Get Started

AutoCAD Freestyle is the simple

®

design tool for smart ideas. Its

straightforward features make it easy
for you to create professional-looking
drawings—without any training. This
guide covers the basics to help you
get started.

Draw Accurate Lines

Most AutoCAD Freestyle drawings start with straight lines.
You can also easily draw rectangles, circles, and freehand
doodles.

To draw a line:
1. Click the Line tool in the toolbar.
2. Click the line start point and click again to set the endpoint.
3. Right-click to stop drawing line segments.
4. Edit the length of an existing line segment by selecting the segment and clicking its temporary dimension
number. Type in the new length and press Enter.

Tip: To draw lines of an exact length, enter a numeric value after setting the start point and line direction. To draw just a
single line segment, click the left mouse button to set the start point and drag the cursor. Release to set the endpoint.

Change the Appearance of Lines

Change the line type, line width, and line color of any line or
shape—before or after drawing it.

To change line properties for a new line:

1. Choose the line type, width, and color you want in the
Properties toolbar.
2. Draw your lines. They will have the properties you
selected.

To change line properties for an existing line:

1. Select one or more lines.
2. Choose the new line type, width, or color from the Properties toolbar.

Tip: In addition to setting line properties, you can add fills, gradients, and patterns to closed shapes using the Fill tool and
Properties toolbar.
Add Text
AutoCAD Freestyle makes it easy to add notes or descriptions
to your drawings.

To add text:
1. Click the Text tool.
2. Click the paper where you want to add text.
3. Select the font, font size, and other formatting options
from the Text toolbar.
4. Type your text.
5. When finished, click the green check mark next to the text.
6. To exit the Text tool, select another tool or press ESC.

Tip: To edit existing text, click the Text tool, and then click the text you want to edit. Alternatively, you can select the text
and then click the Pencil icon to its right to enter text editing mode.

Add Pre-Drawn Symbols

Design faster by using pre-drawn symbols to represent
furniture, kitchen appliances, trees, shrubs, and more.

To add a symbol:
1. Select a category of symbols (such as Appliances) by
clicking the drop-down list of libraries on the Symbol
Libraries palette.
2. Scroll through the symbol previews until you find the symbol you want.
3. To insert the symbol into your drawing, click and drag it to the drawing. Release the mouse button when the
symbol is where you want it.

Tip: When browsing for symbols, collapse sub-libraries by clicking the arrow to the left of the sub-category name.

Add Dimensions
You can add permanent dimensions to all objects,
including arcs, circles, lines, and doodles to call out specific
measurements for your project.

Click the Dimension tool.

Click the start point of the dimension line.
Click the endpoint of the dimension line.
To adjust the placement of the dimension, activate the Select
tool, select the dimension, and then click and drag the grip located at the corner.

Tip: To change the color of a dimension line, select it and click a new color in the Properties toolbar.
Learn While Drawing
Everything you need to learn about AutoCAD Freestyle is right in the
product, including help panels that explain each drawing tool. You’ll
be drawing in no time—no training required. Click the Question Mark
icon to show or hide help panels.

Online Learning Resources

Access online learning tools—including video tutorials, user-submitted
tips and tricks, and articles called Freestyle Essentials—by clicking
the links located in the Learning toolbar in AutoCAD Freestyle.
You can also access these resources from your web browser at
www.autodesk.com/autocadfreestyle-learn.

Help When You Need It

If you have a question or need some extra help, your answer is just a click away. Ask questions in our online discussion group
(www.autodesk.com/autocadfreestyle-discussion) to get technical support on everything from installation to saving and
printing your drawings. Autodesk experts and fellow AutoCAD Freestyle users will provide the answers you need.

For more information on AutoCAD Freestyle support, visit www.autodesk.com/autocadfreestyle-support.

Autodesk and AutoCAD are registered trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or
trademarks belong to their respective holders. ­Autodesk reserves the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time without notice, and is not r­ esponsible for typographical
or graphical errors that may appear in this document.

© 2010 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.