Introduction to AutoCAD Features

Sacramento City College

EDT 310

EDT 310 1
 Objectives
Describe methods and procedures used in
CAD.
Explain the value of planning your work and
system management.
Describe the appropriate locations for saving
drawing files.
Load AutoCAD from the Windows Desktop
Describe the AutoCAD screen layout and user
interface.
Describe the functions of dialog boxes.

2
 Objectives
Use the keyboard and an input device to
select commands, enter text and pick
locations on the screen
Identify the function of the AutoCAD
DesignCenter and the Properties window.
Review Help.
Define function, control and shortcut keys.

3
 The Tools of CAD
Computer
Software
These components together make up a
system referred to as CAD.

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 Users of CAD
CAD is used by:
Drafters
Designers
Engineers
Architects
They develop designs and drawings; and plot
them on paper.

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 CAD Power
CAD is extremely powerful.
Because of its speed, power, accuracy and
flexibility it has surpassed manual drafting.

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 CAD Limitations
CAD does have limitations:
CAD files are only electrical impulses
Computers cause repetitive strain injury.

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 The Applications of AutoCAD
We will learn how to construct, layout,
dimension and annotate two-dimensional
drawings.
Advanced AutoCAD classes will study three-
dimensional drawing.

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 The Applications of AutoCAD
A drawing can have hundreds of colors and
layers which contain different kinds of
information.

The drawing objects can have intelligence

in the form of attributes.

3D models can be constructed, and rendered.

Animation can be used to rotate models so

they can be viewed from any direction.
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 The Applications of AutoCAD
The entire project must be considered when
developing a drawing plan.

A detailed knowledge of AutoCAD and its

tools will assist you.

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 The Applications of AutoCAD
Learn the X,Y,Z Coordinate System
Drawings are constructed using the
Cartesian coordinate system X-Y-Z
Origin = (0,0)
Rectangular coordinates
X = horizontal
Y = vertical

Z = third dimension

Distance measure horizontally is an X value

Distance measured vertically is a Y value.

Add the Z, creates 3D drawing.

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 Planning Your Drawing
Set a plan prior to working.
Determine drawings to be created
Determine how they will be titled and
numbered
Seat of the pants approach does not
work well here.

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 Planning Your Drawing
Use Drawing Standards
Standards are guidelines for operating
procedures, drawing techniques, and
record keeping.
Most companies and schools have
established standards.
It is important that standards exist and are
used uniformly by all CAD personnel.

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 Planning Your Drawing
Standards may include
Methods of file storage; Location and name
Dimensioning techniques

File naming conventions

Text styles

Drawing sheet sizes and title blocks to be used

Linetypes

Drawing symbols

Color schemes for plotting

File backup methods and times of backup

The most important aspect of standards is

that they are used.
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 Planning Your Work
Plan Your Work FIRST!
The time spent on a project will be
shortened if good planning is performed up
front.
Project Progress

Good Planning Poor Planning

Time Spent

Time Spent

Project Duration/Time Expenditure Pyramid

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 Variables Customize AutoCAD
Learn the Function of Variables

AutoCAD uses variables to customize how it

functions for each user.

Most variables can be changed by typing the

name of the variable at the Command:
prompt, and changing a value.

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 SAVETIME Variable
One variable is SAVETIME.
SAVETIME saves your work at a user-
defined time period.

Use SAVETIME variable to regularly save your

work.

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 Drawing Planning Sheets
Use Drawing Planning Sheets
Good work plans save time
Planning should include sketches and
drawing planning sheets.

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 Drawing Planning Sheets
Drawing Planning Sheets
These tools help in the following ways:
Determines the drawing layout.
Sets the overall size of the drawing by laying
out the views and required free space
Confirms the drawing units based on the
dimensions provided
Predetermines the point entry system and
locates the points
Establishes the GRID and SNAP settings

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 Drawing Planning Sheets
Presets some of the drawing variables such as
LINETYPE, FILL and polyline width.
Establishes how and when various activities
are to be performed.
Determines the best use of AutoCAD

Results in an even workload

Provides maximum use of equipment.

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 Planning Checklist
Take the time and plan your work.
Avoid tendency to want things to happen
immediately.
Analyze the problem.
Study all engineering sketches.

Locate all available resources and list for future

use.
Determine the applicable standards for the

project.
Sketch the problem.

Decide on the number and kind of views

required.
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 Planning Checklist
Determine the final plotted scale of the drawing,
and of all views.
List the AutoCAD commands to be used.

Determine the drawing sequence (lines,

features, dimensions, notes, etc.).
Follow the standards and refer to resources as
you work.

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 Working Procedures Checklist
Several skills are required for you to become
a proficient CAD user.

Establish a Working Procedures Checklist to

assist you.

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 Working Procedures Checklist
Here are some hints:
Plan all work with pencil and paper before
using the computer

Check the Object Properties toolbar at the

top of the display screen and the status bar
at the bottom to see which layers and
drawing aids are in effect.

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 Working Procedures Checklist
Read the command line at the bottom of
the display screen before entering data.
Constantly check for the correct command,
instructions, or proper keyboard entry of
data.

Watch disk drive lights to see when the

disks are being accessed.

Think ahead.

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 Working Procedures Checklist
Learn new commands every day.
Don't rely on just a few that seem to work.
Find commands that can speed your work
and do it more efficiently. (Shortcuts).

Saveyour work every 10 to 15 minutes in

case of power failure or system crash.

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 Working Procedures Checklist
Ifyou're stumped ask the computer for
help.
Use on-line help.

Read the command line after entering data

and before pressing the [ENTER] key.

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 Starting AutoCAD
AutoCAD operates with
Windows 95, 98, NT, 2000, XP.
Windows versions are almost identical with
regard to functionality.
When AutoCAD is installed, Windows
places a Program Icon on the desktop.
AutoCAD can be started from the Start
Menu or from the Program Icon.

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 Starting AutoCAD
Sacramento City College runs AutoCAD
version 2005 with Windows XP.

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 Starting AutoCAD
To start AutoCAD
1. Double-click the AutoCAD 2005 icon on the
desktop
or
2. Select
Start
Programs
AutoCAD 2000 Folder
AutoCAD 2000

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 Standard Screen Layout
Graphical User Interface
One of the most important aspects of
AutoCAD is the Graphical User Interface
(GUI).
Most common component of the GUI is the
dialog box.

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 The AutoCAD Graphics Window
The AutoCAD graphics window is similar to
any other window within the Windows
operating system.
Maximize and minimize buttons
Close buttons, in the upper right corner
Window sizing operations are done as with
any other window.

AutoCAD uses the Windows Guidelines for

appearance:
Buttons, pull-down menus, and dialog
boxes.
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 Standard Screen Layout
The Standard Screen Layout provides a large
graphics or drawing area.

The drawing area is bordered by the toolbar

at the top and the command line at the
bottom.

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 Standard Screen Layout
Items are floating, meaning they can be
freely moved about on the screen.
When an item is floating, it has the
standard Windows border and title bar.
Floating windows can be moved and
adjusted for size like other windows.

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 Standard Screen Layout
Floating Items can be docked around the
edges of the graphics window.
Toolbars can be docked or floated.

To dock an item,
drag it to the edge of the graphics window
(top, bottom, left or right).
The border will change shape.
The item will dock at that location.

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 Standard Screen Layout
Floating Command Window -
In default position the window is docked at
the bottom of the graphics window.
Displays the "Command:" prompt at the
bottom of the graphics window.
It also displays prompts that supply
information to you or request input.

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 Standard Screen Layout
The Floating Command Window is the
primary communications area with AutoCAD !
!.

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 Standard Screen Layout
Menu bars
Appears just below the title bar and
displays a number of menu names.
File
Edit
View
Insert
Format
Tools
Draw
Dimension
Modify
Window
Help
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 Standard Screen Layout
Use the cursor to point at a menu name and
press the left mouse button.
A pull-down menu is displayed.

Any time you pick an item followed by an

ellipsis () a dialog box is displayed.

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 Standard Screen Layout
Dialog Box
A dialog box is a rectangular area that
appears on the screen after you type or
select certain commands.

Dialog Boxes
Contain specific information related to a
specific command or function.

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 Standard Screen Layout
Scroll bars
Allow you to adjust your view of the
drawing area.
Horizontal scroll bars
Vertical scroll bars.

Graphics cursor size

The graphics cursor size can be adjusted -
preferences, tools; cursor size.
A value of 100% is full-screen cursor.

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 Standard Screen Layout
Coordinate System Icon
Displays the current coordinate system.

Floating toolbars
Toolbars can be hidden, moved, resized,
modified or docked as needed.

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 Standard Screen Layout
Status bar
Contains several display fields that reflect
the current state of specific drawing control
features.
When a menu item is highlighted a brief
explanation of the item is shown here.

Coordinate display
Shows the x, y, z cursor location according
to the current setting.

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 Standard Screen Layout
Standard toolbar
When you move the pointing device to the
toolbar, the crosshairs change to the
Windows arrow pointer.

ToolTips
Holding the pointer over a button for a
moment displays ToolTips which show the
function of the buttons.

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 Standard Screen Layout
Flyout Buttons
Some buttons show a small black triangle
in the lower-right corner.
These buttons are called flyouts.
Press and hold the pick button while
pointing at a flyout to display a set of
related buttons.

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 Standard Screen Layout
Object Properties toolbar
Contains buttons and display fields for
commonly used AutoCAD commands.

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 Standard Screen Layout
Object Properties toolbar
Make Object's Layer Current
Allows selection of a drawing object to change
the current layer to that of the selected object
Layers
Accesses the Layer & Linetype Properties
dialog box.
Allows you to create and manage drawing
layers and linetypes

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 Standard Screen Layout
Object Properties toolbar
Layer Control
Shows the current layer and its properties
Picking the drop-down box shows information
on all drawing layers and provides a handy
shortcut to common layer control options.
Color Control
Displays the current object creation color and
when picked displays the four most recently
used colors and the seven standard colors
Also allows access to the Select Color dialog
box.

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 Standard Screen Layout
Object Properties toolbar
Linetype
Access the Layer & Linetype Properties dialog
box for selecting and loading object linetypes.
Linetype Control
Displays the current object linetype. Clicking
on the down arrow to the right allows you to
select a new linetype from the currently loaded
line-types.
Properties
Allows modification to the properties of existing
objects in a drawing.

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 Standard Screen Layout
Pull-Down Menus
Pull-down menus are located on the menu
bar at the top of the screen.

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 Standard Screen Layout
Pull-Down Menus
AutoCAD contains ten pull-down menu items
File
Edit

View

Insert

Format

Tools

Draw

Dimension

Modify, and Help

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 Standard Screen Layout
Dialog Boxes
A dialog box is a box that allows you to set
variables and select items using your
cursor.
Information, options, and choices are
displayed graphically for you by the
software.
Colors can be displayed by number.
Dialog boxes eliminate typing, save time
and increase productivity.

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 Standard Screen Layout
Dialog Boxes
A pull-down selection that is followed by an
ellipsis (. . .) displays a dialog box when
picked.
Buttons in a dialog box that are followed
by an ellipsis display yet another dialog box
which is displayed on top of the first dialog
box.
You must make a selection from the
second dialog box before returning to the
first dialog box.

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 Standard Screen Layout
Dialog Boxes
Command buttons
Most common buttons are: OK, Cancel, Help
Button with the dark gray border is the default.

Radio buttons
Only one button can be selected at a time, like
a car radio
Check boxes
A check mark is displayed when it is active
Box is empty when not selected.

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 Standard Screen Layout
List boxes
Contain a list of options
Drop-down list boxes
Similar to list boxes but initially, only one choice
is shown
Other choices are shown by clicking on the
arrow pointing downward on the right side of
the screen.

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 Standard Screen Layout
Text boxes
You can enter a name or a single line of
information in a text box.
Existing text appears highlighted, typing
when highlighted text exists replaces the
text.
Pressing either the Backspace key or the
Delete key deletes all of the highlighted
text.

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 Standard Screen Layout
Text boxes
You can edit the highlighted text by first
moving the cursor
Right and left arrow keys move the cursor
one character at a time.
Using the Ctrl key with the arrows, causes
the cursor to jump words.

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 Standard Screen Layout
File Dialog boxes
Provide a simple means of locating and
specifying file names using the familiar
Windows dialog box.
Double-clicking a folder opens it.

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 Standard Screen Layout
File Dialog boxes
The Look In: drop-down list displays the
directory tree and allows you to browse
other directories.
The Files of Type: drop-down list is used to
specify the type of file being searched for.
Selecting a file with one click causes its
name to appear in the Filename: box, and
its image to appear in the Preview box.

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 Standard Screen Layout
File Dialog boxes
The four buttons above the upper-right
corner of the list box allow you to:
Backup one folder level.
Create a new folder.
Display the files as a list of icons or names
with all file details.
The Find File button allows you to browse
for a file.

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 Standard Screen Layout
Scroll bars and buttons
Click above the scroll box to page up.
Click below the scroll box to page down.
Drag scroll box to move through list of
items.
Click on up and down arrows individually to
move through a list of values.

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 Standard Screen Layout
Preview Box or Image Tile
A preview box is an area of a dialog box
that displays a "picture" of the item you
select such as a hatching style, linetypes or
text fonts.

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 Standard Screen Layout
Dialog Box Tab
A dialog box tab is like an index tab used
to separate files.
Many dialog boxes contain two or more
pages of information, each with a tab at
the top.
The dialog box is only dismissed when the
OK or Cancel are selected.

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 Function Keys
Function Keys provide instant access to
commands.
They can also be programmed to perform a
series of commands.
AutoCAD uses only nine function keys

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 Function Keys
[F1] - Help
[F2] - Flip screen from graphics to text toggle
[F3] - displays Osnap Settings dialog box
[F4] - Tablet mode toggle
[F5] - Isoplane left, right, top
[F6] - Coordinate display
[F7] - Grid mode toggle
[F8] - Ortho mode toggle
[F9] - Snap mode toggle
[F10] - Polar mode toggle

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Getting Computer Help

EDT 310 85
 Getting Help
Help is a powerful and convenient on-line
system. Help can be activated three ways:
F1 key
Pressing the ? Mark icon on the right end
of the Standard toolbar
Picking AutoCAD help topics from the Help
pull-down menu
Displays Table of Contents; Index; Find
AutoCAD does not have to be running to
obtain help
Pick, Start, Programs, AutoCAD R14, and On-
line Help.
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 Exploring Help
Contents Tab
Displays eight book icons and topic names
Using Help
Tutorial

How To

Command Reference

Users Guide

Installation Guide

Customization Guide

ActiveX Automation

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 Exploring Help
Using Help

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 Selecting AutoCAD Commands
Commands may be selected in four ways
1. Executed by picking a toolbar button or
icon

2.Selected from one of the pull-down

menus

3.Selected from the digitizer table menu

overlay

4. Typed at the keyboard

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 Selecting AutoCAD Commands
Command Line Editing
You can select previously used commands
by using the up and down arrow keys
This capability allows for fast, repeated use
of the same command.

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 Keys
The [Esc] key
Control Keys
Function Keys
Button Functions

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 Keys
The [Esc] key
Cancels a command and returns to the
Command: prompt

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 Keys
Control Keys
Control functions are activated by pressing
and holding the [Ctrl] key while pressing a
second key.

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 Keys
Ctrl B - Snap mode (toggle)
Ctrl C - Copy
Ctrl D - coordinate display on/off toggle
Ctrl E - crosshairs in isoplane toggle
(left/right/top)
Ctrl G - Grid on/off toggle
Ctrl H - same as backspace
Ctrl K - PICKADD system variable toggle
Ctrl L - Ortho mode toggle
Ctrl O - Open
Ctrl P - Print (Plot)
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 Keys
Ctrl R - toggle viewport
Ctrl S - Save
Ctrl T - Tablet mode toggle
Ctrl V - Paste
Ctrl X - Cut
Ctrl Y - Redo
Ctrl Z - Undo
Provides detailed information on using
Windows help system.
To open a topic, simply double-click on the
topic name or the book icon that precedes it.

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 Exploring Help
Pickingan item preceded by a ? Mark,
displays a Windows Help dialog box.
Three buttons are located at the top of this
window:
Help Topics - returns to the Help Topics Dialog box.
Back - flips back to the previous Windows Help
page
Options

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 Exploring Help
Options
Annotate - allows you to write a note that
relates to the current help topic.
Picking Save attaches your note to the help
topic with a paper clip icon.
To read the annotation, click on the paper clip

Copy - copies the entire content of the

Windows help to the Clipboard.
Print Topic - displays the Print dialog box,
allows you to send the contents of Help to
the printer.

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 Exploring Help
Options
Font - allows you to select between small,
normal, and large fonts for the display of
Windows Help dialog box text.
Keep Help on Top - Allows you to keep the
Help window on top of all other windows.
Use System Colors - returns the help
windows to the default Windows system
colors.

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 Exploring Help
Concepts and How To assist you in
understanding and using AutoCAD drawing
concepts and techniques.

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 Exploring Help
Index Tab
Used by typing the first few letters of the
word youre looking for
As you type the lower list changes to match
your entry as close as possible
Hypertext - is green underlined text
If a hypertext item is selected, it
automatically displays the help screen it is
linked to.
When the cursor is on hypertext, it
becomes a hand

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 Exploring Help
Additional information displayed just below
the command name:
Quick Help
Displays a pop-up topic box that provides
definitions of the buttons in the AutoCAD Help
dialog box
Up A Level
Displays an alphabetical listing of AutoCAD
commands and system variables
See Also
Displays a pop-up topic box that provides links
to commands and variables that are related to
the one currently displayed
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 Exploring Help
Find
Allows you to conduct a detailed search
based on one or more words
Glossary
Provide a quick definition of a topic

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5 Minute Assessment

EDT 310 103

 5 Minute Assessment
What system is used to construct drawings in
AutoCAD?
A. the X-Y-Z system.
B. the Cartesian System.
C. the orthographic system.
D. both A and B.
E. none of the above.

104
 5 Minute Assessment
Drawing Standards. Which of the following
statements are TRUE.
A. Standards are guidelines for operating
procedures, drawing techniques, and
record keeping.
B. Most companies and schools have
established standards.
C. It is important that each drafter have
their own standards and adhere closely
and uniformly to the standards.

105
 5 Minute Assessment
What is the difference between a button
and a key?

106
 5 Minute Assessment
What is the difference between a button
and a key?
A button is located on the screen on a
Toolbar.
A key is located on the keyboard.

107
 5 Minute Assessment
What do you call a value that is maintained
by the computer until you change it?

108
 5 Minute Assessment
What do you call a value that is maintained
by the computer until you change it?
A variable

109
 5 Minute Assessment
The Menu Bar is located
A. At the bottom of the screen
B. At the top of the screen
C. On the side of the screen
D. Any, or all of the above, because the
user can move the Menu Bar around.
E. The menu bar is not used in AutoCAD.

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 5 Minute Assessment
The Menu Bar is located
A. At the bottom of the screen
B. At the top of the screen
C. On the side of the screen
D. Any, or all of the above, because the
user can move the Menu Bar around.
E. The menu bar is not used in AutoCAD.

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 5 Minute Assessment
When using AutoCAD, why should your work
be saved frequently?

112
 5 Minute Assessment
When using AutoCAD, why should your work
be saved frequently?
Frequently saving your work will help avoid
losing work in the event of a power outage
or computer crash.

113
 5 Minute Assessment
Why should you read the Command window
at the bottom of the screen?

114
 5 Minute Assessment
Why should you read the Command window
at the bottom of the screen?
Because AutoCAD displays very important
information to the user in this window.

115
 5 Minute Assessment
Name two ways to start AutoCAD.

116
 5 Minute Assessment
Name two ways to start AutoCAD.
1. Double-click the AutoCAD icon on the
desktop.
2. Double-click an AutoCAD file
3. Choose Start, Programs, AutoDesk,
AutoCAD

117
 5 Minute Assessment
Name two ways to close AutoCAD.

118
 5 Minute Assessment
Name two ways to close AutoCAD.
File Exit
Click the Close Box in the upper right
corner of the AutoCAD window.

119
 5 Minute Assessment
What is the function of drawing limits?

120
 5 Minute Assessment
What is the function of drawing limits?
Limits define a drawing space.
Example: if you have an 11 x 8.5 paper,
you may want to set the limits to
Lower left: 0,0
Upper right: 11, 8.5

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 5 Minute Assessment
What is the grid?

122
 5 Minute Assessment
What is the grid?
A rectangular pattern of dots visible on the
screen drawing area that assists the
AutoCAD user when creating drawings.

123
 5 Minute Assessment
Sue likes to draw using the grid. What
function key should she press to cause the
grid to be displayed?

124
 5 Minute Assessment
Sue likes to draw using the grid. What
function key should she press to cause the
grid to be displayed?
F7 turns GRID on/off

125
 5 Minute Assessment
To cause the cursor to snap to the grid
points, what function key should be used?

126
 5 Minute Assessment
To cause the cursor to snap to the grid
points, what function key should be used?
F9 (turns SNAP on/off)

127
 5 Minute Assessment
To cause the coordinates to be displayed,
what function key should be used?

128
 5 Minute Assessment
To cause the coordinates to be displayed,
what function key should be used?
F6

129
 5 Minute Assessment
To save an existing AutoCAD drawing that is
open to a new drawing file, what command
sequence should be used?

130
 5 Minute Assessment
To save an existing AutoCAD drawing that is
open to a new drawing file, what command
sequence should be used?
File, Save As

131
 5 Minute Assessment
Name three ways an AutoCAD command can
be executed.

132
 5 Minute Assessment
Name three ways an AutoCAD command can
be executed.
Toolbar
Typed in at the Command: prompt
Pull-Down menus

133
 5 Minute Assessment
The fastest method of performing the
AutoCAD command COPY is:
A. Selecting it from a menu.
B. Typing in the command
C. Pressing Ctrl-C.
D. Clicking on the Copy button.

134
 5 Minute Assessment
Edgar would like to use the Object
Properties toolbar, but it is not showing on
his screen.

What are two methods you would show him

to display this toolbar?

135
 5 Minute Assessment
What is the difference between a docked
toolbar and a floating toolbar?

136
 5 Minute Assessment
What happens when you press the Space Bar
after successfully executing a command?

137
 5 Minute Assessment
What happens when you press the Up Arrow
after successfully executing a command?

138
 5 Minute Assessment
Give an example of a sub-command.

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