Basic AutoCAD Terminology

**Delta** · Site Admin Joined: 20 Oct 2007 Posts: 328

Here are some basic terms that you will need to know to begin using AutoCAD. The terms in RED have links to give you more information.
Absolute co-ordinates
A way of inputting points based on AutoCAD's origin.
Acad.dwt This is the default template that automatically loads whenever you start a drawing session. It can be customized to suit your needs.
Associated Dimensioning Dimensions that are associated with specific points will update as that point is moved.
Backup file AutoCAD can be set to automatically backup your drawing and save it. This is a safeguard in case your file gets corrupted. It is saved with a .BAK extension
Block
A pre-drawn image you can insert in your drawing to save time and make your file size smaller.
Crosshairs This is your cursor when it is in the drawing space.
Cursor Your cursor will change depending on where it is in the program.
Database An AutoCAD drawing file is actually one large database containing all the information needed to reproduce the objects when the file is opened. Info for layers and linetypes, etc are stored in this manner.
Dialog box AutoCAD uses a large number of dialog boxes to get information from you. You must know how input the information that it asks for.
Drawing template file
This is a file that contains preset values for frequently used settings. AKA a prototype drawing. The file extension is DWT.
Extents The outer boundaries of the objects you have drawn.
Grid This is pattern of dots displayed on the screen to guide you. It can be toggled on and off by pressing the F7 key.
Grips
Small 'handles' on objects that allow for quick editing.
Layer All objects are drawn on a layer. You can group objects (such as electrical) on a single layer and organize your drawing.
Layout Tabs A space used for plotting your drawings (formerly called Paper Space).
Limits (Grid) A setting to impose an 'artificial' boundary on your drawing that sets the area of the grid, and when turned on, limits you to drawing in the grid area.
Linetype
All objects are drawn with a particular linetype. Examples would be solid, center, dashed, etc.
Model space The drawing space where you 'model' the objects.
Modify A generic term used for changing your objects
Object Any item that is in the AutoCAD database. Also known as an entity.
Origin
The (0,0) point of your current co-ordinate system.
Ortho mode This is a drawing mode that allows you to draw only perpendicular lines. It is toggled on and off by pressing the F8 key.
Osnap - Object Snap
This is a method of 'snapping' to certain, precise points on an object.
Path The specific folder where AutoCAD looks for, or saves files.
Pick To select an object by 'left-clicking' on it.
Plot Also known as print. To make a hard copy of your drawing.
Polar co-ordinates
A way of inputting points based on distance and angle.
Property Any specific characteristic of an object such as layer, scale, linetype, start point, etc.
Relative co-ordinates
A way of inputting points based on a starting point.
Selection set
The current group of objects selected for modifying.
Snap This is a drawing mode that allows you to snap your cursor to precise points laid out in a grid pattern. Toggle with the F9 key.
Styles Formatting that defines the look of text, dimensions, etc.
Units The basic drawing unit set for you drawing. For example, you can use inches or millimeters depending on your needs. You can also set the precision you want displayed, such nearest 1/4", 1/2" 1/64", etc.
User co-ordinate system (UCS) Modifications made to the World Co-ordinate System (WCS) results in a User Co-ordinate System (UCS)
View A particular area of your drawing.
Viewport
A separate 'window' on your drawing. You may have more than one viewport visible to see different areas of your drawing at the same time.
Wizard An easy step-by-step instruction set to help you set-up certain aspects of your drawing.
World Co-ordinate System (WCS)
This is the common X-Y co-ordinate system that is the default. If it is modified, it becomes a User co-ordinate System (UCS)
Zoom
To view either a smaller section of your drawing (zoom in) or a larger section (zoom out)