Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Specifying Units
You'll start by creating a new file called Bath. Then you'll set up the unit type.
Use these steps to create the file:
1. If you haven't done so already, start AutoCAD. If AutoCAD is already running, select
File New from the menu bar.
2. In the Select Template dialog box, select acad.dwt and click Open. Metric users should
select acadiso.dwt and then click Open.
3. Choose View Zoom All from the menu bar or type Z A ↵.
4. Choose File Save As from the menu bar.
5. In the Save Drawing As dialog box, enter Bath for the filename.
6. Check to make sure you're saving the drawing in the Documents folder or in the folder
where you've chosen to store your exercise files, and then click Save.
USING THE IMPERIAL AND METRIC EXAMPLES
Many of the exercises in this chapter are shown in both the metric and Imperial measurement
systems. Be sure that if you star it w ith the Imperial system, you continue w ith it throughout
this topic.
The metric settings described in this topic are only approximations of their Imperial equivalents.
For example, the draw ing scale for the metr ic example is 1:10, which is close to the 1˝ = 1´-0˝ scale
used in the Imperial example. In the grid example, you're asked to use a 30-unit grid, which is
close to the 1´ grid of the Imperial example. Dimensions of objects are similar, but not exact.
For example, the Imperial version of the tub measures 2´-8˝ × 5´-0˝ and the metric version of
the tub is 81 cm × 152 cm. The actual metric equivalent of 2´-8˝ × 5´-0˝ is 81.28 cm × 152.4 cm.
Measurements in the tub example are rounded to the nearest centimeter.
Metric users should also be aware that AutoCAD uses a period as a decimal point instead of
the comma used in most European nations, South Africa, and elsewhere. Commas are used in
AutoCAD to separate the X, Y, and Z components of a coordinate.
The next thing you want to tell AutoCAD is the unit type you intend to use. So far, you've
been using the default, which is a generic decimal unit. This unit can be interpreted as inches,
centimeters, feet, kilometers, or light years. When it comes time to print your drawing, you can
tell AutoCAD how to convert these units into a meaningful scale.
If you are a U.S. user, decimal units typically represent inches. If you want to be able to enter
distances in feet, you must change the unit type to one that accepts feet as input. You'll do this
through the Drawing Units dialog box shown in Figure 3.1.
 
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