MODIFIED EXERCISE

WORKBOOK

For

AutoCAD®

By:
Teacher Taylor
Lesson 1
Create a Template
Opening a Template
Getting familiar with the AutoCAD Window
Drawing Area
Crosshairs / Cursor
Command Line
Status Line
UCS Icon
Origin
Function Keys
Special Key Functions
Drawing Lines
Erase
Methods of selecting objects
Starting a new drawing
Saving a drawing
Back up Files
Opening an existing drawing file
Exiting AutoCAD
Exercises

Lesson 2
Circle
Rectangle
Undo and Redo
Drafting settings
Layers
Exercises

Lesson 3
Object snap
Running Object snap
Drawing setup
Drawing Limits
Units and Precision
Zoom
Exercises
 INTRODUCTION

Students should keep in mind that the following information below is based on AutoCAD ®
2005. Please make the necessary adjustment that is suitable to the version of AutoCAD
that you have. There are 3 lessons. Each lesson starts with step by step instructions
followed by exercises designed for practicing the commands you learned within that
lesson.

You may find the order of instruction in this workbook somewhat different from most
textbooks. The approach I take is to familiarize you with the drawing commands first.
After you are comfortable with the drawing commands, you will be taught to create your
own setup drawings. This method is accomplished by you creating with the templates
called “Workbook Helper” and “9A Helper”. Limits- Lower left corner 0, 0 and upper
right corner 5100, 3300. Precision- 0. Environment should be in metric. For the first 3
lessons you should not worry about settings, you just draw.

N.B Please ensure to put all your drawing files in to one folder and zip it. Name that
folder Name_ March Assignment and send it to my email: teachertaylor224@gmail.com

Due date: April 2, 2020

What is CAD?
Computer Aided Design (CAD) is simply, design and drafting with the aid of a
computer. Design is creating a real product from an idea. Drafting is the production of
the drawings that are used to document a design. CAD can be used to create 2D or 3D
computer models. A CAD drawing is a file that consists of numeric data in binary form
that will be saved onto a disk.

Why should you use CAD?

Traditional drafting is repetitious and can be inaccurate. It may be faster to create a
simple “rough” sketch by hand but larger more complex drawings with repetitive
operations are drawn more efficiently using CAD.

Why use AutoCAD?

AutoCAD is a computer aided design software developed by Autodesk Inc.
AutoCAD was first introduced in 1982. By the year 2000, it is estimated that there were
over 4 million AutoCAD users worldwide.

What this means to you is that many employers are in need of AutoCAD operators.
In addition, learning AutoCAD will give you the basics for learning other CAD packages
because many commands, terms and concepts are used universally.

Open a Drawing
Allows you to select a drawing from a list of the most
recently opened drawings or select the “Browse” button
to search for more drawing files. After you select the file
desired, select the OK button. The file selected will
appear on your screen. (This option is only active when
you first enter AutoCAD. Normally you will use File /
Open. Refer to page 2-18)

Start from Scratch

Allows you to begin a new drawing from scratch.
Starting from scratch means all settings are preset by
AutoCAD.
You must select the measurement system on which to
base your new drawing; Imperial or Metric. N.B. We
only draw in a Metric environment.

Use a Template
Allows you to choose a previously created template. You
can choose one of the templates supplied with AutoCAD
or create your own.
Note:
We will be creating a Template in Lesson 1.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After completing this lesson, you will be able to:

1. Create a template.
2. Understand the AutoCAD Window.
3. Understand the use of the function keys.
4. Select commands using the Pull-down Menu Bar, Toolbars or by
typing at the Command Line.
5. Recognize a dialog box.
6. Open, Close and Move a toolbar.
7. Draw, Erase and Select Lines.
8. Clear the screen.
9. Save a drawing.
10. Open an existing drawing.
11. Exit AutoCAD.

LESSON 1
CREATE A TEMPLATE
The first item on the learning agenda is how to create a template file from a new
drawing called “Workbook Helper.dwg”. (Note: Please create this drawing file in
advance)

Now we will create a template. This will be a very easy task.

1. Start AutoCAD as follows:

Start button / Programs / Autodesk / AutoCAD 2005, 2016, 2018, or 2020 (The version
you may have)

Note: If a dialog box appears select the “Cancel” button.

2. Select File / Open

3. Select the Directory in which the files located. (Click on the v)

4. Select the file “Workbook Helper.dwg” and then “Open” button.

Notice the 3 letter extension for

a “drawing” file is “.dwg”.

5. Select “File / Save As…”

6. Select the “Files of type:” down arrow v to display different saving
formats. Select “AutoCAD Drawing Template (*.dwt)”.

Notice the 3 letter extension

for Template is “.dwt”.

A list of all the AutoCAD templates will appear. (Note: Your list may be different)

7. Type the new name “1Workbook Helper” in the “File name:” box and then select
the “Save” button.

Note: The “1” before the name

will place the file at the top of
the list.
AutoCAD displays numerical
first and then alphabetical.

Notice it was not necessary to

type the extension .dwt
because “Files of type” was
previously selected.

8. Type a description and the select the “OK” button.

Now you have a template to use for lessons 2

through 8. At the beginning of each of the exercises
you will be instructed to open this template.
Using a template as a master setup drawing is good
CAD management.
OPENING A TEMPLATE
The template that you created on the previous page will be used for lessons 2 through
8. It will appear as a blank screen, but there are many variables that have been preset.
This will allow you to start drawing immediately. You will learn how to set those
variables before you complete this workbook, but for now you will concentrate on
learning the AutoCAD commands and, hopefully, have some fun.

Let’s start by opening the “1Workbook Helper.dwt” template.

1. Select FILE / NEW.

2. Select the Use a Template box (third from the left).

3. Select 1workbook helper.dwt from the list of templates.

4. Select the OK button.

GETTING FAMILIAR WITH THE AUTOCAD WINDOW
Before you can start drawing you need to get familiar with the AutoCAD window. In the
following lessons, I will be referring to all of the areas described below. So it is
important for you to understand each of them. But remember, this page will always be
here for you.

1. DRAWING AREA
Location: The large area in the center of the screen.
This is where you will draw. This area represents a piece of paper.
The color of this area can be changed using Tools / Option / Display / Color.
The default color for 2005 is white.

2. CROSSHAIRS / CURSOR
Location: Can be anywhere in the Drawing Area.
The movement of the cursor is controlled by the movement of the pointing device
such as a mouse. You will use the cursor to locate points, make selections and
draw objects. The size can be changed using Tools / Options / Display / Crosshair
Size.
3. COMMAND LINE
Location: The three lines at the bottom of the screen.
This is where you enter commands and AutoCAD will prompt you to input information.

4. COORDINATE DISPLAY
(F6) Location: Lower left
corner

In the Absolute mode (coords = 1): displays the location of the crosshairs / cursor
in reference to the Origin. The first number represents the horizontal movement (X-
axis), the second number represents the vertical movement (Y-axis) and the third
number is the (Z-axis) which is used for 3D.

In the Relative Polar mode (coords = 2): displays the distance and angle of the
cursor from the last point entered. (Distance<Angle)

5. STATUS BAR
Location: Below the Command Line.
Displays your current settings. These settings can be turned on and off by clicking
on the word (Snap, Grid, Ortho, etc.) or by pressing the function keys, F1, F2, etc.
See button descriptions below.

[SNAP] (F9)
Increment Snap controls the movement of the cursor. If it is off, the cursor will move
smoothly. If it is ON, the cursor will jump in an incremental movement.
The increment spacing can be changed at any time using Tools / Drafting Settings
/ Snap and Grid. The default spacing is .250.
[GRID] (F7)
The grid (dots) is merely a visual "drawing aid". The default spacing is 1 unit.
You may change the grid spacing at any time using: Tools / Drafting Settings /
Snap and Grid.
[ORTHO] (F8)
When Ortho is ON, cursor movement is restricted to horizontal or vertical. When
Ortho is OFF, the cursor moves freely.
[POLAR] (F10)
POLAR TRACKING creates “Alignment Paths” at specified angles.
(More detailed information on page 11-3)
[OSNAP] (F3)
RUNNING OBJECT SNAP (More detailed information on page 4-4)
Specific Object Snaps can be set to stay active until you turn them off.
[OTRACK] (F11)
OBJECT SNAP TRACKING
Creates “Alignment Paths” at precise positions using object snap locations.
[LWT]
LINEWEIGHT. Displays the width assigned to each object. (More information on
page 9-7)
 MODEL
Switches your drawing between paper space and model space.
(More information in Lesson 26)

6. UCS ICON (User Coordinate System)

Location: Lower left corner of the screen. The UCS icon indicates the location of the
Origin. The UCS icon appearance can be changed using: View / Display / Icon /
Properties.

7. ORIGIN
The location where the X, Y and Z axes intersect. 0,0,0
(Don’t worry about this now. We will talk more in Lesson 9)

FUNCTION KEYS

F1 Help Explanations of Commands.

F2 Flip screen Toggles from Text Screen to Graphics Screen.
F3 Osnap Toggles Osnap On and Off.
F4 Tablet Toggles the Tablet On and Off.
F5 Isoplane Changes the Isoplane from Top to Right to Left.
F6 Coordinate Display Changes the display from ON / Off /.
F7 Grid Toggles the Grid On or Off.
F8 Ortho Toggles Ortho On or Off.
F9 Snap Toggles Increment Snap on or off.
F10 Polar Toggles Polar Tracking On or Off.
F11 Otrack Toggles Object Snap Tracking On and Off.

SPECIAL KEY FUNCTIONS

Escape Key Cancels the current command, menu or Dialog Box.

Enter Key Ends a command, or will repeat the previous command if the
command line is blank.

Space Bar Same as the Enter Key, except when entering text.
 DRAWING LINES
A LINE can be one segment or a series of connected segments. Each segment is a
individual object.

One segment Series of connected segments

Start the Line command by using one of the following methods:

Type = L <enter>
PULLDOWN MENU = DRAW / LINE
TOOLBAR = DRAW

Lines are drawn by specifying the locations for the endpoints.

Move the cursor to the location of the “first” endpoint then press the left mouse button.
Move the cursor again to the “next” endpoint and press the left mouse button.
Continue locating “next” endpoints until you want to stop.

2. Next 4. Next
endpoint endpoint

1. First 5. Next
endpoint endpoint

3. Next
endpoint

There are 3 ways to Stop drawing a line: 1. Press <enter> key. 2. Press <Space Bar>
or 3. Press the right mouse button then select enter from the short cut menu.

To draw perfectly Horizontal or Vertical lines select the

ORTHO mode by clicking on the ORTHO button on the
Status Bar or pressing F8.

2. Second line
1. First line segment segment

Once you have drawn two or more line segments, the endpoint of
the last line segment drawn can be connected automatically to the
first endpoint using the CLOSE option.

To use this option, draw two or more line segments, 3. Type C <enter>
then type C <enter>.
ERASE
There are 3 methods to erase (delete) objects from the drawing.
You decide which one you prefer to use. They all work equally well.

METHOD 1.
Select the Erase command first and then select the objects.

1. Start the Erase command by using one of the following:

TYPING = E <enter>
PULLDOWN = MODIFY / ERASE
TOOLBAR = MODIFY

2. Select objects: pick one or more objects

Select objects: press <enter> and the objects will disappear

METHOD 2.
Select the Objects first and then the Erase command from the shortcut menu.

1. Select the object(s) to be erased.

2. Press the right mouse button.
3. Select “Erase” from the short-cut menu.

METHOD 3.
Select the Objects first and then the Delete key

1. Select the object(s) to be erased.

2. Press the Delete key.

NOTE: Very important

If you want the erased objects to return, press U <enter> or Ctrl + Z or
the Undo arrow icon.

This will “Undo” the effects of the last command.

Read more about the Undo and Redo commands on page 3-6.
METHODS OF SELECTING OBJECTS
Most AutoCAD commands prompt you to “select objects”. This means, select the
objects that you want the command effect.

There are 2 methods. Method 1. Pick, is very easy and should be used if you have
only 1 or 2 objects to select. Method 2. Window, is a little more difficult but once
mastered it is extremely helpful and time saving. Practice the examples shown below.

Method 1. PICK : When the command line prompt reads, “Select Objects”, place the
cursor (pick box) on top of the object and click the left mouse
button. The selected object will change in appearance. This
appearance change is called “dithered”. This gives you a visual
notice of which objects have been selected.

Method 2. WINDOW: Crossing and Window

Crossing:
P1
Place your cursor in the area up and to the right of the
objects that you wish to select (P1) and press the left mouse
button. Then move the cursor down and to the left of the
objects (P2) and press the left mouse button again. Only
objects that this window crosses or completely encloses
will be selected. P2

In the example on the right, all 3 circles have been selected. (The 2 small circles are
completely enclosed and
the large circle is crossed by the window.)
Note: Crossing windows are identified by a dashed line appearance.

Window:
Place your cursor in the area up and to the left of the objects that you wish to select
(P1) and press the left mouse button. Then move the cursor down and to the right of
the objects (P2) and press the left mouse button. Only objects
P1
that this window completely encloses will be selected.

In the example on the right, only 2 circles have been selected.

(The large circle is not completely enclosed.) This Window is
identified by a continuous (solid) line appearance.
P2

Note: if these windows do not show up on your screen, it means that your “implied
windowing” is turned off. Select Tools / Options / Selection tab. In the section
“Selection Modes”, on the left, place a check mark in the “implied windowing” box.
Now select “Apply” and “OK” at the bottom of the dialog box.
STARTING A NEW DRAWING (or clearing the screen)

1. Start the command using one of the following methods:

TYPING: NEW <enter> or press CTRL + N

PULLDOWN: FILE / NEW
TOOLBAR: STANDARD

The Dialog box shown below should appear.

2. Select the Use a Template box (third from the left).

3. Select 1workbook helper.dwt from the list of templates.

4. Select the OK button (bottom right).

 SAVING A DRAWING
After you have completed a drawing, it is very important to save it. Learning how to
save a drawing correctly is almost more important than making the drawing. If you can’t
save correctly, you will lose the drawing and hours of work.

There are 2 commands for saving a drawing: Save and Save As. I prefer to use
Save As. The Save As command always pauses to allow you to choose where you
want to store the file and what name to assign to the file. This may seem like a small
thing, but it has saved me many times from saving a drawing on top of another drawing
by mistake. The Save command will automatically save the file either back to where
you retrieved it or where you last saved a previous drawing. Neither may be the correct
destination. So play it safe, use Save As for now.

1. Start the command by using one of the following methods:

TYPING: SAVEAS <enter>

PULLDOWN: FILE / SAVEAS
TOOLBAR: No icon for Save As, only for Save (Don’t use it)

This Dialog box should appear:

2

Note: your
directories may
Descriptions appear different

4
3

2. Select the appropriate drive and directory from the "SAVE IN" box.
(This is where your drawing will be saved)

3. Type the new drawing file name in the "FILE NAME" box.

4. Select the "SAVE" button.

BACK UP FILES
When you save a drawing file, AutoCAD creates a file with a .dwg extension. For
example, if you save a drawing as 12b, AutoCAD saves it as 12b.dwg. The next time
you save that same drawing; AutoCAD replaces the old with the new and renames
the old version 12b.bak. The old version is now a backup file.
(Only 1 backup file is stored.)

How to open a backup file?

You can’t open a .bak file.
It must first be renamed with a
.dwg file extension.

How to view the list of back

up files:
Type “*.bak” in the “file name”
box and <enter>. A list of the
backup (.bak) files, within the
chosen directory, will appear.

How to rename a backup file:

Right click on the file name.
Select “Rename”. Change the
.bak extension to .dwg and
press <enter>.

The following is information only. We will not be using these in this workbook.

History: Displays shortcuts to the files most recently accessed from the dialog box.
Note: The shortcuts remain until you remove them. This list can get very
long. To delete the shortcuts go to: Windows / Application Data /
Autodesk / AutoCAD / Recent / Save Drawing As.

Desktop: Displays the contents of your desktop.

My Documents:
Displays the contents of the Personal or My Documents folder for the
current user profile. The name of this location depends on your operating
system version.

Favorites: Displays the contents of the Favorites folder for the current user profile.

Buzzsaw: Provides access to projects hosted by Buzzsaw.com—a business-to-

business marketplace for the building design and construction
industry.

RedSpark: Provides access to projects hosted by RedSpark—a business-to-

business marketplace for the manufacturing industry.

FTP: Displays the FTP sites that are available for browsing in the standard
file selection dialog box. (FTP means: File Transfer Protocol)
OPENING AN EXISTING DRAWING FILE

1. Start the command by using one of the following methods.

TYPING: OPEN <enter> or press CTRL + O

PULLDOWN: FILE / OPEN
TOOLBAR: STANDARD

The Dialog box shown below should appear. 4

2. Select the Drive and Directory from the "LOOK IN" Box.
3. Select the drawing file from the list. (You may double click on the file name to
automatically open the drawing)
4. The Preview window displays a “Thumbnail Preview Image”.
5. Select the OPEN button.
 EXITING AUTOCAD

1. Start the command by using one of the following methods:

TYPING: EXIT <enter> or QUIT<enter>

PULLDOWN: FILE / EXIT (Safest method)
TOOLBAR: NONE

If any changes have been made to the drawing since the last save, the warning box
below will appear asking if you want to SAVE THE CHANGES?

Select YES, NO or CANCEL.

 EXERCISE 1A
INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Start a New file (refer to 2-15) and select 1workbook helper.dwt.

2. Draw the objects below using:
LINE command
Ortho (f8) ON for Horizontal and Vertical lines
Ortho (f8) OFF for lines drawn on an Angle.
Increment Snap (f9) ON
Osnap (f3) OFF
3. Save this drawing using:
File / Save as / EX1A
 EXERCISE 1B
INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Using drawing EX1A, ERASE the missing lines.

2. Save this drawing using:
File / Save as / EX1B
 EXERCISE 1C
INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Start a New file and select 1workbook helper.dwt.

2. Draw the objects below using:
Draw / Line
Ortho (f8) ON for Horizontal and Vertical lines
Ortho (f8) OFF for lines drawn on an Angle.
Increment Snap (f9) ON
Osnap (f3) OFF
3. Save this drawing using:
File / Save as / EX1C
 EXERCISE 1D
INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Start a New file and select 1workbook helper.dwt.

2. Draw the objects below using:
Draw / Line
Ortho (f8) ON for Horizontal and Vertical lines
Ortho (f8) OFF for lines drawn on an Angle.
Increment Snap (f9) ON
Osnap (f3) OFF
3. Save this drawing using:
File / Save as / EX1D
LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After completing this lesson, you will be able to:

1. Create a Circle using 6 different methods.

2. Create a Rectangle with width, chamfers or fillets.
3. Set Grids and Increment Snap using the Drafting Settings option.
4. Change current Layers.

LESSON 2
CIRCLE

There are 6 options to create a circle. The default option is “Center, radius”.
(Probably because that is the most common method of creating a circle.)
We will try the “Center, radius” option first.

1. Start the Circle command by using one of the following:

TYPING = C <enter>
PULLDOWN = DRAW / CIRCLE / Center, Radius

TOOLBAR = DRAW
2. The following will appear on the command line:
Command: _circle Specify center point for circle or [3P/2P/Ttr (tan tan radius)]:

3. Locate the center point for the circle by moving the cursor to the desired location in
the drawing area and press the left mouse button.

4. Now move the cursor away from the center point and you should see a circle
forming.

5. When it is approximately the size desired, press the left mouse button, or if you want
the exact size, type the radius and then press <enter>.

Note: To use one of the other methods described below, first select the Circle
command, then press the right mouse button. A “short cut” menu will appear. Select
the method desired by placing the cursor on the option and pressing the left mouse
button. Or you can type 3P or 2P or T, then press <enter>. (The short cut menu is
simple and more efficient.)

Center, Radius: (Default option)

1. Specify the center (P1) location.
2. Specify the Radius (P2).

Center, Diameter:
1. Specify the center (P1) location.
2. Select the Diameter option using the shortcut menu
or type “D” <enter>.
3. Specify the Diameter (P2).
2 Points:
1. Select the 2 point option using the short cut menu or type
2P <enter>.
2. Specify the 2 points (P1 and P2) that will determine the
Diameter.

3 Points:
1. Select the 3 Point option using the short cut menu or type
3P <enter>.
2. Specify the 3 points (P1, P2 and P3) on the
circumference.
The Circle will pass through all three points.

Tangent, Tangent, Radius:

1. Select the Tangent, Tangent, Radius option using the
short cut menu or type T <enter>.
2. Select two objects (P1 and P2) for the Circle to be
tangent to by placing the cursor on the object and
pressing the left mouse button
3. Specify the radius.

Tangent, Tangent, Tangent:

1. Select the Tangent, Tangent, Tangent option using the
pull down menu. This option is not available in the
short cut menu or the command line. (I don’t know
why, so don’t ask)
2. Specify three objects (P1, P2 and P3) for the Circle to
be tangent to by placing the cursor on the object and pressing the left mouse
button. (The diameter will be calculated by the computer.)
RECTANGLE
To create a rectangle you must specify two diagonal corners or Length and Width.
The rectangle can be any size and the sides are always drawn horizontal and vertical.
A Rectangle is one object, not four separate lines.

1. Start the RECTANGLE command by using one of the following:

TYPING = REC <enter>

PULLDOWN = DRAW /
RECTANGLE TOOLBAR = DRAW

2. The following will appear on the command line:

Command: _rectang
Specify first corner point or [Chamfer/Elevation/Fillet/Thickness/Width]:

3. Specify the location of the first corner by moving the cursor to a location (P1) and
then press the left mouse button.
P2
The following will appear on the command line:

Specify other corner point or [Dimensions]:

Width
4. Specify the location of the diagonal corner (P2) by Length
moving the cursor diagonally from the first corner (P1)
P1
and pressing the left mouse button.

--OR—

Type D <enter> (or press left mouse button and select “Dimensions”)
Specify length for rectangles <0.000>: Type length <enter>.
Specify width for rectangles <0.000>: Type width <enter>.
Specify other corner point or [Dimension]: move the cursor up, down, right or left
to specify where you want the second corner relative to the first corner and
then press <enter> or press left mouse button.

OPTIONS:
You may also preset the rectangle corners to angled or rounded and adjust the line
width using the Chamfer, Fillet and Width options described on the next page.

Note: If you set the Chamfer, Fillet or Width to a value greater than “0”, any new
rectangles will be affected until you reset the option to “0”.
OPTIONS:

CHAMFER
A chamfer is an angled corner. The Chamfer option automatically draws all 4 corners
with chamfers, (all the same size). You must specify the distance for each side of the
corner as distance 1 and distance 2.

FILLET
A fillet is a rounded corner. The fillet option automatically draws all 4 corners
with fillets, (all the same size). You must specify the radius for the rounded
corners.

WIDTH
Sets the width of the rectangle lines. (Note: Do not confuse this with the Length and
Width. This makes the lines appear to have width.)

ELEVATION: Used in 3D only.

THICKNESS: Used in 3D only.
UNDO and REDO
The UNDO command allows you to undo previous commands. For example, if you erase an
object by mistake, you can UNDO the previous “erase” command and the object will reappear.
So don’t panic if you do something wrong. Just use the UNDO command to remove previous
commands.

Note:
You may UNDO commands used, during a work session, until you close the drawing.

How to use the “Undo” command:

1. Start a new drawing.

2. Draw a line, rectangle and a circle.

Your drawing should look approximately like this.

3. Erase the Rectangle and the Circle.

(The Circle and the Rectangle disappear.)

4. Click on the UNDO arrow twice.

(The Circle and the Rectangle reappears)

When you clicked the UNDO arrow twice, you actually deleted the last 2 “erase” command.

How to use the Redo command:

Maybe you didn’t really mean to click on the “UNDO” arrow twice. You can click on the
“REDO” arrow and the last “Erase” commands will come back.

(One “erase” command comes back, so the Rectangle is deleted after all)
DRAFTING SETTINGS
The DRAFTING SETTINGS dialog box allows you to set the INCREMENT SNAP
and GRID SPACING. You may change the Increment Snap and Grid Spacing at any
time while creating a drawing. The settings are only drawing aids to help you
visualize the size of the drawing and control the movement of the cursor.

INCREMENT SNAP controls the movement of the cursor. If it is OFF the cursor will
move smoothly. If it is ON, the cursor will jump in an incremental movement. This
incremental movement is set by changing the “Snap X and Y spacing”.

GRID is the dot matrix in the drawing area. Grid dots will not print. The grid is only a
visual aid. The Grid dot spacing is set by changing the “Grid X and Y spacing”.

1. Select DRAFTING SETTINGS by using one of the following:

TYPING = DS <enter>
PULL-DOWN = TOOLS / DRAFTING SETTINGS
TOOLBAR = NONE

2. The dialog box shown below will appear.

3. Select the “Snap and Grid” tab.

3 The tabs “Polar Tracking” and “Object Snap”

A “check mark” in a box

or a “black dot” in a
circle indicates the
option is ON.

Grid & Snap may also

be turned On or Off at
the status line buttons or
Function keys.

4. Make your changes and select the OK button to save them.

If you select the CANCEL button, your changes will not be saved.
LAYERS

A LAYER is like a transparency. Have you ever used an overhead light projector?
Remember those transparencies that are laid on top of the light projector? You could
stack multiple sheets but the projected image would have the appearance of one
document. Layers are basically the same. Multiple layers can be used within one
drawing.

The example, on the right, shows 3 layers.

One for annotations (text), one for dimensions
and one for objects.

It is good “drawing management” to draw related objects on the same layer. For
example, in an architectural drawing, you could have the walls of a floor plan on one
layer and the Electrical and Plumbing on two other layers. These layers can then be
Thawed (ON) or Frozen (OFF) independently. If a layer is Frozen, it is not visible.
When you Thaw the layer it becomes visible again. This will allow you to view or make
plots with specific layers visible or invisible.
(You will learn more about layers in lesson 26)

SELECTING A LAYER - Method 1.

1. Display the LAYER CONTROL DROP-DOWN LIST below by clicking on
the down arrow. ( 7 )

2. Click on the LAYER NAME you wish to select. The Layer selected will become
the CURRENT layer and the drop-down list will disappear.
SELECTING A LAYER - Method 2.

1. Select the Layer command using one of the following:

TYPE = LA <enter>
PULLDOWN = FORMAT / LAYER
TOOLBAR = OBJECT PROPERTIES

2. The “Layer Properties Manager” dialog box, shown below, will appear.
3. First select a layer by Clicking on its name.
4. Select the CURRENT button. (The green check mark)
5. Then select the OK button.

Delete a Layer
4
New Layer 3

Filters

Current

In Use

5 This Layer
will not plot

The layer you have just selected is now the CURRENT layer. This means that the next
object drawn will reside on this layer and will have the same color, line type and line
weight. These are called Properties.

How to delete a layer: Select the layer name then select the “Delete Layer” button.
You can’t delete the “current” layer or a layer in use.
 EXERCISE 2A
INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Start a New file and select 1workbook helper.dwt

2. Draw the LINES below using:
Draw / Line
Ortho (f8) ON (to help you draw horizontal lines)
Increment Snap (f9) ON
3. Change to the appropriate layer before drawing each line.
4. Save this drawing using:
File / Save as / EX2A

Layer HIDDEN
Layer OBJECT
Layer PHANTOM
Layer SECTION
Layer TXT−HVY
Layer TXT−LIT
Layer DIM
Layer CENTER
Layer HATCH
 EXERCISE 2B
INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Start a New file and select 1workbook helper.dwt

2. Change the GRID SPACING to .40 and SNAP to .20
using: TOOLS / DRAFTING SETTINGS
3. Draw the objects below, use the layers indicated.
4. Save this drawing using:
File / Save as / EX2B

LAYER = OBJECT LAYER = OBJECT

LAYER = HIDDEN
 EXERCISE 2C
INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Start a New file and select 1workbook helper.dwt.

2. Draw the RECTANGLES below using the options:
DIMENSION, CHAMFER, FILLET and WIDTH
3. Save this drawing as: EX2C

9.00 9.00

2.00 2.00

CHAMFER=.50 RADIUS=.75

9.00

2.00

Notice:
The .200 width WIDTH = .200
straddles the
rectangle line.
 EXERCISE 2D
INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Start a New file and select 1workbook helper.dwt.

2. Draw the house below using at least 4 different layers.
3. You can change the GRID and INCREMENT SNAP settings to whatever
you like.
4. You decide when to turn Ortho and Snap On or Off.

Have some fun with this one!

5. Save this drawing as: EX2D

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After completing this lesson, you will be able to:

1. Understand the function of Object Snap.

2. Use 7 Object Snap modes.
3. Operate the Running Snap function.
4. Toggle the Running Snap function On and Off.
5. Use the Zoom options to view the drawing.
6. Understand the basic concept of Setting up your drawing.
7. Change the drawing paper size.
8. Select the Units of Measurement to draw with.

LESSON 3
OBJECT SNAP
In Lesson 2 you learned about Increment Snap. Increment Snap enables the cursor to
move in an incremental movement. So you could say your cursor is “snapping to
increments” preset by you.

Now you will learn about Object Snap. If Increment Snap snaps to increments, what do
you think Object Snap snaps to? That’s right; “objects”. Object snap enables you to snap
to “objects” in very specific and accurate locations on the objects. For example: The
endpoint of a line or the center of a circle.

Selecting an Object Snap option using the Toolbar: Select View / Toolbars.
Select the toolbar tab and then the Object Snap box. (Close the Customize dialog box)

Selecting an Object Snap option using a Popup Menu: (I prefer this method)
Method 1: Press the wheel and the Object Snap menu will appear.
(Note: The command “Mbuttonpan” must be set to 0. Refer to Intro-10)
Method 2: While holding down the shift key, press the right mouse button and the Object
Snap menu will appear.

OBJECT SNAP OPTIONS: (Note: Refer to Lesson 5 for more Object Snap selections.)

ENDpoint Snaps to the closest endpoint of a Line, Arc or polygon

segment. Place the cursor on the object close to the end.

MIDpoint Snaps to the middle of a Line, Arc or Polygon segment. Place

the cursor anywhere on the object.

INTersection Snaps to the intersections of any two objects. Place the Pick
box directly on top of the intersection or select one object and
then the other and Autocad will locate the intersection.

CENter Snaps to the center of an Arc, Circle or Donut. Place the cursor
on the object, or the approximate center location.

QUAdrant Snaps to a 12:00, 3:00, 6:00 or 9:00 o’clock location on a circle.

Place the cursor on the circle near the desired quadrant
location.

PERpendicular Snaps to a point perpendicular to the object selected. Place the

cursor anywhere on the object.

TANgent Calculates the tangent point of an Arc or Circle. Place the

cursor on the object as near as possible to the expected tangent
point. (Note: Nothing happens until you select the next point.)
How to use OBJECT SNAP

The following is an example of attaching a line segment to previously drawn vertical lines.
The new line will start from the upper endpoint (P1), to the midpoint (P2), to the lower
endpoint (P3).

1. Select the Line command.

2. Draw two vertical lines as shown below.
3. Select the Line command again.
4. Select the “Endpoint” object snap option using one of the methods listed on the
previous page.
5. Place the cursor close to the upper endpoint of the left hand line (P1). (Notice that a
square appears at the end of the line. An “endpoint” tool tip should appear and the
cursor snaps to the endpoint like a magnet. This is what “object snap” is all about.
You are snapping the cursor to a previously drawn object.)
6. Press the left mouse button to attach the new line to the endpoint of the previously
drawn line. (Do not end the Line command yet.)
7. Now select the “Midpoint” object snap option.
8. Move the cursor to approximately the middle of the right hand vertical line (P2). A
triangle and a “midpoint” tool tip appear, and the cursor should snap to the middle of
the line like a magnet.
9. Press the left mouse button to attach the new line to the midpoint of the previously
drawn line. (Do not end the Line command yet.)
10. Select the “endpoint” object snap option.
11. Move the cursor close to the lower endpoint of the left hand vertical line (P3).
12. Press the left mouse button to attach the new line to the endpoint of the previously
drawn line.
13. Disconnect by pressing <enter>.
RUNNING OBJECT SNAP
RUNNING OBJECT SNAP is a method of presetting the object snap options
so specific options, such as center, endpoint or midpoint, stay active until you
de-activate them. When Running Object Snap is active, markers are displayed
automatically as you move the cursor near the object and the cursor is drawn, to
the object snap location, like a magnet.

For example, if you need to snap to the endpoint of 10 lines, you could preset the
running object snap endpoint option. Then when you place the cursor near any
one of the lines, a marker will appear at the endpoint and the cursor will
automatically snap to the endpoint of the line. You then can move on to the next
and the next and the next. Thus eliminating the necessity of invoking the object
snap menu for each endpoint.

Running Object Snap can be toggled ON or OFF using the F3 key or clicking
on the OSNAP button on the status bar.

Setting Running Object Snap

1. Select the Running Object Snap option using one of the following:

TYPE = OS <enter>
PULL DOWN = TOOLS / DRAFTING SETTINGS
Right Click on the OSNAP tile, on the Status Bar, and select
SETTINGS.

(The dialog box below will appear.)

2. Select the OBJECT SNAP tab. 2

3a

3b

3. Select the Object Snap desired (3a) and then OK. (3b)

Note: Do not preset more than 3 object snaps, you will lose control of the cursor.
DRAWING SET UP
When drawing with a computer, you must “set up your drawing area” just as you would
on your drawing board if you were drawing with pencil and paper. You must decide
what size your paper will be, what type of scale you will use (feet and inches or
decimals, etc.) and how precise you need to be. In CAD these decisions are called
“Setting the Drawing Limits, Units and Precision”.

DRAWING LIMITS
Consider the drawing limits as the size of the paper you will be drawing on. You will first
be asked to define where the lower left corner should be placed, then the upper right
corner, similar to drawing a Rectangle. An 11 x 17 piece of paper would have a lower
left corner of 0, 0 and an upper right corner of 17, 11. (17 is the horizontal
measurement or X-axis and 11 is the vertical measurement or Y-axis.)

HOW TO SET THE DRAWING LIMITS

1. Select the DRAWING LIMITS command using one of the following:

TYPE = LIMITS <enter>

PULLDOWN = FORMAT / DRAWING LIMITS
TOOLBARS = NONE

2. The following will appear on the command

line: Command: '_limits

Reset Model space limits:
Specify lower left corner or [ON/OFF] <0.000,0.000>:

3. Type the X,Y coordinates 0, 0 for the lower left corner location of your piece of paper
then press <enter>.

4. The command line will now read:

Specify upper right corner <12.000,9.000>: (This may differ in your case)

5. Type the X,Y coordinates 5100, 3300 for the upper right corner of your piece of
paper then press <enter>.

6. This next step is very important: Select VIEW / ZOOM / ALL to make the screen
display the new drawing limits.

continued next page….

DRAWING SET UP continued
UNITS AND PRECISION
You now need to select what unit of measurement you want to work with.
Such as: Decimal (0.000) only.
Next you should select how precise you want the measurements. This means, do you
want the measurement rounded off to a 3 place decimal or the nearest 1/8".

HOW TO SET THE UNITS AND PRECISION.

1. Select the UNITS command using one of the following:

TYPE = UNITS <enter>

PULLDOWN = FORMAT / UNITS
TOOLBAR = NONE

(The dialog box below will appear.)

2. Select the appropriate TYPE such as: decimals or architectural.

3. Select the appropriate PRECISION associated with the “type”.

4. Select the OK button to save your selections.

Easy, yes?
ZOOM
The ZOOM command is used to move closer or farther away to an object.

The following is an example of Zoom / Window to zoom in closer to an object.

1. Select the Zoom command by using one of the following:

TYPING = Z <enter>
PULLDOWN = VIEW / ZOOM

TOOLBAR = STANDARD
2. Select the “Window” option and draw a window around the area you wish to
magnify by moving the cursor to the lower left area of the object(s) and left click.
Then move the cursor diagonally to form a square shape around the objects, and left
click again. (Do not hold the left mouse button down while moving the cursor,
just click it at the first and diagonal corners of the square shape)

ZOOM / WINDOW

Additional Zoom options described below. (Try them)

2 1. WINDOW = zoom in on an area by specifying a window (rectangle) around

1 3 the area.

2. REAL TIME = Interactive Zoom. You can zoom in or out by moving the
cursor vertically up or down while pressing the left mouse button. To stop,
press the Esc key.

3. PREVIOUS = returns the screen to the previous display. (Limited to 10

previous displays)

4. OBJECT = zooms in on a selected object

4 5. IN or OUT = moves in 2X or out 2X

6. All = Changes the screen to the size of the drawing limits. If you have
5 objects outside of the drawing limits, Zoom/All will display them too.

6 7. EXTENTS = Displays all objects in the drawing file, using the smallest
window possible.
7
 EXERCISE 3A
INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Start a New file and select 1workbook helper.dwt.

2. Using FORMAT / UNITS:

set the units to FRACTIONAL
set the precision to 1/2”

3. Using FORMAT / DRAWING LIMITS set the drawing limits to:

Lower left corner = 0,0
Upper right corner = 20, 15

4. Use VIEW / ZOOM / ALL to make the screen adjust to the new limits

5. Turn OFF the GRIDS (F7) SNAP (F9) and ORTHO (F8).
(Your screen should be blank and your crosshair should move freely)

6. Draw the objects below using:

DRAW / CIRCLE (CENTER, RADIUS) and LINE
OBJECT SNAP = CENTER and TANGENT
Very Important: Use the Tangent option at each end of the line. AutoCAD needs to be
told that you want each end of the line to be tangent to a circle.

7. Save this drawing as: EX3A

 EXERCISE 3B
INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Start a New file and select 1workbook helper.dwt.

2. Using FORMAT / UNITS:

Set the units to FRACTIONAL
Set the precision to 1/4”

3. Using FORMAT / DRAWING LIMITS set the drawing limits to:

Lower left corner = 0, 0
Upper right corner = 12, 9

4. Use VIEW / ZOOM / ALL to make the screen adjust to the new limits.

5. Turn OFF the GRIDS (F7) SNAP (F9) and ORTHO (F8)
(Your screen should be blank and your crosshair should move freely)

6. Draw the objects below using:

DRAW / CIRCLE (CENTER, RADIUS) and LINE
OBJECT SNAP = QUADRANT

7. Save this drawing as: EX3B

Use Layer “Hatch”

for the Circle Use Layer “Hidden”
for the Lines
 EXERCISE 3C
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Start a New file and select 1workbook helper.dwt.

2. Using FORMAT / UNITS:

Set the units to ARCHITECTURAL
Set the precision to 1/2”
Note: A warning may appear asking you if you “are sure you want to change the
units”? Select the OK button.
3. Using FORMAT / DRAWING LIMITS set the drawing limits to:
Lower left corner = 0, 0
Upper right corner = 25, 20
4. Use VIEW / ZOOM / ALL to make the screen adjust to the new limits.
5. Turn OFF the GRIDS (F7) SNAP (F9) and ORTHO (F8)
(Your screen should be blank and your crosshair should move freely)
6. Draw the objects below using:
DRAW / LINE
OBJECT SNAP = PERPENDICULAR
7. Save this drawing as: EX3C

Start by drawing this line, then use Object

Snap “Perpendicular” to draw the other
lines.
 EXERCISE 3D
INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Start a New file and select 1workbook helper.dwt.

2. Using FORMAT / UNITS:

Set the units to DECIMALS
Set the precision to 0

3. Using FORMAT / DRAWING LIMITS set the drawing limits to:

Lower left corner = 0,0
Upper right corner = 12, 9

4. Use VIEW / ZOOM / ALL to make the screen adjust to the new limits.

5. Turn OFF the GRIDS (F7) SNAP (F9) and ORTHO (F8)
(Your screen should be blank and your crosshair should move freely)

6. Draw the Lines below using:

DRAW / LINE
OBJECT SNAP = MIDPOINT

7. Save this drawing as: EX4D

Start here
 EXERCISE 3E
INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Start a New file and select 1workbook helper.dwt

2. Draw the objects below using:

DRAW / LINE
ORTHO ON for Horizontal Lines
OBJECT SNAP = ENDPOINT

3. Save this drawing as: EX3E

 EXERCISE 3F
INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Start a New file and select 1workbook helper.dwt

2. Draw the 2 vertical and 4 horizontal lines using:

DRAW / LINE
ORTHO (F8) = ON
SNAP (F9) = OFF

3. Then draw the diagonal lines using:

DRAW / LINE
ORTHO & SNAP= OFF
OBJECT SNAP = INTERSECTION

4. Save this drawing as: EX3F

 EXERCISE 3G
INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Start a New file and select 1workbook helper.dwt.

2. Draw the 4 circles with the following Radii: 1, 2, 3, & 5

(Use Object snap “Center” so all Circles have the same center)

3. Draw the LINES using:

DRAW / LINE
ORTHO and SNAP = OFF
OBJECT SNAP = QUADRANT and TANGENT

4. Use Layers: Object and Center

5. Save this drawing as EX3G

Use Layer Object

Use Layer
Center