CCAD's AutoCAD Tutorials
Using the Foot Symbol (') in Dimensions more
“Prior to starting my drawing, I set the units to feet in the decimal format. I would just like to have the "feet" symbol in all of my dimensions, but do not know how to do it. I tried switching to engineering mode and it converted everything to inches.”
There are a couple of common misconceptions related to the UNITS command.
Wildcard Patterns more
Wildcards are used to specify a list of names, like layer names and block names. Most AutoCAD users are familiar with the typical wildcards used, * (asterisk) and ? (question). For instance, if you want to turn on all the layers in the drawing, select the LAYER command (-Layer in 2000), then the ON option. Type * to specify all layers to be turned on.
Using Fence to Select Objects more
Many AutoCAD commands prompt you to Select objects. AutoCAD provides several different methods of selecting objects. Most of the time you probably select objects for commands like Move, Copy, and Erase by picking them individually or with a Window Box or a Crossing Box.
One of the other methods of selecting objects is with a Fence. A fence is like an open crossing box, it selects the objects touched by the fence. Unlike the crossing box, the fence does not enclose objects, so even if you surround a group of objects with a fence, they will not be selected.
Entering Coordinates with Direct Distance Entry more
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.
Object Snap Tracking more
AutoCAD r14 has several new Object Snap features to help you draw better and faster. One of the new features is tracking. Tracking is an object snap enhancement that allows you to build a new point.
Rotate with a Reference Option more
Often when assembling parts it is necessary to rotate one component to mate with another. When rotating parts in this situation, the rotation is frequently unknown. This tutorial will teach you how to rotate an object to mate with another.
Recovering From Disaster more
First, let's narrow the field a bit and define disaster from an AutoCAD user's point of view.
- The computer ate my file! I saved it last night but now it's gone!
- The power went out or the computer locked up and I didn't save!
- When I try to open my drawing, I get a message that my drawing needs recovery.
- Every time I try to open my file, I get a message that says Fatal Error.
- I accidentally deleted my drawing file!
In this tutorial I'll show you how to cope with these AutoCAD disasters. In some cases you'll have to prepare in advance.
Quick Dimensions more
One of the new features of AutoCAD 2000 that I believe will be a great time saver is Quick Dimensions. Quick Dimensions allows you to select a group of objects and automatically apply baseline, continuous, staggered, ordinate, radius or diameter dimensions. Although the dimensions often need to be tweaked a little, this promises to be a popular feature.