34
AutoCAD and Its Applications—Basics
NOTTE OT
Several toolbars appear in the
AutoCAD Classic
workspace. These tool-
bars are usually application- or task-specific. The fi
Application
Menu,
Quick Access
toolbar, and ribbon replace classic toolbars in the other
AutoCAD default workspaces.
Exercise 1-6
Complete the exercise on the companion website.
www.g-wlearning.com/CAD
Ribbon
The ribbon docks horizontally below the AutoCAD window title bar by default.
See Figure 1-12. The ribbon provides a convenient location from which to select
commands and options that traditionally would require access by extensive typing,
multiple toolbars, or several menus. The ribbon allows you to spend less time looking
for commands and options and reduces clutter in the AutoCAD window.
The ribbon appears by default in the
Drafting &
Annotation,
3D
Basics, and
3D
Modeling
workspaces. 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 specific commands for fi
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 identifies the tab and panel where the fi
command is located. You may need to expand the panel or pick a fl yout to locate the fl
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 signifies the most often used panel fi
command. In addition to tool buttons, panels can contain fl youts, fl drop-down lists,
and other items. Some panels have a solid-filled triangle, or down arrow, next to the fi
panel name. If you see this down arrow, pick the title at the bottom of the panel to
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): Palette
divisions that group
commands.
LINE
Ribbon
Home
Draw
Line
drop-down list: A
list of options that
appears when you
pick a button that
contains a down
arrow.
Figure 1-12.
The ribbon docked at the top of the drawing window is the most often used palette. Palettes
provide access to commands, options, properties, and settings.
Tabs Drop-down list
Flyout Fl t
button Panels
Panel P l
title
Pick to expand Pi k t d
a panel
Pick to display a dialog Pi k t di l di l
box or palette associated
with the panel
Minimize flyout