List of basic AutoCAD Terminology
AutoCAD is Computer-Aided Design, which is used to design variety of drawings. It provides various kinds of tools with the help of which different kinds of drawings can be made and viewed easily.
Basic AutoCAD Terminology : As, we know meaning of terminology is specific term used in any field. Here we are discussing about AutoCAD, so we are talking about terminology which is used in AutoCAD.
Following is some basic terminology which is used in AutoCAD and one should review this before using AutoCAD:
| Sr. No. | Terminology | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Absolute coordinates | It is a way of inputting points which are based on AutoCAD’s origin. |
| 2. | Acad.dwt | This is template which is default and due to default property it will automatically loads whenever you start a drawing session. It can be changed to meet your needs. |
| 3. | Backup file | AutoCAD had a feature of automatic backup of your drawing and it will save it. This is a safeguard in case your file gets corrupted. It is saved with a .BAK extension. |
| 4. | Block | This Block helps in saving time by using a pre-drawn image and it will make your file size smaller. |
| 5. | Clean Screen | It is display on which you draw your drawing and it is of full size. |
| 6. | Crosshairs | This terminology is used for your cursor which is used to move in your drawing area. |
| 7. | Cursor | The cursor will automatically changes according to function which is performing in program. |
| 8. | Database | It is basically, one large database containing all information which one needed to reproduce objects, when file is opened. Information for layers and line types are stored in this manner. |
| 9. | Dialog box | It uses a dialog box method to get information from user. You must know how to input information that is asks for. |
| 10. | Drawing template file | The preset values are used for frequently used settings. The file containing preset values has an extension of DWT. |
| 11. | Extents | It is outer boundaries of objects you have drawn. |
| 12. | Grid | This is pattern of dots displayed on screen to guide you. |
| 13. | Grips | Grips are used for small handles on objects which allow for quick editing. |
| 14. | Layer | All objects are drawn on a layer. You can group objects on a single layer and organize your drawing. |
| 15. | Layer Tabs | A space used for plotting your drawings. |
| 16. | Limits(Grid) | It is a setting to make an artificial boundary on your drawing. When limits are turned on, it limits you to drawing in that area. |
| 17. | Linetype | There are various linetypes for each object. e.g solid, center, dashed etc. |
| 18. | Model Space | The space where user models their objects is called Model space. |
| 19. | Modify | To change anything in drawing area user use this tool. |
| 20. | Object | The any item which is present in database of AutoCAD is called object. The other name of object is entity. |
| 21. | Origin | (0, 0) point in your drawing is called origin of co-ordinate system. |
| 22. | Ortho mode | The mode which is used for vertical axis is called ortho mode. |
| 23. | Orthographic Projection | The method of showing 2 or more views of same part in drawing a term used is orthographic projection. |
| 24. | Object Snap | To precise points on an object, we used a method called snapping. |
| 25. | Pan | Pan is terminology used to move around drawing by dragging drawing area around your screen. |
| 26. | Panel | Panel is group of commands which are present on ribbon. |
| 27. | Path | It is specific folder where AutoCAD looks for, or saves files. |
| 28. | Pick | By left-clicking on object we can pick any object. |
| 29. | Plot | It is just like print because it is used to make hard-copy of files. |
| 30. | Polar coordinates | To input point based on distance and angle in your drawing. |
| 31. | Property | Any specific characteristics of an object such as layer, scale, line type, start point, etc. |
| 32. | Ribbon | The Ribbon is used to run across top of drawing space and contain panels – each panel consists a group of tools. We can switch to different panels just by clicking on tabs which are at top of ribbon. |
| 33. | Relative coordinates | A way of inputting points based on starting point. |
| 34. | Section view | The view which represent cross section of a part or assembly is called section view. |
| 35. | Selection set | The group of objects which are selected by user for their modification are called selection set. |
| 36. | Snap | This is drawing mode that allows you to snap your cursor to precise points laid out in a grid pattern. |
| 37. | Styles | By styles we mean different look of text and providing different dimensions to drawing. |
| 38. | Units | The basic drawing unit set for your drawing. For example, You can use inches or millimetres depending upon your need. You can set precision you want to be displayed. |
| 39. | User Coordinate system | Modification made to World Coordinate System (WCS) result in a User Coordinate System ( UCS ). |
| 40. | View | A particular area of your drawing. |
| 41. | Viewport | A separate window on your drawing. You may have more than one view-port visible to see different areas of your drawing at a same time. |
| 42. | Wizard | It is an instruction set which help user to set-up certain aspects of your drawing. |
| 43. | World Coordinate System | It is default X-Y coordinate system. By modifying it, it will become a User Coordinate System. |
| 44. | Zoom | It is used to view object precisely, for a smaller section of your drawing (zoom in) or a larger section (zoom out). |
Please Login to comment...