Beginning AutoCAD 2017. Cheryl R. Shrock

      Customize tool allows you to select options for the AutoComplete by selecting ‘Input Settings’. You can also control how many lines of history are displayed and the degree of transparency for the Command Line.

       DYNAMIC INPUT

      Dynamic Input is another method of inputting commands, values and selecting options.

      To use Dynamic Input you must turn ON the Dynamic Input button in the Status Bar, shown on page 1-14.

      If you choose to use Dynamic Input the command will be entered in the tooltip box beside the cursor.

       How to enter a command using Dynamic Input.

      1. Place the cursor in the Drawing Area.

      2. Type the first letter of a command, such as c for circle.

      3. A list of commands that begin with the letter c will appear. Select the command from the list.

      4. If you press the down arrow the options will appear below the prompt.

      Notice the command entry is being displayed on the command line also.

      Using the Command Line or Dynamic Input is your choice.

       This will be discussed more in Lesson 2. Or for more advanced Command Line options, see Appendix-D.

       DRAWING AREA

      The Drawing Area is the large open area of the screen. This is where you will draw. Consider this your paper.

      The color of this area can be changed using Options / Display tab / Color

       ORIGIN Icon

      The Origin icon or UCS icon indicates the location of the Origin.

      The Origin is where the coordinates X, Y and Z originate.

      The X and Y coordinates for the Origin is 0, 0.

      This will be discussed more in future Lessons.

       CURSOR

      The Cursor is located within the Drawing Area. The movement of the pointing device, such as a mouse, controls the movement of the cursor. You will use the cursor to locate points, make selections and draw objects.

      The size can be changed using Options / Display tab / Crosshair Size.

       INFOCENTER

      The InfoCenter is a tool to search for information. It is located in the upper right corner of the screen.

       Search Box

      The InfoCenter allows you to search for information by typing key words or a question in the “Help Box”. After typing press <enter>

       Search

      Displays multiple search options.

       Autodesk 360 Online Services

      Sign in to Autodesk Online to access services that integrate with your desktop software.

       Autodesk Exchange Apps

      Displays the Autodesk Exchange window.

       Help Menu

      Displays the Help Window

       VIEWCUBE and NAVIGATION BAR

      The ViewCube and the Navigation Bar are used primarily in the 3D mode. They enable you to view and rotate the 3D Model.

      We will not be using these tools in this Workbook.

      Refer to the “Advanced” workbook.

      Since we are not using these tools you may choose to turn their display off. Follow the easy instructions below to turn the display off or on.

       How to turn off the View cube and Navigation bar.

      There are 2 methods:

       Method 1.

      1. Type navbardisplay <enter>

      2. Type 0 <enter> [0 = off 1 = on]

      3. Type navvcubedisplay

      4. Type 1 <enter>

       Note: Navvcubedisplay has 4 settings:

      0 = Not displayed in 2D or 3D

      1 = Displayed in 3D only (Select this one for the workbook)

      2 = Displayed in 2D only

      3 = Displayed in both 2D and 3D

       Method 2.

      1. Select the View tab

      2. Left click on the ViewCube and Navigation Bar buttons.

      Note: The buttons will be a Neon Blue in color when switched on.

TOOLTIP HELP

       Basic Tooltip

      When you hover your cursor over a tool an initial Tooltip will appear telling you the name of the tool with a brief description.

       Extended Tooltip

      If you hover just a little longer, a graphic display directly from the Help system, will appear.

       How to turn off Tooltips

      After you become familiar with AutoCAD you will want to turn these off. Or you may just want to delay the extended Tooltips.

      1. Type options and press <enter>.

      2. Select the Display tab.

      3. Uncheck boxes.