Datasheet
Working With AutoCAD
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15
Working in the Command Window
As mentioned, at the bottom of the screen, just above the status bar, is a small horizontal win-
dow called the Command window. Here, AutoCAD displays responses to your input. By default,
it shows two lines of text. The bottom line shows the current messages, and the top line shows
messages that have scrolled by or, in some cases, components of the current message that don’t
fit in a single line. Right now, the bottom line displays the message Command (see Figure 1.4, ear-
lier in this chapter). This prompt tells you that AutoCAD is waiting for your instructions. When
you click a point in the drawing area, you see the message Specify opposite corner:. At the
same time, the cursor starts to draw a window selection that disappears when you click another
point. The same message appears in the Dynamic Input display at the cursor.
As a new user, pay special attention to messages displayed in the Command window and the
Dynamic Input display because this is how AutoCAD communicates with you. Besides giving you
messages, the Command window records your activity within AutoCAD. You can use the scroll
bar to the right of the Command window to review previous messages. You can also enlarge the
window for a better view. (Chapter 2 discusses these components in more detail.)
Now, let’s look at AutoCAD’s window components in detail.
The Command Window and Dynamic Input Display
The Command window and the Dynamic Input display allow AutoCAD to provide text feedback
on your actions. You can think of these features as a chat window to AutoCAD—as you enter com-
mands, AutoCAD responds with messages. As you become more familiar with AutoCAD, you may
find you don’t need to rely on the Command window and Dynamic Input display as much. For new
and casual users, however, the Command window and Dynamic Input display can be helpful in
understanding what steps to take as you work.
Working with AutoCAD
Now that you’ve been introduced to the AutoCAD window, you’re ready to try using a few
AutoCAD commands. First you’ll open a sample file and make a few modifications to it. In the
process, you’ll become familiar with some common methods of operation in AutoCAD.
Opening an Existing File
In this exercise, you’ll get a chance to see and use a typical Select File dialog box.
Before you start, make sure you have installed the sample files for this book from the DVD.
See the introduction for instructions on how to find the sample files.
To start, you’ll open an existing file:
1. Click the close icon in the upper-right corner of the drawing area. It looks like an X.
Minimize
Restore Down
Close
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