40
AutoCAD and Its Applications—Basics
AutoCAD Options
The
Options
dialog box contains AutoCAD system and drawing file options. fi
System options apply to the entire program. Drawing file options, identified fi by the fi
AutoCAD drawing icon, are file-specific. fi Many system options are available to help fi
confi the work environment, such as the background color of the drawing window. figure
This textbook focuses on the default system options and references the
Options
dialog
box when applicable.
NOTOTE N OT OT TE
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, file tabs, viewport controls, fi
view cube, and navigation bar. 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 t
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.
The AutoComplete feature is active by default to help locate and access AutoCAD
commands. When you type a command name, a suggestion list displaying select-
able entries appears at the command line or next to the dynamic input entry area.
AutoComplete and other AutoCAD input search functions are described in more
detail later in this chapter.
A benefi of accessing a command using a method other than typing is that you fit
do not need to memorize command names or aliases. Another advantage is that
commands, options, and drawing activities appear on-screen as you work, using visual
icons, tooltips, and prompts. As you work with AutoCAD, you will become familiar
with the display and location of commands. Decide which command selection tech-
niques work best for you. A combination of command selection methods often proves
most effective.
PROFESSIONAL S N A TIP P P P R O R O F FE S SS I O NA NA AL T TI P P P P
When typing commands, you must exit the current command before
issuing a new command. In contrast, when you use the ribbon or other
input methods, the current command automatically cancels when you
pick a different command.
OPTIONS
Application Menu
Type
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