Similar to manual drafting in AutoCAD, you create your drawing on 2 dimensional space which is x & y-axis.

The
difference between the two is that AutoCAD has an additional axis (Z) for 3 dimensional drawings. On this chapter you
will get to know each type of AutoCAD commands through practical exercises.
This chapter will prepare and sharpen your skill in AutoCAD. Before that, you will be introduced first to AutoCAD
coordinate system. This chapter will cover:

Coordinate & Points

Three Types of Coordinate Input

The Basic AutoCAD Commands

Summary

Coordinates & Points

1

When you draw manually, you can use several processes to locate lines, arcs, etc. In many cases you measure so
many units to the right and many units to the top. In other cases you determine key points of your drawing by intersecting
two lines. For example, you might draw construction lines for the walls.
1

AutoCAD R14 or any other Cad programs require numeric data in one of several specific formats. Because AutoCAD is
interactive, you can draw in as much as the same manner as you do on manual drafting. There are times, however when
you must furnish graphic data in a certain format to perform a given task.

Using Coordinates
The AutoCAD drawing world is based on a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system. That is, a point is located in
space by specifying its distance from an origin, along three perpendicular axes: the X, Y, and Z-axes.

The Coordinate Relative to the Screen

In 2-Dimensional drafting two axes are used, the x & y-axis. The third axis, which is the z-axis, is perpendicular to the
plane created by the x & y-axis. (The z-axis is used for 3 dimensional Design). fig. 01 shows the orientation of the axis
relative to the screen.

Fig. 01

The default coordinate system in AutoCAD is called WCS (World Coordinate System). The intersection that the axes
create is the origin or the 0,0,0 (X,Y,Z) value.

3 Types of Coordinate System

1.
2.
3.

Absolute Coordinate System

Relative Coordinate System
Polar Coordinate System

Absolute Coordinate System

The Absolute Coordinate System is used when you know the
exact coordinate ( x & y value) of the point from the origin (0,
0). For example (Refer to Fig. 02)
You can enter 3,2 on the keyboard to come up with the
position of the point from the origin.
(3, 2)
Syntax: X, Y
Fig. 02

Relative Coordinate System

The Relative Coordinate System are the coordinate values of
a point relative to a predefined point. (Prefer to Fig. 03)
(2, 2) POINT RELATIVE
TO PRE DEFINED POINT

As you can see the pre-defined point becomes as the

temporary origin of the Relative Coordinate. You can try this
on the exercises below:

(3, 2) PRE-DEFINED POINT

Syntax: @X, Y
Fig. 03

Absolute and Relative Coordinate System Exercise

1.
2.
3.
4.

Open Tutorial05 drawing file from diskette or CD-ROM.

Issue the LINE command, press ENTER.
At the keyboard type 3,2 and press ENTER.
At command prompt
To point: Type @ 2, 2 and press ENTER.

5.
6.
7.

Press ENTER oncemore.

Issue the line command again, but now pick a point of your choice.
Type-in @ 3,4. Press ENTER.

Polar Coordinate System

The Polar Coordinate System (Fig. 04) is expressed by
specifying a distance and angle. You can both pick 4 starting
point, then type in the length and angle preceded by the @
sign.
@ 3 < 45

(2, 2)

Syntax: @d<A
d distance to the new point
A Angle with reference to the previous point.
Fig. 04

Polar Coordinate System Exercise

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Open Tutorial05 drawing file, from the CDROM or Diskette.

Issue the line command.
Pick a point of your choice. (Preferably at the lower left area)
At the To point prompt. Type in @ 3 < 30. Press ENTER.
Press ENTER once more to end the line command.
NOTE: Coordinates and points can also be used for creating Circles, Rectangles, etc.

The Basic AutoCAD Commands

Table of Basic Commands and their Aliases.
COMMAND

TOOL BUTTON

ALIAS

COMMAND

TOOL BUTTON

ALIAS

Arc

Linetype

LT

Array

AR

MatchProp

MA

Make Block

Measure

ME

Bhatch

BH; H

Mirror

Mi

Break

BR

Mline

ML

Chamfer

CHA

Move

MO

Change Properties

CH

Offset

Circle

Pan

COMMAND
Copy

TOOL BUTTON

ALIAS
CO; CP

COMMAND
Polygon

TOOL BUTTON

ALIAS
POL

Dimension Style

Polyline

PL

Ddinsert

Rectangle

REC

Ddmodify

MO

Redo

Hot

Ctrl + Y

Key:
Ddosnap

OS

Redraw

Drawing aids

RM

Redraw All

RA

DI

Rotate

RO

Donut

DO

Scale

SC

Ellipse

EL

Setvar ***

SET

Erase

Snap

SN

Explode

Stretch

Extend

EX

Trim

TR

Extrude **

EXT

Wblock

Fillet

Undo

Layer

LA

X ref ***

XR

Lengthen

LEN

Zoom

Line

Distance

Fly-out button

Hot

Ctr l+ Z

Key:

*** commands for advanced users.

** commands for 3D drawings.
NOTE: The Alias commands shown on this table are the default AutoCAD alias commands. This
Aliases may not be true to other AutoCAD installation specially when the commands has been
heavily customized by the user.

Draw Menu Commands

Fig. 05

The DRAW menu contains all the commands for entity creation. From 2dimensional and 3-dimensional creation, its all here. The DRAW menu is shown
on fig. 06. The DRAW tool bar on Fig. 05.

LINE
Command Line: Line; L
Menu: Draw > Line
Tool button:
The LINE command creates straight lines of separate entities. No matter how
many continuous segments you create, all the line segments are considered as
separate entities.
Fig. 06

ARC
Command Line: Arc; A
Menu: Draw > Arc
Tool button:
The ARC command allows you to create arcs, with different types of settings. As
you can see there are several choices, but the Three Point Arc will be the only
one to be discussed. It is up to you to discover the other Arc creation settings.
Subcommands:
Fig. 07 Circle sub-cascade menu

Line and Arc Joint Exercise

1.
2.

Open Tutorial06 drawing file from the CDROM or Diskette.

On the staircase you are going to create an arrow similar to the on
Fig. 08.

Fig. 08

3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
6

Issue the LINE command.

On fig. 09, create a line from point 1 to point 2.
Create another line from point 3 and point 4.
Issue the ARC command.
Now start the Arc by snapping on to endpoint 2 of line 1 2.

8.
9.
10.
11.

Specify the second point of the Arc somewhere near point 5.

Now end the Arc by snapping on endpoint 4 of line 1 4.
Now you will create the arrowhead.
On fig. 10, zoom in into the encircled area. Type Z and press ENTER then window the encircled are.

5
Fig. 09

Point 6
Point 3

Point 7

Fig. 11
Fig. 10

12.
13.
14.
15.

Once you have zoomed-in, issue the LINE command and press F9 on the keyboard to activate snap.
Create a line starting from point 6, then snapping to the endpoint at point 3 and ending the line at point 7.
Zoom-out by issuing Zoom Previous. Type Z and press ENTER, then P and press ENTER.
Now change the color of the object according to you own pen assignments color coding.

CIRCLE
Command Line: Circle; C
Menu: Draw> Circle
Tool button:
7

Subcommands:

The CIRCLE command also has several choices to choose from, but the Center, Radius
and Center, Diameter will be the only ones to be discussed. On Fig. 12 shows the two
types of circle creation.

Fig. 12

Diameter length
R

Center, Diameter

Center, Radius

Creating Circle
As discussed before, the CIRCLE command has many
options to choose from. But the most commonly used are the
Center, Radius the Center, Diameter, and the TTR. (Tangent,
Tangent, Radius) option.
1.
2.

Open Tutorial07 from the CDROM or Diskette.

On fig. 13, you will see two crosses.

Fig. 13

3.
4.

On cross 1, you will create a circle with a (Center, Radius) setting.

Type-in C on the keyboard and press ENTER.

5.

At the Command Line:

Circle 3P/ 2P/ TTR/ <center point>:

The Center, Radius circle creation is the default command.

6.
8

Using the OBJECT SNAP (Intersection), snap the center of the Circle at the INTERSECTION of Cross 1.

7.

At the Command Line:

Circle 3P/ 2P/ TTR/ <center point>: _int of Diameter<Radiius>:

Type-in 2 then press ENTER.

8.
9.
10.
11.

Repeat the CIRCLE command by issuing a Right-click.

Now at cross 2, snap the center of the Circle on its Intersection.
Do not specify a size yet, instead type-in D on the command line and press ENTER.
At the Command Line:
Diameter:

Type-in 4 and press ENTER.

12.
13.
14.
15.

As you can see both circles are of the same size. And we think you already know why.
Now on the two circles you have drawn, you will create a Circle in between and tangential to each Circle.
Repeat the command (Right-click).
At the Command Line:
Circle 3P/ 2P/ TTR/ <center point>:

Type-in TTR and press ENTER.

16. At the Command Line:
ENTER tangent spec:

Now on fig. 14, pick the circumference of the circle somewhere in point 1.

17. At the Command Line:

ENTER second tangent spec:

Pick somewhere in point 2.

ENTER second tangent spec:
Radius<2.00>

Here you could specify a radius size. If

<2.00> suits you, issue a Right-click and
a circle will be created.
18. Now try and do the same procedure but specify points 3
and 4 as your TANGENT SPEC. Let us see if you could
get along and understand how the command works.
Fig. 14

ELLIPSE
Command Line: Ellipse; EL
Menu: Draw> Ellipse
Tool button:
The ELLIPSE command of course creates Elliptical objects. It can either be created from a center
point or from its axis points (Fig. 15).
9

Subcommands:
Axis Endpoint
Center
Axis Endpoint

Fig. 15

POLYGON
Command Line: Polygon; Pol
Menu: Draw, Polygon
Tool button:
This command allows you to create objects with multiple sides. You can create closed entities from
Triangles to Dodecagon and more in a fly. There are two types of polygon creation, the inscribed and
the circumscribed shown on fig. 16.

Inscribed

Circumscribed
Fig. 16

RECTANGLE
Command Line: Rectangle; Rec
Menu: Draw> Rectangle
Tool button:
The RECTANGLE command has several sub-choices. By default <First corner> is the executable
command. There are others like Chamfer, Elevation, Fillet, Thickness, and Width.
Subcommands:
Chamfer/ Elevation/ Fillet/ Thickness/ Width/ <First Corner>:

Creating a polygon

10

1.

Open Tutorial08 drawing file from the CDROM or Diskette.

2.

On fig. 17 you are going to create a pentagon (5 sides) on each cross as the center. The first pentagon
will be created as inscribed and the other as circumscribed.

Line 1

Cross 1

Line 2

Cross 2
Fig. 17

3.

Issue the polygon command. At the command line:

POLYGON Number of sides <4>:

By default, the side settings are <4>. Type-in 5 and then press ENTER.
4.

At the command line:

Edge/ < Center of polygon>:

Snap to the intersection of cross 1.

5.

At the command line:

Inscribed in circle/ circumscribed about circle (I/C) <I>:

Inscribed is the default. Simply issue a right-click to confirm the command.

6.
7.
8.

Now drag the polygon and snap its radius at the MIDPOINT of line 1.
Repeat steps 3 4. But now snap the center or the polygon at the INTESECTION of cross 2.
At the command line:
Inscribed in circle/ Circumscribed about circle (I/C) <I>:

Type-in C to change the default to CIRCUMSCRIBED then issue the right-click to confirm the
command.
9. Now snap the radius of the polygon at the MIDPOINT of line 2.
10. Your drawing should look similar to fig. 18, see if you can figure out the difference between the two.
Inscribed

Circumscribed
Fig. 18

Creating an Ellipse
1.
2.
3.

Continue from previous exercise.

Now you will create an ellipse through the CENTER and AXIS, END method.
Issue the ellipse command. At the command line:
Arc/ Center/ <Axis endpoint 1>: <Axis endpoint 1> is the default command (this
means that AXIS, END is current executable command).
11

4.

On fig. 19 snap the first axis endpoint at the ENDPOINT somewhere in point1.
Point 3

Cross 1

Cross 2

Point 4

Point 1

Point 2

Fig. 19

5.

At the command line:

Axis endpoint 2:

Snap to the endpoint in point 2.

6.
7.

Now that both axis endpoints has been established, you will have to determine the third axis point
At the command line:
<Other axis distance>/ Rotation:

On fig. 19 snap the third axis point at the INTERSECTION of cross 2.

8.

Issue the ellipse command once more. At the command line:

Arc/ Center/ <Axis endpoint 1>:

Type-in C to change the default to CENTER.

9.

At the command line:

Center of ellipse: On fig. 19 snap the CENTER of the ellipse on the intersection of

cross 1.
Axis endpoint: On the same figure snap the Axis Endpoint to the ENDPOINT at point 3.
<Other axis distance>/ Rotation: Establish the 3rd axis by picking somewhere

in point 4.

Creating a Rectangle
1.
2.

Continue from the previous exercise or OPEN Tutorial08 again.

Issue the RECTANGLE command.
Chamfer/Elevation/Fillet/Thickness/Width/<First Corner>:

<First Corner> is the current executable command. On Fig. 20 Pick somewhere in point #1.
Point 1
12

Fig. 20

3.

At the Command line:

Other Corner: Type-in @ 2,1 (or you can

either drag the rectangle to your DESIRED SIZE).

POLYLINE
Command line: Pline; PL
Menu: Draw> Polyline
The POLYLINE command is almost the same at the line. It also creates straight lines except that no
matter how many segments you create as long as you generated them continuously by successive
picks, it is considered as one entity. The other difference is that this command is enhanced with
several sub-commands.
Subcommands:
Arc/ Close/ Halfwidth/ Length/ Undo/ Width/ <Endpoint of Line>:
TIP: When you commit a mistake during the process of creating Polylines, just Type U (undo) and
press ENTER after committing the mistake.
Those that are in bold letters are the ones to be discussed on the sub-commands.
Polyline Exercise
1.
2.
3.

Open Tutorial09 drawing file from the CDROM or Diskette. Fig. 21 will be displayed.
Issue the POLYLINE command.
At the command line:
From point:

On fig. 21 create segments of lines below the existing lines similar to it by picking successively then
doing a right-click to end the command.
Fig. 21

4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

After you have established the POLYLINE. Issue the ERASE command. (You will not actually erase the
line, but you will just select the line and the polyline and see the difference between the two.)
Select the line by picking it. (You will notice that only a single segment of the line was high lighted)
Select the POLYLINE. (You will notice that the whole Polyline was highlighted. This is because the
Polyline is a single entity.
Press ESC (escape) on the keyboard. (Upper left-hand corner).
Now open Tutorial10 drawing file if you are prompted to save changes choose no:
Issue the POLYLINE command. On fig. 22 snap on the endpoint at point 1.
Point 1
Point 2
13

Fig. 22

10. Based on the grid as your visual guide, drag

the line to the right at same length as the
horizontal line, then pick.

11. At command line:

Arc/Close/Halfwidth/Length/Undo/Width/2endpoint at point of line>:

Type-in A (Arc). Then press ENTER.

12. At C Command Line:
<Endpoint of Arc>:

13. On Fig. 22, snap the arc on the endpoint at point 2. Issue a rightclick to end the command.
14. Now issue the Pline command oncemore. On fig .23, (Make sure ORTHO is turned on) pick somewhere at
points 1,2,3 & 4 successively. Simply create an open rectangle. Do not terminate the command yet.
Point 3
Point 4

Point 2

Point 1
Fig. 23

15. At Command Line:

Arc/ Close/ Halfwidth/ Length/ Undo/ Width/ <endpoint of line>:

Type-in C (CLOSE). Then press ENTER.

16. The POLYLINE shall close and terminate simultaneously.
Creating Polylines with Width Factor

Point 1

Point 2

Point 3

Point 4
1.
2.
3.

14

Continue from the previous

exercise.
Issue the PLINE command again.
On fig. 24, Pick point 1.

Fig. 24

4.

At the command line:

Arc/ Close/ Halfwidth/ Length/ Undo/ Width/ <endpoint of line>:

Type-in W (width).
Starting width <0.00>:

Type-in 100, then press ENTER.

Ending width <100>:

5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Just issue a right-click to accept 100 as the ending width.

Now, pick somewhere in point 2 then do a right-click.
Re-access the PLINE command. On Fig. 24, pick point 3, then type-in W (width) and press ENTER.
At the staring width accept 100 as youre starting width.
At the ending width, change it back to 0.00 then press ENTER.
Pick somewhere in point 4 and issue a right click. The line should similar to fig. 25.
10. Practice those procedures with different settings so
could familiarize it.

Fig. 25

MULTILINE
Command line: Mline; ML
Menu: Draw> Multiline
Tool button
The MULTILINE command is a very good tool for creating walls and other drawings which requires
multiple lines. Here you will encounter only the STANDARD MULTILINE. You will also learn how to
justify the Mline creation and change its width through the scale sub-command.
Subcommand:
Justification/ Scale/ STyle/

Fig. 26

NOTE: Multiline is sometimes confusing to beginners, especially when it comes to justification.

Justification is the point where an Mline is created. Because a Mline is composed of two or more
lines, AutoCAD will ask the user to specify if the Mline be created on center or at the sides. The
direction where a Mline is created affects the Justification. Refer to figure 26.
JZ
Direction of creation

Direction of creation

JB
JT

JT

JZ

JB
Direction of creation
JB
15

JZ
JT
JT

JB
JZ

Direction of creation

Legend:
JT Justification Top
JZ Justification Zero
JB Justification Bottom
Fig. 26 A Multilines Justification is affected on how the Multiline was created. Read thoroughly
though this section so to avoid confusions in the future.
Multiline Exercise
1.
2.
3.

Open Tutorial11 drawing file from the CDROM or Diskette.

Issue the MULTILINE command.
From the Command line:
Justification/ Scale/ STyle/ <From point>:

4.

<From point> is the default command.

On fig. 27, snap the MULTILINE at the MIDPOINT of column 1.

Fig. 27

5.
6.

7.

Now, snap the MULTILINE at the MIDPOINT

of column 2 then issue a right-click.
Now Open Tutorial12 drawing file from the
CDROM or Diskette. When you are prompted
to save any changes choose NO.

Issue the MULTILINE command. At the command line.

Justification/Scale/STyle/<From point>:

Type-in J (justification), then press ENTER.

Top/ Zero/ Bottom/ <Zero>:

8.

<Zero> is the default justification. Just do a right-click to accept the justification.

On fig. 28, snap on the INTERSECTION 1 for the first point and INTERSECTION 2 for the second point
then press ENTER to end the command.
INT 7

INT 1

INT 2
Fig. 28

16

INT 8

INT 3

INT 4

INT 5

INT 6

9. Now, repeat the command. At the command line type J (Justification) then press ENTER.
10. Type in T (top) for the justification then press ENTER.
11. Pick INTERSECTION 3 for the first point and INTERSECTION 4 for the second point. Issue a right-click to
end the command.
12. Repeat the command with the same JUSTIFICATION but create the line in reverse direction (4 3).
Notice how it was created.
13. Repeat the command then specify B (bottom) as the justification.
14. Pick INTERSECTION 5 for the first point and INTERSECTION 6 for the second point.
15. Repeat the command and specify T (top) for the justification.
16. Pick INTERSECTION 3 for the first point and INTERSECTION 1 for the second point.
17. Repeat the command and reverse the creation (1 3).
18. Repeat the command and specify B (bottom) for justification.
19. Pick INTERSECTION 8 for the first point and INTERSECTION 7 for the second.
20. Repeat the command and reverse the creation (7 8). If you had been observant, you would notice how
the justification was affected by the direction of the creation.
21. To continue, open Tutorial13 drawing file from the CDROM or Diskette.
22. Issue the MULTILINE command. At the command line:
Justification/ Scale/ STyle/ <From point>:

Type-in S (scale) then press ENTER).

23. At the command line:
Set Mline scale <150>:

Do a right-click to accept. On fig. 29 pick point 1 for the first point and INTERSECTION 2 for the
second then do a right-click.
24. Repeat the command and set the Mline scale
to 100.
25. On fig. 29, pick INTERSECTION 3 for the first
point and INTERSECTION 4 for the second.
Issue a right-click to terminate the command.
INT 1

INT 2
Fig. 29
TIP: Refer to Chapter 16 Enhance your
Productivity for a tip in editing Multiline.

INT 3

INT 4

Hatch
Command line: H; Bh; Hatch
Menu : Draw> Hatch
Tool button:
The Hatch command is used for inserting Architectural patterns like earth, rock, steel, concrete, sand, etc.
within a given area surrounded by a visible boundary. On Fig. 29a is the Boundary Hatch Dialog box.
Pattern button

Pick points button

17

Scale window

Preview Hatch button

Angle window

Fig. 29a

Applying Hatch
1.

Open Tutorial 13b from the CD-ROM or Diskette. As you can see its a curb and a part of a concrete
pavement (Fig. 29b).
Fig. 29b

2.
3.
Point 2

Make sure that Layer HATCH is set CURRENT.

Issue the BHATCH command. The BOUNDARY HATCH
dialog box will be displayed.

Point 1

4.

Click the PICK POINTS button. At the command line:

Select internal point: Pick Point 1 and Point 2 on Fig. 29b then press ENTER.

5.

Click the PATTERN button. The HATCH PATTERN PALETTE dialog box will be displayed (Fig. 29c).
Fig. 29c

6.
7.
8.
9.

From the list, select AR-CONC and click OK.

On the SCALE window, Type 0.70.
Click PREVIEW HATCH button. Observe the preview, if
it suits you, click CONTINUE from the displayed dialog
box (Fig. 29d).
Click APPLY.

Fig. 29d

Applying an Earth Hatch pattern

1.
2.
Fig. 29e

18

Continue the previous exercise.

Click the LAYER Button on the PROPERTIES
toolbar. The Layer and Linetype Properties
dialog box will be displayed (Fig. 29e).

3.
4.
5.

On the dialog box click NEW and name the

New Layer as BOUNDARY.
Set the Boundary Layer as CURRENT and
click OK.
Issue POLYLINE and Draw a Polyline similar
to Fig. 29f.
Point 1

Fig. 29f

Polyline

6.
7.

Set the Hatch Layer as CURRENT.

Issue BHATCH and click PICK POINTS button on the Boundary Hatch dialog box. At the command line:
Select internal point: Pick an internal point somewhere in point 1 on Fig. 29f
and press ENTER.

8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.

Click PATTERN button, on the dialog box, locate EARTH pattern, select it and click OK.
On the SCALE window, Type 10.
On the ANGLE window, Type 45.
Click PREVIEW HATCH button, then click continue on the next dialog box.
Click APPLY.
Turn OFF the Boundary Layer.
The result should look something like Fig. 29g.

Fig. 29g

AR-CONC hatch pattern

EARTH Hatch pattern

Modify Menu Commands

Fig. 30b
The Modify menu (Fig. 30a) contains all the commands with regards to object applications.
All commands that make objects forms, shapes, etc. Are stacked on the menu. Fig. 30b is
the Modify Toolbar.
Fig. 30a

19

ERASE
Command line: Erase; E
Menu: Modify> Erase
Tool button:
The erase menu command of course is used to remove unwanted drawings,
lines or objects in your drawing area. You could execute the command through
picking or by implied or window crossing and the fence subcommand (see
Chapter 5 for a refreseher).
Fig. 31

Implied Window

Crossing Window

COPY
Command: Copy, CO, CY
Menu: Modify> Copy
The copy command allows you to duplicate objects, lines or the whole drawing. This is a powerful tool during
repetitive drawings. The copy command has a sub command called MULTIPLE (M), This is used to create
multiple copies of a selected object.
Copy Exercise
1.
2.

Open Tutorial14 Drawing file from CD or Diskette.

Issue the COPY command at the command line:
Select Objects: Select the Water Closet and confirm.

3.

At the command Line:

<Base point or Displacement > /Multiple: Base point or Displacement is the

default command.
4.

On fig. 32 , Pick on point 1 to specify the base point:

Fig. 32

20

5.

Turn ORTHO ON (F8) then drag the duplicate Water

Closet on to point 2 and pick it. Make sure the Water
Closet wont get in the way of the door swing.

6.

Repeat the command and select objects prompt, type P

and press ENTER (This means previously selected
object). The watercloset shall automatically be
highlighted. Confirm the command.

7.

At command line:

<Base point or displacement>/ Multiple:

Type in M and press ENTER.

Base point: Pick Point 1 once more.
8.
9.

Drag and pick points 3 and 4. The object shall be copied

twice without reissuing the command. (Multiple copy has
no limits in copying objects.)
Do not save any changes if you want to quit AutoCAD.

MIRROR
Command line: Mirror, MR
Menu: Modify> Mirror
Tool button:
The mirror is used for duplicating objects in mirrored or reverse position of the original object. This is
very good tool for creating symmetrical objects, this is also useful during block insertion (to be
discussed on further chapters).
Mirror Exercise
Fig. 33

1.
2.
3.

Open Tutorial15 drawing file from the CDROM or

Diskette. Fig. 33 shall be displayed on your screen.
Issue the mirror command. When prompted to
select objects, select the LINE and the ARC and
confirm the selection.
At the command line:
First point of mirror line:

Snap to the MIDPOINT of the column.

4.
5.
6.

Drag the MIRROR line and watch what happens.

Turn ORTHO on (F8).
Drag the MIRROR line to the left and pick
anywhere at point 2.
At the command line:
Delete old objects <N>: No <N> is
the default command. Simply issue the rightclick to confirm not to delete the old object and
to end the command.

OFFSET
Command line: Offset; O
Menu: Modify> Offset
Tool button:
Offsetting subjects creates a similar object to the original one but is created on a specified distance.
When you offset a rectangle outside its perimeter it will create a larger rectangle. While offsetting
inside the perimeter to create a smaller one.
Subcommands:
Offset Distance or Through:

21

Offset Exercise
1.

Open Tutorial16 drawing file from

the CDROM and Diskette. Fig. 34
will be displayed.

Fig. 34

2.

Issue the offset command. At the command prompt.

Offset distance or Through <Through>:

Type-in 150 (This will execute the distance offset).

3.
4.

When prompted to SELECT OBJECTS TO OFFSET, select line 1.

At the command line:
Side of offset?

Pick a point anywhere on the right side of line 1 then issue a right click top end the command.
5.

Repeat the offset command. At the command line.

Offset distance or Through <150>: Type-in T (This stands for Through) and press

ENTER.
6.
7.

When prompted to SELECT OBJECTS TO OFFSET, select line 2.

At the command line:
Through point:

Pick the INTERSECTION point between line 3 and the door hinge.
8.

If you need to quit this session, do not save any changes.

ARRAY
Command line: Array; Ar
Menu: Modify> Array
Tool button:
The ARRAY command creates multiple copies of a selected object in a rectangular ot polar (radial) pattern.
Original Object
700mm

-700mm
22

Arrayed Objects
Arrayed Objects
700mm

Original Object

-700mm

Fig. 35 Rectangular Array

Rectangular Objects Array

1.
2.

Open Tutorial17 drawing file from the CDROM or Diskette.

On fig. 36 you are going to ARRAY the 300 X 300 units square rectangularly 4 rows to the Y and 4
columns to the + X with object distance between rows and columns of 400.
Columns
3.
4.

Issue the ARRAY command. When prompted to select objects,

select the square and confirm the selection.
At the command line:
Rectangular or Polar array (<R>/ P):

Rectangular <R> is the default, so simply confirm the

command
Rows
5.

At the command line:

Number of rows (- - -) <1>:

Type-in 4 and press ENTER.

Fig. 36

6.

At the command line:

Number of columns (I I I) <1>:

Type-in 4 and press ENTER.

7.

At the command line:

Unit cell distance between rows (- - -):

Remember you are going to the Y (down). Type-in 700 (you have to specify 700 to achieve a
distance of 400 between objects because the square is already 300 X 300). Press ENTER.
8.

At the command line:

Distance between columns:

Type-in 700 and press ENTER.

Radial Objects Array (Polar)
1.
2.

Open Tutorial18 drawing file from the CDROM or Diskette.

Issue the ARRAY command. On fig. 37 select pentagon 1 and confirm.
Pentagon 1

Pentagon 2

23

Point 1

Point 2

Fig. 37

3.

At the command line:

Rectangular or Polar array (<R>/ P): Type-in P then press ENTER.
Base/ <Specify center point of array>: On Fig. 37 pick somewhere in point 1 and

confirm.
Number of items: Type-in 7 and press ENTER.
Angle to fill (+ = ccw, - = ccw) <360>: 360 o is the default value. press ENTER

to confirm.
Rotate objects as they are copied? <Y>: Yes <Y> is the default command,

confirm it.
4.
5.

Re-issue the ARRAY command then repeat steps 3-5 with the center point of the ARRAY at point 2.
When prompted to Rotate objects as they are copied, type-in N (no) then confirm.
Arrayed Pentagon with
With objects rotated

Arrayed Pentagon
with objects not rotated

Fig. 38

MOVE
Command line: Move; M
Menu: Modify> Move
Tool button:
The MOVE command lets you dynamically move an entity or a group of entity across your drawing area. This
is very useful during revisions where you need to move objects like water closets, doors, etc in your drawing to
satisfy the revisions.

ROTATE
Command line: Rotate; RO
Menu: Modify> Rotate
Tool button:
The ROTATE command lets you dynamically ROTATE an entity or a group of entity along a specified base
point or axis point.
Moving and Rotating Objects
1.
2.

24

Open Tutorial19 drawing file from the CDROM or Diskette.

On fig. 39, you are going to MOVE WC 1 so that it wont obstruct the door swing, then you are going to
ROTATE and MOVE WC 2 to the correct position.

Basepoint 1

WC 1

Basepoint 2

WC2

3.
4.

Fig. 39

Issue the MOVE command, then select WC 1 (WC 1 and WC2 are blocked objects, so you just need to
pick the object and the whole WC 1 will be selected). Confirm the selection.
At the command line:
Base point or Displacement:

Pick the base point somewhere in Basepoint 1.

5.
6.
7.
8.

Turn ORTHO on (F8) then MOVE the WC 1 downward to the point that it doesnt obstruct the door swing.
Once you have established a good position, then pick that point or location.
Now issue the ROTATE command. On Fig. 39, select WC 2 and confirm the selection.
At the command line:
Base point: Pick somewhere in Basepoint 2.

9.

At the command line:

<Rotation angle>/ Reference: ROTATE the object to the 0

position by dragging the

cursor and checking if the object if it is on 0 position already.

10. Once the position is correct, pick it.
11. Now try moving WC 2 to the correct position on your own.

TRIM
Command line: Trim; TR
Menu: Modify> Trim
Tool button:
The trim command lets you remove unwanted extruding lines, etc through a specified cutting edge.

EXTEND
Command line: Extend; EX
Menu: Modify> Extend
Tool button:
The EXTEND command is the opposite of trim. This command lets you extend lines, arcs, etc to a specified
boundary edge.

25

Trimming and Extending lines, Arcs, and Multilines

1.

Open Tutorial20 drawing file from the CDROM or Diskette.

Fig. 40

2.

3.

On Fig. 40, you are going to extend

the encircled lines and you are
going to trim the protruding lines
inside the squares.

First issue the EXTEND command. At the command line.

Select boundary edges (projmode = UCS, Edgemode No extend)
Select objects:

Select Lines 1 and 2 and press ENTER.

4.

At the command line:

<Select objects to Extend>/ Project/ Edge/ Undo:

<Select objects to extend> is the default command. On Fig. 41 pick lines 1 and 2, and pick arc 1
somewhere at the X marks. Do a right click to complete the command.

Fig. 41

5.

Now you are going to trim all the unwanted protrusions

of lines. Refer to fig. 42.

26

Fig. 42

6.

Issue the TRIM command. At the command line.

Select cutting edges: (projmode = UCS, Edgemode No extend)
Select objects:

Select the CE1 and CE2 then confirm the selection.

<Select objects to trim>/ Project/ Edge/ Undo:

Pick TR1 and TR2 then confirm.

7.
8.
9.
10.

Now repeat the TRIM command and select CE3 as the cutting edge and confirm.
Pick TR3 to trim it.
Repeat the TRIM command once more and select CE4, CE5, and CE6 as the cutting edge and confirm.
Trim off TR4, TR5, and TR6 then terminate the command.
TIP: there is a trick that will save you from a few picks and you wont have to specify a cutting edge
or a boundary line, etc. After issuing the command press ENTER twice and simply pick the object(s)
you want Trimmed, Extended, etc.

BREAK
Command line: Break; BR
Menu: Modify> Break
Tool button:
The BREAK command lets you create a break or a cut portion on a line, arc, circle, etc without the aid of
cutting edges to perform the command.
Breaking Lines
1.
2.

Open Tutorial21 drawing file from the CDROM or Diskette.

Fig. 43 shall be displayed.
3.

Issue the break command. At the command line:

BREAK select objects:

Select line 1 and confirm.

4.

At the command line:

Enter second point (or F for first point)

27

Usually if you enter your second point after

choosing the line, BREAKING wont be that
effective. So type-in F to begin with the first point
and press ENTER.
Enter first point:

Snap NEAREST to Point 1 on Fig. 43.

Enter second point:

Snap NEAREST to Point 1b.

Fig. 43

Breaking Closed Entities

1.
2.
3.
4.

On the same Tutorial drawing file (Tutorial21), you are going to break the circumference of the circle.
Breaking circle or closed entities differ from normal breaking of simple lines or arcs.
Issue the break command. When prompted to select objects, choose circle 1.
The same procedure, type-in F to specify the first point and press ENTER.
At the command line:
Enter first point: SNAP NEAREST to point 2.
Enter second point: Going to the right (clockwise) of the first point,
SNAP NEAREST to point 3.
5.
6.
7.

As you can see, the one that got broken was the large arc formed
during the breaking process (Fig. 44).
Now repeat the command and perform the BREAK at a counterclockwise (right left) direction choosing point 4 5 respectively.
Now the one that got broken was the smaller arc (Fig. 44).

Fig. 44

CHAMFER
Command line: Chamfer; Cha
Menu: Modify> Chamfer
Tool button:
AutoCAD allows you to create angles on corners of rectangles, polygons, or simply corner of two converged or
intersecting lines. The chamfer command has several sub-choices.
Subcommands:
CHAMFER
(Trim mode) Current chamfer Dist 1 = 10.00, Dist 2 = 10.00
Polyline/ Distance/ Angle/ Trim/ Method/ <Select first line>:

The CHAMFER Distance will be the only one to be discussed.

Chamfering with Distance (Zero)

1.
28

Open tutorial 22 from CDROM or Diskette.

EP1

Line 1

EP2

Line 2

Line 3

EP4
Line 4

EP3

Fig. 45

2.

On fig. 45 you are going to connect EPI and EP2 by using the chamfer command.

3.

Issue the chamfer command at the command line:

Polyline/ Distance/ Angle/ Trim/ Method/ <select first line>:Type-in D

and press ENTER.

Enter first chamfer for distance <10.00>: Type-in 0.00 and press ENTER.
Enter second Chamfer distance <0.00>: <0.00> is current so confirm it

by pressing ENTER.

4.

Press ENTER again, the command will be repeated. At the command line:
Polyline/ Distance/ Angle/ Trim/ Method/ <Select first line>:

Pick near EP1.

Select second line: Pick near EP2.
Chamfer zero

5.
6.

Fig. 46 will be the result of the procedure.

Do not save any changes.
Fig. 46

Chamfering with Specified Distance

1.
2.

Continuing from the same figure (Fig. 45) you are going to cut the corner to become angled.
Repeat step 3. But at the
Enter first chamfer distance: Type-in 300, press ENTER.
Enter second chamfer distance <300>: <300> is set current, so simply confirm it.

3.

Repeat the command. At the command line:

29

Polyline/ Distance/ Angle/ Trim/ Method/ <select first line>:

Select line 1.
Select second line: select line 3.
Chamfer distance

4.
5.

Fig. 47 will be the result of the procedure.

Do not save changes.
Fig. 47

FILLET
Command line: Fillet; F
Menu: Modify> Fillet
Tool button:
The fillet command allows you to round specifying a radius, to which the corner is rounded.
Note: Both chamfer and fillet when given a 0.00 distance or radius respectively can edit
corners with protrustious or unfinished corners.
Filleting lines with Radius Zero
1.
2.
3.

Continue from the previous exercise or OPEN Tutorial22 from the CD-ROM or diskette.
On fig. 45 you are going to connect lines 3 and 4 by using fillet.
Issue the fillet command. At the command line.
Polyline/ Radius/ Trim/ <Select first object>: Type in R (radius) and
press ENTER.
Enter fillet radius <10.00>: Type in 0.00 and press ENTER.

4.

Press ENTER again. Fillet command will be repeated. At the command line.
Polyline/ Radius/ Trim/ <Select first object>: Select EP 3.
Select second object: Select EP 4.

5.
6.

Fig. 48 will be the result of the procedure.

Do not save changes.
Fig. 48
Fillet zero

Filleting Corners with a Radius

30

1.
2.
3.

Continue from the same figure.

On Fig. 44 you are going to round the corner formed by Line 2 and Line 4.
Repeat step 3 from previous example, but at the
Enter Fillet radius: type-in 300 and press ENTER.

4.

Press ENTER again. Fillet command will be repeated. At the command line:
Polyline/ Radius/ Trim/ <Select first object>: Select Line 2
Select second object: Select Line 4

5.
6.

Fig. 49 will be the result of the procedure.

Do not save changes.

Fig. 49
Fillet radius

EXPLODE
Command line: Explode; X
Menu: Modify> Explode
Tool button:
Polygons, Rectangle, Blocked objects are single entities. So that you can select blocked objects individually
(by its individual parts), you need to explode it to become separate entities.
Exploding Blocks*, Polygons, Rectangles, etc.
1.

Open tutorial23 from CDROM or Diskette.

Fig. 50

2.

3.
4.
5.
6.

First issue the ERASE command. When prompted to select objects pick the
watercloset (blocked object), rectangle, and polygon one by one. Youll
notice that the whole object becomes highlighted. This is because each of
the object is a single entity (Though they are composed of several line
segments)
Remember not to confirm the erase command, rather press ESCAPE (ESC).This will cancel the
command.
Now issue the explode command. Then select all objects and confirm.
Oncemore issue the erase command.
Pick any part of the watercloset, rectangle or polygon. You will notice that the line you pick is the only one
highlighted. This is because the objects have been separated into individual entities or the block was
overridden.
* To be discussed on Chapter 10 (Preparing your blocks library)

MODIFY PROPERTIES or CHANGE PROPERTIES

Command line: Ddmodify or Mo; CH
Menu: Modify> Properties
Tool button:
The change properties command allows you to modify object properties. Modifying colors, layer and line type
will be the one to be discussed. The Change Properties dialog box (Fig. 51).
The DDModify (Mo) command is a new command and is the
enhanged version of change properties. Just the same; color, layer and
line type modification will be the only one to be discussed.
For these exercises, we are going to utilize only the CHange
properties (CH) because both commands are almost the same, Only
that DDModify is the enhanced version of change properties (Fig. 52).

Fig. 51

31

Fig. 52

Modifying Colors
Though this process of assigning and modifying color is not recommended, you will still have to learn this
because there are certain circumstances that you cannot avoid modifying the original color of an entity.
1.

Open Tutorial24 drawing file from CD-ROM or diskette.

Fig. 53

2.
3.

On Fig. 53 you are going to modify the wall

color to yellow and the markers polygon
enclosure to cyan.
Issue the change properties command. At the
command line.
Select objects:

Select line 1 and 2 and confirm. The

change properties dialog box shall be
displayed.

4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

At the change properties dialog box, choose

COLOR. The SELECT A COLOR DIALOG
BOX shall be displayed (Fig. 54).
At the standard color selection area, choose
YELLOW and press OK. Press OK again.
Repeat the command and select PL1 and
PL2. Confirm the selection.
At the CHANGE PROPERTIES dialog box,
choose COLOR.
At SELECT A COLOR dialog box choose
CYAN (very light blue) from the standard
selection area then choose OK.
Choose OK again.

Fig. 54

How to Move an Entity from one Layer to another Layer

1.

32

OPEN Tutorial24b from CD-ROM or Diskette. On Fig. 54b, there are four polygons each assigned on a
different layer.

Fig. 54b

NOTE: Both the Octagon (8) and Parallelogram were created on Layer 0.
2.
3.
4.
5.

You are going to change the Octagons layer to Layer1 and the
Parallelogram to Layer2.
Issue the CHANGE PROPERTIES command, select the Octagon then
confirm the selection.
The Change Properties dialog box will be displayed (Fig. 54c).
On the dialog box, click the LAYER button, the SELECT LAYER dialog box
will be shown (Fig. 54d).

Fig. 54d

Fig. 54c

6.
7.

Select Layer1 and click OK. Click OK again. (The Octagon shall inhibit the color of the Dodecagon (12),
meaning that they are now on the same layer).
Now change the Layer of the Parallelogram to Layer2 on your own.

How to modify Linetypes

1.
2.

OPEN Tutorial24c from the CD-ROM or Diskette.

On Fig. 54e, you are going to change the ARC into GAS_LINE, the
POLYLINE into CENTER line, and the CIRCLE into DASHED line.
Fig. 54e
3.
4.

Issue the CHANGE PROPERTIES command, select the ARC and confirm.
On the CHANGE PROPERTIES dialog box (Fig. 54f), click LINETYPE
button.
Fig. 54f

Fig. 54g

5.

On the SELECT LAYER dialog box (Fig. 54g), choose GAS_LINE and click
OK.
33

6.
7.
8.

Click OK again.
Repeat the procedure and change the Linetype of the POLYLINE to
CENTER and the CIRCLE to DASHED.
The result shall look like Fig. 54h.
Fig. 54h

View menu commands

The VIEW menu (Fig. 55) contains all the command that toys with your display views. Only
the four basic commands will be discussed here.
Fig. 55

REDRAW
Command line: Redraw; R
Menu: View> Redraw
Tool button:
The REDRAW2 command quickly refreshes or cleans up the current viewpoint or
drawing area without updating the drawing database. The command cleans up
temporary markers like BLIPS (the small crosses created when you pick.)

Redrawing Exercise
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Open tutorial25 drawing file form CDROM or Diskette.

A Blank drawing area will be displayed.
Issue the line command and create several lines on the drawing area.
After you draw several lines, erase them all.
The small crosses left on the drawing area are called blips. This blips when turned on, is very useful
especially for temporary marking of point. But in some ways they get so cluttered that hey will obstruct
some sections of the drawing. This is where redraw comes in.
Now issue redraw and confirm.
Note: During sessions of large AutoCAD drawings, it is more advisable to do a redraw than a Regen
(Regenerate).
TIP: Blips can be deactivated so that it wont show on the drawings. Just go to TOOLS menu, then
DRAWING AIDS. On the dialog box, uncheck the blips check box.

REGEN
Command line: Regen; RE
Menu: View> Regen
Tool button: None

34

The REGEN3 command updates the drawing screen display by re-computing the screen coordinate
from the database.
Regenerating Drawings
1.

Any time you want during an AutoCAD session you can issue the regen command. (through command
line or view menu)
Note: Issuing Regen on large drawings is not advisable because it would take very long for the
computer to recompute the database. In effect efficiency of your work is hampered.

ZOOM
Command line: Zoom; Z
Menu: View> Zoom
Tool buttons:
In AutoCAD they have given you the power to view your drawings easily. There
are different modes of zooming, which will be, explained one by one.

ZOOM Realtime
Command line: Z, press ENTER; R
Menu: View> Zoom> Realtime
Tool buttons:
Zoom Realtime is the latest addition to AutoCAD zoom command. This mode of Zoom lets you interactively
zoom in and zoom out of your drawing. The Zoom Realtime tool button can be found on the Standard Toolbar.

Zooming Realtime
1.
2.
3.

Open tutorial26 drawing file from the CDROM or Diskette.

Issue the ZOOM REALTIME command.
The symbol on Fig. 56 will be displayed on the screen. Signifying that ZOOM REALTIME is activated.
4.

Press and hold the left mouse while moving the mouse upward. Then
release the Mouse button. (This allows you to ZOOM-IN).

Fig. 56

5.

Press and hold the left mouse button while moving the mouse downwards. Release the M. button. (This
allows you to (ZOOM-OUT).
6.

You can either press ESC or ENTER to exit the command, or you can also issue a
right click to activate the pop up menu. For this case issue the right click. A pop up
menu on Fig. 57 will be shown.

7.

Choose EXIT on the menu.

Fig. 57

35

ZOOM ALL
Command line: Zoom; Z, press ENTER, Type All or A, press ENTER
Menu: View> Zoom> All
Tool button:
The zoom command creates a view of all entities on your drawing area.

Zoom All exercise

1.
2.

Open Tutorial27 Drawing file from CD-ROM or Diskette.

As you notice you are zoomed inside the building (Fig. 58)
Fig. 58

3.

Issue the zoom command and press ENTER at the command line:
All/Center/Dynamic/Extents/Previous/Scale(X/P)/Window< Realtime):

4.

Type A (All) and press ENTER. Your drawing should look the same as Fig. 59.

Fig. 59

36

ZOOM DYNAMIC
Command line: Zoom; Z, press ENTER, Type D and press ENTER
Menu: View> Zoom> Dynamic
Tool button:
ZOOM DYNAMIC lets you dynamically ZOOM IN or OUT on a drawing by letting you interactively adjust the
zoom magnification.
Zooming Dynamically
1.
2.

Open Tutorial27 drawing file from the CDROM or Diskette.

Issue the ZOOM command. At the command line:
All/Center/Dynamic/Extents/Previous/Scale(X/P)/Window/<Realtime>:

Type-in D and press ENTER.

Fig. 60

3.
4.
5.
6.

On Fig. 60 you will see a green hidden line forming a rectangle (that rectangle was your previous zoom
magnification) and a black rectangle with an X on its center (that is the adjustable zooming window).
Issue a left click. Move your cursor left to right. As you can see, the black rectangle changes its current
size.
Once you are satisfied with its size, issue a left click again.
Now move the window to your desired area where you want to ZOOM-IN and do a right click. Youll be
ZOOMED-IN to that area right away.

ZOOM EXTENTS
Command line: Zoom; Z, press ENTER, Type E and press ENTER
Menu: View> Zoom> Extents
Tool button:
The ZOOM EXTENTS is like the ZOOM ALL command except that the drawing area will be magnified to show
the whole drawing with its outer most edges touching the rim of the graphics window.
Zooming to Extents
1.
2.

Continue from previous exercise or open Tutorial27

again.
Fig. 61 will be shown.

37

Fig. 61

3.

Issue the ZOOM command. At the command line:

All/Center/Dynamic/Extents/Previous/Scale(X/P)/Window/<Realtime>:

Type-in E and press ENTER.

4.

Your Drawing should look the same as fig. 62.

Fig. 62

ZOOM PREVIOUS
Command line: Zoom or Z; press ENTER; Type P and press ENTER
Menu: None
Tool button:
The ZOOM PREVIOUS lets you zoom back to previous views.
Fig. 63 Zoom and Pan Realtime pop-up menu.

Zooming to previous views

1.
2.

Continue from previous example.

Issue Zoom at the command line:
All/ Center/Dynamic/Extents/Previous/Scale(X/P)/Window/<Realtime>:

Type-in P and press ENTER.

ZOOM WINDOW
38

Command line: Zoom or Z; press ENTER; Type W and press ENTER

Menu: View> Zoom> Window
Tool button:
The ZOOM WINDOW lets you zoom in by windowing the object you want to view. There are two ways to issue
the Zoom Window command on the keyboard that will be discussed on the exercises.
Zoom by Windowing (Procedure 1)
1.

Open tutorial28 drawing file from CD-ROM or from the

diskette.

Fig. 64

2.

Issue the ZOOM command. At the command line:

All/ Center/Dynamic/Extents/Previous/Scale(X/P)/Window/<Realtime:

Type-in W and press ENTER.

3.

At the Command line:

First Corner: pick point 1 on Fig. 64.
First corner: Other Corner: Pick point 2

4.

Press [Ctrl] + [Z] (Undo) on the keyboard to Undo the command.

Zoom by Windowing (Procedure 2)

1.
2.

Continue from previous exercise.

Issue the ZOOM command. At the command line:
All/Center/Dynamic/Extents/Previous/Scale(X/P/Windowing/<Realtime>:

Here you really need not issue W to start the windowing. Pick points 1 and 2 and you are done.

PAN Realtime
Command line: Pan; P
Menu: View> Pan
Tool button:
The PAN command allows you to shift the view of the drawing by doing a dragging like motion on
your drawing. This will allow you to view other parts of your drawing without changing magnification
level.
39

There are several types of panning option at view menu. But the rest of the panning options are
needless to discuss if you know how to PAN REALTIME.
Fig. 65 Zoom and Pan Realtime pop-up menu.
Panning Realtime
1.
2.
3.

Open Tutorial28 or continue from previous exercise.

Issue the PAN command on the keyboard or in the view menu choose REALTIME.
Notice that your cursor turns into a small hand shown on Fig. 66.
This signifies that the PAN REALTIME is active.
Fig. 66

4.
5.

Place the cursor at the center of the screen. Hold the left mouse button then move the mouse to the Left
to right or up and down (Remember hold the left mouse button). Notice what happens. Release the button
if you are satisfied with the room you want to view.
At the command line:
Press ESC or ENTER to EXIT, or right-click to activate pop up menu. Issue the right-click. The same
pop up menu as with ZOOM REALTIME will be displayed. On the menu you could switch to zoom
and other zoom options for convenience, you could also EXIT the command.

EDIT MENU COMMANDS

The EDIT menu (Fig. 61) contains all the commands for editing of AutoCAD drawings. Cut,
Copy, Copy Link, Paste, Paste Special, Clear commands are for advanced users, thus,
they will not be discussed.
Fig. 67

UNDO
Command line: U
Hot key: [Ctrl] + [Z}
Menu: Edit> Undo
Tool button:
The UNDO command is most probably the command often used. The UNDO
command lets you return back to the previous drawing that in case you are not
satisfied with the changes you have done to your drawing.
NOTE: You can UNDO everything you have modified on existing drawings. Meaning you have unlimited
UNDOs not like the previous AutoCAD releases, you can revert back to the original drawing by simply undoing
repeatedly you reach the original saved drawing.

40

NOTE: You cannot UNDO on a freshly opened saved drawing unless you made any modifications to the
saved drawing after opening.

REDO
Command line: REDO
Hot Key: [Ctrl] + [Y]
Menu: Edit> Redo
Tool button:
The REDO command lets you REDO undone commands.
NOTE: To REDO undone commands, you must follow UNDO with REDO immediately. If another
command gets between REDO and UNDO, REDO will be disabled.

TOOLS MENU COMMANDS

The command found on the Tools menu (Fig. 67) are mostly for advance users except for
drawing aids, object snap settings, which where already discussed from the earlier
chapters. Preferences will be discussed on Chapter 16 Enhance your productivity (Tips
and Tricks).

Fig. 67

INQUIRY Distance
Command line: Dist; Di
Menu: Tools> Inquiry
Tool button:
The inquiry distance command lets you measure distances which you are not familiar with. This commands lets
you inquire on distances for use when establishing reference points.
Sub commands:
Fig. 68 The Inquiry commands.

Inquiring Distances
1.
2.
Line 1

Open Tutorial29 from CD-ROM or Diskette.

Fig. 69 will be displayed.

Line 2
Line 3

Fig. 69

41

3.

Issue the distance command. At command line:

Dist First point: Snap the first point at any
ENDPOINT of Line1.
First point: endpoint of second point:

Snap the second point at the other ENDPOINT of Line1.

4.

At the command line: (You should see similar values at the command line)
Distance=3800, Angle in XY plane=0.00, Angle from XY plane=0.00
Delta X=3800, Delta Y=0.00, Delta Z=0.00

Look at the command line and look for: distance = 3800 from the list of measurements.
5.

Repeat the command execute and execute on Line 2 and Line 3 on your own, see if you can determine
the length of the other two lines.
Reference:
L 2 = 4263.80
L 3 = 2700

Summary
On this Chapter we delivered to you several of the very basic commands in AutoCAD. As you noticed from the exercises
you encountered, there were commands with several sub-choices or subcommands. Some menu commands were not
discussed like the Bonus and the Help menus. Some Menus and its commands will be discussed on later chapters like
the dimension menu.

42

1
2
3