AutoCAD Basics – Coordinates and Dynamic Input
Entering Coordinates: Entering coordinates allows the user to accurately input data and graphics into AutoCAD. The coordinate system consists of an X value and a Y value.
Exercise:
Draw a box according to these coordinates. (You do not have to enter the ( ' ) symbol for feet if your units are set up correctly - AutoCAD knows you are using feet unless you include an inch symbol ( " ) Also, you might need to switch the Dynamic Input settings into Absolute Coordinates if you are having difficulty. You DO NOT need to enter the brackets into AutoCAD.
> (10’,10’) > (10’,20’) > (20’,20’) > (20’,10’) > (10’,10’)
Note: Ensure the Dynamic Input is turned off (F12). The Dynamic Input is located under the command prompt and is labelled as DYN. The Dynamic Input controls the point of origin to the next coordinate point.
With Dynamic Turned on draw a box using these coordinates (Ensure Relative coordinates are used here):
> (10’,10’) > (0’,10’) > (10’,0’) > (0’,-10’) > (-10’,0’)
Absolute coordinates: You as the operator are telling AutoCAD to create a line from the previous coordinate directly to the next coordinate using the X and Y values provided. You are also stating that you do not want to reference the previous coordinate - you simply want a line to the next one.
Relative Coordinates: You as the operator are telling AutoCAD to create a line RELATIVE to the previous coordinate. This involves an understanding of the 4 quadrants in AutoCAD and the relationship between positive and negative X and Y values. Notice the difference between the two styles of drawing a box above - when using relative coordinates, you must be aware of how far your line has travelled in one direction (X or Y) in order to return the line, simply enter the number again but this time, reverse the polarity (positive or negative)
This may seem confusing at first but it will become easier the more you practise.
Draw a box according to these coordinates. (You do not have to enter the ( ' ) symbol for feet if your units are set up correctly - AutoCAD knows you are using feet unless you include an inch symbol ( " ) Also, you might need to switch the Dynamic Input settings into Absolute Coordinates if you are having difficulty. You DO NOT need to enter the brackets into AutoCAD.
> (10’,10’) > (10’,20’) > (20’,20’) > (20’,10’) > (10’,10’)
Note: Ensure the Dynamic Input is turned off (F12). The Dynamic Input is located under the command prompt and is labelled as DYN. The Dynamic Input controls the point of origin to the next coordinate point.
With Dynamic Turned on draw a box using these coordinates (Ensure Relative coordinates are used here):
> (10’,10’) > (0’,10’) > (10’,0’) > (0’,-10’) > (-10’,0’)
Absolute coordinates: You as the operator are telling AutoCAD to create a line from the previous coordinate directly to the next coordinate using the X and Y values provided. You are also stating that you do not want to reference the previous coordinate - you simply want a line to the next one.
Relative Coordinates: You as the operator are telling AutoCAD to create a line RELATIVE to the previous coordinate. This involves an understanding of the 4 quadrants in AutoCAD and the relationship between positive and negative X and Y values. Notice the difference between the two styles of drawing a box above - when using relative coordinates, you must be aware of how far your line has travelled in one direction (X or Y) in order to return the line, simply enter the number again but this time, reverse the polarity (positive or negative)
This may seem confusing at first but it will become easier the more you practise.
