Chapter 7 Computer-Aided Drafting and Design
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the current session, and the date and time the
drawing was created.
Using Help System Functions
As is the case with most types of computer
software programs, CAD software programs
generally include a help system to provide user
help. In some cases, a printed User’s Guide
may accompany the software when purchased.
However, most CAD programs include
software-based and/or online help systems.
The tools provided do not vary much from
those provided with other software programs.
The help system in a CAD program is typically
accessed with the Help command or by
pressing the [F1] function key. See Figure 7-22.
Typical CAD program help systems include
listings of help topics, search functions, and
question-and-answer tools. These features
provide a number of ways to seek answers to
questions encountered while using the software.
The help system, if used properly, can help the
CAD drafter become much more profi cient in
using the software.
A typical help system is organized into
a series of documents called “guides” and
“references.” The typical documents available
include a User’s Guide, a Command Reference,
an Installation Guide, a Licensing Guide, and
a Customization Guide. In addition, the help
system typically includes an index. The index
is an alphabetized, detailed list of topics related
to the software and its use. When the index is
active, the user can input a keyword in a text
box and automatically “jump” to the related
topic in the listing.
Additional features and functions are
normally available when using the help system.
The Search function allows you to input a
term or topic to search for. The system then
conducts a search and produces a list of help
topics based on the specifi ed term or topic. In
addition, the help system usually provides
Internet links to more in-depth help. For
example, to learn more about a help topic or
question, you may be able to access the software
publisher’s website, a technical support forum,
or a user’s forum for users of the CAD program.
Using Measurement,
Object Property, and
Drawing Status Commands
During the drawing process, it is common
to check measurements of existing objects
to verify accuracy and confi rm that design
requirements are met. Measurements are also
needed to determine the correct dimensions
when constructing new features in relation
to other features. CAD programs typically
provide commands to make measurements of
existing objects and determine other information,
such as object properties and current drawing
fi le data.
Measurement commands allow you to
quickly determine common measurements,
such as linear distances and area and perimeter
calculations. The Measure Geometry command
allows you to select two points and measure
the distance and/or angle between them.
You can also use this command to determine
the radius or diameter of a circle or arc by
selecting the object. When using the Measure
Geometry command to determine the area or
perimeter of a closed object or a specifi c area,
you must select the object or pick the points
defi ning the area.
Common object properties, such as layer
and linetype settings, can be identifi ed by using
the Properties command. After entering the
command and selecting an object, the program
displays various information, including the
object coordinates and the layer, linetype, and
color settings assigned to the object.
Other commands are available for deter-
mining additional information about objects in
the current drawing and data associated with
the drawing fi le. The List command allows
you to select one or more objects and list
information from the database about each
object. The Status command allows you to
identify the drawing limits and other statistics,
including the number of objects in the drawing,
the current drawing settings, and the amount of
free space on the drive where the fi le is stored.
The Time command allows you to display
the current date and time, the drawing time in
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