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2.Select the OPEN tool from the Quick Access Toolbar. (Refer to page 1-10)
3.Select the Desktop directory
4.Select the 2015-workbook-helper.dwg
5.Select the Open button located in the lower right corner.
Your screen should appear as shown below.
I created the Rectangular shape that appears in the drawing area. I have designed the exercises that follow to fit on an 11 X 8.5 sheet of paper so you can easily print them on any letter size printer. The Rectangle represents an 11 X 8.5 sheet of paper. While completing the exercises within this workbook please try to draw all objects within this rectangle.
The criss-cross lines are Grids. I have set them to display every 1 inch vertically and horizontally. You will learn more about Grids in Lesson 3. For now notice that the grids are 11 horizontally and 8.5 vertically. Grids are merely a visual aid and will not print. The size may be changed at any time and they may be turned ON or OFF easily by selecting the “Grid” button on the status line or F7. (Refer to page 1-13)
The next step is to create a template from this drawing. Continue on to step 6 on the next page.
6.Select the “Application Menu”
7.Select Save As “
8.Select “Drawing Template”.
9.The name of the new file should already be highlighted in the “File name” box, if it’s not just type in; 2015-Workbook Helper in the File name box.
Do not type the extension .dwt, AutoCAD will add it automatically.
10.Select the Save button.
11.Type the description as shown below.
12.Select OK button.
Now you have a template to use for Lessons 2 through 8.
At the beginning of each exercise you will be instructed to start a NEW drawing using the 2015-Workbook Helper.dwt.
Using a template as a master setup drawing is very good CAD management.
More on using the template on the next page
The template that you created from the previous pages will be used for lessons 2 through 8. Many variables have been preset in this template. This will allow you to start drawing immediately. You will learn how to set those variables before you complete this workbook, but for now you will concentrate on learning the AutoCAD commands and hopefully have some fun.
TO USE A TEMPLATE
1. Select the NEW tool from the Quick Access Toolbar.
2.Select Drawing Template [*.dwt] from the “Files of type” if not already selected.
3.Select the 2015-Workbook Helper.dwt from the list of templates.
Note: If you do not have this template, refer to page 2-2 for instructions.
4.Select the Open button.
AutoCAD provides you with 2 different methods for selecting commands. One is selecting a tool from the Ribbon, the other is typing the command. Both methods will accomplish the same end result. You decide which method you prefer. An example of method 1 is shown below. Method 2 is on the next page.
Method 1: Selecting a tool from the Ribbon
1.First select a tab such as Home.
2.Locate the correct Panel such as Draw.
3.Select a tool such as Circle
Method 2: Keyboard entry
You may type commands on the Command line (Shown below) or in the Dynamic Input tooltip (Shown on the next page)
It depends on whether you have Dynamic Input On or Off.
COMMAND LINE
How to enter a command on the Command Line.
1.Place the cursor in the Command Line area. (Important)
2.Type the first letter of a command, such as c for circle.
3.A list of commands that begin with the letter c will appear. Select the command from the list.
4.When you enter a command such as Circle the prompt and options will be displayed on the command line.
