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AutoCAD Self-paced Learning Modules
®

AutoCAD 2D
Module 9
Controlling the Drawing

Learning Outcomes:
When you have completed this module, you will be able to:

1. Describe drawing limits, extents, scale, and units.

2. Describe and apply the commands ZOOM, PAN, REGEN, and VIEWRES to control the
drawing.

Controlling the Drawing

Since the AutoCAD drawing is where you will be working most
of the time, it is important for you to understand how it works
and be able to control it to work for you rather than against
you. In this module, limits, extents, scale, units, zooming,
panning, and regenerating are covered.
Drawing Limits
The drawing limits are always a rectangular or square shape
representing the drawing size. Simply, you can think of them
as the size of the piece of paper you are drawing on. They
can be any size you wish and the size can be changed at any
time. The template files that you have been using in your lab
exercises already have the limits set for the drawing.
Once set, all objects
Figure 9-1
should be drawn inside the
The Drawing Limits
limits although it is
possible to draw outside of them and there are times you
must do just that. They are more of a guide and are useful
in plotting and working with grids as you will see in future
modules.
Drawing Extents
The drawing extents is the smallest rectangle that will fit
around all the existing objects in the drawing. It is possible
to draw outside the drawing limits and; therefore, an
object(s) that is outside the limits may not be visible in the
normal drawing display. By being able to display the
drawing extents, you will be able to see all of the objects
Figure 9-2 that exist in the drawing.
The Drawing Extents

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Since AutoCAD allows a drawing to be very large, an object(s) is sometimes placed, by

accident, somewhere out in space. This can severely derogate the performance of the drawing.
Sometimes the only way to work on a drawing that is derogated is to find the erroneous
object(s) and erase it.

If you are attempting to find all the existing objects by displaying the
drawing extents, ensure that all layers are visible and are not frozen or off.

Drawing Scale
The general rule, when drawing with a CAD system, is to always draw everything full scale or
full size. Almost all the time scaling the drawing is done when it is plotted as you will see in
future modules.

Always draw everything in full scale or full size regardless of its size. All
scaling is done when the object is plotted.

Drawing Units
AutoCAD drawings are unitless. In other words, if you enter a unit of 1 into your drawing and
the drawing was originally created in inches, then the 1 means 1 inch. From that point forward,
all units entered into that drawing must be entered as inches. If in a second drawing, the
operator creates a drawing and picks the units to be millimeters, then all numbers entered in
that drawing are in millimeters.
To sum up, when a drawing is first started, the operator must make a decision as to what units
will be used for that drawing. There are ways to change the units of a drawing but you will
learn how to do that in a later module.

AutoCAD drawings are unitless. The operator who creates the drawing
makes the decision of what units will be used for the new drawing. From
that point forward, all units must be entered in those units.

AutoCAD Command: LIMITS

The LIMITS command is used to set the limits for the drawing.

Shortcut none

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The lower left corner of the limits of the drawing should always be set at 0,0
or X0,Y0.

Zooming and Panning

Zooming
Zooming is the process of moving the drawing closer or further away from your eyes without
actually changing the size of any existing objects. It is an important tool for the AutoCAD
Operator and is used extensively in the drawing process. Drawings can be very large and
therefore you must be able to zoom in to see what you are doing and back out again to work
with the overall drawing. As you do this, you are not changing the size of the objects, you are
simply adjusting the distance the objects are from your eyes.

AutoCAD Command: ZOOM

The ZOOM command is used to move the
existing objects closer or farther away from
your eyes without changing their physical size.
Shortcut: Z

2004-2008

2000-2002

2004-2008

2000-2002

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If you have a mouse with a wheel as the center button, you can use it to
zoom in and out of your drawing by rotating the wheel forward or backward.
Using the wheel to zoom will increase your drawing speed greatly. If you
don't have a wheel mouse, you must use commands to accomplish the
same thing.

Panning
Panning is the process of moving the drawing around the computer screen without actually
physically moving any of the objects on the drawing. The best way to do this is with the middle
button (wheel) of your mouse. If you have a wheel mouse, move the graphic cursor to the
location you are currently working on and push the middle button down and hold it. A cursor
shaped like a hand will replace the graphic cursor. Move the hand and the drawing will pan with
it. If you don't have a wheel mouse or a three button mouse, you can use the PAN command.

AutoCAD Command: PAN

The Pan command is used to move the drawing
around the computer screen.
Shortcut: P

2004-2008

2000-2002

If you have a mouse with a wheel as the center button, you can use it to
pan your drawing. Move the cursor to the part of the drawing you want
to pan and press down on the wheel. A Pan Hand icon will display as the
graphic cursor. While holding down the wheel, you can move the mouse
to pan the drawing. Using the wheel to pan will increase your drawing
speed greatly. If you don't have a wheel mouse, you must use the PAN
command to accomplish the same thing.

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The ZOOM Previous command allows you to

step back through the previous zoomed
states. This allows you to quickly zoom in on
an object, draw or edit and then return back
to the previous zoomed state.

Regenerating the Drawing

AutoCAD stores all existing objects and their properties in a database format in the .DWG file.
When you open a drawing, AutoCAD must open the .DWG file and rebuild the objects one at
time displaying them onto the computer screen.
There are times you are required to rebuild your drawing from the .DWG file. This is called
regeneration. There are many reasons for regeneration and they will become clear to you as
you work your way through the AutoCAD Modules. Some AutoCAD commands regenerate the
drawing automatically, but not all of them. Therefore, it is up to you to execute the REGEN
command to force AutoCAD to display the results of the previous command.

AutoCAD Command: REGEN

The REGEN command rebuilds all drawing objects from the .DWG
file and displays them on the screen.

Shortcut: RE

AutoCAD Command: VIEWRES

The VIEWRES command sets the number of lines that AutoCAD builds when it regenerates the
circles and arcs in the drawing.
Shortcut: none

Using the LIMITS, ZOOM, PAN, REGEN and VIEWRES Commands

Step 1 Open the drawing AutoCAD 2D Workalong 08-1 that you

completed in Module 8. If you have not completed that drawing,
go back to Module 8 and do it before continuing on with this
workalong.

Drawing AutoCAD 2D
...continued on page 9-6
Workalong 08-1

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Using the LIMITS, ZOOM, PAN, REGEN and VIEWRES Commands - continued

Step 2 Enter the LIMITS command and set the limits of the drawing as shown below.

Command: LIMITS
Reset Model space limits:
Specify lower left corner or [ON/OFF] <0.0000,0.0000>:
(Press enter to leave the lower left corner at 0,0. In most cases, it is best to leave the lower left
corner at 0,0)
Specify upper right corner <12.0000,9.0000>: 8.5,11
(Set the upper right corner to X8.5,Y11. That is the size of the drawing)
Command:

Step 3 Enter the CIRCLE command shown below to draw a 1 diameter circle with its
center at X10Y12.
Command: C
CIRCLE Specify center point for circle or [3P/2P/Ttr (tan tan radius)]: 10,12
Specify radius of circle or [Diameter]: D
Specify diameter of circle: 1
Command:
Step 4 Enter the ZOOM EXTENTS command as shown in
Figure Step 4A. Your drawing should now appear as
shown in Figure Step 4B. The extents of the drawing is
now displayed.

Figure Step 4B
Figure Step 4A
Step 5 Enter the CIRCLE command shown below to draw a 1 diameter circle with its
center at X-50,Y-50.

Command: C
CIRCLE Specify center point for circle or [3P/2P/Ttr (tan tan radius)]: -50,-50
Specify radius of circle or [Diameter]: D
Specify diameter of circle: 1
Command:

..continued on page 9-7

At times, you are required to regenerate your drawing from the .DWG file.
Drawing regeneration is accomplished with the REGEN command. If you
are in doubt about the current appearance of your drawing, regenerate it.

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Using the LIMITS, ZOOM, PAN, REGEN and VIEWRES Commands - continued
Step 6 Enter the ZOOM EXTENTS command
again. Your drawing should appear as shown in
Figure Step 6. Note that the extents of the drawing
is now larger therefore the drawing will appear
smaller and show both circles.

Step 7 Delete the two

circles that you inserted in
Step 3 and Step 5. Enter the
ZOOM EXTENTS command
again. The titleblock and
border of the drawing should
now fill the graphic window as
shown in Figure Step 7. Figure Step 6
Figure Step 7
Step 8 Using either the wheel on the mouse or the ZOOM
WINDOW command, zoom the objects in the drawing to fill the
graphic window as shown in Figure Step 8.
Step 9 Enter the VIEWRES command shown below. Always
answer Y to fast zooms and enter 20000 as the circle zoom
percent. Enter the REGEN command to regenerate the
drawing. Figure Step 8
Command: VIEWRES
Do you want fast zooms? [Yes/No] <Y>: Y
Enter circle zoom percent (1-20000) <2000>: 20000
Command:
Command: REGEN
Regenerating model.

Author's Comments:
The only object AutoCAD can construct in any drawing is a line. Even circles and arcs are
constructed using many lines connecting two XY coordinate points that are calculated each
time the drawing is regenerated. The more lines AutoCAD uses to construct the circles and
arcs, the smoother or more circular they will display. The VIEWRES command sets the
zoom percentage of the lines that AutoCAD uses when it constructs or regenerates the
circles and arcs in the drawing. In this example, the VIEWRES was set to 20000 which
means that the circles and arcs will appear very smooth. On the other hand, it will take
AutoCAD much longer to calculate that many points for each circle and arc. You have to
take all of this into account when you are setting the viewres for each drawing.

...continued on page 9-8

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Using the LIMITS, ZOOM, PAN, REGEN and VIEWRES Commands - continued
Step 10 Enter the commands shown below.
Command: VIEWRES
Do you want fast zooms? [Yes/No] <Y>: Y
Enter circle zoom percent (1-20000) <2000>: 8
Command:
(By setting the VIEWRES to 8, you can see on the drawing that the
circles appear as a polygons. See Figure Step 10A.)
Figure Step 10A
Command: VIEWRES
Do you want fast zooms? [Yes/No] <Y>: Y
Enter circle zoom percent (1-20000) <20000>: 2000
Command: REGEN
Regenerating model
Command:
(By setting the VIEWRES to 2000, you can see on the drawing that
Figure Step 10B
the circles appear smooth again. See Figure Step 10B.)
Step 11 Save and close the drawing.

The ZOOM EXTENTS is a very important command and if used when

required, can prove to save you a lot of time and effort. When you first
open a drawing, especially one that was drawn by someone other then
yourself, the first thing you should do is ensure that all layers are on and
thawed. Then enter the ZOOM EXTENTS command. Doing this will show you the size and
scope of the drawing before you do any work on it.

Since the ZOOM EXTENTS command is used a lot during the drawing
process, there is a shortcut to execute this command. Move the cursor to
somewhere on the graphic window and double click the wheel or middle
button on the mouse.

The Key Principles in Module 9

1. The drawing extents is the smallest rectangle that will fit around all the existing objects in
the drawing.
2. Always draw everything in AutoCAD at full size.
3. AutoCAD drawings are unitless. The operator who creates the drawing makes the
decision what units will be used for that drawing.
4. When a drawing is regenerated, AutoCAD reconstructs the drawing from the .DWG file.
Drawings regenerate when they are opened but you can force a drawing to regenerate
with the REGEN command. There are many instances that you will be required to
regenerate the drawing you are working on as you will see in future modules.

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Lab Exercise 9-1 Time Allowed: 40 Min.

Drawing Specifications
Name Template Units Text Style Font
AutoCAD 2D Lab 09-1 Module Template A4 Millimeters N/A N/A
Note: Color, Linetype, and Lineweight are all < ByLayer < unless otherwise instructed.
Layering Scheme
Objects on Layer Name Color Linetype Lineweight
Construction Objects Construction 253
All Objects Object Red
Instructions:
1. Setup the layers using the Layering Scheme above.
2. Draw all construction objects on layer Construction
and freeze it when complete.
3. Draw the object shown below.
4. Set the Viewres to 5000.
5. Regenerate your drawing.
6. Check your drawing with the key.
Note: Do not use a calculator to complete this lab
exercise or any other lab exercise in the AutoCAD Detail of Circle D
Modules. By using geometry principles and techniques,
object snapping and construction objects, AutoCAD will do all the math for you. Completed
Drawing

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

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

Hint 1

Construction Objects

Figure Hint 1

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Hint 2

Figure Hint 2

Hint 3 Construction lines for circle D.

Hint 4 To draw circle D.

Figure Hint 3

Figure Hint 4

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Lab Exercise 9-2 Time Allowed: 40 Min.

Drawing Specifications
Name Template Units Text Style Font
AutoCAD 2D Lab 09-2 Module Template A Inches N/A N/A
Note: Color, Linetype, and Lineweight are all < ByLayer < unless otherwise instructed.
Layering Scheme
Objects on Layer Name Color Linetype Lineweight
Construction Objects Construction 253
All Objects Object Red
Instructions:
1. Setup the layers using the Layering Scheme above.
2. Draw all construction objects on layer Construction and freeze it when complete.
3. Set the Viewres to 10000.
4. Draw the object shown below.
5. Regenerate your drawing.
6. Check your drawing with the key.
Note: Do not use a calculator to complete this lab exercise or any other lab exercise in the AutoCAD
Modules. By using geometry principles and techniques, object snapping and construction objects,
AutoCAD will do all the math for you.

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

Construction Hints
Do your best to complete the lab exercise drawing without using the following hint(s). If you get stuck and
can't complete it on your own, use the following hint(s) to help you.
Hint 1
Step 1 - Draw two construction lines from end of arc to end of arc as
shown to the right. Draw a circle at the midpoint of each line. Draw a
construction arc from center of the circle to the center of the circle as
shown in Step 1. Draw the small circle at the midpoint of the construction
arc.
Step 2 - Delete the construction arc you drew in Step 1. Draw a new construction arc from
center of small circle to center of small circle as shown in Step 2. Insert a circle at the midpoint
of the arc. You will have to do the same thing on the other side also.
Step 3 - Erase the construction arcs you drew in Step 2. Draw a construction arc from the
center of the small circle to the center of the small circle as shown in Step 3. Draw a circle at
the midpoint of the arc. You will have to repeat this three more times.

Figure Hint 1

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Hint 2
Step 4 - After you insert the two construction lines at the ends of the arcs as
shown to the right. Draw a construction line from the midpoint of line to midpoint of
line as shown in Step 1. Draw a circle at the midpoint of the line.
Step 5 - Erase the construction line that you drew in Step 4. Draw a new
construction line from the quad fo the circle to the midpoint of the line. It is
important to draw from the quad to the midpoint. See Figure Hint 2B. Insert a
circle at the midpoint of the line.
Step 6 - Erase the construction line you drew in Step 5 Draw in two more
construction lines and circles as the midpoints as shown in Figure Hint 2B.

Figure Hint 2A

Figure Hint 2B

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