1. Introduction to AutoCAD

2. Introduction to AutoCAD
The User Interface
Cursor/crosshairs
Pull-down menus
Drop-down menus
Floating toolbar
Docked toolbar
Scrollbars
Command line
Maximize, Minimize, and Close File or Program buttons
Introduction to AutoCAD

3. Introduction to AutoCAD
Entering Commands
Commands can be entered using:
Toolbars
Menus
Command line
Introduction to AutoCAD

4. Entering Commands with Toolbars
Toolbars can be used to enter commands.
Move the cursor to the desired button on the toolbar.
Left-click on the button to enter the command.
Follow the prompts on the Command line.
Mouse
Introduction to AutoCAD

5. Entering Commands with Menus
Menus can be used to enter commands.
Move the cursor to the desired menu.
Left-click the menu.
Move the cursor to select the desired command.
Follow the prompts on the Command line.
Mouse
Introduction to AutoCAD

6. Entering Commands at the Command Line
Commands can be typed at the Command line.
Use the keyboard to type a command or command alias.
Press Enter or the spacebar.
Follow the prompts on the Command line.
LINE
Introduction to AutoCAD

7. Introduction to AutoCAD
Getting Started
NEW Command
Starts a new drawing file.
Allows you to pick from a list of drawing templates.
Some templates exist in AutoCAD, but you can also create your own.
Introduction to AutoCAD

8. Introduction to AutoCAD
Getting Started
OPEN Command
Opens existing drawing files
Opens existing template files
Opens existing DXF files
Introduction to AutoCAD

9. Introduction to AutoCAD
Getting Started
SAVE Command
Saves a drawing file
Prompts you to name the drawing file when you save it the first time
Introduction to AutoCAD

10. Introduction to AutoCAD
Getting Started
SAVEAS Command
Saves a drawing file with a new name
Saves a template file
Saves a DXF file
Saves a drawing file in older versions
Introduction to AutoCAD

11. Introduction to AutoCAD
Getting Help
Finding Help
Press F1
Type HELP at the Command line
Pick the Help button
Contents lists the reference guides
Introduction to AutoCAD

12. Introduction to AutoCAD
Getting Help
Help Options
Contents
Index
Search
Favorites
Ask Me
Tabs allow you to select a search method.
Introduction to AutoCAD

13. Introduction to AutoCAD
Help System Index
Index Tab
Search for keywords
Search for command references
Double-click the searched topic to read it.
Introduction to AutoCAD

14. Introduction to AutoCAD
Help System Search
Search Tab
Searches for references to the entered topics
Provides all information sources that list the searched topic
Double-click the searched topic to read it.
Introduction to AutoCAD

15. Other Help System Options
Favorites
Stores favorite topics
Lists topics that are commonly accessed in the Help system and on the Internet
Ask Me
Allows you to ask questions in everyday language
searches the Internet for answers
Introduction to AutoCAD

16. Introduction to AutoCAD
Wrap-Up
AutoCAD employs a “user interface” to communicate with the user.
Commands are entered using the toolbars, menus, and Command line.
AutoCAD allows you to create new files, open existing files, and save files.
The Help system allows you to search, add to a list of favorite searches, and ask questions in plain, everyday English.
Introduction to AutoCAD