1. Base settings, units, dimstyles, & layers
Intro To auto cadd
Base settings, units, dimstyles, & layers

2. Auto cadd base settings
This is the options window that we use to control all of the settings. Across the top there are several tabs that we will follow. Type the word “options” to get to this window.
With your curser in the main viewing window, type the word “options” and hit enter.

3. Display settings
Under the display settings tab, select colors. In the second window that appears, click restore classic colors. Agree to change the colors “Restore” Then click “apply”

4. Display settings
Change the crosshair size to anywhere in the range between This is simply a personal preference option and you can change this later if you do not like the way it appears.

5. Open and save settings
Be sure to turn off automatic save. This only save to excess and causes memory problems with your computer.

6. Plot and Publish
Set your printer to the Printer – PRINT/IHS_140_HP_Laserjet_4050_PCL6 . Also make sure that auto save plot and publish log is un-checked.

7. User preferences
Under user preferences check Double-Click Editing and make sure that Shortcut Menus in drawing area is un-checked.

8. drafting
The auto snap marker size and apeture size are both personal preference items once again. Set them both about 25% up and see if you like it. Make sure the proper boxes are checked on the rest of this. The only way they wont be is if you changed them accidentally.

9. selection
Under selection modes, select implied windowing and un-check both the allow press and drag on object and press and drag for lasso. Under the selection tab, un-check show grips.

10. Apply and OK
Click apply and ok to save the settings and exit the options window.

11. Intro To auto cadd Setting up the units
The units in auto cadd can be set to a multitude of options from mm to miles. In this class, we operate on the American Standard of Inches. That means that when we tell auto cadd that something is 6 units long the object is 6 inches long. This setting streamlines data entry, allowing you to simply enter a number without putting the unit symbol in the command box.
Setting up the units

12. “units”
In this window set the Type: Architectual, Precision: 0’-01/16”, and Unit to scale inserted content: Inches. Click “OK”

13. Intro To auto cadd Setting up dim styles
Dim styles is short for Dimension styles. Auto CADD has a plethora of Dimension styles and can have an unlimited amount of places, sizes, and fonts. We use a standard style of dimensions ALL CAPS 1/8” HEIGHT. Other options can be changed as far as placement, scale, and ratios however to start out just start with the basics.
Setting up dim styles

14. “dimstyles”
With your curser in the middle of the viewing window, type the word “dimstyles” and hit enter. Click the Modify button.

15. “dimstyles”
Under the text tab, set the height to 1/8”

16. “dimstyles”
Under the primary units tab, set the Unit Format to Architectural and the Precision to 0’-0 1/16”. In this screen you can change the dims to Decimal and control how many place holders each unit gets as well. There are a few drawings that have decimal units on them so you will reference this setting again later in the course.
Select OK and Close the preceding window.

17. Intro To auto cadd Working with Layers
Layers allow us to create complex drawings with the flexibility of editing later. We can use layers to control line types, colors, features, and printing options. One of the most highly overlooked tips in this class is to NEVER NEVER NEVER draw on the “0” or “DEFPOINTS” Layers. These layers will hide things, freeze things, and prohibit printing.
Working with Layers

18. Layer properties
At the top of the autocadd screen, in the ribbon, there is a block called layers. In the block, there are several options for creating new layers, freezing, and locking layers. There is a layers drop down that allows you to see all your layers that you have created and there is a button that says layer properties. Click it to open the layer properties window.

19. Layer properties
Click and drag the left hand edge of the window to dismount it from the ribbon. On the right side of the window, expand the view so you can see all the options. Also expand the “Color”, “LineTyoe”, and the “Plot” columns in the window.
At the top of the window, there is a symbol that is sheets stacked on top each other with a spark in the top left corner. This is the “New Layer” button. Create new layers called, Drawing, Dims, Title Block, Layout, and Circles. Once the layers are created, change them to whatever color you want by clicking the color swatch associated with each layer. Once completed, Double click the Drawing layer to set it current (Green Check). On the “0” Layer, click the lightbulb, the snowflake, and the lock. NEVER Draw on the 0 layer……. EVER. Finally set the “0” and the “layout” layers to no plot by clicking the small printer icon at the far right side of the window. Once all the settings are done as above, you can close the properties window.

20. Layer properties
At the top of the autocadd screen, in the ribbon, there is a block called layers. In the block, click the Layers Drop Down. You should now have several layers available. Select the TITLE BLOCK layer.

21. The Title Block
The Title Block is what we use for an identifyer of all drawings. The bottom section is action the title block. This is where all of our text windows are. The large, open window is the viewing area. This is where your drawings go. All drawings should be centered in the title block. The text is also centered in their appropriate sections. This is called JUSTIFICATION. Our font is Middle Justified, 1/8” high, with a 0 rotation angle. All text is always ALL CAPS. Lets create a title block. For outside of class reference, there is a tool tips handout with all info on creating drawings with various tools. It can be found on my website.