AutoCAD 2D

Module 7 Circles and Arcs

Learning Outcomes:
When you have completed this module, you will be able to:
1. Describe a circle and an arc and their characteristics.
2. Describe and use the CIRCLE and ARC commands to draw circles and arcs.
Geometry Lesson Circles
A circle is defined as a closed curve in which all points are the same distance from its center
point. The center point is a single XY coordinate. Study the drawings in Figure 7-1 for a
description of the characteristics of a circle.

Figure 7-1 Circle Geometry

AutoCAD Command:

CIRCLE

The CIRCLE command is used to draw circles.

Shortcut:
c

Geometry Lesson Arcs

An arc is defined as an open curve in which all points are the same distance from its center
point. Study the drawings in Figure 7-2 for a description of the geometry of an arc.

(CENTER POINT)

INCLUDED ANGLE

Figure 7-2 Arc Geometry

When you are drawing arcs, you should know that AutoCAD wants to draw arcs counterclockwise.
To AutoCAD, this is the positive arc angle. When you use the Center-Start-End option to draw
arcs, there is no way to draw the arc clockwise or in the negative arc angle. If you use the Angle
option, AutoCAD does allow you to enter a negative angle and it will draw the arc for you

Using the CIRCLE and ARC Commands

Step 1 Start a new drawing using the template Module Template A.

Step 2 Save and name the drawing AutoCAD 2D Workalong 07-1.
Step 3 Create layer Object, color red, as shown in Figure Step 3.
Step 4 Set layer Object as the current layer and enter the LINE and ARC commands shown
below to draw the object shown in Figure Step 4.

Specify first point: 2.5,5

Specify next point or [Undo]: @4,0
Specify next point or [Undo]:
Command: ARC
Specify start point of arc or [Center]: C
center point first.)
Specify center point of arc: 2.5,5
Specify start point of arc: @4,0
AutoCAD the start point

Command: LINE

(If possible, always draw arcs starting with the

(Enter the center point.)
(Enter the start point. Here the trick is to give

and the radius of the arc at the same time.)

Specify end point of arc or [Angle/chord Length]: A
Specify included angle: 90
(Enter the angle of the arc. In this case, it is
90 degrees.)
Command: LINE
Specify first point: 2.5,5
Specify next point or [Undo]: @0,4
Specify next point or [Undo]:
Command:

Figure Step 4
Step 5 Enter the CIRCLE commands shown below to complete the object. See Figure Step 5.
Command: CIRCLE
Specify center point for circle or [3P/2P/Ttr (tan tan radius)]: 3.5,6

(Since this is the first circle inserted, enter an absolute coordinate for the center point.)
Specify radius of circle or [Diameter]: D
(Circles are usually dimensioned with diameters rather then a radius, enter D)
Specify diameter of circle: .65
Command: CIRCLE (Press enter or space as that will repeat the last command.
Specify center point for circle or [3P/2P/Ttr (tan tan radius)]: @1,0
(Notice here, since AutoCAD always remembers the lastpoint, use an @. The lastpoint was
the center of the first circle placed.)
Specify radius of circle or [Diameter] <0.3250>: D
Specify diameter of circle <0.6500>: .75
Command: CIRCLE (Press enter or space as that will repeat the last command.
Specify center point for circle or [3P/2P/Ttr (tan tan radius)]: @0,1.5
(Again use an @ which is from the center of the last circle placed.)
Specify radius of circle or [Diameter] <0.3750>: D
Specify diameter of circle <0.7500>: 1
Command: CIRCLE (Press enter or space as that will repeat the last command and save
you entering it again.)
Specify center point for circle or [3P/2P/Ttr (tan tan radius)]: @-1,0
Specify radius of circle or [Diameter] <0.5000>: D
Specify diameter of circle <1.0000>: .5
Command:
Step 6 Save and close the drawing.

Figure Step 5

When you are drawing arcs, it

is best to specify the center
point first then the start
point. When you give the
location of the start point,
you can specify the radius and the
direction at the same time, then enter the
angle or the end point whichever is easier.
Command: ARC
Specify start point of arc or [Center]: C
Specify center point of arc: 3,4 Specify
start point of arc: @0,-2
(Specifying the radius and the direction
for the start point.)
Specify end point of arc or [Angle/chord
Length]: A
Specify included angle: 180
Command:

Using the CIRCLE Command - TTR Option

Step 1. Start a new drawing using the template Module Template A.
Step 2. Save and name the drawing AutoCAD 2D Workalong 07-2.
Step 3 Create layer Object, color red, as shown in Figure Step 3.
Step 4 Set layer Object as the current layer and enter the LINE and CIRCLE
commands shown below to draw the object shown in Figure Step 4A, 4B, 4C and
4D.
Command: LINE Specify first point: 1.25,4.5 Specify next Figure
Step 3
point or [Undo]: @6,0 Specify next point or
2.0
[Undo]: @0,4 Specify next point or
DIA.
[Close/Undo]: @-6,0 Specify next point or
[Close/Undo]: C Command: CIRCLE
Specify center point for circle or [3P/2P/Ttr
(tan tan radius)]: TTR
Specify point on object for first tangent of
circle: P1
(Using the graphic cursor, pick one of the
lines the circle is tangent to. Note how the
symbol that automatically appears. See
Figure Step 4A.)
Specify point on object for second tangent of
circle: P2 (Pick the other line.)
Specify radius of circle <0.7000>: 1 (Enter
the radius of the circle. Be careful, since
circles are usually dimensioned in diameters you will have to
divide it in half.)
Command: CIRCLE
Specify center point for circle or [3P/2P/Ttr (tan tan radius)]:
TTR Specify point on object for first tangent of circle: P3 Specify point on object
for second tangent of circle: P4 Specify radius of circle <1.0000>: 1.25
(See Figure Step 4B.)
Command

Figure Step 4B

Command: CIRCLE
Specify center point for circle or [3P/2P/Ttr (tan
tan radius)]: TTR
Specify point on object for first tangent of circle:
P5 Specify point on object for second tangent of
circle: P6 Specify radius of circle <1.2500>: 1
(See Figure Step 4C and 4D.)

Command:

Figure Step 4C

Step 5 Save and close the drawing.

'
Figure Step 4D

Completed
Drawing

D
rafti
ng
Less
on
Read
ing
Dime
nsion
s for
Circl
es
and
Arcs
When you are reading the dimensions for
circles and arcs, consider the following:
Circles are dimensioned as diameters.
For example: 2.0 DIA.

Arcs are dimensioned as radiuses.

For example: 1.5 R
When there is more than one circle of the same
diameter, they are only dimensioned once. For
example:
1. 5 DIA., 4 PLACES
Sometimes multiple arcs are dimensioned as typical
(TYP.). For example: 2.0 R TYP. Typical simply
means that there is at least one more arc of the
same size.

A useful feature in AutoCAD is the Undo/Redo

feature. You can undo all the commands in the
current drawing session. You can also reverse an
undo with a redo. To undo the last command, use
the U command and to redo an undo, use the
REDO command. There are icons on the Standard toolbar to help
you undo and redo.

MUST
KNOW

Command: U
Line
Command: REDO
Line

For 2000-2002 Users

You can use the U command to undo as many commands as you
wish but the REDO command must be executed before any other
commands are entered or it will not work. Redo will only undo
the last undo.

The Key Principles in Module 7

2.

AutoCAD always draws arcs counterclockwise.

3.

When you are drawing arcs, it is best to specify the center point first then the start
point, which sets the radius, and then an angle or the endpoint.

4.

An useful feature in AutoCAD is the Undo/Redo feature. You can undo all the commands
in the current drawing session. You can also reverse an undo with a redo.

Lab Exercise 7-1

Time Allowed: 30 Min.

Drawing Specifications

Name
AutoCAD 2D Lab 07-1

Template
Module Template A

Units
Inches

Text Style
N/A

Font
N/A

Note: Color, Linetype, and Lineweight are all ' ByLayer ' unless otherwise instructed.
Layering Scheme
Objects on Layer

Name

Color

Linetype

Lineweight

All Objects

Object

Red

Continuous

Default

Instructions:
1.
Start a new drawing using the template shown above.
2.
Save and name the drawing with the name shown above.
3.
Setup the layers using the Layering Scheme shown above.
4.
Draw the object shown below using the layering scheme above. In
this
drawing, all objects should be on layer Object and display red.
5.
Check your drawing with the key. The key name is the same as the
drawing
name shown above. If you have trouble doing this, redo Module 3.
6.
If you have any errors, correct your drawing.
7.
Turn layer Key off.
8.
Save and close

the drawing.
ompleted
Drawing
C

Construction Technique
The following steps are the construction technique suggested by the author to help you learn
how to construct objects using AutoCAD. It is only the suggested method and if you can
complete the drawing accurately using a different construct technique, that is what is
important. You may want to compare your construction technique with the authors.

Construction Hints
Do your best to complete the lab exercise drawing without using the following hint(s). If you get
stuck and can't complete it on your own, use the following hint(s) to help you.
Hint 1
See Figure Hint 1.

4.5-1-0,75=5,25
7.0-0.75=6.25

Lab Exercise 7-2

Time Allowed: 30 Min.

Drawing Specifications

Name
AutoCAD 2D Lab 07-2

Template
Module Template A4

Units
Millimeters

Text Style
N/A

Font
N/A

Note: Color, Linetype, and Lineweight are all < ByLayer < unless otherwise instructed.
Layering Scheme
Objects on Layer

Name

Color

Linetype

Lineweight

All Objects

Object

Red

Continuous

Default

Instructions:
1.
Start a new drawing using the template shown above.
2.
Save and name the drawing with the name shown above.
3.
Setup the layers using the Layering Scheme shown above.
4.
Draw the object shown below using the layering scheme above. In this
drawing, all objects should be on layer Object and display red.
5.
Check your drawing with the key. The key name is the same as the
drawing
name shown above. If you have trouble doing this, redo Module 3.
6.
If you have any errors, correct your drawing.
7.
Turn layer Key off.
8.
Save and close the drawing.

Completed
Drawing

Construction Techniques
The following steps are the construction technique suggested by the author to help you learn how
to construct objects using AutoCAD. It is only the suggested method and if you can complete the
drawing accurately using a different construct technique, that is what is important. You may want
to compare your construction technique with the authors.

(T%
STEP 1

r\

STEP 2

y
STEP 7

STEP 8

STEP 3
O0O0

lJ
STEP 9

fS
STEP 4

ffr\

OO

oo

u
STEP 10

STEP 5

STEP 6

O0O0

lJ
STEP 11

STEP 12

Construction Hints
Do your best to complete the lab exercise drawing without using
the following hint(s). If you get stuck and can't complete it on
your own, use the following hint(s) to help you.
Hint 1
Command: C
CIRCLE Specify center point for circle or [3P/2P/Ttr (tan tan
radius)]: 85,170
Specify radius of circle or [Diameter]: D
Figure Hint1
Specify diameter of circle: 10 Command: C
CIRCLE Specify center point for circle or [3P/2P/Ttr (tan tan radius)]: @40,0 Specify radius of circle
or [Diameter] <5.0000>:
Command: C
CIRCLE Specify center point for circle or [3P/2P/Ttr (tan tan radius)]: @0,20 Specify radius of circle or
[Diameter] <5.0000>:
Command: C
CIRCLE Specify center point for circle or [3P/2P/Ttr (tan tan radius)]: @-40,0
Specify radius of circle or [Diameter] <5.0000>:
Command:
Hint 2
See Figure Hint 2.
Figure Hint 2