2011

Normal vector specification bytes draw only in the 16 predefined directions,
and the longest length is 15. These restrictions help make shape definitions
efficient but are sometimes limiting. Code 8 specifies the X-Y displacement
given by the next two bytes. Code 8 must be followed by two specification
bytes in the format:
8,X-displacement,Y-displacement
The X-Y displacements can range from -128 to +127. A leading + is optional,
and you can use parentheses to improve readability. The following example
results in a vector that draws (or moves) 10 units to the left and three units
up.
8,(-10,3)
Following the two displacement specification bytes, the shape returns to
Normal Vector mode.
You can use code 9 to draw a sequence of nonstandard vectors. Code 9 specifies
any number of X-Y displacement pairs. The code sequence is terminated by a
(0,0) pair. The following example draws three nonstandard vectors and returns
to Normal Vector mode.
9,(3,1),(3,2),(2,-3),(0,0)
You must terminate the sequence of X-Y displacement pairs with a (0,0) pair
in order for AutoCAD for Mac to recognize any Normal Vectors or special
codes that follow.
Quick Reference
Commands
LOAD
Makes shapes available for use by the SHAPE command.
SHAPE
Inserts a shape from a shape file that has been loaded using LOAD.
Code 00A: Octant Arc
Special code 00A (or 10) uses the next two specification bytes to define an arc.
This is called an octant arc because it spans one or more 45-degree octants,
starting and ending on an octant boundary. Octants are numbered
114 | Chapter 8 Shapes and Shape Fonts