Datasheet
Understanding the AutoCAD Window 9
Along with the Dynamic Input display, the command line and status bar just below
the drawing area provide feedback as you work with AutoCAD commands (see Fig-
ure 1.5). You can also see the XY coordinate in the far left of the status bar in the lower-
left corner of the AutoCAD window.
ControLLing the status Bar DispLay
To the far right of the status bar, you’ll see a downward-pointing triangle, or arrow; click this
arrow to open a menu that controls the display of the status bar. You can also just right-click
in a blank area of the status bar to display this menu. You use this menu to turn the items in
the status bar on or off. A check mark by an item indicates it is currently on.
If for some reason you do not see all the buttons mentioned in the preceding discussion,
check this menu to make sure that all the status bar options are turned on. Note that the LT
version does not have an Otrack option in the status bar.
Using the Ribbon
If you’ve used the latest version of Microsoft Office for Windows Vista, you’ll be familiar
with the Ribbon. The Ribbon is a bit like a super toolbar that offers quick access to the
most commonly used tools. In addition, the Ribbon offers a lot of helpful information in
the form of expanded tooltips.
Specifically, the Ribbon is a collection of tools that invoke commands. These tools
are grouped into several tabs. Each tab contains a set of panels, and each panel contains
a set of icons representing tools and showing their function (see the earlier Figure 1.2).
The tools also offer tooltips that provide a lot of information, including a description that
helps you understand what the icons represent.
If you move the cursor onto one of the Ribbon panel tools and leave it there for a
moment, you’ll see a tooltip appear just below the cursor, giving you a brief description
of the tool. Leave the cursor there a bit longer, and the tooltip expands to show even
Figure 1.5
The status bar and
the command line
work with the draw-
ing area to give you
feedback as you
draw.
Command line
Coordinate readout
If the Ribbon does not appear on the screen, you can click in the command window and
then type ribbon↵ to restore it to the window.
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