Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 12: Using Attributes
Create attributes.
Attributes are a great tool for storing data with drawn objects. You can
include as little or as much data as you like in an AutoCAD block.
Master It
What is the name of the object you must include in a block to store data?
Solution
Attribute definition.
Edit attributes.
The data you include in a block is easily changed. You may have several
copies of a block, each of which must contain its own unique sets of data.
Master It
What is the simplest way to gain access to a block's attribute data?
Solution
Double-click the block to open the Enhanced Attribute Editor.
Chapter 13: Copying Existing Drawings into AutoCAD
Convert paper drawings into AutoCAD files.
AutoCAD gives you some great tools that
let you convert your paper drawings into AutoCAD files. Several options are available.
Depending on your needs, you'll find at least one solution that will allow you to convert your
drawings quickly.
Master It
Describe the different methods available in AutoCAD for converting paper
drawings into AutoCAD files.
Solution
The methods are scaling directly from a drawing, scanning and converting
with a third-party program, and scanning to a raster file that can then be imported into
AutoCAD to be traced over.
Import a raster image.
You can use bitmap raster images as backgrounds for your CAD
drawings or as underlay drawings that you can trace over.
Master It
Import a raster image of your choice, and use the AutoCAD drawing tools to
trace over your image.
Solution
From the Reference Manager, click Attach Reference to open the Select
Reference File dialog box, or type
ATTACH
↵ in the Command Line palette. Change
the File Format drop-down list to All Image Files. Locate and select the raster image file
you want to import. Click Open to open the Attach Image dialog box, and then click OK.
Specify an insertion point and scale factor.
Work with a raster image.
Once imported, raster images can be adjusted for size, bright-
ness, contrast, and transparency.
Master It
Import a raster image of your choice, and fade the image so it appears lighter
and with less contrast.
Solution
Click a raster image's border. In the Properties Inspector palette's Image
Adjust section, click and drag the Fade slider to the right. The raster image appears faded.
