Datasheet

6 Chapter 1: Getting Familiar with AutoCAD
Click the AutoCAD icon to
open the Application menu.
Drawing area In the middle of the AutoCAD window is the drawing area where you’ll do
your actual drawing. You’ll learn more in the “Getting Familiar with the Drawing Area”
section of this chapter.
UCS icon The UCS icon is the L-shaped icon you see at the lower-left corner of the draw-
ing area; you’ll learn more in the “Checking the UCS Icon” section.
Status bar At the bottom of the screen is the status bar, which provides information
about many of the settings you’ll use in AutoCAD. The status bar also offers controls over
many of the different drawing modes in AutoCAD.
Command window Just above the status bar is the command window, which is almost
unique to AutoCAD. The command line is a text window that displays commands as you
use them, as well as your keyboard input. Messages often appear here that prompt you
to perform a step in a command. You’ll learn more about the command line a bit later in
this chapter; see the “Using the Command Line” section.
InfoCenter In the upper-right corner of the AutoCAD window you’ll see the InfoCenter.
This is where you can get help about AutoCAD features or find current information
about AutoCAD on the Internet. You’ll learn more in the “Staying Informed with the
InfoCenter” section of this chapter.
Figure 1.5
The Application menu
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