Basics Of AutoCAD 2D: Part Two
Understanding The AutoCAD Interface
With its 2009 release, the AutoCAD interface was changed for easier use. Similar in layout to Windows 7, it retains all the functionality of earlier versions. The new interface is divided into six primary areas: a window for drawing, functional toolbars, easy-to-use menus, a command window, palette windows for rendering drawings, and a status bar.
The AutoCAD for Mac was released in 2010. It has identical functionality to the Windows version of the program. However, the interface remains the same as the PC layout created prior to 2009.
The Drawing Window
The geometry is created in the drawing window. The x- and y-axis are positioned on the right side at the bottom of the screen. A z-axis exists but it is not visible when working in 2D space. When the view is switched to the z-axis, the object is seen as it will exist from above. In order to ease eye strain, black has been chosen as the default background color but it can be easily changed in the Tools drop down menu > Options > Display > Colors.
The geometry is created in Model Space while parameters for printing are set up using built-in Layouts. Users should note the tabs named Model, Layout 1, and Layout 2 that are located at the bottom left of the screen. Later blog posts will address questions about adding text and dimensions to drawings, scaling, and printing.
Display Of Coordinates
The program has an absolute origin point at 0, 0, 0. The position of the cross-hairs cursor is displayed at the bottom left of the Status Bar. For users who want to see the coordinates displayed at the cross-hairs tool tip, there is a Dynamic Input button that will activate this function. AutoCAD 2D operates exclusively with the x and y coordinates; AutoCAD 3D includes the z-axis.
Status Bar
At the bottom of the screen, you will find the Status Bar. Easy to use, it has buttons to toggle on and off functions such as Grid, Snap, Ortho, etc. Keyboard shortcuts are included to make operations efficient. Pressing F7 moves you into Grid where you can draw isometric or standard geometric constructions. F9 takes you to snap to Grid and F3 activates Object Snap. Both of these are used for precision geometric work.
Special tools for drawing a perfect line can be created with Orthogonal Constraints (F8). The reference previous command is in the Text Screen with F2. In order to combine the visual with the literal code, the Dynamic Input function (DYN) allows you to see the command line text right at the cursor.
About the Author
The next blog post will cover the AutoCAD command system with tips for ease of use. Tom Gillan is an expert in AutoCAD. He has been sharing his knowledge with corporate clients in Sydney for the past seven years. If you are looking for more information, visit our website at http://www.designworkshopsydney.com.au/autocad-2d-courses/ .
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