Chapter 1 Introduction to AutoCAD
35
Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Use the tabs along the top of the ribbon to access collections of related ribbon panels,
or panels. Each panel houses groups of similar commands. For example, the
Annotate
tab includes several panels, each with specifi c commands for creating, modifying, and
formatting annotations, such as text. The tabs and panels shown when the
Drafting &
Annotation
workspace is active provide access to 2D drawing commands. Highlighted,
context-sensitive tabs appear when some commands, such as the
HATCH
command, are
active or when you work in a unique environment, such as the
Block
Editor.
A command or option accessible from the ribbon appears in a graphic located
in the margin of this textbook. The graphic identifi es the tab and panel where the
command is located. You may need to expand the panel or pick a fl yout to locate the
command. The example shown in this margin illustrates picking the
Line
button on
the
Draw
panel in the
Home
ribbon tab to access the
LINE
command.
Ribbon Panels
The large tool button of a panel typically signifi es the most often used panel
command. In addition to tool buttons, panels can contain fl youts, drop-down lists, and
other items. Some panels have a solid-fi lled triangle, or down arrow, next to the panel
name. If you see this down arrow, pick the title at the bottom of the panel to display
additional related commands and functions. See Figure 1-13. To show the expanded
list on-screen at all times, select the pushpin button in the lower-left corner of the
expanded panel.
NOTE NOTE
When you pick an option from a ribbon fl yout, the option becomes the
new default and appears in the ribbon. This makes it easier to select
the same option the next time you use the command.
Some panels include a small arrow in the lower-right corner of the panel. Pick this
arrow to access a dialog box or palette associated with the panel. For example, pick the
arrow in the lower-right corner of the
Dimensions
panel in the
Annotate
tab, as shown in
Figure 1-13, to display the
Dimension Style Manager
dialog box used to format dimensions.
Basic Adjustment
The ribbon appears maximized by default. You can minimize the display to show
only tabs, panel titles, or panel buttons by repeatedly pressing the
Minimize
button to
the right of the tabs, or by selecting the appropriate option from the
Minimize
fl yout.
Picking the
Minimize
button corresponds to the
Cycle through All
fl yout selection. When
Minimize to Tabs
is active, pick a tab to show all panels in the tab. When
Minimize to
Panel Titles
is active, pick a panel title to display the panel. When
Minimize to Panel
Buttons
is active, pick a panel button to display the panel. Right-click on a portion of
the ribbon unoccupied by a panel to access the options described in Figure 1-14.
tab: A small stub at
the top or side of a
page, window, dialog
box, or palette that
allows you to access
other portions of the
item.
ribbon panels
(panels): Divided
areas in the
ribbon that group
commands.
LINE
Ribbon
Home
Draw
Line
Figure 1-13.
An expanded panel
provides additional,
related commands
and functions. This
example shows
the expanded list
of dimensioning
commands found
in the
Dimensions
panel in the
Annotate
ribbon tab.
Pick to pin the
expanded list
to the screen
Pick to display
the
Dimension
Style Manager