Advanced AutoCAD® 2007

The Academic Solution

Sina Sepehri
ii

Copyright © 2007
VESD, Inc.

The content of this book is furnished for informational use only, is subject to change
without notice, and should not be constructed as a commitment by VESD, Inc. VESD,
Inc. assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or inaccuracies that may appear
in this book and in no event shall be liable to anyone for, special, collateral, incidental, or
consequential damage in connection with or arising out of purchase or use of these
materials.

Except for as permitted by such license, no part of this book may be reproduced, stored in
a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of VESD, Inc.

Trademarks

All brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders.

Screen Captures contained in this book are used with permission from AutoDesk.
AutoCAD and Autodesk are registered trademarks of Autodesk, Inc. in the U.S.A and
certain other countries.

Art/Cover Design: Sina Sepehri

Special thanks to my former students Chris Conover and Jon Winner for their time and
dedication.
 Introduction
Since its infancy, just a decade ago, the emerging field of digital design has
revolutionized the thought process of designers and allowed teams of talented individuals
to collaborate faster and with far more precision than ever before. Using the Internet,
seamlessly across the U.S. and the Globe, oceans of new talent are being incorporated
into production.

The emerging technology of Computer-Aided-Drafting & Design has offered both two-
and three-dimensional modelers new ways of thinking and has clearly challenged the
traditional minds, requiring them to utilize new and digital tools to bring ideas to reality.

Today with its design-centric mindset, AutoCAD is offering designers, drafters,

engineers, architects, interior designers, and students tools that allow for speed, precision,
consistency and legibility, all in a collaborative environment. With over 3.5 million users
around the world, the leading drafting software has set the tone for CAD standards,
giving the well trained users mobility and flexibility.

Advanced AutoCAD® 2007: The Academic Solution is a set of step-by-step AutoCAD

tutorials designed specifically for academia. This book is a continuation of Introduction
to AutoCAD 2007(or 06), The Academic Solution. Whether they are used as a
standalone or with other standard AutoCAD textbooks, you will find these advanced
tutorials to be well-structured, informative, and easy to follow. In order to maximize
your success, it is best to follow the procedure step by step and not skip any instructions.
It is also recommended to have the Introduction to AutoCAD 2007(or 06) The Academic
Solution textbook available for reference purposes.

The Text consists of 14 chapters. Every chapter corresponds to and is equivalent to a

week of instructions and assignments for the advanced CAD course. Some chapters
group two distinct topics together to accommodate for a week of instructions. For a
recommended approach to progressing through the text, refer to the flowchart on the next
page or consult with your instructor. The book is best followed with all assignments
accomplished using the same computer and/or network.

As you reach the end of the book, you should feel confident in your knowledge of the
software because you are considered to be an advanced user. Keep in mind that practice
is crucial for retaining the knowledge, making you an efficient AutoCAD user.
 i

Table of Contents

Terminology .................................................................................................... ix
Chapter 1 ...........................................................................................................1
Folders ...................................................................................................................3
Creating Folders.......................................................................................................... 4
Renaming Folders ....................................................................................................... 5
Subject Folders .....................................................................................................6
Create a Template (Model Space).......................................................................8
Create a Template (Paper Space) .....................................................................10
Creating a Symbol Library ...............................................................................13
Office Layout ......................................................................................................27
Using a Symbol library ......................................................................................29
Redefining Blocks ...............................................................................................34
Create Layout from Template...........................................................................40
Assignment 1.......................................................................................................43
Chapter 2 .........................................................................................................45
Defining Attributes.............................................................................................47
Attribute Modes ........................................................................................................ 47
Attribute Definition................................................................................................... 49
Copy Attributes ......................................................................................................... 53
Edit Attribute ............................................................................................................ 53
Inserting Attributed Blocks ...............................................................................64
Editing Attributes...............................................................................................67
Edit Attribute ............................................................................................................ 67
Block Attribute Manager .......................................................................................... 68
Edit multiple Block Attributes (Properties Method) ................................................. 69
Edit multiple Block Attributes (Synchronize Method) ............................................. 71
Attribute Extraction...........................................................................................74
Extract Attributes (Excel Spreadsheet Method)........................................................ 74
Attribute Visibility .............................................................................................79
Visibility Mode ......................................................................................................... 79
Assignment 2.......................................................................................................81
Chapter 3 .........................................................................................................83
Polyline ................................................................................................................85
Create a Polyline ....................................................................................................... 85
Edit a Polyline........................................................................................................... 86
Close a Polyline ........................................................................................................ 86
Open a Polyline......................................................................................................... 86
ii

Adjust Polyline Width............................................................................................... 86

Undo Polyline edit .................................................................................................... 87
Edit Polyline Vertices ............................................................................................... 87
Move Polyline Verticies............................................................................................ 87
Spline a Polyline..................................................................................................89
Spline ........................................................................................................................ 89
Decurve ..................................................................................................................... 89
Fit .............................................................................................................................. 89
Join Polyline.............................................................................................................. 90
Polyline Linetype ...................................................................................................... 91
Spline Frame ............................................................................................................. 92
Spline multiple .......................................................................................................... 95
Fuzz distance............................................................................................................. 96
Spline ...................................................................................................................97
Create a Spline .......................................................................................................... 97
Close Spline .............................................................................................................. 97
Edit Spline................................................................................................................. 97
Move Vertex ............................................................................................................. 98
Spline Frame ............................................................................................................. 98
Converting Objects to Polylines ........................................................................99
Fillet polyline .......................................................................................................... 100
Area ...................................................................................................................102
Area of a Closed Polyline ....................................................................................... 102
Sum and Difference ................................................................................................ 102
Assignment 3.....................................................................................................103
Chapter 4 .......................................................................................................107
Digitizing a Map ...............................................................................................109
Raster Image Reference .......................................................................................... 110
Aligned.................................................................................................................... 112
Image Adjust ........................................................................................................... 113
Pline tracing ............................................................................................................ 115
Assignment 4.....................................................................................................121
Chapter 5 .......................................................................................................123
External References .........................................................................................125
Attach an Xref ..................................................................................................128
Attach a Drawing .................................................................................................... 128
External References Palette..................................................................................... 128
Unload..................................................................................................................... 132
Reload ..................................................................................................................... 133
Xclip........................................................................................................................ 145
Bind......................................................................................................................... 148
Assignment 5.....................................................................................................151
Chapter 6 .......................................................................................................153
World Coordinate System ...............................................................................155
Coordinate Points .............................................................................................158
Elevations ..........................................................................................................159
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Viewing Objects in 3D......................................................................................162

View Point .........................................................................................................163
3D Orbit ............................................................................................................165
Views..................................................................................................................169
User Coordinate System (UCS).......................................................................172
World Coordinate System ....................................................................................... 172
User Coordinate System.......................................................................................... 172
Move UCS .............................................................................................................. 175
Origin ...................................................................................................................... 175
Save a UCS ............................................................................................................. 176
3 Point UCS ............................................................................................................ 177
Assignment 6.....................................................................................................187
Assignment 6B 3D Topography ...................................................................196
View Point .............................................................................................................. 196
Chapter 7 .......................................................................................................201
Workspaces .......................................................................................................203
Workspace Toolbar ................................................................................................. 203
Create a Workspace ................................................................................................ 204
Customize User Interface........................................................................................ 204
Create a Toolbar...................................................................................................... 207
Macros ...............................................................................................................211
Write a Macro ......................................................................................................... 214
Create a Button ....................................................................................................... 215
Assignment 7.....................................................................................................231
Chapter 8 .......................................................................................................233
Dynamic Blocks ................................................................................................235
Block Editor ............................................................................................................ 239
Block Authoring palette .......................................................................................... 239
Rotation Parameter.................................................................................................. 239
Actions Tab............................................................................................................. 241
Rotate Action .......................................................................................................... 241
Save Block Definition ............................................................................................. 242
Parameters Tab........................................................................................................ 245
Linear Parameters ................................................................................................... 246
Stretch Action ......................................................................................................... 248
Data Exchange Format ....................................................................................252
Create a DXF file .................................................................................................... 252
Import a DXF file.................................................................................................... 253
Assignment 8.....................................................................................................257
Chapter 9 .......................................................................................................259
Slide Show and Scripts.....................................................................................261
Make Slides............................................................................................................. 262
View Slides ............................................................................................................. 266
Scripts................................................................................................................267
Notepad ................................................................................................................... 268
iv

Create a Script......................................................................................................... 269

Save a Script ........................................................................................................... 269
Run your Script ....................................................................................................... 269
AutoCAD and the Internet ..............................................................................272
URL ........................................................................................................................ 272
Inetlocation ............................................................................................................. 273
Web Toolbar ........................................................................................................... 273
Hyperlink ..........................................................................................................274
Text and File Hyperlink .......................................................................................... 275
Geometry and File Hyperlink.................................................................................. 276
Text and Website Hyperlink ................................................................................... 276
Remove a Hyperlink ............................................................................................... 277
File Transfer Protocol (FTP)...........................................................................278
Add an FTP Location.............................................................................................. 278
DWF...................................................................................................................281
Publish .................................................................................................................... 281
Add Sheets .............................................................................................................. 282
Plot Stamp ............................................................................................................... 285
Assignment 9.....................................................................................................287
Chapter 10 .....................................................................................................289
Isometric Projection .........................................................................................291
Isoplanes............................................................................................................293
Isometric Circles ..................................................................................................... 297
Fillets ...................................................................................................................... 298
Tangents ............................................................................................................301
Isometric Text Styles ........................................................................................305
style ......................................................................................................................... 306
Dimensioning ....................................................................................................308
Dimension Style...................................................................................................... 308
Oblique.................................................................................................................... 310
Rotate dimension .................................................................................................... 311
Assignment 10...................................................................................................313
Chapter 11 .....................................................................................................315
Creating a Sheet Set .........................................................................................317
Sheet Set Manager .................................................................................................. 317
New Sheet Set ......................................................................................................... 317
Creating Subsets ...............................................................................................322
Creating Sheets from an Example ..................................................................324
Create Cross Referenced Sheets.............................................................................. 328
Example Sheet Set .................................................................................................. 328
Removing Subsets................................................................................................... 330
Creating a New Sheet.............................................................................................. 331
Model Views ........................................................................................................... 332
Add a new location ................................................................................................. 332
Drag and Drop views .............................................................................................. 333
View Scaling ........................................................................................................... 334
 v

View Labels ............................................................................................................ 334

Sheet Views ............................................................................................................ 336
Rename and Renumber ........................................................................................... 337
Creating Callout Blocks...................................................................................339
Sheet Set Place Holder ............................................................................................ 341
View Number.......................................................................................................... 341
Sheet Number.......................................................................................................... 342
Adding Callout Blocks .....................................................................................344
Add Callout Blocks to List...................................................................................... 345
Placing Callout Blocks .....................................................................................347
Callout Block Hyperlink ......................................................................................... 350
Archive ..............................................................................................................352
Zip File.................................................................................................................... 353
Self-extracting executable....................................................................................... 354
Password Protection................................................................................................ 355
Assignment 11...................................................................................................357
Chapter 12 .....................................................................................................359
Database Connectivity .....................................................................................361
Create a Database.................................................................................................... 363
Microsoft Access .................................................................................................... 363
Connecting and Configuring a Database. ......................................................371
DBconnect............................................................................................................... 371
Linking Objects to the Database.....................................................................377
Link Template ......................................................................................................... 377
Label Template ....................................................................................................... 384
Create Attached Labels ........................................................................................... 385
Data View and Query Options ................................................................................ 386
Delete Attached Labels ........................................................................................... 387
Create Freestanding Labels ..................................................................................... 390
Quick Query......................................................................................................393
Assignment 12...................................................................................................395
Chapter 13 .....................................................................................................397
Adding Express Tools ......................................................................................399
Adding Express toolbars ......................................................................................... 399
Move/Copy/Rotate............................................................................................403
Super Hatch ......................................................................................................405
Multiple Copy ...................................................................................................408
Fast Select..........................................................................................................409
Text Fit ..............................................................................................................410
Text Mask..........................................................................................................411
Text Explode .....................................................................................................412
Arc-Aligned Text ..............................................................................................413
vi

Copy Nested Objects. .......................................................................................415

Assignment 13...................................................................................................419
Chapter 14 .....................................................................................................423
AutoLISP...........................................................................................................425
Arithmetic Operations............................................................................................. 425
Real versus Integer numbers...........................................................................427
Use AutoLISP in a Command................................................................................. 427
Store and use Variables........................................................................................... 428
Run Commands in AutoLISP.................................................................................. 429
Store coordinates..................................................................................................... 430
Get Functions .......................................................................................................... 433
Prompts in AutoLISP .............................................................................................. 434
Writing a LISP program in Notepad ....................................................................... 437
Executing a LISP routine.................................................................................439
Assignment 14..................................................................................................449
Appendix A ....................................................................................................451
Interface ............................................................................................................453
Tool Palettes Window ......................................................................................457
DesignCenter.....................................................................................................459
Clean Screen .....................................................................................................460
Toolbars.............................................................................................................462
Load a Toolbar........................................................................................................ 462
Close a Toolbar ....................................................................................................... 463
Dock a Toolbar ....................................................................................................... 464
Flyouts ...............................................................................................................464
Flyouts ...............................................................................................................465
Display Options.................................................................................................466
Set Colors................................................................................................................ 466
Crosshair Size ......................................................................................................... 468
Profiles...............................................................................................................470
Add a profile to the List .......................................................................................... 471
Load a default profile .............................................................................................. 471
Lock/Unlock Toolbars......................................................................................473
Lock/Unlock a Toolbar ........................................................................................... 473
Communication Center....................................................................................475
Status Line ........................................................................................................477
Line ....................................................................................................................478
Pick Start and End points ........................................................................................ 478
Undo........................................................................................................................ 480
Close ....................................................................................................................... 480
Undo, Redo........................................................................................................481
Erase (Selection Methods) ...............................................................................482
 vii

Windowing.............................................................................................................. 482
Crossing .................................................................................................................. 483
Removing................................................................................................................ 484
Fencing.................................................................................................................... 485
Shortcut Menu ..................................................................................................486
Help....................................................................................................................488
Info Palette .............................................................................................................. 488
New Features Workshop ......................................................................................... 489
Help......................................................................................................................... 490
File Management ..............................................................................................493
Creating Folders...................................................................................................... 494
Renaming Folders ................................................................................................... 495
Appendix B ....................................................................................................497
Digitizing a Map by using a Tablet .................................................................497
Calibrate a tablet ..................................................................................................... 498
Toggle tablet mode.................................................................................................. 499
Configuring a Tablet ........................................................................................503
Appendix C Aliases .......................................................................................505
Appendix D Hot Keys and Function Keys ..................................................509
Index ..............................................................................................................511
 ix

Terminology Used in This Book

Bold – A word in bold letters signifies that it is an AutoCAD specific term or that it is a
very specific item (i.e., a specific color, Object, or name).
Terminology
Bold Italics – A number that is displayed in both bold and italic signifies that it is to be
entered by means of the keyboard.

By doing the following: – A sentence ending with the term "by doing the following:"
signifies that you are about to be given step-by-step, bulleted instructions as to
how to perform a specific operation for the first time.

Command: - The Command Prompt is the location where you instruct AutoCAD to
perform a specific task. For example, typing in "Erase" at the Command
Prompt and then pressing the Enter key, instructs AutoCAD to erase one or a
group of Objects. Also note that in AutoCAD, with very few exceptions, the
cursor is always automatically positioned at the Command Prompt.
Terminology

Pointer device – Most computers are configured for a mouse, however, you may be using
a pen tablet, a digitizer or any other device which may serve the same function.

Click – Refers to picking the "left" Pointer Button of the mouse. If the right pointer
button is to be selected, you will be specifically instructed to right-click.

Double-click – Indicates clicking a pointer button on your mouse twice without pausing
or hesitating between clicks.

Drag – Refers to pressing down the left pointer button while moving/dragging the mouse
to a new location and then releasing the button.

ENTER – Refers to pressing the Enter key on the keyboard. As you will see, any
keyboard entry at the Command Prompt will require an ENTER. However in
the later Chapters, at times it may be expected of you to ENTER after a
Command entry without specific instructions.

Note: – A note generally furnishes you with information and explains concepts but does
not require you to take any action.

Pick – Refers to left clicking within the Drawing space (i.e., Pick Circle C1, refers to left
clicking on Circle C1.) The terms Pick and Select are interchangeable.

Select – Refers to picking a menu item/tool or a pre-existing Object by clicking on it

using the mouse (i.e., "Select Erase" means that you should select the Erase
Icon/tool as opposed to typing the Command Erase).
x

Toggle – Refers to a setting that has a switch mode (i.e., On, Off). There are different
methods of toggling:

1. Function keys. The function keys are usually located along the top of your
keyboard and are identified by the letter F and a number. Each function key
is assigned to a specific AutoCAD function. For instance, pressing F9 will
Toggle your Snap settings to On/Off.

2. Control Keys. Control keys are another way of allowing for shortcuts.
Control keys are used by holding the CTRL key, and then pressing another
key. For instance, CTRL+2 will toggle the DesignCenter.

3. Toggle switches. Many AutoCAD settings can also be Toggled from dialog
boxes as shown below. As an example, as the Endpoint OSnap mode Toggle
is selected, a check mark appears and the setting is Toggled to on as shown
below.

4. Toggle Buttons. Buttons located in the Status Line are another way of
toggling certain settings. There are eight buttons located in the Status Line
that can be Toggled by clicking on the buttons with the pick button. When the
button appears depressed it is On, otherwise it is Off. For instance, in the first
image shown below Snap is Toggled to the off position. The second image
shows Snap Toggled On. These buttons will be covered in more detail later.

User-Specified – This term is used when requesting a non-specific entry where the exact
size or location for Drawing an Object (or a group of Objects) is flexible, i.e.,
"Create a Circle in a User-specified location as shown below" means that you can
approximate the size and location similar to a given diagram.
 xi

Other Terminology and Information

CAD: A general term meaning Computer Aided Drafting or sometimes Computer Aided
Design. This term is not specific to AutoCAD.

CADD: A general term meaning Computer Aided Design and Drafting.

CAD Station: A computer station that has CAD software installed (in this case
AutoCAD) and preferably has other peripherals such as a plotter and sometimes a
digitizer. The advantages of using a CAD station over manual drafting are basically
speed, repeatability, accuracy, and easy editing.

AutoCAD: With over 3.5 million users, this AutoDesk® product is currently the most
widely used CAD software in the industry.

Commercial Version: This is the version of the CAD program that is purchased for
professional design and drafting and is for commercial use. In other words, you may use
the license for profit.

Educational Version: This version is available to students who are enrolled in three or
more credits at a degree-granting educational institution or those who are enrolled at a
nine-month certificate-granting program. The Student Version is also available to
registered K-12 students who can confirm current enrollment. Although the Educational
software has the same functionality as the commercial, it can not be used for the purpose
of profit.

Purchasing AutoDesk® products: AutoDesk software, such as AutoCAD, Inventor,

Rivet, 3ds MAX, Civil 3D and many others can be purchased from AutoDesk directly or
through Authorized AutoDesk Resellers around the country. For more information, you
can go to the AutoDesk estore at http://estore.autodesk.com where you can also locate
resellers near you. You can also check with your school's bookstore.
 1

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Creating a Template
Creating a Symbol Library
Office Layout
Making Blocks
Redefining Blocks
Creating Layout (Paper /Model Space)
2
 Chapter One 3

Folders
In this section, you will create all the necessary Folders for your assignments. As
you already know, Folders are where files, such as Drawings, are saved. Many teaching
institutions use the common practice of automatically creating the student folders using
students' names and/or ID numbers. These student folders are often placed on a network
drive such as F:, T:, or H: as opposed to the Local Disk (C:). An example of a folder
and its associated path is T:\Engineering_Technologies\Smith_David_02, where a
common folder such as David Smith 02 is created on the T: drive under the Engineering
Technologies folder as shown below.

In the event that you are not clear on how to create folders, or where your folder
resides or is to be created, consult with your instructor. In this case, it is also
recommended that you review the File Management section of Appendix A to learn to
create a New Folders and Rename Folders, etc.

Many teaching institutions install Computer Security software in their computer

labs. This is to improve system stability, protect against viruses, avoid Internet
downloads, etc. In many cases, this type of software does not allow for your AutoCAD
Drawing files to reside/stay on the Local Disk (C:). It is for this reason (and more) that
you should save your files to a specific Drive and Folder as designated by your
Instructor.
4

The instructions below will help you in creating your Main folder (from this point
on referred to as My_CAD_Folder). This exercise will create your folder in the
Documents and Settings folder of the Local Disk (C:). However, as mentioned before,
you may already have a main folder assigned to you so that you only have to create your
subject folders inside the main folder.

Caution: If you have a folder assigned to you already, skip to page 6 to create the
subject folders. Consult with your instructor as necessary.

1. Create your main Folder by doing the following:

Creating Folders
• From the Microsoft® Windows Interface, select Start then My Computer
as shown below.

• At the My Computer window, double-click on Local Disk (C:) and

select the Documents and Settings folder (or your drive as designated by
your instructor).
 Chapter One 5

• From the Menu Bar, select File, then New, then Folder as shown below.
{A New Folder appears. It is highlighted, and the cursor is located to the
right of the name. Since the name is already highlighted, you don't need
to back space.}

• Type in the new name: My_CAD_Folder and then ENTER.

• Double-click on the folder My_CAD_Folder folder. {You are inside the

folder. The name appears at the Address field, and it is obviously
empty.}

• Select the Back button. {It will take you "back" out of the folder and to
the Documents and Settings folder of the Local Disk (C:).}

Renaming Folders
• Right-click on the My_CAD_Folder folder and select Rename. {The
name is highlighted.}

• Type in your last name followed by your first name, i.e., Smith David

• ENTER. {The folder is renamed to your name.}

Note: From this point on, for the sake of consistency, the book will refer to your main
folder as your My_CAD_Folder.
6

Subject Folders
Once you have your My_CAD_Folder folder such as T:\Engineering_
Technologies\Smith_David_02, you need to create 18 folders that fall inside your main
folder. The 18 folders include 16 topics and two more folders for your symbol library
and Templates. Do not skip the instructions below as these folders are needed to
continue through the tutorials.

• Double-click on your My_CAD_Folder {Your My_CAD_Folder window

appears and you are placed inside your folder.}

• Select File, New, and then Folder again. As the highlighted New Folder
appears, type in the name Review_Material and then ENTER. {The new
Folder is created.}
 Chapter One 7

• Repeat this process to create the remaining 17 folders. Name these folders
Symbols, Templates, Attributes, Polylines_and_Splines, Digitizing,
External_References, Three_Dimensions, Customization,
Dynamic_Blocks, Data_Exchange, Slideshow, Internet, Isometric,
Sheet_Sets, DataBase, Express Tools, and AutoLISP. Since this is a
repetitive process, you may use the key stroke sequence Alt+ F, then W,
and then F to create each folder. Note that it is not critical to use the
underscore "_" symbol when naming your folders. However, for reasons
stated later, the Slideshow folder name should be a single word having no
spaces.

• The image below displays the list of folders in alphabetical order, not in
the sequence used in the course.

• Close the above window since you are about to launch AutoCAD.
8

Create a Template (Model Space)

In Chapter 3 of Volume I, you learned to create an A size Template for use in Model
Space. The procedure below repeats the exercise of creating a Template to be used in
this book.

1. Create a Template by doing the following:

• Launch AutoCAD and begin a new blank Drawing. In the event that you
are asked to choose a Workspace, select AutoCAD Classic and then OK.

• Make sure that in the Status Line, your Snap, Grid, Ortho, Polar,
Osnap, Otrack, Ducs, Dyn, are set to Off.

• Set Units to Decimal with a Precision of two decimal places 0.00. Set the
Angle Decimal Degrees Precision to one decimal place 0.0.

• Set Limits to a lower left corner of 0,0 and an upper right corner of 9,6.

• Set Grid to 0.5 .

• Set Snap to 0.25 .

• Zoom All.

• Using the Rectangle tool, create a 9 x 6 rectangle with the lower left
corner located at 0,0 and the other corner at 9.0,6.0 .
 Chapter One 9

• Select the Save As button. {The Save Drawing As window appears.}

• In the File of type drop down, select AutoCAD Drawing Template

(*.dwt) as shown below.

• In the File name text field, name the file My Template Model Space A
size_ _ _ where the three blanks are your initials.

• In the Save in drop down, select your Templates folder located inside
your main folder.

• Select the Save button. {The Template Description dialog box appears.}

• Leave the description as is, and select OK.

• From the Menu Bar, select File and then Exit AutoCAD.

Note: Keep in mind that opening a Template file by selecting File, Open and changing
the File of type to *.dwt is interpreted by AutoCAD as if you plan to modify your
Template rather than use it to start up a new Drawing. So in the future, unless you
intend to update or modify a Template, do not use the Open option from the File Menu
Bar to Open a Template file, but rather use the File, New option to begin a new Drawing
file. Later in the chapter, you will also learn how to import a Template into an already
existing Drawing.
10

Create a Template (Paper Space)

In Chapter 12 of Volume I, you learned about Layouts and Paper Space, where
you created an A size Template for use in Paper Space. The procedure below repeats
that exercise of creating a Template to be used throughout this book.

1. Create a Drawing Template in Paper Space by doing the following:

• Launch AutoCAD and begin a new blank Drawing. In the event that you
are asked to choose a Workspace, select AutoCAD Classic and then OK.

• Set your Units to Decimal with Precision set to two decimal places
(0.00).

• Make sure that from the Status Line, Snap, Grid, Orth, Polar, Osnap,
Ducs, and Dyn are set to Off.

• Create a Layer named Title block, and set it as the Current layer.

• Click on the Layout1 Tab as shown below. {An A (letter) size paper is
displayed and you are placed in Paper Space as shown by the
Paper/Model toggle of the Status Line.}

• Erase the default Viewport shown in the form of a rectangle. A new

Viewport will be created that is more suitable to your My Template
Paper Space A size_ _ _.dwt Template.
 Chapter One 11

• Create the title page having the given dimensions shown below. A good
approach would be to use the Rectangle tool to create a 10 x 7.5 rectangle
with the first corner located at coordinates 0.2,0.2 and the other corner
located at coordinates 10.2,7.7. Then use the Explode tool to explode the
rectangle and Offset the lower edge upwards by 0.40 units as shown
below.

• Make sure that the entire geometry falls within the rectangular margins as
shown by the dashed line type. Move the geometry as necessary.

• Use the Text Command to place your name, course section, lesson
number, and scale in the title block as shown below. Start text at a user-
specified location with a height of 0.2 units while making sure it falls
within the title block similar to that shown below. Font is user-specified.

• Make sure that Layer 0 is your Current Layer.

• Open the Viewports toolbar and dock it on the screen. You can do this by
right-clicking on any tool, and then selecting Viewports from the list of
toolbars.

• From the Viewports toolbar, select the Single Viewport tool and use the
Endpoint Osnap option to create a Single Viewport with corners located
at P1 and P2 of the diagram above for the two corners of the Viewport.
12

• To toggle to Model Space, double-click within the Viewport area. {The

Viewport is displayed in bold, verifying that you are in Model Space.}

• From the Status Line, select the Model button to switch back to Paper
Space as shown below.

• Select the Save As button. {The Save Drawing As window appears.}

• In the File of type drop down, select AutoCAD Drawing Template

(*.dwt).

• In the File name text field, name the file My Template Paper Space A
size_ _ _ where the three blanks are your initials.

• In the Save in drop down, select your Main Folder, as designated by your
instructor and then select Templates.

• Select the Save button. {The Template Description dialog box appears.}

• Leave the description as is, and select OK.

• From the Menu Bar, select File and then Exit AutoCAD.
 Chapter One 13

Creating a Symbol Library

You are about to create a library of symbols as shown below by the 9 Objects. In
creating these symbols, you will exercise your technique of geometric construction while
keeping precision in mind. Note that the symbols you are about to create will be used
throughout the textbook. To avoid lost time, save your progress frequently. Although the
symbols you are creating are Architectural, the techniques you are learning can be
applied to a variety of fields such as Mechanical, Industrial, Civil, etc.

1. Launch AutoCAD to begin a new blank Drawing. You will use your Paper Space
Template later in the Chapter. In the event that you are asked to choose a
Workspace, select AutoCAD Classic and then OK.

2. Set Units to Architectural and Precision to 1/16”.

3. Set Limits to 0',0' by 24',16' and then Zoom All.

4. Make sure that Ortho, Polar, Osnap, Otrack, Ducs, and Dyn are set to Off.

5. Use the Rectangle tool to create a rectangular border having the same corners as
your limits.
14

6. Set Snap and Grid by doing the following:

• In the Status Line, right-click on the Grid Button and from the shortcut
menu, select Settings.

• As the Drafting Settings dialog box appears, set both Snap and Grid to
6".

• Toggle both Snap and Grid to On.

• Ensure that the Adaptive Grid setting is toggled Off as shown below.

Note: Adaptive grid allows for an automatic change in grid settings based on the current
zoom factor. As an example, if you zoom in/out noticeably, the system will change to a
subdivision or multiple of the current value instead of displaying the usual "grid too
dense to display" warning. Although using this new option is a matter of user choice, the
book will not make use of this setting.

7. SaveAs the Drawing using the name, All Symbols _ _ _ where the three blanks
are your initials. Make sure that the Drawing is saved to your Symbols folder of
your Main Folder.
 Chapter One 15

8. Use the Rectangle tool and the following information to construct the Desk and
Chair as shown below. Exact location of each symbol is user-specified; symbols
will be moved and rearranged later in the instructions.

• Remember to Zoom and Pan as necessary.

• The Desk is 5'2" x 2'6".

• The Chair seat is an 18" square.

• The Chair arms and back are located 1" from the chair seat and are 2"
wide with user-specified length. Setting Snap to 1" will help construct the
chair more efficiently.

• Do not label the symbols.

9. Create a Computer Desk using the following instructions:

• Use the Rectangle tool to create a 62" square as shown below.

• Use the Explode tool to explode the rectangle. {The Rectangle converts
to lines L1-L4.}

• Create Lines L5 and L6 by Offsetting L1 and L2 by 22" respectively, as

shown below.
16

• Create the Diagonal Line L7 with Endpoints located at the two opposite
corners of the square desk as shown below on the left.

• Create L8 and L9 by Offsetting L7 by 14” to both sides.

• Create L10 with Endpoints starting at the Intersection of L6 and L8 and

going to the Intersection of L5 and L9 as shown below.

• Trim the geometry and Erase all Construction Lines (Xline) to result in
the Computer Desk geometry shown below.

Note: The three symbols should appear as shown below. Do not label the symbols.

• Remember to Save your progress frequently.

 Chapter One 17

10. Create the Sink symbol by using the following instructions:

• Create Construction Line CL1 using the horizontal option and

Construction Line CL2 using the vertical option, at user-specified
locations, as shown below.

• Create a Circle with the center located at the intersection of CL1 and
CL2, having a Radius of 0.5".

• Offset the Circle to the outside by 0.5".

• Create Ellipse E1 using the Center option and for the Center, use the
intersection of CL1 and CL2. Use the given dimensions shown below.
18

• To create CL3 and CL4, Offset the Construction Line CL2 to the right
by 1.0" and again Offset CL2 to the right by 8".

• Create Ellipse E2 with the center located at the intersection of CL1 and
CL3. For the axis distance, refer to the given dimensions below.

• Create a faucet similar to the one shown below. The exact size and
dimension of the geometry are user-specified. However, faucet geometry
should be symmetrical.

• Trim the geometry as shown below and Erase all remaining

Construction Lines.

11. Create a Toilet using the following instructions:

• Create a horizontal Construction Line, CL1 and a vertical Construction

Line, CL2 at user-specified locations as shown on the next page.

• Offset CL1 in both directions (Up and Down) by 9" as shown on the next
page.
 Chapter One 19

• Offset CL2 to the right by 10.5" and again Offset CL2 to the right by
18.5" as shown below.

• Create an Ellipse (Center option) at the intersection of CL1 and CL2

using the given dimensions.

• Apply a Fillet with a Radius of 1" to the intersections of the

Construction Lines to form the rectangular shape as shown below.
20

• Offset CL1 to both sides by 4".

• Offset CL2 to the right by 9.5" as shown below.

• Create two Fillets with 5" radius between the ellipse and the two
horizontally offset Construction Lines, as shown below.

• Trim and Erase the geometry as necessary to result in the Toilet symbol
shown below.

• Save your All Symbols _ _ _.dwg and remain in the Drawing.

 Chapter One 21

12. Create a Window symbol using the following instructions:

• Create a Rectangle with a Length of 6'5" and a Width of 6" at a user-

specified location.

• Explode the Rectangle. {The Rectangle is converted to 4 separate lines.}

• Using the given dimensions, Offset the line L1 up by 2.5" and again
Offset L1 up by 3.5". Also Offset Line L2 a total of 4 times using the
given dimensions below.

• Trim the geometry to result in the window symbol shown below.

13. Create the Cubicle symbol shown below using the given dimensions. A
reasonable approach would be to start with a 17'-1" x 8'-5" rectangle at a user-
specified location. Explode the rectangle and use the Trim and Offset tools as
necessary.
22

14. Create the right-swing Door symbol at a user-specified location, using the given
dimensions. The Center of the Arc is shown by the dot of figure below.

• Mirror the right-swing door symbol about a vertical axis, thus creating a
left-swing door symbol as shown below. The exact location of Object is
user-specified.

15. Zoom All and use the Move Command to reposition the nine symbols as
necessary to result in the arrangement shown below. The exact position of each
symbol is user-specified. However, all symbols should fall within the designated
Limits area. Do not label Objects.

16. Save the All Symbols _ _ _Drawing file and remain in the Drawing.
 Chapter One 23

17. Make a Block of the Desk by doing the following:

• From the Draw toolbar, select the Make Block tool. {The Block
Definition dialog box appears as shown below.}

• For the Block name, enter Desk.

• In the Objects area, make sure that the Retain button is toggled to On.

• In the Objects area, select the Select Objects button.

• Select the Desk geometry (the original rectangle) and then ENTER {The
Block definition dialog box appears again.}

• In the Base point area, select the Pick point button.

Note: Using the Retain option will make sure that the original geometry (used to create
a Block symbol) is not converted to a Block and that only those inserted from this point
on are actual Block symbols. This leaves the original geometry intact and editable.
24

• For the Desk base point, select point P1 as shown below by the dot. {The
Block definition dialog box appears.}

• Select OK. {The Desk Block is created and the Block definition dialog
box is closed.}

18. Use the above procedure to create the remaining eight Blocks by using the names
Chair, CompDesk, Sink, Toilet, Window, Cubicle, DoorRS, and DoorLS,
knowing that the base point of Blocks are given by the dots labeled as P1-P9.
Note that these symbols will be addressed and utilized in later chapters.

• Once the nine Blocks are created, they are to be tested. From the Draw
toolbar, use the Insert tool to insert each Block at a user-specified
location. Due to space limitation, you may put Blocks outside of your
limits momentarily. In the event that any Block is in error and needs to be
Redefined, if necessary, use the Explode tool to explode the symbol first
and then repeat the process properly to make a Block of the symbol.
 Chapter One 25

• Once all the Blocks are proven to be valid (both in geometry and base
point location), erase all recently inserted Blocks while keeping the
original geometry on the screen.

Note: An efficient method of having global access to a Block symbol is by means of

WBlocking (writing a Block to a file). With this technique, each Block can be written to
a file and then inserted into any Drawing from one central location.

19. WBlock the Desk by doing the following:

• At the Command Prompt, type W (for WBlock) and then ENTER.

• In the Write Block dialog box, in the Source section, toggle Block as
your source and use the drop-down menu to select Desk from the list of
Block names.

• In the Destination section, select the [...] button (as shown below by the
pointer) and use the Save in drop-down to make sure to assign the File
name and path to your Symbols folder.

• Double-click on the Symbols folder {The Save in drop-down reads

Symbols.}

• Make sure that the File name reads Desk.dwg as shown below.

• Select OK.
26

20. Repeat this process to WBlock the Chair, CompDesk, Sink, Toilet, Window,
Cubicle, DoorRS, and DoorLS using their respective file names, while saving
them to your Symbols folder. Remember that the Block names can be selected
from the drop down list.

Note: Your All Symbols _ _ _ Drawing is not an assignment. Although it will be

addressed again in this chapter, plotting is not required.

21. Save and Close the All Symbols _ _ _ Drawing.

22. Exit AutoCAD.

 Chapter One 27

Office Layout
1. Launch AutoCAD and begin a new blank Drawing. Make sure to be using the
AutoCAD Classic Workspce.

2. Set Units to Architectural with Precision set to 1/16".

3. Set Limits to 0,0 and 84',56' and then Zoom all.

4. Create a rectangular border at the boundary of your limits.

5. To create the office layout, do the following:

• To construct the exterior wall perimeter, create a Rectangle having the

dimensions of 72' x 43' with the lower left corner located at 6',6'.

• Select Chamfer from the Modify toolbar.

• Set both Chamfer distances to 16' and Chamfer the upper right corner of
the office as shown below. {A 45 degree Chamfer is created.}

• Offset the chamfered rectangle to the inside by 6" as shown below.

• Explode the two Objects. {The Rectangle / Polylines convert to lines.}

28

• Use the given dimensions and your knowledge of the Offset and Trim
tools to construct the restroom area in the lower right corner of the office.
Do not Dimension the Drawing.

• Create the door and window openings using the given dimensions. Note
that the Chamfered wall is at 45 degrees.
 Chapter One 29

• Zoom all.

• Save the Drawing to your Review_Material folder as Office Plan _ _

_.dwg where the three blanks are your initials.

Note: The first time you insert a particular WBlock file into a Drawing, you need to use
the Browse button to locate the file properly. Once the Block is inserted into the
Drawing, it is then local to that Drawing and can be selected for insertion from the drop-
down Name list of the Insert dialog box. Also note that once a Block is inserted, you
can copy the Block to multiple locations using the Copy Command. Each copied Object
is also a Block.
Using a Symbol library
6. Insert Blocks by doing the following:

• From the Draw toolbar, select the Insert Tool.

• As the Insert dialog box appears, select the Browse button.

30

• Use the Look in drop-down menu to locate your My_CAD_Folder and

then the Symbols folder. {All WBlock files are listed as shown below.}

• From the Symbols folder located in your My_CAD_Folder, Insert one

copy of each Block --Window, DoorRS, DoorLS, Toilet, Sink and the
Cubicle -- somewhere in the Drawing area. As you insert each Block,
make sure that the Explode button is toggled to Off (unselected).

• Make sure that in the Settings area, the Allow exploding is toggled to On.

• Select OK.
 Chapter One 31

• Move and Copy the Blocks as necessary to result in the diagram shown
below. Note that other than the Toilets and Sinks, the final positions of all
other symbols are exact. For the arrangement of the sixteen cubicles, you
may use the rectangular array Command, knowing the given dimensions.

• Zoom All and make sure that your Drawing matches that shown above.

• Save the Office Plan _ _ _.dwg Drawing again using the same name and
folder location as before.

• Close the Office Plan _ _ _.dwg Drawing.

32

Note: You are about to create a Drawing that contains the South and West Elevation
views of the office. The Drawing shown below is a simplified representation of the
Elevations and will be used later in the book to demonstrate Sheet Sets.

7. Create the Office Elevation Views by doing the following:

• Select File, New, and then use the acad.dwt to begin a new Drawing.

• Set Units to Architectural with a Precision of to 1/2".

• Set Limits to 0',0' and 120',80'.

• Use the given dimensions to create the two Elevations of the Office. Do
not Label or Dimension the views. Exact locations for the two Views are
user-specified.

• Save AS the Drawing as Office Elevation _ _ _.dwg Drawing to your

Review_Material folder.

Note: Although the Office Elevation _ _ _ Drawing is not an assignment, it will be

addressed again in the book. Plotting is not required.

• Close the Drawing.

 Chapter One 33

8. Add Furniture to the Office using these given instructions:

• Open your Office Plan _ _ _.dwg Drawing.

• Zoom into the 16-cubicle area as necessary.

• Insert 9 copies of the Desk Block in the proper locations and orientations
(having 0, 90, and 270 degree rotation as needed) as shown below.

• Insert the CompDesk Blocks (7 copies) and the Chair Blocks (16 copies)
in their proper location and orientation as shown below.

• Save AS the Drawing as Office with Furniture_ _ _ Drawing to your

Review_Material folder.
34

Redefining Blocks
Knowing that in a design environment, change is inevitable, and that Drawings
and symbols are revised frequently, AutoCAD allows for simple and practical editing of
Blocks. The editing of a Block is referred to as Redefining a Block.

1. Redefine a Block by doing the following:

• Open the My_Symbols_Library _ _ _.dwg Drawing file from your

Symbols folder.

• Make the following modifications to the Desk symbol:

Fillet the corners of the Desk using a Radius of 2”.In the case of a
rectangle, you can use the Polyline option of the Fillet Command to
Fillet all 4 corners in one selection.

In the upper left corner of the Desk, 6" from the edge, create a Circle
having a Radius of 1.5".

Offset the Circle to the inside by 0.25”.

Mirror the two Circles about the center of the desk vertically, as
shown below.
 Chapter One 35

• Make the following modifications to the copy of the Chair:

Fillet the corners of the seat using a Radius of 4”.

Fillet the corners of the arms and back using a Radius of 0.75”.

Make the following modifications to the copy of the Computer Desk:

Construct Line L2 from the corner of symbol to midpoint of L1.

Offset L2 to both sides through corners of the desk, thus creating L3

and L4 as shown below.

Offset L3 and L4 to the outside (away from the center) by 1”.

To create Line L5, Offset Line L1 Through the intersection as shown

below.
36

Trim the geometry and Erase all remaining construction lines as

shown below.

Use the Multiple option of the Fillet Command to Fillet corners of

Computer Desk using a Radius of 2”.

• Select the Make Block tool from the Draw toolbar. {The Block
definition dialog box appears.}

• From the drop-down list of names, select Desk.

• Select the Select Object button and then select the revised Desk geometry
and for the Insertion base point use the intersection of the two edges (Int
option) of the desk as shown by the dot below.
 Chapter One 37

• Select OK. {You are informed that the Desk is already defined, and are
given the option to redefine the Block.}

• Select Yes.

• Similarly, redefine the Chair and CompDesk using the diagram below.
Keep in mind that the insertion points of these new symbols must remain
consistent with those of the old symbols as shown below by the dots.

Note: Once the Desk, Chair, and Computer Desk Blocks are revised and updated, you
also have to update the WBlock files.

• At the Command line, type W (for Wblock) and then ENTER. {The
Write Block dialog box appears.}

• In the Source area, select Block and use the drop-down to select Desk
from the list.

• In the Destination area, make sure that the path is set to your
My_CAD_Folder\Symbols\Desk.dwg and then select OK. {You are
informed that the file already exists and are given the option to replace the
file.}

• Select Yes.

• Repeat the WBlock process for the Chair and the Computer Desk.

• Zoom All.

• Save and Close the All Symbols _ _ _.dwg file.

38

In this exercise, you will incorporate the updated symbols into the Office
Drawing. As demonstrated in this assignment, the first time a Block is Inserted, the
WBlock file will be used. Once the Block is Inserted into the Drawing, it resides in the
Drawing and can be addressed locally. Finally, the Drawing will be plotted using a
newly created Layout by means of a Template.

• Open the Office with Furniture_ _ _ Drawing.

• From the Draw toolbar, select the Insert Block tool. {The Insert dialog
box appears.}

• Click on the Browse button.

• From the list of Drawing files, select Desk.dwg and then select Open and
then OK. {The Dialog box appears, informing you that the Block is
already defined and gives you the option to update Block definition.}

• Select Yes. {Desk symbol drags on the screen.}

• Insert a copy of Desk at a user-specified location. {All desks are

updated.}

• Erase the just inserted Desk Block.

 Chapter One 39

• Repeat the same process for a Chair symbol. {All chairs are updated.}

• Finally, update the CompDesk symbol using the same procedure. The
Drawing should appear as shown below.

• Erase the 84' x 56' border rectangle since it is no longer needed.

• Save the Office with Furniture_ _ _Drawing

Note: It is important to recognize that the Office Layout Drawing did not automatically
update to the new WBlock files and that for the updates to take place, each new Block
had to be inserted manually. Later in the book, you will learn to automate this process
using External References.
40

Create Layout from Template

1. Load and dock the Layouts toolbar. You can do this by right-clicking on any tool
and then selecting Layouts from the list.

2. Create a Layout tab using a Template by doing the following:

• In the Layouts toolbar, select the Layout from Template

button. {The Select Template from File dialog box
will appear.}

• In the Select Template dialog box, select the Views dropdown menu
located in the upper right corner, and then select List. If the List button is
shown in gray, then it is already selected and the files are listed.

• From your Main Folder and then Templates, select the My Template
Paper Space A size _ _ _ Template and then select Open. This template
was created in the earlier portion of this chapter.

• As the Insert Layout(s) dialog box appears, select Layout1 and then click
OK. {A new tab appears to the right of the Layout1 and Layout2 tabs.}

• Right-click the "Layout3-Layout1" tab and from the shortcut menu list of
options select Rename. {The Rename Layout dialog box appears.}

• Enter the name Office Plan and then click OK. {The tab is renamed as
Office Plan.}

• Right-click on the Layout1 tab and from the shortcut menu list of options,
select Delete and then OK. {The Layout1 tab is deleted.}

• Repeat the same process for the Layout2 tab. {Layout2 tab is deleted,
leaving you with only the Model and Office Plan tabs as shown below.}

• Select the Office Plan tab as shown below.

 Chapter One 41

• Switch to Model Space within the current Layout by clicking on the

Paper/Model Toggle button in the Status Line. {The Status Line will
read Model and a thick line will appear defining the border of the
Viewport as shown below.}

3. Zoom Extends. {The Office Layout displays in the Viewport area.}

4. Save the Office with Furniture_ _ _Drawing.

5. Exit AutoCAD.
 43

Assignment 1
1. Launch AutoCAD and Open your Office with Furniture _ _ _ Drawing.

2. Make sure to be in the Model Space of the Office Design Layout.

3. From the Viewports toolbar, use the Scale drop-down menu to select a scale of
1/8"=1'-0"and then Pan (not Zoom) to center the Drawing.

4. Use the Status Line to switch to Paper Space.

5. Double-click in the Text area of the title box and Edit the Text to reflect a scale
of 1/8"=1'-0".

6. Exit the Text Command by pressing ENTER twice.

7. Save the Office with Furniture_ _ _Drawing.

8. Plot the Office Plan Layout using given settings.

9. Check to make sure that your Plot matches the next page.

10. Close the Viewports toolbar.

11. Exit AutoCAD.

44
Chapter One 45