Entering Coordinates with Direct Distance Entry

AutoCAD r13 c4 and AutoCAD LT 2 introduced a simplified method of entering distance and direction called Direct Distance Entry. In a nut shell, 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.

To draw the figure about 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 to the straight up, type 2.5 and press ENTER.

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

Continue to move your point 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-orthagonal directions can be indicated by setting the increment angle in Polar Tracking.