Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 2
Creating Your First Drawing
This chapter examines some of AutoCAD's basic functions. You'll get a chance to practice with
the drawing editor by building a simple drawing to use in later exercises. You'll learn how to
give input to AutoCAD, interpret prompts, and get help when you need it. This chapter also
covers the use of coordinate systems to give AutoCAD exact measurements for objects. You'll
see how to select objects you've drawn and how to specify base points for moving and copying.
If you're not a beginning AutoCAD user, you may want to move on to the more complex
material in Chapter 3, “Setting Up and Using AutoCAD's Drafting Tools.” You can use the files
supplied on the companion website, www.sybex.com/go/masteringautocadmac, to continue the
tutorials at that point.
In this chapter, you'll learn to do the following:
Specify distances with coordinates
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Interpret the cursor modes and understand prompts
Select objects and edit with grips
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Use dynamic input
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Get help
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Display data in the Command Line palette
Display the properties of an object
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Getting to Know the Tool Sets palette
Your first task in learning how to draw in AutoCAD is simply to draw a line. Since AutoCAD
is designed as a precision drawing tool, you'll be introduced to methods that allow you to input
exact distances. But before you begin drawing, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the
feature you'll be using more than any others to create objects with AutoCAD: the Tool Sets palette.
1.
Start AutoCAD just as you did in Chapter 1, “Exploring the AutoCAD Interface,” by click-
ing the AutoCAD icon in the Dock.
2.
Make sure that the Tool Sets palette is displaying the drafting tools. To do this, click the
icon in the Tool Sets palette title bar and select Drafting (Figure 2.1).
3.
Move the arrow cursor to the Line tool in the Tool Sets palette. As you hold the cursor
over the tool, a tooltip appears (see Figure 2.2).
