16pwciv4705 Rahim Ullah Sec a Final Lab Report

Name: RAHIM ULLAH
Lab Course Title: Engineering Drawing and CAD Lab

Lab Course Code: ME-104L
Semester: 2nd Semester (Spring 2021)
Registration No. 16PWCIV4705
Lab Report
Engineering Drawing & CAD Lab
Department of Civil Engineering
Submitted to:
Engr. Asim Ahmad Riaz
RAHIM ULLAH
University of Engineering & Technology, Peshawar
Dated: 10/04/2021
Lab Practice # 01
Introduction to Engineering Drawing and CAD, AutoCAD interface and

practicing Basic commands
Objectives:
i. Installation of AutoCAD 2020.
ii. Introduction to Engineering Drawing and CAD, Graphical User Interface (GUI) and general commands,
setting up drawing sheet, Units & toolbars
iii. To introduce the interface of AutoCAD 2020 and discuss the importance of interface.
iv. To elaborate the interface of AutoCAD 2020, different zooming options and basic drawing commands
Topic Covered:
a) Introduction to AutoCAD
b) Introduction to Engineering Drawing and CAD
c) CAD Software, Advantage and Limitations
d) AutoCAD interface and Graphical Screen
e) Entities, Command Entry methods, Putting User interface to works, Opening, Saving, and Printing drawing,
Adding tool bars / Setting toolbars for quick use
f) Zoom command and zooming options, Pan command, Setting up drawing Sheet and units,
Theoretical Description:
1.1 Introduction to CAD:

 The Word AutoCAD is made up of two words “Auto (logo of company)” and CAD “(computer aided
designing/drafting)”.
 AutoCAD is a CAD (Computer Aided Design or Computer Aided Drafting) software application for 2D
and 3D design and drafting. It is developed and sold by Autodesk, Inc. First released in December 1982,
AutoCAD was one of the first CAD programs to run on personal computers.
 Computer Aided Drawing /Drafting is a process of preparing a drawing of an object on the screen of a
computer.
 AutoCAD is a Computer Aided Design (CAD) program used by just about every Engineering and Design
office in the world. Although there are alternative CAD packages, AutoCAD is by far the most widely
used system. Autodesk's AutoCAD is the industry leader in CAD packages. Used by Civil Engineers,
Architects, Mechanical and Electrical Engineers, Aeronautical Engineers plus many other disciplines.
 The most important difference between CAD drawings and other computer graphics is the way the
drawing is saved and used.
 Computer images (non CAD images) are bitmaps. Bitmaps are a grid made up of thousands of dots.
Bitmap images lend themselves to computers because the monitor screens and printers already talk the
language of bitmaps, a map made up of tiny bits.
 The CAD drawing, however, is like a pencil drawing made up of lots of lines. This is a vector image. Each
line in the vector drawing is a mathematical curve.
 When you click the mouse to start and finish a line, the resulting line becomes a mathematical formula
with a point of beginning, an end point, a thickness, a color, and a style (dashed, solid, dotted etc).
 Transys etc.
Engineering Drawing and CAD Lab ME-104L Page # 2

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1.2 Introduction to AutoCAD:

 AutoCAD is basically the combination of two words:
 Auto means “Automatic” (Logo of the company) and CAD means “Computer aided Drafting/Design”.
AutoCAD is a commercial computer aided designing and drafting application which is developed and
marketed by “AUTODESK”, which is an American multinational corporation, founded in 1982, by John
Walker, who was the coauthor of the first version of AutoCAD.
 Computer aided drafting/design is the process of preparing a drawing of an object on the computer screen.
There are various types of drawings in different fields of engineering and sciences. In the field of civil
engineering, plans and layouts of the buildings are prepared. In the field of electrical engineering, the layouts
of power distribution system are prepared. In all fields of engineering use of computer is made for drawing
and drafting. AutoCAD is a general-purpose computer aided drafting / design application program.
 It was initially developed in the early 1980's by Autodesk Inc., California.
 AutoCAD is an interactive drawing system designed to permit a user to construct or edit a drawing on a
graphics display screen.
 It is, by many estimations, the largest program in terms of computer code ever written for a personal computer.
 AutoCAD is a relatively easy program to use after you understand a few basics.
 AutoCAD provides a set of entities for constructing your drawing. An entity is a drawing element such as a
line, circle, or text string.
 Up until Release 10, AutoCAD was essentially a two-dimensional (2D) drawing system.
 Following that release, it now supports a full three-dimensional (3D) database.
 This has had the effect that the features of AutoCAD that support two-dimensional drawing are fully self-
contained and can still be used as a 2D system without being concerned with its 3D features.
 From release 11 onwards, AutoCAD has provided an extension package called AME (Advanced Modelling
Extension) which provides 3D solid modelling capabilities - these allow you to form complex solid objects by
adding, subtracting and intersecting a set of simple solid primitives (such as, boxes, cone, cylinders, spheres,
etc.).
 In this course we will first focus on the 2D drafting aspects of AutoCAD and then will switch to 3D modeling.

The use of CAD process provides enhanced graphics capabilities which allows any designer to;
 Conceptualize his ideas

 Modify the design very easily
 Perform animation
 Make design calculations
 Use colors, fonts and other aesthetic features.
Figure 1. AutoCAD Software history and versions Development

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1.2.1 Reasons for implementing a CAD system:

1. Increases the productivity of the designer: CAD improves the productivity of the designer to visualize the
product and its component, parts and reduces the time required in synthesizing, analyzing and documenting
the design
2. Improves the quality of the design: CAD system improves the quality of the design. A CAD system permits
a more detailed engineering analysis and a larger number of design alternatives can be investigated. The design
errors are also reduced because of the greater accuracy provided by the system
3. Improves communication: It improves the communication in design. The use of a CAD system provides better
engineering drawings, more standardization in the drawing, and better documentation of the design, few
drawing errors and legibility.
4. Create data base for manufacturing: In the process of creating the documentation for these products, much of
the required data base to manufacture the products is also created.
5. Improves the efficiency of the design: It improves the efficiency of the design process and the wastage at the
design stage can be reduced.
1.2.2 Applications of CAD:

6. There are various processes which can be performed by use of computer in the drafting process.
7. Automated drafting: This involves the creation of hard copy engineering drawings directly from CAD data
base. Drafting also includes features like automatic dimensioning, generation of cross – hatched areas, scaling
of the drawing and the capability to develop sectional views and enlarged views in detail. It has ability to
perform transformations of images and prepare 3D drawings like isometric views, perspective views etc.,
8. Geometric modeling: concerned with the computer compatible mathematical description of the geometry of
an object. The mathematical description allows the image of an object to be displayed and manipulated on a
graphics terminal through signals from the CPU of the CAD system. The software that provides geometric
modeling capabilities must be designed for efficient use both by computer and the human designer.
1.3 Drawing and Engineering Drawing:

Engineering drawing generally means technical drawings made by engineers and drafters intended for
construction or manufacturing. Years ago they were done by pencil on a drafting table, but now engineering
drawings are done on a computer using CAD (Computer Aided Design) software.
A drawing of an object that contains all information -like actual shape, accurate size, manufacturing methods,
etc., required for its construction. No construction/manufacturing of any (man -made) engineering objects is
possible without engineering drawing.
Example of engineering is given on the next page:

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This is an example of Engineering Drawing.
Drawing:
The word drawing usually implies any kind of sketch or artistic representation done by hand on paper, although a
computer could also be used, or simply the graphical representation of an object is called Drawing.
Example:

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1.4 History:
The following table summarizes the version history of the AutoCAD software application.
Official name Version Date of release
AutoCAD Version 2.6 2.6 1987, April

AutoCAD Version 2.5 2.5 1986, June
AutoCAD Version 2.1 2.1 1985, May
AutoCAD Version 2.0 2.0 1984, October
AutoCAD Version 1.4 1.4 1983, October
AutoCAD Version 1.3 1.3 1983, August
AutoCAD Version 1.2 1.2 1983, April
AutoCAD Version 1.0 1.0 1982, December
AutoCAD Release 14 14.0 1997, February
AutoCAD Release 13 13.0 1994, November
AutoCAD Release 12 12.0 1992, June
AutoCAD Release 11 11.0 1990, October
AutoCAD Release 10 10.0 1988, October
AutoCAD Release 9 9.0 1987, September
AutoCAD 2021 24.0 2020, March 25
AutoCAD 2020 23.1 2019, March 27
AutoCAD 2019 23.0 2018, March 22
AutoCAD 2018 22.0 2017, March 21
AutoCAD 2017 21.0 2016, March 21
AutoCAD 2016 20.1 2015, March 23
AutoCAD 2015 20.0 2014, March 27
AutoCAD 2014 19.1 2013, March 26
AutoCAD 2013 19.0 2012, March 27
AutoCAD 2012 18.2 2011, March 22
AutoCAD 2011 18.1 2010, March 25
AutoCAD 2010 18.0 2009, March 24
AutoCAD 2009 17.2 2008, March
AutoCAD 2002 15.2 2001, June
AutoCAD 2000i 15.1 2000, July
From release 11, onward AutoCAD has provided an extension package Called Advanced Modeling Extension which
provides 3D solid modelling capabilities.

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1.5 Advantage and Limitations:

1.5.1 Advantages of CAD:
 The implementation of the CAD system provides variety of benefits to the industries in design and production
as given below:
 Improved productivity in drafting
 Shorter preparation time for drawing
 Reduced man power requirement
 Customer modifications in drawing are easier
 More efficient operation in drafting
 Low wastage in drafting
 Minimized transcription errors in drawing
 Improved accuracy of drawing
 Assistance in preparation of documentation
 Better designs can be evolved
 Revisions are possible
 Colors can be used to customize the product
 Production of orthographic projections with dimensions and tolerances
 Hatching of all sections with different filling patterns
 Preparation of assembly or sub assembly drawings
 Preparation of part list
 Machining and tolerance symbols at the required surfaces
 Hydraulic and pneumatic circuit diagrams with symbols
 Printing can be done to any scale
1.5.2 LIMITATIONS OF CAD

 32 – bit word computer is necessary because of large amount of computer memory and time
 The size of the software package is large
 Skill and judgment are required to prepare the drawing
 Huge investment
1.6 CAD SOFTWARES

The software is an interpreter or translator which allows the user to perform specific type of application or job related
to CAD. The following software’s are available for drafting.
1) AutoCAD
2) Pro-E
3) CATiA
4) Ansys
5) MSC.Nastran
6) IDEAS
7) solid works
8) Hyper mesh
9) Fluent-Gambit Figure 2. CAD software’s
The above software is used depending upon their application.
Auto CAD package is suitable for accurate and perfect drawings of engineering designs. The drawing of machine
parts, isometric views and assembly drawings are possible in AutoCAD. The package is suitable for 2D and 3D
drawings.

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1.7 Entities (Objects)

 Every object within an AutoCAD drawing is composed of one or more drawing entities.
 Entities are the basic parts from which all complex objects within a drawing are created.
 Each AutoCAD drawing command creates a specific entity type.
 The modifying/editing commands simply manipulate the entities that you have previously placed in the
drawing, scaling them, copying them, or combining them to create a finished drawing.
 The AutoCAD program works with 17 different entity types.
 All objects in a drawing consist of combinations of one or more of the following entities: Arcs, Points, Lines,
Circles, Blocks, Polylines, Text, and Attributes etc.
1.8 Installation of AutoCAD 2020.

Step 1.
First you have to download AutoCAD 2020 from TORRENT File Using uTorrent or Bit Torrent.
After Downloading TORRENT File, You Have to Double click on Torrent file. Torrent file open in uTorrent
or Bit Torrent whatever software you are using. After opening of torrent software, you Have to select file
location to download & Then click on Ok the DOWNLOADING FILE SIZE AROUND 13GB. It takes some
time to Download Depending on your internet speed.
Before installing AutoCAD 2020 you have to Disable Antivirus from your system.
Step 2.
Now you see the folder Name “Autodesk AutoCAD 2020 (x64) Incl Keygen [AndroGalaxy]”.
Open the Folder & you can see 2 Folder 1) AutoCAD_2020_English_win_64bit_dlm.zip
 Keygen.zip
 Both are Zip file.
Now Right click on “AutoCAD_2020_English_win_64bit_dlm.zip” And select Extract
AutoCAD_2020_English_win_64bit_dlm, as shown in the Screenshot:

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Now right click on “Keygen.zip” And Select Extract Keygen.
Now you can see 2 Folder 1) AutoCAD_2020_English_win_64bit_dlm

Keygen
Now open “AutoCAD_2020_English_win_64bit_dlm” folder & You can see the Autocad
Application File.
Now double clock on AutoCAD_2020_English_win_64bit_dlm Application File.

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Click On Install
Select File location & Click on Install.
Installation Process is start.

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Its take some Time to install.
Step 3.
Now we have To Activate AutoCAD 2020
After install Click on launch now. Then select single user & click On Enter serial Number.
Now “Autodesk Licensing - Activation Option” Page open & keep on background. (Do not close)
Now you have to open “Keygen” Folder.

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Double click on “Autodesk 2020 Keymaker”

The message show Related to malware. Click on “run Away”.
2
Autodesk 2020 Application is open.
Now click on “Autodesk Licensing - Activation Option” & Autodesk 2020 Application At some time. Show
in Image.
Fill serial Key & product key and click on next.

Serial Number:-666-69696969
Product key:-001L1
After click on next you can see “Autodesk licensing Activation option” Page.
Select I Have Activation Code & click on next.

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Now in “Autodesk licensing Activation option” Page You can see the “request code” Copy Request Code.
After copy request code past this code On Autodesk 2020. In Request & then click on Generate.
After Clicking on generate The Activation Code generate in front Of Activation in Autodesk 2020. Copy the
Activation code.
Now past this Code on Blank Space on “Autodesk Licensing - Activation Option” page.

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After Past This code click on Next.

After click on Next your AutoCAD 2020 is activated.
Now you can see activation Message in your Email address which you have given.

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2.1 AutoCAD Interface:

Understanding the user interface:
AutoCAD 2020, just like its predecessors, has a ribbon view with panels and tabs. You can launch the AutoCAD
software using its icon on the desktop you will see an interface like this:
Figure 3: The start screen of AutoCAD

Here, we have three columns:
 Get Started
 Recent Documents
 Notifications
Get Started has all the options you will need to start a new drawing or open an existing one. The Recent Documents
column shows a list of all the recently opened drawings and you can use this tab to directly open any drawing. The
Notifications column has information related to your account, such as an update notification and A360 account
notifications. A360 is the cloud-based storage provided by Autodesk with an AutoCAD subscription and apart from
cloud storage, you also get many other features, such as collaboration, markups, and rendering, on the A360 cloud
account.
To start a blank drawing template, click on the Start Drawing box in the Start tab. clicking on this box launches the
default template listed under the Templates list. By default,
 acad.dwt or
 acadiso.dwt
Template will be used to open the drawing. These templates contain settings such as units, limits, and precision and
at this point, selecting any of these templates won't make a difference as we will learn about making templates and
using them in drawings later in this book:

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Figure 4: The Templates list in the Start Drawing tab
Main features of Autodesk AutoCAD are:

 3D Modeling and Visualization.
 Photorealistic Rendering.
 Solid, Surface and Mesh Modeling.
 Visual Styles.
 PDF and DGN Import/Export/Underlay.
 Section Planes.
 3D Scanning and Point Clouds.
 3D Navigation.

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So, when the blank drawing loads up, your interface will look similar to the start screen, but this time with an active
ribbon and blank drawing area. Let's talk about all the components in this workspace:
Figure 5: The AutoCAD 2021 user interface
The user interface parts are labeled in figure 5, and here is a short description of each of the parts mentioned in this
screenshot.
 The application button:
Clicking on this big “A” icon will open a menu with options to open an existing drawing; open a new
template; save, print, or export drawings; and other common options.
Figure 6: The application button
 The quick access toolbar:

This toolbar contains most of the frequently used tools from the application button. To add or remove an
option from the quick access toolbar, simply click on the arrow pointing downward at the end of the
toolbar and check or uncheck the option you want to keep or hide:
Figure 7: The quick access toolbar

The quick access toolbar contains tools such as open, save, plot, layer, workspace, sheet set manager,
properties, and the menu bar. Some of these tools are also available in the application menu of AutoCAD.

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 The info bar:

In the input field of the info bar, which reads Type a keyword or phrase, you can type the name of any
command or tool to get more information about it. Simply type the name of the command and hit the
Enter key to get the help file related to the command. You need to be connected to the internet in order to
use this feature. This bar also contains other features, such as your sign-in account, access to the Autodesk
app store, and more help options.
 The ribbon area:

The ribbon area contains all the tools and commands properly arranged into different tabs and panels.
Home, Insert, Annotate, Parametric, and so on are the tabs in which different panels are placed in a
meaningful order. For example, the Home tab contains the Draw and Modify panels, which in turn contain
most of the frequently used commands:
File tabs
Ribbon panel
Figure 8: Tabs and panels in the AutoCAD ribbon area
Similarly, other less frequently used panels and subsequently, the commands, are in other tabs, such as the
Parametric or Express Tools tabs, which are other tabs found in the ribbon area.
The panels and tabs are not permanent and you can hide or reveal them by simply right-clicking on any
panel. To hide or show any tab, just right-click on any panel and go to the Show Tabs option. Then, check
the tab that you want to show; or similarly, to hide any tab, repeat the same process and uncheck the tab
from the right-hand side context menu:
Figure 9: The Show Tabs and Panels options

To hide or show any panel of a tab, just go to the tab and right-click on any of its panels, then right-click and
go to the Show Panels option and check or uncheck the panels that you want to show or hide.

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 The file tabs:

The file tabs show the drawing files that are open in the current session of AutoCAD. You can open as many
file tabs as you want and to open any new blank drawing, you can click on the + icon right next to the last
file tab:
Read only file New blank Drawing
Figure 10: The file tab options
The padlock icon in a file tab indicates that the file is read-only and you can only view that kind of file and not
modify it. Hovering the cursor over any open tab also shows the thumbnail preview of the drawing. To open
the drawing of the selected tab, simply click on the thumbnail that shows up on the cursor.
 The View Cube and navigation bar:

The View Cube is an AutoCAD-only tool and is not available in AutoCAD LT, whereas the navigation bar is
available in both AutoCAD and LT, but in LT, it is somewhat limited in features. If you don’t see the View
Cube, simply go to the top left of the display area and click on the – sign and select View Cube and Navigation
Bar:
Figure 11: The View Cube and Navigation Bar options

This — sign won’t show up on AutoCAD LT, but you can use the NAVBAR command to turn it on or off.
 The selection cursor:

This is the cursor that shows up on the AutoCAD screen it is basically two perpendicular lines with a small
cube at the center of the intersection of the lines. This is the default state of the cursor and depending on
the selection, your cursor might look different and sometimes additional icons will also show next to the
cursor. These are the three most basic cursor modes; we will discuss the other cursor modes in this book as
and when needed:
Default Cursor Point selection Cursor Object selection Cursor

Figure 12: The different cursor modes

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The Default cursor type appears when none of the commands are active, so essentially, the first cursor type
is visible in the default state of AutoCAD. When you activate a command where you need to select a precise
point, the second cursor—Point Selection—appears, which just two mutually perpendicular lines is
intersecting at the midpoints. The Object Selection cursor will be visible when a command where object
selection is required is active.
No matter which of the cursors shown in the preceding figure is active, if you want to return to the default
state of the cursor, then simply press the Esc key on your keyboard. You can press the Esc key multiple times
and it won't affect the default state of your cursor.
 The command line/palette

Just at the bottom of the drawing area, you will see the command line or command palette. In this book, I
will refer to it as the command line. All your typed commands will show up in this command line; you don't
need to click on the command line to start typing any AutoCAD command, just start typing without selecting
anything and the input will be added to the command line directly.
In its default state, the command line will show the Type a command message and when you select any
command, it will show the name of the command and, next, a set of instructions in the command line, as in
the following screenshot:
Default state of the command line
Command line with active LINE Command
Figure 13: The different states of the command line

If for some reason you don't see the command line, then press the Ctrl + 9 keys to turn it on; you can press
the Ctrl + 9 keys again to hide the command line. This command line is like a floating palette and you can
even resize it or move it around in the drawing area. You can see a list of previously entered commands in
the command line by pressing the F2 function key.
 The user coordinate system

The user coordinate system (UCS) shows the X, Y, and Z directions of the Cartesian coordinate system in the
drawing area. Usually, the UCS will be visible at the bottom-left corner of the drawing area:
Figure 14: The UCS with an X and Y axis

In the default state of the 2D workspace, the UCS will only show the X and Y axis; the Z axis, which points
outward from the AutoCAD screen, will not be visible. The point of intersection of the X and Y coordinates in
this UCS is the origin, or (0, 0) point.

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 The layout tabs

The layout tabs are like the sheets of your drawing on which you can arrange different views of the drawing
and finally plot multiple sheets. For example, if you have a house plan in a model space where the floor plan,
elevations, section, and detail drawings are all made in the model space, then you can use the layout tabs to
place them separately on different sheets, such as a layout for plan view, another for all elevations, and
another for all detail drawings. By default, the Model tab will be active and for the most part of this book, we
will work inside the Model tab. We will learn about layouts in Chapter 15, Paper Space Layouts and Printing,
of this book.
 The status bar toggles

The options in the status bar help in making precise drawings. The tools in the status bar, such as Object Snap,
help you to select precise points, such as the midpoint and endpoints of any geometry, and tools such as
polar and Ortho mode help you to make lines that are inclined at any angle or horizontal and vertical lines.
The toggles on the status bar can be turned on by clicking on them once, and similarly, clicking on them again
turns them off. Most of the status bar tools have their function key shortcuts as well and you can see the
function key shortcut of any status bar option by hovering your cursor over it:
Figure 15: The status bar toggles with customization option
Not all of the status bar options are visible in the status bar and to make the options visible or hide them, use
the customization option, which looks like three lines at the end of the status bar. Just click on the three lines,
shown in the red circle highlighted in figure 15, and check the options you want to show on the status bar and
uncheck the ones you want to hide. We will learn more about the status bar options later in this report.
So, now that you are familiar with the user interface.
 Menu bar: Contains the menus

 Toolbars: Contain tools, represented by icons, that start commands
 Cursor menu: Display a menu at cursor location.
 Crosshairs: Controlled by pointing device (a mouse)
 Drawing window / Model space / workspace: Where AutoCAD displays your drawing and where you work
on your drawing
 Command window: Where commands are entered from keyboard and AutoCAD displays prompts and
messages.
 Text window: Displays a history of the commands and options you have entered.
 Status bar: Displays the coordinate location of your crosshairs and the current setting of grid, snap, and other
drawing aids.

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Practice Session of this Lab

Practice Session includes the following;
 Installation of AutoCAD 2020.

 Why AutoCAD 2007, 2009!
 Launching AutoCAD and its setting for 2D drawing
 Graphical Screen and Menus
 Changing background color / Model space color
 Cursor pointer and Cross hair, Change its size
 Accessing Commands and Tools in AutoCAD
 File browser or Menu bar Tabs
 From Ribbon, Panels and Tools
 From Command Prompt Area (Type, cancel and repeat)
 Understanding Model Space
 Loading or Adding tool bars / Setting toolbars for quick use (Docked and Floated Toolbar) and Adding Palettes
 New, Opening, Saving, and Printing drawing
 Status bar Tabs
 Saving your workspace / Setting unit system and limits
 Online Help
 To elaborate the interface of AutoCAD 2020, different zooming options and basic drawing commands.

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Dated: 20/04/2021
Lab Practice # 02
Introduction to AutoCAD basics, Status bar, coordinate systems,

dimension style manager and User coordinate system
Objectives:
• Introduction to AutoCAD basics
• Open new drawing, open existing drawing, saving an existing drawing, saving multiple copies
• AutoCAD file Extension Include .dwg, .dws, .dxf (Drawing Interchange Format), .dwt and .bak (drawing
backup), dws (drawing standards), .dwt (drawing template) and .sv$ (temporary automatic save)
• Zoom, Pan, Regen, Regen All
• Unit setting and display detail of each entity drawn
• Dimension Style manager (Dim line, Ext line, symbol and arrows, text format etc.)
• Opening multiple drawing simultaneously (Copy entitles from one drawing into another)
• Switching btw drawing windows
• Saving a Template, setting a default template, switching from imperial to Metric
• Status bar tabs which include;
Snap, Grid, Ortho, Polar, Osnap, Otrack, Dyn.
• Properties and Tool Palette
• AutoCAD Coordinate system:
 Absolute Coordinate System
 Relative Coordinate System
 Polar Coordinate System
• Selection Window using Mouse (From Right to Left & Left to Right)
• Blue grip & size (stretch, lengthen)
Topic Covered:
a. Introduction to AutoCAD basics
b. Tools for moving/navigating around the drawing area.
c. Commands:
 Zoom command
 PAN command
 Regen All
d. Setting up your own template.
 Setting new sheet
 Setting drawing units
 Setting drawing limits
e. Working with Dimension style manager
f. Switching among open AutoCAD drawings
g. Saving a templet, setting a default template, switching from imperial to Metric
h. Properties Palette and Design Centre
i. Type of Coordinate system in AutoCAD
j. Playing with status bar tabs, i.e. Snap, Grid, Ortho, Polar, Osnap, Otrack, Dyn.

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1.1 Introduction:
Entities are the basic building blocks of all AutoCAD drawings. Once drawn, entities can be Manipulated and changed
in various ways to suit the needs of the draftsman or designer. Various Commands are used for that purpose.
Generally, once AutoCAD prompting methods and the function of each command is understood, the operation of each
of these commands is fairly self-evident.
There are extensive help facilities in AutoCAD (accessed by the command HELP) that can be explored in order to
discover more of its features. During the operation of any command, you are able to get help on that specific command
by typing ‘HELP (the apostrophe is part of the syntax. it means the command is “transparent” and can be executed
within another command sequence).
1.2 Navigating around the drawing

In order to work effectively and precisely, you must be able to navigate around the drawing by controlling what is
displayed on your screen. Sometimes it is necessary to zoom in close to your drawing to do detailed work, whereas at
other times you might need to zoom out to see the big picture. If you are zoomed in close, but the portion of the drawing
you need to work on next is off the edge of the screen so it is not visible, you need to be able to shift the display to view
that area of the drawing. In AutoCAD this is referred to as panning.
The easiest way to navigate around the drawing is using the Pan and Zoom tools located on the navigation bar shown
in Figure 16.
Selecting the Pan tool changes the cursor to a little hand icon that you click and drag in the drawing window to shift
your display. If necessary, you can click and drag repeatedly until you reach the desired location in the drawing. When
you reach the area of the drawing you want to display, press the <Enter> or <Esc> key to exit.
Navigation Bar
Pan tool
Zoom extents
Zoom Menu
Figure16: The Pan and Zoom tools on the navigation bar
There are a number of Zoom tools to select from. The default Zoom tool is Zoom Extents, which is explained next.
Clicking on the down arrow at the bottom of the Zoom Extents button displays the shortcut menu shown in Figure:
17 with all of the different Zoom tools.

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FIGURE: 17 The Zoom tools

Some of the more useful Zoom tools include:
 Zoom Extents Displays everything visible in your drawing by fitting the outermost extents of your drawing
information within the AutoCAD drawing window. Good command to use if you “lose” your work off the
screen and you want to get it back
 Zoom Window Allows you to define a rectangular window area to zoom in on by specifying two corner points
of a boundary area
 Zoom Previous Restores the previous pan/zoom display so you can back up through your pan/zoom history.
It DOES NOT undo any other commands; it affects only the display. AutoCAD keeps track of up to 10 previous
views
 Zoom Real-time Changes the cursor to a magnifying glass icon with a plus/minus sign indicating that you can
click and drag the mouse up the screen to zoom in closer to the drawing, and click and drag the mouse down
the screen to zoom out farther from the drawing
 Zooming with a Wheel Mouse If you use a wheel mouse with your computer, AutoCAD will make use of
the scroll wheel. When you scroll the wheel up and down, AutoCAD will zoom in and out, respectively. The
zoom will be centered about the location of the cursor. Pressing and holding down the scroll wheel allows you
to dynamically pan around the drawing.
Note: Using the scroll wheel is a system behavior and not technically a command. Because of this, you can use the
dynamic zoom and pan of the scroll wheel at any time during the drawing process, even while in the middle of a
command.

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1.3 Regen all command:

If you have worked on large drawings or have had to zoom in and out a lot you may have noticed that curved objects
like circles and arcs appear blocky or look more like polygons rather than circles. Don’t worry, you have options to
fix this.
Method: 1 Set the system variable WHIPARC to a value of <1> this variable determines if curved objects is
displayed as a smooth curve or as a series of “vectors” Setting this variable to <o> (zero) turns off the smooth curves.
After setting the WHIPARC Variable, do a REGEN – RE <enter>
Method: 2 Set the “View Resolution” in the Options Dialog box.

Open the “Options Dialog” by either entering OP <enter> or by a right clicking the drawing area and selecting
“Options”. Click on the “Display” tab. In the “Display Resolution” area of this tab, set the value of the “circle and arc
smoothness” to a value of up to 20,000 (same as above)
When you are finished, click OK

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Limit: 20,000
1.4 Setting up your own template.

1.4.1 Setting new sheet
Press (cntrl+N) or from menu you can also select and setup your own new drawing as shown in the below figure:

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1.4.2 Setting drawing units

Typing ‘un’ in command prompt area and then pressing enter. A dialog box appears where units can be selected.]

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Now how to check the area, parameters, coordinates and many more details about an entity or object.
GO to Tools and then perform the same procedure as shown in the screenshots.

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1.4.3 Setting drawing limits

For example to set the screen for A3 size (420x297),
Following steps are to be carried out:
 Command: limits (Enter)
 ON/OFF/ lower left corner 0.000, 0.000 or current: (Enter)
 Upper right corner 12.000, 9.000: 420,297 (Enter)
This will set the drawing screen of A3 size.
Don’t forget to apply “Zoom All” command after setting drawing limits and units.
1.5 Working with Dimension style manager

Command: D (Enter) then click on new and name it according to your own choice then click continue.

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The Dimension Style Manager is used to create, modify, override, and compare the new styles and dimensions in
AutoCAD. The Standard dimension style is considered as the default dimension style. To open the Dimension Style
Manager,
 Type D or DIMSTY on the command line or command prompt and press Enter.
The dialog box will appear, as shown below:
++ Vs Java
The properties given on the right side of the Dimension Style Manager are listed below:
Set Current: It applies the current style to the dimensions created by us. The selected style will be set as the current
style.
New: It is used to create a new dimension style. The steps to create a new dimension style are listed below:
1. Click on the 'New' button.
A dialog box will appear, which will look like the below image:

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2. Specify the New Style Name and click on the Continue button. A dialog box will appear, as shown below:
The top row marked consists of the different characteristics of Dimensions. We can modify the values accordingly. We
need to click on the OK and Close to apply the dimensions on the drawing.
Modify: The modify option will open the modification dialog box, which is the same as the New Dimension Style
dialog box. Here, we can modify the different characteristics of dimensions, according to the requirements.
 To modify the size of the arrow,

Click on the 'Symbols and Arrows' option, which will modify the value below the Arrow size, as shown below:

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 To modify the text size,

Click on the 'Text' option and modify the value in front of the Text Height, as shown below:

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 To change the Units type and the precision value,

Click on the 'Primary Units' option, modify the value in front of the Precision and Unit Format, as shown below:

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The precision format is shown in the below image:
The dimensions will be rounded to the specified precision value.
Override: The dimension styles displayed in the override section are considered as the unsaved changes. It is used to
set provisional overrides to the dimension styles. The override option will open the Override Current Style dialog box,
which is the same as the New Dimension Style dialog box.
Compare: The compare option can be used to list all the properties or compare the dimension styles. It is also used to
compare two dimension styles.

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The dimension styles that are already created can be compared. When we click on the compare button, a dialog box
will appear. It is shown below:
1.6 Switching among windows/opening AutoCAD drawings

You may have several drawings open at one time and want to switch between/among them. AutoCAD gives
you several methods to do so. I can think of four.
1) Use the Windows taskbar:
The Windows taskbar can show a separate button for each drawing. The system variable for this is,
appropriately enough, TASKBAR. When set to 1, you’ll see a separate button for each drawing. Then
you can easily click the drawing you want to display it. In Windows 7, the default value for TASKBAR
is 1. However, in earlier versions of Windows, the default is 0, so you need to change the value if you
want separate buttons. Just type taskbar, press Enter, type 1, and press Enter again.
2) Press Ctrl + Tab:

Just press Ctrl + Tab to cycle among your drawings.
3) Application button list of open drawings:

Click the Application button at the upper-left corner of your screen. By default, you see a list of recent
drawings. Click the Open Documents icon to see a list of open drawings and choose the one you want to
display.

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1.7 Saving a templet, Setting a default template, Switching from imperial to Metric
When you make your own templet means setting units and limits and other settings like adding some tool bars
means after preparing a templet according to my requirement and then saving this templet for future use
perform the following as shown:

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This is how you can save your own pre-defined templet as per your requirement. In option command you can also add
password to your file in “open and save”
Setting a default template, switching from imperial to Metric:

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Now click on apply and then OK, so your templet is saved as a default switched from imperial to Metric.

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1.8 Properties Palette and Design Centre
The Properties palette is displayed and lists the properties of the selected objects. When more than one object is selected,
only those properties common to all selected objects are displayed. When no objects are selected, only the current
settings of general properties are displayed.

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1.9 Type of Coordinate system in AutoCAD

1.9.1 Cartesian coordinate system
The word “Cartesian” comes from the philosopher Descartes, who came up with the idea. One day Descartes
was staring at a fly on the floor. It occurred to him that he could describe the fly’s location floor by noting its
distance from two of the walls.
In this example, the floor is a coordinate plane.

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Note the UCS icon. It is composed of stubs sticking out in the x-direction, the y-direction, and, the z-direction. The z-
direction is hidden if you are working in 2D, but you can think of it as coming out of the page (or monitor, I
suppose). The place where the stubs intersect is called the origin.
If you imagine the x-stub extending out indefinitely, this is the x-axis. If you imagine the y-stub extending out
indefinitely, this is the y-axis. Any point along the floor can be given as (x, y), where x is a distance along the x-axis,
and y is a distance along the y-axis.
 Conventionally, the x-axis is horizontal, with positive number signifying a move to the right, and a negative
number signifying a move to the left.
 Conventionally, the y-axis is vertical, with positive numbers signifying a move up, and negative numbers
signifying a move down.
In the status bar at the bottom of AutoCAD, there is a grid that can be turned on or off. Some people like the grid on in
order to facilitate counting along the x and y axis. The F7 key is a quick way to toggle the grid on and off. There is
also a grid snap tool (F9), which allows snapping to the grid. Right click on the grid or grid snap tools to change their
settings. Another tool that can be used is ORTHO mode (F8), which constrains cursor movement to the horizontal and
vertical directions.
Coordinates, like object snaps, are a way of introducing more precision to our work. Coordinates act as subcommands
in AutoCAD (meaning you need another command active for them to be meaningful). As an example, you could start
a command, such as line, and then practice typing in coordinates and pressing [enter] to place a vertex. This exercise
is fleshed out in the section below.
1.9.2 Absolute coordinate System

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Absolute coordinate entry is the default. Absolute coordinate entry always counts from the origin. When
drawing lines, AutoCAD is ready to place the next vertex wherever you tell it to go: for example we are going
to construct a triangle using a line commend.
 Type L on the command line and press enter
 Type 2,2 on the command line and press enter
 Type “C” on the command line and press enter to close the required triangle
 Press enter to finish the line command
(6,6)
(2,2) (6,2)
We just told AutoCAD we wanted a line starting at 2, 2 and ending at 6, 6. It made a segment between those two
points. The first point is 2 to the right and 2 up from the origin. The second point is 6 to the right and 6 up from the
origin and so on. The line is the shortest distance between those two points.
1.9.3 RELATIVE COORDINATE ENTRY

For relative coordinates, AutoCAD does not count from 0, 0. Instead, the reference point is the previous point
in the drawing. Let’s draw the same triangle through the line command, and see what it looks like compared
to the old one:
 Type @4,4 on the command line and press enter
 Type @0,-4 on the command line and press enter
 Press enter to finish the line command

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(@4,4)
(2,2) (@0,-4)
AutoCAD recognizes the @-symbol as instructions to count using relative coordinates. Notice the difference. While
both lines made thus far started at the same point, this time, for the second vertex, AutoCAD counted 4 over and 4 up
from the first vertex, and made the line between those two locales and so on.
1.9.4 POLAR COORDINATE SYSTEM

Polar coordinates are named for their “pole”; the reference point to start counting from, which is similar in concept to
the origin. Polar coordinates employ one radial distance and one angle (by convention, the angle is measured
counterclockwise from the x-axis). The angle signifies the direction, and the distance is how far to go in that direction
from the pole.
Polar coordinates in AutoCAD are given as R<Degrees, where:
 “R” is the radial distance
 “<” is the less than sign (but in this case represents the angle)
 “Degrees” is the value of the angle in degrees
Like Cartesian coordinates, polar coordinates are employed as a subcommand. The analogue to ORTHO mode is
POLAR tracking (F10). Polar tracking restricts cursor movement to specified angles. The user can specify the
acceptable angle increments by right-clicking the icon
Relative coordinates also work with polar input. Let’s delete the lines we drew and work via the command line again:
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 Type @4<0 on the command line and press enter
 Type @4<90 on the command line and press enter
 Press enter to finish the line command, and get the required triangle.
(@4<90)
(2,2) (@4<0)
The above line started at 2, 2 (which is input in absolute Cartesian coordinates). Since the next line had the @-symbol
that means the previous point (2, 2), became the pole, or reference point for the relative coordinates. We input the polar
coordinates as @4<0, which means the length of the line is 4 and the angle counterclockwise from the x-axis is 0
degrees.
Switching from relative coordinate system (By default) to Absolute coordinate system.
Either keep the “Dynamic input” in status bar ON or off. If you keep ON it will work according to the setting but if you
keep it off it will work in absolute coordinate system. Or go to dynamic input setting by right click on Dynamic input
and change there from relative to absolute which is by default relative as shown in the below figure.

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List Command:

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1.10 Status Bar

The status bar displays the cursor location, drawing tools, and tools that affect your drawing environment. The status
bar provides quick access to some of the most commonly used drawing tools. You can toggle settings such as grid,
snap, polar tracking, and object snap. You can also access additional settings for some of these tools by clicking their
drop down arrows.
Snap mode Dynamic mode Polar tracking ISODRAFT
Grid mode Ortho mode

ISODRAFT
Model/paper space
Customization
Note: Not all tools are displayed by default; you can choose what tools to display from the Customization menu, the
right-most button on the status bar. The tools displayed on the status bar might change depending on the current
workspace and whether the Model tab or a layout tab is currently displayed.
1.10.1 Snap command

 Restricts cursor movement to specified intervals.
 You can rotate the snap grid, set differing X and Y spacing, or choose an isometric format for the snap grid.
 A change in the snap grid affects the cursor location when you specify a point location using the pointing
device.
 The snap grid is invisible.
 AutoCAD ignores Snap mode in perspective views.
 To turn Snap mode on and off, click Snap on the status bar, use the SNAP command, press CTRL+B, or press
F9 or 'snap for transparent use, will display:
Specify snap spacing or (ON/OFF/Aspect/Rotate/ Specify a distance, enter an option, or press ENTER
Increment Snap controls/restrict the movement of the cursor. If it is off the cursor will move smoothly. If it is ON, the
cursor will jump in an incremental movement. The increment spacing can be changed, at any time using
TOOLS/DRAFTING SETTINGS. The default spacing is 0.250.
Command: snap
 Specify a distance, enter an option or press enter,
 Spacing- Activates snap mode with the value you specify.
 Rotate- Sets the rotation of the snap grid.
 Style- format of the snap grid, standard or isometric.
It basically helps to draw the object in its required position

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1.10.2 Grid Display(F7)
 On the Status Bar, right-click on grid display Find and select Grid Settings.
Note: The status bar is located in the lower right-hand corner of the application window.
 In the Drafting Settings dialog box, Snap and Grid tab, click Grid On.
 Under Snap Type, make sure Grid Snap and Rectangular Snap are selected.
 In the Grid X Spacing box, enter the horizontal grid spacing in units.
Note: The check box, Equal X and Y Spacing, applies to both snap and grid spacing.
 Modify other settings as needed.
Note: The grid can be turned on and off with the F7 key. Snap mode can be turned on and off with the F9 key.
 Displays a dot grid in the current viewport
 The grid helps you align objects and visualize the distances between them.
 AutoCAD does not plot the grid, nor does it consider the grid to be part of the drawing.
 You can turn the grid ON and OFF in the middle of another command.
 To turn the grid ON or OFF, click Grid on the status bar, use the GRID command, press CTRL+G, or press
F7. The following prompt will display:
 Specify grid spacing(X) or [ON/OFF/Snap/Aspect]<0.5000>
The grid is merely a visual "drawing aid". The default spacing is I unit. You may change the grid spacing at any time
using: TOOLS/DRAFTING SETTINGS.
It displays a dot grid in the current view port.
Command: Grid spacing (x) or ON/OFF/Snap/Aspect/<current>: specify a value or enter an option,
Snap- Sets the grid spacing to the current snap interval as set by the snap command.
Aspect- Sets the grid to a different spacing in x & y.

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1.10.3 Ortho mode (F8)

Ortho mode is used when you specify an angle or distance by means of two points using a pointing device. In
Ortho mode, cursor movement is constrained to the horizontal or vertical direction relative to the UCS. It
means that when ORTHO is ON, the cursor movement is restricted to horizontal or vertical. When ORTHO is
OFF, the cursor is free to move.
When ORTHO When ORTHO

mode is ON mode is OFF
1.10.4 Polar tracking (F10)

POLAR TRACKING creates "alignment paths" at specified angles.
POLAR Command: Polar tracking restricts cursor to specified movement angles. It can be activated by clicking
the POLAR option in status bar. Allows cursor movement to the horizontal or vertical. Polar tracking restricts
cursor movement to specified angles. Polar Snap restricts cursor movement to specified increments along a
polar angle. When you create or modify objects, you can use polar tracking to display temporary alignment
paths defined by the polar angles you specify.
If you want to add another angle other than the angle given
in the tracking angles, so you can change or given an angle
according to your need.

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For example: Using Polar Tracking Command with the Line Command:
Explore how to use the Line tool with Polar Tracking switched on. When using any drawing command, Polar Tracking
allows you to snap to specific angles with the cursor instead of typing the angles into the command line. This can make
your drawing much faster and easier!
Using Polar Tracking
1. In AutoCAD, close any files you have open.

2. From the Start tab, click on the large Start Drawing button to create a new drawing.
3. In the bottom right Status bar, click on Polar Tracking to switch it on (so it's blue).
4. To the right of the Polar Tracking icon, click the arrow and select the incremental angle 45, 90, 135,180 from
the menu that opens.
NOTE: Incremental angles are preset angles that can be divided
evenly into a 360° circle. You can add additional custom tracking
angles by clicking on Tracking Settings at the bottom of the menu.
5. Click on the Line tool to start the Line Command.

6. Type in a first point of 0,0 and press Enter.
7. Move the cursor upwards and snap to the green vertical 90° Polar
Tracking line. When you snap to a Polar angle, the distance and
angle will appear in a gray box

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8. Type in a distance of 10 and press Enter to complete the first line segment. As you'll continue to see
throughout the exercises, using Polar Tracking to determine the angle means that you do not need to press
the Tab key and enter the angle manually, which can save you a lot of time.
9. For the next line segment, move the cursor up and to the right until it snaps to the 45° green Polar Tracking
line.
10. Type in a distance of 10 and press Enter to complete the second line segment.
11. For the third line segment, move the mouse to the right to snap to the 0° horizontal angle, then enter a
distance of 20 and press Enter.
12. Move the cursor downwards for the next line segment, snap to 90° and enter a distance of 10.
13. For the next line segment, snap to 135° and enter 10 for the distance.
14. To complete the last bottom horizontal line segment, click on the Close option in the command line.
1.10.5 Object snap modes (F10)

 It is often useful to be able to draw something from another shape.
 An object snap mode specifies a snap point at an exact location on an object.
 AutoCAD has a large selection of "snap modes" for this purpose.
 The most commonly used snap modes are:
 Endpoint
 Extension
 Tangent
 Midpoint
 Center
 Parallel
 Intersection
 Quadrant
 Perpendicular
 The object snap modes can either be typed or they can be selected from the standard toolbar or from the snap
toolbar:
Tools Menu: Drafting Settings

Shortcut menu: Press SHIFT while right-clicking in the drawing area and choose Osnap Settings.
Command line: Osnap (or 'osnap for transparent use)
AutoCAD displays the Object Snaps tab in the Drafting Settings dialog box.
If you enter osnap at the Command prompt, OSNAP presents options on the command line.
RUNNING OBJECT SNAP- specific object snaps

can be set to stay active until you turn them off.
The Object Snaps (Osnaps for short) are
drawing aids which are used in conjunction with
other commands to help you draw accurately.
Osnaps allow you to snap onto a specific object
location when you are picking a point. For example,
using Osnaps you can accurately pick the end point
of a line or the center of a circle. It can be activated
by clicking OSNAP option in status bar,
Shortcut Key: OSNAP enter =>A dialogue box

appears in which click the option select all and press
ok.

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1.10.6 OTRACK (Fll)

OBJECT SNAP TRACKING creates "alignment paths" at precise positions using object snap locations.
OTRACK Command: Object Snap Tracking (OTRACK) Works with OSNAP and POLAR to help align new points
with existing locations in your drawing. OTIRACK makes it easy to draw a new rectangle in line with an existing one
or draw a circle to align vertically with the midpoint of a line and horizontally with an intersection. It can be activated
by clicking OTRACK option in status bar.
1.10.7 Dynamic On/Off
It will activate.
 Use Tab key from keyboard to switch from length to angle

The F12 key turns Dynamic Input on and off in AutoCAD. When it is active, most command input and responses from
the command line are repeated in the graphic area of the screen, close to the current cursor location.
Dynamic Input is supposed to increase efficiency because you don’t have to shift your focus between the command line
and the current cursor location. On the other hand, many users find it too distracting to have everything dancing and
flashing around the cursor, and it’s probably not good for your eyes to always be focused on the same point.
Feel the difference when the dynamic input is OFF and ON

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 Open new drawing, Open Existing drawing, Saving an existing drawing, Saving Multiple copies
 AutoCAD file Extension include dwg, dws, dxf, dwt
 Zoom, Pan, Regen, Regen All
 Opening Multiple drawing simultaneously (Copy entities from one drawing into another)
 Unit setting and display detail of each entity drawn
 Dimension Style manager [Dim line, Ext line, symbol and arrows, Text format etc.
 Switching btw drawing windows
 Saving a Template, setting a default template, switching from imperial to Metric
 Properties Palette and Design Centre
 Type of Coordinate system
 Status bar tabs which include;
Snap, Grid, Ortho, Polar, Osnap, Otrack, Dyn

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Dated: 27/04/2021
Lab Practice # 03
Draw/Basic commands of AutoCAD

Objectives:
i. To know & to learn basic commands
ii. Drawing different 2D object in AutoCAD.
iii. Options available in Drawing Toolbar.
iv. Usage of Drawing Toolbar options in drawing.
Line, poly line, circle, Arc, Rectangle, polygon (hexagon), Ellipse, construction line, Spline, Revision
cloud, Donut and Helix, point, block, Text.
v. Hatch Command in detail.
Topic Covered:
a. Introduction to AutoCAD commands
b. Introduction to draw tool bar and command prompt
c. Revision cloud commands
d. Hatch Command, Table, Text command
e. Donut and Helix command.
1.1 AutoCAD commands:

 Nearly every action you perform in AutoCAD is based on a command.
 You use commands to tell AutoCAD the actions you want it to perform, and AutoCAD responds with
command prompts.
 Command prompts tell you the status of an action, or they give you options from which you must choose to
complete a command.
 You can use any of the following to start commands:
 AutoCAD menus
 Toolbars
 Shortcut menus
 Command line
 Accelerator keys
Function keys in AutoCAD
F1: AutoCAD help F7:Grid ON/OFF
F2: previous commands F8:OrthoON/OFF
F3: object snap F9: Grid Snap
F4: 3d object snap F10: Polar Tracking
F5: Iso-plane F11: Object Snap Tracking
F6: dynamic UCS F12:Dynamic Input
Esc key: to exit any command Enter and space key: To invoke the last-Used command

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1.2 Introduction to draw tool bar
In the panel we can also add commands in the command tool bar, now lets discuss various draw commands one by one,
but lets first know about the command prompt.
1.2.1 Command Line/prompt

The AutoCAD Command line is like a combined control panel and index of all AutoCAD commands you run – and
have run – on your drawing. When you type a keyboard command, you're using the Command line. It's also the source
of prompts that are embedded into AutoCAD commands.
In a default install of AutoCAD, the Command line is located in the bottom left corner of the CAD interface. Here's
what it looks like:
The basic function of the Command line is the ability to type keyboard commands. To type a command, place your
cursor in the Command line and type that command.
For example: If you want to draw a line, begin typing the word "Line" in the Command line. As you type more letters,
a menu will appear above the command line listing suggested commands that begin with those letters.
Thus, when you type "Li," you'll see the menu shown below. You can continue typing your command or select it from
the menu. In this case, we can select Line.

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Regardless of how you start a command, the command prompts flow in the same way. AutoCAD either displays prompts
on the command line or displays a dialog box. The prompt format is
current instruction or [options] <current value>:
The current instruction begins with one of four verbs. communicates the action you can perform, as given below:
 Select: Use the pointing device to select objects.
 Enter: Enter a value on the command line.
 Specify: Select a point on the screen or enter a coordinate. The verb
 Digitize: Select a point on a digitizing tablet (TABLET command only).
Commands often have options which are displayed in the bracket
1.2.2 Line Tool

Step 1: Take line command from draw group tool by simply left-clicking on it.
Step 2: Next, we will specify the first point from where we want to start our line by simply clicking on the working
area and then set a length of 60 mm- then press Enter key.

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Step 3: For creating a straight-line, turn ‘Orth On’ by pressing F8 on the keyboard or click on the Orth option at the
lower right corner.
Step 4: Here, you can draw a line with any angle and first give length, press the tab key, and give angles. I will give
length 40 mm, an angle of 30 degrees and press Enter key.
Step 5: For exiting from any command, press Enter or Esc key on the keyboard.
1.2.3 Polyline Tool

Step 1: Take polyline command to draw toolbar group and follow the same steps as we did in the line command.

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Step 2: The major difference between line and polyline is that the object created by line does not work as one object,
but polyline makes one object, as shown in the below image.
1.2.4 Circle Tool

Step 1: Take circle command from the Drag tool group.
Using polyline we can also draw a curvilinear and

Rectilinear lines.
Step 2: Now specify the first point and give the diameter and press Enter key.

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Step 4: We have different types of circle drawing options in the circle command; you can use them according to your
requirement.
Step 5: We have different types of arcs here, which we use according to our
requirement.
1.2.5 Arc Tool

Step 1: Arc command is used for creating an arc in different types of drawings, Give the value of the second point
where you want the arc and Specify the endpoint or value where you can connect the arc or end the arc.

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1.2.6 Rectangle Tool

Step 1: Take a rectangle tool from the draw tool group and Give the first corner from where you want to draw a rectangle.
Step 3: Then give length and press tab to give breadth according to you and press Enter.

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1.2.7 Hexagon Tool

Take the pentagon command from the draw tool group. For drawing it, first, give the number of sides press Enter key,
Give the center point of the pentagon, It will ask now whether it is inscribed in a circle or circumscribed about a circle;
select anyone according to your requirement and give radius and press Enter to complete the command.

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1.2.8 Ellipses Tool

Step 1: Take the ellipses tool from the draw tool group.
Step 2: Specify center point and give the endpoint.
Step 3: Set the radius according to your requirement and left-click to complete the command.

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1.2.9 Construction line Tool

Construction line is one of the 2d commands which used as a reference line in our drawing for managing accurate
parameters of our drawing. We also know it as an X-line command in AutoCAD.
Step 1: You can find the construction line command from the Draw menu of the Home tab of this software with this
type of line icon.
Step 2: Or you can use short cut command for the construction line, which is type XL, then press enter button of the
keyboard and your command will be active.

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Step 3: Now, it will ask you to specify the point from where you want to start the construction line.
Step 4: I will click on this corner point of this rectangle shape. When you make a click, an infinite line will come at
this point which you can make it as a reference line in your drawing.
Step 5: If you want it as a vertical line the make click in the vertical direction at a specific point of your shape, and a
vertical line will come on your drawing.

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Step 6: You can again use this command for making a horizontal line in your drawing. Making horizontal lines makes
a click at a specific point on your shape in the horizontal direction, and a horizontal line will come on your drawing as
a reference line.
Step 7: You can draw a diagonal construction line also. Just make click on the opposite point of this shape, and the
reference line will come at the diagonal of this shape.
Step 9: This was a freehand drawing of the construction line. Now let us discuss the options of this command for
making accurate construction lines. Take the construction line command, and once you take it, this option will come
in the parameters box of this command.
Step 10: Now, if you want to draw the horizontal line, then press the H button on the keyboard then press the enter
key.

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Step 11: Once you make a click, a horizontal construction line will come on your working screen of drawing. You
can now place it at your desired place to make it a horizontal reference line in your drawing.
Step 12: Now, if you want to draw a vertical construction line, then press the V button from the keyboard then press
enter button of the keyboard.
Step 13: Once you make enter, a vertical line will become on your working screen of drawing. You can place this
vertical line at your desired place for making it a vertical reference line in your drawing.

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Step 14: If you want to make a construction line at a particular angle or inclination, then press the A button from the
keyboard then press enter button of the keyboard.
Step 15: Once you press the enter button, it will ask you to give the value of the angle at which you want to incline
your construction line. I will enter 60 degrees as the inclination angle of my construction line for making it a
reference line at a 60-degree inclination, then press enter button of the keyboard.
Step 16: Once you press enter button, a construction line of 60-degree inclination will come on the working screen of
your drawing. You can place this incline line at your desired place in your drawing.

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Step 17: You can use this construction line as a bisect reference line. For bisect construction line, press B button from
keyboard then press enter button of the keyboard.
Step 18: Now, it will ask you to specify any angle or vertex or point along which you want to use the bisect
construction line. I will click on this corner point of this rectangle.
Step 19: Once you make a click, a bisect construction line will come on your screen, and you can specify the second
point for making its reference line.

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Step 20: You can offset the construction line at a particular distance in your drawing. For this, press the O button of
the keyboard, then press enter button of the keyboard.
Step 21: Once you press enter button, it will ask you to take a line through which you want to offset the construction
line.
Step 22: Now, it will ask you to give the offset distance at which you want to offset this construction line. I will give
30 as distance.

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Step 23: Now make click in the direction in which you want to offset this construction line. I will click in the right
direction of my chosen line.
Step 24: And construction line will offset at 30 distance from my chosen line.
Step 25: You can offset it in another direction by use this command again. Just drag the mouse cursor in other
directions and make a click.
In this way, you won’t use the construction line command in auto cad.

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1.2.10 Spline line Tool

The spline is a type of line command through which you can make a wavey line for making any type of 2d shape in
Auto CAD software. Here in this software, we will understand the Spline command in a few steps and understand
some Spline command parameters.
Step 2: You can take the Spline command from the Draw menu of the Home tab of this software which is at the top
of the working screen.
Step 3: Or you can use a short cut key for the Spline command. For short cut key, just type SPL from the keyboard,
and a drop-down list will be open. Choose SPL (SPLINE) command from this list.
Step 4: Now specify the first point of the spline from where you want to start it. You can choose any point by making
click on the mouse button on the working area, or you can manually input value for that.

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Step 5: Now specify the second point by click on that point and continuously draw the next point like this. In this
way, you can draw a spline with a spline command in this software. For exiting the command, press Enter button
from the keyboard once you have done it.
Step 6: Now, if you can join this spline with another spline, then select the spline and go to Copy command of
Modify menu of Home tab, which is next to the Draw menu of Home tab and take it by clicking on it.
Step 7: Now click on the starting point of the spline if you want to connect two splines and then place it at the other
endpoint of this spline, then press the ‘Enter’ button for leaving the Copy command.

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Step 8: Now, for joining these two splines, select any one of the splines of them and make right-click with the mouse
button. A drop-down list will be open, go to the Spline option of this list and click on the Join command of the new
drop-down list.
Step 9: And then select both of the splines one by one with this square like a mouse cursor, then press Enter button
from the keyboard for joining them.
Step 10: Once you press the Enter button, of keyboard splines will join like one spline.

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Step 11: You can convert a Polyline in Spline. For converting Polyline into Spline, let us take the Polyline command
from the Draw menu of the Home tab.
Step 12: Now draw a polyline and select it by click on it.
Step 13: Now, make right-click on it with the mouse button. A drop-down list will be open, go to the Polyline option
and click on the Spline fit option of the new drop-down list.
Step 14: Once you make click on this option, polyline will convert into spline like this.

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Step 15: You can move points of the spline by selecting and dragging them like this.
Step 16: You can edit this spline if you want. For editing, it makes a double click on this spline then make right-click
from the mouse button. A drop-down list will be open. You can choose any one of the listed commands for editing
this spline.
Step 17: I will show you through one of the commands of the list. For example, I want to close this spline; then, I will
click on the Close command of this list.

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Step 18: Once you click on the Close command, the endpoints of the spline will connect like this.
Step 19: You can also convert a spline into a polyline. For converting a spline into a polyline, select drawn spline by
clicking on it and make right-click with the mouse button. A drop-down list will be open, go to the Spline option of
this list and click on the Convert to Polyline option of the new drop-down list.
Step 20: Once you click on this option, the command will ask you to give the point of polyline. Let I will give it 1.

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Step 21: Then it will convert into a polyline like this.
Step 22: You can also change the direction of the spline. For changing the direction of the spline, selected it and
make right-click with the mouse button; go to the Spline option and then click on the Reverse Direction option of the
new drop-down list.
Step 23: Once you make a click, the direction of the spline will change like this.

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Step 24: If you want to display control handles of vertices on this spline, go to the Display Control Vertices option of
Splitting this spline.
Step 25: Once you make click on this option, you can see the handles of vertices control will come around this spline
in dots line with handle squares.
These are some points through which you can use the spline command in this software and edit spline by using some
parameters of this command.
1.2.11 Revision Clouds command

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1. By using the Revision cloud command in AutoCAD, we can draw clouds by drawing freehand or rectangles
or polygons. Revision cloud is mainly used to highlight any part of the drawing which we want.
2. We can invoke the Revision cloud command by selecting a revision cloud tool from the draw panel drop-
down menu in the Home tab.
3. Or type 'REVC' in the command bar and press Enter.
4. Specify the first point and draw a cloud in any shape in the freehand option.
5. We can also draw clouds by rectangular or polygonal shapes by choosing the option from the command bar.
Change arc length:
1. We can change cloud arc length by clicking on the 'arc length' option from the command bar.
2. After clicking on that option, it will ask for entering the minimum length of the arc.
3. Give a minimum length of the arc which you want and press the Enter key.
4. Then it will ask for the maximum length of the arc.
5. Give maximum arc length as per requirement and press the Enter key.
Reverse direction of the clouds:
1. By clicking on the 'Object' option in the command bar, we can inverse the clouds which we have drawn.
2. It will ask for a select object. Select a cloud object from the drawing.
3. Then it will ask for the reverse direction. Click on the 'Yes' option. Clouds will be reversed.
Change revision cloud command:
1. We can also change the style of the cloud from the 'style' option in the command bar.
2. There are two styles available for clouds. The first is 'Normal' and the second is 'Calligraphy. Select any one
as per requirement.
3. Then we can draw clouds as per selection.
Calligraphy Normal
Modify Clouds:
1. To modify the drawn cloud, choose the 'modify' option from the command bar, and modify it.
2. It will ask for 'select polyline to modify. Select the cloud which we want to modify.
3. Then we can draw clouds as per modification and also can be trim extra parts.

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1.2.12 Hatch Command

Auto Cad is 2d and 3d computer-aided designing software, which Autodesk developed as designing software of
engineering drawing. We have different types of 2d and 3d commands in this software to make drawing work easy for
its users. Hatch is one of those commands. You can define Hatch as a command through which you can highlight a
cross-section of a particular part of any component or apply the pattern in your drawing to specify a particular object.
Step 1: let us have a drawing for applying hatch on it. I take a front view and top view of an engineering component
like this. I want to show the cross-section of this component, so I will use a hatch for this purpose. Now click on the
Hatch command of the Draw menu of the Home tab, or you can press the H button then press enter button of the
keyboard for the Hatch command.
Front View Top View
Step 2: Once you take the hatch command, the Hatch creation tab will be open at the command section of this software.
Choose the pattern of the hatch which you want to apply on your object from the Pattern tab of the Hatch Creation tab.

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Step 3: Now, you can apply a hatch on your object by two methods. We will see both one by one. First, click on this
Pick Points icon.
Step 4: Now, it will ask you to select a point inside the object on which you want to apply the hatch, and when you take
your cursor inside that object preview of the hatch will be visible to you, and once you make click inside the object
your hatch will apply to your object.
Step 5: The second method is Select, so click on the Select icon.
Step 6: Then it will ask you to select the boundary of the object on which you want to apply the hatch, and when you
click on the boundary hatch will apply to your object like this.

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Step 7: There is a difference between both methods when you use the Select method; then it will cover all portion which
is inside the boundary of your selected object.
Transparency option use for Angle of your hatch pattern

either increase or decrease
the visibility of hatch line
Step 8: But if you go with the Pick Point method, it will only apply a hatch on the selected object and leave the object
inside your selected object. So you can take any method according to your requirement.
If you want to increase the density of the

hatch, then increase the scale of the hatch.
color of the hatch
line and fill color of
the hatched block

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Step 9: If you want to copy your applied hatch of any object on another object of your drawing, click on the Match
Properties option icon. Then select the hatch which you want to copy by click on it and then make click on the boundary
of the object on which you want to paste this hatch.
Step 10: You can set all these parameters at the time of applying a hatch on your object. Just click on the Settings option
of the hatch command, which is at the end of the working window in the parameters box of this command.
Step 11: If you want to remove any particular hatch from your drawing, then click on the Remove button of the Hatch
Creator tab and click on the boundary of the object of which hatch you want to remove, then press enter button of
keyboard and your hatch will be removed from your object.

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1.2.13 Donut and Helix in AutoCAD
Donut
The donut is defined as a solid-filled circle or filled ring object. It consists of polyline connected end to end in a
circular shape. We are required to specify the inside and outside diameter that determine the width of the donut. The
donut command in AutoCAD is used to create a donut-shaped object, which can be used in different ways in a
drawing, like the wheel of four-wheelers, design circuits, etc.
Consider the below image:
Let's understand by an example. The steps are listed below:

1. Select Donut icon under the Draw interface, as shown below Or Type Do or donut on the command line or
command prompt and press Enter.
2. Specify the inside diameter of the donut. For example, 3.

3. Specify the outside diameter of the donut. For example, 5.
4. Specify the center point of the donut on the viewport.
Ø3 Ø5

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Helix
The helix is defined as the 2D or 3D spiral structure. It is also used to create threads, circular stairways, and springs.
We are required to specify a center point, radius, and base of the helix in 2D. In 3D, we are required to specify a center
point, radius, base point, and height of helix.
It signifies the points required to create a helix. Let's understand with an example.
The steps are listed below:
1. Select the Helix icon under the Draw interface, as shown below Or Type helix on the command line or
2. Specify center point of the base on the viewport or drawing area of AutoCAD.
3. Specify the base radius or diameter of the helix. For example, 4. It is shown below:
For diameter, press D and enter the value of diameter.

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4. Specify the top radius or diameter. For example, 0.5. It is shown below:
For diameter, press D and enter the value of diameter.
5. Press Enter or Esc to exit.

6. The helix will look like the below image:
7. To create a helix in Isometric or 3D, specify the helix height. We can also determine the turn or twist
accordingly.

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1.2.14 Creating CAD block
In AutoCAD you can create blocks with any object and set of objects. It is easy to create the blocks, but one important
thing to remember before creating a CAD block is how you are going to use it. Blocks are inserted into drawings at
their base points. Therefore, insertion points are to be determined carefully. Each block definition has a unique block
name, coordinate values for insertion points, and any associated attribute data (block attribute). When you insert a
block, AutoCAD establishes a link between the block reference and the block definition you created. That is why, if
you change the block definition, all references are updated automatically.
To Create Blocks Within a Drawing:
1. From the Draw menu, choose Block Make. Or type BLOCK in the command line.
2. At the prompt of the Block Definition dialog box, enter a block name in the Name box.
3. Under Objects, select Convert to Block.
Disregard the other options. As selecting delete will erase the original objects used to create the block
definition in your drawing, so make sure the Delete option is not selected.
4. Choose Select Objects.
5. Use your mouse to select the objects to be included in the block. Then press ENTER or the Space bar to
complete object selection.
6. Under Base Point, choose Pick point or Specify on-screen and use your mouse device to specify the block
insertion point. You can also enter the X,Y, Z coordinate of the point manually (but not recommend).
7. In the Description box, enter a description for the block. This will be displayed in AutoCAD Design
Center. (Optional).
8. Under Behavior, check Allow exploding if you want to disassemble them later.
9. Select OK to close the block definition dialogue box.
Now your CAD block is defined in the current drawing and can be inserted at any time.

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To create Drawing Files for Use as Blocks (W-block):
There are two methods you can use to create a W-block:
A. Open a new file and create a block, then use SAVE or SAVE AS to complete drawing file.
B. Create a new drawing file from selected objects
1. Open an existing drawing or create a new drawing containing the objects to be converted into block.
2. In the Command prompt, enter WBLOCK.
3. In the Write Block dialog box, choose Select Objects.
4. Use your mouse to select the objects to be included in the new Wblock. Then Press ENTER or the
space bar to complete object selection.
5. Under Base Point, choose pick point or Specify on-screen and use your mouse device to specify the
block insertion point or specify the XYZ coordinate to be (0, 0, 0).
6. Under Destination, enter a file name or browse to the directory where you want to save the new block.
7. Select OK to close the Write block definition dialogue box.
Now your block is created in a separate drawing file and can be inserted at any time.
NB: You can create a single block that contains multiple blocks within itself. They are called Nested blocks. For
example, block A has two block components: block 1, 2. All you have to do is select multiple blocks when you are
selecting the objects.
The only restriction on nested blocks is that a block cannot coexist within itself. For example, block A cannot contain
block A again.

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 To know & to learn basic commands

 Drawing different 2D object in AutoCAD.
 Options available in Drawing Toolbar.
 Usage of Drawing Toolbar options in drawing.
 Line, poly line, circle, Arc, Rectangle, polygon (hexagon), Ellipse, construction line, Spline, Revision cloud,
Donut and Helix, point, block, Text.
 Hatch Command in detail.
 Playing with different drawing AutoCAD draw commands
 Introduction to draw tool bar and command prompt
 Revision cloud commands
 Hatch Command, Table, Text command
 Donut and Helix command.
 Text Command
 Block command

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Dated: 03/05/2021
Lab Practice # 04
Selecting Objects in AutoCAD

Objectives:
i. Using Selection Windows
ii. Using Selection Fences
iii. Selecting Objects that Are Close Together
iv. Customizing Object Selection
v. Filtering Selection Sets
Topic Covered:
a. Introduction to windows selection
b. Explaining all the modifying commands that include:
c. Move and copy Commands
d. Rotate and mirror Commands
e. Trim and extend commands
f. Stretch, Scale, lengthen,
g. Break and join Commands.
h. Fillet and chamfer command
i. Offset and Explode Command
1.1. Selection Windows:
There are two very different types of windows you can use. One is a 'crossing window' and the other is a box.
 If you create the window from right to left, you make a crossing window. This means that any object that
crosses the border of the window is added to the selection set. This is shown as a dotted line on the screen.
 If you create the window from left to right, you create a box. Using this method you'll add only the items that
are completely within the box. This is shown as a solid line on the screen.

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1.2. Modifying tool bar:

1.2.1. Move
The move command in AutoCAD is used to move objects at a specified distance and direction. To move the objects
with precision, we can use object snaps, grid snaps, coordinates, etc.
There are four steps to move any object at a specific distance in a specified direction.
 Select objects: We need to select the objects.
 Specify the base point: Specify the starting point to move, which acts as a base point of an object.
 Specify the point to place a moving object:
Specify a point to put the object being moved. We can either specify it using a cursor or can enter the
displacement value in the X, Y, and Z-direction. For example, 3, 4. The object will be moved 3 Units in the
X-direction and 4 Units in the Y-direction from its current position.
 Displacement: It signifies the relative distance and direction of the object from its last position. It determines
how far the object is placed from its original position.
Let's understand with an example: To move a circle.

In this example, we will move a circle from a rectangle and will place it inside a triangle. The steps for such an
example are listed below:
1. The figure is shown in the below image:
2. Select the move icon from the Ribbon panel, Or Type M or Move on the command line or command prompt and
press Enter.
3. Select the object to move, through a small square cursor. Here, we will select the circle and then Press Enter.
4. Specify the base point or displacement. Base Point
5. Specify the base point of an object.
6. Specify the second base point. It is the point where we want to move that object.
Process is shown in the below image:

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1.2.2. Copy and Rotate command

1.2.2.1. Copy
The copy command is used to copy the objects. The concept is the same as Ctrl + C to copy and Ctrl + V to paste,
which can also be used in AutoCAD. The objects are copied in a specified direction and at a specified distance.
The steps to copy the objects are listed below:
1. Select the copy icon from the ribbon panel or type co or copy in the command line or command prompt and
press Enter.
2. Select the objects. To select it, click on the boundary of objects through a small square cursor.
3. After the selection is completed, press Enter.
4. Specify the displacement or base point.
5. Specify the base point of the objects
6. Specify the second base point. It is the point where we want to move that object.
The process is shown in the below image:
1.2.2.2. Rotate
The rotate command is used to rotate the object by an absolute angle. It turns objects through the specified point.
The specified point is the base point, and the rotation is performed from that point. The rotation of objects can be
performed by randomly dragging the cursor and also by the specified angle. Let's discuss the concept in detail.
Let's understand with an example.
The object is shown in the below image, we will rotate the object by dragging the cursor.
The steps for such an example are given below:
1. Select the rotate icon from the ribbon panel Or Type “ro” or rotate in the command line or command prompt
and press Enter.
2. Select the object. Here, we will rotate the full object, so the whole object will be selected and then Press
Enter.
3. Specify the base point on the figure.
4. Drag the cursor either clockwise or counter-clockwise to rotate the object
5. We can drag the cursor at the point according to the requirements as shown in the below image:

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1.2.3. Mirror command

The Mirror command creates a reverse copy of an object in AutoCAD. After you select some objects, AutoCAD
prompts you to select two points that define a line about which the objects will be mirrored. You can then retain or
delete the source objects. Follow these steps to use the Mirror command:
1. The upper half is created, as shown in the below image:
2. Select the mirror command from the ribbon panel, as shown below or type mi or mirror on the command line
or command prompt and press Enter.
3. Select the half figure with the help of box selection, as shown in the below image, and press enter:
4. Specify the first and second point of the mirror line, as shown in the below image:
Erase the source object

5. After the figure is formed, the command line will look like the below image:
6. Click on No.
7. The created figure is shown in the below image:

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1.2.4. Trim and Extend in AutoCAD

1.2.4.1.Trim command
 The Trim command in AutoCAD is used to remove the objects, which meet the edges of other objects. It is
used to remove extra lines or extra parts of an object.
 We can also perform trim using different selection methods.
 We are required to select the portion of the object to trim.
Consider the below figure:
1. Select the Trim icon from the ribbon panel, type “Tr” or trim on the command line or command prompt and
press Enter.
2. Select the lines inside the circle, here we have selected four parts at once. We can choose objects according
to our requirements and then press enter.
3. The selected portion will be removed.
4. The object will now look like the below image:
The lines inside the circle is

been removed through trim
command

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1.2.4.2.Extend Command
The extend command is used to extend the selected boundaries or edges. The objects are extended so that the edges
of other objects can be converged.
Let's understand with an example, Consider the below figure:
The steps to extend the boundaries or edges of the selected parts in the above figure are:
1. Select the Extend icon from the drop-down list of the Trim, or Type EX or Extend on the command line or
2. Select the part to extend, as shown below:

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1.2.5. Chamfer and Fillet command in AutoCAD

Chamfer and Fillet are two of the most used commands in the Modify ribbon. Fillet helps convert sharp edges
to round edges, Even though this command can be bypassed using Circles and Trim, its use will still be
appreciated seeing how easy getting to the final result get while using it. The Chamfer command is a command
you can avoid making use of. But using this command will help you create a chamfer with a couple of clicks.
Fillet in AutoCAD:
To use the Fillet command
1. Click on the fillet command icon
2. Type R and Press Enter
3. Specify the fillet Radius and Press Enter
4. Select the first line
5. Select the second line
6. The image below shows an example of Fillet with R=300
Chamfer in AutoCAD
To use the Chamfer command
7. Click on the Chamfer icon
8. Type D and Press Enter
9. Specify the first chamfer distance and Press Enter
10. Specify the second chamfer distance and Press Enter
11. Select the first line
12. Select the second line
13. On the image below the first distance is 100, and the second distance is 150.

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1.2.6. Stretch Command

The Stretch command in AutoCAD is used to stretch the portion of the object partially enclosed by the polygon
selection or window selection. The objects selected individually or completely enclosed by the window
selection cannot be stretched. Those objects are rather moved such as ellipses, blocks, and circles.
Consider the below image below:
The steps for such an example are listed below:

1. Select Stretch icon from the ribbon panel Or Type S or stretch on the command line or command
prompt and press Enter.
2. Select the object. Here, we have selected a portion and Press Enter.
3. Specify the base point or displacement value.
4. Specify second point or the displacement value I have specified the second point.
The base point was the original base point of the object and the second point is the stretched base point of that
object. We can also stretch it by specifying the displacement value according to the requirements.
1.2.7. Scale Command

Objects in your drawing, such as drawn lines, 3D extrusions, and more can be scaled by factors by using the SCALE
command in AutoCAD itself. The objects currently in the drawing below are set at a scale of 1. However, you can
change scale in AutoCAD by using the AutoCAD scale factor. This will show you how to change scale in AutoCAD
without changing the dimension.
 How to scale down in AutoCAD: Window select the object(s) in AutoCAD, type SCALE, and then specify
a number between 0 and 1. Hit Enter. The size of the object(s) will SCALE DOWN by that factor.
 How to scale up in AutoCAD: Window select the object(s), type SCALE, and then specify a number larger
than 1. Hit Enter. The size of the object(s) will SCALE UP by that scale factor. Refer to Figure 1 to see the
differences in scale factors.
.
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1.2.8. Array Command

Array:
The array is the command used to draw multiple copies of an object in a particular pattern or order. We can also
manage the distance between the objects in the array. The shortcut key for Array is AR. To implement an array, we
can type Array or AR on the command line and then press Enter.
We can also select the Array option from the Ribbon Panel.
Drop down
list of array
Icon
Types of array
Difference between Copy and Array:

The copy command is used to copy the elements in an order defined by us. In contrast, the array is used to copy the
objects with predefined angles and numbers in a fixed order (rectangular, polar, or path array).
There are three types of arrays, which are listed below:
a. Rectangular Array
b. Polar Array
c. Path Array
a. Rectangular Array:
The rectangular array is defined as the arrangement of the object into rows, columns, and levels that form a
rectangle. In AutoCAD, we can create multiple copies of an object in the form of a rectangle using the
Rectangular Array for example: The steps to create a rectangular array are given below:
1. Click on the Circle icon on the Ribbon Panel, as shown in the below image:
2. Specify the center point on the workspace or drawing area to draw the circle.
3. Specify the diameter of the circle. Here, we have specified the value 1. We can provide any value of
diameter according to the requirements.
4. Select the Rectangular Array from the ribbon panel.
5. Select the object with the small square cursor and Press Enter
6. The default rectangular array will be created, as shown in the below image:

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7. Press the Esc button on the top left of the keyboard to exit the array command. If you want to modify the
rectangular array further, without exit, follow the steps given below:
Elements Modification
To modify the above array, the steps are given below:
8. Go to the top row of the screen, which will look like the below image:
No of objects in Distance between Length No of objects in It signifies the

each column. two objects in a between the each row Copies of objects
row/column. first and last in Z-direction in
row/column. 3D.
9. Let's modify with the values:

Column=3
Rows=5
between under column=1000
between under row= 500
The figure will now look like the given image:
To randomly add rows, columns, and spacing, we can use the blue arrow and square block, as shown in the
below image:

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b. Path Array:
The path array is defined as the arrangement of copied objects along the specified path. The path can be closed or
opened. The Path array command positions the items on the path. We can also use a polyline to create a path.
Let's understand with an example, the steps to create path arrays are listed below:
1. Open the AutoCAD software.
2. Draw a path. Let's create a simple path shown in the below image:
Here, we have used polyline to create a path. We can create any path according to the requirements.
3. Draw an object to be copied on the path. Let's create a small circle and Draw the circle at the
starting point of the path
4. Select the Path Array from the drop-down list of the rectangular array on the ribbon panel.
5. Select the object (circle) with the small square cursor and press Enter or Spacebar.
6. Now, select the path.
7. The path array will be created, as shown in the above right side image:
8. To modify the array further, follow the below steps:
9. Go to the top row of the screen, which will look like the given image:
10. We can modify the values according to the requirements.
11. For example here we will modify the values:
Between under Items =2. The value of Items will be adjusted according to the distance.

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Role of the blue arrow in an array

The blue arrow is used to increase or decrease the copied objects of an array, as shown in the below image:
Here, the arrow in the figure signifies the direction.

Role of Blue Square in an array
The blue square is used to increase rows of an array, as shown in the below image:

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c. Polar Array
It is also called as a circular array. The polar array is defined as the arrangement of copies of an object in a circular
form. Let's consider an example to draw small circles around a big circle. The steps to create a polar array are
given below:
1. Click on the Circle icon on the Ribbon Panel, as shown in the below image:
2. Specify the center point on the workspace or drawing area to draw a small circle.
3. Specify the diameter for a first circle.
4. Now, again select the Circle icon or type C on the command line and specify a center point for a big circle
near the small circle.
5. Specify the diameter for the big circle and Press Enter.
The circles here will appear as the below image: We can determine any value of diameter according to the
requirements.
6. Select the Polar Array from the drop-down list of the rectangular array on the ribbon panel.
7. Select the object (small circle) with the small square cursor and Press Enter.
8. Now, specify the center to create the array. Here, we can specify the center of the big circle. We can also
specify the center of any object according to the requirements.
9. The default polar array will be created, as shown in the below image:
Note: We need to maintain the distance between the center axis
and the object to be copied. The polar array will consider the same
distance for all the copied objects by default. The greater the gap
between the center of axis and object, the objects will be copied
circularly at the same distance from the axis.

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To modify elements, follow the below steps:
10. Go to the top row of the screen, which will look like the below image:
We can modify the value according to the requirements.

Let's modify it using the values:
Items=8
Rows=2
Between under Items= Adjusts automatically according to the number of items.
Between under rows= 4
Fill under Items= 270
The figure will now look like the given image:
Press Esc or Enter or Spacebar to exit.

The blue arrow and the square are used to rotate the copied objects and manage the distance from the center.

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Role of blue arrow in an array:

The blue arrow is used to rotate the copied objects of an array, as shown in the below image:
Role of Blue Square in an array:

The blue square is used to manage the distance of the copied objects of the array, as shown in the below image:

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1.2.9. Offset Command

The offset command in AutoCAD is used to create parallel lines, concentric circles, and parallel curves.
We can offset any object through a point or at a specified distance. We can create as many parallel lines and curves
with the help of the offset command. The offset objects can also be modified further according to the requirements.
Here, modification of offset object means that we can apply trim, extend, and other methods on it.
Let's understand it with some examples.
Example: Offset of a circle.
1. Create a circle with any specified radius. For example, 3.
2. Select the Offset icon on the ribbon panel Or Type O or offset on the command line or command prompt and
press Enter.
3. Specify the value of offset distance. It is the distance value to create a concentric circle from the original
circle. For example, 15.
4. Press Enter.
5. Select the object to offset. We need to select the object with a small square cursor.
6. Move the cursor inside or outside to place the offset object, as shown in the below image:
7. Press Esc or Enter to exit from the offset command
1.2.10. Lengthen command

Changes the length of objects and the included angle of arcs. Find. You can specify changes as a percentage,
an increment, or as a final length or angle. LENGTHEN is an alternative to using TRIM or EXTEND.
Steps involved in using the lengthen command in AutoCAD

To Lengthen an Object
1. Click Home tab Modify panel Lengthen. Find.
2. Enter dy (Dynamic Dragging mode).
3. Select the object you want to lengthen.
4. Drag the endpoint closest to the point of selection, and specify a new endpoint.

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1.2.11. Explode Command

The EXPLODE command in AutoCAD comes in handy when you wish to disassemble a component into its
sub-components. This gives you the ability to edit each of the sub-components separately. One of the first
examples that come to mind is what happens when you use the RECTANG method to create a rectangle, and
after you need to make use of the EXPLODE command to be able to edit each line forming the rectangle
previously created.
The Explode command allows breaking an object into its component objects. Sometime in AutoCAD you have
a group of objects all locked in a single object. We can use the same analogy to say that a rectangle will be
formed by 4 lines.
If you use the command line RECTANG to draw a rectangle, you will notice you cannot select a line of the
rectangle without selecting the whole rectangle. We will, in this case, say that the rectangle is formed by its 4
lines. If you wish to break the rectangle into 4 lines in a way to allow you to use each line individually, you
will need to use the EXPLODE command.
This command can also be used after creating an ARRAY that has Associative elements. To be able to remove
the associative feature of the array, the EXPLODE command can be used.
To use the Explode command in AutoCAD
1. Active the EXPLODE command using the tool.
2. select the object to explode
Before After
In the above figure you can clearly see how explode command works the above rectangles the first one is
when explode command was not applied, but look when we apply explode command all the four sides of
the rectangle splits into 4 individual lines.
This is how an explode command works.

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1.2.12. Break command

The Break command isn’t what you use before heading out for coffee. The Break command in AutoCAD
2014 creates gaps in lines, polylines, circles, arcs, or splines. Break also comes in handy if you need to split
one object in two without actually removing any visible material.
The following steps show you how to break an object
1. Type in BREAK at the command line or select break tool
2. Select the object you wish to break
3. Select First Point Option (F) then
4. Pick the point where you wish divide the object
5. When prompted to specify second break point, type @ and Enter
1.2.13. Join Command

It is opposite to break command means if you want to rejoin the breaking point of an object you can use the
join command.
1.2.14. Erase Command
Erase is the command that allows you to erase objects in AutoCAD. But this command erases the whole
object, not part of it.
To Erase an object in AutoCAD
1. Select the object to erase
2. Click on the ERASE icon
An alternative way to use this command is the following
1. Select the object to erase
2. Hit the DEL key of your keyboard

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 Using Selection Windows
 Using Selection Fences
 Selecting Objects that Are Close Together
 Customizing Object Selection
 Filtering Selection Sets
 I practice on all the selection windows.
 Introduction to windows selection
 Explaining all the modifying commands that include:
 Move and copy Commands
 Rotate and mirror Commands
 Trim and extend commands
 Stretch, Scale, lengthen,
 Break and join Commands.
 Fillet and chamfer command
 Offset and Explode Command

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Dated: 12/05/2021
Lab Practice # 05
Object Properties and Layers toolbar in AutoCAD

Objectives:
i. Object Properties toolbar
ii. Change properties command
iii. Understanding layers in AutoCAD
iv. Organizing with the Layer Properties Manager
v. Using layer control
vi. Layers for Continuous line, dashed line, figure and dimensions.
vii. By layer Properties
viii. Using the Layer Previous command
Topic Covered:
a. Introduction to object properties toolbar
b. Change object properties and Match Properties explanation
c. Playing with layer command
d. Setting out all the layers properties
1.1 Object Properties toolbar:

You can use the controls on the Object Properties toolbar to quickly view or change an object's layer, layer
properties, color, line type, line weight, and plot style.
The Object Properties toolbar consolidates the commands needed to view and edit these object properties.
Selecting an object when no command is active dynamically displays these properties in the controls on the
toolbar. You cannot change the properties of objects on locked layers.
Changing Existing of drawn or existing Entities
This group of commands permit various editing changes to be made to existing entities in the drawing.
 The CHANGE command modifies the geometry and properties of existing entities.
 The CHPROP command changes the properties of existing drawing entities.
 The PROPERTIESnew command controls properties of existing objects.

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1.1.1 Change Properties

Now that you have learned how to draw objects and modify those using special commands, you need to know more
ways to change the properties of an object. For instance, you may have made a spelling mistake in your text. You could
erase it and re-create it, or you could double-click on it and just correct the error. Maybe you drew something on the
wrong layer? This process is an extremely important tool to help you with your CAD work.
Command Keystroke Icon Location Result
Properties PROPERTIES / PR / No Icon Home > Properties Displays the

CTRL+1 properties of
the object in
the Properties
Palette
Match MATCHPROP / MA Home > Clipboard > Match Copies the

Properties PAINTER Properties properties
from one
object to
another
There isn't an icon for Properties, but if you look at the ribbon, you'll see that there are a number of tools that you can
select quickly to see things like layer, line type, line weight, etc.
There are a few ways to change, or view an objects properties. First is by using the PROPERTIES command.
The method is quite easy and also the most complete way of viewing properties.
Draw a line from (any point) to (any point) and press. This is only time I will not tell you to use specific coordinates.
Now select the object by right-clicking on it and choosing Properties from the context menu. Once you do this, you
should see the properties palette appear showing everything that makes that line what it is.

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What you see here is the complete palette. Before you look at the properties, take a moment to examine the palette
itself. Since it takes up a large amount of the screen, you have the option to either close it completely ('X' at the top)
or collapse or hide the palette (below the X) for future reference. You can also dock a palette to the side of the screen.
Now look at the properties as displayed in the palette.
At the top are the 'General' properties: These are common to all AutoCAD objects (color, layer, line type, etc.)
Below that is the 'Geometry' tab and these fields will be different for different types of objects. You will see that one
endpoint of the line is shown as the "Start X" and "Start Y" points (X, Y point). If you want to change the location of
the X coordinate for the Start point, pick in the text area, type a number and press enter. You also have the option of
picking new X coordinate with the small icon on the right of the text box.
Have a good look at the palette. ERASE the first line, draw another LINE and then display the new line's properties.
You should see different numbers.
ERASE the line and draw a CIRCLE. Display the properties and you will see different fields. You will see that the the
Start X point has been changed to "Center X". The properties displayed are specific to the object you have selected.
Now draw a line next to the circle. Select both by clicking on one, and then the other. Now display the properties.
You will now see a much short list of properties. This short list will include properties that are common to both
objects, such as layer, color, etc.
Now try something different. Erase everything and close the Properties palette. Draw a circle and then select it. Right
click on the screen and choose the Properties option at the bottom of the list as shown below:

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You'll see the same palette appear in the same space where you closed it. You also have the choice of selecting Quick
Properties the same way. If you do, this is the smaller palette that you will see (handy on smaller monitors).
Text objects:
Now you can view and edit properties of objects you have drawn. Those the methods will work on any object. But
what about other objects? Could there be easier ways to edit their properties?
Enter a line of text. View the properties. Note again, the various fields that in this case are unique to Text.

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Try "Double-Clicking" on the text. Now you can change the text and then click away from the text to submit the
changes. This is a much easier method to change the text's content, but none of the other properties. You could also
have changed the text in the Properties palette (shown above), but this method is much quicker.
Changing an Object's Layer:

Many times you will draw an object and find that is on the wrong layer. To change an object's layer, you can open the
Properties palette (as shown above) or use this easy tip.
Create a new LAYER call it LINES. Do not make it the current layer. Draw a line on the 0 layer. Now select the
object and then move your cursor up to the layer drop list
.You'll see a list of all of your layers - pick on the LINES layer then press ESC.
Now when you check the properties of the line, you'll see that it is on the LINES layer.
Match Properties
One of the easiest ways to set properties is to use the MATCHPROP command. This is used by starting the command
(MA) and then selecting the source object (the one that has the desired properties) and then selecting the target
object(s). Use can also select the source object first, then the icon and then the target object. The icon for this
command is in the clipboard tool panel. And no, I don't know why it's not in the Properties panel.
To try this out, draw 2 lines and make sure that they are on two different layers. Start the MATCHPROP command
and select the source object. Notice how your cursor changes? Now select your destination object(s).
1.2 Layers
As you saw in the previous exercise, some properties are common to all objects. These include color, line type,
line weight, layer, and transparency. Color is fairly obvious; it is the display color of the object on the screen.
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Line type refers to how the line is displayed: For example, a dashed line, dotted line, or continuous line. Line
weight is the plotted width of the object (think of it as pen width). Transparency controls the visibility of objects
so you can see through them.
You can assign a color, line type, line weight, and transparency level to each object individually; however, when
your drawing grows in complexity, you can quickly find it difficult to manage each object individually. This is
where layers come to the rescue.
Layers give you a way to group objects together logically. The objects are still separate but share common
properties and can be manipulated as a group.
Each layer consists of a name, color, line type, line weight, transparency level, and a number of on/off settings.
When you draw an object, the properties of the current layer are applied to that object. The quickest and easiest
way to manage layers is via the Layers panel on the Home tab of the ribbon shown in the below figure:
The Layer drop-down list allows you to set the current drawing layer as shown in the screenshot The Layer
Properties Manager palette allows you to create and manage drawing layers.

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1.2.1 Creating a layer

1. Choose the Layer Properties tool from the Layers panel. The Layer Properties Manager palette appears.
There are three layers currently defined. Layer 0 is the default layer included in every drawing. The Title
Block and Viewport layers came from the drawing template.
2. Choose the New Layer button at the top of the palette (see Figure 2-21). Type Dim<Enter> for the
name.
3. Press <Enter> again. AutoCAD will create another new layer. Type Object <Enter> for the name.
4. Choose the color setting for the Object layer you just created. This will display the Select Color dialog
box. Choose the color red (index color 1) and choose OK to close the dialog box.
5. Choose the New Layer button and create a layer named Center.
6. Select the color setting for the Center layer. Set the color to blue (index color 5) and choose OK to close
the Select Color dialog box.
7. Choose the line type setting for the Center layer. This displays the Select line type dialog box.

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8. Choose the Load… button. This displays the Load or Reload Linetypes dialog box.
9. Scroll down through the list to see the available linetypes. Next to each line is a text representation of
what the linetype looks like. Select the CENTER2 linetype and choose OK. This loads this linetype
definition into the drawing and returns you to the Select Linetype dialog box.
10. In the Select Linetype dialog box, select the CENTER2 linetype you just loaded and choose OK. This
assigns the linetype you just loaded to the layer and returns you to the Layer Properties
Manager palette.
11. Choose the Layer Properties button to close the Layer Properties Manager palette.
12. Save your drawing.
So far, the appearance of your drawing hasn’t changed. All you have done at this point is to define some new
layers.

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1.2.2 Drawing on a layer

1. From the Layers panel, choose Center from the Layer drop-down list. This sets the layer Center as the
current drawing layer.
2. Toggle the Ortho Mode drawing tool to on and choose the Line tool. Type 4.25, 3<Enter> to specify the
starting point.
3. Drag your cursor to the right and type 1.5<Enter> to specify the length and direction of the line segment.
4. Press <Esc> to end the LINE command.
5. Press the spacebar to restart the LINE command. Type 5, 2.25<Enter> to specify the starting point.
6. Drag the cursor up and type 1.5<Enter> to specify the length and direction of the line segment.
7. Press <Esc> to end the LINE command.
The new lines have the color and linetype of the Center layer. The rest of the drawing was created on Layer 0. In the
next exercise, you’ll move those objects from Layer 0 to the Object layer.

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1.2.3 Moving object to another layer

1. In the drawing area, pick a point in a blank area below and to the left of your figure. AutoCAD prompts you
to Specify opposite corner or. Move your cursor up and to the right. A blue selection window will drag from
the point you picked.
2. Pick a point above and to the right of your figure. This will select all the objects inside the box you just
specified.
3. Hold down the <Shift> key and pick the two centerlines you just drew. This removes those lines from the
selection.
4. Select the Object layer from the Layer drop-down list. The objects “move” to the Object layer and take on
the properties of that layer.
5. Press <Esc> to clear the selection.
Of course, the objects didn’t actually move. Their layer property was simply changed from 0 to Object. However,
you can think of this as the objects “floating” from one layer to another or (in the pin-board drafting world) moving
the objects from one overlay sheet to another.
1.2.4 Freeze and Thaw a Layer

Your drawing objects are now organized into a few logical layers. Next we’ll look at some methods of
manipulating layers in your drawing.
1. Select Layer 0 from the Layer drop-down list. This sets Layer 0 as the current layer.
2. From the Layer drop-down list, click on the sun icon next to layer Center. The sun icon will change to
a snowflake. Now pick anywhere in your drawing to close the Layer drop-down list.
This freezes the Center layer and hides it from view.
Freeze/thaw: Hiding or displaying the contents of a drawing layer. Objects on a frozen layer are ignored by
AutoCAD, are not shown in the drawing, and cannot be edited.
3. From the Layer drop-down list, click on the snowflake icon next to layer Center. The snowflake now
turns back to a sun. Pick anywhere in the drawing area to close the Layer drop-down list.
This thaws the Center layer, making it visible again.
When layers are frozen, AutoCAD acts as though the objects on those layers don’t exist. Objects on frozen layers are
hidden from view and cannot be changed while the layer is frozen. The current drawing layer cannot be frozen.
AutoCAD also has an On/Off setting for layers (represented by the lightbulb in the Layer drop-down list). While
turning layers off will hide them from view, objects on those layers can still be modified (i.e., erased). For this reason,
freezing and thawing layers is generally preferred to turning layers on and off.

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1.2.5 Lock and Unlock a Layer

Although the Freeze option will prevent objects from being modified, it also hides them from view.
The Lock/Unlock setting allows you to prevent objects from being modified while still keeping them
displayed on screen.
1. From the Layer drop-down list, click on the open-lock icon next to layer Object (see Figure 2-28).
The open-lock icon will change to a closed lock. Pick anywhere in your drawing to close
the Layer drop-down list.
2. Double-click on the circle so the Quick Properties palette opens.

3. Change the Radius property of the circle to 1. AutoCAD rejects the input and maintains the
0.5 Radius value.
4. From the Layer drop-down list, click on the lock icon next to layer Object and pick anywhere in
the drawing to close the Layer drop-down list. The Object layer is now unlocked.
This section has touched on only a few key elements of layering and AutoCAD’s layer management tools.
Layer management is a crucial element of using AutoCAD effectively.

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 Object Properties toolbar

 Change properties command
 Understanding layers in AutoCAD
 Organizing with the Layer Properties Manager
 Using layer control
 Layers for Continuous line, dashed line, figure and dimensions.
 By layer Properties
 Using the Layer Previous command
 Introduction to object properties toolbar
 Change object properties and Match Properties explanation
 Playing with layer command
 Setting out all the layers properties

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Dated: 18/05/2021
Lab Practice # 06
Applying AutoCAD dimensioning and Annotation Tools

Objectives:
Learning Objectives of this Lecture
i. To know & to learn Dimension commands

ii. To learn how to dimension 2D object in AutoCAD.
iii. To demonstrate the use of different types of dimensions and their differences.
iv. To know about dimension tool bar.
v. To know about drawing annotations
vi. To learn modify the dimensions.
Linear, Aligned, Angular, Arc Length, Radius, Diameter, Baseline, Continuous etc.
Topic Covered:
a. Introduction to Dimension command
b. All type of dimensioning of 2D figures
c. Discussing the main differences between the different types of dimensioning tools.
d. Getting familiar with the Dimension tools bar
e. Introduction to drawing annotations.
f. Detail of DIM modify command
g. Discussing various types of Dimensioning commands including;
h. Linear and Aligned Dimension
i. Angular, Arc Length
j. Radius, Diameter, Baseline, Continuous
1.1 Introduction to Dimension command

It is used to display the dimensions of drawings or models in AutoCAD. We can modify the dimensions in
different drawing units according to the requirements. The dimension area on the ribbon panel will look like
the below image:

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There are different types of dimensions. It will appear on the drop-down list of the dimension, as shown in the below
image:
The drop-down list will look like the below image: We can choose the desired dimension accordingly. Let's discuss
each type of dimension in detail. Here, we will consider the below image:
1.1.1 Linear Dimension

A linear dimension will give us the horizontal or vertical distance between the selected points. Let's measure
the linear dimensions of the above figure.
1. Select the Linear icon from the ribbon panel. Or
Type DLI or DIMLINEAR on the command line and press Enter.
2. Select the first point and second point of a line to be measured, as shown below:

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3. The dimension of the corresponding line will be displayed, as shown below:
1.1.2 Aligned Dimension

The aligned dimension will give us the exact distance between the two selected points or endpoints. It is
commonly used to measure the slanted lines. The dimensions will be parallel to the created slanted line.
Let's measure the aligned dimensions of the above figure.
1. Select the Aligned icon from the ribbon panel. Or Type DAL or DIMALIGNED on the
command line and press Enter.
2. Select the first point and second point of a line to be measured, as shown below:

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3. The dimension of the corresponding line will be displayed, as shown below:
What is the difference between linear and aligned dimensions?
The aligned dimension displays the true or exact value of the slanted lines, while the linear dimension does not. Let's
consider a figure. The two points of a slanted line are shown in the below image:
The value of the linear and aligned dimensions are shown in the below image:

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We can consider that aligned dimensions are parallel to the line while linear is not. We can also notice the difference
between the two values. Hence, for slanted lines, aligned dimensions are recommended.
1.1.3 Angular Dimension

The angular dimensions will give us the measurement of the angle between the two selected lines.
Let's measure the angular dimensions of the above figure.
1. Select the Angular icon from the ribbon panel.
Or Type DIMANG or DIMANGULAR on the command line and press Enter.
2. Select the first line and second line in the given figure, as shown below:
3. The value of the angle between the two selected lines will be displayed, as shown in the below image:
1.1.4 Arc Length Dimension

The arc dimension measures the distance along an arc or polyline arc segment. The symbol of the arc is
displayed either above or before the dimension value.
Let's measure the Arc Length dimensions of the arc in the above figure.
a. Select the Arc Length icon from the ribbon panel.
Or Type DAR or DIMARC on the command line and press Enter.
b. Select the arc or polyline arc segment in the figure. Here, we have selected the polyline arc
segment because the arc is joined to the lines.

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The selected arc is shown in the below image:
c. The value of the arc chosen will be displayed, as shown in the below image:
1.1.5 Radius Dimension

The radius dimension will measure the radius of the selected circle or arc. It displays the radius
symbol before the dimensioning text. Let's measure the Radius dimensions of the circle in the
above figure.
d. Select the Radius icon from the ribbon panel.
Or Type DIMRAD or DIMRADIUS on the command line and press Enter.

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e. Select the circle. Here, we have selected the outer circle, as shown in the below image:
f. The radius of the selected circle will be displayed, as shown in the below image:
1.1.6 Diameter Dimension

The diameter dimension will give us the diameter of the selected circle. The diameter dimensions are popularly
used to measure the diameter of the circle, while the radius dimensions are used to determine the radius of an arc
or fillet.
It displays the diameter symbol before the dimensioning text. Let's measure the Diameter dimensions of the
circle in the above figure.
1. Select the Diameter icon from the ribbon panel.
Or Type DIMDIA or DIMDIAMETER on the command line and press Enter.
2. Select the circle. Here, we have selected the outer circle, as shown in the below image:

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3. The diameter of the selected circle will be displayed, as shown in the below image:
We can move the cursor in any direction to place the dimensions.
1.1.7 Ordinate Dimension

The ordinate dimension measures the horizontal or vertical distance from the point of origin. For example,
consider the below image:
Here, we need to specify the feature location or center point in the figure. The Ordinate dimension will
display the ordinate value of the specified feature point.
1.1.8 Jogged Dimension

It is used to create jogged radius dimensions. The dimensions are created when the center of the circle or arc
is located off the layout. For example, consider the below image:
Let’s measure the Jogged dimensions of the arc in the above figure. The steps are listed below:

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1. Select the Jogged icon from the ribbon panel.

Or Type DIMJOGGED on the command line and press Enter.
2. Select the arc or circle. Here, we have selected the arc, as shown in the below image:
1.2 Specify the center location override. It is the distance between the arc and jogged starting point, as shown
in above image. The jogged radius of the selected arc will be displayed, as shown in the below image:
1.1.9 Quick Dimension

The Quick dimension command is used to create dimensions from the selected objects quickly. Let's
understand with an example.
Consider the below figure:

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1. Select Annotate tab>Quick Dimension, as shown in the below image: Or Type QD or QDIM on the
command liner and press Enter.
2. Select the geometry to dimension. We can select any part of the object. Here, we have selected the three
horizontal lines of the figure, as shown in the below image: and press enter and then Place the dimension to
the desired position. Here, we will place at the bottom, as shown in the below right side image:
If we will select the vertical lines, as shown below:
The dimensions will be displayed, as shown below:

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 To know & to learn Dimension commands
 To learn how to dimension 2D object in AutoCAD.
 To demonstrate the use of different types of dimensions and their differences.
 To know about dimension tool bar.
 To know about drawing annotations
 To learn modify the dimensions.
 Linear, Aligned, Angular, Arc Length, Radius, Diameter, Baseline, Continuous etc.
 Introduction to Dimension command
 All type of dimensioning of 2D figures
 Discussing the main differences between the different types of dimensioning tools.
 Getting familiar with the Dimension tools bar
 Introduction to drawing annotations.
 Detail of DIM modify command
 Discussing various types of Dimensioning commands including;
 Linear and Aligned Dimension
 Angular, Arc Length
 Radius, Diameter, Baseline, Continuous

RAHIM ULLAH
Dated: 05/06/2021
Lab Practice # 07
Inquiring and Modifying Tools and Commands in AutoCAD

Objectives:
Learning Objectives of this Lecture
1. Inquiry Tools and Commands in AutoCAD

2. Modifying Objects/ Entities using Properties Palette in AutoCAD
3. Using Quick Calculator command
4. Group and Ungroup Commands
Topic Covered:
a. Introduction to Inquiry tools and commands
b. Modifies objects is already been covered.
c. How to use Quick calculator
d. Grouping objects
e. Ungrouping Objects
1.1 Introduction to Inquiry tools and commands

AutoCAD has many tools to help you as a designer. Some of these you may have already used. The properties
command gives you a lot of information about an object you have selected and allows you change most of
them. AutoCAD also has some commands used specifically for pulling information from objects.
Most of these commands can be accessed from the Home > Utilities tool panel. Here is a list of those commands
(click on the icon for more information):
COMMAND KEYBOARD ICON DESCRIPTION

Distance DISTANCE / DI Distance measures the distance and
angle between two points
Radius MEASUREGEOM Measures the radius of an arc or a
circle.
Angle MEASUREGEOM Measures the angle between two lines.
Area AREA Calculates the area and perimeter of

objects or of defined areas.
Volume MEA / MEASUREGEOM Calculates the area and perimeter of
objects or of defined areas.
Mass Properties MAS / VOL MASSPROP Mass Properties calculates and
displays the mass properties of regions
or solids.
List LI Displays database information for
selected objects.
ID ID ID Point displays the coordinate
values of a location.

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1.1.1 DISTANCE (DI)

Distance is quite straight forward. It allows you to select two points on the screen and AutoCAD will tell you the
total distance as well as the changes in X, Y & Z. This is a common 2D measuring tool. You can use cut and paste
to take the results from the Text Window and put them into another document if needed.
1. Command: DI DIST
2. Specify first point: <SELECT ANY POINT> Specify second point or [Multiple points]: <SELECT ANY
POINT>
Distance = 12.5107, Angle in XY Plane = 25, Angle from XY Plane = 0
Delta X = 11.3228, Delta Y = 5.3208, Delta Z = 0.0000
3. MEASUREGEOM is used to for a few options, among them Radius which will measure the radius of a circle
or arc. Enter the command, right-click and then choose radius from the list on the screen. You can also use
the command line options shown here:
4. Command: MEASUREGEOM
5. Enter an option [Distance/Radius/Angle/Area/Volume] <Distance>:
6. If you have Dynamic Input turned on, it will look a little different, but work the same way. With Radius
selected, just pick on any arc or circle to have the radius displayed on the drawing screen and on the
command line.
7. AutoCAD is kind enough to give you both the radius and the diameter on the screen - and on the command
line:
8. Command: measuregeom
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9. Enter an option [Distance/Radius/Angle/ARea/Volume] <Distance>: R

10. Select arc or circle: <SELECT THE OBJECT>
Radius = 3.3780
Diameter = 6.7559
11. You are left in the command and can select another option like Angle. Now you're asked to select 2 lines and
the screen will display the angle between them.
1.1.2 Volume
Volume measurements can be used on 3D objects or 2D objects (if you enter a height). You can either select and
object or pick points. Object is easiest for any single object, but if you are trying to measure a void, or other space not
defined by objects, you can pick points. Note that this option is NOT the same as the VOLUME command.

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1.1.3 AREA
Area is a command that can be very useful. This can used to calculate square footage for floors, property lots, or even
something like sheet metal parts. To use this command, you can type in AREA and see this on your command line:
1. Command: AREA
Specify first corner point or [Object/Add area/Subtract area] <Object>: <pick 1st corner>
Specify next point or [Arc/Length/Undo]: <pick 2nd corner>
Specify next point or [Arc/Length/Undo]: <pick 3rd corner>
Specify next point or [Arc/Length/Undo/Total] <Total>: <pick 4th corner>
Specify next point or [Arc/Length/Undo/Total] <Total>: <enter>
Area = 1114.38 square in. (7.7388 square ft.),
2. The default option is to pick a point on the screen. This allows you to select the four corners of a room to
find the total area in square drawing units (usually inches). You can pick as many points as you need and
then press enter when you're done. AutoCAD returns the area and the perimeter length. If you select the next
option (object), you can select a circle, rectangle, polyline or some other closed object. You also have the
option of adding to or subtracting from the initial area. You may need to find the carpeting area of a room,
but exclude where you have tile. Or you may need to add several rooms together.
3. MASS PROPERTIES is an option for finding information about 3D solid objects. You can find out the total
volume and from there calculate the weight based on volume. You can also use the VOLUME (VOL)
command to achieve the same results. AutoCAD also figures out some important engineering figures for you
such as the center of gravity for an object. This listing shows you all the information you can get
from MASSPROP:
4. Command: MASSPROP
Select objects: 1 found
Select objects:
---------------- SOLIDS ----------------
Mass: 26693.3540 lb
Volume: 26693.3540 cu in
Bounding box: X: 449.5643 -- 480.3642 in
Y: 172.2430 -- 208.4244 in
Z: 0.0000 -- 23.9535 in
Centroid: X: 464.9643 in
Y: 190.3337 in
Z: 11.9768 in
Moments of inertia: X: 975034871.0602 lb sq in
Y: 5778098589.0930 lb sq in
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Z: 6742922856.4689 lb sq in
Products of inertia: XY: -2362317788.2337 lb sq in
YZ: -60849711.7117 lb sq in
ZX: -148649167.9674 lb sq in
Radii of gyration: X: 191.1210 in
Y: 465.2548 in
Z: 502.6000 in
Principal moments (lb sq in) and X-Y-Z directions about centroid:
I: 4188330.0936 along [1.0000 0.0000 0.0000]
J: 3386500.5727 along [0.0000 1.0000 0.0000]
K: 5022179.7452 along [0.0000 0.0000 1.0000]
Write analysis to a file? [Yes/No] <N>: N
5. This is a lot of information, so AutoCAD gives you the option of saving it to a file after it is displayed. It will
be saved as an .MPR file, which can be opened in a text editor like Notepad.
6. LIST is an inquiry that gives you some basic information about a command. This is usually the information
that AutoCAD needs to know about it to keep track of it in its database. Here is a listing of the same box that
was selected for mass properties above:
7. Command: LI LIST
Select objects: 1 found
Select objects:
3DSOLID Layer: "DECK"
Space: Model space
Handle = 1469
History = None
Show History = No
Solid type = Box
Position, X = 38'-8 15/16" Y = 15'-10 5/16" Z = 0'-0"
Length: 2'-6 13/16"
Width: 3'-0 3/16"
Height: 1'-11 15/16"
Rotation: 0
8. Here are the properties (CTRL+1) for the same line:

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9. Notice that you can get the same information, but also have the option of changing anything that you need to.
10. After List, the next option is ID POINT. This allows you to select anywhere on the screen and have
AutoCAD return the X,Y&Z coordinates for that point. Here is a listing of ID POINT:
11. Command: ID Specify point: <SELECT POINT>
X = 155'-2 1/2" Y = 48'-9 3/16" Z = 0'-0"
12. (You can also get this information by selecting a grip and looking at the status bar.)
1.1.4 Other Inquiry Tools:

1. Time: Displays the date and time statistics of a drawing. Type TIME.
2. Status displays drawing statistics, modes, and extents. Type STATUS.
3. Set Variable Lists or changes the values of system variables. Type SETVAR.
TIME and STATUS are two inquiries that give you information about the system, as opposed to objects.
Here is a listing of TIME:
Command: TIME
Enter option [Display/ON/OFF/Reset]: <ENTER>
You can see the current date, when you last saved and when AutoCAD will do its next automatic save. And yes, that
file has been with me for 8 years.
As you can see, there is a lot of information here, not only about your drawing, but about the computer you are
working on.
The last inquiry, SET VARIABLE (SETVAR), allows you to change any system variables, or if you like AutoCAD
will list them for you. The details of this command are not covered in this lesson. You must be VERY careful when
working with system variables

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1.2 QuickCalc AutoCAD calculator tool

With QuickCalc AutoCAD Calculator command you can measure the length of geometry, its angle and
coordinate points like midpoint or centroid. You can perform complex calculations using the scientific
calculator and It can also be used to convert units of length, angle, area, and volume. To start QickCalc
calculator (I will call it calculator from now on for sake of simplicity) Right click in the drawing area and select
QuickCalc from the contextual menu, you can also use its command equivalent QUICKCALC. This calculator
can be launched from contextual menu even if you are in the middle of a command. In this article, I will explain
how you can leverage the features of QuickCalc calculator to make your drawing and calculation task faster
and efficient.
I have also prepared this video which explains this tip in detail, but if you prefer the article you can read it by
scrolling down.
1.2.1 Simple Calculator:

The most obvious use of a calculator tool is to perform calculations and this tool is no exception.
When you launch Calculator tool a basic palette will appear with all the buttons of a calculator, you
can also expand the calculator palette if it is collapsed as shown in the image below.
On calculator palette, you will find a familiar calculator interface with all related buttons at your
disposal. You can use the mouse to enter values in the calculator or you can use Numpad of the
keyboard as well.
1.2.2 Scientific Calculator:

Just below the Number Pad tab on calculator palette you will find a Scientific tab, expand it by clicking
on the + icon on it. This will open a scientific calculator for you where you can perform more complex
calculations involving sines, cosines or logarithmic values.
1.2.3 Unit conversion:

To convert units expand Units Conversion tab on calculator palette. Select type of unit which you
want to convert from Units type field then select unit which you want to convert and in next field
enter the unit in which you want it to be converted.
Enter the value in Value to convert field and press tab key, the result will appear in the Converted
value field.
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1.2.4 Length and Angle:

On the top of QuickCalc window, you will find a bar containing small icons that can be used to extract
geometrical information from the drawing like distance, angle, and coordinates. Let’s start with
finding the distance between two points.
To check the distance between two points click on next icon which is like a ruler with a dimension
line above it. The calculator palette will disappear and now you can select two points. On selecting
both the points you will see that calculator palette will appear again with the distance between both
points in the result field.
In a similar way as above angle of a line can also be found with respect to the positive side of the X-
axis. Select the next tool as shown in the image above to measure the angle of a line with respect to
the positive direction of the X-axis.
The calculator will again disappear, specify the base point for the line followed by the second
reference point on the line. The angle will appear in the results field. In the image below point 1 was
taken as the base point and point 2 was the second reference point on the black line.
1.2.5 Coordinates:
To obtain coordinates of a point click on the get coordinates icon as shown in the image below,
calculator palette will temporarily disappear and your cursor will change into a point selection cursor.
Click at a point in the drawing area, calculator palette will appear again with values of coordinates of
the selected point in the result field.
To determine coordinates of the intersection point of two lines select the next tool which looks like X
letter. Again calculator window will disappear and you are prompted to select the first two points,
select the points on the first line then second points on the second line. The resultant intersection point
will appear in the result field of calculator palette.
1.2.6 Functions or variables:

Using functions you can find many geometric parameters like midpoint and centroid. There are some
predefined functions in the calculator tool but you can create your own custom function as well. List
of functions can be accessed from Variables tab which is at the end of the calculator palette as shown
in the image below.

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As an example, you can find the midpoint of a line using mee function. To use it double click on mee
from sample variables tree, you will notice that (cur+cur)/2 will appear on result field of the calculator,
you can type this function as well in the result field. Press enter and then click on the endpoints of a
line. The coordinates of midpoint will appear in the result field of calculator palette.
1.2.7 Using ‘CAL command:

You can also perform calculations directly on the command line without opening the calculator. As
an example, if you want to make a circle in such a way that its center lies at a point midway between
two existing points and radius is half of the radius of an existing circle then follow these steps.
Start the circle command then type ‘CAL on command prompt (don’t forget to include the
Apostrophe) and press enter. Then type (END+END)/2 and press enter again, you will notice that
cursor will change into a large pick box. Click at points close to the end point of the line, the center
of the circle will snap to the midpoint of the line.
Now again type ‘CAL and press enter, then type Rad/2 and press enter, Click on the existing circle
whose radius you want to take for reference. The required circle will be made with the radius equal
to half of the radius of circle selected.

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1.3 Group Command

One of the most underutilized tools in AutoCAD must be the Group command. It is not dissimilar to the Block
command but has a bit more flexibility when it comes to removing and adding objects to the group. The
command can be accessed in the Home tab on the Groups Panel.
To create a group is as easy as the following:

Click on the Group icon pictured below.
In the command line AutoCAD will ask for the following.

Select objects – by clicking on your AutoCAD objects in the drawing window
Give your group a name – type in N and then press enter and then type in the name for your group e.g. furniture
Give your group a description – type in D and then press enter and enter your description e.g. for the dining
room
Once this has been done you press enter to accept your modifications. To see the effect of the grouping select
any of the objects that you selected when creating the Group.

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You will notice that all the objects are highlighted as well as that there is a box that encompasses the objects
and a blue grip (which is used to move the Group of objects) in the middle of the box.
If you try and use the explode option on the Grouped objects you will notice that it will not explode. To
unGroup simply select the unGroup button found to the right of the Group button and select what you want to
ungroup.
Additionally, you can add and remove objects as well using the Group Edit command.

 Inquiry Tools and Commands in AutoCAD
 Modifying Objects/ Entities using Properties Palette in AutoCAD
 Using Quick Calculator command
 Group and Ungroup Commands
 Introduction to Inquiry tools and commands
 Modifies objects is already been covered.
 How to use Quick calculator
 Grouping objects
 Ungrouping Objects

RAHIM ULLAH
Engineering Drawing and CAD Lab (ME-406L)

Department: Civil Registration no: 16pwciv4705 Session: A
Assignment # 01 and Assignment # 2
Drawing # 02

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Drawing # 05

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Drawing # 09

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Drawing # 13

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Drawing # 17

16pwciv4705 Rahim Ullah Sec a Final Lab Report

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Name: RAHIM ULLAH

Lab Course Title: Engineering Drawing and CAD Lab

Introduction to Engineering Drawing and CAD, AutoCAD interface and

1.1 Introduction to CAD:

Engineering Drawing and CAD Lab ME-104L Page # 2

1.2 Introduction to AutoCAD:

 Conceptualize his ideas

Figure 1. AutoCAD Software history and versions Development

Engineering Drawing and CAD Lab ME-104L Page # 3

1.2.1 Reasons for implementing a CAD system:

1.2.2 Applications of CAD:

1.3 Drawing and Engineering Drawing:

Engineering Drawing and CAD Lab ME-104L Page # 4

Engineering Drawing and CAD Lab ME-104L Page # 5

This is an example of Engineering Drawing.

Engineering Drawing and CAD Lab ME-104L Page # 6

Official name Version Date of release

AutoCAD Version 2.6 2.6 1987, April

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1.5 Advantage and Limitations:

1.5.2 LIMITATIONS OF CAD

1.6 CAD SOFTWARES

Engineering Drawing and CAD Lab ME-104L Page # 8

1.7 Entities (Objects)

1.8 Installation of AutoCAD 2020.

Engineering Drawing and CAD Lab ME-104L Page # 9

Now right click on “Keygen.zip” And Select Extract Keygen.

Now you can see 2 Folder 1) AutoCAD_2020_English_win_64bit_dlm

Now double clock on AutoCAD_2020_English_win_64bit_dlm Application File.

Engineering Drawing and CAD Lab ME-104L Page # 10

Select File location & Click on Install.

Installation Process is start.

Engineering Drawing and CAD Lab ME-104L Page # 11

Its take some Time to install.

Engineering Drawing and CAD Lab ME-104L Page # 12

Double click on “Autodesk 2020 Keymaker”

Fill serial Key & product key and click on next.

Engineering Drawing and CAD Lab ME-104L Page # 13

Engineering Drawing and CAD Lab ME-104L Page # 14

After Past This code click on Next.

Engineering Drawing and CAD Lab ME-104L Page # 15

2.1 AutoCAD Interface:

Figure 3: The start screen of AutoCAD

Engineering Drawing and CAD Lab ME-104L Page # 16

Figure 4: The Templates list in the Start Drawing tab

Main features of Autodesk AutoCAD are:

Engineering Drawing and CAD Lab ME-104L Page # 17

Figure 5: The AutoCAD 2021 user interface

Figure 6: The application button

 The quick access toolbar:

Figure 7: The quick access toolbar

Engineering Drawing and CAD Lab ME-104L Page # 18

 The info bar:

 The ribbon area:

Figure 9: The Show Tabs and Panels options

Engineering Drawing and CAD Lab ME-104L Page # 19

 The file tabs:

Read only file New blank Drawing

Figure 10: The file tab options

 The View Cube and navigation bar:

Figure 11: The View Cube and Navigation Bar options

 The selection cursor:

Default Cursor Point selection Cursor Object selection Cursor

Engineering Drawing and CAD Lab ME-104L Page # 20