Autocad Basic Training

AUTOCAD BASICTRAININGDesigned for Contec

This manual shows you how to use some basic commandsin Comos.

Bjorn Icke01/12/2015

Contec AutoCAD manual

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AutoCAD manual

Contents1. What is AutoCAD.............................................................................................................................4

2. AutoCAD Versions and file formats ................................................................................................4

2.1 Versions...................................................................................................................................4

2.2 File formats .............................................................................................................................4

3. Drawings area’s...............................................................................................................................5

3.1 Model space............................................................................................................................5

3.2 Paper space.............................................................................................................................5

3.3 Where to find them?...............................................................................................................5

4. The Command line ..........................................................................................................................6

4.1 What is the command line......................................................................................................6

4.2 Use of the command line and mouse .....................................................................................6

4.3 Use of the command line only ................................................................................................6

5. Making a selection by using the crosshair ......................................................................................6

5.1 By clicking................................................................................................................................6

5.2 By clicking and dragging to the right.......................................................................................6

5.3 By clicking and dragging to the left.........................................................................................6

6. Drafting in AutoCAD........................................................................................................................7

6.1 The ‘DRAW’ ribbon..................................................................................................................7

6.2 Line..........................................................................................................................................7

6.3 Polyline....................................................................................................................................7

6.4 Circle .......................................................................................................................................7

6.5 Arc ...........................................................................................................................................8

6.6 Rectangle.................................................................................................................................8

6.7 Center......................................................................................................................................8

6.8 Hatch.......................................................................................................................................8

6.9 Spline.......................................................................................................................................8

6.10 Revision Cloud.........................................................................................................................9

7. Modyfying in AutoCAD..................................................................................................................10

7.1 The ‘MODIFY’ ribbon.............................................................................................................10

7.2 Move .....................................................................................................................................10

7.3 Copy ......................................................................................................................................10


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7.4 Rotate....................................................................................................................................10

7.5 Scale ......................................................................................................................................11

7.6 Mirror....................................................................................................................................11

7.7 Break .....................................................................................................................................11

7.8 Join ........................................................................................................................................11

7.9 Trim .......................................................................................................................................12

7.10 Explode..................................................................................................................................12

7.11 Erase......................................................................................................................................12

8. AutoCAD drafting settings ............................................................................................................13

8.1 What are drafting settings? ..................................................................................................13

8.2 Grid display ...........................................................................................................................13

8.3 Ortho mode...........................................................................................................................13

8.4 Polar tracking ........................................................................................................................13

8.5 Object snap ...........................................................................................................................13

9. AutoCAD annotations ...................................................................................................................14

9.1 What are annotations? .........................................................................................................14

9.2 Single line ..............................................................................................................................14

9.3 Multiline text.........................................................................................................................14

9.4 Dimensions............................................................................................................................14

9.5 Table......................................................................................................................................15

10. Object properties ......................................................................................................................16

10.1 What are object properties?.................................................................................................16

10.2 List of common properties....................................................................................................16

10.3 Quick select...........................................................................................................................17

11. AutoCAD layers .........................................................................................................................18

11.1 What are layers? ...................................................................................................................18

11.2 How to handle layers? ..........................................................................................................18

11.3 What properties can be set for layers?.................................................................................18

11.4 Layer “0” ...............................................................................................................................19

11.5 Current layer .........................................................................................................................19

12. Blocks in AutoCAD.....................................................................................................................20

12.1 What is a block? ....................................................................................................................20

12.2 Creating a block.....................................................................................................................20

12.3 What are Block attributes? ...................................................................................................21


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12.4 How to create an attribute? .................................................................................................21


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1. What is AutoCADAutoCAD is a computer-aided design (CAD) program used for 2-D and 3-D design and drafting.AutoCAD is developed and marketed by Autodesk Inc. and was one of the initial CAD programs thatcould be executed on personal computers.

2. AutoCAD Versions and file formats

2.1 VersionsVersion File Format Notepad (text code)

2000DWG 2000 AC10152000i

2002

2004DWG 2004 AC10182005

2006

2007 (TRA) Save as…DWG 2007 AC10212008

2009

2010DWG 2010 AC10242011

2012

2013DWG 2013 AC10272014 (Contec)

2015

2.2 File formatsDWG AutoCAD DraWinG

DXF Drawing eXchange Format

DWF Drawing Web Format

DWS DraWing Stanard


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3. Drawings area’s

3.1 Model spaceBy default, you start working in a limitless 3D drawing area called model space. You begin bydeciding whether one unit represents one millimeter, one centimeter, one inch, one foot, orwhatever unit is most convenient. You then draw at 1:1 scale.

3.2 Paper spaceTo prepare your drawing for printing, switch to paper space. Here you can set up different layoutswith title blocks and notes; and on each layout, you create layout viewports that display differentviews of model space. In the layout viewports, you scale the model space views relative to paperspace. One unit in paper space represents the actual distance on a sheet of paper, either inmillimeters or inches, depending on how you configure your page setup.

3.3 Where to find them?Model space is accessible from the Model tab and paper space is accessible from the layout tabs.

Model Space (TRA standard) Paper Space


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4. The Command line

4.1 What is the command lineAutoCAD uses a command line in its program where you can enter all of its commands orabbreviated commands. After entering the command the user can follow the steps he needs tofollow in the command line. The Abbreviated commands are marked in bolt in the entire manual.

4.2 Use of the command line and mouseIt is possible to enter a command in the command line and execute those commands on the screen

by using the mouse and the crosshair (pointer of the mouse). When AutoCAD asks you to specify a

point or a direction you can use the mouse to do this.

4.3 Use of the command line onlyIt is also possible to use the command line on its own by not using the mouse and the crosshair.In that case you must tell AutoCAD to specify a point or direction by using coordinates.Coordinates in AutoCAD are entered by using the X, Y (and Z for 3D) axis. First is always the X-axisand second always the Y-axis.

5. Making a selection by using the crosshairThere are 3 was to make a selection with the crosshair (pointer of the mouse).

5.1 By clickingYou can select objects by using the left mouse button and selecting the objects on the screen one byone.

5.2 By clicking and dragging to the rightYou can select objects by clicking with the left mouse button, hold the button and dragging to theright. On the screen a blue area will appear. All objects that are completely in the blue area will beselected by releasing the left mouse button.

5.3 By clicking and dragging to the leftYou can select objects by clicking with the left mouse button, hold the button and dragging to theleft. On the screen a green area will appear. All objects that cross the green area will be selected byreleasing the left mouse button.


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6. Drafting in AutoCAD

6.1 The ‘DRAW’ ribbon

You can find the Draw commands for AutoCAD below the Home tab.Following most common commands are available:

• Line

• Polyline

• Circle

• Arc

• Rectangle

• Center

• Hatch

• Spline

• Revision cloud

6.2 LineDescription Create straight line segments.

Icon

Command LINE

Com. Line Specify first pointSpecify next point or [Close/Undo]

Remark

6.3 PolylineDescription Creates a 2D polyline.

Icon

Command PLINE

Com. Line Specify first pointSpecify next point or [Arc/Halfwidth/Length/Undo/Width]

Remark Has the possibility to draw thick lines (not possible with LINE command)

6.4 CircleDescription Creates circle using a center point and a radius

Icon

Command Circle


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Com. Line Specify center point for a circle or [3P/2P/Ttr (tan tan radius)]Specify radius of circle or [Diameter]

Remark Other ways to draw a circle are possible

6.5 ArcDescription Creates an arc using 3 points

Icon

Command Arc

Com. Line Specify start point of arc or [Center]Specify second point of arc or [Center/End]Specify end point of arc

Remark Other ways to draw an arc are possible

6.6 RectangleDescription Creates a rectangular polyline

Icon

Command RECTANG

Com. Line Specify first corner point or [Chamfer/Elevation/Fillet/Thickness/Width]Specify other corner point or [Area/Dimensions/Rotation]

Remark Has the possibility to draw thick lines

6.7 CenterDescription Creates an ellipse using a specified center point

Icon

Command ELLIPSE

Com. Line Specify axis endpoint of ellipse or [Arc/Center]Specify other endpoint of axisSpecify distance to other axis or [Rotation]

Remark

6.8 HatchDescription Fills an enclosed area or selected objects with a hatch pattern or fill.

Icon

Command HATCH

Com. Line Pick internal point or [Select objects/seTtings]

Remark Choose setting to open an interface and select the preferred hatch

6.9 SplineDescription Draw s spline with fit points

Icon


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Command SPLINE

Com. Line Specify first point or [Method/Knots/Object]

Remark

6.10 Revision CloudDescription Creates a revision cloud using a polyline

Icon

Command REVCLOUD

Com. Line Specify start point or [Arc Length/Object/Style]Guide crosshair along cloud path…Revision cloud finished

Remark


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7. Modyfying in AutoCAD

7.1 The ‘MODIFY’ ribbon

You can find the Modify commands for AutoCAD below the Home tab.Following most common commands are available:

• Move

• Copy

• Rotate

• Scale

• Mirror

• Break

• Join

• Trim

• Explode

• Erase

7.2 MoveDescription Moves objects a specified distance in a specified direction

Icon

Command MOVE

Com. Line Select objectsSpecify base point or [Displacement]Specify second point or

Remark

7.3 CopyDescription Copies objects a specified distance in a specified direction

Icon

Command COPY

Com. Line Select objectsSpecify base point or [Displacement/mOde]

Remark

7.4 RotateDescription Rotates objects around a base point

Icon

Command ROTATE


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Com. Line Select objectsSpecify base pointSpecify rotation angle or [Copy/Reference] <0>

Remark Possibility to enter angle

7.5 ScaleDescription Enlarges or reduces selected objects, keeping the proportions of the object the

same after scaling

Icon

Command SCALE

Com. Line Select objectsSpecify base pointSpecify scale factor [Copy/Reference]

Remark Scale factor <1> object stays the sameScale factor <2> object becomes twice as bigScale factor <0.5> object becomes half the size

7.6 MirrorDescription Creates a mirrored copy of selected objects

Icon

Command MIRROR

Com. Line Select objectsSpecify first point of mirror lineSpecify second point of mirror lineErase source object? [Yes/No]

Remark Text objects will be copied but not show as a mirror reflection by default

7.7 BreakDescription Breaks the selected object between two points

Icon

Command BREAK

Com. Line Select objectSpecify second break point or [First point]

Remark Line between first and second point will be erased

7.8 JoinDescription Joins similar objects to form a single, unbroken object

Icon

Command JOIN

Com. Line Select source or multiple objects to join at onceSelect objects to join

Remark Objects must be similar to be able to join them


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7.9 TrimDescription Trims objects to meet the edges of other objects

Icon

Command TRIM

Com. Line Select objects or <select all>Select object to trim or shift-select to extend or […]

Remark Second object selected is the object that will be trimmed

7.10 ExplodeDescription Breaks a compound object into its component objects

Icon

Command EXPLODE

Com. Line Select objects

Remark Mostly used to explode blocks

7.11 EraseDescription Removes objects from a drawing

Icon

Command ERASE (same effect as pushing the DELETE button on keyboard)

Com. Line Select objects

Remark


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8. AutoCAD drafting settings

8.1 What are drafting settings?Drafting settings can be used to make it easier for the user to create his drawing. They are a kind oftools that can be set to on or off. Below you find a list of the most common settings used inAutoCAD.

• Grid display

• Ortho mode

• Polar tracking

• Object snap

8.2 Grid displayDescription Displays a dotted grid in the drawing area

Icon

Command GRID (or F7)

Remark Spacing between the dots can be set in the drafting settings (Snap and Grid)

8.3 Ortho modeDescription Restrict cursor movement to horizontal and vertical directions

Icon

Command ORTHO (or F8)

Remark

8.4 Polar trackingDescription Restrict cursor movement to specified angles

Icon

Command POLARANG(or F10)

Remark Angle can be set in the drafting settings (Polar Tracking)

8.5 Object snapDescription Object snaps are essential to specifying precise locations on objects. For example,

you can use object snaps to create a line to the center of a circle or to the midpointof another line.

Icon

Command SNAP(or F3)

Remark Snaps can be set in the drafting settings (Object Snap)


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9. AutoCAD annotations

9.1 What are annotations?

Annotations are notes or remarks that can be placed on a drawing. You can find the Annotationcommands for AutoCAD on the Home tab.Below you find the most common annotations used in AutoCAD:

• Single line

• Multiline Text

• Dimensions

• Table

9.2 Single lineDescription Displays text on the screen as it is entered

Icon

Command TEXT

Com. Line Specify start point of text or [Justify/Style]Specify heightSpecify rotation angle of text[Enter text]

Remark Texts are different object when different lines are used

9.3 Multiline textDescription Creates a multiline text object

Icon

Command MTEXT

Com. Line Specify first cornerSpecify opposite corner[Enter text]

Remark Works as a kind of Word processor

9.4 DimensionsDescription Creates a linear dimension

Icon

Command DIMLINEAR

Com. Line Specify first extension line origin or [select object]Specify second extension line origin


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Specify dimension line location…

Remark Only one type of dimension is mentioned in this manual. It is also possible to createthe following types:

• Aligned dimensions

• Angular dimensions

• Radius

• Diameter

9.5 TableDescription Creates an empty table object

Icon

Command TABLE

Remark See the Insert table interface to create a table in AutoCAD.A table can also be linked to data in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.


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10. Object properties

10.1 What are object properties?Every object in AutoCAD has its properties. In these properties you can for example set the Color,Layer, Position, Scale or Weight of an object. The types of settings are different from object toobject. Below you find a list of the most common properties on objects:

10.2 List of common propertiesObject Property Description

Line Color Overwrite the color of the object

Linetype Set the type of line to be continues, dashed, dotted,…

Start X Set the start of the line on the X-axis

Start Y Set the start of the line on the Y-axis

End X Set the end of the line on the X-axis

End Y Set the end of the line on the Y-axis

Text Color Overwrite the color of the object

Contents Change the contents of the text

Style Choose the Font for the text

Height Set the height of the text

Rotation Set the angle of the text

Circle Color Overwrite the color of the object

Linetype Set the type of line to be continues, dashed, dotted,…

Radius Set the radius of the circle

Diameter Set the diameter of the circle

…


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10.3 Quick selectIn the properties area you can find a button ‘Quick Select’. You can use this function to quicklyselect objects of the same type on an entire drawing or on a part of the drawing.You can select the objects depending on their:TYPE: Line, Circle, Rectangle, Arc,…PROPERTIES: Color, Layer, Linetype,…


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11. AutoCAD layers

11.1 What are layers?A layer can be compared to a transparent sheet you can put on top of your drawing. You can thanstart drawing objects on this particular layer. It is possible in AutoCAD to use more than one layer.Layers in AutoCAD have the ability to be set off, locked or frozen.

11.2 How to handle layers?You can create, delete or rename layers in the Layer Properties Manager. The button can be foundin the Home tab in the Layers ribbon. By clicking this button a new window will open to manageyour layers.

11.3 What properties can be set for layers?11.3.1 Layer On/Off

Turns layers on and off. When a layer is on, it is visible and available for plotting. When alayer is off, it is invisible and is not plotted, even if Plot is on.

11.3.2 Thaw/Freeze in All viewportsThaws and freezes selected layers in all viewports. You can freeze layers to speed up zoom,pan, and many other operations; improve object selection performance; and reduceregeneration time for complex drawings. AutoCAD does not display, plot, hide, render, orregenerate objects on frozen layers.

Freeze the layers you want to be invisible for long periods. When you thaw a frozen layer,AutoCAD regenerates and displays the objects on that layer. If you plan to switch betweenvisible and invisible states frequently, use the On/Off setting. You can freeze layers in allviewports, in the current layout viewport, or in new layout viewports as they are created.

11.3.3 Lock/Unlock layer

Locks and unlocks the layers. You cannot edit objects on a locked layer. Locking a layer is

useful if you want to view information on a layer for reference but do not want to edit

objects on that layer.

11.3.4 Plot/Do not plot layer

Controls whether the selected layers are plotted. If you turn off plotting for a layer, the

objects on that layer are still displayed. Turning off plotting for a layer affects only visible

layers in the drawing (layers that are on and thawed). If a layer is set to plot but is currently

frozen or off in the drawing, AutoCAD does not plot the layer. Turning off plotting for layers

containing reference information such as construction lines can be useful.


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11.4 Layer “0”Layer “0” is a default layer that can’t be deleted. It is best not to draw anything directly on this layer.It is best to use this layer when creating blocks so that upon insertion into other layers the blocks willassume the properties of the layer (color, linetype, etc.)

11.5 Current layerYou are always drawing on the active layer. When you make a layer active, you create new objectson that layer. If you make a different layer active, any new objects you create is assigned that newactive layer and uses its color and linetype. You cannot make a layer active if it is frozen. You can seta layer as current layer in the Layer Properties Manager or by using Alt+C


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12. Blocks in AutoCAD

12.1 What is a block?CAD blocks are named groups of objects that act as a single 2D or 3D object. You can use them tocreate repeated content such as drawing symbols, common components, and standard details.Blocks help you save time, maintain consistency, and reduce file size by reusing and sharing contentrather than re-drawing it every time you need it.

12.2 Creating a blockIf you want to create a block the first thing you must do is select or create the objects (lines, circles,text,…) that you want to be part of the collection (block).

After you selected your objects you use the command ‘BLOCK’. An interface will open to Define yourblock. The interface ‘Block Definition’ contains the following information:

• NameGive the block you want to create a logical name.

• Base pointSpecify a point on your block where you want to set the grab point of your block. This can bedone by setting the X,Y and Z-axis or by specify On-screen.

• ObjectsBy selecting the objects first before entering the block command you can skip this step. Ifthe objects aren’t selected yet you can do it by clicking Select objects.

Click OK and your block is created.

Note: When you are creating a block it is best to create its objects on Layer “0” so that uponinsertion into other layers the blocks will assume the properties of the layer (color, linetype, etc.)


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12.3 What are Block attributes?An attribute is a label or tag that attaches data to a block. Examples of data that might be containedin an attribute are part numbers, prices, comments, and owners' names.Attribute information extracted from a drawing can be used in a spreadsheet or database to producea parts list or a bill of materials. You can associate more than one attribute with a block, providedthat each attribute has a different tag.

When you define an attribute, you specify:

• A unique tag that identifies the attribute by name

• A prompt that can be displayed as the block is inserted

• A default value that is used if a variable value is not entered at the prompt

Note: It is important to make sure that attribute tags have unique names. The Enhanced AttributeEditor will display any duplicate tags in red. Duplicate tags will cause problems when extracting dataor if you use them in dynamic blocks.

12.4 How to create an attribute?You can create an attribute by using the command ATTDEF. An interface will open to define yourattribute. The interface ‘Attribute Definition’ contains the following information:

• InvisibleSpecifies that attribute values are not displayed or printed when you insert the block. TheATTDISP command overrides the Invisible mode.

• ConstantAssigns attributes a fixed value for the attribute when you insert the block. This setting isused for information that never changes.

• VerifyPrompts you to verify that the attribute value is correct when you insert the block.

• PresetSets the attribute to its default value without displaying a prompt when you insert the block.The Preset option applies only when prompts for attribute values are set to be displayed atthe Command prompt (ATTDIA is set to 0).

• Lock PositionLocks the location of the attribute within the block reference. When unlocked, the attributecan be moved relative to the rest of the block using grip editing, and multiline attributes canbe resized.

• Multiple LinesSpecifies that the attribute value can contain multiple lines of text, and lets you specify aboundary width for the attribute.

• TagSpecifies the name with which to Identify the attribute. Enter the attribute tag using anycombination of characters except spaces. Lowercase letters are automatically changed touppercase.

• PromptSpecifies the prompt that will be displayed when you insert a block containing this attributedefinition.

• DefaultSpecifies the default attribute value.

• Insertion Point


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Specifies the location for the attribute. Enter coordinate values, or select Specify On-screenand use your pointing device to specify the location of the attribute relative to other objects.Specify On-ScreenDisplays a Start Point prompt when the dialog box closes. Use the pointing device to specifythe location of the attribute relative to other objects.

• JustificationSpecifies the justification of the attribute text.

• Text StyleSpecifies a predefined text style for the attribute text. Currently loaded text styles aredisplayed.

• Text HeightSpecifies the height of the attribute text. Enter a value, or choose Height to specify a heightwith your pointing device. The height is measured from the origin to the location youspecify.

• RotationSpecifies the rotation angle of the attribute text. Enter a value, or choose Rotation to specifya rotation angle with your pointing device. The rotation angle is measured from the origin tothe location you specify.

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