AutoCad Basic Commands

National University of Singapore
Department of Civil Engineering

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CE2408: Computed Aided Engineering
Semester 1, 06/07
Laboratory Reference Guide
BASIC COMMANDS OF AUTOCAD

CE 2408 Computer Aided Design Engineering Semester 1, 06/07
Introduction
AutoCAD is popular CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software product for 2- and 3-dimensional design
and drafting, developed and sold by Autodesk. It is used extensively by civil and mechanical engineers,
interior designers and other design professionals, who seek to translate and present their works and ideas.
AutoCAD is fundamentally a vector graphics drawing program. It uses primitive entities — such as lines,
polylines, circles, arcs, and text — as the foundation for more complex objects.
The AutoCAD graphics window
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Drawing Objects
1. Units And Scales
As a general rule, everything you draw with AutoCAD will be drawn full size. In AutoCAD you do not
need to decide upon a drawing scale (1:20, 1:100 etc) until you come to print the drawing and because the
scaling of your drawing takes place at the printing stage, you can create drawings at a scale of 1:1.
Other then scaling, the user must decide what units you will use before you start drawing. One drawing
unit could represent one millimetre, one centimetre, one metre, one inch, one foot etc. In structural
element representation, engineer usually work with mm while in the overall structural design, we would
definitely work in metres.
Units Control
Tool Bar None

Pull Down Format > Units
Keyboard UNITS
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Length Type
Unit Type 1.5 Drawing Units 1500 Drawing Units Description

Decimal 1.5000 1500.0000 Metric or SI units
Decimal value raised to
Scientific 1.5000E+00 1.5000E+03
a power
Engineering 0'-1.5000" 125'-0.0000" Feet and decimal inches
Feet and fractional
Architectural 0'-1 1/2" 125'-0"
inches
Whole numbers and
Fractional 1 1/2 1500
fractions
Angle Type
Unit Type 12.5 Angular Units 180 Angular Units Description

Decimal Degrees 12.500 180.000 Metric units
Degrees, Minutes and
Deg/Min/Sec 12d30'0" 180d0'0"
Seconds
Grads 13.889g 200.000g 400 grads = 360 degrees
2 Pi radians = 360
Radians 0.218r 3.142r
degrees
Surveyor N 77d30'0" E W Compass bearings
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2. Drawing Functions
In AutoCAD, the most primary commands are the “Draw” commands. These commands can be accessed
through the function pull-down menu “Draw” at the top of the window or the “Draw” QuickFind toolbar
as seen in the figure below.
2.1 Lines
Lines are probably the most simple of AutoCAD objects. Using the Line command, a line can be drawn
between any two points picked within the drawing area. The drawn lines are known as vectors and that
explains the fact that AutoCAD is known as a vector graphics drawings program.
The Line Command: With the Line command you can draw a simple line from one point to another.
When you pick the first point and move the cross-hairs to the location of the second point you will see a
rubber band line which shows you where the line will be drawn when the second point is picked. The
length and the angle of inclination of the line can be specified after choosing the initial point. Tab is used
to toggle between the parameters.
Tool Bar
Pull Down Draw > Line
Keyboard LINE or L
Command Command: LINE
Sequence Specify first point: (pick P1)
Specify next point or [Undo]: (pick P2) / Specify length and angle
Specify next point or [Undo]: (to end)
The Construction Line Command: The Construction Line command creates a line of infinite length
which passes through two picked points. Construction lines are very useful for creating construction
frameworks or grids within which to design. They are usually not kept in the final product as their main
purpose is to aid the user in the drawing process.
The "Hor" and "Ver" options can be used to draw construction lines that are purely horizontal or vertical.
Tool Bar
Pull Down Draw > Construction Line
Keyboard XLINE or XL
Command Command: XLINE
Sequence Specify a point or [Hor/Ver/Ang/Bisect/Offset]: (pick a point)
Specify through point: (pick a second point)
Specify through point: (to end or pick another point)
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The Ray Command: The Ray command creates a line similar to a construction line except that it extends
infinitely in just one direction from the first pick point.
Tool Bar
Pull Down Draw > Ray
Keyboard RAY
Command Command: RAY
Sequence Specify start point: (pick the start point)
Specify through point: (pick a second point to determine direction)
Specify through point: (to end or pick another point)
2.2 The polyline family
Polylines differ from lines in that they are more complex objects. Polylines are made up of a number of
straight-line or arc segments. Line widths can be edited to make them appear solid.
The Polyline Command: The Polyline or Pline command is similar to the line command except that the
resulting object may be composed of a number of segments which form a single object. C can be used to
close option instead of hitting or connecting two ends of the polyline. Follow the command sequence
below to see how this works.
Tool Bar
Pull Down Draw > Polyline
Keyboard PLINE/PL
Command Command: PLINE
Sequence Specify start point: (pick P1)
Current line-width is 0.0000
Specify next point or [Arc/Halfwidth/Length/Undo/Width]: (pick P2)
Specify next point or [Arc/Close/…/Width]: (pick P3)
Specify next point or [Arc/Close/…/Width]: (pick P4)
Specify next point or [Arc/Close/…/Width]: (or C to close)
The Rectangle Command: The Rectangle command is used to draw rectangles with vertical and
horizontal lines. The rectangle is defined by two extreme corners defined by the user.
Tool Bar
Pull Down Draw > Rectangle
Keyboard RECTANGLE/REC
Command Command: RECTANG
Sequence Specify first corner point or
[Chamfer/Elevation/Fillet/Thickness/Width]: (pick P1)
Specify other corner point or [Dimensions]: (pick P2)
Chamfer, Elevation, Fillet, Thickness and Width are options that the user can specify to modify the shape
of the rectangular. The user can also input the dimensions of the rectangle instead of choosing a second
point.
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The Polygon Command: The Polygon command can be used to draw any regular polygon from 3 sides
up to 1024 sides. This command requires four inputs from the user, the number of sides, a pick point for
the centre of the polygon, whether you want the polygon inscribed or circumscribed (see figure below)
and a pick point which determines both the radius of this imaginary circle and the orientation of the
polygon. The polygon command creates a closed polyline in the shape of the required polygon.
Tool Bar
Pull Down Draw > Polygon
Keyboard POLYGON/POL
Command Command: POLYGON
Sequence Enter number of sides <4>: 5
Specify center of polygon or [Edge]: (pick P1 or type E to define by edge
length)
Enter an option [Inscribed in circle/Circumscribed about circle]
<I>: (Inscribed if not specified)
Specify radius of circle: (pick P2 or enter exact radius)
The Donut Command: This command allows user to create a solid donut shape. The diameter of the
hole i.e. inner diameter and the outside diameter of the donut are required.
Tool Bar
Pull Down Draw > Donut
Keyboard DONUT/DO
Command Command: DONUT
Sequence Specify inside diameter of donut <0.5000>: (pick any two points to define a
diameter or enter the exact length)
Specify outside diameter of donut <1.0000>: (pick any two points to define a
diameter or enter the exact length)
Specify center of donut or <exit>: (pick P1)
Specify center of donut or <exit>: (to end or continue to pick for more
doughnuts)
2.3 Circles, Arcs etc…

Along with Line and Polyline, the Circle command is probably one of the most frequently used.
Fortunately it is also one of the simplest. However, in common with the other commands in this section
there are a number of options that can help you construct just the circle you need. Most of these options
are self explanatory but in some cases it can be quite confusing. The Circle command, for example, offers
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6 ways to create a circle, while the Arc command offers 10 different methods for drawing an arc. The
sections below concentrate mainly on the default options but feel free to experiment.
The Circle Command: The Circle command is used to draw circles. There are a number of ways you can
define the circle. The default method is to pick the centre point and then to either pick a second point to
specify the radius. Alternatively, you can enter the exact dimension of the diameter. The option 3P allows
users to draw a circle with 3 points on the circumference. The other option (tan tan radius/ttr) enables us
to draw a circle whose circumference is tangential to two other lines.
Tool Bar
Pull Down Draw > Circle > Centre, Radius
Keyboard CIRCLE/C
Command Command: CIRCLE
Sequence Specify center point for circle or [3P/2P/Ttr (tan tan radius)]:
(pick P1)
Specify radius of circle or [Diameter] <25>: (pick P2 or enter the exact
radius)
The Arc Command: The Arc command allows you to draw an arc of a circle. The default method uses
three pick points (a start point, a second point and an end point).
Tool Bar
Pull Down Draw > Arc > 3 Points
Keyboard ARC/A
The Ellipse Command: The Ellipse command gives you a number of different creation options. The
default option is to pick the two end points of an axis and then a third point to define the shape of the
ellipse.
Tool Bar
Pull Down Draw > Ellipse > Axis, End
Keyboard ELLIPSE/EL
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The Spline Command: A spline is a smooth curve that is fitted along a number of control points. The Fit
Tolerance option is used to control how closely the spline conforms to the specified control points. The
illustration on the right shows the effect of various tolerance values on a spline that is defined using the
same four control points. The default tolerance setting is zero.
Tool Bar
Pull Down Draw > Spline
Keyboard SPLINE/SPL
Command Command: SPLINE
Sequence Specify first point or [Object]: (Pick P1)
Specify next point: (Pick P2)
Specify next point or [Close/Fit tolerance] : (Pick P3)
Specify next point or [Close/Fit tolerance] :
Specify start tangent: (pick a point)
Specify end tangent: (pick a point)
2.4 Multi-lines
Multi-lines are complex lines that consist of between 1 and 16 parallel lines which are drawn
simultaneously. The default multiline style has just two elements (lines) but you can create additional
lines and styles by editing this feature.
The Multi-line Command: The Multiline command is used to draw multilines. This process of drawing
is pretty much the same as drawing polylines, additional line segments are added to the multiline as points
are picked. As with polylines, points can be unpicked with the Undo option and multilines can be closed.
When Multiline command is activated, the users have to specify the 3 parameters: Justification, Scale and
Style. The Justification option is set to "Top" in default. When “Top” is chosen, the top line will be the
guide for the other lines. Zero justification guides the drawing through the centreline and “Bottom” draws
the bottom line through the pick points. The Figure Below illustrates an example of a multiline with Top
justification.
The Scale option allows you to set a scale factor, which effectively changes the width of the multiline.
The default scale factor is set to 1.0
The Style option enables you to set the current multiline style. The default style is called "Standard". The
style can be changed through the command “Format > Multiline Style”.
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Tool Bar
Pull Down Draw > Multiline
Keyboard MLINE/ML
Command Command: MLINE
Sequence Current settings: Justification = Top, Scale = 1.00, Style =
STANDARD
Specify start point or [Justification/Scale/Style]: (Pick P1)
Specify next point: (Pick P2)
Specify next point or [Undo]: (Pick P3)
Specify next point or [Close/Undo]: (to end or continue picking or C to
close)
2.5 Hatch
Hatching in AutoCAD is a way of filling in areas of your drawing with a pre-formatted pattern to
represent certain materials. It is usually used in sectional views. Starting with AutoCAD release 14, you
can use a solid fill to completely fill in areas such as walls in a floor plan.
There are two types of hatching you can use. Generally you will want use the BOUNDARY HATCH
command.
Tool Bar
Pull Down Draw > Hatch
Keyboard BHATCH/H
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Upon initiating the Hatch command, the dialog box below will be displayed.
The existing hatch can be modified through the hatch edit command as below.
Tool Bar
Pull Down Modify > Object > Hatch
Keyboard BHATCH/H
2.5 Text
Short labels and comments are essential in most engineering drawings. Single-line text is usually
employed as separate objects. There is also multiline text.
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Single Line Text:
Tool Bar None

Pull Down Draw > Text > Single Line Text
Keyboard TEXT
Command Command: TEXT
Sequence Current text style: "Standard" Text height: 0.2000
Specify start point of text or [Justify/Style]: Pick a start point for the
text
Specify height <0.2000>: Type a height, or press Enter to accept the default height
Specify rotation angle of text <0>: Specify the inclination of the text, or press
Enter to accept the default angle
Enter text and press Enter to end
Multiline Text:
Tool Bar
Pull Down Draw > Text > Multiline Text…
Keyboard MTEXT
Command Command: MTEXT
Sequence Current text style: "Standard" Text height: 3.2887
Specify first corner: Specify the left corner of the text
Specify opposite corner or [Height/Justify/Line
spacing/Rotation/Style/Width]: Specify the size of the textbox
Enter text and press OK to end
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MODIFYING OBJECTS
AutoCAD provides a whole range of modify tools such as Move, Copy, Rotate and Mirror among many
to manipulate the drawings. Similar to the drawing functions, the Modifying functions/tools can be
accessed by the Pulldown menu or the QuickFind toolbar below.
The Erase Command: The Erase command deletes any selected object(s) from the drawing.
Tool Bar
Pull Down Modify > Erase
Keyboard ERASE/E
Command Command: ERASE
Sequence Select objects: (pick an object to erase)
Select objects: (to end the selection and erase the object)
The Copy Command: The Copy command can be used to create duplicates of any drawing object or
objects which you have previously created. The copy process requires 3 points. The first point P1 will
indicate the object to copy. The other 2 points are the "Base point", P2 and the "Second point"; the two
points are simply used to indicate the distance and direction of the copied object from the original object.
Tool Bar
Pull Down Modify > Copy
Keyboard COPY/CP
Command Command: COPY
Sequence Select objects: (pick object to copy, P1)
Select objects: (to end selection)
Specify base point or displacement, or [Multiple]: (pick P2 or M for
multiple copies)
Specify second point of displacement or <use first point as
displacement>: (pick P3)
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The Mirror Command: The Mirror command allows the user to reflect selected objects in the drawing
by picking them and then defining the position of an imaginary mirror line using two points (as seen in
the figure below).
Tool Bar
Pull Down Modify > Mirror
Keyboard MIRROR
Command Command: MIRROR
Sequence Select objects: (pick object to mirror, P1)
Specify first point of mirror line: (pick P2)
Specify second point of mirror line: (pick P3)
Delete source objects? [Yes/No] <N>: (for No to keep the original object)
The Offset Command: The Offset command creates a new object parallel to or concentric with a
selected object. The new object is drawn at a user defined distance (the offset) from the original and in a
direction chosen by the user with a pick point. The illustration below demonstrates the effects of the
offset command.
Tool Bar
Pull Down Modify > Offset
Keyboard OFFSET
Command Command: OFFSET
Sequence Specify offset distance or [Through] <1.0000>: (specify distance)
Select object to offset or <exit>: (select object, P1)
Specify point on side to offset: (pick direction, P2)
Select object to offset or <exit>: (to end or select another object to offset)
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The Array Command: The Array command makes multiple copies of selected objects in a rectangular
matrix or a polar pattern.
Tool Bar
Pull Down Modify > Array
Keyboard ARRAY
The Rectangular Array: The illustration on the right shows the results of a rectangular array with two
columns and three rows. The distance between rows is indicated with the dimension DR and between
columns with DC. When creating rectangular arrays it is important to remember that new rows are created
above the original object and new columns are created to the right of the original object. The resulting
array is, therefore, always created with the original object in the bottom left hand position with respect to
the current co-ordinate system
The window above controls the parameters which will formulate the rectangular array.
1. Choose “Rectangular Array”.
2. Click the Select objects button and choose the object which the array will be based on. Press the
Return button on your keyboard to complete the selection.
3. Enter the number of rows required in the Rows edit box.
4. Enter the number of columns required in the Columns edit box.
5. Enter the row offset in the Row Offset edit box. This is the distance DR in the illustration above. Note
that this is NOT the distance between rows. It is more appropriate to describe it as the distance
between the same points of the objects.
6. Enter the column offset in the Column Offset edit box. The same parameters apply as for the row
offset.
7. Click on the Preview button. Once again, the dialogue box disappears and the specified array is
temporarily drawn so that we can preview it. We are now offered 3 choices. If the array isn't quite
right, click the Modify button to return to the Array dialogue box. If you are happy with the array,
click the Accept button, the array will be permanently drawn and the command is ended.
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The Polar Array: The polar array works in a similar way to the rectangular array. The main difference is
that rather than specifying the number and offset for rows and columns, you must specify a center point
and the total number of objects in the array (including the original object).
The window above controls the parameters which will formulate the Polar array.
1. Click the Select objects button as per the step in forming Rectangular array.
2. Specify the center point for the array. The user can either input the coordinates of the centre of the
array or pick the centre on the drawing.
3. Enter a value for the total number of items.
4. Determine whether the objects are to be rotated in the polar array. The difference is illustrated in the
figure below.
5. Click on the Preview button and verify if the array needs to be modified.
The Move Command: The Move command works in a similar way to the Move command except that
the original object will not remain in the original position.
Tool Bar
Pull Down Modify > Move
Keyboard MOVE/M
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The Rotate Command: The Rotate command allows an object or objects to be rotated about a point
selected by the user. AutoCAD, by default, will start the angle at 3 o'clock and increase in an anti-
clockwise direction which is specified as ANGBASE and ANGDIR respectively. Clockwise rotation will
require a negative angle.
Tool Bar
Pull Down Modify > Rotate
Keyboard ROTATE/RO
Command Command: ROTATE
Sequence Current positive angle in UCS: ANGDIR=counterclockwise ANGBASE=0
Select objects: (pick object to rotate, P1)
Specify base point: (pick base point, P2)
Specify rotation angle or [Reference]: (pick second point, P3 or enter angle)
The Scale Command: The Scale command can be used to change the size of an object or group of
objects. The user is required to pick a point about which the selection set will be scaled. Scaling can then
be completed by picking a second point or by entering a scale factor at the keyboard.
Tool Bar
Pull Down Modify > Scale
Keyboard SCALE
Command Command: SCALE

Sequence Select objects: (pick objects to be scaled, P1)
Specify base point: (pick base point, P2)
Specify scale factor or [Reference]: (pick second point, P3 or enter scale factor)
The Stretch Command: The Stretch command can be used to move one or more vertices of an object
whilst leaving the rest of the object unchanged. In the example below, a rectangle has been stretched by
moving one vertex to create an irregular shape.
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Tool Bar
Pull Down Modify > Stretch
Keyboard STRETCH
Command Command: STRETCH
Sequence Select objects to stretch by crossing-window or crossing-
polygon...
Select objects: (pick first point of crossing window)
Specify opposite corner: (pick second point of window)
Specify base point or displacement: (pick base point)
Specify second point of displacement: (pick second point)
The Lengthen Command: The Lengthen command can be used to either lengthen or shorten Lines,
Arcs, open Polylines, elliptical Arcs and open Splines without the use of cutting or boundary edges. The
command sequence above demonstrates the use of the Dynamic “DY” Lengthen option which is probably
the most useful for general purpose drafting. The Total option allows you to change the total length of a
line to any value that you specify. The Percent option allows you to change a line length using a
percentage. The Delta option can be used to extend or reduce the endpoint of a line by a given distance.
Tool Bar
Pull Down Modify > Lengthen
Keyboard LENGTHEN
Command Command: LENGTHEN
Sequence Select an object or [DElta/Percent/Total/DYnamic]: DY
Select an object to change or [Undo]: (select a line or arc)
Specify new end point: (pick new end point)
Select an object to change or [Undo]: (to end)
The Trim Command: The Trim command can be used to trim/remove a part of an object. A "cutting
edge" is required in this command and it can take any form. The illustration below shows the Trim
command in action. The cutting edges are selected first (P1) and then the objects to be trimmed are
selected (P2 and P3
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Tool Bar
Pull Down Modify > Trim
Keyboard TRIM/TR
Command Command: TRIM
Sequence Current settings: Projection=UCS Edge=None
Select cutting edges ...
Select objects: (select the cutting edge, P1)
Select objects: (to end cutting edge selection)
Select object to trim or shift-select to extend or
[Project/Edge/Undo]:(pick the part of the square which you want to trim, P2)
[Project/Edge/Undo]: (pick the circle, P3)
[Project/Edge/Undo]: (to end)
The Extend Command: This command extends a line, polyline or arc to meet another drawing object
(known as the boundary edge). Three selections are made in the illustration below. Similar to the Trim
command, the edge is chosen first then the objects that are going to be extended. In order to determine the
direction in which the object is going to be extended, the user must click on the appropriate location on
the object. As seen the figure below, the line will be extended to the right if the use click on the right side
of the midpoint and vice versa.
In order to determine the direction in which the object is going to be extended, the user must click on the
appropriate location on the object. As seen the figure below, the line will be extended to the right if the
use click on the right side of the midpoint and vice versa.
If the line you are trying to extend does not intersect with the boundary line, you can use the "Edge"
option to toggle Edgemode to "Extend”. This command is demonstrated in the figure below where the
endpoint of P2 is extended to be “level” with P1.
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Tool Bar
Pull Down Modify > Extend
Keyboard EXTEND
Command Command: EXTEND
Sequence Current settings: Projection=UCS Edge=None
Select boundary edges ...
Select objects: (select the boundary edge, P1)
Select objects: (to end boundary edge selection)
Select object to extend or shift-select to trim or
[Project/Edge/Undo]: (pick the object which you want to be extended, P2)
[Project/Edge/Undo]: (pick another object which you want to be extended, P3)
[Project/Edge/Undo]: (to end)
The Break Command: The Break command enables you to break (remove part of) an object by defining
two break points. In the illustration below, a corner of a rectangle has been removed. When you break an
object, you can either select the object using the first break point and then pick the second break point, or
you can select the object and then pick the two break points.
Tool Bar
Pull Down Modify > Break
Keyboard BREAK
Command Command: BREAK
Sequence Select objects: (select the object using the first break point, P1)
Specify second break point or [First point]: (pick the second break point,
P2)
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The Chamfer Command: The Chamfer command enables you to create a chamfer between any two
non-parallel lines as in the illustration below or any two adjacent polyline segments as seen I the figure
below.
Tool Bar
Pull Down Modify > Chamfer
Keyboard CHAMFER
Command Command: CHAMFER

Sequence (TRIM mode) Current chamfer Dist1 = 10.0000, Dist2 = 10.0000
Select first line or [Polyline/Distance/Angle/Trim/Method]: D (to set
distances)
Specify first chamfer distance <10.0000>: 20 (enter required distance)
Specify second chamfer distance <20.0000>: (first distance value or enter a
different value)
Select first line or [Polyline/Distance/Angle/Trim/Method]: (pick P1)
Select second line: (pick P2)
The Fillet Command: The Fillet command allows user to smoothen corners between two intersecting
lines (as seen in the figure below). The user would need to define the radius of the fillet and the lines
where the fillet is going to be formed.
Tool Bar
Pull Down Modify > Fillet
Keyboard FILLET
Command Command: FILLET
Sequence Current settings: Mode = TRIM, Radius = 10.0000
Select first object or [Polyline/Radius/Trim]: R
Specify fillet radius <10.000>: 25
Select first object or [Polyline/Radius/Trim]: (pick P1)
Select second object : (pick P2)
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DRAWING AIDS
AutoCAD has drawing aids which can help you to draw horizontal and vertical lines on a computer. This
section will cover some of these functions.
Ortho Mode: Ortho is short for orthogonal, which means either vertical or horizontal. It can be found on
the status bar, Ortho is not a command, it is a drawing mode which can either be turned on or off. With
Ortho mode turned on you can only draw lines which are either vertical or horizontal
Tool Bar
Pull Down None
Keyboard Ortho/F8
Drawing Grid: The drawing grid is a regular pattern of dots displayed on the screen which acts as a
visual aid. The grid spacing can be controlled by the user as illustrated in the figure below.
Grid spacing set to 5 drawing units Grid spacing set 10 drawing units
The Snap option when activated allows users to connect endpoints with the grid points only. Users can
also change the aspect ration of the grid by changing the settings which can be accessed by right clicking
. More details will be covered in “Drafting Setting”.
Tool Bar
Pull Down None
Keyboard GRID/F7
Drawing Limits: Drawing Limits is used to define the extent of the grid display and to toggle Limits
mode which can be used to define the extent of your drawing. The grid is displayed within a rectangle
defined by two pick points or co-ordinates.
Tool Bar None

Pull Down Format > Drawing Limits
Keyboard LIMITS
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Snap Mode: Snap mode turned on AutoCAD only allows you to pick points which lie on a regular grid
as discussed in the previous paragraph. The Snap grid is completely independent of the display grid.
However, the Grid spacing and Snap spacing are usually set to the same value to avoid confusion. You
can force the display grid to conform to the snap grid by setting the display grid spacing to zero. The
display grid will then automatically change each time the snap grid is changed. More options of SNAP
will be covered the subsequent sections.
Tool Bar
Pull Down None
Keyboard SNAP/F9
Drafting Settings: The Snap and Grid mode settings, can also be made from the Drafting Settings
dialogue box, illustrated below
Tool Bar None

Pull Down Tools > Drafting Settings
Keyboard DDRMODES
.
If you are creating drawings in isometric projection, use the "Isometric snap" option to change the grids
from the standard orthogonal square grid to a 30 degree isometric grid.
`
Standard orthogonal grid Isometric grid
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Polar Tracking: Polar Tracking allows you to snap into whatever angles you choose to configure.
By default, Polar Tracking snaps only to the horizontal and the vertical. When you are drawing a line,
pick the first point and then move the cursor close to a vertical or horizontal location and your cursor will
snap into place. A polar tracking vector and a tool tip which displays the angle and the distance from the
pick point will be displayed.
Tool Bar
Pull Down None
Keyboard F10
The Increment angle drop-down list is used to set the preset angle increments. For example, if the
increment angle is set to 22.5 degrees, Polar Tracking will snap at 22.5 degree increments starting with
zero degrees. Alternatively, the user can set specific snap angles.
Object Snap: The Object Snaps (Osnaps for short) are drawing aids which are used in conjunction with
other commands to help you draw accurately. Osnaps allow you to snap onto a specific object location
when you are picking a point. The commands can be accessed through the Quickfind Toolbar.
Endpoint: The Endpoint Osnap snaps to the end points of lines and arcs and to polyline vertices.
Tool Bar
Pull Down None
Keyboard END (while selecting objects)
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Midpoint: The Midpoint Osnap snaps to the mid pionts of lines and arcs and to the mid point of polyline
segments.
Tool Bar
Pull Down None
Keyboard Mid (when picking)
Intersection: The Intersection Osnap snaps to the physical intersection of any two drawing objects (i.e.
where lines, arcs or circles etc. cross each other) and to Polyline vertices.
Tool Bar
Pull Down None
Keyboard INT (when picking)
Apparent Intersection: Apparent Intersection snaps to the point where objects appear to intersect in the
current view. For example, you may be looking at a drawing in plan view where two lines cross, as in the
illustration. However, since AutoCAD is a 3 dimensional drawing environment, the two lines may not
physically intersect. One line may be at ground level and the other may be 10 meters or more above or
below ground level.
Tool Bar
Pull Down None
Keyboard APP/APPINT (when picking)
Extension: The Extension Osnap enables you to snap to some point along the imaginary extension of a
line, arc or polyline segment. To use this osnap, you must hover the cursor over the end of the line you
want to extend. When the line end is found, a small cross appears at the endpoint and a dashed extension
line is displayed from the endpoint to the cursor, providing the cursor remains close to the extension. The
Snap Tip for Extension also includes the relative polar co-ordinate of the current cursor position.
Tool Bar
Pull Down None
Keyboard EXT/EXTEN (when picking)
Page 24 of 33
Center: The Center Osnap snaps to the centre of a circle, arc or polyline arc segment. The cursor must
pass over the circumference of the circle or the arc so that the centre can be found. This often causes some
confusion for new users.
Tool Bar
Pull Down None
Keyboard CEN (when picking)
Quadrant: The Quadrant Osnap snaps to one of the four circle quadrant points located at north, south,
east and west or 90, 270, 0 and 180 degrees respectively.
Tool Bar
Pull Down None
Keyboard QUA/QUAD (when picking)
Tangent: The Tangent Osnap snaps to a tangent point on a circle. This osnap works in two ways. You
can either draw a line from a point to the tangent point (see illustration) or you can draw a line from a
tangent point, the latter is referred to as the "Deferred Tangent" snap mode.
Tool Bar
Pull Down None
Keyboard TAN (when picking)
Perpendicular: The Perpendicular Osnap snaps to a point which forms a perpendicular with the selected
object.
Tool Bar
Pull Down None
Keyboard PER/PERP (when picking)
Parallel: The Parallel Osnap is used to draw a line parallel to any other line in your drawing. In
operation, this osnap is slightly less intuitive than some of the others. To draw a parallel line, first start the
Line command, specify the first point when prompted and then start the Parallel Osnap. Hover the cursor
over an existing line until you see the Parallel snap marker. Now, move the cursor close to a parallel
Page 25 of 33
position and a dotted line will appear, indicating the parallel. You can now pick the second point of your
line.
Tool Bar
Pull Down None
Keyboard PAR/PARA (when picking)
Node: The Node Osnap snaps to the center of a Point object. This osnap can be useful if you have created
a number of Points with the Measure or Divide commands.
Tool Bar
Pull Down None
Keyboard NODE (when picking)
Nearest: The Nearest Osnap snaps to the nearest point on a drawing object. This Osnap is useful if you
want to make sure that a pick point lies on a drawing object but you don't necessarily mind exactly where
it is located.
Tool Bar
Pull Down None
Keyboard NEA/NEAR (when picking)
Page 26 of 33
DIMENSIONS
Dimensions are important parts of most drawings. Dimensions indicate the measurement of the models
that have been created. They aid the designer in communicating the proper size and shape of the models
to the manufacturer. The commands can be found either at the top of the window or they can be displayed
as a Quickfind Toolbar as shown below.
Linear Dimension: Used for dimensioning either horizontal or vertical distances.
Tool Bar
Pull Down Dimension > Linear
Keyboard DIMLINEAR
Command Command: DIMLINEAR
Sequence Specify first extension line origin or <select object>: (pick starting
point of the object to measure)
Specify second extension line origin: (pick end point of the object)
Specify dimension line location or
[Mtext/Text/Angle/Horizontal/Vertical/Rotated]: (Specify the location of
the dimension and other parameters such as multiline text, text style, inclination of text)
Aligned Dimension: Measure the actual length of an angled line.
Tool Bar
Pull Down Dimension > Aligned
Keyboard DIMALIGNED
Command Command: DIMADLIGNED
Sequence Specify first extension line origin or <select object>: (pick starting
point of the object to measure)
Specify second extension line origin: (pick end point of the object)
Specify dimension line location or
[Mtext/Text/Angle]: (Specify the location of the dimension and other parameters such
as multiline text, text style, inclination of text)
Page 27 of 33
Arc Length: Measure the length of an arc
Tool Bar
Pull Down Dimension > Arc Length
Keyboard DIMARC
Command Command: DIMARC
Sequence Select arc or polyline arc segment: (pick object to measure)
Specify arc length dimension location, or
[Mtext/Text/Angle/Partial/Leader]: (Specify the location of the dimension and
other parameters such as multiline text, text style, inclination of text)
Ordinate: Used in mechanical drawings as it labels the X and Y coordinates based on a 0,0 coordinate
placed somewhere on the model.
Tool Bar
Pull Down Dimension > Ordinate
Keyboard DIMORDINATE
Radius: Measures the radius of circles and arcs
Tool Bar
Pull Down Dimension > Radius
Keyboard DIMRADIUS
Command Command: DIMRADIUS
Sequence Select arc or circle: (pick object to measure)
Specify dimension line location or [Mtext/Text/Angle]: (Specify the
location of the dimension and other parameters such as multiline text, text style, inclination of
text)
Diameter: Measures the diameter of circles.
Tool Bar
Pull Down Dimension > Diameter
Keyboard DIMDIAMETER
Command Command: DIMDIAMETER
Sequence Select arc or circle: (pick object to measure)
Specify dimension line location or [Mtext/Text/Angle]: (Specify the
location of the dimension and other parameters such as multiline text, text style, inclination of
text)
Page 28 of 33
Angular: Measures the angle between two specified lines.
Tool Bar
Pull Down Dimension > Angular
Keyboard DIMANGULAR
Command Command: DIMANGULAR
Sequence Select arc, circle, line, or <specify vertex>: (pick first object which
contributes to the formation of the angle)
Select second line: (pick second object which contributes to the formation of the angle)
Specify dimension arc line location or [Mtext/Text/Angle]: (Specify
the location of the dimension and other parameters such as multiline text, text style, inclination of
text)
Quick Dimension: Dimensions several objects at one time.
Tool Bar
Pull Down Dimension > Quick Dimension
Keyboard QDIM
Command Command: QDIM
Sequence Associative dimension priority = Endpoint
Select geometry to dimension: (pick object to measure)
Select geometry to dimension: (pick object to measure)
Select geometry to dimension: (to end the selection)
Specify dimension line position, or
[Continuous/Staggered/Baseline/Ordinate/Radius/Diameter/
datumPoint/Edit/seTtings] <Radius>: (Specify the mode of
measurement)
Baseline Dimension: Baseline line dimensions are a series of dimensions that all start from one point.
The first extension is the same for all dimensions. The second dimension includes the first dimension plus
an additional distance and so on.
Tool Bar
Pull Down Dimension > Baseline Dimension
Keyboard DIMBASELINE
Command Command: _dimbaseline
Sequence Specify a second extension line origin or [Undo/Select] <Select>:
(Pick the next point to measure)
Specify a second extension line origin or [Undo/Select] <Select>:
(to end dimensioning)
Page 29 of 33
Continue Dimension: Continue Dimensions are a series of dimensions that are all attached. The Second
dimensions starts where the first dimension ends and so on.
Tool Bar
Pull Down Dimension > Continue Dimension
Keyboard DIMCONTINUE
Command Specify a second extension line origin or [Undo/Select] <Select>:
Sequence (Pick the next point to measure)
(Pick the next point to measure)
(to end dimensioning)
Quick Leader: Leaders are lines that aid designers in pointing to objects. Quick leader enable designers
to point and label on the model.
Tool Bar
Pull Down Dimension > Quick Leader
Keyboard QLEADER
Command Command: OFFSET
Sequence Specify first leader point, or [Settings] <Settings>: (Pick point
to comment on or SETTINGS to change the parameters of the leader)
Specify next point: (Pick next turning point of the leader)
Specify next point: (to end drawing of the leader)

Specify text width <0.0000>: (specify width of the text)
Enter first line of annotation text <Mtext>: (Enter the text at
the end of the leader)
Enter next line of annotation text: (to end comments)
Page 30 of 33
LAYERS
Layers are a way of managing, tidying and also controlling the visual layout of a drawing. A whole
section of a drawing can be turned on or off, or simply one aspect can be controlled. This is all done by
using layers within AutoCAD.
When a new AutoCad drawing is created, everything which is drawn is drawn on the one default layer,
named 0. When creating drawings, the layer 0 shouldn't really be used. New layers should be set up with
names corresponding to the content contained on them.
The separate lines and shapes representing each part of a composition would be arranged on its relevant
layers. Each layer could be assigned its own colour so that everything drawn on that layer appeared the
same colour. Layers have 4 states. These states control visibility, regeneration, editability and plottability
of the layers:
• On/Off: On layers are visible. Off layers are invisible and are regenerated with the drawing. Off
layers are not plotted.
• Thawed/Frozen: Thawed layers are visible. Frozen layers are invisible and are not regenerated
with the drawing. However, when you thaw a frozen later, the drawing regenerates.
• Unlocked/Locked: Unlocked layers are visible and editable. Locked layers are visible but cannot
be edited.
• Plottable/Not Plottable: Plottable layers are plotted. Not plotted layers are not plotted. This setting
affects only layers that are on or thawed because off and frozen are not plotted anyway.
Layers are controlled by the Quickfind Toolbar is found in the AutoCAD window by default.
Layer Properties Manager: The layer property manager is where all the layers are controlled. The
layout below shows a typical use of layers. Brief description of the basic commands of the layer property
manager is also stated as follow.
Tool Bar
Pull Down Format > Layer
Keyboard Layer
Page 31 of 33
Column Name Description

Status Shows the status of each layer
Used layer
Unused layer
Current layer
Name Shows the name of the layer. To change the layer, click once to display a
border and click again to type a new name.
On Shows the current on/off state of a layer.
Freeze Shows the current freeze/thaw state of a layer.
Lock Shows the current locked/unloced state of a layer.
Colour Shows the current colour of the layer.
Linetype Shows the current form (dotted, continuous etc) of the layer.
Lineweight Shows the current thickness of the layer.
Plot Style Shows the current plot style of the layer.
Plot Shows the current plottable/not plottable state of the layer
Description Provides a place to enter a description of a layer
Page 32 of 33
References
1. Finkelstein, Ellen. AutoCAD 2006 and AutoCAD LT 2006 bible, Hoboken, N.J. ; Chichester :
Wiley, 2005.
2. http://www.cadtutor.net/
3. http://www.we-r-here.com/cad/tutorials/
Page 33 of 33

AutoCad Basic Commands

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AutoCad Basic Commands

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National University of Singapore

Department of Civil Engineering

CE2408: Computed Aided Engineering

Laboratory Reference Guide

BASIC COMMANDS OF AUTOCAD

The AutoCAD graphics window

1. Units And Scales

Tool Bar None

Unit Type 1.5 Drawing Units 1500 Drawing Units Description

Unit Type 12.5 Angular Units 180 Angular Units Description

2.2 The polyline family

2.3 Circles, Arcs etc…

Single Line Text:

Tool Bar None

Command Command: SCALE

Command Command: CHAMFER

Tool Bar None

Tool Bar None

Linear Dimension: Used for dimensioning either horizontal or vertical distances.

Aligned Dimension: Measure the actual length of an angled line.

Arc Length: Measure the length of an arc

Radius: Measures the radius of circles and arcs

Diameter: Measures the diameter of circles.

Angular: Measures the angle between two specified lines.

Quick Dimension: Dimensions several objects at one time.

(to end dimensioning)

(to end dimensioning)

Specify next point: (to end drawing of the leader)

Column Name Description

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