UNIT 1: Introduction To The AutoCAD Interface Objectives: Be able to identify, describe and/or apply… The key components of AutoCAD interface The AutoCAD help and search tools The Quick access toolbar The Infocenter toolbar The AutoCAD ribbon layout AutoCAD command line, drawing aides and Status bar The difference between Model and Layout space Assignments/Quizzes/Tests UNIT 1 Test

Application Menu 1.Basic applications on left 2.Look at recent documents NOTE: Select push pin to keep document in recent list 3. See which files are currently open 4. Search tool

Search Tool Will list AutoCAD commands for a particular tool and show example. By selecting tool it will take you directly to AutoCAD and prompt you to enter data

Quick Access Toolbar Quick way to access common commands Right-click on any command to…. Left-click on Arrow or chevron to add or remove commands to the toolbar

InfoCenter Toolbar

Ribbon……….Interface when accessing the AutoCAD commands or features. Comprised of three components. Tabs Panels Commands

Ribbon Display Properties Left-click once to minimize ribbon interface to tabs and panel titles Left-click again to minimize ribbon interface to tabs Left-click again to see full ribbon interface NOTE: You can also do the same thing by right-clicking on any tab. A menu appears that will allow individual tabs and panels to be turned on or off. In addition to the above you can “Undock” the Ribbon Interface and place it in a new location on the screen

Ribbon Sticky Panels By left-clicking and holding the mouse button down on the panel title you can remove the panel of commands onto the screen, and place them were you want, however sticky panels can NOT be docked. They are designed to allow the user to have quick access to commands without returning constantly to the ribbon interface. To return the panel to the ribbon interface left- click the arrow in the upper right of the sticky panel

Snap Mode Grid Spacing Ortho Mode Polar Tracking Object Snap Object Snap Tracking Dynamic Input Allow/Disallow Dynamic UCS Show/Hide Line Weight Quick Properties Status Bar- Left side contains toggles or drawing aides NOTE: Drawing aides can be displayed as “Icons” or “Text.” To switch right- click on any of the drawing aides and select or deselect “Use Icons.”

Application Status Bar- contains additional tools to control Model & Paper space Model or Paper Space Quick View Layouts Quick View Drawings Zoom Pan Show Motion Annotation Scale Workspace Switching Steering Wheels

Multiple Drawing Windows- Allows working with more then one drawing Procedure: 1.Open all drawings 2.Select “View Tab” 3.Go to “Windows Panel” 4.Select between Switch, Tile Horizontally, Tile Vertically, and Cascade Mode. NOTE: An alternative method for cycling through open drawings is to….. 1.Hold down the Control Key and press the Tab key to go forward or 2.The Control Key + Shift Key and press the Tab key to go backwards

Model and Layout Tabs Model Space There is only one Were we create actual geometry or model All drawings created in “Full Scale” Layout Space Each layout tab represents a new sheet of paper You can have multiple layouts or different drawings of the geometry or model You can rename each tab

Command Line Considered a “Palette” Can be moved and docked in other locations Has been part of AutoCAD since DOS days Gives hints or clues about what to do next Can be hidden or closed (Use Control Key + 9 Key to restore) F2 Key displays “Full Text Window” This shows 400 lines of previous commands. These commands can not be deleted but can be copied and pasted into the command line to repeat a procedure