2004

246 | Chapter 15 Use Precision Tools
To use coordinate filters to specify a point in 3D
1 At the prompt for a point, enter a coordinate filter (.x, .y, .z, .xy, .xz, or .yz).
For example, enter .x to specify the X value first.
2 To extract the specified coordinate value(s), specify a point.
For example, if you entered .x in step 1, AutoCAD extracts the X value
from this point.
3 At the prompt for the remaining coordinates, do one of the following:
■ Extract the remaining coordinate values by specifying a point.
■ Enter another coordinate filter and return to step 2.
For example, if you entered .x in step 1, AutoCAD prompts for the Y and
Z coordinate values. Specify a second point to extract the Y and Z coordi-
nates simultaneously, or enter .y or .z to specify Y and Z values separately.
AutoCAD defines a new point at a location that combines the coordinate
values extracted from the points specified in steps 2 and 3.
Note Instead of specifying a point in steps 2 or 3, you can enter a numeric
value.
Track to Points on Objects (Object Snap
Tr a ck i ng )
AutoTrack™ helps you draw objects at specific angles or in specific relation-
ships to other objects. When you turn on AutoTrack, temporary alignment
paths help you create objects at precise positions and angles. AutoTrack
includes two tracking options: polar tracking and object snap tracking. You
can toggle AutoTrack on and off with the Polar and Otrack buttons on the
status bar. Object snap tracking works in conjunction with object snaps. You
must set an object snap before you can track from an object’s snap point.
Object Snap Tracking
Use object snap tracking to track along alignment paths that are based on
object snap points. Acquired points display a small plus sign (+), and you can
acquire up to seven tracking points at a time. After you acquire a point, hor-
izontal, vertical, or polar alignment paths relative to the point are displayed
as you move the cursor over their drawing paths. For example, you can select
a point along a path based on an object endpoint or midpoint or an intersec-
tion between objects.