Using Polar and Osnap Tracking as Construction-Line Tools

Using Polar and Osnap Tracking as Construction-Line Tools
So far, you’ve been using existing geometry to accurately place objects in the plan. In this section,
you’ll use the Polar and Osnap Tracking tools to extend the upper wall line 5˝ (13 cm for metric
users) beyond the right-side interior wall of the unit. You’ll also learn how to use the Construction
Line tool to accurately locate door jambs near the balcony.
Start by changing the Polar Tracking setting to include a 45° angle:
1. Right-click the Polar button in the status bar at the bottom of the AutoCAD window, and
choose Settings to open the Drafting Settings dialog box at the Polar Tracking tab.


2. Select 45 from the Increment Angle drop-down list in the upper-left corner of the dialog box.
3. In the Object Snap Tracking Settings button group, make sure that the Track Using All Polar
Angle Settings option is selected, and click OK.
You’re ready to extend the wall line. For this operation, you’ll use grip editing:
1. Click the wall line at the top of the plan, to the right of the door, to select the line and expose
its grips.


2. Click the Ortho button in the status bar to turn on Ortho mode. This keeps the wall line
straight as you edit it.
3. Click the rightmost grip of the line to make it hot.
4. Place the cursor on the upper-right corner of the plan until you see the Endpoint osnap
marker; then, move the cursor away from the corner at a 45° angle. The Osnap Tracking
vector appears at a 45° angle. Notice the small X that appears at the intersection of the Osnap
Tracking vector and the line.



With the Osnap Tracking vector and the line intersecting, click the mouse button. The line
changes to extend exactly 5 units beyond the vertical interior wall of the plan.
5. Press the Esc key twice to clear your selection. Then, repeat steps 1 through 4 for the horizontal
wall line to the left of the door, to extend that line to the left corner.




6. Choose View  Zoom  All to view the entire drawing. It looks like Figure 6.17.



TIP With Polar Tracking set to 45 and Osnap Tracking turned on in a crowded drawing, you may
find that you’re selecting points you don’t really want to select. Just remember that if a drawing
becomes too crowded, you can turn off these options temporarily by clicking the Otrack or Polar
button in the status bar.