The Bottom Line

The Bottom Line
Specifying Distances with Coordinates One of the most basic skills you need to learn is how
to indicate exact distances through the keyboard. AutoCAD uses a simple annotation system to
indicate distance and direction.
Master It What would you type to indicate a relative distance of 14 units at a
45 degree angle?
Solution @14<45
Interpreting the Cursor Modes and Understanding Prompts AutoCAD’s cursor changes its
shape depending on the command that is currently active. These different cursor modes can
give you a clue regarding what you should be doing.
Master It Describe the Point Selection cursor and the Object Selection cursor.
Solution The Point Selection cursor is a simple crosshair. The Object Selection cursor is a
small square or pickbox.
Selecting Objects and Editing with Grips Grips are small squares that appear at key points
on the object when they’re selected. These grips offer a powerful way to edit objects.
Master It How do you select multiple grips?
Solution Hold down the Shift key while clicking the grips.
Using Dynamic Input Besides grips, objects display their dimensional properties when
selected. These dimensional properties can be edited to change the object’s shape.
Master It How do you turn on Dynamic Input? And once it’s on, what key lets you shift
between the different dimensions of an object?
Solution The DYN button on the AutoCAD status bar turns Dynamic Input on and off.
When an object is selected, you can move between the dimensional properties by pressing
the Tab key.
Getting Help AutoCAD’s help window is thorough in its coverage of AutoCAD’s features.
New and experienced users alike can often find answers to their questions thorough the help
window, so it pays to become familiar with it.
Master It What keyboard key do you press for context-sensitive help?
Solution F1.
Displaying Data in a Text Window AutoCAD offers a Text Window that keeps a running
account of the commands you use. This can be helpful in retrieving input that you’ve entered
when constructing your drawing.
Master It Name a command that displays its results in the AutoCAD Text Window.
Solution The List command.
Displaying the Properties of an Object The Properties palette is one of the most useful
sources for drawing information. Not only does it list the properties of an object, but it also lets
you change the shape, color, or other property of objects.
Master It How do you open the Properties palette for a particular object?
Solution Select the object whose properties you want to view. Right-click the object, and
select Properties.