30
AutoCAD and Its Applications—Basics
Shortcut Menus
AutoCAD uses shortcut menus, also known as cursor menus, right-click menus,
or pop-up menus, to simplify and accelerate command and option access. When you
right-click in the drawing area while a command is not active, the first item in the fi
shortcut menu is typically an option to repeat the previous command or operation. If
you right-click while a command is active, the shortcut menu contains context-sensitive
menu options. See Figure 1-7. Some menu options have a small arrow to the right of 7 7
the option name. Hover over the option to display a cascading menu, also known as
a cascading submenu. The
Recent Input
cascading menu shows a list of recently used
commands, options, or values, depending on the shortcut menu. Pick from the list to
reuse a function or value.
Controlling Windows
Control the AutoCAD and drawing windows using the same methods you use
to control other windows within the Windows operating system. To minimize, maxi-
mize, restore, or close the AutoCAD window or individual drawing windows, pick the
appropriate button in the upper-right corner of the window. You can also adjust the
AutoCAD window by right-clicking on the title bar and choosing from the standard
window control menu. Window sizing operations are also the same as those for other
windows within the Windows operating system.
Floating and Docking
Several interface items, including the AutoCAD and drawing windows, can float fl
or dock. Some items, such as the drawing window, have a title bar at the top or side.
You can move and resize floating windows in the same manner as other windows. fl
However, you can only move and resize drawing windows within the AutoCAD
window. Different options are available depending on the particular interface item
and the fl oat or dock status of the item. Typically, the close and minimize or maximize fl
options are available. Some fl oating items, such as fl sticky panels, include grab bars.
shortcut menu
(cursor menu,
right-click menu,
pop-up menu): A
general or context-
sensitive menu
available by right-
clicking on interface
items or objects.
context-sensitive:
Specific to the active
command or option.
cascading menu
(cascading
submenu): A menu
of options related
to the chosen menu
item.
float: Describes
interface items that
appear within a
frame and that you
can resize or move.
dock: Describes
interface items set
into position on an
edge of the AutoCAD
window (top, bottom,
left, or right).
sticky panel: A
ribbon panel moved
out of a tab and
made to float in the
drawing window.
grab bars: Two thin
bars at the top or left
edge of a docked
or floating interface
item that you can
use to move the item.
Figure 1-7.
Shortcut menus provide direct access to general or context-sensitive commands and options.
Shortcut Menu When
No Command Is Active
Shortcut Menu When
a Command Is Active
Pick to view and select
the most recent commands
Command-specific
options
Cascading menu
of recent commands
Pick to repeat the
previous command
or operation