Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 6: Editing and Reusing Data to Work Efficiently
Create and use templates.
If you find that you're using the same settings repeatedly when
you create a new drawing file, you can set up an existing file the way you like and save it as a
template. You can then use your saved template for any new drawings you create.
Master It
Describe the method for saving a file as a template.
Solution
After setting up a blank drawing with the settings you use most frequently,
choose Save As from the menu bar. In the Save Drawing As dialog box, choose AutoCAD
Drawing Template (*.dwt) from the File Format drop-down list, give it a name, and click
Save. In the command line, specify whether the template is English or metric and then
enter a descriptive name to save the template.
Copy an object multiple times.
Many tools in AutoCAD allow you to create multiple cop-
ies. The Array command offers a way to create circular copies or row and column copies.
Master It
What names are given to the two types of arrays in the Array dialog box?
Solution
Rectangular and polar.
Develop your drawing.
When laying down simple line work, you'll use a few tools frequently.
The exercises in the early part of this topic showed you some of these commonly used tools.
Master It
What tool can you use to join two lines end to end?
Solution
Fillet.
Find an exact distance along a curve.
AutoCAD offers some tools that allow you to find an
exact distance along a curve.
Master It
Name the two tools you can use to mark off exact distances along a curve.
Solution
Measure and Divide.
Change the length of objects.
You can accurately adjust the length of a line or arc in
AutoCAD using a single command.
Master It
What is the command alias for the command that changes the length of
objects?
Solution
The command is
LEN
.
Create a new drawing by using parts from another drawing.
You can save a lot of time by
reusing parts of drawings. The Export command can help.
Master It
True or false: The Export command saves only blocks as drawing files.
Solution
False. You can use Export with any type of object or set of objects in a drawing.
Chapter 7: Mastering Viewing Tools, Hatches,
and External References
Assemble the parts.
Technical drawings are often made up of repetitive parts that are
drawn over and over. AutoCAD makes quick work of repetitive elements in a drawing, as
shown in the first part of this chapter.
