Chapter 1 Introduction to AutoCAD
19
Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
PROFESSIONAL TIP P R OFESSIONAL TIP
Certain AutoCAD dialog boxes can be resized. Resize dialog boxes as needed to view
hidden content and reduce the need to scroll through long lists. The size of the dialog
box is maintained when you exit and then restart AutoCAD.
CAUTION CA U TION
The AutoCAD interface includes several other unique items, such as fi le tabs, the view-
port controls, the navigation bar, the view cube, and
Model
and
Layout
tabs. Refer
to Figure 1-5 to recognize these features. You will explore these features and their
specifi c controls throughout this textbook. Do not use or adjust these tools until you
learn about their functions, because doing so can unexpectedly change the interface
display and operation. Ensure that the
Model
tab is active.
Exercise 1-9
www.g-wlearning.com/CAD/
Complete the exercise on the companion website.
AutoCAD Options
The
Options
dialog box contains AutoCAD system and drawing fi le options. System
options apply to the entire program. Drawing fi le options, identifi ed by the AutoCAD
drawing icon, are fi le-specifi c. Many system options are available to help confi gure the work
environment, such as the background color of the drawing window. This textbook focuses
on the default system options and references the
Options
dialog box when applicable.
NOTE NOTE
You can also access the
Options
dialog box by right-clicking when no command is
active and selecting Options….
Accessing Commands Acce ss ing Comm a nd s
Commands are available by direct access from the ribbon, shortcut menus,
Application
Menu,
Quick Access
toolbar, palettes, status bar, fi le tabs, viewport controls,
navigation bar, and view cube. An alternative is to enter the command using dynamic
input or the command line. The basic method to activate a command by typing is to
type the single-word command name or the command alias and press
[Enter]
or the
space bar, or right-click. You can use uppercase, lowercase, or a combination of upper-
case and lowercase letters. You can only issue one command at a time.
You can activate any command or option by typing. Each command name and
alias, along with other access techniques available in the
Drafting & Annotation
work-
space, appears in a graphic in the margin of this textbook. The example displayed in
this margin shows the command name (LINE) and alias (L) you can enter to access the
LINE
command.
NEW
AutoCAD
OPTIONS
Application Menu
Type
OPTIONS
SETTINGS
OP
dynamic input: Area
near the crosshairs
where you can
type commands
(command names),
type or select
command options,
and view context-
oriented information.
command alias:
Abbreviated
command name
entered at the
keyboard.
LINE
Type
LINE
L