Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Interpret the cursor modes and understand prompts.
AutoCAD's cursor changes its shape
depending on the command that is currently active. These different cursor modes can give
you a clue regarding what you should be doing.
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Describe the Point Selection cursor and the Object Selection cursor.
Select objects and edit with grips.
Grips are small squares or arrowheads that appear at
key points on the object when they're selected. They offer a powerful way to edit objects.
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How do you select multiple grips?
Use Dynamic Input.
Besides grips, objects display their dimensional properties when
selected. These dimensional properties can be edited to change an object's shape.
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How do you turn on Dynamic Input? And once it's on, what key lets you shift
between the different dimensions of an object?
Get help.
AutoCAD's Help window is thorough in its coverage of AutoCAD's features.
New and experienced users alike can often find answers to their questions through the
Help window, so it pays to become familiar with it.
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What keyboard key do you press for context-sensitive help?
Display data in the Command Line palette.
AutoCAD offers the Command Line palette,
which keeps a running account of the commands you use. This can be helpful in retrieving
input that you've entered when constructing your drawing.
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Name a command that displays its results in the Command Line palette.
Display the properties of an object.
The Properties Inspector palette is one of the most
useful sources for drawing information. Not only does it list the properties of an object, it lets
you change the shape, color, and other properties of objects.
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How do you open the Properties Inspector palette for a particular object?
