Computer Aided Engineering Drawing
Entity Draw Commands in AutoCAD
Chapter No 3
Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology
Computer Engineering Department
University Road, Karachi-75300, PAKISTAN
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CAED - Chapter No 3
Entity Draw Commands in AutoCAD
Text Book
 Text Book: Mastering AUTOCAD 14
By George Omura
 Course Outline is available at CAED course website.
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CAED - Chapter No 3
Entity Draw Commands in AutoCAD
Chapter Outline
 LINE Command
 POLYGON Command
 LINETYPE Command
 SKETCH Command
 CHANGE Command
 ELLIPSE Command
 POINT Command
 DONUT Command
 PDMODE AND PDSIZE
 SOLID Command
 CIRCLE Command
 TRACE Command
 ARC Command
 TEXT and DTEXT
 STYLE Command
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CAED - Chapter No 3
Entity Draw Commands in AutoCAD
Line Command
 The LINE command lets you draw straight lines.
 You can specify the desired endpoints using either 2D
or 3D coordinates, or a combination of the two. If you
enter 2D coordinates, AutoCAD uses the current
elevation as the Z component of the point.




Format:
From point:
To point:
To point:
LINE
Enter a point.
Enter a point.
to end line sequence.
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Entity Draw Commands in AutoCAD
Line Command
 To erase the last line segment without exiting
the LINE command, enter "u" at the To point:
prompt.
 You can constrain lines to horizontal or vertical
by using the ORTHO command.
 Relative, cylindrical, and spherical coordinate
point entry is allowed.
 You can also use object snap to specify
particular points -- endpoints of lines, centers
of circles, etc. -- of previously drawn entities.
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Entity Draw Commands in AutoCAD
Drawing Lines
 To draw single-segment and multiple-segment lines:

1.

2.
3.



4.
5.
Choose Line from the Draw menu, then choose
Segments.
Using the mouse, click a point on the screen.
Move the crosshairs to a second point on the
screen.
As you move the crosshairs, a rubber-band line
shows you what the line will look like.
Click on the second point.
To end the line at the second point, press the right
mouse button (this is the same as pressing ).
 If you want to continue the line, keep clicking points on the
screen. AutoCAD draws additional lines, each starting at the
endpoint of the previous line. When you are done, press the right
mouse button.
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Entity Draw Commands in AutoCAD
Draw Line Sub Menu

Segments
Draws multiple line segments. See LINE and Drawing Lines.

1 Segment
Draws a single line segment. See LINE and Drawing Lines.

Double lines
Draws a continuous double line using straight-line segments
and arcs.
 Sketch
Lets you draw freehand.
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Entity Draw Commands in AutoCAD
Line Type
 The LINETYPE command sets the linetype for new
entities.
 It can also load linetype definitions from a library file,
write new definitions to a library file, and list the
linetype definitions in a library file.
 You can control the dot-dash linetype of each entity
individually, or by layer.

Format:
LINETYPE
? / Create / Load / Set:
?
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CAED - Chapter No 3
Entity Draw Commands in AutoCAD
Line Type
 To change the linetype of existing objects, use the
CHANGE command. To control layer linetypes, use
the LAYER command.
 Options
 ?
Lists the linetypes defined in a specified
library file.
 Create Allows creation of a new linetype and
stores it in a specified library file.
 Load
Loads selected linetypes from a specified
library file.
 Set
Sets the current linetype used for newly
drawn entities.
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CAED - Chapter No 3
Entity Draw Commands in AutoCAD
Change Command
 The CHANGE command lets you modify or change
the properties of existing objects in the drawing.



Format: CHANGE
Select objects:
Properties/<Change point>:
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CAED - Chapter No 3
Entity Draw Commands in AutoCAD
Point Command
 The POINT command lets you place a Point entity in
the drawing.
 Points are useful as "nodes" for object snap purposes.
 The appearance of Points in your drawing is governed
by the PDMODE and PDSIZE system variables.


Format:
Point:
POINT
Designate a point.
 You can enter the DDPTYPE command to view the
various forms a point can take.
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Entity Draw Commands in AutoCAD
PDMODE
 PDMODE is a system variable that stores the display
mode for Point entities.
 The value stored is an integer and is saved in the
drawing file.
 When you enter the POINT command, AutoCAD
draws the Point entity in the form specified by
PDMODE, and at the size specified by the PDSIZE
system variable.
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Entity Draw Commands in AutoCAD
PDMODE
 Options





0
1
2
3
4
(Default) A dot at a point.
Nothing.
A cross through a point.
An X through a point.
A vertical line upward from a point.
 To each of these values you can add 32, 64, or 96 to
set a figure to be drawn around a point.
 + 32
Draws a circle around a point.
 + 64
Draws a square around a point.
 + 96
Draws a circle and square around a point.
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Entity Draw Commands in AutoCAD
PDMODE
 Therefore, there are 16 valid PDMODE settings:
0
1
2
3
4
 Note:
32
33
34
35
36
64
65
66
67
68
96
97
98
99
100
All Points are redrawn to the form currently
specified by PDMODE when the drawing is
regenerated.
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Entity Draw Commands in AutoCAD
PDSIZE
 PDSIZE is a system variable that stores the display
size for Point entities. The value stored is a real
number and is saved in the drawing file.
 By default, AutoCAD displays Point entities as a single
pixel.
 If PDSIZE is set to a positive number, it specifies an
absolute size for Point entities. If negative, it is
interpreted as a percentage of the viewport size, and
Point entities retain their appearance as you zoom in
and out, provided the zoom performs a drawing
regeneration.
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Entity Draw Commands in AutoCAD
DDTYPE – Point Style Dialogue Box
 The DDPTYPE command lets you specify a new point
display mode and size.
 Format: DDPTYPE
 When you enter the DDPTYPE command, AutoCAD
displays the Point Style dialogue box. Current values
for the point display mode and size are shown.
Change the point display mode by clicking the new
image tile.
 The PDMODE system variable is updated when you
exit the dialogue box. The value you specify in the
Point Size edit box depends on which radio button you
select
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Entity Draw Commands in AutoCAD
Circle
 The CIRCLE command draws a circle as specified by
any one of four methods.
 Format:
CIRCLE
 3P/2P/TTR/<Center point>: Enter a point.
 Diameter/<Radius>:
Enter radius value.
 Options



3P
2P
TTR
Three points about the circumference
Two points defining the diameter
Tangent, tangent, radius
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Entity Draw Commands in AutoCAD
Draw Circle Sub Menu
 Center, Radius
 Draws a circle based on center point and radius.
 Center, Diameter
 Draws a circle based on center point and diameter.
 2 Point
 Draws a circle based on 2 endpoints of diameter.
 3 Point
 Draws a circle based on 3 points on the circumference.
 Tangent, Tangent, Radius
 Draws a circle based on the radius and two lines the
circle is tangent to.
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Entity Draw Commands in AutoCAD
Arc Command
 The ARC command draws an arc (circle segment) as
specified by any of the following methods:







Three points on the arc
Start point, center, endpoint
Start point, center, included angle
Start point, center, length of chord
Start point, endpoint, radius
Start point, endpoint, included angle
Start point, endpoint, starting direction
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CAED - Chapter No 3
Entity Draw Commands in AutoCAD
Arc Command




Format:
ARC
Center/<Start point>:
Enter a point.
Center/End/<Second point>: Enter a point.
Endpoint: Enter a point.
 Options





A
C
D
E
R
Included Angle
Center point
Starting Direction
Endpoint
Radius
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Entity Draw Commands in AutoCAD
Draw Arc Sub Menu
 3 Point
 Draws an arc based on 3 points.
 Start, Center, End
 Draws an arc based on a start, center, and endpoint.
 Start, Center, Angle
 Draws an arc based on a start point, center point, spanning
an angle.
 Start, Center, Length
 Draws an arc based on a start point, center point, and
length of chord.
 Start, End, Angle
 Draws an arc based on start point, endpoint, and specified
angle.
 Start, End, Radius
 Draws an arc based on a start point, endpoint, and radius.21
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Entity Draw Commands in AutoCAD
BPOLY -- Polyline Creation Dialogue Box
 The BPOLY command creates a Polyline of a
boundary.
 The area isn't hatched, and it's saved in your drawing.
 In the Polyline Creation dialogue box, the Define
boundary Set area and the Ray Casting popup list are
identical to the ones in the Advanced Options dialogue
box used by BHATCH.
 When you use BPOLY, AutoCAD disables the Retain
Boundaries check box. Pick the "Pick Points" button to
accept the settings in the Polyline Creation dialogue
box and create a Polyline. AutoCAD clears the
dialogue box and displays this prompt:
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Entity Draw Commands in AutoCAD
Polygon Command
 The POLYGON command lets you draw regular
polygons that can have 3-1024 sides. The size of the
polygon can be specified by the radius of a circle in
which it is inscribed or about which it is circumscribed,
or by the length of an edge.





Format:
POLYGON
Number of sides <default>:
Enter a number or press
Edge/<Center of polygon>:
Enter a point.
Inscribed in circle/Circumscribed about circle (I/C):
Radius of circle:
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Entity Draw Commands in AutoCAD
Polygon Command
 If you respond to the Edge/Center...option with E,
you'll be prompted to specify the first and second
endpoints of one of its edges:
 If you respond to the Inscribed../Circumscribed...
option with I, you should then enter the radius of a
circle on which all the vertices of the polygon will lie.
You can enter the radius numerically, or pick a point
relative to the center of the polygon. If you pick a point,
a vertex of the polygon is drawn at that point.
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Entity Draw Commands in AutoCAD
Polyside Command
 POLYSIDES is a system variable that sets the default
number of sides for the POLYGON command. The
value stored is an integer; the range is 3-1024.
 Draw / Polygon Submenu
 Edge

Draws an equal sided polygon based on the endpoints
of one edge of the polygon.
 Circumscribed
 Draws an equal sided polygon circumscribing a circle of
a specified radius.
 Inscribed
 Draws an equal sided polygon inscribed within a circle
of a specified radius.
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Entity Draw Commands in AutoCAD
Sketch Command
 The SKETCH command lets you draw freehand. It
requires a pointing device such as a digitizing tablet or
mouse.



Format:
SKETCH
Record increment <current>:
Enter a number.
Sketch.Pen eXit Quit Record Erase Connect.
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Entity Draw Commands in AutoCAD
Sketch Command
 Options

Pen
Quit

Record

Erase

Connect

Raises/lowers sketching pen.
Discards temporary lines, and exits
Sketch.
Records temporary lines, but
remains in Sketch.
Erases temporary lines from a
specified point
Restarts sketch at last endpoint.
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Entity Draw Commands in AutoCAD
Ellipse Command
 The ELLIPSE command lets you draw ellipses.




Format:
ELLIPSE
<Axis endpoint 1>/Center:
Enter a point or C.
Axis endpoint 2:
Enter a point.
<Other axis distance>/Rotation:
 If you respond to the <Axis endpoint 1>/Center prompt
with C, AutoCAD prompts for the center point, and one
endpoint of each axis.
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Entity Draw Commands in AutoCAD
Ellipse Command
 If you have selected isometric Snap mode, ELLIPSE
lets you draw a circle in the current isometric drawing
plane, as follows:




Format:
<Axis endpoint 1>/Center/Isocircle:
Center of circle:
<Circle radius>/Diameter:
distance or D.
ELLIPSE
I
Enter a point.
Enter a radius
 The "Center of circle" is the center point of the original
circle as projected into the isometric drawing plane.
The radius or diameter is the radius or diameter of the
original circle as it would appear in a face-on
projection.
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Entity Draw Commands in AutoCAD
Donut Command
 The DONUT (or DOUGHNUT) command draws a filled
circle or ring.
 Format:
 Inside diameter <last>:
 Outside diameter<last>:
 Center of doughnut:
DOUGHNUT
Enter a value or two points.
Enter a value or two points.
Enter a point.
 The "Center of doughnut" prompt is repeated for
multiple locations of the doughnuts. A null response
ends the DOUGHNUT command.
 The DOUGHNUT command constructs a closed
Polyline (composed of wide arc segments) represents
the specified object.
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Entity Draw Commands in AutoCAD
Solid Command
 The SOLID command lets you draw solid-filled regions
by entering them as quadrilateral or triangular
sections.
 Format:
SOLID
 First point:
Enter a point.
 Second point: Enter a point.
 Third point:
Enter a point.
 Fourth point: Enter a point or press for triangular section.
 Third point:
Enter a point or press to end solid.
 The SOLID command prompts for the third and fourth
point recursively, letting you continue drawing solidfilled regions.
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Entity Draw Commands in AutoCAD
Trace Command
 The TRACE command lets you draw Traces, solid-filled
lines of specified width. Traces may be constrained to
horizontal or vertical by the ORTHO command.






Format:
Trace width <current>:
From point:
To point:
To point:
To point:
TRACE
Enter a point.
Enter a point.
Enter a point.
Press to end trace entry.
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Entity Draw Commands in AutoCAD
TEXT Command
 The TEXT command draws text of any desired
size and angle.


Format:
Justify/Style/<Start Point>:
TEXT
Enter a point.
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Entity Draw Commands in AutoCAD
TEXT Command
 Options

Justify
Allows you to pick from a list of text
alignment options: Align (A), Fit (F),
Center (C), Middle (M), Right (R),
Some alignment options prompt you to
identify Height and Rotation angle.

Style
Displays the current text style name,
and allows you to name a new style or
pick from a list of available styles.

Start point
Left-justifies text to the point you
specify. Also prompts you to identify
Height and Rotation angle.
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Entity Draw Commands in AutoCAD
DTEXT Command
 The DTEXT command allows you to enter text
dynamically: text appears on the screen character by
character as you enter it.
 You can enter multiple lines of text with one command.
DTEXT is similar to the TEXT command, and begins
by prompting for the same information.


Format:
DTEXT
Justify/Style/<Start point>:
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Entity Draw Commands in AutoCAD
Draw TEXT Sub Menu
 Dynamic
Draws text characters of any size,
with selected styles. See DTEXT.
 Import Text
Lets you import a text file into the
current drawing.
 Set Style...
Displays dialogue box of available
text styles. See STYLE.
 Attributes >
Attributes submenu
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STYLE Command
 The STYLE command lets you create new text styles
and modify existing ones.








Format:
Text style name (or ?) <current>:
Font file <default>:
Height <default>:
Width factor <default>:
Backwards? <N>
Upside-down? <N>
Vertical? <N>
STYLE
Enter a scale factor.
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