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.

4
Users of CAD
CAD is used by:
 Drafters
 Designers
 Engineers
 Architects
 They develop designs and drawings; and plot
them on paper.

5
CAD Power
CAD is extremely powerful.
 Because of its speed, power, accuracy and
flexibility it has surpassed manual drafting.

6
CAD Limitations

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CAD does have limitations:
 CAD files are only electrical impulses
 Computers cause repetitive strain injury.
The Applications of AutoCAD
We will learn how to construct, layout,
dimension and annotate two-dimensional
drawings.
 Advanced AutoCAD classes will study threedimensional drawing.

8
The Applications of AutoCAD
9

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.
The Applications of AutoCAD
10

The entire project must be considered when
developing a drawing plan.

A detailed knowledge of AutoCAD and its
tools will assist you.
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.
11
Planning Your Drawing

12
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.
Planning Your Drawing

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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.
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

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The most important aspect of standards is
that they are used.
Planning Your Work
Project Progress

Plan Your Work FIRST!
 The time spent on a project will be
shortened if good planning is performed up
front.
Good Planning
Poor Planning
Time Spent
Time Spent
Project Duration/Time Expenditure Pyramid
15
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
17

One variable is SAVETIME.
 SAVETIME saves your work at a userdefined time period.

Use SAVETIME variable to regularly save your
work.
Drawing Planning Sheets

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Use Drawing Planning Sheets
 Good work plans save time
 Planning should include sketches and
drawing planning sheets.
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
23

Several skills are required for you to become
a proficient CAD user.

Establish a Working Procedures Checklist to
assist you.
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
25
ahead.
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).
 Save
your work every 10 to 15 minutes in
case of power failure or system crash.
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Working Procedures Checklist
 If
you're stumped ask the computer for
help.
 Use
 Read
on-line help.
the command line after entering data
and before pressing the [ENTER] key.
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Starting AutoCAD

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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.
Starting AutoCAD

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Sacramento City College runs AutoCAD
version 2005 with Windows XP.
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

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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.
The AutoCAD Graphics Window
32

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.
Standard Screen Layout
33

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

35
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.
Standard Screen Layout
Floating Items can be docked around the
edges of the graphics window.
 Toolbars can be docked or floated.


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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

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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.
Standard Screen Layout

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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
41
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.
42
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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45
46
Standard Screen Layout
47

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.
48
49
Standard Screen Layout
50

Coordinate System Icon
 Displays the current coordinate system.

Floating toolbars
 Toolbars can be hidden, moved, resized,
modified or docked as needed.
51
Standard Screen Layout
52

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.
53
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.
54
Standard Screen Layout

55
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.
56
Standard Screen Layout

57
Object Properties toolbar
 Contains buttons and display fields for
commonly used AutoCAD commands.
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
58
59
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.
60
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.
61
Standard Screen Layout

62
Pull-Down Menus
 Pull-down menus are located on the menu
bar at the top of the screen.
Standard Screen Layout
Pull-Down Menus
 AutoCAD contains ten pull-down menu items

 File
 Edit
 View
 Insert
 Format
 Tools
 Draw
 Dimension
 Modify,
63
and Help
64
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
 Dialog
can be displayed by number.
boxes eliminate typing, save time
and increase productivity.
65
66
Standard Screen Layout

67
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.
68
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
A
boxes
check mark is displayed when it is active
 Box is empty when not selected.
69
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

71
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.
Standard Screen Layout

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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.
Standard Screen Layout

73
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.
74
Standard Screen Layout

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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.
76
Standard Screen Layout

77
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.
78
Standard Screen Layout

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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.
Standard Screen Layout

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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.
Standard Screen Layout

81
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.
82
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

83
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

84
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 Online Help.
86
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
87
Exploring Help
 Using
88
Help
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.
89
Typed at the keyboard
Selecting AutoCAD Commands

90
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.
Keys
The [Esc] key
 Control Keys
 Function Keys
 Button Functions

91
Keys

92
The [Esc] key
 Cancels a command and returns to the
Command: prompt
Keys

93
Control Keys
 Control functions are activated by pressing
and holding the [Ctrl] key while pressing a
second key.
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
 Ctrl
 Ctrl
 Ctrl
 Ctrl
 Ctrl
 Ctrl

R - toggle viewport
S - Save
T - Tablet mode toggle
V - Paste
X - Cut
Y - Redo
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.
95
Exploring Help
 Picking
an 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

96
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.
97
Exploring Help

98
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.
Exploring Help
 Concepts
and How To… assist you in
understanding and using AutoCAD drawing
concepts and techniques.
99
Exploring Help

Index Tab
 Used by typing the first few letters of the
word you’re looking for
 As
you type the lower list changes to match
your entry as close as possible

100
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
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
101
Exploring Help
Find
 Allows you to conduct a detailed search
based on one or more words
 Glossary
 Provide a quick definition of a topic

102
5 Minute Assessment
EDT 310
103
5 Minute Assessment

104
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.
5 Minute Assessment

105
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.
5 Minute Assessment

106
What is the difference between a “button”
and a “key”?
5 Minute Assessment

107
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.
5 Minute Assessment

108
What do you call a value that is maintained
by the computer until you change it?
5 Minute Assessment

109
What do you call a value that is maintained
by the computer until you change it?
 A variable
5 Minute Assessment

110
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.
5 Minute Assessment

111
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.
5 Minute Assessment

112
When using AutoCAD, why should your work
be saved frequently?
5 Minute Assessment

113
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.
5 Minute Assessment

114
Why should you read the Command window
at the bottom of the screen?
5 Minute Assessment

115
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.
5 Minute Assessment

116
Name two ways to start AutoCAD.
5 Minute Assessment

117
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
5 Minute Assessment

118
Name two ways to close AutoCAD.
5 Minute Assessment

119
Name two ways to close AutoCAD.
 File Exit
 Click the Close Box in the upper right
corner of the AutoCAD window.
5 Minute Assessment

120
What is the function of “drawing limits”?
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
121
5 Minute Assessment

122
What is the “grid”?
5 Minute Assessment

123
What is the “grid”?
 A rectangular pattern of dots visible on the
screen drawing area that assists the
AutoCAD user when creating drawings.
5 Minute Assessment

124
Sue likes to draw using the grid. What
function key should she press to cause the
grid to be displayed?
5 Minute Assessment

125
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
5 Minute Assessment

126
To cause the cursor to “snap” to the grid
points, what function key should be used?
5 Minute Assessment

127
To cause the cursor to “snap” to the grid
points, what function key should be used?
 F9 (turns SNAP on/off)
5 Minute Assessment

128
To cause the coordinates to be displayed,
what function key should be used?
5 Minute Assessment

129
To cause the coordinates to be displayed,
what function key should be used?
 F6
5 Minute Assessment

130
To save an existing AutoCAD drawing that is
open to a new drawing file, what command
sequence should be used?
5 Minute Assessment

131
To save an existing AutoCAD drawing that is
open to a new drawing file, what command
sequence should be used?
 File, Save As
5 Minute Assessment

132
Name three ways an AutoCAD command can
be executed.
5 Minute Assessment

133
Name three ways an AutoCAD command can
be executed.
 Toolbar
 Typed in at the Command: prompt
 Pull-Down menus
5 Minute Assessment

134
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.
5 Minute Assessment
135

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?
5 Minute Assessment

136
What is the difference between a “docked
toolbar” and a “floating toolbar”?
5 Minute Assessment

137
What happens when you press the Space Bar
after successfully executing a command?
5 Minute Assessment

138
What happens when you press the Up Arrow
after successfully executing a command?
5 Minute Assessment

139
Give an example of a “sub-command”.