Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
If you're typing a coordinate or distance that contains fractional inches, you
must
enter a dash — not a space — between the whole number of inches and the frac-
tion:
6'6-1/2
(or
6'-6-1/2
) represents 6 feet, 6 1/2 inches.
If all this dashing about confuses you, enter partial inches by using decimals in-
stead:
6'6.5
is the same as
6'6-1/2"
to AutoCAD, whether you're working in Architec-
tural or Engineering units.
Have you ever wanted to check the accuracy (or precision!) of something
that's already drawn? The MEASUREGEOM command is a one-stop shop where
you can query drawing objects for distances, angles, areas, and other geometric
or locational information about drawing objects. You can find it on the Utilities
panel of the Home tab — look for an icon with a yellow ruler.
Grab an object and make it snappy
After you've drawn a few objects precisely in a new drawing, the most efficient way to
draw more objects with equal precision is to grab specific, geometrically precise points
,
such as endpoints, midpoints, or quadrants, on the existing objects. Every object type in
AutoCAD has at least one of these points, and you can “snap” to them precisely as you
draw by using
object snaps
(
osnaps
for short by those in the know).
AutoCAD provides two ways of using object snaps:
Object snap
overrides:
An object snap override is active for a single pick.
Running
object snaps:
A running object snap stays in effect until you turn it off.
AutoCAD 2011 introduced a new suite of object snaps specifically for working
in 3D (as usual, 3D features are not included in AutoCAD LT). I cover them fully in
Chapter 21, but point them out here because the new 3DOSNAP status bar button
is right next to the regular old OSNAP button, and not so easy to distinguish from
it. In AutoCAD 2012, the buttons are still the same, but the markers themselves are
