Introduction to AutoCAD

Introduction to AutoCAD The User Interface Cursor/crosshairs Pull-down menus Drop-down menus Floating toolbar Docked toolbar Scrollbars Command line Maximize, Minimize, and Close File or Program buttons Introduction to AutoCAD

Introduction to AutoCAD Entering Commands Commands can be entered using: Toolbars Menus Command line Introduction to AutoCAD

Entering Commands with Toolbars Toolbars can be used to enter commands. Move the cursor to the desired button on the toolbar. Left-click on the button to enter the command. Follow the prompts on the Command line. Mouse Introduction to AutoCAD

Entering Commands with Menus Menus can be used to enter commands. Move the cursor to the desired menu. Left-click the menu. Move the cursor to select the desired command. Follow the prompts on the Command line. Mouse Introduction to AutoCAD

Entering Commands at the Command Line Commands can be typed at the Command line. Use the keyboard to type a command or command alias. Press Enter or the spacebar. Follow the prompts on the Command line. LINE Introduction to AutoCAD

Introduction to AutoCAD Getting Started NEW Command Starts a new drawing file. Allows you to pick from a list of drawing templates. Some templates exist in AutoCAD, but you can also create your own. Introduction to AutoCAD

Introduction to AutoCAD Getting Started OPEN Command Opens existing drawing files Opens existing template files Opens existing DXF files Introduction to AutoCAD

Introduction to AutoCAD Getting Started SAVE Command Saves a drawing file Prompts you to name the drawing file when you save it the first time Introduction to AutoCAD

Introduction to AutoCAD Getting Started SAVEAS Command Saves a drawing file with a new name Saves a template file Saves a DXF file Saves a drawing file in older versions Introduction to AutoCAD

Introduction to AutoCAD Getting Help Finding Help Press F1 Type HELP at the Command line Pick the Help button Contents lists the reference guides Introduction to AutoCAD

Introduction to AutoCAD Getting Help Help Options Contents Index Search Favorites Ask Me Tabs allow you to select a search method. Introduction to AutoCAD

Introduction to AutoCAD Help System Index Index Tab Search for keywords Search for command references Double-click the searched topic to read it. Introduction to AutoCAD

Introduction to AutoCAD Help System Search Search Tab Searches for references to the entered topics Provides all information sources that list the searched topic Double-click the searched topic to read it. Introduction to AutoCAD

Other Help System Options Favorites Stores favorite topics Lists topics that are commonly accessed in the Help system and on the Internet Ask Me Allows you to ask questions in everyday language searches the Internet for answers Introduction to AutoCAD

Introduction to AutoCAD Wrap-Up AutoCAD employs a “user interface” to communicate with the user. Commands are entered using the toolbars, menus, and Command line. AutoCAD allows you to create new files, open existing files, and save files. The Help system allows you to search, add to a list of favorite searches, and ask questions in plain, everyday English. Introduction to AutoCAD