Lecture Script for AutoCAD 2024

Introduction to AutoCAD
Welcome to our first session on AutoCAD 2024! AutoCAD is a computer-aided design (CAD) software
that has been developed by Autodesk. It is widely used by architects, engineers, and professionals
involved in construction and manufacturing to create precise 2D and 3D drawings. Today, we will start
with an overview of the AutoCAD workspace, customizing the workspace, mouse and navigation
techniques, and coordinate systems.
--Do you have autocad in your computers at home? What version?
We several file types supported by different versions of AutoCAD. It is crucial that you understand which
files can be opened in which versions of AutoCAD. The DWG (Drawing) file format is the primary file
format used by AutoCAD. It's essential to know how different versions handle DWG files. Newer
versions of AutoCAD can open files from older versions (ex: DWG file made in autocad 2018 can be can
be opened in autocad 2024), but older versions cannot open files created in newer versions unless they are
saved in an older DWG format (ex: DWG file made in autocad 2018 can’t be opened in autocad 2013,
unless the file is saved as an older version).--- show them how to use save as.
Workspace Overview
Let's begin with the layout of the AutoCAD workspace. When you first open AutoCAD, you'll see several
key components:
1. Ribbon: This is the horizontal bar at the top of the screen, which is divided into tabs such as
Home, Insert, Annotate, and so on. Each tab contains panels with related tools and commands.
For instance, the Home tab includes basic drawing tools, editing tools, and layers management.
2. Toolbars: These are vertical or horizontal bars that can be positioned around the drawing area.
They provide quick access to frequently used commands. Although the Ribbon has largely
replaced traditional toolbars, you can still use them for a more customized workspace.
3. Command Line: Located at the bottom of the screen, the Command Line is crucial in AutoCAD.
It allows you to enter commands directly, provides command prompts, and displays information
about your actions.
4. Drawing Area: This is the central area where you'll create and edit your drawings. It's your
digital canvas.
5. Status Bar: At the very bottom of the screen, the Status Bar displays information about the
current state of your drawing, such as the coordinates of the cursor, snap settings, and more. It
also contains buttons for toggling various settings.
Customizing the Workspace
AutoCAD allows you to customize the workspace to suit your preferences and workflow. Here’s how you
can do it:
 Adding/Removing Tools: Right-click on any empty space in the Ribbon or toolbars, and you’ll
see options to add or remove tools and toolbars.
  Workspaces: AutoCAD provides predefined workspaces like Drafting & Annotation, 3D Basics,
and 3D Modeling. You can switch between them using the Workspace Switching button on the
Status Bar.
 Saving Workspaces: Once you have customized the workspace to your liking, you can save it.
Go to the Workspace Switching button, click on Save Current As, and give it a name.
Mouse and Navigation
--open GND Floor Plan sample file
Using the mouse effectively is crucial for efficient navigation in AutoCAD.
 Mouse Buttons:
o Left-click: Select objects and commands.

o Right-click: Open context menus or repeat the last command.

o Scroll Wheel: Zoom in and out by scrolling. Pressing and holding the scroll wheel
activates the Pan tool, allowing you to move around the drawing area.
 Navigation Techniques:
o Zooming: Use the scroll wheel to zoom in and out. You can also type ZOOM in the
Command Line and use options like Window, Extents, and All.
o Panning: Hold the scroll wheel and drag to pan around the drawing.

o SELECTING

 UNITS
Coordinate Systems
Understanding coordinate systems is fundamental in AutoCAD as it helps in accurately placing and
drawing objects.
 Using Grid and Snaps:
o Grid: The grid is a set of horizontal and vertical lines that aid in the placement of objects.
You can toggle the grid on and off using the F7 key or the Grid button on the Status Bar.
(fly out arrow: check grid snap)
o Snaps: Snaps help you align objects accurately by snapping your cursor to specific points
like endpoints, midpoints, or intersections. You can toggle snaps using the F3 key or the
Snap button on the Status Bar.
 Cartesian and Polar Coordinates:
o Cartesian Coordinates: These are in the format (X, Y), where X is the horizontal
distance and Y is the vertical distance from the origin (0,0). For example, typing 5,3 in
the Command Line will place a point 5 units to the right and 3 units up from the origin.
ex: Create a 3500 x 1500 rectangle, starting point is 1000,1000 from the origin
 (turn on grid in status bar)
o Polar Coordinates: These use a distance and an angle to define a point. For example,
typing 5<45 will place a point 5 units away at an angle of 45 degrees from the X-axis.
(turn on polar tracking in status bar)
ex: Create a 3500 x 1500 rectangle, starting point is 1000,1000 from the origin
 Using the Dynamic Input:
o Dynamic Input: This feature provides a heads-up display of coordinate information near
your cursor. It can be toggled using the F12 key or the Dynamic Input button on the
Status Bar. When drawing, you'll see input boxes for coordinates and dimensions near the
cursor, allowing for more intuitive and precise placement.
(turn on dynamic input in status bar)

b=5000

b=6500

b=5400

This concludes our introductory lecture on AutoCAD 2024. We covered the workspace overview,
customizing the workspace, mouse and navigation techniques, and coordinate systems. Next, we will dive
deeper into creating and modifying drawings. Thank you for your attention, and I look forward to our
next session.
Practice Problem:
Using coordinate systems, polar tracking, dynamic input, snap and line commands, draw the following:
 1500
3000

3000 1500

1500
3000 2500
1500
4000

3000
2500
2500

2500
4000
3000