Let’s start drawing objects in the AutoCAD. first object we start to Draw AutoCAD Lines.
You should pay attention to the command line as you work.Before starting to Draw AutoCAD Lines we should understand coordinate systems in which lines or any other geometry is drawn.
About the Coordinate System
Every geometry drawn is placed in the world coordinate system [WCS] or a user coordinate system [UCS]. When you create geometry, data input is given to the software in Cartesian x,y or polar coordinates [distance, angle]. You can either enter these coordinates or by clicking point in the drawing canvas.
Types of coordinate system systems
(A)Cartesian Coordinate System
When you Draw AutoCAD Lines data inserted in the form of Cartesian x,y .The Cartesian coordinate is used to find point in space that are at a distance from a set of perpendicular axis that intersect at the origin point of the AutoCAD.
In the World coordinate system, the X axis shows the horizontal direction, the Y axis shows
the vertical direction and the origin is located at 0,0. The Z axis moves in the positive direction directly towards , the user.
Note that for this course we will only be concerned with the X & Y points since we are working in 2D Environment. The Z coordinate will not be considered.
The given image shows a line draw from the origin with point at the coordinate 4,5.
To specify a Cartesian coordinate, type the X ,Y coordinate and press ENTER. Example:
L enter
LINE start point 0,0 Enter.
LINE next point 4,5 Enter.
A line will be drawn whose x distance is 4 units and y distance is 5 units.
(B)Polar Coordinate System.
A polar coordinate is a point in the coordinates system that is determined by a distance and an angle. The following example shows a line drawn from the origin of the coordinate system with a length of
10 units and an angle of 45 degree.
To specify a polar coordinate, type the @distance < angle, example
L Enter
LINE start point 0,0 Enter.
LINE next point @10<45 Enter.
where Distance equals the distance traveled from the specified start point i.e 10 units and Angle equals the angle from the X axis i.e .45 degrees.
NOTE : By default angles is measured counterclockwise direction from the zero angle position.The default zero angle is in the East direction.
Absolute and Relative Coordinate systems
When you type coordinate, they can be of an absolute or a relative coordinate.
■ An absolute coordinate system represents a point in the coordinate system relative to the origin 0,0. To enter an absolute coordinates, type the values as a Cartesian coordinate x,y or Polar coordinates [distance angle].
■ A relative coordinates is a point located from a last selected point. To enter a relative coordinates, select point, then proceed to the next point with the @ . Example @10<45 would mean 10 units at 60 degrees from the last point selected, and @5,4 would mean 5 units in the x direction and 4 units in the y direction from the point selected.
Note that when the Dynamic Input is selected in the Status Bar relativity is automatically on.
Absolute and Relative Coordinate Examples
| Coordinates | Absolute Coordinate | Relative Coordinate |
| Cartesian coordinates | 10,40 | @10,40 |
| Polar coordinates | 10<45 | @10<45 |
About Dynamic Input
The Dynamic Input is a input method of values . when you Draw AutoCAD Lines Rather than entering values on the command line, you can use the Dynamic Input interface by entering command information on drawing canvas at the cursor location.
To access Dynamic Input Options.
Use command [ DS Enter]. this window will appear.
Use the Dynamic Input tab in the Drafting Settings dialog box to change settings related to the
Dynamic Input interface.
Methods for Using Dynamic Input
■ When you use grips ( blue dots when you select objects) to stretch objects, or when you create new objects, dimensional input displays only acute angles’
■ Dynamic Input is not intended to replace the command window. You use both the dynamic interface prompts and the command line in your workflow.
■ When Dynamic Input is on, points that you enter in response to second or next point prompts default to relative.
■ Depending on the position of the cross hair and the status of other drafting settings such as object snaps, polar tracking, and tool tips, other information may appear on the Dynamic Input interface including object snap tips and command line prompts.
STEP BY STEP: Drawing with Dynamic Input
The steps by step representation of how to Draw AutoCAD Lines using the Dynamic Input and Polar coordinates. Note that because the Dynamic Input display is activated, relativity is assumed and it is not necessary to enter the symbol @.
- Begin a LINE command by [L Enter]. The Dynamic Input field displays command.
- After you press ENTER, the interface immediately switches to Point Input mode. The tooltip gives instructions for what is required and the input fields reflect the current XY coordinate location of the cursor.
- The Dynamic Input display prompts you for the next point. Enter a value in the Distance input field and press TAB to lock the distance and activate the Angle input field. Enter a value in the Angle input field and press TAB to lock the angle at 0 degrees. Click to select the point.
- Enter another value in the Distance input field and press TAB to lock the distance. Move the cursor to adjust the angle value shown but note that if you simply click, the angle is rounded up to the nearest whole number as determined in the Units settings. It would be best to enter the angle for accuracy.
- Click the final point and press ENTER to complete the line.
- Your finished object is shown.
LINE Using Direct Distance Entry METHOD
Direct distance entry method is the easiest and quickest way to enter values while the Draw AutoCAD Lines. You can enter a distance whenever the software prompts you to select
a point. The point coordinates are calculated based on the angle of the cursor from the previous
point selected and the distance you enter. It is a good idea to have Polar Tracking on when using this
method to control the direction of the line .
Guidelines for Using Direct Distance Entry
■ Turn Ortho mode on in the drafting settings which will help you to draw straight lines.
■ Enter the desired distance and press ENTER.
STEP BY STEP : Using Direct Distance Entry METHOD
The following steps give an overview for using the direct distance entry method.
- Start a command Line and click a point to begin.
- When you are prompted to specify the next point, drag your cursor in the direction you want the line to travel, enter a distance on the command line, then press ENTER.
Note keep ortho setting on.
- if you want to draw inclined line just use the symbol < with the angle example < 45 the cursor will be adjusted at 45 degrees just give the distance and press ENTER.
Thats all in Draw AutoCAD Lines.
Thank You.
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