Learn AutoCAD basics: DAY 1
Welcome to Learn AutoCAD 2D basics in 21 DAYS!
Here is the first DAY. We will on this journey make use of all basic commands in AutoCAD.
The Attempt: Handing you enough skills that you give you confidence to continue learning auto-didactically.
LEARNING AUTOCAD BASICS
Today we will start from what you need to know on Day 1. You need to have visited theseAutoCAD tutorial before diving into the following. (Jump this step and read further down, if you feel that you can handle the rest of the content without needing anything else, feel free to do so).
COORDINATE SYSTEM
In AutoCAD, the Drawing Area is composed by a sheet in which every location has the particularity of having its own coordinate represented by x, y and z.
Since we are going to be solely working in 2D in this series, we can forget about the z component of the coordinate system.
Looking at the following image, you will notice that each corner of the figure has a coordinates.
Though it is true you wont be using this a lot while drawing in AutoCAD, we will spend a minute talking about it. At this point, I will suggest you disable the Dynamic input before trying the following.
We will try creating the previous image using the coordinate system and the command window. It is simple, the concept will be to use the four points to draw the quadrilateral.
To do that using autoCAD:
The first step allows to activate the LINE command. (Learn more about the LINE command)
The second step allows to specify the starting point of the line and the same goes for next steps.
The last Step allows to Cancel the LINE command.
In AutoCAD stroking Esc (ESCAPE) allows to exit a command.
At this stage, you are not using the computer mouse, and you are require to pay close attention to the command windows while drawing. As we go, we will learn more about the command windows and how to use your mouse in AutoCAD.
EXERCISE
Use the technique we have just learned to create the following.
Note you can start from any point.