AutoCAD Manual

Prepared by Dr.M.Senthil Kumar 1

COMPUTER AIDED DRAFTING

INTRODUCTION

Engineering drawing in general is applied to drawings for technical use and is concerned

with the direct graphical representation of designs for physical objects, as used in engineering

and science. Computer Aided Drafting on the other hand, is the application of conventional

computer techniques, with the aid of data processing system, to present a graphical solution. It

deals with the creation, storage and manipulation of models of objects and their pictures via

computer. The user generates graphics by interactive communication with the computer.

Graphics are displayed on a video display and can be converted into hard copy with a plotter or

printer.

Presently, there are many independent graphics software packages available for use with

microcomputers. Graphics package is a set of functions, which are called by the user in his

application program to generate the drawing and pictures. AutoCAD was developed to run on

any microcomputer system.

OVERVIEW

AutoCAD provides a set of entities for use in constructing the drawing. An entity is a

drawing element such as a line, circle, etc. Typing a command on the keyboard or selecting it

from a menu can draw the entity. Parameters should be supplied for the chosen entity in response

to the prompts on the screen. The entity is then drawn and appears on the screen. The effect of

every change made appears on the screen immediately.

These entities may be erased or moved or copied to form repeated patterns. The

information about the drawing also may be displayed.

AutoCAD 2000 provides many new features that improve and enhance AutoCAD. This

section gives a quick summary of new features and lists references to topics where you can learn

more.

Heads-Up Design Environment

Improved Access and Usability

Expanded Reach

Streamlined Output

Customizing and Extending AutoCAD


FEATURES OF AutoCAD

Abstract features of AutoCAD are highlighted below

� It is an efficient tool for drawing, creating, 2D, 3D, wire frame, solid models. � Solid Models can be further analyzed for engineering properties like Mass,

Moment of inertia, Center of Gravity, etc., by AutoCAD modeling extension files.

� Rendering – A Rendering image makes it easier to visualize and object, make comprehensive presentation reflective quality, surface material can be controlled.

� Customization AutoCAD can be customized according to user needs. It involves creating

� Prototype Drawings, Line types, Hatch patterns � Menu creation – screen, pull down, tablet, Button menu � Text Fonts � PGP files, DIESEL (Direct Interpretively Evaluated String Expression

Language)

� Slide Presentation. � SQL Environment

� Internet Enabled CAD – AutoCAD 2000 has been retooled to simplify sharing of drawing with colleagues and clients over the Internet.

HARDWARE REQUIREMENT

The recommended hardware requirements for running AutoCAD2000 on your system are

as follows

* Pentium 133 or better (or compatible processor)

* 64 MB RAM (32 MB minimum)

* Windows® 98, Windows 95, or Windows NT® 4.0 operating system

* 1024 x 768 VGA video display (800 x 600 VGA video display minimum)

* Windows video display driver

* 130 MB free hard-disk space and 64 MB swap space

* Pointing device (mouse or digitizer with Win tab driver)

* 4X CD-ROM drive

* IBM-compatible parallel port

* Serial port (for digitizers and some plotters)

* Printer or plotter

* Modem (connection to Internet, not required)

* Sound card for multimedia learning

* TCP/IP or IPX support (required only for multi-user, or floating license configurations)


SELECTION OF OBJECTS (point) = One object Multiple = Multiple objects selected by pointing Last = Last object Previous = All objects in the Previous selection-set Window = Objects within Window Crossing = Objects within or Crossing window BOX = Automatic Crossing (to the left) or Window (to the right) AUto = Automatic BOX (if pick in empty area) or single object pick SIngle = One selection (any type) Add = Add mode: add following objects to selection-set Remove = Remove mode: remove following objects from selection-set Undo = Undo/remove last

SETTING COMMANDS

After you start a drawing, you can change its settings, including drawing units and limits,

snap and grid settings and layer, linetype and lettering standards. This chapter describes about

the setting of the screen structure. Some of the setting commands are: Limits, grid, snap, ortho,

osnap, and units.

LIMITS The LIMITS command allows you to change the upper and lower limits of the

drawing area while working on a drawing, and to turn limits checking ON or OFF.

Command line: LIMITS ON/OFF/<Lower left corner> <current>: Upper right corner <current>: GRID

Displays a dot grid in the current view port The purpose of the grid is to act as a visual reference only. AutoCAD does not

plot the grid, nor does it consider the grid to be part of the drawing. You can turn the grid display on and off with the Grid button on the status bar. Command line: grid (or 'grid for transparent use)

Specify grid spacing (X) or [ON/OFF/Snap/Aspect] <current>: Specify a value or enter an option

Grid Spacing (X)

Sets the grid to the specified value. Specifying a value followed by x sets the grid spacing to the specified value times the snap interval.

On --- Turns on the grid at the current spacing. Off --- Turns off the grid.


SNAP Sets the grid spacing to the current snap interval as set by the SNAP command. The points you enter with a pointing device can be locked into alignment by

SNAP. We can rotate the snap grid, set differing X and Y spacing, or choose an

isometric format for the snap grid. You can toggle Snap mode on and off with the Snap button on the status bar.

A change in the snap grid affects the cursor location when you specify a point location using the pointing device. The snap grid is invisible.

Use SNAP with GRID to display a separate visible grid of dots. Set the spacing of the two grids to equal or related values. AutoCAD ignores Snap mode in perspective views. Command line: snap

Specify snap spacing or [ON/OFF/Aspect/Rotate/Style/Type] <current>: Specify a distance, enter an option, or press ENTER

Options: Snap Spacing Allows you to enter the desired snap spacing. On Turns on the snap mode Off Turns off the snap mode Aspect Enters a Y – axis snap spacing differing from X- axis Rotate Angle of inclination ( 0 – 90 ) Style Snap style / Isometric style Type

ORTHO

Command line: ortho (or 'ortho for transparent use) Enter mode [ON/OFF] <current>: Enter on or off, or press ENTER

AutoCAD uses ortho mode when you specify an angle or distance by means of

two points using a pointing device. Ortho mode has no effect on keyboard entries. AutoCAD ignores ortho mode in perspective views. AutoCAD defines horizontal as being parallel to the X-axis of the UCS and vertical as being parallel to the Y-axis. ORTHO adjusts to the current snap rotation regardless of the UCS. OSNAP Sets object snap modes

An object snap mode specifies a snap point at an exact location on an object. You can use an object snap once in the middle of a command, or you can set running object snaps. Running object snap modes can be toggled on and off with the Osnap button on the status bar. You can use the TAB key to cycle through available object snaps.


Object snap settings are stored with the drawing. OSNAP can be entered by using Shortcut menu: Press SHIFT while right clicking in the drawing area and choose Osnap Settings. Command line: osnap (or 'osnap for transparent use)

AutoCAD displays the Object Snaps tab in the Drafting Settings dialog box. If you enter -osnap at the Command prompt, OSNAP presents options on the command line. Units Command line: units (or 'units for transparent use)

AutoCAD displays the Drawing Units dialog box. If you enter units at the Command

prompt, UNITS displays prompts on the command line.

DRAWING COMMANDS

This chapter gives a overall view about how to utilize the AutoCAD drawing tools from a

simple point to a complex points.

POINT LINE, PLINE, TRACE, CIRCLE, ARC, ELLIPSE, POLYGON, DONUT, SPLINE,

XLINE, MLINE, ISOPLANE.

POINT

Command line: point Specify a point:

Points can act as nodes to which you can snap objects. You can specify a full three-dimensional location for a point. The current elevation is assumed if you omit the Z coordinate value.

The PDMODE and PDSIZE system variables control the appearance of point objects.

PDMODE values 0, 2, 3, and 4 specify a figure to draw through the point. A value of 1 specifies that nothing is displayed. PDSIZE controls the size of the point figures, except for PDMODE values 0 and 1. A setting of 0 generates the point at 5 percent of the drawing area height. A positive PDSIZE value specifies an absolute size for the point figures. A negative value is interpreted as a percentage of the view port size. The size of all points is recalculated when the drawing is regenerated. After you change PDMODE and PDSIZE, the appearance of existing points changes the next time AutoCAD regenerates the drawing.


LINE

The LINE command allows you to draw straight lines. You can specify the desired endpoints using either 2D or 3D coordinates, or a combination. If you enter 2D coordinates, AutoCAD uses the current elevation as the Z component of the point.

Command: LINE

From point: (point) To point: (point) To point: (point) To point:.. RETURN to end line sequence The line can be drawn by any one of the following three methods

• Absolute method Syntax: X,Y

• Relative Cartesian method Syntax: @∆∆∆∆x, ∆∆∆∆y

• Relative polar method Syntax: @r<θθθθ

PLINE Command line: pline

Specify start point: Specify a point (1)

Current line-width is <current>

Specify next point or [Arc/Close/Half width/Length/Undo/Width]:

Specify a point (2) or enter an option

The PLINEGEN system variable controls the line type pattern display around and

the smoothness of the vertices of a 2D polyline. Setting PLINEGEN to 1 generates new polylines

in a continuous pattern around the vertices of the completed polyline. Setting PLINEGEN to 0

starts and ends the polyline with a dash at each vertex. PLINEGEN does not apply to polylines

with tapered segments.

TRACE Command line: trace

Specify trace width <current>:


Specify a distance or press ENTER

Specify start point: Specify a point (1)

Specify next point: Specify a point (2)

Specify next point: Specify a point (3) or press ENTER to end the command

The endpoints of a trace are on the centerline and are always cut square.

TRACE automatically calculates the correct bevels for connection to adjacent segments.

AutoCAD delays drawing each segment until you either specify the next segment or press

ENTER. Because of the way bevels are handled,

TRACE has no undo option.

Traces are solid filled when Fill mode is on. When Fill mode is off, only the outline of a trace is

displayed.

CIRCLE

The CIRCLE command is used to draw a circle. You can specify the circle in several ways. The simplest method is by center point and radius. Command: CIRCLE

Specify center point for circle or [3P/2P/Ttr (tan tan Radius)]: Specify the radius of circle or [diameter]:

To specify the radius, you can designate a point to be on the circumference.

You may enter "DRAG" in response to the "Diameter/<Radius>" prompt to specify the circle size visually. If it is more convenient to enter the diameter than the radius, reply to the "Diameter/<Radius>" prompt with "D".

The circle can also be specified using three points on the circumference (reply "3P" when prompted for the center point), or by designating two endpoints of its


diameter (reply "2P"). For these methods, you can "drag" the last point or specify object snap "Tangent" points.

In addition, you can draw a circle by specifying two lines (and/or other circles) to which the circle should be tangent, and a radius. Enter "TTR" for this option.

ARC

Command line: arc

Specify start point of arc or [CEnter]:

Specify a point, enter ce, or press ENTER to draw an arc tangent to the

last line or arc

Options Start Point Center

You can create arcs in many ways.

The default method is to specify three points—a start point, a second point on the arc, and

an endpoint. You can also specify the included angle, radius, direction, and chord length of arcs.

The chord of an arc is a straight line between the endpoints. By default, AutoCAD draws arcs

counterclockwise. In the following example, the start point of the arc snaps to the endpoint of a

line. The second point of the arc snaps to the middle circle.

To draw an arc by specifying three points

1 From the Draw menu, choose Arc Start, Center, End.

2 Specify the start point (1) by entering endp and selecting the line.

The arc snaps to the endpoint of the line.

3 Specify the second point (2) by entering cen and selecting the existing arc to define the

center of the arc.

4 Specify the endpoint of the arc

Command line ARC

To draw an arc using a start point, a center point, and a chord length

1 From the Draw menu, choose Arc Start, Center, and Length.

2 Specify a start point (1).

3 Specify the center point (2).

4 Specify the chord length.

Use the Start, Center, Angle or Center, Start, Angle method when you have a start point

and a center points you can snap to. The angle determines the endpoint of the arc.


Use the Start, End, and Angle method when you have both endpoints but no center point

to snap to.

ELLIPSE

Creates an ellipse or an elliptical arc

Command line: ellipse

Specify axis endpoint of ellipse or [Arc/Center/Isocircle]:


The Isocircle option is available only when you set the Style option of SNAP to Isometric.

Options:

Axis Endpoint

Arc

Center

Isocircle

Command line: rectang or rectangle

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

Enter an option or specify a point (1)

First Corner

Specify other corner point: Specify a point (2)

The two specified points determine the diagonal corners of a rectangle with sides parallel

to the X and Y-axis of the current UCS.

OPTIONS

Chamfer

Sets the chamfer distances for the rectangle.

Specify first chamfer distance for rectangles <current>:



Specify second chamfer distance for rectangles <current>:


The values become the current chamfer distances for subsequent RECTANG commands.

Elevation

Specifies the elevation of the rectangle.

Specify the elevation for rectangles <current>:


The value becomes the current elevation for subsequent RECTANG commands.

Fillet

Specifies the fillet radius of the rectangle.

Specify fillet radius for rectangles <current>: Specify a distance or press ENTER

The value becomes the current fillet radius for subsequent RECTANG

Commands.

Thickness

Specifies the thickness of the rectangle.

Specify thickness for rectangles <current>: Specify a distance or press ENTER


The value becomes the current thickness for subsequent RECTANG commands.

Width

Specifies the polyline width of the rectangle to be drawn.

Specify line width for rectangles <current>: Specify a distance or press ENTER

The value becomes the current polyline width for subsequent RECTANG

commands.

POLYGON

Command line: polygon

Enter number of sides <current>: Enter a value between 3 and 1024 or press ENTER

Specify center of polygon or [Edge]: Specify a point (1) or enter e

Options:

Center of Polygon , Edge

DONUT Command line: donut

Specify inside diameter of donut <current>: Specify a distance or press ENTER

If you specify an inside diameter of 0, the donut is a filled circle.

Specify outside diameter of donut <current>: Specify a distance or press ENTER

Specify center of donut or <exit>: Specify a point (1) or press ENTER to end the

Command


AutoCAD sets the location of the donut based on the center point. After you specify the

diameters, AutoCAD prompts you for the locations at which to draw donuts. AutoCAD

draws a donut at each point specified (2).

SPLINE Creates a quadratic or cubic spline (NURBS) curve

SPLINE fits a smooth curve to a sequence of points within a specified tolerance.

AutoCAD uses NURBS (nonuniform rational B-splines) mathematics, which stores and

defines a class of curve and surface data

Command line: spline

Specify first point or [Object]: Specify a point or enter o

Options:

First Point

Object

XLINE Command line: xline

Specify a point or [Hor/Ver/Ang/Bisect/Offset]:


Options:

Point

Hor

Ver

Ang

Bisect

Offset

Creates multiple parallel lines

MULTILINES Multiple parallel lines are called multilines.

Draw menu: Multiline

Command line: mline

Current settings: Justification = current, Scale = current, Style = current

Specify start point or [Justification/Scale/Styles]: Specify a point or enter an option

Option:


Justification

Scale

Style

ISOPLANE

Specifies the current isometric plane

Command line: isoplane (or 'isoplane for transparent use)

Enter isometric plane setting [Left/Top/Right] <Top>:

Enter an option or press ENTER

The isometric plane affects the cursor movement keys only when Snap mode is on and

the snap style is Isometric. If the snap style is Isometric, Ortho mode uses the appropriate axis

pair even if Snap mode is off. When the snap style is Standard, the ISOPLANE command has no

effect on the cursor. The current isometric plane also determines the orientation of isometric

circles drawn by ELLIPSE. You can cycle through the isometric planes by pressing CTRL+E or

F5.

Left Selects the left-hand plane, defined by the 90-degree and 150-degree axis pair.

Top Selects the top face of the cube, called the top plane, defined by the 30-degree

and 150-degree axis pair.

Right Selects the right-hand plane, defined by the 90-degree and 30-degree axis pair.

DISPLAY COMMANDS

Display commands are used to increases or decreases the apparent size of objects in the

urrent view port. Some of the display commands are zoom, pan

ZOOM

View menu: Zoom

Shortcut menu: With no objects selected, right-click in the drawing area and choose

Zoom to zoom in real time.

Command line: zoom (or 'zoom for transparent use)


Specify corner of window, enter a scale factor (nX or nXP), or

[All/Center/Dynamic/Extents/Previous/Scale/Window] <real time>:

All Zooms to display the entire drawing in the current view port. In a plan view, AutoCAD

zooms to the drawing limits or current extents, whichever is greater. In a 3D view, ZOOM All is

equivalent to ZOOM Extents. The display shows all objects even if the drawing extends outside

the drawing limits.

You can use ZOOM All transparently, but it always regenerates the drawing.

Center Zooms to display a window defined by a center point and a magnification value or height.

A smaller value for the height increases the magnification. A larger value decreases the

magnification.

Specify center point: Specify a point (1)

Enter magnification or height <current>: Enter a value or press ENTER

Dynamic

Zooms to display the generated portion of the drawing with a view box. The view box

represents your view port, which you can shrink or enlarge and move around the drawing.

Positioning and sizing the view box pans or zooms to fill the view port with the image inside the

view box.


The panning view box is displayed first. Drag it to the location you want and click. The

zooming view box is then displayed. Resize it and press ENTER to zoom, or click to return to

the panning view box.

Press ENTER to fill the current view port with the area currently enclosed by the view

box.

Extents Zooms to display the drawing extents. You can use ZOOM Extents transparently, but it

always regenerates the drawing.

Previous

Zooms to display the previous view. You can restore up to 10 previous views.

NOTE If you change the shading with the SHADEMODE command the view is changed. If you

enter ZOOM Previous after changing the shading, it restores the previous view which is shaded

differently, but not zoomed differently.

Scale

Zooms the display at a specified scale factor.

Enter a scale factor (nX or nXP):

Specify a value

The value you enter is relative to the limits of the drawing. For example, entering 2 doubles the

apparent display size of any objects from what it would be if you were zoomed to the limits of

the drawing.

If you enter a value followed by x, AutoCAD specifies the scale relative to the current view. For

example, entering .5x causes each object to be displayed at half its current size on the screen.


If you enter a value followed by xp, AutoCAD specifies the scale relative to paper space units.

For example, entering .5xp displays model space at half the scale of paper space units. The

following illustration shows a number of view ports arranged in paper space. The view in each

viewport is scaled relative to paper space. The first view is scaled 1=1 relative to paper space

(1xp), the second is scaled .5=1 relative to paper space (.5xp), and so on.

Window Zooms to display an area specified by two opposite corners of a rectangular window.

Specify first corner: Specify a point (1)

Specify opposite corner: Specify a point (2)

Real Time

Using the pointing device, zooms interactively to a logical extent.

Press ESC or ENTER to exit, or right-click to display the shortcut menu

The cursor changes to a magnifying glass with plus (+) and minus (–) signs.

NOTE If you place the cursor at the bottom of the window, hold down the pick button, and move

vertically to the top of the window, the zoom-in factor is 200%.

When you have reached the zoom-in limit, the plus sign in the cursor disappears, indicating that

you can no longer zoom in. When you have reached the zoom-out limit, the minus sign in the

cursor disappears, indicating that you can no longer zoom out.

When you release the pick button, zooming stops. You can release the pick button, move the

cursor to another location in the drawing, and then press the pick button again and continue to

zoom the display from that location.

To exit zooming at the new position, press ENTER or ESC.

You cannot use ZOOM transparently during VPOINT or DVIEW or while ZOOM, PAN, or

VIEW is in progress

PAN

Command line: pan (or 'pan for transparent use)

AutoCAD displays the following prompt; you can pan the drawing display in real time.

Press ESC or ENTER to exit, or right-click to display shortcut menu.

If you enter -pan at the Command prompt, PAN displays alternative prompts on the

command line, and you can specify a displacement to pan the drawing display.

Options:

Panning in Real Time

Panning by Specifying Displacements

EDTING COMMANDS This chapter describes how to select objects, view and edit object properties, and perform

both general and object-specific editing operations. Some of the editing commands:

ERASE, COPY, MOVE, UNDO, REDO, PEDIT, FILLET, CHAMFER, TRIM, EXTEND,

DIVIDE, MEASURE, BLOCK, OFFSET, OOPS, ROTATE, MIRROR, ARRAY, LENGTHEN.


ERASE Command line: erase

Select objects: Use an object selection method and press ENTER when you finish

AutoCAD removes the objects from the drawing.

COPY Command line: copy

Select objects: Select objects and press ENTER

Specify base point or displacement, or [Multiple]:

Specify a point (1) for a single copy or enter m for multiple copies

Base Point or Displacement

Makes a single copy. If you specify two points, AutoCAD uses the first point as a base point and

places a single copy at the point of displacement. If you specify one point and then press

ENTER, AutoCAD uses the selection point as the base point and places a single copy at the

specified point.

Specify second point of displacement or <use first point as displacement>:

Specify a point (2) or press ENTER

Multiple

Makes multiple copies. AutoCAD places copies relative to the base point.

Specify base point:


Specify a point or press ENTER

If you specify a point, AutoCAD places a copy at that point relative to the base point. The

prompt is repeated for placement of multiple copies of the object. If you press ENTER, the

command ends.

MOVE Command line: move


Specify base point or displacement: Specify a base point (1)


Specify a point (2) or press ENTER


The two points you specify define a displacement vector that indicates how far the selected

objects are to be moved and in what direction. If you press ENTER at the second point, the first

point is interpreted as relative X,Y,Z displacement. If you press ENTER at the Specify Second

Point of Displacement prompt, the first point is interpreted as relative X,Y,Z displacement. For

example, if you specify 2,3 for the base point and press ENTER at the next prompt, the object

moves 2 units in the X direction and 3 units in the Y direction from its current position.

UNDO Command line: undo

Enter the number of operations to undo or [Auto/Control/BEgin/End/Mark/Back]:

Enter a positive number, enter an option, or press ENTER to undo a single operation

UNDO displays the command or system variable name on the command line to indicate that you

have stepped past the point where the command was used.

Options:

Number

Auto

Control

Begin, End

Mark, Back

REDO REDO reverses the effects of a single UNDO or U command. REDO must immediately follow

the U or UNDO command.

Standard toolbar:

Edit menu: Redo

Shortcut menu: With no commands active and no objects selected, right-click in the

drawing area and choose Redo.

Command line: redo

PEDIT Command line: pedit


Select polyline: Use an object selection method

If the selected object is a line or an arc, AutoCAD prompts:

Object selected is not a polyline.

Do you want it to turn into one? <Y>: Enter y or n, or press ENTER

If you enter y, the object is converted into a single-segment 2D polyline that you can edit. You

can use this operation to join lines and arcs into a polyline.

Options:

2D Polyline Selection

3D Polyline Selection

3D Polygon Mesh Selection

FILLET Rounds and fillets the edges of objects

FILLET rounds or fillets the edges of two arcs, circles, elliptical arcs, lines, polylines, rays,

splines, or xlines with an arc of a specified radius. If the TRIMMODE system variable is set to 1,

FILLET trims the intersecting lines to the endpoints of the fillet arc. If the selected lines do not

intersect, AutoCAD extends or trims them so that they do. FILLET also rounds or fillets the

edges of 3D solids.

If both objects you want to fillet are on the same layer, AutoCAD creates the fillet line on that

layer. Otherwise, AutoCAD creates the fillet line on the current layer. The same is true for the

fillet color, line weight, and line type.

You can only fillet line segments of a polyline that are consecutive or separated by one segment,

and that converge within the drawing limits (when limits checking is on).

NOTE Filleting an associative hatch whose boundary is defined by lines removes hatch

associatively. AutoCAD maintains associatively when the boundary is a polyline.

Modify toolbar:

Modify menu: Fillet

Command line: fillet

Current settings: Mode = current, Radius = current

Select first object or [Polyline/Radius/Trim]: Use an object selection method or enter an

option

Options:

First Object

Polyline

Radius

Trim


CHAMFER Bevels the edges of objects

If both objects you want to chamfer are on the same layer, AutoCAD creates the chamfer on that

layer. Otherwise, AutoCAD creates the chamfer line on the current layer. This is also true for

color, line type, and line weight.

Modify toolbar:

Modify menu: Chamfer

Command line: chamfer

(TRIM mode) Current chamfer Dist1 = current, Dist2 = current

Select first line or [Polyline/Distance/Angle/Trim/Method]:

NOTE Chamfering an associative hatch whose boundary you have defined by using line

segments removes hatch associatively. If you have defined the boundary by using a polyline,

associatively is maintained.

TRIM Command line: trim

Current settings: Projection = current Edge = current

Select cutting edges...


selecting objects

Select the objects that define the cutting edges at which you want to trim an object or press

ENTER to select all objects as potential cutting edges. TRIM projects the cutting edges and the

objects to be trimmed onto the XY plane of the current user coordinate system (UCS).

Select object to trim or [Project/Edge/Undo]:

Select an object, enter an option, or press ENTER


When AutoCAD prompts you to select boundary edges, you can press ENTER and select the

object to be trimmed. AutoCAD trims the object against the nearest candidate.

Options:

Object to Trim

Project

Edge

Undo

E

EXTEND Command line: extend

Select boundary edges...


Select the objects that define the boundary edges to which you want to extend the object, or press

ENTER to select all objects as potential boundaries. Valid boundary objects include 2D and 3D

polylines, arcs, circles, ellipses, floating view ports, lines, rays, regions, splines, text, and xlines.

If you select a 2D polyline as a boundary object, AutoCAD ignores its width and extends objects

to the centerline of the polyline.

Extending a spline-fit polyline adds a new vertex to the control frame for the polyline. If you

extend a tapered polyline segment, AutoCAD corrects the width of the extended end to continue

its original taper to the new endpoint. If this causes the segment to have a negative ending width,

the ending width becomes zero.

Select object to extend or [Project/Edge/Undo]:

Select an object or enter an option

DIVIDE

Command line: divide


Select object to divide: Use an object selection method

Enter number of segments or [Block]:

Enter a value from 2 through 32,767, or enter b

MEASURE

Command line: measure

Select object to measure:

Specify length of segment or [Block]:

Specify a distance or enter b

Length of Segment

Places point objects at the specified interval along the selected object, starting at the

endpoint closest to the point you used to select the object.

Measurement of closed polylines starts at their initial vertex (the first one drawn).

Measurement of circles starts at the angle from the center set as the current snap rotation angle. If

the snap rotation angle is 0, then the measurement of the circle starts to the right of center, on its

circumference.

BLOCK Places blocks at a specified interval along the selected object.

Command line: block

Enter name of block to insert:

Enter the name of a block currently defined in the drawing

Align block with object? [Yes/No] <Y>:

Enter y or n or press ENTER

polyline Divided polyline


If you enter y, the block is rotated about its insertion point so that its horizontal lines are

aligned with, and drawn tangent to, the object being measured. If you enter n, the block is always

inserted with a 0 rotation angle.

Specify length of segment:

After you specify the segment length, AutoCAD inserts the block at the specified

interval. If the block has variable attributes, these attributes are not included.

OFFSET Command line: offset

Specify offset distance or [Through] <current>:

Specify a distance, enter t, or press ENTER

Offset Distance

Creates an object at a specified distance from an existing object.

Select object to offset or <exit>:

Select one object or press ENTER to end the command

Specify point on side to offset?:

Specify a point (1) on the side of the object you want to offset

Through

Creates an object passing through a specified point.

Select object to offset or <exit>:

Select one object or press ENTER to end the command

Specify through point:

Specify a point (1) through which you want the offset object to pass

AutoCAD repeats the two prompts so that you can create multiple offset objects. To end the

command, press ENTER at the Select Object to Offset prompt.

OOPS Command line: oops

OOPS restores objects erased by the last ERASE command.

You can also use OOPS after BLOCK or WBLOCK to restore the objects that are erased when a

block is created. You cannot use OOPS to restore objects on a layer that has been removed with

the PURGE command.

ROTATE Command line: rotate

Current positive angle in UCS: ANGDIR=current ANGBASE=current



Specify base point: Specify a point (1)

Specify rotation angle or [Reference]:

Specify an angle, specify a point, or enter r

Rotation Angle Determines how far an object rotates around the base point.

Reference

Specifies the absolute current rotation angle and desired new rotation angle. You can use the

Reference option to straighten an object or align it with other features in a drawing.

Specify the reference angle <0>: Specify an angle or press ENTER

Specify the new angle:

When you rotate a view port object, the borders of the view port remain parallel to the edges of

the drawing area.

MIRROR Command line: mirror

Select objects: Use an object selection method and press ENTER to finish

Specify first point of mirror line: Specify a point (1)

Specify second point of mirror line: Specify a point (2)

The two specified points become the endpoints of a line about which the selected objects are

reflected. In 3D, this line orients a mirroring plane perpendicular to the XY plane of the user

coordinate system (UCS) containing the mirror line.

Delete source objects? [Yes/No] <N>: Enter y or n, or press ENTER

Yes

Places the reflected image into the drawing and deletes the original objects.

No

Places the reflected image into the drawing and retains the original objects.


Use the MIRRTEXT system variable to control whether text objects are mirrored. The default

setting of MIRRTEXT is on (1), which causes a text object to be mirrored just as any other

object is. When MIRRTEXT is off (0), text is not mirrored.

ARRAY Command line: array

Select objects:

Enter the type of array [Rectangular/Polar] <current>:

Options:

Rectangular

Polar

LENGTHEN

Command line: lengthen

Select an object or [DElta/Percent/Total/DYnamic]:

Select one object or enter an option

Options:

Object Selection

Delta

Percent

Total

Dynamic

INQUIRY COMMANDS

Displays a variety of information regarding the drawing and the objects it contains and

some of the inquiry commands are status, list, dblist, id, area, and time.

STATUS

Command line: status (or 'status for transparent use)

All coordinates and distances are displayed by STATUS in the format specified by UNITS.

STATUS reports the number of objects in the current drawing. This includes graphical objects

such as arcs and polylines, and nongraphical objects such as layers and line types, and block

definitions. When used at the DIM prompt, STATUS reports the values and descriptions of all

dimensioning system variables.


LIST Command line: list

Select objects: Use an object selection method

AutoCAD lists the object type, object layer, and X, Y, Z position relative to the current user

coordinate system (UCS) and whether the object is in model space or paper space.

LIST reports color, line type, and line weight information if they are not set to BYLAYER. The

thickness of an object is displayed if it is nonzero. Z coordinate information defines the

elevation. If the extrusion direction of the entry differs from the Z axis (0,0,1) of the current

UCS, LIST also reports the extrusion direction in UCS coordinates.

LIST reports additional information related to the specific object selected.

DBLIST Command line: dblist

The text window displays information about each object in the current drawing. AutoCAD

pauses when the window fills with information. Press ENTER to resume output, or press ESC to

cancel.

I-D Command line: id (or 'id for transparent use)

Says the user coordinate system (UCS) coordinate values of a location on the command

line. If you snap to an object in 3D space, the Z coordinate value is the same as that of the

selected feature of the object.

ID defines the specified point as the last point. You can reference the last point by entering @ at

the next prompt that requests a point.

AREA Command line: area

Specify first corner point or [Object/Add/Subtract]:


Options:

First Corner Point

Object

Add

Subtract

TIME Command line: time (or 'time for transparent use)


DIMENSIONING COMMANDS

A precise drawing plotted to scale often does not convey enough information for builders

to construct your design. Usually we have to add annotation showing the object measurements

and distances and angles between objects.

Dimensioning is the process of adding measurement annotation to a drawing. AutoCAD

provides many ways to dimension any objects, which creates dimensions for a wide variety of

objects shapes in many different orientations. We can create dimension styles to format

dimensions quickly and ensure that dimensions in your conform to industry or project standards.

Dim Command line: dim

Dim: Enter a Dimensioning mode command

The Dim prompt indicates that you're in Dimensioning mode. In Dimensioning mode, you can

use a special set of dimensioning commands instead of the main dimension commands. The

following commands are available only from Dimensioning mode.

Dimensioning mode commands

Command Description

EXIT Exits Dimensioning mode and returns to the Command prompt

REDRAW Redraws the current view port

STYLE Changes the current text style

UNDO or U Erases the most recently created dimension objects and undoes any new

dimension system variable setting When you exit Dimension mode, UNDO

reverses the effects of the entire dimension session

UPDATE Updates dimension objects with the current settings of the dimension style and

units

Dimensioning mode

Command Equivalent AutoCAD

ALIGNED DIMALIGNED

ANGULAR DIMANGULAR

BASELINE DIMCENTER

CONTINUE DIMCONTINUE

DIAMETER DIMDIAMETER

HOMETEXT DIMEDIT Home

HORIZONTAL DIMLINEAR Horizontal

LEADER LEADER


NEWTEXT DIMEDIT Text

OBLIQUE DIMEDIT Oblique

ORDINATE DIMORDINATE

OVERRIDE DIMOVERRIDE

RADIUS DIMRADIUS

RESTORE DIMSTYLE Restore

ROTATED DIMLINEAR

SAVE DIMSTYLE Save

STATUS DIMSTYLE Status

TEDIT DIMTEDIT

TROTATE DIMEDIT Rotate

UPDATE DIMSTYLE Apply

VARIABLES DIMSTYLE Variables

VERTICAL DIMLINEAR Vertical

TEXT COMMANDS

Text conveys the important information in the drawing. Text is used for title blocks,

label parts, for specifications, for annotations. Auto CAD provides various ways to create text,

line text, multiline text.

Some of text commands used are :

TEXT,DDEDIT,MTEXT,,STYLE,FIND,SPELL,OPTIONS,

Command line: text

Current text style: current

Text height: current

Specify start point of text or [Justify/Style]:

Specify a point or enter an option

Justification:

If TEXT was the last command entered, pressing ENTER at the Specify Start Point of Text

prompt skips the prompts for height and rotation angle and immediately displays the Enter Text

prompt. The text is placed directly beneath the previous line of text. The point specified at the

prompt is also stored as the Insertion Point object snap.

When QTEXT (Quick Text) is on, AutoCAD displays each text and attribute object as a

bounding box around the text object. Turning QTEXT mode on reduces the time it takes

AutoCAD to redraw and regenerate drawings that contain many text objects.


Command line: qtext (or 'qtext for transparent use)

Enter mode [ON/OFF] <current>: Enter on or off, or press ENTER

MTEXT Command line: mtext

Specify first corner:

Current text style: current Text height: current Line Spacing: current

Specify opposite corner or [Height/Justify/Line spacing/Rotation/Style/Width]:

For information about these command line options, see "MTEXT Command Line."

After you specify the point for the opposite corner, AutoCAD displays the Multiline Text Editor.

If you enter -mtext at the Command prompt, MTEXT bypasses the Multiline Text Editor and

displays additional prompts on the command line.

Options:

Creating Special Unicode Characters

Using Control Codes and Special Characters

Command line: style (or 'style for transparent use)

AutoCAD displays the Text Style dialog box.

If you enter -style at the Command prompt, STYLE displays prompts on the command line.

BLOCK Command line: block

AutoCAD displays the Block Definition dialog box.

If you enter –block at the Command prompt, BLOCK displays prompts on the command line.

INSERT Command line: insert

AutoCAD displays the Insert dialog box.

If you enter -insert at the Command prompt, INSERT displays prompts on the command line.

MINSERT Command line: minsert

Enter block name or [?]: Enter a name, enter ? to list the currently defined blocks in the

drawing, or enter ~

NOTE You cannot precede the name of a block with an asterisk to explode the block's objects

during insertion, as you can with INSERT.

Entering a tilde (~) displays the Select Drawing File dialog box (a standard file selection dialog

box).

Specify insertion point or [Scale/X/Y/Z/Rotate/PScale/PX/PY/PZ/PRotate]: Specify a point or

enter an option


Options at the insertion point preset the scale and rotation of a block before you specify its

position. Presetting is useful for dragging a block using a scale factor and a rotation other than 1

or 0. If you enter one of the options, respond to the AutoCAD prompts by specifying a distance

for the scale options or an angle for rotation.

BASE Command line: base (or 'base for transparent use)

Enter base point <current>: Specify a point or press ENTER

EXPLODE Command line: explode


selecting objects

All Explodable Objects

Produces object geometry that may look the same, but the color, line type, and line weight of the

object may change.

Exploding a block that contains attributes deletes the attribute values and redisplays the attribute

definitions.

Blocks inserted with MINSERT and external references (xrefs) and their dependent blocks

cannot be exploded.

2D and Lightweight Polyline

Discards any associated width or tangent information.

Wide Polyline

Places the resulting lines and arcs along the center of the polyline. AutoCAD discards

any associated width or tangent information.

3D Polyline

Explodes into line segments. Any linetype assigned to the 3D polyline is applied to each

resulting line segment.

Leaders

Explodes into lines, splines, solids (arrow heads), block inserts (arrow heads, annotation

blocks), mtext, or tolerance objects, depending on the leader.


Mtext

Explodes into text entities.

Multiline

Explodes into lines and arcs.

3D Solid

Explodes planar surfaces into regions. Nonplanar surfaces explode into bodies.

Region

Explodes into lines, arcs, or splines.

Creates, loads, and sets line types

Line characteristics consist of combinations of dashes, dots, and spaces. You can use

LINETYPE to load line type definitions from a line type library (LIN) file, make a line type

current, or modify line type scales.

Command line: line type (or 'line type for transparent use)

AutoCAD displays the Line type Manager.

If you enter -linetype at the Command prompt, LINETYPE displays prompts on the command

line.

Command line: sketch

Record increment <current>: Specify a distance or press ENTER

The record increment value defines the length of the line segments. The pointing device must be

moved a distance greater than the increment value to generate a line.

AutoCAD captures sketching as a series of independent lines. Setting the SKPOLY system

variable to a nonzero value produces a polyline for each contiguous sequence of sketched lines

rather than multiple line objects.

Sketch. Pen eXit Quit Record Erase Connect. Enter an option or press a pointer button

Pen (Pick Button)

Raises and lowers the sketching pen. The pen must be raised before you can select menu items

with the pointing device.

Exit—ENTER (button 3)

Records and reports the number of temporary lines sketched and ends the command.


Quit (button 4)

Discards all temporary lines sketched since the start of SKETCH or the last use of the Record

option, and ends the command.

Record (button 2)

Records temporary lines as permanent and does not change the pen's position. Reports the

number of lines using the following prompt:

nnn lines recorded.

Erase (button 5)

Erases any portion of a temporary line and raises the pen if it is down.

Select end of delete.

Connect (button 6)

Lowers the pen to continue a sketch sequence from the endpoint of the last sketched line or last

Erase.

Connect: Move to endpoint of line.

. (Period) (button 1)

Lowers the pen, draws a straight line from the endpoint of the last sketched line to the pen's

current location, and returns the pen to the up position.

Command line: lweight (or 'lweight for transparent use)

AutoCAD displays the Lineweight Settings dialog box.

If you enter -lweight at the Command prompt, LWEIGHT displays prompts on the command

line.

Command line: color (or 'color for transparent use)

AutoCAD displays the Select Color dialog box.

If you enter -color at the Command prompt, COLOR displays prompts on the command line.

Command line: chprop

Select objects:

Enter property to change [Color/LAyer/LType/ltScale/LWeight/Thickness/PLotstyle]:


If you select several objects with different values for the property you want to change, AutoCAD

displays varies as the current value.

Options: Color

Layer

Ltype

Ltscale

Lweight

Thickness

Plotstyle

Command line: properties

AutoCAD displays the Properties window. The Properties window is the main method for

viewing and modifying properties of AutoCAD objects. You can also view or modify properties

of third-party application objects that are based on AutoCAD Application Programming

Interface (API) standards. For more information on using the Properties window, see "Using the

Properties Window" in chapter 9, "Editing Methods," in the User's Guide.

There are eight general properties common to all objects. See "General Properties of AutoCAD

Objects." All other object properties are specific to the type of AutoCAD object, and are

described in the following sections:

Properties window with no objects selected

Command line: hatch

Enter a pattern name or [?/Solid/User defined] <current>: Enter a predefined or custom pattern

name, enter an option, or press ENTER

Use BHATCH to create hatches and fills in a dialog box and to create associative hatches.

Options:

Pattern Name—Predefined or Custom

?—List Pattern Names

Solid

User-Defined Pattern

Hatch Style Codes

Command line: bhatch

AutoCAD displays the Boundary Hatch dialog box.

If you enter -bhatch at the Command prompt, BHATCH displays prompts on the command line.


Command line: hatchedit

Select associative hatch object: Use an object selection method

AutoCAD displays the Hatch Edit dialog box.

If you enter -hatchedit at the Command prompt, HATCHEDIT displays prompts on the

command line.

SURFACES COMMAND:

Command line: revsurf

Current wire frame density: SURFTAB1=current : SURFTAB2=current

Select object to revolve: Select a line, arc, circle, or 2D or 3D polyline

Select object that defines axis of revolution: Select a line or open 2D or 3D polyline

The path curve is swept about the selected axis to define the surface. The path curve defines the

N direction of the surface mesh. Selecting a circle or a closed polyline as the path curve closes

the mesh in the N direction.

The vector from a polyline's first vertex to its last vertex determines the rotation axis. Any

intermediate vertices are ignored. The axis of revolution determines the M direction of the mesh.

Specify start angle <0>: Enter a value or press ENTER


Specify included angle (+=ccw, -=cw) <360>: Enter a value or press ENTER

Start Angle

If set to a nonzero value, begins the surface of revolution at an offset from the generating path

curve.

Included Angle

Specifies how far about the axis of revolution the surface extends.

Specifying a start angle begins the surface of revolution at an offset from the generating path

curve. The included angle is the distance through which the path curve is swept.

Entering an included angle that is less than a full circle prevents the circle from closing.

The point you use to select the axis of revolution affects the direction of revolution. Each of the

surfaces in the examples below was created by specifying a start angle of 0 degrees and an

included angle of 90 degrees.

The density of the generated mesh is controlled by the SURFTAB1 and SURFTAB2 system

variables. SURFTAB1 specifies the number of tabulation lines that are drawn in the direction of

revolution. If the path curve is a line, arc, circle, or spline-fit polyline, SURFTAB2 specifies the

number of tabulation lines that are drawn to divide it into equal-sized intervals. If the path curve

is a polyline that has not been spline fit, tabulation lines are drawn at the ends of straight

segments, and each arc segment is divided into the number of intervals specified by SURFTAB2.

Command line: edgesurf

Current wire frame density: SURFTAB1=current SURFTAB2=current

Select object 1 for surface edge:




You must select the four adjoining edges that define the surface patch. The edges can be lines,

arcs, splines, or open 2D or 3D polylines. The edges must touch at their endpoints to form a

topologically rectangular closed path.


You can select the four edges in any order. The first edge (SURFTAB1) determines the M

direction of the generated mesh, which extends from the endpoint closest to the selection point to

the other end. The two edges that touch the first edge form the N edges (SURFTAB2) of the

mesh.

Command line: tabsurf Select object for path curve:


The path curve defines the surface of the polygon mesh. It can be a line, arc, circle, ellipse, or 2D

or 3D polyline. AutoCAD draws the surface starting at the point on the path curve closest to the

selection point.

Select object for direction vector: Select a line or open polyline

AutoCAD considers only the first and last points on a polyline, ignoring intermediate vertices.

The direction vector indicates the direction and length of the shape to be extruded. The end

selected on the polyline or line determines the direction of the extrusion. The original path curve

is drawn with wide lines to help you visualize how the direction vector dictates the construction

of a tabulated surface.

TABSURF constructs a 2 × n polygon mesh, where n is determined by the SURFTAB1 system

variable. The M direction of the mesh is always 2 and lies along the direction vector. The N

direction lies along the path curve. If the path curve is a line, arc, circle, ellipse, or spline-fit

polyline, AutoCAD draws tabulation lines that divide the path curve into intervals of equal size

set by SURFTAB1. If the path curve is a polyline that has not been spline fit, AutoCAD draws

tabulation lines at the ends of straight segments, and each arc segment is divided into intervals

set by SURFTAB1.

Command line: rulesurf

Select first defining curve:

Select second defining curve:

The objects you select define the edges of the ruled surface. The objects can be points, lines,

splines, circles, arcs, or polylines. If one of the boundaries is closed, then the other boundary

must also be closed. You can use a point as the other boundary for either an open or a closed

curve, but only one of the boundary curves can be a point. The 0,0 vertex is the endpoint of each

curve nearest the point you used to select that curve.

For closed curves, the selection does not matter. If the curve is a circle, the ruled surface begins

at the 0-degree quadrant point, as determined by the current X axis plus the current value of the

SNAPANG system variable. For closed polylines, the ruled surface starts at the last vertex and

proceeds backward along the segments of the polyline. Creating a ruled surface between a circle

and a closed polyline can be confusing. Substituting a closed semicircular polyline for the circle

might be preferable.


The ruled surface is constructed as a 2 × N polygon mesh. RULESURF places half the mesh

vertices at equal intervals along one defining curve, and the other half at equal intervals along the

other curve. The number of intervals is specified by the SURFTAB1 system variable. It is the

same for each curve; therefore, the distance between the vertices along the two curves differs if

the curves are of different lengths.

The N direction of the mesh is along the boundary curves. If both boundaries are closed, or if one

is closed and the other is a point, the resulting polygon mesh is closed in the N direction and N

equals SURFTAB1. If both boundaries are open, N equals SURFTAB1 + 1, because division of

a curve into n parts requires n + 1 tabulations.

Selecting objects at the same ends creates a polygon mesh.

Selecting objects at opposite ends creates a self-intersecting polygon mesh.

SOLIDS:

Command line: vpoint

Specify a view point or [Rotate] <display compass and tripod>: Specify a point, enter r, or press

ENTER to display a compass and axis tripod

View Point

Using the X,Y,Z coordinate you enter, creates a vector that defines a direction from which the

drawing can be viewed. The view defined is as if the viewer were looking back at the origin

(0,0,0) from space.

Rotate

Specifies a new direction using two angles.


Enter angle in XY plane from X axis <current>: Specify an angle

The first angle is specified with respect to the X axis, in the XY plane.

Enter angle from XY plane <current>: Specify an angle

The second angle is specified up or down from the XY plane.

Compass and Axis Tripod

Displays a compass and axis tripod, which you use to define a viewing direction in the viewport.

The compass in the upper-right portion of the screen is a two-dimensional representation of a

globe. The center point is the north pole (0,0,n), the inner ring is the equator (n,n,0), and the

entire outer ring is the south pole (0,0,–n). Crosshairs appear on the compass. You can move the

crosshairs to any portion of the globe with the pointing device. As you move the crosshairs, the

axis tripod rotates to conform to the viewing direction indicated on the compass. To select a

viewing direction, move the crosshairs to a location on the globe and click.

Command line: dview

Select objects or <use DVIEWBLOCK>:

If you select objects, they are dragged in the preview image as you change views. Selecting

many objects slows image dragging and updating.

If you press ENTER at the Select Objects prompt, AutoCAD uses DVIEWBLOCK for the

preview image. You can create your own DVIEWBLOCK block in a 1×1×1-unit area, with its

origin at the lower-left corner. The following illustration shows the default DVIEWBLOCK;

moving the crosshairs adjusts the view.

After you select objects or press ENTER to use DVIEWBLOCK, AutoCAD prompts you to

enter an option.


Enter option

[CAmera/TArget/Distance/POints/PAn/Zoom/TWist/CLip/Hide/Off/Undo]: Specify a point

with your pointing device, or enter an option

Options:

Point Specification

Camera

Target

Distance

Points

Pan

Zoom

Twist

Clip

Hide

Off

Undo

Command line: ucs

Enter an option [New/Move/orthoGraphic/Prev/Restore/Save/Del/Apply/?/World] <World>:

Options:

New

Move

Orthographic

Prev

Restore

Save

Del

Apply

?—List UCSs

World

Command line: region


Closed polylines, lines, and curves are valid selections. Curves include circular arcs, circles,

elliptical arcs, ellipses, and splines.

AutoCAD converts closed 2D and exploded planar 3D polylines in the selection set to separate

regions and then converts polylines, lines, and curves to form closed planar loops (outer


boundaries and holes of a region). If more than two curves share an endpoint, the resulting region

might be arbitrary.

The boundary of the region consists of end-connected curves where each point shares only two

edges. AutoCAD rejects all intersections and self-intersecting curves.

If a selected polyline has been smoothed by either the Spline or Fit options of PEDIT, the

resulting region contains the line or arc geometry of the smoothed polyline. The polyline is not

converted to a spline object.

AutoCAD applies the current layer, linetype, lineweight, and color to the region. AutoCAD

deletes the original objects after converting them to regions unless the system variable DELOBJ

is set to 0. If the original objects were hatched, hatch associativity is lost. To restore

associativity, rehatch the region.

Command line: extrude

Current wire frame density: ISOLINES=current

Select objects:

You can extrude planar 3D faces, closed polylines, polygons, circles, ellipses, closed splines,

donuts, and regions. You cannot extrude objects contained within a block or polylines that have

crossing or self-intersecting segments.

A polyline must contain at least 3 but not more than 500 vertices. If a selected polyline has

width, AutoCAD ignores the width and extrudes from the center of the polyline path. If a

selected object has thickness, AutoCAD ignores the thickness.

Specify height of extrusion or [Path]: Specify a distance or enter p .

Options:

Height of Extrusion

Path

Command line: revolve

Current wire frame density: ISOLINES=current



REVOLVE ignores the width of a polyline and revolves from the center of the path of the

polyline.

Specify start point for axis of revolution or define axis by [Object/X (axis)/Y (axis)]: Specify a

point (1) or enter an option

Start Point of Axis

Specifies the first and second points of the axis of revolution. The positive axis direction is from

the first to the second point.

Specify endpoint of axis: Specify a point (2)

Specify angle of revolution <360>: Specify an angle or press ENTER

AutoCAD revolves individual loops of the region to the specified angle.


Object

Selects an existing line or single segment of a polyline that defines the axis about which to

revolve the object. The positive axis direction is from the closest to the farthest endpoint of this

line.

Select an object: Use an object selection method


X

Uses the positive X axis of the current UCS as the positive axis direction.


Y

Uses the positive Y axis of the current UCS as the positive axis direction.


Command line: slice


AutoCAD ignores regions in the current selection set.

Specify first point on slicing plane by [Object/Zaxis/View/XY/YZ/ZX/3points] <3points>:

Specify a point (1), enter an option, or press ENTER


Options: First Point, 3 Points

Object

Z Axis

View

XY

YZ

ZX

Command line: section


Specify first point on Section plane by [Object/Zaxis/View/XY/YZ/ZX] <3points>: Specify a

point (1) or enter an option

First Point, 3 Points


Uses three points to define the sectioning plane. After you specify the first point, AutoCAD

displays the following prompts:

Specify second point on plane: Specify a point (2)

Specify third point on plane: Specify a point (3)

Object

Aligns the sectioning plane with a circle, ellipse, circular or elliptical arc, 2D spline, or 2D

polyline segment.

Select a circle, ellipse, arc, 2D-spline, or 2D-polyline:

Z Axis

Defines the sectioning plane by specifying a point on the sectioning plane and another point on

the plane's Z axis, or normal.

Specify a point on the section plane: Specify a point (1)

Specify a point on the Z-axis (normal) of the plane: Specify a point (2)

View

Aligns the sectioning plane with the current viewport's viewing plane. Specifying a point defines

the location of the sectioning plane.

Specify a point on the current view plane <0,0,0>: Specify a point (1) or press ENTER

XY

Aligns the sectioning plane with the XY plane of the current UCS. Specifying a point defines the

location of the sectioning plane.

Specify a point on the XY-plane <0,0,0>: Specify a point (1) or press ENTER

YZ

Aligns the sectioning plane with the YZ plane of the current UCS. Specifying a point defines the


Specify a point on the YZ-plane <0,0,0>: Specify a point (1) or press ENTER

ZX


Aligns the sectioning plane with the ZX plane of the current UCS. Specifying a point defines the


Specify a point on the ZX-plane <0,0,0>: Specify a point (1) or press ENTER

Command line: align

Select objects: Select the objects you want to align and press ENTER

ALIGN Using One Pair of Points

Specify first source point: Specify a point (1)

Specify first destination point: Specify a point (2)

Specify second source point: Press ENTER

When you select only one source point and destination point pair, the selected objects move in

2D or 3D from the source point (1) to the destination point (2).

ALIGN Using Two Pairs of Points



Specify second source point: Specify a point (3)

Specify second destination point: Specify a point (4)

Specify third source point: Press ENTER

Scale objects based on alignment points [Yes/No] <No>: Enter y or press ENTER

When you select two point pairs, you can move, rotate, and scale the selected objects in 2D or

3D to align with other objects.

The first set of source and destination points defines the base point for the alignment (1, 2). The

second set of points defines the angle of rotation (3, 4).


After you enter the second set of points, AutoCAD prompts you to scale the object. AutoCAD

uses the distance between the first and second destination points (2, 4) as the reference length to

which the object is scaled. Scaling is available only when you are aligning objects using two

point pairs.

NOTE If you use two source and destination points to perform a 3D alignment on

nonperpendicular working planes, you get unpredictable results.

ALIGN Using Three Pairs of Points



Specify second source point: Specify a point (3)

Specify second destination point: Specify a point (4)

Specify third source point: Specify a point (5)

Specify third destination point: Specify a point (6)

When you select three point pairs, you can move and rotate the selected objects in 3D to align

with other objects.

The selected objects move from the source point (1) to the destination point (2).

The selected object is rotated (1 and 3) so that it aligns with the destination object (2 and 4).


The selected object is then rotated again (3 and 5) so that it aligns with the destination object (4

and 6).

Command line: shademode

Enter option [2D wireframe/3D wireframe/Hidden/Flat/Gouraud/fLat+edges/ gOuraud+edges]

<current>: Enter an option

2D Wireframe

Displays the objects using lines and curves to represent the boundaries. Raster and OLE objects,

linetypes, and lineweights are visible. Even if the value for the COMPASS system variable is set

to 1, it does not appear in the 2D Wireframe view.

3D Wireframe

Displays the objects using lines and curves to represent the boundaries. Displays a shaded 3D

UCS icon. Raster and OLE objects, linetypes, and lineweights are not visible. You can set the

COMPASS system variable to 1 to view the compass. Material colors that you have applied to

the objects are shown.

Hidden

Displays the objects using 3D wireframe representation and hides lines representing back faces.

Flat Shaded

Shades the objects between the polygon faces. The objects appear flatter and less smooth than

Gouraud-shaded objects. Materials that you have applied to the objects show when the objects

are flat shaded.

Gouraud Shaded

Shades the objects and smooths the edges between polygon faces. This gives the objects a

smooth, realistic appearance. Materials that you have applied to the objects show when the

objects are Gouraud shaded.

Flat Shaded, Edges On

Combines the Flat Shaded and Wireframe options. The objects are flat shaded with the

wireframe showing through.

Gouraud Shaded, Edges On

Combines the Gouraud Shaded and Wireframe options. The objects are Gouraud shaded with the

wireframe showing through.


1`SOLID EDITING:

Command line: solidedit

Solids editing automatic checking: SOLIDCHECK=current

Enter a solids editing option

[Face/Edge/Body/Undo/eXit] <eXit>: Enter an option or press ENTER

Options:

Face

Edge

Body

Undo

Exit

BOOLEAN OPERATION:

Command line: union

Select objects: Use an object selection method and press ENTER when you finish selecting

objects

The selection set can contain regions and solids that lie in any number of arbitrary planes.

AutoCAD divides the selection sets into subsets that are joined separately. Solids are grouped in

the first subset. The first selected region and all subsequent coplanar regions are grouped in the

second set. The next region that is not coplanar with the first region and all subsequent coplanar

regions are grouped in the third set, and so on until all regions belong to a subset.

The resulting composite solid includes the volume enclosed by all of the selected solids. Each of

the resulting composite regions encloses the area of all regions in a subset.


Command line: subtract

Select the regions or solids from which AutoCAD subtracts area or volume.

Select solids and regions to subtract from...


Select the regions or solids to subtract from the first selection set.

Select solids and regions to subtract...


AutoCAD subtracts the selected objects from each subset of the selection set. A single new

composite solid or region is created for each subset.


AutoCAD divides the selection sets into subsets that are joined separately. Solids are grouped in

the first subset. The first selected region and all subsequent coplanar regions are grouped in the

second set. The next region that is not coplanar with the first region and all subsequent coplanar

regions are grouped in the third set, and so on until all regions belong to a subset.

AutoCAD rejects selected source regions for which there are no other selected coplanar regions.

Command line: interfere

Select the first set of solids: Use an object selection method

INTERFERE highlights 3D solids that overlap. If you define a single selection set, AutoCAD

checks all the solids in the set against one another. If you define two selection sets, AutoCAD

checks the solids in the first selection set against those in the second selection set. If you include

the same 3D solid in both selection sets, AutoCAD considers the 3D solid part of the first

selection set and ignores it in the second selection set.


Select the second set of solids: Use an object selection method or press ENTER

Pressing ENTER begins the interference testing of pairs of 3D solids. AutoCAD highlights all

interfering 3D solids and displays the number of interfering 3D solids and interfering pairs.

Create interference solids? [Yes/No] <N>: Enter y or n, or press ENTER

Entering y creates and highlights new 3D solids on the current layer that are the intersections of

the interfering pairs of 3D solids.

If there are more than two interfering 3D solids, it may not be clear which pairs are interfering if

all the interfering 3D solids are highlighted at once.

Highlight pairs of interfering solids? [Yes/No] <N>: Enter y or n, or press ENTER

If there is more than one interfering pair, AutoCAD displays the following prompt:

Enter an option [Next pair/eXit] <Next>: Enter x or n, or press ENTER

Entering n or pressing ENTER cycles through the interfering pairs of 3D solids. Entering x ends

the command.


Command line: intersect


You may select only regions and solids for use with INTERSECT.


AutoCAD divides the selection set into subsets and tests for intersections within each subset. The

first subset contains all the solids in the selection set. The second subset contains the first

selected region and all subsequent coplanar regions. The third subset contains the next region

that is not coplanar with the first region and all subsequent coplanar regions, and so on until all

regions belong to a subset.

Command line: rotate3d


Specify first point on axis or define axis by [Object/Last/View/Xaxis/Yaxis/Zaxis/2points]:

Specify a point, enter an option, or press ENTER

Options:

First Point, 2 Points

Object

Last

View

X Axis, Y Axis, Z Axis


VARIOUS OPERATION WITH FACES

RENDER Creates a photorealistic or realistically shaded image of a three-dimensional wireframe or solid

model

RENDER produces an image using information from a scene, the current selection set, or the

current view.

A scene is a combination of a named view and one or more lights. If a scene is specified,

RENDER uses the scene's view and light information. If no scene or selection set is specified,

RENDER uses the current view and all the lights in the drawing. If there are no lights, RENDER

assumes a default "over-the-shoulder" distant light source with an intensity of 1.

If the PICKFIRST system variable is on, and the Query for Selection option is selected,

RENDER uses only the current selection set.

Render toolbar:

View menu: Render Render

Command line: render

AutoCAD displays the Render dialog box, and then opens and minimizes the Render window.

SCENCE

Manages scenes in model space


A scene represents a particular view of all or any portion of the drawing, with or without lights.

A drawing can have an unlimited number of scenes.

Render toolbar:

View menu: Render Scene

Command line: scene

AutoCAD displays the Scenes dialog box.

LIGHTS

Manages lights and lighting effects

You can use light in model space only.

Render toolbar:

View menu: Render Light

Command line: light

AutoCAD displays the Lights dialog box.

HIDING

Command line: hide

HIDE considers circles, solids, traces, regions, wide polyline segments, 3D faces, polygon

meshes, and the extruded edges of objects with nonzero thickness to be opaque surfaces that hide

objects. If they are extruded, AutoCAD treats circles, solids, traces, and wide polyline segments

as solid objects with top and bottom faces. HIDE does not consider frozen layers.

If the DISPSILH system variable is on, HIDE displays 3D solid objects with silhouette edges

only. It won't show the internal edges produced by objects that have facets.


SYSTEM VARIABLES:


AutoCAD COMMANDSAutoCAD COMMANDSAutoCAD COMMANDSAutoCAD COMMANDS

AutoCAD Command List

APERTURE ARC AREA ARRAY

BASE BLIPMODE BLOCK BOX

BREAK CHAMFER CHANGE CHPROP

CIRCLE COLOR CONE COPY

CYLINDER DBLIST ‘DDEMODES ‘DDLMODES

‘DDRMODES DDUCS DIM DIST

DIVIDE DONUT DTEXT DVIEW

EDGESURF ELEV ELLIPSE END

ERASE EXPLODE EXTEND EXTRUDE

FILL FILLET GRID HATCH

‘HELP / ? HIDE ID INSERT

INTERFERENCE

INTERSECT ISOPLANE LAYER

LIMITS LINE LINETYPE LIST

LOAD LTSCALE MASSPROP MEASURE

MINSERT MIRROR MOVE MULTIPLE

OFFSET OOPS ORTHO OSNAP


‘PAN PEDIT PLAN PLINE

PLOT POINT POLYGON PURGE

QTEXT QUIT RECTANG REDO

‘REDRAW ‘REDRAWALL REGEN REGENALL

REVOLVE REVSURF ROTATE RSCRIPT

RULESURF SAVE SCALE SCRIPT

SELECT ‘SETVAR SHAPE SHELL / SH

SKETCH SLICE SNAP SOLID

SPHERE STATUS STRETCH STYLE

SUBTRACT TABLET TABSURF TEXT

TIME TORUS TRACE TRIM

U UCS UCSICON UNDO

UNION UNITS ‘VIEW VIEWPORTS

VIEWRES VPOINT VPORTS VSLIDE

WBLOCK WEDGE ‘ZOOM 3DFACE

3DMECH 3DPOLY


AUTOCAD COMMANDS – QUICK REFERENCE

3D Creates three-dimensional polygon mesh objects

3DARRAY Creates a three-dimensional array

3DCLIP Invokes the interactive 3D view and opens the Adjust Clipping Planes

window

3DCORBIT Invokes the interactive 3D view and enables you to set the objects in the

3D view into continuous motion

3DDISTANCE Invokes the interactive 3D view and makes objects appear closer or farther

away

3DFACE Creates a three-dimensional face

3DMESH Creates a free-form polygon mesh

3DORBIT Controls the interactive viewing of objects in 3D

3DPAN Invokes the interactive 3D view and enables you to drag the view

horizontally and vertically

3DPOLY Creates a polyline with straight line segments using the CONTINUOUS

linetype in three-dimensional space

3DSIN Imports a 3D Studio (3DS) file

3DSOUT Exports to a 3D Studio (3DS) file

3DSWIVEL Invokes the interactive 3D view and simulates the effect of turning the

camera

3DZOOM Invokes the interactive 3D view so you can zoom in and out on the view

A

ABOUT Displays information about AutoCAD

ACISIN Imports an ACIS file

ACISOUT Exports AutoCAD solid objects to an ACIS file

ADCCLOSE Closes AutoCAD DesignCenter

ADCENTER Manages content


ADCNAVIGATE Directs the Desktop in AutoCAD DesignCenter to the file name, directory

location, or network path you specify

ALIGN Aligns objects with other objects in 2D and 3D

AMECONVERT Converts AME solid models to AutoCAD solid objects

APERTURE Controls the size of the object snap target box

APPLOAD Loads and unloads applications and defines which applications to load at

startup

ARC Creates an arc

AREA Calculates the area and perimeter of objects or of defined areas

ARRAY Creates multiple copies of objects in a pattern

ARX Loads, unloads, and provides information about ObjectARX applications

ATTDEF Creates an attribute definition

ATTDISP Globally controls attribute visibility

ATTEDIT Changes attribute information

ATTEXT Extracts attribute data

ATTREDEF Redefines a block and updates associated attributes

AUDIT Evaluates the integrity of a drawing

B

BACKGROUND Sets up the background for your scene

BASE Sets the insertion base point for the current drawing

BHATCH Fills an enclosed area or selected objects with a hatch pattern

BLIPMODE Controls the display of marker blips

BLOCK Creates a block definition from objects you select

BLOCKICON Generates preview images for blocks created with Release 14 or earlier

BMPOUT Saves selected objects to a file in device-independent bitmap format

BOUNDARY Creates a region or a polyline from an enclosed area

BOX Creates a three-dimensional solid box

BREAK Erases parts of objects or splits an object in two

BROWSER Launches the default Web browser defined in your system's registry

C

CAL Evaluates mathematical and geometric expressions

CAMERA Sets a different camera and target location

CHAMFER Bevels the edges of objects

CHANGE Changes the properties of existing objects

CHPROP Changes the color, layer, linetype, linetype scale factor, lineweight,

thickness, and plot style of an object

CIRCLE Creates a circle

CLOSE Closes the current drawing

COLOR Defines color for new objects

COMPILE Compiles shape files and PostScript font files

CONE Creates a three-dimensional solid cone


CONVERT Optimizes 2D polylines and associative hatches created in AutoCAD

Release 13 or earlier

COPY Duplicates objects

COPYBASE Copies objects with a specified base point

COPYCLIP Copies objects to the Clipboard

COPYHIST Copies the text in the command line history to the Clipboard

COPYLINK Copies the current view to the Clipboard for linking to other OLE

applications

CUTCLIP Copies objects to the Clipboard and erases the objects from the drawing

CYLINDER Creates a three-dimensional solid cylinder

D

DBCCLOSE Closes the dbConnect Manager

DBCONNECT Provides an AutoCAD interface to external database tables

DBLIST Lists database information for each object in the drawing

DDEDIT Edits text and attribute definitions

DDPTYPE Specifies the display mode and size of point objects

DDVPOINT Sets the three-dimensional viewing direction

DELAY Provides a timed pause within a script

DIM AND DIM1 Accesses Dimensioning mode

DIMALIGNED Creates an aligned linear dimension

DIMANGULAR Creates an angular dimension

DIMBASELINE Creates a linear, angular, or ordinate dimension from the baseline of the

previous dimension or a selected dimension

DIMCENTER Creates the center mark or the centerlines of circles and arcs

DIMCONTINUE Creates a linear, angular, or ordinate dimension from the second extension

line of the previous dimension or a selected dimension

DIMDIAMETER Creates diameter dimensions for circles and arcs

DIMEDIT Edits dimensions

DIMLINEAR Creates linear dimensions

DIMORDINATE Creates ordinate point dimensions

DIMOVERRIDE Overrides dimension system variables

DIMRADIUS Creates radial dimensions for circles and arcs

DIMSTYLE Creates and modifies dimension styles

DIMTEDIT Moves and rotates dimension text

DIST Measures the distance and angle between two points

DIVIDE Places evenly spaced point objects or blocks along the length or perimeter

of an object


DONUT Draws filled circles and rings

DRAGMODE Controls the way AutoCAD displays dragged objects

DRAWORDER Changes the display order of images and other objects

DSETTINGS Specifies settings for Snap mode, grid, and polar and object snap tracking

DSVIEWER Opens the Aerial View window

DVIEW Defines parallel projection or perspective views

DWGPROPS Sets and displays the properties of the current drawing

DXBIN Imports specially coded binary files

E

EDGE Changes the visibility of three-dimensional face edges

EDGESURF Creates a three-dimensional polygon mesh

ELEV Sets elevation and extrusion thickness properties of new objects

ELLIPSE Creates an ellipse or an elliptical arc

ERASE Removes objects from a drawing

EXPLODE Breaks a compound object into its component objects

EXPORT Saves objects to other file formats

EXPRESSTOOLS Activates the installed AutoCAD Express Tools if currently unavailable

EXTEND Extends an object to meet another object

EXTRUDE Creates unique solid primitives by extruding existing two-dimensional

objects

F

FILL Controls the filling of multilines, traces, solids, all hatches, and wide

polylines

FILLET Rounds and fillets the edges of objects

FILTER Creates reusable filters to select objects based on properties

FIND Finds, replaces, selects, or zooms to specified text

FOG Provides visual cues for the apparent distance of objects

G

GRAPHSCR Switches from the text window to the drawing area

GRID Displays a dot grid in the current viewport

GROUP Creates a named selection set of objects


H

HATCH Fills a specified boundary with a pattern

HATCHEDIT Modifies an existing hatch object

HELP (F1) Displays online help

HIDE Regenerates a three-dimensional model with hidden lines suppressed

HYPERLINK Attaches a hyperlink to a graphical object or modifies an existing

hyperlink

HYPERLINKOPTIONS Controls the visibility of the hyperlink cursor and the display of

hyperlink tooltips

I

ID Displays the coordinate values of a location

IMAGE Manages images

IMAGEADJUST Controls the image display of the brightness, contrast, and fade values of

images

IMAGEATTACH Attaches a new image to the current drawing

IMAGECLIP Creates new clipping boundaries for an image object

IMAGEFRAME Controls whether AutoCAD displays the image frame or hides it from

view

IMAGEQUALITY Controls the display quality of images

IMPORT Imports files in various formats into AutoCAD

INSERT Places a named block or drawing into the current drawing

INSERTOBJ Inserts a linked or embedded object

INTERFERE Creates a composite 3D solid from the common volume of two or more

solids

INTERSECT Creates composite solids or regions from the intersection of two or more

solids or regions and removes the areas outside of the intersection

ISOPLANE Specifies the current isometric plane

L

LAYER Manages layers and layer properties

LAYOUT Creates a new layout and renames, copies, saves, or deletes an existing

layout

LAYOUTWIZARD Starts the Layout wizard, in which you can designate page and plot

settings for a new layout

LEADER Creates a line that connects annotation to a feature


LENGTHEN Lengthens an object

LIGHT Manages lights and lighting effects

LIMITS Sets and controls the drawing boundaries and grid display

LINE Creates straight line segments

LINETYPE Creates, loads, and sets linetypes

LIST Displays database information for selected objects

LOAD Makes shapes available for use by the SHAPE command

LOGFILEOFF Closes the log file opened by LOGFILEON

LOGFILEON Writes the text window contents to a file

LSEDIT Edits a landscape object

LSLIB Maintains libraries of landscape objects

LSNEW Adds realistic landscape items, such as trees and bushes, to your drawings

LTSCALE Sets the linetype scale factor

LWEIGHT Sets the current lineweight, lineweight display options, and lineweight

units

M

MASSPROP Calculates and displays the mass properties of regions or solids

MATCHPROP Copies the properties from one object to one or more objects

MATLIB Imports and exports materials to and from a library of materials

MEASURE Places point objects or blocks at measured intervals on an object

MENU Loads a menu file

MENULOAD Loads partial menu files

MENUUNLOAD Unloads partial menu files

MINSERT Inserts multiple instances of a block in a rectangular array

MIRROR Creates a mirror image copy of objects

MIRROR3D Creates a mirror image of objects about a plane

MLEDIT Edits multiple parallel lines

MLINE Creates multiple parallel lines

MLSTYLE Defines a style for multiple parallel lines

MODEL Switches from a layout tab to the Model tab and makes it current

MOVE Displaces objects a specified distance in a specified direction

MSLIDE Creates a slide file of the current viewport in model space, or of all

viewports in paper space

MSPACE Switches from paper space to a model space viewport

MTEXT Creates multiline text

MULTIPLE Repeats the next command until canceled

MVIEW Creates floating viewports and turns on existing floating viewports

MVSETUP Sets up the specifications of a drawing

N

NEW Creates a new drawing file

O

OFFSET Creates concentric circles, parallel lines, and parallel curves

OLELINKS Updates, changes, and cancels existing OLE links


OLESCALE Displays the OLE Properties dialog box

OOPS Restores erased objects

OPEN Opens an existing drawing file

OPTIONS Customizes the AutoCAD settings

ORTHO Constrains cursor movement

OSNAP Sets object snap modes

P

PAGESETUP Specifies the layout page, plotting device, paper size, and settings for each

new layout

PAN Moves the drawing display in the current viewport

PARTIALOAD Loads additional geometry into a partially opened drawing

PARTIALOPEN Loads geometry from a selected view or layer into a drawing

PASTEBLOCK Pastes a copied block into a new drawing

PASTECLIP Inserts data from the Clipboard

PASTEORIG Pastes a copied object in a new drawing using the coordinates from the

original drawing

PASTESPEC Inserts data from the Clipboard and controls the format of the data

PCINWIZARD Displays a wizard to import PCP and PC2 configuration file plot settings

into the Model tab or current layout

PEDIT Edits polylines and three-dimensional polygon meshes

PFACE Creates a three-dimensional polyface mesh vertex by vertex

PLAN Displays the plan view of a user coordinate system

PLINE Creates two-dimensional polylines

PLOT Plots a drawing to a plotting device or file

PLOTSTYLE Sets the current plot style for new objects, or the assigned plot style for

selected objects

PLOTTERMANAGER Displays the Plotter Manager, where you can launch the Add-a-

Plotter wizard and the Plotter Configuration Editor

POINT Creates a point object

POLYGON Creates an equilateral closed polyline

PREVIEW Shows how the drawing will look when it is printed or plotted

PROPERTIES Controls properties of existing objects

PROPERTIESCLOSE Closes the Properties window

PSDRAG Controls the appearance of a PostScript image as it is dragged into

position with PSIN

PSETUPIN Imports a user-defined page setup into a new drawing layout

PSFILL Fills a two-dimensional polyline outline with a PostScript pattern

PSIN Imports a PostScript file

PSOUT Creates an encapsulated PostScript file

PSPACE Switches from a model space viewport to paper space

PURGE Removes unused named objects, such as blocks or layers, from the

drawing database

Q

QDIM Quickly creates a dimension

QLEADER Quickly creates a leader and leader annotation


QSAVE Quickly saves the current drawing

QSELECT Quickly creates selection sets based on filtering criteria

QTEXT Controls the display and plotting of text and attribute objects

QUIT Exits AutoCAD

R

RAY Creates a semi-infinite line

RECOVER Repairs a damaged drawing

RECTANG Draws a rectangular polyline

REDEFINE Restores AutoCAD internal commands overridden by UNDEFINE

REDO Reverses the effects of the previous UNDO or U command

REDRAW Refreshes the display in the current viewport

REDRAWALL Refreshes the display in all viewports

REFCLOSE Saves back or discards changes made during in-place editing of a

reference (an xref or a block)

REFEDIT Selects a reference for editing

REFSET Adds or removes objects from a working set during in-place editing of a

reference (an xref or a block)

REGEN Regenerates the drawing and refreshes the current viewport

REGENALL Regenerates the drawing and refreshes all viewports

REGENAUTO Controls automatic regeneration of a drawing

REGION Creates a region object from a selection set of existing objects

REINIT Reinitializes the digitizer, digitizer input/output port, and program

parameters file

RENAME Changes the names of objects

RENDER Creates a photorealistic or realistically shaded image of a three-

dimensional wireframe or solid model

RENDSCR Redisplays the last rendering created with the RENDER command

REPLAY Displays a BMP, TGA, or TIFF image

RESUME Continues an interrupted script

REVOLVE Creates solids by revolving two-dimensional objects about an axis

REVSURF Creates a revolved surface about a selected axis

RMAT Manages rendering materials

ROTATE Moves objects about a base point

ROTATE3D Moves objects about a three-dimensional axis

RPREF Sets rendering preferences

RSCRIPT Creates a script that repeats continuously

RULESURF Creates a ruled surface between two curves

S

SAVE Saves the drawing under the current file name or a specified name

SAVEAS Saves an unnamed drawing with a file name or renames the current drawing

SAVEIMG Saves a rendered image to a file

SCALE Enlarges or reduces selected objects equally in the X, Y, and Z directions

SCENE Manages scenes in model space

SCRIPT Executes a sequence of commands from a script

SECTION Uses the intersection of a plane and solids to create a region


SELECT Places selected objects in the Previous selection set

SETUV Maps materials onto objects

SETVAR Lists or changes the values of system variables

SHADEMODE Shades the objects in the current viewport

SHAPE Inserts a shape

SHELL Accesses operating system commands

SHOWMAT Lists the material type and attachment method for a selected object

SKETCH Creates a series of freehand line segments

SLICE Slices a set of solids with a plane

SNAP Restricts cursor movement to specified intervals

SOLDRAW Generates profiles and sections in viewports created with SOLVIEW

SOLID Creates solid-filled polygons

SOLIDEDIT Edits faces and edges of 3D solid objects

SOLPROF Creates profile images of three-dimensional solids

SOLVIEW Creates floating viewports using orthographic projection to lay out multi- and

sectional view drawings of 3D solid and body objects while in a layout

SPELL Checks spelling in a drawing

SPHERE Creates a three-dimensional solid sphere

SPLINE Creates a quadratic or cubic spline (NURBS) curve

SPLINEDIT Edits a spline object

STATS Displays rendering statistics

STATUS Displays drawing statistics, modes, and extents

STLOUT Stores a solid in an ASCII or binary file

STRETCH Moves or stretches objects

STYLE Creates or modifies named styles and sets the current style for text in your

drawing

STYLESMANAGER Displays the Plot Style Manager

SUBTRACT Creates a composite region or solid by subtraction

SYSWINDOWS Arranges windows

T

TABLET Calibrates, configures, and turns on and off an attached digitizing tablet

TABSURF Creates a tabulated surface from a path curve and a direction vector

TEXT Displays text on screen as it is entered

TEXTSCR Opens the AutoCAD text window

TIME Displays the date and time statistics of a drawing

TOLERANCE Creates geometric tolerances

TOOLBAR Displays, hides, and customizes toolbars

TORUS Creates a donut-shaped solid

TRACE Creates solid lines


TRANSPARENCY Controls whether background pixels in an image are transparent or opaque

TREESTAT Displays information about the drawing's current spatial index

TRIM Trims objects at a cutting edge defined by other objects

U

U Reverses the most recent operation

UCS Manages user coordinate systems

UCSICON Controls the visibility and placement of the UCS icon

UCSMAN Manages defined user coordinate systems

UNDEFINE Allows an application-defined command to override an internal AutoCAD

command

UNDO Reverses the effect of commands

UNION Creates a composite region or solid by addition

UNITS Controls coordinate and angle display formats and determines precision

V

VBAIDE Displays the Visual Basic Editor

VBALOAD Loads a global VBA project into the current AutoCAD session

VBAMAN Loads, unloads, saves, creates, embeds, and extracts VBA projects

VBARUN Runs a VBA macro

VBASTMT Executes a VBA statement on the AutoCAD command line

VBAUNLOAD Unloads a global VBA project

VIEW Saves and restores named views

VIEWRES Sets the resolution for objects in the current viewport

VLISP Displays the Visual LISP interactive development environment (IDE)

VPCLIP Clips viewport objects

VPLAYER Sets layer visibility within viewports

VPOINT Sets the viewing direction for a three-dimensional visualization of the drawing

VPORTS Divides the drawing area into multiple tiled or floating viewports

VSLIDE Displays an image slide file in the current viewport

W

WBLOCK Writes objects or a block to a new drawing file

WEDGE Creates a 3D solid with a sloped face tapering along the X axis

WHOHAS Displays ownership information for opened drawing files

WMFIN Imports a Windows metafile

WMFOPTS Sets options for WMFIN

WMFOUT Saves objects to a Windows metafile

X


XATTACH Attaches an external reference to the current drawing

XBIND Binds dependent symbols of an xref to a drawing

XCLIP Defines an xref or block clipping boundary and sets the front or back clipping planes

XLINECreates an infinite line

XPLODE Breaks a compound object into its component objects

XREF Controls external references to drawing files

Z

ZOOM Increases or decreases the apparent size of objects in the current viewport

Command aliases are shortcuts or alternative names for commands that you enter at the

keyboard. This appendix lists the command aliases provided in the standard acad.pgp file. You

can change or delete these aliases, or you can add some of your own by editing the acad.pgp file.

The acad.pgp file also defines aliases for external commands for Windows® and DOS, which

are not listed here.

Command aliases

Commands Aliases

3DARRAY 3a

3DFACE 3f

3DORBIT 3do

3DPOLY 3p

ADCENTER adc

ALIGN al

APPLOAD ap

ARC a

AREA aa

ARRAY ar

ATTDEF att, ddattdef

-ATTDEF -att

ATTEDIT ate

-ATTEDIT -ate, atte

ATTEXT ddattext

BHATCH h, bh

BLOCK b

-BLOCK -b

BOUNDARY bo

-BOUNDARY -bo

BREAK br

CHAMFER cha

CHANGE -ch


CIRCLE c

COLOR col, colour,

ddcolor

COPY co, cp

DBCONNECT aad, aex, ali,

asq, aro, ase,

dbc

DDEDIT ed

DDVPOINT vp

DIMALIGNED dal, dimali

DIMANGULAR dan, dimang

DIMBASELINE dba, dimbase

DIMCENTER dce

DIMCONTINUE dco, dimcont

DIMDIAMETER ddi, dimdia

DIMEDIT ded, dimed

DIMLINEAR dli, dimlin

DIMORDINATE dor, dimord

DIMOVERRIDE dov, dimover

DIMRADIUS dra, dimrad

DIMSTYLE d, ddim, dst,

dimsty

DIMTEDIT dimted

DIST di

DIVIDE div

DONUT do

DRAWORDER dr

DSETTINGS ds,

ddrmodes,

rm, se

DSVIEWER av

DVIEW dv

ELLIPSE el

ERASE e

EXPLODE x

EXPORT exp

EXTEND ex

EXTRUDE ext

FILLET f

FILTER fi

GROUP g

-GROUP -g

HATCH -h

HATCHEDIT he

HIDE hi


IMAGE im

-IMAGE -im

IMAGEADJUST iad

IMAGEATTACH iat

IMAGECLIP icl

IMPORT imp

INSERT ddinsert, i

-INSERT -i

INTERFERE inf

INTERSECT in

INSERTOBJ io

LAYER ddlmodes, la

-LAYER -la

-LAYOUT lo

LEADER lead

LENGTHEN len

LINE l

LINETYPE lt, ltype,

ddltype

-LINETYPE -lt, -ltype

LIST li, ls

LTSCALE lts

LWEIGHT lw,

lineweight

MATCHPROP ma

MEASURE me

MIRROR mi

MLINE ml

MOVE m

MSPACE ms

MTEXT t, mt

-MTEXT -t

MVIEW mv

OFFSET o

OPTIONS ddgrips, gr,

op, pr

OSNAP ddosnap, os

-OSNAP -os

PAN p

-PAN -p

PASTESPEC pa

PEDIT pe

PLINE pl

PLOT print

POINT po


POLYGON pol

PREVIEW pre

PROPERTIES ch, ddchprop,

ddmodify,

mo, props

PROPERTIESCLOSE prclose

PSPACE ps

PURGE pu

QLEADER le

QUIT exit

RECTANG rec

REDRAW r

REDRAWALL ra

REGEN re

REGENALL rea

REGION reg

RENAME ren

-RENAME -ren

RENDER rr

REVOLVE rev

RPREF rpr

ROTATE ro

SCALE sc

SCRIPT scr

SECTION sec

SETVAR set

SLICE sl

SNAP sn

SOLID so

SPELL sp

SPLINE spl

SPLINEDIT spe

STRETCH s

STYLE st

SUBTRACT su

TABLET ta

THICKNESS th

TILEMODE ti, tm

TOLERANCE tol

TOOLBAR to

TORUS tor

TRIM tr

UNION uni

UNITS un, ddunits

-UNITS -un


VIEW ddview, v

-VIEW -v

VPOINT -vp

WBLOCK w

-WBLOCK -w

WEDGE we

XATTACH xa

XBIND xb

-XBIND -xb

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AutoCAD Manual

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Transcript of AutoCAD Manual