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CCAD's AutoCAD Tutorials

Entering Coordinates with Direct Distance Entry

A simplified method of entering coordinates when the distance and direction from the last point are known is called Direct Distance Entry. In a nutshell, Direct Distance Entry eliminates the need for most keyboard entry of coordinates. Direct Distance Entry can be used anytime a command prompts for a point.

Direct Distance Entry

To draw the figure above using Direct Distance Entry, first turn on ORTHO (F8) or POLAR (F10). Next, begin the LINE command and left-click a point in the drawing area.

Move your pointer to the right, type 6.5 and press ENTER.

Move your pointer straight up, type 2.5 and press ENTER.

Move your pointer to the right, type 3.0 and press ENTER.

Continue to move your pointer in the direction of the line to be drawn, type in the length of the line and press ENTER.

Direct Distance Entry can be used in many commands, including Move, Copy and Stretch. Non-orthogonal directions can be indicated by setting the increment angle in Polar Tracking.