Datasheet

TAKING A GUIDED TOUR
11
5.
Click the Draw option from the menu bar, and then click the Rectangle command. Notice
that the Command window now shows the following prompt:
Specify first corner point or [Chamfer/Elevation/Fillet/Thickness/Width]:
AutoCAD is asking you to select the first corner for the rectangle, and, in brackets, it’s offer-
ing a few options that you can take advantage of at this point in the command. Don’t worry
about those options right now. You’ll have an opportunity to learn about command options
in Chapter 2. You also see the same prompt, minus the bracketed options, in the dynamic
input display at the cursor.
6.
Click a point roughly in the lower-left corner of the drawing area, as shown in Figure 1.5.
Now, as you move your mouse, a rectangle follows the cursor, with one corner fixed at the
position you just selected. You also see the following prompt in the Command window,
with a similar prompt in the dynamic input display:
Specify other corner point or [Area/Dimensions/Rotation]:
Figure 1.5
Selecting the first
point of a rectangle
7.
Click another point anywhere in the upper-right region of the drawing area. A rectangle
appears (see Figure 1.6). You’ll learn more about the different cursor shapes and what they
mean in Chapter 2.
At this point, you’ve seen how most of AutoCAD’s commands work. Many drawing and editing
functions display messages in the Command window. These messages are also displayed in the
dynamic input display. You’ll find that dialog boxes are displayed when you want to change set-
tings. Also, be aware that many of the drop-down menu items are duplicated in the toolbars, which
you’ll explore next.
3738x.book Page 11 Monday, June 25, 2007 11:37 PM