Autocad

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING – UNIVERSITY OF RUHUNA
DEVELOPMENT
PROGRAMME
AUTO CAD
RPGD Rathnaweera
2008
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING, GALLE, SRI LANKA

Development Programme 2008
Computer Aided Drafting using AutoCAD

1.0 CAD and AutoCAD
Commonly, CAD stands for computer Aided Drafting which is used to produce technical
drawings using a computer. Today with the development of computer industry, there are many
types of software developed for computer Aided Drafting. AutoCAD is one of the leading and
most popular software used in the industry.
1.1 Special Features of AutoCAD
• Gives greater accuracy compared to the traditional hand drafting methods

• Automatic Dimensioning with customized tools
• Layer Properties
• Zooming of the Drawing or Part of the Drawing
• Ability to attach textural information
1.2 Recommended Hardware
List below are the hardware requirements for running AutoCAD 2007 on any system.
• Pentium IV (800 MHZ) or higher

• 512 MB RAM
• 1024 X 768 VGA with true color
• Installation 550 MB hard-disk space
• Pointing device (Mouse)
• CD-ROM Drive
• Windows XP Professional / Windows 2000 with SP3 or SP4
1.3 The first look at AutoCAD
Launching AutoCAD is very simple. Double-click the shortcut icon or start the
application by clicking
Start » Programs » Autodesk » AutoCAD 2007 » AutoCAD 2007
After a few moments, you could see the AutoCAD 2007 interface as shown in the following
figure.
Faculty of Engineering, Galle, Sri Lanka Page 2

Properties Toolbar
Title Bar Standard Toolbar

Menu Bar
Draw Toolbar
Cross Hair
Drawing Area
UCS Icon
Command Prompt Window Scroll bars
Layout Tabs
Coordinate Display Status Bar
Figure 01: Graphical user Interface (GUI) of AutoCAD 2007
1.4 The Pull-down Menus

The Pull-down menus available on the menu bar offer a quicker way to access the commands
and functions are the heart of AutoCAD 2007.
Figure 02: Pull-down menu

1.5 Creating a (ew Drawing
When you start a new drawing, follow the following steps.

File » (ew from the Pull-down menu or click on the icon on the Standard toolbar.
Then following Select Template dialogue box will appear
Figure 03: Select Template Dialogue Box
A drawing template file contains standard settings. You can select one of the template files
supplied, or create your own template files. Drawing template files have a .dwt file extension.
By default, drawing template files are stored in the template folder.
For the starting, select “acad.dwt” template
The behavior of the NEW command is determined by the Startup setting on the system tab of
the options dialog box.
By default, “Do not show a startup dialog” option is selected in the system tab of the options
dialog box. When you select the “show Startup dialog box” option, AutoCAD displays the
Startup dialog box as shown below.

Figure 04: Startup dialogue box

Imperial
Starts a new drawing based on the Imperial measurement system. The default drawing boundary
(the drawing limits) is 12× 9 inches.
Metric
Starts a new drawing based on the Metric measurement system. The default drawing boundary
(the drawing limits) is 420× 297 millimeters.
1.6 Opening a Drawing
File » Open from the Pull-down menu or icon from Standard tool bar.
Then following Select file dialogue box will appear. There you can select the location of the file
and open it.
Figure 05: Select file dialogue box

1.7 Saving a Drawing
File » Save/Save As…
AutoCAD displays the save Drawing As standard file selection dialog box. Then you can select
the exact file saving folder and enter the file name and save the drawing.
1.8 Closing a Drawing
File » Close
AutoCAD closes the current drawing; if there have been no changes since the drawing was last
saved. If you have modified the drawing, AutoCAD prompts you to save or discard the changes.
You can close a file that has been opened in Read-Only mode when you have not made any
changes or willing to discard changes. To save changes to a read-only file, you must use the
SAVEAS command.
Close all
Window » Close All
When you invoke this command, a message box is displayed for each unsaved drawing, in
which you can save any changes to the drawing before closing it.
Quit/exit
File » Quit/Exit
Quits AutoCAD if there have been no changes in all opened drawing since the drawings were
last saved. If the drawing has been modified, AutoCAD displays the Drawing modification
dialog box to prompt you to save or discard the changes before quiting.
1.9 Giving Commands
You can give commands in AutoCAD several ways. Following methods are the most frequently
used methods.
1. By typing the commands on the Command prompt. This is located below the drawing area.
2. Through Pull-down Menu: you can select the command on Pull-down menu and just click
on it to activate the command.
3. Through the Tool bars

2.0 Basic Geometrical Shapes
2.1.1 Drawing of Lines
Draw » Line
Line command allows you to create a line where the end points are specified by two-dimensional or
three-dimensional co-ordinates.
Command: _line
Specify first point: Use one of the point fixing methods
Specify next point or [Undo]: Use one of the point fixing methods
Specify next point or [Undo]: Use one of the point fixing methods
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: Use one of the point fixing methods
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: Use one of the point fixing methods or Press
to terminate the command
Undo
You can undo the most recently drawn line segments by entering the key U in specify next point:
Prompt
Close
Close option joints the very last point with the very first point in the series of line segments that you
had drawn using the line command, thus forming a closed shape.
Coordinate systems in AutoCAD
All drawings are superimposed on an invisible grid, or coordinate system, with horizontal X-axis
and a vertical Y-axis.
(5,6)
(8,6)
(2,4) (5,4)
(2,2) (8,2)

Absolute Co-ordinate System (x, y)
To enter an absolute coordinate, specify a point by entering its X and Y values in the format X, Y.
the following sequence of coordinates showing how to draw a triangle using absolute coordinates.
5,5
Command: _line
Specify first point: 3, 3
Specify next point or [Undo]: 7, 3
Specify next point or [Undo]: 5, 5
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: c
3,3 7,3
Relative Rectangular Co-ordinate System (@x distance, y distance)
Use relative coordinates when you know the position of a point with respect to the previous point.
The relative rectangular coordinate is represented in the following format.
Command: _line @-2,0 @0,4

Specify next point or [Undo]: @ 4, 0
Specify next point or [Undo]: @ 0, 4 @-2,0
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: @ -2, 0
@0,-2
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: @ 0, -2
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: @ -2, 0
2,2 @4,0
NB: Distance is measured +Ve towards right and up and it is measured –Ve towards left and down
Relative Polar Co-ordinate System (@ distance < angle)
Polar coordinate system uses a distance and an angle with reference to the previous point to locate a
point. Angles measured in anti-clock wise direction.
The relative polar coordinate is represented in the following format:
Command: _line
@4<180 @4<90
Specify next point or [Undo]: @ 4< 0
Specify next point or [Undo]: @ 4< 90
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: @ 4< 180
2,3 @4<0

2.1.2 Drawing of Circles
Draw » Circle » [options]
You can create circles in several ways. The default method is to specify a center and radius.
AutoCAD also provides 3 more methods to draw circles which are discussed below.
Command: _circle
Specify center point for circle or [3P/2P/Ttr (tan tan radius)]:
Use one of the points fixing methods or enter an option
Center, Radius / Center, Diameter
This allows drawing a circle based on the center point and radius or diameter.
Specify radius of circle or [Diameter]: Enter radius value or enter D for

diameter option.
3 Points
Command: _circle
Specify center point for circle or [3P/2P/Ttr (tan tan radius)]: 3p
Specify first point on circle: Use one of the points fixing methods
Specify second point on circle: Use one of the points fixing methods
Specify third point on circle: Use one of the points fixing methods
P3
P2
P1

2 Points
Command: _circle
Specify center point for circle or [3P/2P/Ttr (tan tan radius)]: 2p
Specify first end point of circle's diameter: Use one of the points fixing methods
Specify second end point of circle's diameter: Use one of the points fixing methods
P2
P1
Tangent, Tangent, Radius
Command: _circle
Specify center point for circle or [3P/2P/Ttr (tan tan radius)]: ttr
Specify point on object for first tangent of circle: select an object
Specify point on object for second tangent of circle: select an object
Specify radius of circle <1.0000>: Enter a value
Tangent objects
2.1.3 Drawing of Rectangles
Draw » Rectangle
Command: _rectang
Specify first corner point or [Chamfer/Elevation/Fillet/Thickness/Width]: Use
one of the points fixing methods
Specify other corner point or [Area/Dimensions/Rotation]: Use one of the points
fixing methods
You can draw rectangles in several methods by invoking options within “[]” brackets. For example
AutoCAD will facilitate to draw chamfered or fillet rectangles.

Normal Rectangle Chamfered Rectangle
Fillet Rectangle Rectangle with line width .2’
2.1.4 Drawing of Arcs
Draw » Arc » [options]
Arc command allows you to create an arc segment. Arcs created by AutoCAD are circular which
form a part of a circle. There are different methods of creating an arc, as illustrated below. The
default method is to specify the circumference with three points.
Command: arc
Specify start point of arc or [Center]: Use one of the points fixing methods
Specify second point of arc or [Center/End]: Use one of the points fixing methods
Specify end point of arc: Use one of the points fixing methods
End Point
Arc Direction
Tangent Direction
Start Point
You can draw arc by using various methods and the commands can invoke from menu tool bar as
shown in above.

2.1.5 Drawing of Ellipse
Draw » Ellipse » [options]
AutoCAD helps drawing a perfect ellipse or elliptical curve using this command. There are two
different ways drawing an ellipse:
1. Define the full length of length of one axis and half length of other axis.
2. Define the center point of the ellipse ( the point where to axes intersect with each other) and half
length of other two axes
Command: _ellipse
Specify axis endpoint of ellipse or [Arc/Center]: Use one of the points fixing methods
Specify other endpoint of axis: Use one of the points fixing methods
Specify distance to other axis or [Rotation]: Use one of the points fixing methods
Command: _ellipse
Specify axis endpoint of ellipse or [Arc/Center]: c
Specify center of ellipse: Use one of the points fixing methods
Specify endpoint of axis: Use one of the points fixing methods
Specify distance to other axis or [Rotation]: Use one of the points fixing methods
P3 P3
P1 P2 P1 P2
Other Axis Distance Other Axis Distance
Ellipse by axis endpoints Ellipse by axis Centre
2.1.6 Drawing of Polygon
Using Polygon command you can draw geometrical shapes with number of sides varying between 3
and 1024 also it creates a regular polygon.
Command: _polygon
Enter number of sides <4>: Enter a positive integer (3-1024)
Specify center of polygon or [Edge]: Specify a point or enter e
Enter an option [Inscribed in circle/Circumscribed about circle] <I>: Enter I or C
Specify radius of circle: Specify radius of the imaginary circle

Inscribed in Circle
Specifies the radius of a circle on which all vertices of the polygon lie
Circumscribed about Circle

Specifies the distance from the center of the polygon to the midpoints of the edges of the polygon
When you select Edge option
Defines a polygon by specifying the endpoints of the first edge
Specify first endpoint of edge: Specify a point (1)

Specify second endpoint of edge: Specify a point (2)
3.0 Supportive tools to construction
3.1 Drawing Limits
Format » Drawing Limits
The drawing limits are two-dimensional points in the world coordinate system that represent a
lower-left limit and an upper-right limit. You cannot impose limits on the Z direction.
Command: limits
Reset Model space limits:
Specify lower left corner or [ON/OFF] <0.0000, 0.0000>: Use one of the point fixing methods
Specify upper right corner <12.0000, 9.0000>: Use one of the point fixing methods
3.2 Units
Format » Units
AutoCAD displays the drawing units dialog box. Then you can select an option according to your
preference.

3.2 DSettings
Tools » Drafting Settings…
This command provides some of the drawing aids to create the drawing at faster pace. When you
invoke this command AutoCAD displays the Drafting Settings dialog box.
This dialog box contains four tabs but most important one is Object Snap tab for beginners. Object
snaps constrain point specification to exact locations, such as midpoint or an intersection, on
existing objects. Using object snaps, you can locate an exact position on an object without knowing
the coordinate or by drawing construction lines.
3.2 Status Bar
3.2.1 S(AP
SNAP command causes the crosshairs to move in an imaginary grid so that the crosshairs locked on
the intersection of the grid. You can select snap option either clicking S(AP icon on status bar or
by pressing F9 key. The snap spacing can be changed by changing the parameters of the snap
option of Drafting Settings dialog box shown in above. Using the command SNAP also, you can
select option.
3.2.2 GRID
GRID command will allow you to display grid over your drawing area specified by the limits. The
spacing can be changed by the “Drafting Settings” dialog box which displays when you right click
on the GRID icon on the status bar. The GRID command can be enabled/disabled by clicking on the
GRID icon or by pressing F7 key

3.2.3 ORTHO
ORTHO command is used with LINE command. It ensures all the lines are constructed orthogonal
to the current snap grid. You can select ORTHO mode either clicking “ORTHO” button on the
status bar or by pressing F8 key.
3.2.4 POLAR
POLAR command allows you to select angle measurements when drawing. The increment angle
can be changed by using “Drafting settings” dialog box. You can select POLAR mode either
clicking “POLAR” button on the status bar or by pressing F10 key
3.2.5 OS(AP
OSNAP command allows you to snap objects at to various points given under “Drafting settings”.
You can select OS(AP mode either clicking “OSNAP” button on the status bar or by pressing F3
key.
4.0 Editing Commands
4.1 Selecting Objects
To activate the editing command first you need to select the object. AutoCAD gives you several
methods to select the objects some of the very important methods explained as follows.
• By pointing – When “Select objects”, is prompted, a small square is appeared on the screen
instead crosshairs. What you have to do is just give a mouse click on which the object to be
selected. Then the object will be selected and appears in dashed lines.
Select A only
• By a Window – If you reply with “W” then you will be asked to give two opposite corners of a
window. Using this method you have to select the window such a way that the object is totally
enclosed by the window.
Selects D & E

• By a crossing Window – If you reply with “U” then you will be asked to give two opposite
corners of a window. Here, any object which enclosed or touched by the window will be
selected.
Selects A,C,D,E
• Remove – Suppose you want to remove an object while you are selecting the objects. Then you
can remove that object by simply typing “R” and deselect the object by clicking on it.
• Add – After removing objects, you can return to select object prompt by typing “A”
• Fence – By typing “F” you can specify a fence. All the objects which crossed by the fence will
be selected. The fence is specified by giving points.
• Undo - Deselect the last selected object
• Last – Selects the last object drawn.
4.2 ERASE
Modify » Erase
This allows you to remove the selected objects from the AutoCAD drawing.
Command: _erase
Select objects: Pick an object to delete
Select objects: Pick an object or to terminate the command
4.3 OOPS
This command restores the objects which have been erased by last ERASE command.
Command: oops
4.4 U(DO (cont+z)

This command simply undoes the previously executed command.
4.5 REDO (cont+y)

This command will activate after undo have been performed.
4.6 COPY
Modify » Copy
This command will enable user to create duplicates of the object without changing the original
object. (Without changing the position, dimension, properties, etc)

Command: _copy
Select objects: Select object to copy
Select objects:
Specify base point or [Displacement] <Displacement>: Specify a base point
Specify second point or <use first point as displacement>: Specify the
destination
Specify second point or [Exit/Undo] <Exit>:
Copied objects
Base Point
4.7 MOVE
Modify » Move
This command will enable you to move selected objects after you specified the source and
destination.
Command: _move
Select objects: Use one of the object selection method
Select objects:
Specify base point or [Displacement] <Displacement>: Use one of the points
fixing method or displacement
Specify second point or <use first point as displacement>: Use one of the points
fixing method or press
4.8 ROTATE
Modify ► Rotate
In two dimensional drawings, ROTATE command is used to rotate the objects about a specified
angle.
Command: _rotate
Current positive angle in UCS: ANGDIR=counterclockwise ANGBASE=0
Select objects: Select the object
Select objects:
Specify base point: Select a base point
Specify rotation angle or [Copy/Reference] <0>: Enter required angle
D C
A D
B A B
C
Original Object After rotating 90 deg
Base Point B
Angle of Rotation = 90
4.9 MIRROR
Modify ► Mirror
At times we need to create objects that are symmetrical about a particular axis. In such cases
MIRROR command comes in handy. Here you can either keep the original object or erase.
Command: _mirror
Select objects: Select the object
Select objects:
Specify first point of mirror line: Use one of the points fixing method
Specify second point of mirror line: Use one of the points fixing method
Erase source objects? [Yes/No] <N>: choose your option or
A A
C C F
AB = Mirror Line
Mirror Image = FGH
G
D E D E H
B B
Original Object
Mirror Image and
Original Object
4.10 OFFSET
Modify ► Offset
Offset creates a new object at a specified distance from a existing object or through a specified
point. The selected objects such as polygons, which are closed, might be get scaled up or down
uniformly.
Command: _offset
Current settings: Erase source=No Layer=Source OFFSETGAPTYPE=0
Specify offset distance or [Through/Erase/Layer] <Through>: Specify a distance
Select object to offset or [Exit/Undo] <Exit>: Pick the object to offset
Specify point on side to offset or [Exit/Multiple/Undo] <Exit>: pick a point
Select object to offset or [Exit/Undo] <Exit>:
4.11 BREAK
Modify ► Break
This command allows you to remove part of an object or break at a point.
Command: _break
Select object: select the object to be break
Specify second break point or [First point]: f
Specify first break point: Use one of the point fixing methods
Specify second break point: Use one of the point fixing methods

P1 P2
Before break
After break
4.12 SCALE
Modify ► Scale
Scale command enlarges or reduces the selected objects in the X, Y and Z directions.
Command: _scale
Select objects: Use one of the object selecting method
Select objects:
Specify base point: Use one of the point fixing method
Specify scale factor or [Copy/Reference] <1.0000>: Enter scale factor
Scale Factor 0.5 Original Object

Scale Factor 2
4.13 ARRAY
Modify ► Array…
When you need to make multiply copies of an object ARRAY command comes in handy. After
you invoke the command it displays array dialog box where you can set the number of rows,
number of columns etc. Also it allows you to preview and modify the data set, prior to committing
to the array.
Command: array

4.14 TRIM
Modify ► Trim
Using this command you can cut and erase objects (straight lines, arcs etc.) across the specified
points on that objects. This is useful when you want to ensure one object touches with the other one.
Command: _trim
Current settings: Projection=UCS, Edge=None
Select cutting edges...
Select objects or <select all>: Use one of the object selection method
Select objects:
Select object to trim or shift-select to extend or
[Fence/Crossing/Project/Edge/eRase/Undo]: Select the object to be trimmed
Objects to
Trim
Cutting
Edges
Before Trim After Trim
4.15 EXTE(D
Modify ► Extend
EXTEND command elongates an object to a boundary. This command facilitates you to extend an
object to a boundary defined by other objects.
Command: _extend
Current settings: Projection=UCS, Edge=None
Select boundary edges...
Select objects or <select all>: Use one of the object selection method
Select objects:
Select object to extend or shift-select to trim or
[Fence/Crossing/Project/Edge/Undo]: Select object to be extend
4.16 STRETCH
Modify ► Stretch
Sometimes we encounter the situations where it is required to change the size of an object in one
direction only. In such situations, AutoCAD provides a command called STRETCH which stretches
or compresses the selected objects according to the user’s preference.

Command: _stretch
Select objects to stretch by crossing-window or crossing-polygon...
Select objects: Select objects by any crossing object selection method
Specify base point or [Displacement] <Displacement>: Use one of the points
fixing method
Specify second point or <use first point as displacement>: Use one of the points
fixing method
4.17 FILLET
Modify ► Fillet
This command allows you to create rounded edges between two objects. When you invoking the
fillet command you must remember to set the fillet radius by selecting the “Radius” option. Also
you have to decide whether you trim the edges by selecting “Trim” option.
Command: _fillet
Current settings: Mode = TRIM, Radius = 2.0000
Select first object or [Undo/Polyline/Radius/Trim/Multiple]: Select first object
Select second object or shift-select to apply corner: Select second object
4.18 CHAMFER
Modify ► Chamfer
This command is used to create bevel corners formed by two non parallel lines.
Command: _chamfer
(TRIM mode) Current chamfer Length = 2.0000, Angle = 60
Select first line or [Undo/Polyline/Distance/Angle/Trim/mEthod/Multiple]: Select
first object
Select second line or shift-select to apply corner: Select second object
4.19 JOI(
Modify ► Join
This command helps you to join the individual segments of lines, arcs, elliptical arcs and splines
into a single object.
Joining a line
P1 P2
Command: _join
Select source object: Select the first object (P1)
Select lines to join to source: 1 found
Before
Select lines to join to source: Select the second object (P2)
Join
1 line joined to source
After
Joining an arc Join
Command: _join Before
Select source object: Select the arc
Select arcs to join to source or [cLose]: L
Arc converted to a circle.
After

4.19 EXPLODE
Modify ► Explode
This command helps you to breaks a compound object into its component objects.
Command: _explode
Select objects: Select the object to be exploded
Select objects:
4.21 LE(GTHE(
Modify ► Lengthen
This command can be used to check or change the length of an object.
Command:LENGTHEN
Select an object or [DElta/Percent/Total/DYnamic]: Select one option inside the
square bracket to change the length
If you select an object without selecting any option AutoCAD show you the current length of that
object or the included angle. To change the length or angle, you must select one of the options.
5.0 Display Control Commands
5.1 Zoom
View ► Zoom ► [options]

This command enlarges or reduces the view of the drawing. When we are working on a drawing it
is always required to bring the area of our interest to focus on to the screen.
Command: ZOOM
Specify corner of window, enter a scale factor (nX or nXP), or
[All/Center/Dynamic/Extents/Previous/Scale/Window/Object] <real time>: Enter an
option
Regenerating model.
Options
All: This zooms to display the entire drawing in the current viewport
Center: Zooms to display a window defined by a center point and magnification value or height
Dynamic: Zooms to display the generated portion of the drawing with a view box
Extent: Zoom the current window to largest possible size to fill the screen
Previous: Zooms to display the previous view
Scale: Zooms the display at a specified scale factor
Window: Zooms to display an area specified by two diagonally opposite corner points of a rectangular
window
Object: Zooms to display one or more selected objects as large as possible
Realtime: The cursor changes to a magnifying glass with plus(+) and minus (-) signs

5.2 PA(
View ► Pan ►Real Time/ Point / Left / Right / Up / Down

This command allows you to move the drawing without changing magnification or dimention
Command: pan
Press ESC or ENTER to exit, or right-click to display shortcut menu.
5.3 REGE(
View ► Regen
Regen regenerates the entire drawing and recomputes the screen coordinates for all objects. Regen
command used to make curves smooth after zooming. If the REGENAUTO feature is enabled,
regeneration will be performed automatically.
Before Regeneration After Regeneration
6.0 Create and Manage annotation in AutoCAD
6.1 TEXT
Draw ► Text ►Single Line Text
Text conveys the meaningful information in your drawing. We use text for title blocks, to label
parts of the drawing, to give specifications, or make annotations. You can format text as
Command: _text
Current text style: "Standard” Text height: 0.2000
Specify start point of text or [Justify/Style]: Use one of the point fixing
methods or enter an option
Specify height <0.2000>: Enter a positive value
Specify rotation angle of text <0>: Enter an angle
Start point
6.2 MTEXT
Draw ► Text ►Multiline Text…
Text in the form of paragraphs, can be effectively generated in AutoCAD with this tool. The user-
specified text boundary determines the width of the paragraph and the justification of text within the
paragraph. Each multiline text object is a single object, regardless of the number of lines it contain.

Command: _mtext Current text style: "Standard" Text height: 0.2000

Specify first corner: Use one of the point fixing methods
Specify opposite corner or [Height/Justify/Line spacing/Rotation/Style/Width]:
Use one of the point fixing methods or enter an option
After you specify the second corner, AutoCAD displays the Multiline Text Editor Dialog box. The
Multiline Text Editor includes a Text formatting toolbar and a shortcut menu.
6.3 STYLE
Format ► Text Style…
STYLE command is used to create user defined text styles.
AutoCAD provides a default text style called STANDARD. Users can define their own text style by
choosing a font from the listed font files and applying the desired effect such as width factor and
oblique angle.
6.4 TABLE
Draw ► Table…
The TABLE command opens the insert table dialog box.

7.0 Managing Properties of Objects
7.1 COLOR
Format ► Color…
AutoCAD displays the select color dialog box
Command: COLOR
You can select any color from the color pallets
7.2 LI(ETYPE
Format ► Linetype…
AutoCAD gives you several number of standard line types, which are saved in a library. Normally a
line type is a repeating pattern of dashes, dots and blank spaces. Using different line types enables
you to show more information for the uses of your drawings. When you invoke the command Line
Type Manager dialog box will appear and you can load line types by clicking on Load button. Also
you can set each line type current by clicking on Current button of the Line Type Manager dialog
box.
Command: linetype

7.3 LWEIGHT
Format ► Lineweight…
Generally line weights add width to your object both in your screen and paper when plotting. Using
line weights when you draw objects you can create heavy and thin objects so that you can easily
differentiate between each. When you invoke the command Lineweight Settings dialog box will
appear. Then you can select which ever the line weight you want.
Command: lweight
7.4 LAYER
Format ► Layer…
One of the very important features of AutoCAD is having the facility of using different layers in
your drawing. It helps to draw more several complex drawings in a single drawing using layer
properties and it highly save the time and also it give proper understanding for users. For example,
you can draw your building structure in several layers, electrical wiring in another several layers,
A/C system in any other layers etc. when you refer the drawing, you can refer each individually by
disabling other relevant layers. There are several properties of layers, those are explained below.
(ame: you can assign a name to each layer to distinguish it from other layers. Name can be
up to 31 characters
Color: You can assign a color to your layer
Line type: This can be defined as the nature of the line assigned to the layer.
Line weight: This gives width to your object
Lock/Unlock: This feature is used to prevent the user from editing objects in the drawing. But these
layers are visible in both screen and plot
On/Off: When a layer is off, it is invisible but it functions for certain functions ZOOM, PAN,
etc. Layers that are off are not plotted.
Freeze/Thaw: This is similar to On/Off and used when you work with view ports. You can off
some layers in some view ports and on those layers in other view ports.

When you invoke the command Layer Properties Manager dialog box will appear. Then you can
create layers according to your preferences.
8.0 Dimensioning
Dimensioning is the process of adding measurement annotation to a drawing. AutoCAD provides
many ways to dimension objects and many ways to format dimensions. Dimensions show the
measurements of objects, the distances or angles between objects, or the distance of a feature from
an origin specify.
8.1 DIMLI(EAR
Dimension ► Linear
Command: _dimlinear
Specify first extension line origin or <select object>: Pick the first extension line origin or
press enter to pick the object
Specify second extension line origin: Pick the first extension line origin
Specify dimension line location or [Mtext/Text/Angle/Horizontal/Vertical/Rotated]: Pick the
location of dimension line or enter an option
Dimension text = 7.4050
P1 P2
P3

8.2 DIMALIG(ED
Dimension ► Aligned
Command: _dimaligned
Specify first extension line origin or <select object>: Pick the first extension
line origin or press enter to pick the object
Specify second extension line origin: Pick the first extension line origin
Specify dimension line location or [Mtext/Text/Angle]: Pick the location of
dimension line or enter an option
To activate the object selection option you have to press enter key.
P1
Object Selected
8.3 DIMRADIUS
Dimension ► Radius
A radial dimension consists of a radius dimension line with an arrowhead at the arc or circle end.
Command: _dimradius
Select arc or circle: Select the arc or circle which you need to have
dimensioning
Specify dimension line location or [Mtext/Text/Angle]: Pick the location of
dimension line or enter an option
8.4 DIMDIAMETER
Dimension ► Diameter
DIMDIAMETER draws different types of diameter dimensions depending on the size of the circle
or arc.

8.5 DIMA(GULAR
Dimension ► Angular
Command: _dimangular
Select arc, circle, line, or <specify vertex>: Select the object or vertex
8.6 DIMBASELI(E
Dimension ► Baseline
DIMBASELINE draws a series of related dimensions measured from the same baseline. AutoCAD
offsets each new dimension line to avoid overlaying the previous dimension line.
Command: _dimbaseline
Specify a second extension line origin or [Undo/Select] <Select>: Pick the
second extension line origin or press
8.7 DIMCO(TI(UE
Dimension ► Continue
DIMCONTINUE draws a series of related dimensions, such as several shorter dimensions that add
up to the total measurement. Continued dimensioning is also known as chain dimensioning.
Command: _dimcontinue
Specify a second extension line origin or [Undo/Select] <Select>: Pick the
second extension line origin or press


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FACULTY OF ENGINEERING – UNIVERSITY OF RUHUNA

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING, GALLE, SRI LANKA

Computer Aided Drafting using AutoCAD

1.1 Special Features of AutoCAD

• Gives greater accuracy compared to the traditional hand drafting methods

1.2 Recommended Hardware

• Pentium IV (800 MHZ) or higher

1.3 The first look at AutoCAD

Start » Programs » Autodesk » AutoCAD 2007 » AutoCAD 2007

Faculty of Engineering, Galle, Sri Lanka Page 2

Title Bar Standard Toolbar

Coordinate Display Status Bar

Figure 01: Graphical user Interface (GUI) of AutoCAD 2007

1.4 The Pull-down Menus

Figure 02: Pull-down menu

Faculty of Engineering, Galle, Sri Lanka Page 3

1.5 Creating a (ew Drawing

When you start a new drawing, follow the following steps.

Figure 03: Select Template Dialogue Box

For the starting, select “acad.dwt” template

Faculty of Engineering, Galle, Sri Lanka Page 4

Figure 04: Startup dialogue box

1.6 Opening a Drawing

Figure 05: Select file dialogue box

Faculty of Engineering, Galle, Sri Lanka Page 5

1.7 Saving a Drawing

File » Save/Save As…

1.8 Closing a Drawing

Window » Close All

1.9 Giving Commands

3. Through the Tool bars

Faculty of Engineering, Galle, Sri Lanka Page 6

2.0 Basic Geometrical Shapes

2.1.1 Drawing of Lines

Coordinate systems in AutoCAD

Faculty of Engineering, Galle, Sri Lanka Page 7

Absolute Co-ordinate System (x, y)

Relative Rectangular Co-ordinate System (@x distance, y distance)

Command: _line @-2,0 @0,4

Relative Polar Co-ordinate System (@ distance < angle)

The relative polar coordinate is represented in the following format:

Faculty of Engineering, Galle, Sri Lanka Page 8

2.1.2 Drawing of Circles

Draw » Circle » [options]

Center, Radius / Center, Diameter

Specify radius of circle or [Diameter]: Enter radius value or enter D for

Faculty of Engineering, Galle, Sri Lanka Page 9

Tangent, Tangent, Radius

2.1.3 Drawing of Rectangles

Faculty of Engineering, Galle, Sri Lanka Page 10

Normal Rectangle Chamfered Rectangle

Fillet Rectangle Rectangle with line width .2’

2.1.4 Drawing of Arcs

Draw » Arc » [options]

Faculty of Engineering, Galle, Sri Lanka Page 11

2.1.5 Drawing of Ellipse

Draw » Ellipse » [options]

Ellipse by axis endpoints Ellipse by axis Centre

2.1.6 Drawing of Polygon

Faculty of Engineering, Galle, Sri Lanka Page 12

Circumscribed about Circle

When you select Edge option

Defines a polygon by specifying the endpoints of the first edge