The document discusses vector coordinate systems and object snapping in AutoCAD. It explains that AutoCAD uses vector coordinates to create geometric shapes accurately using small file sizes. It then describes different methods for specifying points, including absolute, relative, and object snapping coordinates. The document provides examples of creating lines by inputting points and demonstrates how object snapping allows pinpointing to specific parts of shapes.
The document discusses vector coordinate systems and object snapping in AutoCAD. It explains that AutoCAD uses vector coordinates to create geometric shapes accurately using small file sizes. It then describes different methods for specifying points, including absolute, relative, and object snapping coordinates. The document provides examples of creating lines by inputting points and demonstrates how object snapping allows pinpointing to specific parts of shapes.
The document discusses vector coordinate systems and object snapping in AutoCAD. It explains that AutoCAD uses vector coordinates to create geometric shapes accurately using small file sizes. It then describes different methods for specifying points, including absolute, relative, and object snapping coordinates. The document provides examples of creating lines by inputting points and demonstrates how object snapping allows pinpointing to specific parts of shapes.
AutoCAD uses vector coordinate system to create lines, circles and other geometric shapes. This feature enables specific and accurate drawing that utilizes small file size compared to bitmapped graphics. However, the method of creating shapes requires the user to input specific points and dimensions.
II. Specifying points
Most geometric shapes are formed from points in a coordinate system. Lines have 2 points in a coordinate system connected by a straight edge while a circle has a center point. In AutoCAD, it is important for the user to know how to specify points. The following table shows a summary on the different method of specifying points.
Method Reference Procedure Example
Click None Click any location in the work Click any location in area. the work area Absolute Origin type the x and y coordinate in the 100,50 command line using the format: 30,-40 x,y 0,12 Relative Last point specified type the x and y coordinate in the @60,45.5 command line using the format: @-10,-30 @x,y @10.5,4.35 Length angle Last point specified type the length and angle of a point @100<45 & in the command line using the @80<-36 Horizontal line for format: @length<angle @150<90 the angle Object snap none Click any object snap type of a Click a end point of a shape when the object snap symbol line. appears.
The following shows example of points specified in a line command.
III. Creating lines 1. From the draw toolbar click the line icon or type l and press enter. From the command line, AutoCAD will ask for the first point. 2. type 2,2 and press enter From the command line, AutoCAD will ask for the next point. 3. type @5,2 and press enter From the command line, AutoCAD will ask for the next point. 4. type @3<100 and press enter From the command line, AutoCAD will ask for the next point. 5. Press enter to end the line command.
The following shows how the shape would look like. The line tool is highlighted by a red square.
IV. Object Snap
Object snap allows the user to pin point to a specific part of a geometric shape such as end point of a line or center of a circle. Object snap type such as end point, mid point, quadrant, perpendicular and tangent are some of the object snap type that can be accessed. The following are procedure on setting up the object snap.
Setting the object snap
1. From the main toolbar, go to tools and then drafting settings or type os and press enter. This will display the drafting settings window. 2. From the drafting settings window, click the object snap tab. 3. Enable object snap by clicking the square at the side of the object snap on. 4. Select object snap types by clicking the object snap items. Take note of the object snap type symbols. 5. Click OK The following shows the drafting settings window with the object snap tap displayed.
Using object snap
1. Start the line command. 2. Upon asking for the 1st point of the line, place the mouse cursor near an object snap type. 3. Click the left mouse button when the object snap type yellow symbol appears.
The following shows a sample of the object snap type symbol upon creating a line.