Datasheet

THE BOTTOM LINE

You can open the Tool Palettes window by clicking the Tool Palettes Window tool in the Stan-

dard Annotation toolbar. Once it’s open, you can select a tab containing the predrawn objects you

want to use and then click the specific object you want to add. The object appears at the cursor,

ready for you to select a location.

In addition to predrawn objects, the Tool palettes offer a way to quickly add fill patterns and

other components to your drawing. They’re great tools to help you manage your library of custom,

predrawn symbols. Chapter 25 shows you how to use and customize the Tool palettes.

The Bottom Line

Using the AutoCAD Window AutoCAD is a typical Windows graphics program that makes

use of menus, toolbars, and palettes. If you’ve used other graphics programs, you’ll see at least

a few familiar tools.

Master It Name the components of the AutoCAD window that let you select a function.

Solution AutoCAD offers the menu bar, toolbars, and the Dashboard to give you access to

the most common functions.

Getting a Closer Look with the Zoom Command One of the first things you’ll want to learn

is how to manipulate your views. The Zoom command is a common tool in graphics programs.

Master It Name two ways of zooming into a view.

Solution Choose View  Zoom  Window, and then click two points to define a zoom

window. Another option is to use the Realtime tool in the 2D Navigate control panel.

Saving a File as You Work Nothing is more frustrating than having a power failure cause a

loss of hours of work. It’s a good idea to save your work frequently. AutoCAD offers an

autosave feature that can be a lifesaver if you happen to forget to save your files.

Master It How often does the AutoCAD autosave feature save your drawing?

Solution Autosave saves a copy of a drawing every 10 minutes by default. This interval

can be set by the user.

Making Changes and Opening Multiple Files As with other Windows programs, you can

have multiple files open and exchange data between them.

Master It With two drawings open, how can you copy parts of one drawing into the other?

Solution Select the parts you want to copy, and click and hold on any selected part. When

you see a small rectangle appear below the cursor, drag the parts into the other drawing.

Alternately, you can use the standard Windows Copy and Paste functions.

3738x.book Page 25 Monday, June 25, 2007 11:37 PM