useful Tips
1. Precision Tools:
o Object Snap (OSNAP): Helps in snapping to specific points on objects (e.g.,
endpoint, midpoint).
o Grid and Snap Settings: Useful for aligning objects precisely.
o Ortho Mode: Restricts cursor movement to horizontal or vertical directions.
2. Coordinate Systems:
o Absolute Coordinates: Defined as X,Y coordinates (e.g., 10,20).
o Relative Coordinates: Defined as distances from the last point (e.g., @5,10).
o Polar Coordinates: Defined by angle and distance (e.g., @10<45).
3. Shortcuts and Aliases:
o Familiarize yourself with commonly used keyboard shortcuts to speed up your
workflow (e.g., L for LINE, C for CIRCLE).
4. Blocks and Attributes:
o BLOCK: Create reusable symbols.
o INSERT: Place blocks into your drawing.
o ATTRIBUTES: Add data to blocks for better management and labeling.
5. Layouts and Viewports:
o Model Space vs. Paper Space: Use Model Space for drawing and Paper Space
for layout and printing.
o VIEWPORT: Creates windows to view different parts of your model in Paper
Space.
6. File Management:
o SAVEAS: Save your work in different formats or versions.
o BACKUP: Regularly back up your files to avoid data loss.
7. Customization:
o Toolbars and Menus: Customize to fit your workflow.
o LISP Routines: Automate repetitive tasks with AutoLISP scripts.