Overview
This lecture introduces key drawing and modification tools in AutoCAD, focusing on grid and snap modes, ortho and polar tracking, object snaps, and basic shape creation—all essential for your first drawing assignment.
Status Bar Drawing Modes
- The status bar includes grid, snap mode, ortho mode, polar tracking, and object snap (osnap) icons.
- Grid mode displays grid lines on the workspace for alignment.
- Snap mode restricts cursor movement to grid points for precise drawing.
- Turning off snap mode allows free cursor movement and lines in any direction.
Ortho and Polar Tracking Modes
- Ortho mode constrains drawing to vertical and horizontal lines only.
- Polar tracking enables drawing lines at any angle, often at predefined increments (e.g., 30°, 45°).
- Only one (ortho or polar tracking) can be used at a time.
Selecting, Deleting, and Modifying Objects
- Double-click and drag to create a selection rectangle, then press delete to remove objects.
- Use the dimension tool to measure and display line lengths on the drawing.
Object Snap (Osnap) Functions
- Osnap allows precise selection of endpoints, midpoints, and perpendicular points.
- Use osnap to accurately connect lines, draw right triangles, and measure hypotenuses.
- Customize osnap settings to catch specific object features like midpoint or perpendicular.
Creating and Manipulating Shapes
- Use the circle tool to draw circles by specifying the center and radius.
- Duplicate objects with the copy tool by selecting a base point and moving copies along a direction.
- Move the drawing view by using the pan tool or pressing the mouse roller.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Grid Mode — Displays a network of intersecting lines to help align objects.
- Snap Mode — Limits cursor movement to defined grid points for accuracy.
- Ortho Mode — Restricts drawing to vertical and horizontal directions only.
- Polar Tracking — Allows drawing at preset angles, not just vertical/horizontal.
- Osnap (Object Snap) — Automatically snaps cursor to key points (endpoints, midpoints, perpendiculars) for precision.
- Dimension Tool — Measures and displays the length between two points on the drawing.
- Pan Tool — Moves the view of the drawing without altering objects.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice using grid, snap, ortho, polar tracking, and osnap functions in AutoCAD.
- Watch the next video on the Snowman drawing assignment.
- Complete and submit your first drawing assignment using circle and copy tools.
- Attend help sessions if you have questions.