Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
On, showing X,Y coordinates (
<Coords on>
):
The coordinates readout appears
black, and the absolute X,Y coordinates update continuously as you move the
crosshairs. If no command is active, clicking the coordinates readout alternates
between this mode and
<coords off>
.
On, showing polar coordinates (
<Coords on>
):
This mode, which displays dis-
tance and angle relative to the last point picked rather than absolute X,Y values,
appears if a command is active and AutoCAD is waiting for you to pick a point.
If you start a command such as LINE, pick a point, and then click the Coordinates area a
few times, the display changes from coordinates off to live absolute coordinates (X,Y po-
sition) to live polar coordinates (distance and angle from the previous point). Displaying
live polar coordinates is the most informative mode most of the time.
When you type coordinates at the command line, do
not
add any spaces be-
cause AutoCAD interprets a space as though you've pressed Enter. This “Spacebar
= Enter” weirdness is a productivity feature that's been in AutoCAD forever. It's
easier to find the spacebar than the Enter key when you're entering lots of com-
mands and coordinates in a hurry — and it's especially handy for touch typists
who are all thumbs.
If you're working in AutoCAD's Architectural or Engineering units, the default
unit of entry is
inches,
not feet. Here are some things to consider about entering
numeric values when you work in feet and inches:
To specify feet, you must enter the symbol for feet after the number. For example:
6'
for 6 feet.
You can enter a dash to separate feet from inches, as architects often do:
6'-6"
is 6 feet, 6 inches.
Both the dash and the inch mark are optional when you're entering coordinates
and distances:
6'6"
and
6'6
is the same as
6'-6"
.
