Datasheet
12 Chapter 1: Getting Familiar with AutoCAD
Finally, as with any window, you can expand the drawing area or contract it into a
smaller window by clicking the Restore Down icon in the upper-right corner of the draw-
ing area.
When the drawing area is in the Restore Down position, it appears as a separate win-
dow within the AutoCAD window. You can then resize the window to any rectangular
shape you need. This is helpful when you have multiple AutoCAD drawing files open. To
maximize a drawing to fill the AutoCAD window, double-click the drawing window
title bar.
Checking the UCS Icon
The UCS icon is the L-shaped icon you see at the lower-left corner of the drawing area
(shown earlier in Figure 1.1). It helps you see your orientation at a glance by pointing to
the positive X and Y directions. UCS stands for user coordinate system. That name is a
hint that you can create and use other coordinates besides the default one that exists in
new drawings. By default, the X direction is from left to right, and the Y direction is from
bottom to top; but with AutoCAD you can alter your view orientation as well as include
additional coordinate systems that can be oriented in different directions. The UCS icon
is especially helpful when you start to use these other coordinate systems and display
modes, but right now, just be aware that it is there to help you get your bearings.
You might notice a small square at the base of the UCS icon. This square tells you
that you are in the world coordinate system, which is the base coordinate on which other
coordinate systems can be built. You’ll learn more about the UCS in Chapter 6.
Using the Command Line
The horizontal window at the bottom of the AutoCAD window is called the command
window. Besides the drawing area, this is where you can get feedback from AutoCAD.
As you work in AutoCAD, the command activity appears in the bottom line of the com-
mand window and scrolls upward.
When AutoCAD is waiting for input, you’ll see the word Command: at the bottom of the
command window. This is the command prompt. As you click a point in the drawing area,
you’ll see the message Specify opposite corner in the command line. Simultaneously, a
selection window appears in the drawing area. Click another point without selecting any-
thing; the selection window disappears, and the command prompt returns.
You’ll want to pay close attention to the command window as you start using AutoCAD
because it tells you what AutoCAD expects you to do. It also lists information when
you query AutoCAD for certain types of information, which you’ll learn about in later
chapters.
In addition to getting feedback from the command window, you’ll also see the com-
mand prompt at the cursor whenever you have the Dynamic Input display turned on.
Minimize
Restore Down
Close
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