Copyright: Copyright (c) 1995 Autodesk, Inc.
Citation: Copyright (c) 1995 Autodesk, Inc.


	Contents
Quick Help

	How do I... Basic drawing techniques with step-by-step instructions.
	Toolbar AutoCAD LT's commands on the toolbar.
	Toolbox AutoCAD LT's commands on the toolbox.
	Menus AutoCAD LT's commands on the menus.
	Command line AutoCAD LT's commands at the command prompt.


Commands
	Command Line A-D         E-P         Q-Z
Quick Help     System Variables

'ABOUT	CIRCLE	'DDPTYPE
'APERTURE	'COLOR	DDRENAME
ARC	COPY	'DDRMODES
AREA	COPYCLIP	'DDSELECT
ARRAY	COPYEMBED	DDUCS
ATTDEF	COPYIMAGE	DDUCSP
'ATTDISP	COPYLINK	'DDUNITS
ATTEDIT	DDATTDEF	'DELAY
ATTEXT	DDATTE	DIM
'BASE	DDATTEXT	DIM1
BHATCH	DDCHPROP	'DIST
'BLIPMODE	DDEDIT	DIVIDE
BLOCK	'DDEMODES	DLINE
BMAKE	'DDGRIPS	DONUT
BOUNDARY	DDIM	DSVIEWER
BREAK	DDINSERT	DTEXT
CHAMFER	'DDLMODES	DVIEW
CHANGE	DDMODIFY	DXFIN
CHPROP	'DDOSNAP	DXFOUT
Transparent commands are preceded by an apostrophe ( ' ).


Commands
	Command Line A-D         E-P         Q-Z
Quick Help     System Variables

'ELEV	INSERT	OFFSET
ELLIPSE	'ISOPLANE	OOPS
END	'LAYER	OPEN
ERASE	'LIMITS	'ORTHO
EXIT	LINE	'OSNAP
EXPLODE	'LINETYPE	'PAN
EXTEND	LIST	PASTECLIP
FILEOPEN	LOGFILEOFF	PEDIT
'FILL	LOGFILEON	PLAN
FILLET	'LTSCALE	PLINE
'GETENV	MEASURE	PLOT
'GRAPHSCR	MIRROR	POINT
'GRID	MOVE	POLYGON
HATCH	MSLIDE	PREFERENCES
HATCHEDIT	MSPACE	PSOUT
'HELP ( [image])	MULTIPLE	PSPACE
HIDE	MVIEW	PURGE
'ID	NEW
Transparent commands are preceded by an apostrophe ( ' ).


Commands
	Command Line A-D         E-P         Q-Z
Quick Help     System Variables

QSAVE	SELECT	UNDO
'QTEXT	'SETENV	'UNITS
QUIT	'SETVAR	'UNLOCK
RECTANG	SHADE	'VIEW
REDO	'SNAP	VPLAYER
'REDRAW	SOLID	VPOINT
REGEN	STRETCH	VPORTS
RENAME	'STYLE	VSLIDE
'RESUME	TEXT	WBLOCK
REVDATE	'TEXTSCR	WMFIN
ROTATE	3DPOLY	WMFOPTS
RSCRIPT	'TIME	WMFOUT
SAVE	TOOLBOX	XBIND
SAVEAS	TRIM	XREF
SAVEDIB	U	'ZOOM
SCALE	UCS
'SCRIPT	UCSICON
Transparent commands are preceded by an apostrophe ( ' ).


System Variables
	System Variables A-C    D    E-N    O-S    T-Z
Quick Help     Commands

ACLTPREFIX	ATTREQ	CHAMFERB
ACLTVER	AUNITS	CIRCLERAD
AFLAGS	AUPREC	CLAYER
ANGBASE	BACKZ	CMDACTIVE
ANGDIR	BLIPMODE	CMDDIA
'APERTURE	CDATE	CMDNAMES
AREA	CECOLOR	COORDS
ATTDIA	CELTYPE	CVPORT
ATTMODE	CHAMFERA


System Variables
	System Variables A-C    D    E-N    O-S    T-Z
Quick Help     Commands

DATE	DIMGAP	DIMTOH
DIMALT	DIMLFAC	DIMTOL
DIMALTD	DIMLIM	DIMTP
DIMALTF	DIMPOST	DIMTSZ
DIMAPOST	DIMRND	DIMTVP
DIMASO	DIMSAH	DIMTXT
DIMASZ	DIMSCALE	DIMZIN
DIMBLK	DIMSE1	DISTANCE
DIMBLK1	DIMSE2	DITHER
DIMBLK2	DIMSHO	DONUTID
DIMCEN	DIMSOXD	DONUTOD
DIMCLRD	DIMSTYLE	DWGCODEPAGE
DIMCLRE	DIMTAD	DWGNAME
DIMCLRT	DIMTFAC	DWGPREFIX
DIMDLE	DIMTIH	DWGTITLED
DIMDLI	DIMTIX	DWGWRITE
DIMEXE	DIMTM
DIMEXO	DIMTOFL


System Variables
	System Variables A-C    D    E-N    O-S    T-Z
Quick Help     Commands

ELEVATION	GRIPHOT	LASTPOINT
EXEDIR	GRIPS	LENSLENGTH
EXPERT	GRIPSIZE	LIMCHECK
EXTMAX	HANDLES	LIMMAX
EXTMIN	HIGHLIGHT	LIMMIN
FILEDIA	HPANG	LTSCALE
FILLETRAD	HPDOUBLE	LUNITS
FILLMODE	HPNAME	LUPREC
FRONTZ	HPSCALE	MAXACTVP
GRIDMODE	HPSPACE	MENUECHO
GRIDUNIT	INSBASE	MIRRTEXT
GRIPBLOCK	INSNAME	MODEMACRO
GRIPCOLOR	LASTANGLE


System Variables
	System Variables A-C    D    E-N    O-S    T-Z
Quick Help     Commands

OFFSETDIST	PLINEWID	SHADEDIF
ORTHOMODE	PLOTID	SNAPANG
OSMODE	PLOTTER	SNAPBASE
PDMODE	POLYSIDES	SNAPISOPAIR
PDSIZE	PSLTSCALE	SNAPMODE
PERIMETER	PSPROLOG	SNAPSTYL
PICKADD	PSQUALITY	SNAPUNIT
PICKAUTO	QTEXTMODE	SORTENTS
PICKBOX	SAVEFILE	SPLFRAME
PICKDRAG	SAVENAME	SPLINESEGS
PICKFIRST	SAVETIME	SPLINETYPE
PLINEGEN	SHADEDGE	SYSCODEPAGE


System Variables
	System Variables A-C    D    E-N    O-S    T-Z
Quick Help     Commands

TARGET	TILEMODE	VIEWDIR
TDCREATE	TOOLTIPS	VIEWMODE
TDINDWG	UCSICON	VIEWSIZE
TDUPDATE	UCSNAME	VIEWTWIST
TDUSRTIMER	UCSORG	VISRETAIN
TEXTEVAL	UCSXDIR	VSMAX
TEXTSIZE	UCSYDIR	VSMIN
TEXTSTYLE	UNITMODE	WORLDVIEW
THICKNESS	VIEWCTR	XREFCTL


Quick Help


'ABOUT

Quick Help

Displays information about AutoCAD LT

	From the Help menu, choose About AutoCAD LT
	At the Command prompt, enter about or ab
ABOUT displays the AutoCAD LT version number, serial number, and license information and the contents of the AutoCAD LT message file (acad.msg).

Note: To customize the acad.msg text file, use any text editor that saves in ASCII format. For example, you can replace the contents of the file with a company banner or user instructions, or you can delete the file to display no message.


'APERTURE

Quick Help     See Also

Controls the size of the object snap target box

	At the Command prompt, enter aperture or ap
Object snap target height (1-50 pixels) <current >: Enter a value (1-50) or press

The number of pixels determines the size of the object snap box. The higher the number, the larger the target box.

Object snap works only on objects inside or crossing the target box.

APERTURE controls the object snap target box, not the object selection pickbox displayed at the Select objects prompt. The PICKBOX system variable controls the object selection pickbox.


Commands: DDOSNAP sets the object snap target box size. DDSELECT sets the object selection pickbox size.

System Variables: APERTURE controls the object snap target box. PICKBOX controls the object selection pickbox size.


AREA

Quick Help    How do I...     See Also

Calculates the area and perimeter of objects or of defined areas

	From the toolbox, choose  From the Assist menu, choose Area
	At the Command prompt, enter area or aa
<First point> / Entity / Add / Subtract: Specify a point or enter an option


For more information, see "Calculating Areas" in chapter 7, "Drawing with Precision," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: BOUNDARY creates a polyline of a closed boundary. LIST displays database information for the selected objects.

System Variables: AREA stores the sum of areas collected. PERIMETER displays the perimeter of the object last found by AREA.


AREA: First point

Calculates the area and perimeter you define by selecting points. All points must lie in a plane parallel to the XY plane of the current UCS.

Next point: Specify a point (2) or press

Select points (3), (4), and (5) to define a polygon, and then press [image] to complete the definition of the perimeter.

If you do not close the polygon, AutoCAD LT calculates the area as if a line were drawn from the last point entered to the first. AutoCAD LT adds that line length when calculating the perimeter.


AREA: obJect
AREA: Entity

Calculates the area and perimeter of the selected object. You can calculate the area of circles, ellipses, polylines, and solids.

Select circle or polyline: Use an object selection method

If you select an open polyline, AutoCAD LT calculates the area as if a line were drawn from the last point entered to the first.

However, this line length is not included in calculating the perimeter (or length) of the open polyline.

For wide lines, area and perimeter (or length) calculations use the centerline.


AREA: Add

Switches to Add mode and keeps a running balance of credits and debits.

<First point> / Entity / Subtract: Specify a point (1) or enter an option


First point

Calculates the area and perimeter you define by selecting points. All points must lie in a plane parallel to the XY plane of the current UCS.

(ADD mode) Next point: Specify a point (2) or press

Select points to define a polygon. Press [image] and AutoCAD LT calculates the area and perimeter.

If you do not close a polygon, AutoCAD LT closes it by defining a line from the last point to the first. AutoCAD LT adds in that line length when calculating the perimeter.

Further, AutoCAD LT returns the total area of all the areas defined by selecting points or objects since you last chose Add mode.


Object
Entity

Calculates the area and perimeter of the selected object.

(ADD mode) <First point> / Entity / Subtract: Specify a point or enter an option

(ADD mode) Select circle or polyline: Use an object selection method or press

AutoCAD LT calculates the area and perimeter. The area calculation includes all the areas defined by selecting points, or objects, since you last chose Add mode.

If you select an open polyline, AutoCAD LT calculates the area as if a line were drawn from the last point entered to the first.

However, this line length is not included in calculating the perimeter (or length) of the open polyline.

For wide lines, area and perimeter (or length) calculations use the centerline.


Subtract

Switches to Subtract mode and keeps a running balance of subtracted areas and perimeters.


AREA: Subtract

Similar to the Add option, except it subtracts areas and perimeters.


ATTDEF

Quick Help     See Also

Creates an attribute definition

An attribute is informational text associated with a block. An attribute definition is a template for creating an attribute. Use ATTDEF to work from the command line and DDATTDEF to work from the Attribute Definition dialog box.

	At the Command prompt, enter attdef or ad
Attribute modes -- Invisible:N   Constant:N   Verify:N   Preset:N

Enter (ICVP) to change, RETURN when done: Enter i, c, v, or p, or press

Attribute tag: Enter any characters except spaces or exclamation marks

Attribute value: Enter a value

ATTDEF then displays the same prompts as the TEXT command, using the attribute tag instead of requesting a text string. See the TEXT command for more information on completing the ATTDEF command.


Commands: ATTDISP globally controls the visibility of attributes. ATTEDIT and DDATTE edit attributes independently of the block definition with which they're associated. ATTEXT and DDATTEXT extract attribute data. DDATTDEF creates an attribute using dialog boxes. DDEDIT edits text and attribute definitions.

System Variables: ATTDIA causes the INSERT command to use dialog boxes for entry of attribute values. ATTMODE controls the attribute display mode. ATTREQ assumes defaults and turns on prompts for attributes.


ATTDEF: Attribute modes

Sets four optional modes. Entering i, c, v, or p toggles the modes. The AFLAGS system variable stores the current mode settings and can be used to set the default modes.

Invisible

Specifies that attribute values are not displayed when you insert the block. ATTDISP overrides Invisible mode.

Constant

Gives attributes a fixed value when you insert the block.

Verify

Prompts for verification that the attribute value is correct when you insert the block.

Preset

Sets the attribute to its default value when you insert a block that contains a preset attribute.


ATTDEF: Attribute tag

Specifies the attribute tag, which identifies each occurrence of an attribute in the drawing. The tag can contain any characters except spaces or exclamation marks. AutoCAD LT changes lowercase letters to uppercase.


ATTDEF: Attribute value

Specifies the value for the constant attribute.


'ATTDISP

Quick Help     See Also

Globally controls attribute visibility

	At the Command prompt, enter attdisp or at
Normal / ON / OFF <current>: Enter an option or press

An attribute is informational text associated with a block.

AutoCAD LT stores the current visibility of attributes in the ATTMODE system variable.


Commands: ATTDEF and DDATTDEF create an attribute definition for text to be associated with a block and determine its visibility. ATTEDIT and DDATTE edit attributes independently of the block definition with which they're associated. ATTEXT and DDATTEXT extract attribute data. DDEDIT edits text and attribute definitions.

System Variables: ATTDIA causes the INSERT command to use dialog boxes for entry of attribute values. ATTMODE controls the attribute display mode. ATTREQ assumes defaults and enables prompts for attributes.


ATTDISP: Normal
Normal

Retains the current visibility of each attribute. Visible attributes are displayed. Invisible attributes are not displayed.


ON

Makes all attributes visible.


ATTDISP: OFF
OFF

Makes all attributes invisible.


ATTEDIT

Quick Help     See Also

Changes attribute information independent of its block definition

	At the Command prompt, enter attedit or ae
Edit attributes one at a time? <Y> Enter y or press [image] to edit attributes one at a time, or enter n to edit attributes globally

An attribute is informational text associated with a block. Use ATTDEF or DDATTDEF to define an attribute.

Editing attributes globally limits you to replacing a single text string with another text string. Editing attributes one at a time enables you to edit any or all of the attributes.


Commands: ATTDEF and DDATTDEF creates an attribute definition for text to be associated with a block. ATTDISP globally controls the visibility of attributes. ATTEXT and DDATTEXT extract attribute data. DDATTE uses dialog boxes to edit attributes independently of the block definition with which they're associated. DDEDIT edits text and attribute definitions.

System Variables: ATTDIA causes the INSERT command to use dialog boxes for entry of attribute values. ATTMODE controls the attribute display mode. ATTREQ assumes defaults and enables prompts for attributes.


ATTEDIT: Editing Attributes One at a Time

Attributes need to be visible to be edited one at a time. Attributes do not need to be visible to be edited globally.

Block name specification <*>: Enter a name list or press

Attribute tag specification <*>: Enter a name list or press

Attribute value specification <*>: Enter a name list or press

Attribute values are case sensitive.

Select Attributes: Select only those attributes parallel to the current UCS

AutoCAD LT marks the first attribute in the selection set with an X. You can change any properties of the attribute you select.

Value / Position / Height / Angle / Style / Layer / Color / Next <N>: Enter the property to change or press [image] for the next attribute

If the original attribute was defined with aligned or fit text, the Angle option is omitted. The Height option is omitted for aligned text.

For each of the options, except Next, AutoCAD LT prompts for a new value. The X remains on the current attribute until you move to the next attribute.


ATTEDIT: Editing Attribute Values Globally

You can globally edit both visible and invisible attributes.

Global edit of attribute values.

Edit only attributes visible on screen? <Y> Enter y or press [image] to edit only visible attributes, or enter n to edit all attributes

Visible Attributes Only

Block name specification <*>: Enter a name list or press

Attribute tag specification <*>: Enter a name list or press

Attribute value specification <*>: Enter a name list or press

Attribute values are case sensitive. To select null attribute values, enter a backslash (\).

Select Attributes: Select only attributes parallel to the current UCS

Highlight the correct attributes before changing values.

String to change: Enter string to change or press

New string: Enter replacement string or press

Either string can be null. The ? and * characters are interpreted literally, not as wild cards.

All Attributes

Changes to attributes are not reflected immediately.

Block name specification <*>: Enter a name list or press

Attribute tag specification <*>: Enter a name list or press

Attribute value specification <*>: Enter a name list or press

Attribute values are case sensitive. To select null attribute values, enter a backslash (\).

String to change: Enter string to change or press

New string: Enter replacement string or press

Either string can be null. The ? and * characters are interpreted literally, not as wild cards.


Next

Moves to the next attribute in the selection set. If there are no more attributes, the ATTEDIT command ends.


Value

Changes or replaces an attribute value.

Change or Replace? <R> Enter c or r, or press


Change

Modifies a few characters of the attribute value.

String to change: Enter string to change or press

New string: Enter replacement string or press

Either string can be null. The ? and * characters are interpreted literally, not as wild cards.


Replace

Substitutes a new attribute value for the entire attribute value.

New Attribute value: Enter a new attribute value or press

If you press [image], the attribute value is set to a null string.


Position

Changes the text insertion point.

Enter text insertion point: Specify a point or press

AutoCAD LT prompts for a new starting, center, or endpoint, depending on the position of the attribute. If the attribute is aligned, AutoCAD LT prompts for both ends of a new text baseline.


Height

Changes the text height.

New height <current>: Enter a value, specify a point, or press

When you specify a point, the new height is the distance between the specified point and the start point of the text.


Angle

Changes the rotation angle.

New rotation angle <current>: Enter a value, specify a point, or press

When you specify a point, the angle appears between the specified point and the start point of the text.


Style

Changes the text style setting.

New style or RETURN for no change: Enter a style name or press


Layer

Changes the layer.

New layer <current>: Enter a layer name or press


Color

Changes the color.

New color <current>: Enter a color or press

You can enter a color name, a color number between 1 and 255, or bylayer or byblock.


ATTEXT

Quick Help     See Also

Extracts attribute data

	At the Command prompt, enter attext or ax
CDF, SDF or DXF Attribute extract (or Entities)? <C>: Enter an option or press

An attribute is informational text associated with a block.


For information on working with attributes, see chapter 14, "Using Symbols, Blocks, and External References," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: DDATTDEF and ATTDEF create an attribute definition for text to be associated with a block. DDATTE and ATTEDIT edit attributes independently of their associated block definitions. DDATTEXT extracts attribute data with dialog boxes. DDEDIT edits text and attribute definitions.

System Variables: ATTDIA causes the INSERT command to use dialog boxes for entry of attribute values. ATTMODE controls the attribute display mode. ATTREQ assumes defaults and enables prompts for attributes.


ATTEXT: CDF
ATTEXT: CDF (Comma-Delimited File)

Generates a file containing one record for each block reference in the drawing. Commas separate the fields of each record. Single quotation marks enclose the character fields.

In the Select Template File dialog box, enter the name of a template file.

In the Create Extract File dialog box, enter the name for the output extract file. The extract file's extension is .txt for CDF or SDF format or .dxx for DXF format.


ATTEXT: SDF
ATTEXT: SDF (Space-Delimited File)

Generates a file containing one record for each block reference in the drawing. The fields of each record have a fixed width. Therefore, field separators or character string delimiters are not used.

In the Select Template File dialog box, enter the name of a template file.

In the Create Extract File dialog box, enter the name for the output extract file. The extract file's extension is .txt for CDF or SDF format or .dxx for DXF format.


ATTEXT: DXF
ATTEXT: DXF (Drawing Interchange File)

Produces a subset of the AutoCAD LT Drawing Interchange File format containing only block reference, attribute, and end-of-sequence objects. No template is required. The file extension .dxx distinguishes the output file from normal DXF files.

In the Create Extract File dialog box, enter the name for the output extract file. The extract file's extension is .txt for CDF or SDF format or .dxx for DXF format.


'BASE

Quick Help     See Also

Sets the insertion base point for the current drawing

	From the Settings menu, choose Drawing, then Base
	At the Command prompt, enter base or ba
Base point <current>: Specify a point or press

When you insert the current drawing into other drawings, AutoCAD LT uses this base point as the insertion base point. Use BASE only if the current drawing is to be inserted into other drawings and needs a base point other than (0,0,0).


Commands: BLOCK creates a block definition from a set of objects. It requires that you set BASE first. INSERT inserts a drawing into the current drawing.

System Variables: INSBASE stores the insertion base point.


'BLIPMODE

Quick Help     See Also

Controls the display of marker blips

	At the Command prompt, enter blipmode or bm
ON / OFF <current>: Enter on or off, or press

When Blip mode is on, a marker blip displays where you specify a point.

Commands that redraw or regenerate the drawing, such as REDRAW, REGEN, ZOOM, or PAN, also remove marker blips.


Commands: DDRMODES sets drawing aids, including BLIPMODE.

System Variables: BLIPMODE stores the Blip mode setting.


BREAK

Quick Help

Erases parts of an object or splits an object in two

	From the toolbox, choose  From the Modify menu, choose Break
	At the Command prompt, enter break or br
Select object: Select an object or specify the first break point (1) on an object

Enter second point (or F for first point): Specify the second break point (2) or enter f

If you specify the second point, AutoCAD LT erases the portion between the first and second points. If the second point is not on the object, AutoCAD LT selects the nearest point on the object.

To break off one end of a line, arc, or polyline, specify the second point beyond the end to be removed.

To split an object in two without erasing a portion, enter the same point for both first and second points. You can do this by entering @ to specify the second point.

If you select an object using a method other than picking, or if you enter f at the Enter second point (or F for first point) prompt, AutoCAD LT prompts:

Enter first point: Specify a point

Enter second point: Specify a point

Lines, arcs, 2D and 3D polylines, ellipses, donuts, and many other object types can be split into two objects or have a portion removed.

AutoCAD LT converts a circle to an arc by removing a piece extending counterclockwise from the first to the second point.


CIRCLE

Quick Help      How do I...     See Also

Creates a circle

	From the toolbox, choose  From the Draw menu, choose Circle, then choose Center, Radius Center, Diameter Tan, Tan, Radius 3 Point
	At the Command prompt, enter circle or c
3P / TTR / <Center point>: Enter an option or specify a point (1)

Center Point

Draws a circle based on a center point and a radius or diameter.

Diameter / <Radius><current>: Specify a point (2), enter a value, enter d, or press

Regardless of the current default setting, if you enter a value, AutoCAD LT interprets it as a radius.


For more information on circles, see "Drawing Circles" in chapter 6, "Drawing Geometry," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: ELLIPSE draws an isometric circle.

System Variables: CIRCLERAD stores the default value for the circle radius.


Radius

Defines the circle's radius using a point or a value.


Diameter

Diameter <current>: Specify a point (2), enter a value, or press

Determines a length for the diameter from the center point. AutoCAD LT draws the circle using this length as the diameter.


3P
CIRCLE: 3P

Draws a circle based on three points on the circumference. First point:  Specify a point (1) or enter a value Second point:  Specify a point (2) or enter a value Third point:  Specify a point (3) or enter a value


TTR -- Tangent, Tangent, Radius
CIRCLE: TTR, Tangent, Tangent, Radius

Draws a circle tangent to two objects with a specified radius.

Enter Tangent spec: Select the first object

Enter second Tangent spec: Select the second object

Radius <current>: Specify a distance or press

Sometimes more than one circle matches the criteria specified in the command. AutoCAD LT draws the circle whose tangent points are closest to the selected points, as shown below.


'COLOR

Quick Help     See Also

Sets the color for new objects

	At the Command prompt, enter color or co
New entity color <current>: Enter a value (1 -- 255), a color name, byblock, or bylayer

Enter a color number in the range from 1 to 255 or enter a standard color name. The standard color names are red, yellow, green, cyan, blue, magenta, black, and white.

If you enter byblock, AutoCAD LT draws new objects in the default color (white or black, depending on your configuration) until you group them into a block. When you insert the block in the drawing, the objects in the block inherit the current setting of the COLOR command.

Warning: If you use a mixture of methods to color the objects that make up a block, inserting that block or changing its color produces unpredictable results.

If you enter bylayer, new objects assume the color of the layer upon which they are drawn. See the LAYER command for information on assigning color to a layer.


Commands: CHANGE, DDCHPROP, and CHPROP change an existing object's color. DDEMODES sets color properties for new objects. DDLMODES controls layers. DDMODIFY displays object properties. The Color option of the LAYER command controls the color associated with specific layers.

System Variables: CECOLOR sets the color of new objects.


COPY

Quick Help     How do I...     See Also

Duplicates objects

	From the toolbox, choose  From the Construct menu, choose Copy
	At the Command prompt, enter copy or cp
Select objects: Use an object selection method

<Base point or displacement>/Multiple: Specify a point (1) for a single copy, or enter m for multiple copies


Single Copy
Base point or displacement

If you specify a point, AutoCAD LT uses the first point as a base point and places a single copy relative to the base point. If you press [image], AutoCAD LT uses the first point as a displacement to place the copy relative to the original object.

Second point of displacement: Specify a point (2) or press


Multiple Copies
Multiple

Makes multiple copies using one COPY command. AutoCAD LT prompts for a base point so it can place copies relative to this point.

Base point: Specify a point

Second point of displacement: Specify a point or press

If you specify a point, AutoCAD LT places a copy at that point relative to the base point. The Second point of displacement prompt is repeated for placement of multiple copies of the object.

Press [image] to end the command.


copy_see_also
Commands: ARRAY creates multiple copies of objects in a rectangular or polar pattern.

System Variables: GRIPS controls the grips used to manipulate objects.


Attribute Definition (DDATTDEF)

Quick Help     See Also

Creates an attribute definition

An attribute is informational text associated with a block. An attribute definition specifies the properties of an attribute and the prompts that appear when the block is inserted.

	From the Construct menu, choose Define Attribute
	At the Command prompt, enter ddattdef or dad
Dialog box options

Mode area

Attribute area

Insertion Point area

Text Options area

Align below previous attribute check box

After you complete the Attribute Definition dialog box, AutoCAD LT displays the attribute tag in the drawing. When you include the attribute tag in a block definition using the BLOCK command, the attribute is erased. When you insert the block, AutoCAD LT displays the attribute value at the same location in the block, with the same text style and alignment.


For more information, see "Working with Attributes" in chapter 14, "Using Symbols, Blocks, and External References," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: ATTDEF creates attributes on the command line. ATTDISP overrides the visibility of attributes. ATTEDIT edits attributes on the command line. CHANGE modifies an attribute definition. DDATTE edits the variable attributes of a block. DDATTEXT extracts attribute data. DDEDIT edits text and attribute definitions.

System Variables: AFLAGS stores the Mode settings.


DDATTDEF: Mode

Sets four optional modes. The AFLAGS system variable stores the current mode settings and can be used to set the default modes.

Invisible

Specifies that attribute values are not displayed when you insert the block. ATTDISP overrides Invisible mode.

Constant

Gives attributes a fixed value when you insert the block.

Verify

Prompts you to verify that the attribute value is correct when you insert the block.

Preset

Sets the attribute to its default value when you insert a block containing a preset attribute.


DDATTDEF: Attribute

Sets attribute data.

You can enter up to 256 characters in the text boxes. If you need leading blanks in the prompt or the default value, start the string with a backslash (\). To use a backslash as the first character, start the string with two backslashes.

Tag

Specifies the attribute tag, which identifies each occurrence of an attribute in the drawing. The tag can contain any characters except spaces or exclamation marks. AutoCAD LT changes lowercase letters to uppercase.

Prompt

Specifies the attribute prompt that appears when you insert a block containing this attribute definition. If the Prompt area is empty, the Tag entry becomes the prompt. The Prompt option is not available if you have selected Constant in the Mode area.

Value

Specifies the default attribute value.


DDATTDEF: Insertion Point

Specifies the location for the attribute. Enter coordinates in the text boxes or choose Pick Point to specify the location on the screen.


DDATTDEF: Text Options

Sets the justification, style, height, and rotation of the attribute text.

Justification

Specifies the justification of the attribute text. For more information on text justification, see DTEXT.

Text Style

Specifies a predefined text style for the attribute text.

Height

Specifies the height of the attribute text. Enter the text height value in the Height box, or choose Height to specify the height on the screen. If you select a text style that has a height value other than 0.0 or if you select Align from the Justification list, Height is not available.

Rotation

Specifies the rotation angle of the attribute text. Enter an angle in the Rotation box or choose Rotation to specify the rotation angle on the screen. If you select Align or Fit from the Justification list, Rotation is not available.


DDATTDEF: Align below previous attribute

Places the attribute tag directly below the previously defined attribute. If you have not previously created an attribute definition, this option is unavailable.


Edit Attributes (DDATTE)

Quick Help     See Also

Edits the variable attributes of a block

An attribute is informational text associated with a block. DDATTE edits individual, nonconstant attribute values associated with a specific block. ATTEDIT edits both attribute values and attribute properties individually or globally, independent of the block.

	From the Modify menu, choose Edit Attribute
	At the Command prompt, enter ddatte or de
Select block: Select a block with attributes

Dialog box options

Use the Edit Attributes dialog box to change the values of the variable attributes of a block.

To change attribute properties such as position, height, and style, use ATTEDIT.

The ATTDIA system variable controls the display of attribute dialog boxes. If ATTDIA is set to 0, AutoCAD LT does not display dialog boxes, and command prompts appear on the command line.


For more information, see "Editing Attributes Attached to Blocks" in chapter 14, "Using Symbols, Blocks, and External References," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: ATTDISP controls attribute visibility. ATTEDIT edits attribute values or properties independently of the block definition with which they are associated. DDATTDEF and ATTDEF create attributes. DDATTEXT and ATTEXT extract attribute data. DDEDIT edits text and attribute definitions.

System Variables: ATTMODE sets the current attribute display mode. ATTREQ turns the prompts for attribute values on and off.


Attribute Extraction (DDATTEXT)

Quick Help     See Also

Extracts attribute data

An attribute is informational text associated with a block.

	From the File menu, choose Import/Export, then Attributes Out
	At the Command prompt, enter ddattext or dax
Dialog box options

File Format area

Select Objects button

Template File button and text box

Output File button and text box


For more information, see "Extracting Attribute Information" in chapter 14, "Using Symbols, Blocks, and External References," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: ATTDISP controls attribute visibility. ATTEXT extracts attribute data on the command line. DDATTDEF and ATTDEF create attributes. DDATTE and ATTEDIT edit attributes. DDEDIT edits text and attribute definitions.

System Variables: ATTDIA controls the display of attribute dialog boxes. ATTMODE sets the current attribute display mode. ATTREQ turns the prompts for attribute values on and off.


DDATTEXT: File Format

Sets the format for extracted attribute data.

Comma-Delimited File (CDF)

Generates a file containing one record for each block reference in the selected drawing. Commas separate the fields of each record. Single quotation marks enclose the character fields.

Space-Delimited File (SDF)

Generates a file containing one record for each block reference in the selected drawing. The fields of each record have a fixed width. Therefore, field separators or character string delimiters are not used.

Drawing Interchange File (DXF)

Produces a subset of the Drawing Interchange File format containing only block reference, attribute, and end-of-sequence objects. No template is required. The file extension .dxx distinguishes the output file from normal DXF files.


DDATTEXT: Select Objects

Selects blocks with attributes. AutoCAD LT displays the Attribute Extraction dialog box. The Number found label shows the number of objects you selected.


DDATTEXT: Template File

Specifies a template file for the output extract file for CDF and SDF formats. The default file extension is .txt.

Choosing the Template File button to search for existing template files displays a standard file dialog box. If you have selected DXF under File Format, the Template File button and text box are not available.

For information on creating a template file, see "Extracting Attribute Information" in chapter 14, "Using Symbols, Blocks, and External References," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.


DDATTEXT: Output File

Specifies an output file name. Enter the file name in the Output File text box. AutoCAD LT appends the .txt file extension for CDF or SDF files and .dxx for DXF files. Choose Output File to search for the names of existing extract files.


DDEDIT

Quick Help     See Also

Edits text and attribute definitions

An attribute is informational text associated with a block. An attribute definition is a template for creating an attribute.

	From the toolbox, choose  From the Modify menu, choose Edit Text
	At the Command prompt, enter ddedit or ed or te
<Select a TEXT or ATTDEF object> / Undo: Select text, select an attribute definition, or enter u


DDEDIT: Select a TEXT or ATTDEF object

Edit Text dialog box

If you select text created using TEXT or DTEXT, AutoCAD LT displays the Edit Text dialog box.

Edit Attribute Definition dialog box

If you select an attribute definition, AutoCAD LT displays the Edit Attribute Definition dialog box.

If you need leading blanks in the prompt or the default value, start the string with a backslash (\). To use a backslash as the first character, start the string with two backslashes.

DDEDIT continues to prompt for text or an attribute definition after each edit operation. To end the command, press [image] at the <Select a TEXT or ATTDEF object>/Undo prompt.


DDEDIT: Undo

Returns the text or attribute definition to its previous value. You can use this option immediately after completing an edit.


For more information, see "Editing Attribute Definitions" in chapter 14, "Using Symbols, Blocks, and External References," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: ATTEDIT edits attributes independently of the block definition with which they're associated. DDATTE edits the variable attributes of a block.


Grips ('DDGRIPS)

Quick Help     See Also

Turns on grips and sets their color

	From the Settings menu, choose Grips Style
	At the Command prompt, enter ddgrips or gr
Dialog box options

Select Settings area

Grip Colors area

Grip Size area


System Variables: GRIPBLOCK assigns grips to objects within blocks. GRIPCOLOR changes the color of unselected grips. GRIPHOT changes the color of selected grips. GRIPS activates grips. GRIPSIZE changes the size of grips.


DDGRIPS: Select Settings

Sets the display of grips.

Enable Grips

Turns on the display of grips. AutoCAD LT stores this setting in the GRIPS system variable.

Enable Grips Within Blocks

Turns on the display of grips on objects within blocks. If you turn off this setting (but select Enable Grips), AutoCAD LT assigns blocks one grip at their insertion point.

Turn off this setting to work on blocks with many objects. AutoCAD LT stores this setting in the GRIPBLOCK system variable.


DDGRIPS: Grip Colors

Sets the colors for unselected and selected grips.

Unselected

Sets the color of unselected (unfilled) grips, using the Select Color dialog box. AutoCAD LT stores the color in the GRIPCOLOR system variable.

Selected

Sets the color of selected (filled) grips, using the Select Color dialog box. AutoCAD LT stores the color in the GRIPHOT system variable.


DDGRIPS: Grip Size

Changes the size of grips. To adjust the size of grips, move the slider box left or right. AutoCAD LT stores the pixel size (1-255) of the grips in the GRIPSIZE system variable.


Point Style ('DDPTYPE)

Quick Help     See Also

Specifies the display mode and size of point objects

	From the Settings menu, choose Point Style
	At the Command prompt, enter ddptype
The Point Style dialog box shows the current settings. Change the Point Display mode by selecting an icon. AutoCAD LT stores the Point Display mode in the PDMODE system variable.

Dialog box options

Point Size text box

Set Size Relative to Screen radio button

Set Size in Absolute Units radio button


Point Size

Sets the point display size. The value you enter can be relative to the screen or in absolute units. Subsequent point objects you draw use the new value. The next regeneration updates existing point objects. AutoCAD LT stores the point display size in the PDSIZE system variable.


Set Size Relative to Screen

Sets the point display size as a percentage of the screen size. The point display does not change when you zoom in or out.


Set Size in Absolute Units

Sets the point display size as the actual units you specified in the Point Size text box. The point display gets bigger and smaller when you zoom in or out.


For more information, see "Creating Point Objects" in chapter 6, "Drawing Geometry," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: DIVIDE uses points as markers in an object it has divided into equal parts. MEASURE places point objects or blocks at measured intervals on an object. POINT creates a point object.

System Variables: PDMODE sets the point display mode. PDSIZE sets the point display size.


Rename (DDRENAME)

Quick Help     See Also

Changes the names of objects

Several types of objects, such as blocks and layers, can be referred to by name. You can use DDRENAME to rename these objects. DDRENAME is also useful for finding out which objects are used in a drawing.

	From the Modify menu, choose Rename
	At the Command prompt, enter ddrename or dr
Dialog box options

Named Objects list

Items list

Old Name text box

Rename To button and text box

You can use the wild-card characters * and ? to rename groups of objects. You cannot rename some standard objects, such as layer 0 and the CONTINUOUS linetype.


For more information, see "Renaming a Text Style" in chapter 12, "Adding Text to Drawings," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: RENAME changes the names of objects on the command line.


Named Objects

Displays the types of objects you can rename. Select the types you want to be listed under Items.


Items

Displays the named objects that correspond to the types you selected in the Named Objects list.


Old Name

Specifies the object to be renamed. Select a name from the Items list, or enter a name in the Old Name box.


Rename To

Specifies the new name for the object. Enter the new name in the Rename To box. Then choose the Rename To button to update the Items list.


Object Selection Settings ('DDSELECT)

Quick Help     See Also

Sets object selection modes

	From the Settings menu, choose Selection Style
	At the Command prompt, enter ddselect or sl
Dialog box options

Selection Modes area

Pickbox Size area

Entity Sort Method button


Commands: SELECT builds a selection set.

System Variables: PICKADD controls additive selection of objects. PICKAUTO controls automatic windowing selection. PICKBOX sets the size of the object selection target box. PICKDRAG controls the method of drawing a selection window. PICKFIRST turns on noun-verb object selection.


DDSELECT: Selection Modes

Sets the selection mode by turning on any combination of the options.

Noun/Verb Selection check box

Use Shift to Add check box

Press and Drag check box

Implied Windowing check box

Default Selection Mode button


Noun/Verb Selection

Controls whether you can select objects before you invoke a command.

When this option is turned on, a pickbox is added to the crosshairs of the graphics cursor. (The same combination cursor is used when grips are on.)

You can use the following commands to edit objects with noun/verb selection:

ARRAY	DVIEW	MOVE
BLOCK	ERASE	ROTATE
CHANGE	EXPLODE	SCALE
CHPROP	HATCH	STRETCH
COPY	LIST	WBLOCK
DDCHPROP	MIRROR
You can also set noun/verb selection using the PICKFIRST system variable.


Use Shift to Add

Controls how you add objects to a selection set. Hold down the [image] key to add more objects to the selection set.

If Use Shift to Add is turned off, objects are added to the selection set as you select them.

To clear a selection set quickly, draw a selection window in a blank area of the drawing.

In any case, to remove objects or groups of objects, hold down the [image] key while selecting them again.

The PICKADD system variable controls whether Use Shift to Add is turned on or off.


Press and Drag

Controls how you draw a selection window or a crossing window. Hold down the pick button and drag the cursor diagonally to create a selection window. Release the button at the opposite corner of the window.

To clear a selection set quickly, select an empty spot in the drawing. If you turn off Press and Drag, then you must double-click an empty spot to clear a selection set.

If Press and Drag is turned off, two separate points are required to define the selection window. Press and Drag can also be set using the PICKDRAG system variable.


Implied Windowing

Creates a selection window using the same method as the Auto option of the SELECT command.

You select the first corner point in an empty area of the screen. AutoCAD LT prompts for the other corner point.

Drawing the selection window from left to right selects objects inside the window's boundaries. Drawing from right to left selects objects within or crossing the window's boundaries.

If Implied Windowing is off, picking an empty area of the screen will not result in an automatic window or crossing selection. Instead, AutoCAD LT reports that no objects were found. You can override this selection setting by using the Window or Crossing options at the Select options prompt.

Implied Windowing can also be set using the PICKAUTO system variable.


Default Selection Mode

Resets the selection mode check boxes to their default settings, with Noun/Verb Selection and Implied Windowing both on.


DDSELECT: Pickbox Size

Adjusts the size of the pickbox using a slider bar. You can also set the pickbox size using the PICKBOX system variable.


DDSELECT: Object Sort Method
DDSELECT: Entity Sort Method

Provides options for processing objects in the order in which they were created in the drawing. You can use these options if your drawing or application depends on the order in which objects were created. Selecting additional sorting methods can increase processing time, which is related to performance enhancements for object selection in large drawings. Entity Sort Method can also be set using the SORTENTS system variable.

Dialog box options

Object Selection check box

Object Snap check box

Redraws check box

Slide Creation check box

Regens check box

Plotting check box

PostScript Output check box


Object Selection

Ensures that objects selected using a windowing method are placed in the selection set in the order in which they appear in the drawing database.


Object Snap

Ensures that Object Snap mode finds objects in the order in which they appear in the drawing database.


Redraws

Ensures that REDRAW draws objects in the order in which they appear in the drawing database.


Slide Creation

Ensures that MSLIDE draws objects in the order in which they appear in the drawing database.


Regens

Ensures that REGEN draws objects in the order in which they appear in the drawing database.


Plotting

Ensures that PLOT processes objects in the order in which they appear in the drawing database.


PostScript Output

Ensures that PSOUT processes objects in the order in which they appear in the drawing database.


UCS Control (DDUCS)

Quick Help     See Also

Manages defined user coordinate systems

The primary function of DDUCS is to restore saved UCSs.

	From the Assist menu, choose Named UCS
	At the Command prompt, enter dducs or uc
Dialog box options

UCS Names list

Current button

Delete button

List button

Rename To button and text box


Commands: DDUCSP selects a preset user coordinate system. UCS manages the current user coordinate system.

System Variables: UCSICON controls visibility and placement of the UCS icon in viewports. UCSNAME displays the name of the current coordinate system. UCSORG displays the origin point of the current coordinate system for the current space. UCSXDIR displays the X direction of the current UCS for the current space. UCSYDIR displays the Y direction of the current UCS for the current space.


UCS Names

Lists the defined coordinate systems.

*WORLD* Coordinate System (WCS) is always the first entry. If you define other coordinate systems during the current editing session, a *PREVIOUS* entry appears next.

You can step back through these coordinate systems by selecting *PREVIOUS* and OK repeatedly. If you do not name the current coordinate system, *NO NAME* is the next entry.

The current coordinate system is identified by Current displayed to its right.


Current

Restores the selected coordinate system. Select a UCS name and choose Current. To add a UCS name to this list, use the Save option of the UCS command.


Delete

Deletes a user-defined coordinate system. Select a UCS name and choose Delete. You cannot delete the *WORLD* or *PREVIOUS* coordinate systems.


List

Lists the origin point of a coordinate system and the direction of its X, Y, and Z axes relative to the current UCS. Select a UCS name and choose List.


Rename To

Renames a coordinate system. Select a UCS name, enter a new name in the Rename To text box, and choose Rename To. You cannot rename the *WORLD* or *PREVIOUS* coordinate systems.


Units Control ('DDUNITS)

Quick Help     See Also

Controls coordinate and angle display formats and determines the displayed precision

	From the Settings menu, choose Units Style
	At the Command prompt, enter ddunits or du
Dialog box options

Units area

Angles area

Direction button


DDUNITS: Units

Displays and sets the current format for units of measure.

The engineering and architectural formats produce feet-and-inches displays and assume that each drawing unit represents one inch. The other formats can represent any real-world unit.

Precision

Sets and displays the precision for the current units format.


DDUNITS: Angles

Displays and sets the current angle format.

Precision

Sets and displays the precision for the current angle format.

AutoCAD LT uses the following conventions for the various angle measures: decimal degrees appear as decimal numbers, grads appear with a lowercase g suffix, and radians appear with a lowercase r suffix.

The degrees/minutes/seconds format uses d for degrees, ' for minutes, and " for seconds, for example: 123d45'56.7".

Surveyor's units show angles as bearings, using N or S for north or south, angle for how far east or west the angle is from direct north or south, and E or W for east or west, for example: N 45d0'0" E.

The angle is always less than 90 degrees and is displayed in the degrees/minutes/seconds format. If the angle is precisely north, south, east, or west, only the single letter representing the compass point appears.


DDUNITS: Direction

Displays the Direction Control dialog box, which is used to control the direction of angles.

Direction Control dialog box

Angle 0 Direction area

Counter-clockwise radio button

Clockwise radio button

Clockwise and Counter-clockwise control the direction of positive and negative angles. The default direction for positive angles is counterclockwise. Clockwise reverses the positive and negative angles in arcs and polar arrays.

When AutoCAD LT prompts for an angle, you can point in the desired direction or enter an angle regardless of the setting specified for the angle 0 direction or the Clockwise or Counter-clockwise setting.


Angle 0 Direction

Sets the direction of the zero angle. These options affect how you enter angles and their display, but do not affect the coordinates in a drawing.

Other radio button

Angle text box

Pick button

The clockwise or counterclockwise direction specified in the Units Control dialog box controls the object rotation angles, such as those used by the INSERT command. A rotation angle of zero means no rotation.

Orientation angles, such as the baseline angle in the TEXT command, are relative to the selected angle = zero direction. However, AutoCAD LT sets the zero angle relative to the orientation of the user coordinate system.


Angle 0 Direction Other
Other

Specifies a direction different from the points of the compass. When you have selected Other, the Angle text box and the Pick button are available.


Angle

Specifies the angle. You can enter a value or choose the Pick button.


Pick

Defines the angle in the graphics area based on two points you specify.


Counterclockwise
Counter-clockwise

Sets the positive angle direction to counterclockwise. This option affects how you enter angles and their display.


Clockwise

Sets the positive angle direction to clockwise. This option affects how you enter angles and their display.

Clockwise and Counterclockwise control the direction of positive and negative angles. The default direction for positive angles is counterclockwise. Clockwise reverses the positive and negative angles in arcs, rotation, and polar arrays.

When AutoCAD LT prompts for an angle, you can point in the desired direction or enter an angle regardless of the setting specified for the angle 0 direction or the Clockwise or Counterclockwise setting.


For more information on units, see "Setting Units Style" in chapter 4, "Organizing Your Project," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: INSERT places a named block or drawing into the current drawing. UNITS sets coordinate and angle display formats and precision from the command line.

System Variables: ANGBASE stores the angle 0 direction, with respect to the current UCS. ANGDIR stores the setting for clockwise or counterclockwise direction, with respect to the current UCS. AUNITS stores the Angular Units mode. AUPREC stores the number of decimal places for angular units. LUNITS stores the setting for linear Units mode. LUPREC stores the number of decimal places or the denominator for linear units. UNITMODE stores the setting for fractional, feet-and-inches, and surveyor's angles as previously set or in input format.


'DELAY

Quick Help     See Also

Provides a timed pause within a script

	At the Command prompt, enter delay
Delay time in milliseconds: Enter a value

Enter delay 1000 in your script to delay the start of execution of the next command for about one second. The longest delay allowed is 32767, slightly less than 33 seconds.


For information on using DELAY in scripts, see "Command Scripts" in chapter 6, "Programming Interfaces," in the AutoCAD LT Customization Guide.


DIM and DIM1

Quick Help

Accesses Dimensioning mode

DIM and DIM1 put the command line in Dimensioning mode. Dimensioning uses lines, symbols, figures, angles, and notes to add information, such as distances or types of materials, to drawings.

Use DIM to remain in Dimensioning mode after you have used a dimensioning command.

Use DIM1 to execute a Dimensioning command and immediately return to the command line.

	At the Command prompt, enter dim (or d) or dim1 (or d1)
Dim: Enter a DIM command

The Dim prompt indicates that you are in Dimensioning mode. A special set of dimensioning commands replaces the normal AutoCAD LT commands.

Press [image] or the spacebar at the Dim prompt to repeat a dimensioning command.

You cannot use most AutoCAD LT commands at the Dim prompt. You can use transparent commands, mode toggle keys, and object snap modes.

There are three types of dimensioning commands:

Dimension drawing commands

Dimension modification commands

Utility commands

See Also:

Associative dimensions


Associative Dimensions
DIM: Associative Dimensions

Determines whether a dimension comprises a single or separate objects.

Associative Dimensions is a toggle. When Associative Dimensions is on, the lines, arcs, arrowheads, and text of a dimension form a single object. When Associative Dimensions is off, the elements are separate objects.

	From the Settings menu, choose Associative Dimensions


Utility Commands
DIM: Utility Commands

Accesses DIM's utility commands.

Exit

OVerride

REDraw

SAve

STYle

Undo

VAriable


DIM: Exit
Exit

Returns to normal drawing editor command mode.


OVerride

Dimension variable to override: Enter variable name

Current value <(variable's value)>: New value: Enter new value

Dimension variable to override: Enter a variable name or press

Select objects: Use an object selection method

If any of the dimensions you select contain a reference to a named dimension style, AutoCAD LT displays the following prompt:

Modify dimension style "style name"? <N>: Enter y or n, or press

If your response is y, AutoCAD LT updates both the dimension and its associated style. AutoCAD LT also changes other dimension entities that reference the same named style.

If your response is n, AutoCAD LT updates the dimension entity, but leaves the named style unchanged. The resulting dimension no longer contains any dimension style information.


DIM: REDraw
REDraw

Redraws the current viewport.


SAve

The SAVE command writes dimension variable settings to a dimension style.

?/Name for new dimension style: Enter ? or a new style name

The new dimension style becomes the current dimension style. It remains current until you change any of the settings included in dimension styles, or until you save or restore a new style.

You can display a list of named dimension styles by entering ? or examine the differences between the current settings and those found in any named style by entering the name preceded by a tilde (~). If you enter the name of an existing dimension style, AutoCAD LT issues a warning and asks if you want to redefine the style.

That name is already in use, redefine it? <N>: Enter y or n, or press

If you enter y, AutoCAD LT automatically generates associative dimensions that use the redefined dimension style.


DIM: STYle
STYle

Changes the current text style.

Dim: style

New text style <current>: Enter the name of the new style or press

The style you specify becomes the current text style.

You cannot create new text styles with this command.


DIM: Undo
Undo

Erases the dimension objects produced by the most recent dimensioning command or undoes any new dimension variable setting.

When you exit dimensioning mode, the UNDO command reverses the effects of the entire dimensioning session.


VAriable

The VARIABLES command lists the variable settings of a dimension style without modifying the current settings.

Current dimension style: <current>

?/Enter dimension style name or RETURN to select dimension:
Enter ? or a dimension style name, or press

Select Dimension: Select a dimension

You can select the dimension style by name or by selecting a dimension that refers to the style. The format of the VARIABLES display is identical to the STATUS command, except that the named dimension style appears at the top of the VARIABLES display in the following format:

Status of (style name):

(scrolling display of dimension variables)

You can display a list of named dimension styles by entering ? or examine the differences between the current settings and those found in any named style by entering the name preceded by a tilde (~).


DIM1

Executes one dimensioning command and then returns to normal command mode.


DIM

Executes several dimensioning commands and remains in dimensioning mode. To return to normal command mode, enter e (or exit) or press [image] + [image].


DIM: Dimension Drawing

Quick Help

	From the Draw menu, choose Linear Dimensions Ordinate Dimensions Radial Dimensions Angular Dimension Leader
Linear	Angular
Ordinate	Leader
Radial


DIM: Linear Dimensions

Quick Help

	From the Draw menu, choose Linear Dimensions, then Horizontal Vertical Aligned Rotated Baseline Continue
	At the Command prompt, enter dim1 horizontal dim1 vertical dim1 aligned dim1 rotated dim1 baseline dim1 continue
See Also:

Horizontal, Vertical, Aligned, and Rotated


DIM: Horizontal, Vertical, Aligned, and Rotated

Quick Help

Draws horizontal, vertical, aligned, or rotated dimension lines

The only difference among these commands is the angle at which each draws the dimension line.

The linear dimensioning commands display the following prompt:

First extension line origin or RETURN to select: Specify a point or press RETURN

After you specify the extension line origins or select an object, AutoCAD LT displays the following prompt:

Dimension line location ( Text/ Angle ): Specify a distance or enter an option

Dimension text <measurement>: Enter dimension text, or press the spacebar or

Press [image] to make the measurement the new text string. Press the spacebar to suppress dimension text.

See Also:

Dimension Text Notes for methods of modifying the dimension text


Horizontal

Draws a linear dimension with a horizontal dimension line.


Vertical

Draws a linear dimension with a vertical dimension line.


Aligned

Draws a linear dimension parallel to the extension line origin points you specify. The resulting dimension is aligned with the object.


Rotated

Draws a linear dimension at an angle you specify.

The ROTATED command has an extra prompt that precedes the First extension line origin or RETURN to select prompt. The extra prompt specifies the dimension line angle.

Dimension line angle <0>: Specify an angle or press


Baseline

Follows a linear dimension with another that uses the first extension line of the first dimension as the first extension line for the new dimension. The new dimension line is offset so that it is not drawn on top of the previous dimension.


Continue

Follows a linear dimension with another that uses the last extension line of the previous dimension as the first extension line for the new dimension.


DIM: Angular Dimensions

Quick Help

	From the Draw menu, choose Angular Dimension
	At the Command prompt, enter dim1 angular
Select arc, circle, line, or RETURN: Enter an option or press

Dimension arc line location ( Text / Angle ): Specify a point or enter an option

The dimension line arc passes through the point you specify.

Dimension text <measurement>: Enter dimension text, or press the spacebar or

Pressing [image] makes the measurement the new text string. Pressing the spacebar suppresses dimension text.

Enter text location (or RETURN): Specify a point or press

See Also:

Dimension Text Notes for methods of modifying the dimension text.


Arcs
arc

Defines the points for a three-point angular dimension. The center of the arc is the angle vertex, and the two endpoints become the origin points of the extension lines.


Circles
circle

Snaps the selection point to the circle object. The center of the circle is the vertex of the angle. The snapped selection coordinate is the origin of the first extension line.

Second angle endpoint: Specify a point

You can select any point other than the snapped selection coordinate.


Lines
line

Selects only lines or straight line segments of a polyline.

Second line: Specify a point on a line parallel to the first line

The intersection of the selected lines becomes the angle vertex. If extension lines are needed, each line you select determines the direction of the first and second extension lines.


RETURN
RETURN ( [image])

Specifies the vertex and angle endpoints.

Angle Vertex: Specify a point

First angle endpoint: Specify a point

Second angle endpoint: Specify a point

The angle vertex can be the same as one of the angle endpoints. A response other than a point selection ends the command. If extension lines are needed, the endpoints become origin points.


Text

Specifies the dimension text.

Dimension text <measurement>: Enter dimension text, or press the spacebar or

Pressing [image] makes the measurement the new text string. Press the spacebar if you do not want any dimension text.


Angle

Specifies an angle for the dimension text.

Enter text angle: Specify an angle


DIM: Radial Dimensions

Quick Help

	From the Draw menu, choose Radial Dimensions, then Diameter Radius Center Mark
	At the Command prompt, enter dim1 diameter dim1 radius dim1 center


DIM: Diameter

Quick Help

Creates a diameter dimension for an arc or a circle

Select arc or circle: Specify a point on an arc or circle

Dimension text <measurement>: Enter dimension text, or press the spacebar or

Press [image] to make the measurement the new text string. Press the spacebar if you do not want any dimension text.

The default text begins with a  symbol. When you supply your own dimension text, express the diameter symbol as the code %%C. See Dimension Text Notes for methods of modifying the dimension text.

If you need a text leader because the horizontal placement is set to Default in the DDIM Text Location dialog box, the following prompt appears:

Enter leader length for text: Specify a length or press

Press [image] to use the default leader length or two arrow lengths. You can specify the length but not the direction of the leader. The leader is always an extension of the diameter line through the point you use to select the circle or arc.

To draw a center mark in the circle, draw no dimension line inside the arc or circle and specify a nonzero value for Center Mark Size in the DDIM Extension Lines dialog box.


DIM: Radius

Quick Help

Creates a radius dimension for an arc or a circle

Select arc or circle: Specify a point on an arc or circle

Dimension text <measurement>: Enter dimension text, or press the spacebar or

Press [image] to make the measurement the new text string. Press the spacebar if you do not want any dimension text.

The default text begins with the letter R. See Dimension Text Notes for methods of modifying the dimension text.

AutoCAD LT prompts for the leader length.

Enter leader length for text: Specify a length or press

Press [image] to use the default leader length of two arrow lengths. You can specify the length but not the direction of the leader. The leader is always an extension of the diameter line through the point you use to select the circle or arc.

You can place the leader inside or outside the arc or circle. The default style draws the text and leader outside the arc or circle.


DIM: Center Mark

Quick Help

Draws a center mark or center lines for a circle or an arc

You control the center mark size and center lines in the DDIM Extension Lines dialog box. Select Center Mark from the Radial dimensions submenu to display the following prompt:

Select arc or circle: Specify a point on an arc or circle

AutoCAD LT places the center marks in the selected arc or circle.


DIM: Ordinate Dimensions

Quick Help

Displays the X or Y coordinate of a feature with a leader line

	From the Draw menu, choose Ordinate Dimensions, then Automatic X-Datum Y-Datum
	At the Command prompt, enter dim1 ordinate
AutoCAD LT draws the leader line in a direction orthogonal to the coordinate axes of the current UCS. When creating ordinate dimensioning, turn Ortho mode on.


DIM: Automatic

Quick Help

Draws an dimension to measure the X or Y coordinate

Enter or (or ordinate) at the Dim prompt or select Automatic from the Ordinate Dimensions submenu to display the following prompt:

Select Feature: Specify a point

Selecting a "Feature" specifies the entity to dimension and displays the following prompt:

Leader endpoint (Xdatum/Ydatum): Enter an option or press

AutoCAD LT uses the difference between the feature location and the leader endpoint to determine whether the ordinate dimension is of the X or Y type. If the difference in the Y coordinates is greatest, the dimension measures the X coordinate, otherwise, it measures the Y coordinate. You can specify the coordinate to dimension by choosing the options Xdatum or Ydatum.

Dimension text <measurement>: Enter dimension text, or press the spacebar or

Press [image] to make the measurement the new text string. Press the spacebar if you do not want any dimension text.

AutoCAD LT uses the current UCS to determine the measured dimension's X or Y coordinate and the coordinate's absolute value.

See Also:

Dimension Text Notes for methods of modifying the dimension text.


DIM: Dimension Modification

Quick Help

When redrawing a dimension, AutoCAD LT uses either dimension style information, if available, for the selected dimension or the current dimension style settings.

	From the Modify menu, choose Edit Dimension, then Change Text Home Position Move Text Rotate Text Oblique Dimension Update Dimension
	At the Command prompt, enter dim1 newtext dim1 hometext dim1 tedit dim1 trotate dim1 oblique dim1 update


DIM: Newtext (Change Text)

Quick Help

Changes the dimension text for existing dimension objects

	From the Modify menu, choose Edit Dimension, then Change Text
Enter new dimension text <measurement>: Enter dimension text, or press the spacebar or

Press [image] to make the measurement the new text string. Press the spacebar if you do not want any dimension text.

Select objects: Use an object selection method


DIM: Hometext (Home Position)

Quick Help

Returns dimension text to its original position after it has been modified by TEdit

	From the Modify menu, choose Edit Dimension, then Home Position
Select objects: Use an object selection method


DIM: TEdit (Move Text)

Quick Help

Controls the placement and orientation of dimension text

	From the Modify menu, choose Edit Dimension, then Move Text
Select dimension: Select dimension objects

Enter text location (Left/Right/Home/Angle): Specify a point or enter an option

Left and Right justify text left or right along a linear, radius, or diameter dimension line. The position of the dimension text depends on the vertical placement settings.

Home sets the text at its default position and orientation.

Selecting Angle displays the following prompt:

Text angle: Specify an angle

The center point of the text remains constant. AutoCAD LT sets the orientation by the text angle. Entering an angle of zero degrees sets the text alignment to its default orientation.

If alignment is set to Orient Text Horizontally, the dimension text aligns with the dimension line.


DIM: TRotate (Rotate Text)

Quick Help

Sets the dimension text orientation of one or more associative dimensions

	From the Modify menu, choose Edit Dimension, then Rotate Text
TRotate is like the Angle option of TEdit, except that TRotate can operate on more than one dimension at a time.

Enter new text angle: Specify an angle

Select objects: Use an object selection method

Enter an angle of zero degrees to set the text alignment to its default orientation. If alignment is set to Orient Text Horizontally, the dimension text aligns with the dimension line.

string dimensioning using rotated text


DIM: Oblique (Oblique Dimension)

Quick Help

Changes the angles of existing associative dimension extension lines

	From the Modify menu, choose Edit Dimension, then Oblique Dimension
Select objects: Use an object selection method

Enter obliquing angle (RETURN for none): Specify an angle

AutoCAD LT retains the oblique angle even when redrawing the dimension after other editing operations. Setting an oblique angle for an existing dimension does not affect new linear dimensions.

obliqued dimensions


DIM: Update (Update Dimensions)
DIM: Update (Update Dimension)

Quick Help

Updates dimension objects with the current dimension style, text style, and units

	From the Modify menu, choose Edit Dimension, then Update Dimension
Select objects: Use an object selection method

Any references to dimension styles in the selected dimension objects are lost. If no dimension style is current when a dimension is redrawn, that dimension contains no reference to a style.


DIM: Leader

Quick Help

Constructs complex leaders

	From the Draw menu, choose Leader
	At the command prompt, enter dim1 leader
Leader start: Specify a point

To point: Specify a point or enter u

To point: Specify a point, enter u, or press

AutoCAD LT repeats the To point prompt until you press [image]. Enter u to undo the last segment you drew.

Dimension text <measurement>: Enter dimension text, or press the spacebar or

Press [image] to make the measurement the new text string. Press the spacebar if you do not want any dimension text.

See Also:

Dimension Text Notes for methods of modifying the dimension text.


DIM: Dimension Text Notes

Quick Help

Dimension text requires a horizontal text style. If the style is set for vertical orientation, you must change to horizontal before dimensioning the drawing.

Dimension text <measurement>: Enter dimension text, or press the spacebar or

Press [image] to make the measurement the new text string. Press the spacebar if you do not want any dimension text.

The current setting of the DDUNITS command dictates the text format and draws tolerances or limits if the appropriate dimensioning settings are set.

If the measured length is only part of the required dimension text, you can specify additional text to include with the measured length. You can also supply a prefix or suffix, or both, to edit with the measured length.

See Also:

Prefixes and Suffixes


Adding a Prefix or Suffix
DIM: Dimension Text: Prefixes and Suffixes

To specify a prefix or suffix, respond to the Dimension text prompt with a text string containing the character pair <>.

Any text appearing before this marker is translated as a prefix preceding the measured length. Any text after the marker is translated as a suffix.

For example, to write the dimension "Approx. 3.1500 DIA", enter the following:

Dimension text <3.1500>: Approx. <> DIA

The spaces before and after the <> insert a blank between the measurement and the prefix or suffix.

The prefix appears before any generated text, including the R and Ø characters generated by the RADIUS and DIAMETER dimensioning commands.

Tolerance information follows the generated text. In a limits dimension, the prefix and suffix align with the dimension line, with the limits above and below.


'DIST

Quick Help     How do I...     See Also

Measures the distance and angle between two points

	From the toolbox, choose  From the Assist menu, choose Distance
	At the Command prompt, enter dist or di
First point: Specify a point

Second point: Specify a point

Distance = calculated distance

Angle in XY plane = angle  Angle from XY plane = angle

Delta X = change in X, Delta Y = change in Y, Delta Z = change in Z

AutoCAD LT reports the true 3D distance between points. The angle in the XY plane is relative to the current X axis. The angle from the XY plane is relative to the current XY plane. DIST assumes the current elevation value for the first or second point if the Z coordinate is omitted.

The distance is displayed using the current units format.


For more information, see "Calculating Distance and Angle" in chapter 7, "Drawing with Precision," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: DDUNITS and UNITS set drawing units.

System Variables: DISTANCE stores the last distance measured by the DIST command.


DONUT

Quick Help     See Also

Draws filled circles and rings

Donuts are constructed of a closed polyline composed of wide arc segments. How the interior of a donut is filled depends on the current setting of the FILL command.

	From the toolbox, choose  From the Draw menu, choose Donut
	At the Command prompt, enter donut or do
Inside diameter <current>: Specify a distance or press

If you specify an inside diameter of zero, the donut is a filled circle.

Outside diameter <current>: Specify a distance or press

Center of doughnut: Specify a point (1)

The location of the donut is based on the center point you specify. AutoCAD LT repeats the Center of donut prompt so that you can draw multiple donuts. Press [image] to end the command.


For more information, see "Drawing Donuts" in chapter 6, "Drawing Geometry," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: FILL controls the filling of traces, solids, and wide polylines.

System Variables: FILLMODE stores the FILL command setting.


DTEXT

Quick Help     See Also

Displays text on screen as it is entered

AutoCAD LT can create text with a variety of character patterns, or fonts. These fonts can be stretched, compressed, obliqued, mirrored, or aligned in a vertical column by applying a style to the font. Text can be rotated, justified, and made any size.

You can enter multiple lines of text using DTEXT, and you can use the [image] key to edit the text. The prompts are the same as those for the TEXT command, except that you can enter several lines without restarting the command. To end a line, press [image] after entering characters at the Text prompt. To end DTEXT, press [image] at the Text prompt.

	From the toolbox, choose  From the Draw menu, choose Text
	At the Command prompt, enter dtext or t
Justify / Style / <Start point>: Specify a point or enter an option

If DTEXT was the last command entered, pressing [image] at the Justify/Style/<Start point> prompt skips the prompts for height and rotation angle and immediately displays the Text prompt. The text is placed directly beneath the previous line of text. (The point specified at the Start point prompt is also stored as the Insertion Point object snap.)


For more information, see chapter 12, "Adding Text to Drawings," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: DDEDIT edits text content. TEXT creates single-line text.


DTEXT: Start point

Justifies text along its baseline from the start point you specified.

Height <current>: Specify a point (1), enter a value, or press

The Height prompt is displayed only if the current text style does not have a fixed height.

Rotation angle <current>: Specify a point, enter a value, or press

Text: Enter characters or press


DTEXT: Justify

Controls text alignment.

Align / Fit / Center / Middle / Right: Enter an option


Align

Specifies both text height and text orientation by designating the endpoints of the baseline.

First text line point: Specify a point (1) Second text line point: Specify a point (2) Text: Enter characters or press
The longer the text string, the shorter the characters. The width of the characters adjusts in proportion to their height.


Fit

Specifies that text will fit within an area and at an orientation defined with two points and a height.

First text line point: Specify a point (1) Second text line point: Specify a point (2) Height <current>: Specify a height or press  Text: Enter characters or press
The height is the distance in drawing units that the uppercase letters extend from the baseline. Designated text height is the distance between the start point and a point you specify.

The longer the text string, the narrower the characters. The height of the characters remains constant.


Center

Aligns text from the horizontal center of the baseline, which you specify with a point.

Center point: Specify a point (1) Height <current>: Specify a height or press  Rotation angle <current>: Specify an angle or press  Text: Enter characters or press
The rotation angle specifies the orientation of the text baseline with respect to the center point. You can designate the angle by specifying a point. The text baseline runs from the start point toward the specified point. If you specify a point to the left of the center point, AutoCAD LT draws the text upside down.


Middle

Aligns text midway along the baseline at the vertical center of the height you specify with a point. Middle-aligned text does not rest on the baseline.

Middle point: Specify a point (1) Height <current>: Specify a height or press  Rotation angle <current>: Specify an angle or press  Text: Enter characters or press


Right

Right-justifies the text at the baseline from a point you specify.

End point: Specify a point (1) Height <current>: Specify a height or press  Rotation angle <current>: Specify an angle or press  Text: Enter characters or press


DTEXT: Style

Sets the text style, which determines the appearance of the text characters. Text you create uses the current text style.

Style name (or ?) <current>: Enter an existing text style name, enter ?, or press

Enter ? to view a list of the current text styles and associated font files.


'ELEV

Quick Help     See Also

Sets elevation and extrusion thickness of new objects

The current elevation is the Z value that is used whenever a 3D point is expected but you supply only X and Y values. The current elevation is maintained separately in model space and paper space.

	At the Command prompt, enter elev or ev
New current elevation <current>: Specify a distance or press

New current thickness <current>: Specify a distance or press

The thickness sets the distance that a 2D object is extruded above or below its elevation. A positive value extrudes along the positive Z axis; a negative value extrudes along the negative Z axis.


Commands: DDUCS and UCS control construction plane orientation, elevation, and extrusion direction.

System Variables: ELEVATION sets the current elevation. THICKNESS sets the current extrusion thickness.


END

Quick Help     See Also

Saves the drawing and exits AutoCAD LT

	At the Command prompt, enter end
END saves your drawing to the .dwg file, saves a backup (.bak) file, and quits AutoCAD LT.

If you have not named the current drawing, AutoCAD LT displays a dialog box in which you name the drawing before exiting.

If the drawing is set to Read-Only mode, the END command is not available. You can use SAVEAS to save the drawing to a different file name before quitting.


For more information on quitting AutoCAD LT, see "Exiting AutoCAD LT" in chapter 2, "Getting Started," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: QSAVE saves the current drawing to a file name. QUIT exits AutoCAD LT and saves any modifications to the current drawing. SAVE saves the current drawing to a file name. SAVEAS renames the current drawing.


ERASE

Quick Help     How do I...     See Also

Removes objects from a drawing

	From the toolbox, choose  From the Modify menu, choose Erase
	At the Command prompt, enter erase or e
Select objects: Use an object selection method

AutoCAD LT removes the objects from the drawing.


For more information, see "Erasing Objects" in chapter 9, "Copying, Moving, and Erasing Objects," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: OOPS restores previously erased objects. REDO reverses the immediately previous UNDO or U command. UNDO reverses the effect of the previous command.


'FILL

Quick Help     See Also

Controls the filling of solids and wide polylines

On some displays and plotters it takes a long time to fill the interior of objects.

	At the Command prompt, enter fill or fl
ON / OFF <current>: Enter on or off, or press

Changing Fill mode affects existing objects after the drawing is regenerated.


For more information, see "Turning Visual Elements On and Off" in chapter 8, "Controlling the Drawing Display," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: DDRMODES sets Fill mode and other drawing aids.

System Variables: FILLMODE stores the FILL command setting.


ON

Turns Fill mode on. For the filling of objects to be visible, the object's extrusion direction must be parallel to the current viewing direction, and hidden lines must not be suppressed.


OFF

Turns Fill mode off. AutoCAD LT displays and plots only the outlines of objects.


'GRAPHSCR

Quick Help     See Also

Switches from the text window to the graphics area

	At the Command prompt, enter graphscr
Dual-screen systems ignore this command.


Commands: TEXTSCR changes from the graphics area to the text window.


'GRID

Quick Help     See Also

Displays a dot grid

The grid is used only for visual reference. It is not plotted, nor is it considered to be part of the drawing.

	At the Command prompt, enter grid or g
Grid spacing(X) or ON / OFF / Snap / Aspect <current>: Specify a value or enter an option


Grid spacing(X)

Sets the space between dots to the number of units you specify.

If you specify a value of 0, the grid spacing is set to the snap interval. Enter x following the value to set the grid spacing to that value times the snap interval.


ON

Turns on the grid at the current spacing.


OFF

Turns off the grid.


Snap

Sets the space between dots to the current snap interval as set by the SNAP command.


Aspect

Sets the space between dots to a different distance in X and Y directions.

Horizontal spacing(X) <current>: Enter a value or press

Vertical spacing(Y) <current>: Enter a value or press

Enter x following either value to set the grid spacing to that value times the snap interval.

When the current snap style is isometric, the Aspect option is not available.


For more information on using grids, see "Setting the Grid" in chapter 4, "Organizing Your Project" in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: SNAP specifies a minimum interval for point entry.

System Variables: DDRMODES sets drawing aids. GRIDMODE turns the grid on or off in the current viewport. GRIDUNIT sets the grid spacing in the current viewport.


'HELP
'HELP ( [image])

Quick Help

Displays online help

	From the Help menu, choose Contents
	At the Command prompt, enter help or ? or press
To display the Help table of contents, press [image] or choose Contents from the Help menu. To display help for a pull-down menu, select the menu name to open the menu, and then press [image].

Press [image] or enter 'help (with an apostrophe) while a command is active to display help for that command. Choose Help in a dialog box to display help for that dialog box.


'ID

Quick Help     See Also

Displays the coordinates of a location

	From the toolbox, choose  From the Assist menu, choose ID Point
	At the Command prompt, enter id
Point: Specify a point

AutoCAD LT displays the UCS coordinates of a location on the command line and sets the last point.

ID displays the XY location and the Z coordinates of the current elevation. However, if you use OSNAP to snap to an object, ID displays the Z coordinate of the selected feature of the object.

ID defines the specified point as the last point. You can reference the last point by entering @ at the next prompt that requests a point.


For more information, see "Displaying Coordinates and Locating Points" in chapter 7, "Drawing with Precision," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

System Variables: LASTPOINT stores the coordinate information.


INSERT

Quick Help     See Also

Places a named block or drawing into the current drawing

	At the Command prompt, enter insert or in
block name (or ?) <current>: Enter a name, enter ?, enter ~, or press

The name of the last block inserted during the editing session appears as current.

Enter ? to list the blocks currently defined in the drawing. Enter a tilde (~) to display the Select Drawing File dialog box instead of the command line. To separate the block's objects during insertion, precede the name of the block with an asterisk (*). The EXPLODE command separates the objects in a block after the block has been inserted.

If you enter a block name without a path name or drive letter, AutoCAD LT searches for a currently defined block by that name. If no such block definition exists in the current drawing, AutoCAD LT searches the support path for a file of the same name. If AutoCAD LT finds such a file, the file name is used for the block name when AutoCAD LT inserts the block definition. AutoCAD LT uses the same block definition for subsequent insertions of that block. If you are loading a file as a block, you can give the block a new name by entering block name=file name at the block name prompt.

Insertion point: Specify a point or enter an option

At the Insertion point prompt you can either specify a point or enter an option from the list below. The INSERT options preset the scale and rotation of a block before you specify its position. This is useful when you are dragging a block, when you normally use a scale factor of 1 and a rotation of 0.

Scale	PScale
Xscale	PXscale
Yscale	PYscale
Zscale	PZscale
Rotate	PRotate
After you specify a point at the Insertion point prompt, AutoCAD LT prompts as follows:

X scale factor <1> / Corner / XYZ: Enter a value or an option, or press [image] to confirm an X scale factor of 1


Scale

Sets the scale factor for the X, Y, and Z axes. The scale for the Z axis is the absolute value of the specified scale factor.


Xscale

Sets the X scale factor.


Yscale

Sets the Y scale factor.


Zscale

Sets the Z scale factor.


Rotate

Sets the rotation angle.


PScale

Sets the scale factor for the X, Y, and Z axes to control the display of the block as you drag it into position.


PXscale

Sets the scale factor for the X axis to control the display of the block as you drag it into position.


PYscale

Sets the scale factor for the Y axis to control the display of the block as you drag it into position.


PZscale

Sets the scale factor for the Z axis to control the display of the block as you drag it into position.


PRotate

Sets the rotation angle of the block as you drag it into position.


X scale factor

Draws a copy of the block with its base point at the insertion point you specify.

Y scale factor (default=X): Specify a scale or press

Rotation angle <0>: Specify an angle or press

AutoCAD LT multiplies all X and Y dimensions of the block by the X and Y scale factors you supply. It rotates the block by the rotation angle you specify, using the insertion point as the center of rotation.


Corner

Defines the X and Y scales at the same time, using the insertion point and another point as the corners of a box.

The X and Y dimensions of the box become the X and Y scale factors.

The insertion point is the first corner.

Other corner: Specify a point

Rotation angle <0>: Specify an angle or press


XYZ

Scales the block in all three dimensions.

X scale factor <1> / Corner: Specify a scale, enter c, or press


X scale factor

Defines X, Y, and Z scale factors for the block.

Y scale factor <default=X>: Specify a scale or press

Z scale factor <default=X>: Specify a scale or press

Rotation angle <0>: Specify an angle or press


Corner

Defines the X and Y scales at the same time, using the insertion point and another point as the corners of a box, and then defines the Z scale.

Other corner: Specify a point

Z scale factor (default = X): Specify a scale or press

Rotation angle <0>: Specify an angle or press


For more information, see chapter 14, "Using Symbols, Blocks, and External References," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: BASE specifies a base insertion point in drawings that will be inserted as blocks into other drawings. BLOCK creates a named set of objects that can be inserted into the drawing. DDINSERT places a block into the drawing by use of a dialog box. EXPLODE breaks a compound object into its component objects. WBLOCK creates a drawing from a block. XREF attaches a drawing to the current drawing and reflects updates made to the attached drawing.

System Variables: INSNAME stores the name of the most recently inserted block.


'ISOPLANE

Quick Help     See Also

Sets the current isometric plane

	At the Command prompt, enter isoplane or is
Left / Top / Right / <Toggle>: Enter an option or press

Isometric means equal measure. In an isometric projection, you place an object so that its principal edges form equal angles with the plane of projection, as in the illustration to the right:

If the snap style is isometric, Ortho mode uses the appropriate axis pair even if Snap mode is off. The current isometric plane also determines the orientation of isometric circles drawn by ELLIPSE.


Toggle

Switches to the next plane in a clockwise fashion from left, to top, to right.


Left

Selects the left-hand plane, defined by the 90-degree and 150-degree axis pair.


Top

Selects the top face of the cube, called the top plane, defined by the 30-degree and 150-degree axis pair.


Right

Selects the right-hand plane, defined by the 90-degree and 30-degree axis pair.


Commands: DDRMODES sets drawing aids, including the current drawing plan. SNAP selects the isometric snap style.

System Variables: SNAPISOPAIR stores the current isometric plane setting.


'LIMITS

Quick Help     See Also

Sets and controls the drawing boundaries

The drawing limits are two-dimensional points in the World Coordinate System that represent a lower-left limit and an upper-right limit. You cannot impose limits on the Z direction.

If limits checking is on, the drawing limits specify the range of coordinates you can enter without receiving an Outside-limits error message. The drawing limits also govern the portion of the drawing covered by the visible grid and determine the minimum area a ZOOM All displays.

	From the Settings menu, choose Drawing, then Limits
	At the Command prompt, enter limits or lm
ON / OFF / <Lower left corner> <current>: Specify a point, enter on or off, or press


LIMITS: Lower left corner
Lower left corner

Specifies the lower-left corner for the drawing limits.

Upper right corner <current>: Specify a point or press


LIMITS: ON
ON

Turns on limits checking. When limits checking is on, AutoCAD LT rejects attempts to enter points outside the drawing limits.

Because limits checking tests only points that you enter, portions of objects such as circles can extend outside the limits.


LIMITS: OFF
OFF

Turns off limits checking but maintains the current values for the next time limits checking is turned on.


For more information, see "Setting a Drawing Boundary" in chapter 4, "Organizing Your Project," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

System Variables: LIMCHECK turns limits checking on and off for the current space. LIMMAX sets upper-right drawing limits for the current space. LIMMIN sets lower-left drawing limits for the current space.


LINE

Quick Help     How do I...     See Also

Creates straight line segments

LINE creates a line whose endpoints you specify using two-dimensional or three-dimensional coordinates.

	From the toolbox, choose  From the Draw menu, choose Line
	At the Command prompt, enter line or l
From point: Specify a point or press

To point: Specify a point

To point: Specify a point, enter u, enter c, or press

AutoCAD LT draws a line segment and continues to prompt for points, so that you can draw continuous lines. However, each line segment is a separate object. Press [image] to end the command.

The following command sequence draws a single line segment.

Command: line From point: Specify a point (1) To point: Specify a point (2) To point: Press


For more information, see "Drawing Line Objects" in chapter 6, "Drawing Geometry," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: DLINE creates double lines. PLINE creates two-dimensional polylines.


LINE: Continuing a Line or Arc
LINE:  -- Continuing a line or arc

To continue a line from the endpoint of the most recently drawn line, press [image] at the From point prompt to define the start point of the line.

If you drew an arc most recently, its endpoint defines the start point of the line, and the line is drawn tangent to the arc.


LINE: Undoing a line

Enter u or undo at the To point prompt to erase the most recent segment of a line sequence.

Enter u more than once to backtrack through line segments in the order they were created.


LINE: Closing a Polygon

Enter c or close at the To point prompt to form a closed polygon from a sequence of lines.


'LINETYPE

Quick Help     See Also

Creates, loads, and sets linetypes

LINETYPE defines line characteristics consisting of combinations of dashes, dots, and spaces. You can either load linetype definitions from a library file or add new definitions to a library file.

	From the Settings menu, choose Linetype Style, then choose Create Load Set List?
	At the Command prompt, enter linetype or lt
? / Create / Load / Set: Enter an option


Commands: DDEMODES sets properties (including linetype) for new objects. LTSCALE sets the linetype scale factor.

System Variables: LTSCALE stores the global linetype scale factor. PSLTSCALE controls paper space linetype scaling.


LINETYPE: ? -- List linetypes

Displays the Select Linetype File dialog box. Select a linetype file.

AutoCAD LT displays the linetypes defined in the linetype file.


LINETYPE: Create

Creates a new linetype and stores it in a library (.lin) file.

Name of linetype to create: Enter a name

AutoCAD LT displays the Create or Append Linetype File dialog box. Specify the file to which you want the linetype added.

Descriptive text: Enter optional descriptive text

Enter a linetype description up to 47 characters long. The description can be a comment or a series of underscores, dots, dashes, and spaces to show a simple representation of the linetype pattern.

Enter pattern (on next line)

A, Enter pattern definition

Enter a series of numbers separated by commas. Enter positive values to specify lengths of dashes, and enter negative values to specify lengths of spaces. Use a zero to represent a dot.

The A in the pattern definition prompt specifies the pattern alignment used at the ends of individual lines, circles, and arcs. AutoCAD LT supports A-type alignment only. With A-type alignment, AutoCAD LT guarantees that lines and arcs start and end with a dash.

The A is automatically included in the definition you enter. If you use a text editor to create a linetype, you must enter a at the beginning of the definition.

After creating a linetype, you must load it to make it accessible.

For more information on creating linetypes, see chapter 21, "Customizing Linetypes and Hatch Patterns" in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.


LINETYPE: Load

Loads a linetype whose definition exists in a file. The aclt.lin file contains the standard linetypes.

linetype(s) to load: Enter a name list

AutoCAD LT displays the Select Linetype File dialog box. Enter or select the file name in which the linetype is stored.


LINETYPE: Set

Sets the current linetype. You can control the linetype of objects individually or by layer.

New object linetype (or ?) <current>: Enter a linetype name, ?, bylayer, byblock, or press

The linetype you enter becomes the current linetype. AutoCAD LT draws all new objects with this linetype, regardless of the current layer.

If the linetype you request is not loaded, AutoCAD LT searches for its definition in aclt.lin. If the linetype is neither loaded nor in aclt.lin, AutoCAD LT reports this deficiency and returns to the main Command prompt.

Enter ? to list all loaded linetype names.

If you enter bylayer, new objects inherit the linetype associated with the layer on which the object is drawn.

If you enter byblock, new objects are drawn using the CONTINUOUS linetype until they are grouped into a block. Whenever you insert that block, the objects inherit the linetype of the block.


'LTSCALE

Quick Help     See Also

Sets the linetype scale factor

Use LTSCALE to change the relative length of dash-dot linetypes per drawing unit.

	From the Settings menu, choose Linetype Style, then Linetype Scale
	At the Command prompt, enter ltscale or lc
New scale factor <current>: Enter a positive real value or press

Changing the linetype scale factor causes the drawing to regenerate.


System Variables: LTSCALE stores the current scale factor. PSLTSCALE controls paper space linetype scaling.


MIRROR

Quick Help     How do I...     See Also

Creates a mirror image copy of objects

	From the Construct menu, choose Mirror
	At the Command prompt, enter mirror or mi
Select objects: Use an object selection method

First point of mirror line: Specify a point (1)

Second point: Specify a point (2)

The two points become the endpoints of a line about which the selected objects are reflected.

Delete old objects? <N> Enter y or n, or press

Enter n or press [image] to place the reflected image into the drawing and retain the original object(s). Enter y to place the reflected image into the drawing and delete the original object(s).

To manage the reflection properties of text objects, see the MIRRTEXT system variable. The default setting of MIRRTEXT is on (1), which causes text objects to be mirrored just as any other object. When MIRRTEXT is off (0), text is not mirrored.

You can mirror a viewport object in paper space, although doing so has no effect on its model space view or on model space objects.


For more information, see "Mirroring Objects" in chapter 9, "Copying, Moving, and Erasing Objects," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

System Variables: MIRRTEXT controls whether text is reflected with the MIRROR command.


MOVE

Quick Help     How do I...     See Also

Displaces objects a specified distance in a specified direction

	From the toolbox, choose  From the Modify menu, choose Move
	At the Command prompt, enter move or m
Select objects: Use an object selection method

Base point or displacement: Specify a base point (1)

Second point of displacement: Specify a point (2) or press

The two points you specify define a displacement vector that indicates how far the selected objects are to be moved and in what direction. If you press [image] at the second point, the first point is interpreted as relative X, Y, Z displacement from point 0,0,0.


For more information, see "Moving Objects" in chapter 9, "Copying, Moving, and Erasing Objects," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: COPY duplicates objects.

System Variables: GRIPS controls the setting of grips.


Create Slide File (MSLIDE)

Quick Help     See Also

Creates a slide file of the current viewport

A slide file is a raster image of a viewport.

	From the File menu, choose Import/Export, then Make Slide
	At the Command prompt, enter mslide or ml
In the Create Slide File dialog box, enter a file name in the File Name box, or select a slide file (.sld) from the list.

Dialog box options

File Name list and text box

Directories list box

Drives list box

List Files of Type list box

Type it button

In model space, MSLIDE makes a slide file of the current viewport only. In paper space, MSLIDE makes a slide file of the paper space display, including all viewports and their contents.

Off-screen portions of the drawing, or layers that are off or frozen, are not included in the slide.


For more information on creating slides, see "Creating Slides" in chapter 20, "Using Slides and Scripts," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: VSLIDE displays slide files in the current viewport.

Utilities: Slidelib creates slide libraries (.slb files). This utility is found in the AutoCAD LT acltwin directory.


File Name

Displays a list of files. Select a file name or enter a file name in the text box.


Directories

Displays the names of the directories on the current drive.


Drives

Displays the names of the available drives.


List Files of Type

Displays file types by extension.


Type it

Prompts for a drawing file name to be entered on the command line.


MSPACE

Quick Help     See Also

Switches from paper space to a model space viewport

AutoCAD LT operates in either model space or paper space. You use model space to do drafting and design work, creating 2D drawings. You use paper space to create a finished layout of a drawing for printing or plotting.

Before you use MSPACE, the TILEMODE system variable must be set to 0 (off) and viewports must be created using MVIEW.

The Paper Space option is a toggle. When paper space is off, model space is active.

	From the toolbar, choose
	At the Command prompt, enter mspace or ms
AutoCAD LT switches to model space. If at least one viewport is on and active, AutoCAD LT switches to the last active viewport.


For more information about using model space and paper space, see chapter 15, "Designing the Drawing Layout," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: MVIEW creates a new viewport object and turns on existing viewport objects. PSPACE switches from model space to paper space. ZOOM XP scales each view relative to paper-space units.

System Variables: DIMLFAC controls scaling for linear dimensioning measurements. PSLTSCALE controls paper space linetype scaling. TILEMODE controls paper space access and viewport behavior. VISRETAIN specifies precedence of settings for xref layers.


MULTIPLE

Quick Help     See Also

Repeats the next command until canceled

	At the Command prompt, enter multiple or mu
AutoCAD LT repeats the command until you enter [image] + [image] or choose [image] from the toolbar. AutoCAD LT repeats the command you enter until you press [image]. Because MULTIPLE repeats only the command name, any parameters must be specified each time.

Warning: MULTIPLE does not work with dialog box commands.


For more information, see "Repeating and Cancelling Commands," in chapter 2, "Getting Started," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.


MVIEW

Quick Help     See Also

Creates floating viewports in paper space and turns on existing floating viewports

When TILEMODE is set to 0 (off), MVIEW controls the number and layout of paper space viewports. When TILEMODE is set to 1 (on), use VPORTS to create tiled viewports.

	From the View menu, choose Viewports
	At the Command prompt, enter mview or mv
ON / OFF / Hideplot / Fit / 2 / 3 / 4 / Restore / <First Point>: Enter an option or specify a point

In paper space, you can create as many viewports as desired, but you can see only up to 15 viewports. Use the ON and OFF options to control the display of viewports.


For more information, see chapter 15, "Designing the Drawing Layout," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: HIDE eliminates hidden lines from a 3D view of a drawing. MSPACE switches from paper space to a model space viewport. PSPACE switches from model space to paper space. VPORTS creates viewports when TILEMODE is set to 1 (on). VPLAYER sets the visibility for layers in specific viewports. ZOOM XP scales each view relative to paper-space units.

System Variables: TILEMODE controls paper space access and viewport behavior. CVPORT sets the current viewport. PSLTSCALE controls paper space linetype scaling. VISRETAIN specifies precedence of settings for xref layers. DIMLFAC controls scaling for linear dimensioning measurements.


MVIEW: First Point
First Point

Turns on a new viewport sized using the diagonal corners you specify.


MVIEW: ON
ON

Turns on a viewport, making its objects visible.


MVIEW: OFF
OFF

Turns off a viewport. When a viewport is off, its objects do not appear, and you cannot make that viewport current.


MVIEW: Hideplot
Hideplot

Removes hidden lines from a viewport during plotting from paper space.

ON / OFF: Enter on or off

Select objects: Select one or more viewports


MVIEW: Fit
Fit

Creates one viewport that fills the available display area. The actual size of the viewport depends on the dimensions of the paper space view.


MVIEW: 2
2

Divides the specified area horizontally or vertically into two viewports of equal size.

Horizontal / <Vertical>: Enter h or v, or press

Fit / <First Point>: Specify a point or enter f


First Point

Positions and sizes new viewports using the diagonal corners you specify. AutoCAD LT fits the viewports into the selected area.


Fit

Scales the viewports to fill the graphics area.


MVIEW: 3
3

Divides the specified area into three viewports.

Horizontal / Vertical / Above / Below / Left / <Right>: Enter an option or press

The Horizontal and Vertical options split the specified area into thirds. The other options create one large viewport of half the available area and two smaller ones.

The Above, Below, Left, and Right options specify where the larger viewport is placed.

Fit / <First Point>: Specify a point or enter f


First Point

Positions and sizes new viewports using the diagonal corners you specify. AutoCAD LT fits the viewports into the selected area.


Fit

Scales the viewports to fill the graphics area.


MVIEW: 4
4

Divides the specified area horizontally and vertically into four viewports of equal size.

Fit / <First Point>: Specify a point or enter f


First Point

Positions and sizes new viewports using the diagonal corners you specify. AutoCAD LT fits the viewports into the selected area.


Fit

Scales the viewports to fill the graphics area.


MVIEW: Restore
Restore

Translates named viewport configurations you saved using VPORTS into individual viewports in paper space.

? / Name of window configuration to insert <*ACTIVE>: Enter ?, enter a name, or press

Fit / <First Point>: Specify a point or enter f


First Point

Positions and sizes new viewports using the diagonal corners you specify. AutoCAD LT fits the viewports into the selected area.


Fit

Scales the viewports to fill the graphics area.


'ORTHO

Quick Help     See Also

Constrains cursor movement

ORTHO constrains cursor movement to the horizontal or vertical directions (relative to the UCS) and with the current grid rotation angle.

	From the toolbar, choose
	At the Command prompt, enter ortho or or
ON / OFF <current>: Enter on or off, or press

In the example, a line is drawn with Ortho mode on and off. Point 1 is the first point you specify, and point 2 is the position of the cursor when you specify the second point.

AutoCAD LT uses Ortho mode when you use a pointing device to specify an angle or distance by means of two points. Ortho mode does not affect keyboard point entry. AutoCAD LT ignores Ortho mode in perspective views.

AutoCAD LT defines horizontal as parallel to the X axis of the UCS and vertical as parallel to the Y axis of the UCS. Applying SNAP rotation will give this an additional rotation with respect to the UCS.


For more information, see "Using Ortho Mode" in chapter 7, "Drawing with Precision," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: DDRMODES turns Ortho mode on or off using the Drawing Aids dialog box. SNAP aligns points entered with a pointing device. UCS manages user coordinate systems.

System Variables: ORTHOMODE stores the Ortho setting.


'PAN

Quick Help     See Also

Moves the drawing display in the current viewport

PAN works in two ways. You can specify a single point, indicating the relative displacement of the drawing with respect to the screen, or (more commonly) you can specify two points, in which case AutoCAD LT computes the displacement from the first point to the second point.

You cannot use PAN transparently while in paper space, during a VPOINT or DVIEW command, or while another ZOOM, PAN, or VIEW command is in progress.

	From the toolbox, choose  From the View menu, choose Pan
	At the Command prompt, enter pan or p
Displacement: Specify a point (1)

The point you specify indicates the distance to move the drawing or the location of the drawing to be moved.

Second point: Press [image] or specify a point (2)

If you press [image], AutoCAD LT moves the drawing by the distance you specified in the Displacement prompt. If you specify a point, AutoCAD LT moves the drawing to that point.


For more information, see "Scrolling and Panning" in chapter 8, "Controlling the Drawing Display," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: DVIEW creates and restores views. VIEW saves and restores named views. VPOINT sets the viewing direction for a 3D visualization of the current drawing. ZOOM increases or decreases the apparent size of objects in the current viewport.


PLAN

Quick Help     See Also

Displays the plan view of a user coordinate system

PLAN provides a convenient means of viewing the drawing from plan view (VPOINT 0,0,1). You can select a plan view of the current user coordinate system, a previously saved UCS, or the World Coordinate System. PLAN affects the view in the current viewport only. You cannot use PLAN in paper space.

	From the View menu, choose 3D Plan View, then Current UCS World UCS Named UCS
	At the Command prompt, enter plan or pv
<Current UCS> / Ucs / World: Enter an option or press

PLAN changes the viewing direction and turns off perspective and clipping; it does not change the current UCS. Any coordinates entered or displayed subsequent to the PLAN command remain relative to the current UCS.


For more information, see "Displaying a Plan View" in chapter 11, "Working in Three Dimensions," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.


Current UCS

Regenerates a plan view of the display so that the drawing extents fit in the current viewport of the current User Coordinate System.


Ucs

Changes to a plan view of a previously saved UCS and regenerates the display.

? / Name of UCS: Enter a name list or ?

Enter ? to see a list of the saved coordinate systems.


World

Regenerates a plan view of the display so that the drawing extents fit on the screen of the World Coordinate System.


Plot Configuration (PLOT)

Quick Help     See Also

Plots a drawing to a plotter, printer, or file

	From the toolbar, choose  From the File menu, choose Print/Plot
	At the Command prompt, enter plot or pp
Choose OK to begin plotting with the current settings.

Dialog box options

Setup and Default Information area

Pen Parameters area

Additional Parameters area

Paper Size and Orientation area

Scale, Rotation, and Origin area

Plot Preview area

Using the command line

When the CMDDIA system variable is set to 0 (Off), PLOT displays prompts on the command line. When you use a script to plot, AutoCAD LT displays prompts on the command line regardless of the CMDDIA value.

When you are plotting from the command line, the FILEDIA system variable controls any request for a file name.

Readying the plotter

When all plot specifications are set to your satisfaction, choose OK in the Plot Configuration main dialog box.

When plotting directly to a plotter, not to a file, AutoCAD LT pauses to let you load paper and pens in the plotter.

Position paper in plotter.   Load the paper

Press RETURN to continue or S to Stop for hardware setup    Press [image] or enter s

Some plotters have additional features, such as selectable pen pressure and acceleration, that aren't addressed by the AutoCAD LT plot specifications. The reset function AutoCAD LT sends to the plotter often clears these settings. Entering s at the hardware setup prompt causes AutoCAD LT to pause after sending the reset function.

Do hardware setup now.   Make any needed adjustments at the plotter

Press RETURN to continue: Press [image] to begin the plot

Multipen plotting with a single-pen plotter

If you're using a single-pen plotter and your system is configured to plot different colors with different pens, AutoCAD LT pauses when necessary during the plot and issues prompts similar to these:

Install pen number 2, color 3 (green)   Change the pen

Press RETURN to continue: Press [image] to resume plotting


PLOT: Device and Default Information
PLOT: Setup and Default Information

Displays the current plotting device.

AutoCAD LT supports the Windows system printer and preconfigures the HPGL driver (aclthp.dll) through the Print/Plot Setup dialog box.

Device and Default Selection

Controls the setup for your plotter. In the Setup and Default Selection dialog box, you can save and retrieve default settings from an ASCII plot configuration parameters (.pcp) file. For information on .pcp files, see "Reusing a Plot Configuration" in chapter 16, "Plotting Your Drawing," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Current Device

Displays the name of the currently selected plotting device.


PLOT: Pen Parameters

Controls pen parameters for plotters with multiple pens, hardware linetypes, and pen widths.

Depending on the plotter, you can plot each color with a different pen, linetype, and pen width.

Some plot devices, such as laser or electrostatic printers, can plot lines of various widths. These widths are sometimes called line widths or line weights. Although such devices might not have physical pens, AutoCAD LT uses pen width assignments for line widths or line weights.

Pen Assignments

Sets the pen number, hardware linetype, and pen width associated with each AutoCAD LT color, using the Pen Assignments dialog box.


PLOT: Additional Parameters

Specifies which rectangular area of the drawing will be plotted and how hidden lines and area fills will be handled. Also specifies plotting to a file.

View and Window are not available unless you have selected a view or defined a window, respectively.

When you specify any option except View, AutoCAD LT applies the rectangular area to the current viewport and the current space, whether it's model or paper space. AutoCAD LT creates the plot from the 3D viewpoint most recently established in the current space.

A paper space plot includes all visible viewports and their contents. Viewports that have been turned off are not plotted. The MAXACTVP system variable is ignored. If a viewport is on and within the plottable paper space view, it's plotted.

Display radio button

Extents radio button

Limits radio button

View radio button

Window radio button

Hide Lines check box

Adjust Area Fill check box

Plot To File check box

View button

Window button

File Name button

Use Previous Printer check box

Dithering check box


Display

Plots the view in the current viewport.


Extents

Plots the portion of the current space of the drawing that contains objects. This option is similar to ZOOM Extents.

These extents are increased automatically as you draw new objects, but reductions in the extents through such editing commands as ERASE, MOVE, and SCALE are recognized only when the next ZOOM All or ZOOM Extents is performed.

Thus, if you've edited the drawing since the last ZOOM All or ZOOM Extents, it's wise to perform a ZOOM Extents before using the PLOT Extents option.

If you plot extents with a perspective view active and the camera position is within the drawing extents, AutoCAD LT proceeds as though you had used the Display option.


Limits

Plots the entire drawing area defined by the drawing limits. If the current viewpoint is not the plan view (viewpoint 0,0,1), AutoCAD LT proceeds as though you had used the Extents option.


View

Plots a view saved previously with the VIEW command. This option is not available until you select a view. Choose the View button to select a view from the View Name dialog box.


Window

Plots any portion of the drawing.

This option is not available until you choose the Window button at the bottom of the Additional Parameters area to define the area to be plotted.

If the area you want to define is totally visible on the screen, choose Pick and use the pointing device.

You can also specify the window by entering coordinates in the First Corner and Other Corner text boxes.


File Name

Displays the Create Plot File dialog box. In the File Name text box, enter the name of the file to create. To specify an extension other than .plt, include the extension with the file name. For example, you can enter mpart.hp.


Use Previous Printer

Determines whether AutoCAD LT uses the selected printer or the Windows default printer. If this option is turned on, AutoCAD LT uses the selected printer.


Dithering Control
Dithering

Specifies whether dithering is used while plotting.


Hide Lines

Plots model space views with hidden lines removed. When plotting from paper space, AutoCAD LT processes each viewport for hidden lines according to that viewport's Hideplot setting.

The Hideplot option of the MVIEW command does not affect plots made from model space. Hidden lines are removed in a model space plot only if you select the Hide lines check box.


Adjust Area Fill

Adjusts the pen width for plotting solid-filled traces, wide polylines, and solids. AutoCAD LT pulls the boundaries of the filled region inward one-half the pen width. Use this option to ensure the greatest possible precision.

This option is needed only in applications where the plot must be accurate to half the pen width, such as printed circuit artwork.


Plot To File

Plots output to a file rather than directly to the plotter. The default plot file name is the drawing name with a .plt extension. If the current drawing is unnamed, AutoCAD LT creates a plot file using the file name unnamed.plt. To specify a name other than the default name, choose File Name at the bottom of the Additional Parameters area.

The plot commands for the current configured plotter are sent to the named file.

For some plotters, the output format you choose determines whether the plot is written to a file and determines the file extension. Also, some plotters might not be able to plot to file. For further information, refer to the AutoCAD LT Installation Guide or the plotter manufacturer's instructions.


PLOT: Paper Size and Orientation

Specifies units for plot size, paper size, and orientation.

AutoCAD LT displays the Orientation icon in either landscape or portrait mode depending on the configured device. If your current plotter's natural orientation is portrait, it might be necessary to rotate the plot 270 degrees to achieve the result you want. See Scale, Rotation, and Origin for more information on rotating a plot.

Inches

Specifies inches for the plotting units.

MM

Specifies millimeters for the plotting units.

Size

Specifies paper size and orientation, using the Paper Size dialog box.

AutoCAD LT lists the plot sizes the current plotter supports. MAX is the maximum size that the plotter can handle; it might be larger than any of the standard sizes displayed.

Select a predefined size or enter the width and height in a USER text box.


plot: paper size dialog box


PLOT: Scale, Rotation, and Origin

Sets the plot scale, rotation, and origin.

Rotation and Origin

Specifies the plot rotation and origin.

Select a rotation button to rotate the plot clockwise.

The plot normally begins in the lower-left corner of the paper (the home position). Enter the plot origin in the X Origin and Y Origin text boxes to place the plot origin at another location on the paper. On some plotters you can use negative coordinates.

The label Plotted Inches = Drawing Units reflects the units previously chosen for paper size (millimeters or inches). When millimeters are chosen, the label reads Plotted MM. = Drawing Units.

To specify an exact scale for the plot, determine the number of drawing units to be plotted per millimeter or inch on the paper. Then enter the number of plotter units in the left text box and the number of drawing units in the right text box.

You cannot plot a perspective view at a specific scale. Select Scaled to Fit and use the paper size to control the overall size of the plot.

Scaled to Fit

Scales the plot so the view chosen, the portion of the drawing to be plotted, is made as large as possible for the specified paper size.

When Scaled to Fit is turned on, the text boxes display the actual scale used to fit. AutoCAD LT updates this scale whenever you make any entry that affects the scale.

When Scaled to Fit is turned off, the text boxes default to 1=1 except when the scale has been previously set to other values. In that case, AutoCAD LT uses that scale and displays it in the text boxes. Here are some other examples of what you might enter:

2.5=1

1/4"=1'

0.25=12


2.5=1

Could represent 2.5 millimeters = 1 kilometer.


1/4"=1'

Represents 1/4 inch = 1 foot, when units are in feet and inches.


0.25=12

Represents 1/4 inch = 1 foot, for example, when units are decimal.


PLOT: Plot Preview

Displays the plot on the screen so that you can check that it's correctly placed on the paper.

Partial

Quickly shows an accurate representation of the effective plot area relative to the paper size.

Partial preview also gives advance notice of any warnings that you might encounter when AutoCAD LT plots. The final location of the effective area on the paper depends on the plotter.

After selecting Partial, choose Preview.

When you define a positive or negative origin in the Plot Rotation and Origin dialog box, AutoCAD LT offsets the device origin from the lower-left corner. If you offset the origin so much that the effective area extends outside the graphic area of the preview, AutoCAD LT displays a green line along any clipped side.

The Rotation icon represents the origin of the drawing.

When rotation is set to 0 (the default), it shows in the lower-left corner; set to 90 degrees, in the upper left; set to 180 degrees, in the upper right; and set to 270 degrees, in the lower right.

Full

Displays the drawing on the screen as it will appear when plotted on paper. Because this requires a regeneration of the drawing, it's slower than a partial preview. It's faster than the normal plotting regeneration because AutoCAD LT performs no vector sorting or optimization.

During a full preview, AutoCAD LT displays the Plot Preview dialog box.

Plot Preview dialog box options

Full preview includes a dynamic pan and zoom feature.

Pan and Zoom

Zoom Previous

End Preview


Pan and Zoom

Displays a view box representing the viewport. You can shrink or enlarge the view box and move it around the effective area of the preview to check information on drawings before plotting.


Zoom Previous

Returns to the view that was current when AutoCAD LT displayed the full preview screen.


End Preview

Ends the preview and returns to the Plot Configuration dialog box.


Device and Default Selection Dialog Box
PLOT: Setup and Default Selection

Select Device

Displays the manufacturer of the current device and the port to which it's connected.

The list box displays descriptions of all the configured plotters. AutoCAD LT uses the manufacturer's description when no description is entered during configuration. If multiple plotters are configured, select another one by selecting the plotter description. Selecting another plotter can change the settings of other parameters in the plotting dialog boxes.

File Defaults

Saves or gets defaults from an ASCII plot configuration parameters file (.pcp file). For information on .pcp files, see "Reusing a Plot Configuration" in chapter 16, "Plotting Your Drawing," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Save Defaults To File

Get Defaults From File

Device Specific Configuration

Displays and changes device-specific configuration requirements. For more information on plotters with device-specific configuration requirements, refer to the manufacturer's instructions included with the plotter.

Show Device Requirements

Change Device Requirements


Save Defaults To File

Saves the current default settings to a .pcp file. AutoCAD LT displays the Save to File dialog box, where you can save the defaults to a new or existing file.


Get Defaults From File

Retrieves the default settings from a .pcp file. AutoCAD LT displays the Obtain from File dialog box, where you can select a .pcp file.

If the .pcp file contains errors, AutoCAD LT displays a dialog box listing the errors.

Choose Create Error File to create a file containing any listed errors. AutoCAD LT creates a file using the .pcp file name with an .err extension. The file is placed in the same directory that contains the .pcp file.


Show Device Requirements

Displays configuration information for the current plotter.


Change Device Requirements

Changes configuration information for the current plotter. The dialog boxes are different for different plotters.


Pen Assignments Dialog Box
PLOT: Pen Assignments

Select the entry or entries to modify from the list box. To deselect an entry, select it again.

Pen Width

Enter a line width to instruct AutoCAD LT how many lines are required to fill a solid area. Some devices that do not have physical pens rely on AutoCAD LT to fill solid areas with lines. Pen width is not available for all plot devices.

Modify Values

Modifies parameters for pen, linetype, and width.

Color

Pen

Ltype

Width

Feature Legend

Displays any available hardware linetypes or pen widths. Use hardware linetypes only for objects drawn with the CONTINUOUS linetype. Do not try to mix these hardware linetypes with the linetypes associated with objects in the drawing.


Color

Assigns an AutoCAD LT color to a pen. When you select multiple entries, AutoCAD LT displays a message that the color varies. The values in the text boxes are always those of the lowest color number you selected.


Pen

Assigns a pen number to the current color.

You can assign different pen numbers to different colors even if you use a single-pen plotter. If you choose this option when configuring the plotter, AutoCAD LT pauses each time a new pen is needed and prompts you to change pens.


Ltype

Assigns a linetype to the current color. To see the linetypes available for your current plotter, see the Feature Legend option.


Width

Assigns a width to the current color.

Raster printers: Determines the line width for devices that do not have physical pens. Devices capable of filling solid areas use pen widths to determine line width.

Pen plotters: Provides the width of the pen tip for devices with physical pens. The width governs how much work AutoCAD LT must do to fill a solid or wide polyline and eliminates unnecessary raising and lowering of the pen.

If you've selected Inches in the Paper Size and Orientation area, be sure to convert millimeter pen widths to inches. If the pen width you enter is wider than the pen tip, AutoCAD LT might not raise the pen between closely spaced lines.


PLOT: Using the Command Line

Quick Help

	At the Command prompt, enter plot or pp
What to plot -- Display, Extents, Limits, View, or Window <D>: Enter an option or press

Display

Plots the view in the current viewport.

Extents

Plots the portion of the current space of the drawing that contains objects. For more information, see Additional Parameters, Extents.

Limits

Plots the entire drawing area defined by the drawing limits. For more information, see Additional Parameters, Limits.

View

Plots a view saved previously with the VIEW command.

View name: Enter a name

Window

Plots any portion of the drawing. Specify two corners of the area you want to plot.

First corner: Specify a point

Other corner: Specify a point

AutoCAD LT displays the basic plot specifications that were set when AutoCAD LT was configured for the current plot device or the previous plotting session, and prompts for any changes.

Do you want to change anything? (No / Yes / File / Save) <N>: Enter an option or press

Related Topics:

Changing Pen and Linetype Parameters

Remaining Plot Specifications


PLOT: Changing Pen and Linetype Parameters

If you enter y at the prompt Do you want to change any of the above parameters? <N>, you can change pen and linetype parameters for the current plotter.

Depending on the plotter being used, AutoCAD LT might include displays and prompts for parameters such as pen number, linetype, or line width (pen width).

In the following example, AutoCAD LT displays the pen number, linetype, and line width currently assigned to color 1 and prompts for a new pen number.

Enter values, blank=Next , Cn=Color n, Sn=Show n, X=Exit

Layer	Pen	Line	Line

Color	No.	Type	Width

1	(red)	1	0	36	0.	Pen number <1>:

Enter a value or a pen number. Besides entering a pen number, you can also use editing values. The first line of this display shows you the values you can enter. You can use these editing values at any of the prompts for pen number, linetype, or pen width.

blank ( [image] or [image])

cn

sn

x

In this example, after you enter a pen number, AutoCAD LT prompts for a linetype and a pen width (line width) for color 1.

1	(red)	1	0	36	line type <0>:

1	(red)	1	0	36	Pen width <0.010>:

Enter a value or a number for linetype or pen width

AutoCAD LT then goes to color 2 and prompts for the same sequence of pen number, linetype, and pen width.

You can skip from one color to another without answering all the parameter questions. To apply the change to the current color and all following colors, precede the new value with an asterisk (*).

For example, if AutoCAD LT prompts for the pen number for color 4, you can select pen number 2 for colors 4 through 255 by entering *2.

Here's an example:

Layer	Pen	Line	Line

Color	No.	Type	Width

1	(red)	1	0	36	Pen number<1>:

1	(red)	1	0	36	0   linetype<0>: 3

1	(red)	1	3	16	Pen width<0.010>: *.007

2	(yellow)	2	0	16	Pen number<2>: c6

6	(magenta)	6	0	16	Pen number<6>: 5

6	(magenta)	5	0	16	Linetype<0>: x


PLOT: Remaining Plot Specifications

When you have completed or skipped the prompts for pen and linetype, AutoCAD LT prompts for the remaining plot specifications.

Write the plot to a file? <current>: Enter y or n or press

Some plotters always plot to a file and will not allow you to specify otherwise.

If you enter y, AutoCAD LT displays the following prompt:

Size units (Inches or Millimeters) <current>: Enter i or m, or press

Plot origin in units <default X,Y>: Enter the plotter coordinates or press

If you selected inches as your size units, for example, entering 2,3 sets the plot origin to the point 2 inches to the right of and 3 inches above the home position. Some plotters can use negative coordinates.

AutoCAD LT lists the plotting sizes the current plotter can accommodate.

Enter the Size or Width,Height (in units) <MAX>: Enter a size mnemonic from the list, or a specific width and height value, or press

If you enter a unique size by specifying the width and height of the paper, it appears with the label USER or USERn on the list for plotter sizes the next time you plot. You can set five user-defined sizes.

If you enter a USERn mnemonic from the list, AutoCAD LT prompts again for the width and height.

Enter Width, Height (in Inches) <ww,hh>: Enter the width and height or press

Rotate plot clockwise 0/90/180/270 degrees <0>: Enter a value or press

If the current device is a single-pen plotter, AutoCAD LT prompts you to set the width of the pen tip or the line width of plotted lines.

Pen width in <units> <0.010>: Enter a value or press

If the current device is a multiple-pen plotter, this prompt is not displayed.

Adjust area fill boundaries for pen width? <N> Enter y or press

If you enter y, AutoCAD LT adjusts for the pen width when plotting the boundaries of wide polylines and solids. For most applications, no adjustment is necessary.

Remove hidden lines? <N>: Enter y or press

Plotted units=Drawing units or Fit or ? <default>: Enter a specific scale, f, ?, or press

Enter a specific scale by specifying how many drawing units are to be plotted per unit (millimeters or inches) on the paper.

For example, to produce a plot at a scale of 1 drawing unit per millimeter on the plotter, enter 1=1. Here are some other examples of possible responses:

2.5=1

1/4"=1'

0.25=12

If you enter f, AutoCAD LT scales the plot so the portion of the drawing to be plotted is made as large as possible for the specified paper size.

If you enter ?, AutoCAD LT displays a short description of the options.

Enter file name for plot <default>: Enter a file name or press

AutoCAD LT uses an extension of .plt, but you can enter a different extension. The plot commands for the current plotter are sent to the named file.

For more information, see Scale, Rotation, and Origin.


No
PLOT: No

Uses the stored basic plot specifications as configured.


Yes
PLOT: Yes

Changes any or all of the basic plot specifications. If multiple plotters are configured, AutoCAD LT prompts for a change of plotters.

Do you want to change plotters? <N>: Enter y or press

Press [image] to display the current specifications for plotting parameters such as multiple pens, hardware linetypes, line widths, print density, and so on.

Enter y to list the configured plotters. AutoCAD LT prompts you for a change of plotter.

Enter selection (number or description) <number>: Enter the plotter number or description, or press

After you enter a selection or press [image], AutoCAD LT returns to the main PLOT prompt.

What to plot -- Display, Extents, Limits, View, or Window <D>.

After displaying the current plotting parameters, AutoCAD LT prompts for changes in any of them. The information displayed depends on the currently configured plotter. For more information on these specifications, see Pen Parameters.

Do you want to change anything? (No/Yes/File/Save) <N>: Enter y or press

If you enter y, AutoCAD LT prompts you to change plotters and then lists the pen parameters.

Do you want to change any of the above parameters? <N>: Enter y or press

If you enter y to change these parameters, see Changing Pen and Linetype Parameters.

If you enter [image], AutoCAD LT continues with the remaining plot prompts. See Remaining Plot Specifications.


File
PLOT: File

Uses a plot configuration parameters (.pcp) file. For more information on .pcp files, see "Reusing a Plot Configuration" in chapter 16, "Plotting Your Drawing," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

AutoCAD LT prompts for the file name.

Plotter configuration file name <default>: Enter a file name or press

The default is the name of the current drawing. An extension of .pcp is assumed. If the .pcp file you enter is found, AutoCAD LT reads it, displays any error or warning messages on the screen, and displays again the prompt Do you want to change anything? (No/Yes/File/Save) <N>.


Save
PLOT: Save

Saves the current plot defaults to a plot configuration parameters (.pcp) file. For more information on .pcp files, see "Reusing a Plot Configuration" in chapter 16, "Plotting Your Drawing," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

AutoCAD LT prompts for the file name.

Plotter configuration file name <default>: Enter a file name or press

The default is the name of the current drawing. An extension of .pcp is assumed. If a .pcp file by that name already exists in the current directory, you can replace it or create a new one.

Do you want to replace it with a new one? <N> Enter y or press

Entering y to replace an existing file causes you to lose any comments in the original file. AutoCAD LT saves the pen and linetype parameters for every color as well as all the basic plot specifications.

After saving the file, AutoCAD LT returns to the prompt Do you want to change anything? (No/Yes/File/Save) <N>.


blank
blank ( [image] or [image])

Accepts the default and goes to the next parameter. When it reaches the last parameter for a color, AutoCAD LT goes to the next color. After color 255, AutoCAD LT goes back to color 1.


cn

Goes to the Pen number prompt for color number n. If you enter a c without a number, AutoCAD LT goes to the next color. This method is useful for selective changes.


sn

Displays the updated color assignment table, then returns to the current prompt.

To show color numbers beyond 16, include the number. For example, s200 shows the updated color assignment table beginning with color 200. To redisplay the table starting at 1, enter s.


x

Exits the Pen Parameters option and returns to the other plotting prompts.


2.5=1

Could represent 2.5 millimeters = 1 kilometer.


1/4"=1'

Represents 1/4 inch = 1 foot, when units are in feet and inches.


0.25=12

Represents 1/4 inch = 1 foot, for example, when units are decimal.


For more information, see chapter 16, "Plotting Your Drawing," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

System Variables: CMDDIA controls the display of dialog boxes for a number of commands, including PLOT. PLOTID stores the text string of the current plotter's description. You can change to another configured plotter by entering its full or partial description. PLOTTER stores the number for the current plotter. You can change to another configured plotter by using this variable.


POLYGON

Quick Help     See Also

Creates an equilateral closed polyline

A polygon is a polyline object. AutoCAD LT draws polylines with zero width and no tangent information. You can use the PEDIT command to change these values.

	From the toolbar, choose  From the Draw menu, choose Polygon
	At the Command prompt, enter polygon or pg
Number of sides <current>: Enter a value between 3 and 1024 or press

Edge / <Center of polygon>: Specify a point (1) or enter e


Commands: PEDIT edits polylines.

System Variables: POLYSIDES stores the current number of polygon sides.


POLYGON: Center of polygon

Defines the center of the polygon.

Radius of circle: Specify a distance


POLYGON: Edge

Defines a polygon by specifying the endpoints of the first edge.

First endpoint of edge: Specify a point (1)

Second endpoint of edge: Specify a point (2)


PSPACE

Quick Help     See Also

Switches from a model space viewport to paper space

You use paper space to create a finished layout of a drawing for printing. In paper space, you create floating viewports, which are windows containing different views of the model.

In the paper space view, the viewports are objects. You can switch to paper space by turning off Tile mode. (From the View menu, choose Tile Mode to remove the check mark.)

Floating viewports differ from tiled viewports, which split the screen into fixed model space views.

Switching to paper space from the menu or from the toolbar automatically turns off TILEMODE (tiled viewports).

Before you use PSPACE on the command line, however, the TILEMODE system variable must be set to 0 (off).

	From the toolbar, choose
	At the Command prompt, enter pspace or ps
AutoCAD LT switches from model space to paper space. The Paper Space button in the toolbar is a toggle. When you choose it again, AutoCAD LT switches to model space.


For more information about using paper space and model space, see chapter 15, "Designing the Drawing Layout," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: MSPACE switches from paper space to a model space viewport. MVIEW creates a new floating viewport and turns on existing floating viewports. VPLAYER sets the visibility for layers in specific viewports. ZOOM XP scales each view relative to paper-space units.

System Variables: DIMLFAC controls scaling for linear dimensioning measurements. PSLTSCALE controls paper space linetype scaling. TILEMODE controls paper space access and viewport type. VISRETAIN specifies precedence of settings for xref layers.


PURGE

Quick Help

Removes unused named references, such as unused blocks or layers, from the database

PURGE can be used only before the drawing database has been modified in a drawing session.

	From the Modify menu, choose Purge, then Block Dimension Style Layer Linetype Text Style All
	At the Command prompt, enter purge or pr
Purge unused blocks / Dimstyles / LAyers / LTypes / STyles / All: Select an object type to purge, or enter a to purge all named object types

PURGE removes only one level of reference. To purge every unreferenced object from a drawing, use PURGE, then END, and then restart AutoCAD LT and try PURGE again. Repeat this sequence until PURGE reports that there are no unreferenced objects.


QSAVE

Quick Help     See Also

Saves the current drawing

	From the File menu, choose Save
	At the Command prompt, enter qsave
If the drawing is named, AutoCAD LT saves the drawing without requesting a file name. If the drawing is unnamed, AutoCAD LT displays the Save Drawing As dialog box and saves the drawing under the file name you specify.

If the drawing is read-only, use the SAVEAS command to save the changes under a different file name.


Commands: END saves the current drawing and exits AutoCAD LT. QUIT exits AutoCAD LT and saves or discards any changes to the current drawing. SAVE saves the drawing under the current file name or a specified name. SAVEAS saves an unnamed drawing under a file name or renames the current drawing.


'QTEXT

Quick Help     See Also

Controls the display and plotting of text and attribute objects

	At the Command prompt, enter qtext or qt
ON / OFF <current>: Enter on or off, or press

When QTEXT is on, AutoCAD LT displays each text and attribute object as a bounding box around the text object. Turning on Quick Text mode reduces the redraw and regeneration times for drawings that contain many text objects.


For more information, see "Turning Visual Elements On and Off" in chapter 8, "Controlling the Drawing Display," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: DDRMODES controls Quick Text mode using a dialog box.

System Variables: QTEXTMODE stores the Quick Text mode setting.


QUIT

Quick Help     See Also

Exits AutoCAD LT

	From the File menu, choose Exit
	At the Command prompt, enter quit or et
If there have been no changes since the drawing was last saved, QUIT exits AutoCAD LT. If the drawing has been modified, AutoCAD LT prompts you to save or discard the changes before quitting.

You can QUIT a file that has been opened in read-only mode if you have made no modifications or if you are willing to discard them. To save modifications to a read-only drawing, use the SAVEAS command.


For more information on exiting AutoCAD LT, see "Exiting AutoCAD LT" in chapter 2, "Getting Started," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: END saves the current drawing and exits AutoCAD LT. QSAVE saves the current drawing to a file name. SAVE saves the current drawing to a file name. SAVEAS renames the current drawing and saves it to a file name.


RECTANG

Quick Help

Draws a rectangular polyline

	From the toolbox, choose  From the Draw menu, choose Rectangle
	At the Command prompt, enter rectang or rc
First corner: Specify a point (1)

Other corner: Specify a point (2)

AutoCAD LT draws a rectangle.


REDO

Quick Help     See Also

Reverses the effects of the previous UNDO or U command

REDO reverses the effects of a single UNDO or U command. REDO must immediately follow the UNDO or U command.

	From the toolbox, choose  From the Edit menu, choose Redo
	At the Command prompt, enter redo or re


For more information, see "Undoing and Redoing Actions" in chapter 2, "Getting Started," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: U reverses the effect of the previous command. UNDO reverses the effect of multiple commands and provides control over the undo feature.


'REDRAW

Quick Help     See Also

Refreshes the display of all viewports

REDRAW removes marker blips and display artifacts (stray pixels) left by editing commands.

	From the toolbox, choose  From the View menu, choose Redraw
	At the Command prompt, enter redraw or r
AutoCAD redraws all viewports.


For more information, see "Refreshing the Screen Display" in chapter 2, "Getting Started," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: REGEN regenerates the drawing and refreshes all viewports.


REGEN

Quick Help     See Also

Regenerates the drawing and refreshes all viewports

REGEN regenerates the entire drawing and recomputes the screen coordinates for all objects. It also reindexes the drawing database for optimum display and object selection performance.

	From the View menu, choose Regen
	At the Command prompt, enter regen or rg
AutoCAD regenerates all viewports.


For more information, see "Refreshing the Screen Display" in chapter 2, "Getting Started," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: REDRAW refreshes the display of all viewports.ZOOM Vmax controls the maximum size of the virtual screen in the current viewport.


RENAME

Quick Help     See Also

Changes the names of objects

Several types of objects, such as blocks and layers, can be referred to by name. You can use RENAME for these objects.

	At the Command prompt, enter rename or rn
Block / Dimstyle / LAyer / LType / Style / Ucs / VIew / VPort: Enter an option

Old (object) name: Enter the old name

New (object) name: Enter the new name


For more information, see "Renaming Named Objects" in chapter 10, "Modifying AutoCAD LT Objects," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: DDRENAME is the dialog box equivalent to RENAME.


'RESUME

Quick Help     See Also

Continues an interrupted script

	At the Command prompt, enter resume
You can interrupt a macro script that is running by pressing [image] or [image].

If AutoCAD LT encounters an error while processing input from a script file, the script is suspended.

If a script is suspended while AutoCAD LT is active, you can use the RESUME command to continue the script.


Commands: SCRIPT executes a sequence of AutoCAD LT commands from a script (.scr) file.


ROTATE

Quick Help     See Also

Moves objects about a base point

	From the toolbar, choose  From the Modify menu, choose Rotate
	At the Command prompt, enter rotate or ro
Select objects: Use an object selection method

Base point: Specify a point (1)

<Rotation angle> / Reference: Specify an angle, enter r, or specify a point


Rotation angle

Determines how far an object rotates around the base point.


Reference

Specifies the absolute current rotation angle and desired new rotation angle. The Reference option straightens an object or aligns it with other features in a drawing.

Reference angle <0>: Specify an angle or press

New angle: Specify an angle

The borders of the viewport remain parallel to the edges of the graphics area when you use ROTATE on a viewport object.


For more information, see "Rotating Objects" in chapter 9, "Copying, Moving, and Erasing Objects," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: UCS manages user coordinate systems.


RSCRIPT

Quick Help     See Also

Creates a script that repeats continuously

RSCRIPT is useful for demonstrations that repeat a script.

For example, you could use RESCRIPT to invoke a script that must run over and over during a trade show.

	At the Command prompt, enter rscript
If RSCRIPT is the last line in a script file, the file runs continuously until interrupted by [image].

Note: Consider turning off UNDO and any log files if you anticipate running the script over a long period of time. Otherwise, these log files continue to grow and take up increasing amounts of disk space.


Commands: UNDO reverses the effect of commands.


SAVE

Quick Help     See Also

Saves the drawing with the current file name or a specified name

	From the toolbar, choose
	At the Command prompt, enter save or sa
If the drawing is named, AutoCAD LT displays the Save Drawing dialog box. If you enter a different file name, AutoCAD LT saves a copy of the drawing under the specified name.

If the drawing is unnamed, AutoCAD LT displays the Save Drawing As dialog box. Enter a file name to save and name the drawing.


Commands: END saves the current drawing and exits AutoCAD LT. QSAVE saves the current drawing. QUIT exits AutoCAD LT saves or discards changes to the current drawing. SAVEAS renames the current drawing to the name specified.


Save Drawing As (SAVEAS)

Quick Help     See Also

Saves an unnamed drawing with a file name or renames the current drawing

	From the File menu, choose Save As
	At the Command prompt, enter saveas
Dialog box options

File Name list and text box

Directories list box

Drives list box

List Files of Type list box


Commands: END saves the current drawing and exits AutoCAD LT. QSAVE saves the current drawing. QUIT exits AutoCAD LT and saves or discards changes to the current drawing. SAVE saves the drawing under the current file name or a specified name.


File Name

Displays a list of files. Select a file name or enter a file name in the text box.


Directories

Displays the names of the directories on the current drive.


Drives

Displays the names of the available drives.


List Files of Type

Displays file types by extension.


Type it

Prompts for a drawing file name to be entered on the command line.


'SCRIPT

Quick Help     See Also

Executes a sequence of commands from a script

	From the File menu, choose Run Script
	At the Command prompt, enter script or sr
To invoke a script, enter its file name in the Select Script File dialog box.


For more information, see chapter 20, "Using Slides and Scripts," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: DELAY provides a timed pause in scripts. RSCRIPT replays a script nonstop.


'SETVAR

Quick Help

Lists or changes the values of system variables

	At the Command prompt, enter setvar
Variable name or ? <current>: Enter a variable name, enter ?, or press [image] to list variables and their current options

The current system variable is displayed after SETVAR is used in a drawing session.

You can change the value of system variables at the Command prompt by entering the name of the variable and its new value.


? -- List Variables

Variable(s) to list <*>: Enter a name list or press


Variable Name

New value for variable_name <current>: Enter a new value or press


TEXT

Quick Help     See Also

Creates a single line of text

AutoCAD LT can create text with a variety of character patterns, or fonts. These fonts can be stretched, compressed, obliqued, mirrored, or aligned in a vertical column by applying a style to the font. Text can be rotated, justified, and made any size.

	From the toolbox, choose  From the Draw menu, choose Text
	At the Command prompt, enter text or tx
Justify / Style / <Start point>: Specify a point or enter an option

If TEXT was the last command entered, pressing [image] at the Justify/Style/<Start point> prompt skips the prompts for height and rotation angle and immediately displays the Text prompt. The text you enter is placed directly beneath the previous line of text.

The prompts that appear are the same as those for the DTEXT command, except the TEXT command displays the Text prompt only once. For a description of each option, see DTEXT. When you use the Insertion Object Snap mode, AutoCAD LT snaps to the point you specified at the Start point prompt.


Commands: DDEDIT edits text content. DTEXT displays text on the screen as you enter it.


'TEXTSCR

Quick Help     See Also

Switches from the graphics area to the text window

	From the Edit menu, choose Text Window
	At the Command prompt, enter textscr
Switches from the graphics area to the text screen. This command is ignored on dual-screen systems.


Commands: GRAPHSCR switches from the text window to the graphics area.


3DPOLY

Quick Help     See Also

Creates a 3D polyline of straight line segments

	At the Command prompt, enter 3dpoly
From point: Specify a point

Close / Undo / <Endpoint of line>: Specify a point or enter an option


For more information, see chapter 11, "Working in Three Dimensions," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: PEDIT edits polylines and 3D polygon meshes. SETVAR controls system variables.


3dpoly: Endpoint of line
Endpoint of line

Draws a straight line from the previous point to the specified new point. The prompt repeats until you press [image] to end the command.


3dpoly: Close
Close

Draws a closing line back to the first point and ends the command. The Close option requires that a 3D polyline contain at least two lines.


3dpoly: Undo
Undo

Deletes the last line. You can continue drawing from the previous point.


U

Quick Help     How do I...     See Also

Reverses the most recent operation

	From the Edit menu, choose Undo
	At the Command prompt, enter u
Choosing Undo from the Edit menu calls the U command, not the UNDO command.

You can enter u as many times as you wish, backing up one step at a time, until the drawing is in its original state (as it was when you began the current editing session).

When an operation cannot be undone, AutoCAD LT displays the command name but performs no action. Operations external to the current drawing, such as plotting or writing to a file, cannot be undone.

If you undo a command during which you used mode toggles or transparent commands, the effects of those commands are undone along with the main command.

The U command is equivalent to entering undo 1.


For more information, see "Undoing and Redoing Actions" in chapter 2, "Getting Started," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.


UCS

Quick Help     See Also

Manages user coordinate systems

UCS sets the orientation of the User Coordinate System in 3D space. It defines the orientation for 2D objects and the extrusion direction for THICKNESS. It also provides the axis of rotation for ROTATE and the default protection plane for pointing.

	From the Assist menu, choose Set UCS, then choose World Origin Z Axis Vector 3 Point Entity View X Axis Rotate Y Axis Rotate Z Axis Rotate Previous Restore Save Delete List ?
	At the Command prompt, enter ucs
Origin / ZAxis / 3point / Entity / View / X / Y / Z / Prev / Restore / Save / Del / ? / <World>: Enter an option or press


For information on 3D orientation, see "Defining a UCS in 3D Space" in chapter 11, "Working in Three Dimensions," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: DDUCS renames, restores, deletes, or lists defined coordinate systems. DDUCSP selects a preset user coordinate system. PLAN displays the plan view of a specified user coordinate system.

System Variables: UCSICON controls visibility and placement of the UCS icon in viewports. UCSNAME displays the name of the current coordinate system. UCSORG displays the origin point of the current coordinate system for the current space. UCSXDIR  displays the X direction of the current UCS for the current space. UCSYDIR displays the Y direction of the current UCS for the current space.


UCS: World

Sets the current user coordinate system (UCS) to the World Coordinate System. World is the basis for all user coordinate systems and cannot be redefined.


UCS: Origin

Defines a new UCS by shifting the origin of the current UCS, leaving the direction of its X, Y, and Z axes unchanged.

Origin point <0,0,0>: Specify a point

Specify a new origin point relative to the origin of the current UCS. If you do not specify a Z coordinate value for the origin, this option uses the current elevation.


UCS: ZAxis

Defines a UCS with a particular positive Z axis.

Origin point <0,0,0>: Specify a point

Point on positive portion of Z-axis <current>: Specify a point

Specify a new origin and a point that lies on the new positive Z axis. The Z Axis option tilts the XY plane.


UCS: 3point

Specifies the new UCS origin and the direction of its positive X and Y axes. The Z axis follows by applying the right-hand rule.You can use this option to specify any possible coordinate system.

Origin point <0,0,0>: Specify a point (1)

Point on positive portion of the X-axis <current>: Specify a point (2)

Point on positive-Y portion of the UCS XY plane <current>: Specify a point (3)

The first point specifies the origin of the new UCS. The second point defines the positive X axis. The third point defines the positive Y axis. The third point can be anywhere on the positive Y portion of the new UCS XY plane.


UCS: Object
UCS: Entity

Defines a new coordinate system based on a selected object. The new UCS has the same extrusion direction (positive Z axis) as that of the selected object.

Select object to align UCS: Select an object

The following objects cannot be used: 3D polyline, viewport, or ellipse.

The XY plane of the new UCS is parallel to the XY plane in effect when the object was drawn. However, the X and Y axes can be rotated differently.

The new UCS is defined as shown in the following table.

Object	Method of UCS determination
Arc	The center of the arc becomes the new UCS origin. The X axis passes through the arc endpoint that is closest to the specified point.
Circle	The center of the circle becomes the new UCS origin. The X axis passes through the specified point.
Dimension	The new UCS origin is the midpoint of the dimension text. The new X axis is parallel to the X axis of the UCS in effect when the dimension is drawn.
Line	The endpoint nearest the specified point becomes the new UCS origin. AutoCAD LT chooses the new X axis so that the line lies in the XZ plane of the new UCS. The line's second endpoint has a Y coordinate of zero in the new system.
Point	The point is the new UCS origin.
2D polyline	The start point of the polyline is the new UCS origin. The X axis extends from the start point to the next vertex.
Solid	The first point of the solid determines the new UCS origin. The new X axis lies along the line between the first two points.
Text,  block reference,  attribute definition	The new UCS origin is the insertion point of the object, and the new X axis is defined by the rotation of the object around its extrusion direction. The object you select to establish a new UCS has a rotation angle of zero in the new UCS.


UCS: View

Establishes a new coordinate system with the XY plane perpendicular to your viewing direction (parallel to your screen). The UCS origin remains unchanged.


UCS: X/Y/Z

Rotates the current UCS about an axis you specify.

Rotation angle about n axis <0>: Specify an angle

In the prompt, n is X, Y, or Z. Enter a positive or negative angle to rotate the UCS. AutoCAD LT uses the right-hand rule to determine the positive direction of rotation around the axis.

You can define any UCS by specifying an origin and one or more rotations around the X, Y, or Z axes.


UCS: Prev

Restores the previous UCS. AutoCAD LT saves the last 10 coordinate systems created in paper space and the last 10 coordinate systems created in model space. Repeating the Previous option steps back through them. The restored coordinate system depends on which space is current -- model or paper.


UCS: Restore

Restores a saved UCS so it becomes the current UCS. Restoring a saved UCS does not reestablish the viewing direction in effect when the UCS was saved.

? / Name of UCS to restore: Enter ? or a name

To restore a saved UCS, enter a valid name. Enter ? to view a list of names. AutoCAD LT prompts:

UCS name(s) to list <*>: Enter a name list


UCS: Save

Saves the current UCS to a specified name. The name can contain up to 31 characters, including letters, digits, and the special characters dollar sign ($), hyphen (-), and underscore (_). Save converts all UCS names to uppercase.

? / Desired UCS name: Enter ? or a name

AutoCAD LT saves the current UCS to the specified name. Enter ? to list the currently defined UCS names. AutoCAD LT prompts:

UCS name(s) to list <*>: Enter a name list


UCS: Del

Removes the specified UCS from the list of saved coordinate systems.

UCS name(s) to delete <none>: Enter a name list

AutoCAD LT deletes the named UCS you enter.


UCS: ? -- list

Lists defined UCS names and provides the origin and X, Y, and Z axes for each saved coordinate system relative to the current UCS.

If the current UCS is unnamed, it is listed as *WORLD* or *NO NAME*, depending on whether it's the same as the WCS.

UCS name(s) to list <*>: Enter a name list

Changing from one UCS to another does not change the drawing view unless the UCSFOLLOW system variable is on.


UCSICON

Quick Help     See Also

Controls the visibility and placement of the UCS icon

The UCS icon indicates the orientation of the UCS axes and the location of the current UCS origin. It also indicates the current viewing direction relative to the UCS XY plane.

	From the Assist menu, choose UCS Icon
	At the Command prompt, enter ucsicon or ui
AutoCAD LT displays different coordinate system icons in paper space and model space. In both cases, a plus sign (+) appears at the base of the icon when it is positioned at the origin of the current UCS. The letter W appears in the Y portion of the icon if the current UCS is the same as the World Coordinate System.

A box is formed at the base of the icon if you are viewing the UCS from above (positive Z direction). The box is missing if you are viewing the UCS from below.

If your view direction is edge-on to the current UCS, the coordinate system icon is replaced by a broken pencil icon.

ON / OFF / All / Noorigin / ORigin <current>: Enter an option or press


For more information, see "Displaying the UCS Icon" in chapter 5, "Using Two-Dimensional Coordinate Systems and Layers," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: DDUCS and UCS save, restore, rename, delete, and list defined coordinate systems. DDUCSP selects a preset user coordinate system. PLAN displays the plan view of a specified user coordinate system.

System Variables: UCSICON controls the icon setting for the current viewport. UCSNAME displays the name of the current coordinate system. UCSORG displays the origin point of the current coordinate system for the current space. UCSXDIR displays the X direction of the current UCS for the current space. UCSYDIR displays the Y direction of the current UCS for the current space.


ON

Turns on the coordinate system icon.


OFF

Turns off the coordinate system icon.


All

Applies changes to the icon in all active viewports. Otherwise, the UCSICON command affects only the current viewport.


Noorigin

Displays the icon at the lower-left corner of the viewport regardless of the location of the UCS origin.


ORigin

Forces the icon to appear at the origin (0,0,0) of the current coordinate system.

If the origin is off the screen, or if the icon cannot be positioned at the origin without being clipped at the viewport edges, the icon appears at the lower-left corner of the viewport.


UNDO

Quick Help     See Also

Reverses the effect of commands

	At the Command prompt, enter undo or un
Auto / Back / Control/ End / Group / Mark / <number>: Enter an option, enter a positive number, or press

UNDO displays the name of the command or system variable on the command line to indicate that you have stepped past the point where the command was used.

Immediately after you use ERASE, UNDO restores the erased objects. After a BLOCK command, UNDO removes the new block definition as well.

A multiple UNDO (Back, nnn) performs a regeneration or redraw if necessary. This occurs at the end of the UNDO. Therefore, UNDO 5, for example, will cause at most one regen, but U U U U U could cause as many as five.

Some commands (LINE, DIM, TRIM, and EXTEND, for example) have their own UNDO subcommands. These step back one operation at a time. However, once you exit the command, U will undo the entire command.

If you began PEDIT by converting a line or an arc to a polyline, PEDIT's Undo options will not convert the polyline back to a line or an arc. To undo that conversion, exit PEDIT and enter u.

UNDO has no effect on the following commands and system variables:

ABOUT	NEW
AREA	OPEN
ATTEXT	PLOT
CVPORT	PSOUT
DELAY	QSAVE
DIST	QUIT
DXFOUT	REDRAW
END	REGEN
GRAPHSCR	RESUME
HELP	SAVE
HIDE	SAVEAS
ID	SHADE
LIST	TEXTSCR
MSLIDE


For more information, see "Undoing and Redoing Actions" in chapter 2, "Getting Started," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: U undoes the most recent operation.


UNDO: number

Undoes the specified number of preceding operations. The effect is the same as using the U command multiple times, but the drawing is not regenerated at each step.


UNDO: Auto

Undoes a menu selection as a single command, reversible by a single U command.

UNDO Auto is not available if the Control option has turned off or limited the UNDO feature.

ON / OFF <current>: Enter on or off, or press


UNDO: Control

Limits or turns off the UNDO command

All / None / One <All>: Enter an option or press


All

Turns on the full UNDO command.


undo_control_None
None

Turns off the U and UNDO commands and discards any UNDO command information saved earlier in the editing session.

If you attempt to use UNDO while None is on, AutoCAD LT offers the Control option, and the prompt appears immediately.

All / None / One <All>: Enter an option or press


undo_control_One
One

Limits UNDO to a single operation at a time.

The Auto, Group, and Mark options are not available when One is in effect. The prompt shows that only the Control option or a single step of the UNDO command is possible when One mode is on.

Control / <1>: Enter c or press


UNDO: BEgin and End
UNDO: Group and End

Defines a sequence of operations as a group that UNDO and U treat as a single operation, after which all operations performed become part of the group.

Choose Group to start the sequence. Choose End to terminate the group.


UNDO: Mark and Back

Mark places a mark in the undo information. Back undoes all the work done back to this mark. If you undo one operation at a time, AutoCAD LT informs you when you reach the mark.

You can place as many marks as necessary. Back undoes by moving back one mark at a time, removing the mark. If no mark is found, Back displays the following prompt:

This will undo everything. OK? <Y> Enter y or n, or press

Entering y undoes everything done since you started the AutoCAD LT session. Entering n causes AutoCAD LT to ignore the Back option.

A mark stops multiple UNDO operations if the number entered is greater than the number of operations since the mark.


'UNITS

Quick Help     See Also

Sets coordinate and angle display formats and precision

	At the Command prompt, enter units or ut
The Text screen displays the following prompt:

Report formats:	(Examples)

1.	Scientific	1.55E+01

2.	Decimal	15.50

3.	Engineering	1'-3.50"

4.	Architectural	1'-3 1/2"

5.	Fractional	15 1/2

Enter choice, 1 to 5 <current>: Enter a value (1--5) or press

If you specify scientific, decimal, or engineering format, AutoCAD LT prompts for decimal precision:

Number of digits to right of decimal point (0 to 8) <current>: Enter a value (0-8) or press

If you specify architectural or fractional format, AutoCAD LT prompts for the denominator of the smallest fraction:

Denominator of smallest fraction to display

(1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, or 256) <current>: Enter a value (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, or 256) or press

AutoCAD LT prompts for angle formats and precision:

Systems of angle measure:	(Examples)

1.	Decimal degrees	45.0000

2.	Degrees/minutes/seconds	45d0'0"

3.	Grads	50.0000g

4.	Radians	0.7854r

5.	Surveyor's units	N 45d0'0" E

Enter choice, 1 to 5 <current>: Enter a value (1--5) or press

Number of fractional places for display of angles (0 to 8) <current>: Enter a value (0--8) or press

AutoCAD LT prompts for the direction for angle 0:

Direction for angle 0:

East	3 o'clock	=	0

North	12 o'clock	=	90

West	9 o'clock	=	180

South	6 o'clock	=	270

Enter direction for angle 0 <current>: Enter a value or press

The default direction for 0 degrees is to the right -- east quadrant, or 3 o'clock. The default direction for positive angular measurement is counterclockwise.

Do you want angles measured clockwise? <current> Enter y or n or press

For a more comprehensive explanation of formats and precision, see the DDUNITS command.


For more information on units, see chapter 4, "Organizing Your Project," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: DDUNITS sets coordinate and angle display formats and precision using the Units Control dialog box.

System Variables: ANGBASE stores the angle 0 direction with respect to the current UCS. ANGDIR stores the setting for clockwise or counterclockwise direction with respect to the current UCS. AUNITS stores the angular units mode. AUPREC stores the number of decimal places for angular units. LUNITS stores the setting for linear units mode. LUPREC stores the number of decimal places or the denominator for linear units. UNITMODE stores the setting for fractional, feet and inches, and surveyor's angles as previously set or in input format.


'VIEW

Quick Help     See Also

Saves and restores named views

	From the View menu, choose View, then Delete Restore Save Window List ?
	At the Command prompt, enter view or v
? / Delete / Restore / Save / Window: Enter an option

You cannot use VIEW transparently while in paper space, during a VPOINT or DVIEW command, or while another ZOOM, PAN, or VIEW is in progress.


For more information on viewing drawings, see chapter 8, "Controlling the Drawing Display," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: DVIEW defines parallel projection or perspective views on the screen as you change views. PLOT prints out a drawing to a plotter, printer, or file.


? Lists Named Views
? -- list named views

Lists the named views in the drawing.

View(s) to list <*>: Enter a name list or press

AutoCAD LT lists the name of each specified view and the space in which it was defined. M designates model space and P designates paper space.


Delete

Deletes one or more named views.

View name(s) to delete: Enter a name list


Restore

Restores the view you specify to the current viewport.

View name to restore: Enter a name

AutoCAD LT also restores the center point and magnification of each saved view. If you restore a model space view while working in paper space, AutoCAD LT asks you to select a viewport in which to restore that view.

Restoring model space view.

Select viewport: Select a viewport

Select the viewport by choosing its border. The viewport you select must be on and active. AutoCAD LT switches to model space and restores the view in the selected viewport.

If you restore a paper space view while working in model space with TILEMODE off, AutoCAD LT switches to paper space and restores the view. TILEMODE must be off when you restore a paper space view.


Save

Saves the display in the current viewport using the name you supply.

View name to save: Enter a name


Window

Saves a portion of the current display as a view.

View name to save: Enter a name

First corner: Specify a point

Other corner: Specify a point

Restoring such a view may display objects outside the specified window because the shape of the window you specified may differ from that of the viewport. However, plotting the view will plot only the objects inside the window.


VPLAYER

Quick Help     See Also

Sets layer visibility within viewports

VPLAYER can make a layer visible in one or more viewports and invisible in all other viewports.

Before you use VPLAYER, the TILEMODE system variable must be set to 0 (off). A layer must be thawed and on globally before you can use VPLAYER to affect its visibility in a specific viewport.

	From the View menu, choose Viewport Layer Visibility, then Freeze Thaw Reset New Freeze VP Default Visibility List ?
	At the Command prompt, enter vplayer or vl
? / Freeze / Thaw / Reset / Newfrz / Vpvisdflt: Enter an option


Commands: DDLMODES uses a dialog box to control layer creation and visibility and layer settings. LAYER uses the command line to control layer creation and visibility and layer settings.


? -- list frozen layers

Displays the names of frozen layers in a selected viewport.


Freeze

Freezes a layer or a set of layers in one or more viewports you specify. AutoCAD LT does not display, regenerate, or plot objects on frozen layers.

Layer(s) to freeze: Enter a name list

All / Select / <current>: Enter an option or press


Current

Applies the changes in the current viewport only.


All

Applies the changes in all viewports.


Select

Applies the changes in viewports you specify.

Select objects: Select one or more viewports and press


Thaw

Thaws layers in viewports you specify.

Layer(s) to thaw: Enter a name list

All / Select / <current>: Enter an option or press


Reset

Sets the visibility of layers to their current default setting in viewports you specify.

Layer(s) to reset: Enter a name list

All / Select / <current>: Enter an option or press


Newfrz (New Freeze)

Creates new layers that are frozen in all viewports.

New Viewport frozen layer names: Enter a name list


Vpvisdflt (Viewport Visibility Default)

Determines whether the specified layers are thawed or frozen in viewports you create.

Layer name(s) to change default viewport visibility: Enter a name list

Change default viewport visibility to Frozen / <Thawed>: Enter f or t, or press


VPOINT

Quick Help     See Also

Sets the viewing direction for a 3D visualization of the drawing

VPOINT puts the viewer in a position to look at the drawing as if looking back at the origin (0,0,0) from a specified point in space. You cannot use VPOINT in paper space.

	From the View menu, choose 3D Viewpoint, then Axes Rotate Vector or From the View menu, choose 3D Viewpoint Presets, then Top Front Left Right Back Iso View SW Iso View SE Iso View NE Iso View NW
	At the Command prompt, enter vpoint or vp
Rotate / <View point> <current>: Enter r, specify a point, or press [image] to display a compass and an axis tripod


For more information, see "Setting a View with the Compass and Axis Tripod" in chapter 11, "Working in Three Dimensions," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

System Variables: TARGET is the location in UCS coordinates of the target point for the current viewport. VIEWDIR is the current viewport viewing direction. WORLDVIEW changes the current UCS to WCS.


VPOINT: {bmc return.bmp} -- Axes Tripod
VPOINT:  -- Axis Tripod (Axes)

Displays a compass and an axis tripod, which you use to define a viewing direction in the viewport.

The compass in the upper-right portion of the screen is a 2D representation of a globe. The center point is the north pole (0,0,n), the inner ring is the equator (n,n,0), and the outer ring is the south pole (0,0,-n).

A small crosshair appears on the compass. You can move this crosshair to any portion of the globe with the pointing device.

As you move the crosshairs, the axis tripod rotates to conform to the viewing direction indicated on the compass. To select a viewing direction, move the pointing device to a location on the globe and press the pick button.


VPOINT: View point
VPOINT: View point (Vector)

Uses the X,Y,Z coordinates you specify to create a vector that defines a direction from which the drawing can be viewed. The view defined is as if the viewer were looking back at the origin (0,0,0) from space.


VPOINT: Rotate

Specifies a new direction using two angles.

Enter angle in XY plane from X axis <current>: Specify an angle

The first angle is specified with respect to the X axis in the XY plane.

Enter angle from XY plane <current>: Specify an angle

The second angle is specified up or down from the XY plane.


vpoint Top
Top

Sets a viewpoint of 0,0,1 (looking down on the XY plane).


Front

Sets a viewpoint of 0,-1,0 (looking at the ZX plane toward the positive Y axis).


Left

Sets a viewpoint of -1,0,0 (looking at the ZY plane toward the positive X axis).


Right

Sets a viewpoint of 1,0,0 (looking at the ZY plane toward the negative X axis).


Back

Sets a viewpoint of 0,1,0 (looking at the ZX plane toward the negative Y axis).


Iso View SW

Sets a viewpoint of -1,-1,1 (looking toward the origin from the lower-left corner).


Iso View SE

Sets a viewpoint of 1,-1,1 (looking toward the origin from the lower-right corner).


Iso View NE

Sets a viewpoint of 1,1,1 (looking toward the origin from the upper-right corner).


Iso View NW

Sets a viewpoint of -1,1,1 (looking toward the origin from the upper-left corner).


VPORTS

Quick Help     See Also

Divides the graphics area into multiple tiled viewports

Before you use VPORTS, the TILEMODE system variable must be set to 1 (on). If TILEMODE is set to 0 (off), the Viewports options from the View menu will be different from those listed below. See MVIEW for the alternate menu options.

	From the View menu, choose Viewports, then Single 2 Viewports 3 Viewports 4 Viewports Join Save Restore Delete List ?
	At the Command prompt, enter vports or vw
Save / Restore / Delete / Join / SIngle / ? / 2 / <3> / 4: Enter an option or press

The number and layout of active viewports and their associated settings are called viewport configurations.


For more information on dividing a drawing into multiple tiled viewports, see "Changing the Tiling Configuration" in chapter 8, "Controlling the Drawing Display," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: MVIEW creates viewports in paper space and controls the display of objects in those viewports.

System Variables: CVPORT sets the current viewport. TILEMODE controls both paper space access and viewport behavior.


VPORTS: Save

Saves the current viewport configuration using the name you specify.

? / Name for new viewport configuration: Enter a name or ?

Entering ? lists the saved viewport configurations.


VPORTS: Restore

Restores a previously saved viewport configuration.

? / Name of viewport configuration to restore: Enter a name or ?

Entering ? lists the saved viewport configurations.


VPORTS: Delete

Deletes a named viewport configuration.

? / Name of viewport configuration to delete: Enter a name or ?

Entering ? lists the saved viewport configurations.


VPORTS: Join

Combines two adjacent viewports into one larger viewport. The resulting viewport inherits the view of the dominant viewport.

Select dominant viewport <current>: Press [image] or select a viewport

Select viewport to join: Select a viewport


VPORTS: SIngle

Returns the drawing to a single viewport view, using the view from the active viewport.


VPORTS: ? -- List Viewport Configurations
VPORTS: List ? viewport configurations

Displays the identification numbers and screen positions of the active viewports. This option also displays the names and screen positions of the currently saved viewport configurations.

Viewport configuration(s) to list <*>: Enter a name or press

The lower-left and upper-right corners of a viewport define its location. For these corners, AutoCAD LT uses values between 0.0,0.0 for the lower-left corner of the graphics area and 1.0,1.0 for the upper-right corner. The current viewport is listed first.

You can use the viewport identification number to set the current viewport using the CVPORT system variable.


VPORTS: 2

Divides the current viewport in half.

Horizontal <Vertical>: Enter h or press


VPORTS: 3

Divides the current viewport into three viewports.

Horizontal / Vertical / Above / Below / Left / <Right>: Enter an option or press

The Horizontal and Vertical options split the area into thirds. The other options create one large viewport of half the available area and two smaller ones. The Above, Below, Left, and Right options specify where the larger viewport is placed.


VPORTS: 4

Divides the current viewport into four viewports of equal size.


Select Slide File (VSLIDE)

Quick Help     See Also

Displays a raster image slide file in the current viewport

	From the File menu, choose Import/Export, then View Slide
	At the Command prompt, enter vslide or vs
In the Select Slide File dialog box, enter a slide (.sld) file name to display.

To display a slide from a slide library (.slb file), choose Type it to see the following prompt:

Slide file: Enter the library file name and the slide file name as library-file-name(slide-file-name)

When you view slides of images shaded with the SHADE command in a larger window or at a higher resolution than was used for creating the slide, black lines may appear interspersed among the lines of the shaded image. To avoid this problem, use a full screen that is set at the highest resolution when you create the slides.


For more information, see "Viewing Slides" in chapter 20, "Using Slides and Scripts," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: REDRAW refreshes the display of all viewports. MSLIDE creates slide files for viewing.

Utilities: Slidelib creates slide libraries (.slb files). This utility is found in the AutoCAD LT acltwin directory.


XBIND

Quick Help     See Also

Binds dependent symbols of an xref to a drawing

An xref is a drawing that you attach to or overlay on your current drawing. To use XBIND, you must have an xref attached to the current drawing. For more information, see XREF.

Dependent symbols are named objects in an xref such as blocks, dimension styles, layers, linetypes, and text styles. AutoCAD LT binds the dependent symbols to the current drawing and saves them with the drawing at the end of the session.

	From the Draw menu, choose External Reference, then Bind Symbols, then Block Dim Style Layer Linetype Text Style
	At the Command prompt, enter xbind or xb
Block / Dimstyle / LAyer / LType / Style: Enter an option

Depending on the option, AutoCAD LT prompts for the name of a dependent symbol such as a block, dimension style, layer, linetype, or text style.

Dependent symbol names: Enter a name list

The name you specify must include all the xref file name characters, including the vertical bar symbol (|), also known as the pipe character.

The dependent symbols you specify are added to your drawing. You can manipulate them as you would any other named object. AutoCAD LT replaces the vertical bar symbol (|) from each dependent symbol name with three new characters: a number (usually 0) between two dollar signs ($).

If you specify a layer whose associated linetype is not CONTINUOUS, AutoCAD LT also binds the referenced linetype. If you apply XBIND to a block, any block, dimension style, layer, linetype, or text style that's referenced by objects in the block is also bound. If the block contains a reference to an xref (external reference), AutoCAD LT binds that xref and all its dependent symbols.


For information on dependent symbols and how they're named, see "Working with External References" in chapter 14, "Using Symbols, Blocks, and External References," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: XREF controls xrefs (external references).


XREF

Quick Help     See Also

Controls external references to drawing files

XREF attaches, overlays, lists, binds, detaches, modifies the path, and reloads external references (xrefs) to a drawing.

You attach xrefs to create subassemblies that make up a drawing. You overlay xrefs to check how your drawing relates to other drawings.

Attaching or overlaying an xref is similar to inserting an entire drawing as a block. AutoCAD LT copies the contents of the specified drawing, except for overlaid xrefs, into a new block definition. Instances of the xref in the drawing are block references.

When you open or plot a drawing containing xrefs, AutoCAD LT automatically reloads each xref, thus reflecting their latest state.

	From the Draw menu, choose External Reference, then Attach Bind Detach Reload Change Path List ?
	At the Command prompt, enter xref or xr
? / Bind / Detach / Path / Reload / <Attach>: Enter an option or press


For more information, see "Working with External References" in chapter 14, "Using Symbols, Blocks, and External References," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: BLOCK creates a compound object (a block definition) from a group of objects. INSERT places a previously defined block or drawing into the current drawing. DDLMODES or LAYER control the creation and visibility of layers along with layer settings. XBIND binds dependent symbols of an xref to a drawing.

System Variables: FILEDIA controls the display of dialog boxes used to read and write files. XREFCTL controls the creation of the xref log file.


XREF: Attach

Attaches an xref. If you reference a drawing that contains an attached xref, the attached xref appears in the current drawing. Like blocks, attached xrefs can be nested. If another person is currently editing the drawing, the drawing attached as an xref is based on the most recently saved version.

Xref to attach <default>: Enter a file name, a tilde (~), or press

Entering a tilde (~) displays the dialog box regardless of the setting of the FILEDIA system variable.

If the xref (including the path) exceeds 31 characters, you need to assign a name different from the drawing name at the prompt. Use the following syntax:

Xref to attach: xrefname=referenced_file

To request a file dialog box, use the tilde (~) character.

xrefname=~

If the xref you specify is not already attached to the current drawing, AutoCAD LT creates a new xref, using the name of the referenced file. AutoCAD LT then prompts for an insertion point, scale, and rotation angle, as described for the INSERT command.

When reading objects from the xref into the new block, AutoCAD LT copies only those objects created in model space. Objects created in paper space do not become a part of the block definition.

In a master drawing, the layers 0 and DEFPOINTS and the linetype CONTINUOUS override entries with the same name that exist in the attached xref.

If the DEFPOINTS layer exists in the attached xref but not in the master drawing, the DEFPOINTS layer becomes a permanent part of the master drawing.


XREF: ? -- List
XREF: List ?

Lists the xref name, the path, the xref type, and the number of xrefs currently attached to your drawing. AutoCAD LT displays the following prompt:

Xref(s) to list <*>: Enter a name list or press


XREF: Bind

Binds an xref to a drawing, making it a block and a permanent part of the drawing.

Xref(s) to bind: Enter a name list

The dependent symbols of the former xref are added to your drawing and you can use them as you would any other named object.

AutoCAD LT replaces the vertical bar symbol (|) from each dependent symbol name with three new characters: a number (usually 0) between two dollar signs ($).


XREF: Detach

Detaches xrefs from your drawing, erasing all copies of a specified xref, and marking the xref definition for deletion.

Xref(s) to detach: Enter a name list

AutoCAD LT does not detach an xref referenced by another xref or block.


XREF: Path

Displays and edits the path name associated with a particular xref. This option is useful if you change the location of or rename the drawing file associated with the xref.

Edit path for which xref(s): Enter an xref name

AutoCAD LT lists the xref and its old path and prompts for the new path:

Xref name: XREFNAME

Old path: path name

New path: Enter the path name


XREF: Reload

Reloads one or more xrefs. If another person is currently editing the xref, this option displays that referenced drawing based on the most recently saved version.

Xref(s) to reload: Enter a name list

AutoCAD LT creates a temporary lock file if the drawing you are editing is externally referenced during an XREF Reload operation. If AutoCAD LT encounters an error while reloading, it ends the XREF command and undoes the entire reload sequence.


'ZOOM

Quick Help     See Also

Increases or decreases the apparent size of objects in the current viewport

You cannot use ZOOM transparently while in paper space, during a VPOINT or DVIEW command, or while another ZOOM, PAN, or VIEW command is in progress.

	From the toolbar, choose  From the View menu, choose Zoom, then All Center Extents Previous Window Scale
	At the Command prompt, enter zoom or z
All / Center / Extents / Previous / Window / <Scale(X/XP)>: Enter an option or value, specify a point, or press


For more information, see "Using the Zoom Options" in chapter 8, "Controlling the Drawing Display," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: DVIEW creates and restores perspective and parallel projection views. LIMITS sets and controls the drawing boundaries. PAN moves the drawing display in the current viewport. VIEW saves and restores named views. VPOINT sets the viewing direction for a 3D visualization of the current drawing.


ZOOM: Scale (X/XP)

Zooms the display at a specified scale factor. The value you enter is relative to the limits of the drawing. For example, entering 2 doubles the apparent display size of any objects from what it would be if you zoomed to the limits of the drawing.

If you enter a value followed by x, AutoCAD LT specifies the scale relative to the current view. For example, entering .5x causes each object to be displayed at half its current size on the screen.

If you enter a value followed by xp, AutoCAD LT specifies the scale relative to paper space units. For example, entering .5xp displays model space at half the scale of paper space units. The following illustration shows a number of viewports arranged in paper space. The view in each viewport is scaled relative to paper space. For example, Detail 1 is scaled 1=1 relative to paper space (1xp), Detail 2 is scaled .5=1 relative to paper space (.5xp), and so on.


ZOOM: All

Zooms to display the entire drawing in the current viewport. In a plan view, AutoCAD LT zooms to the drawing limits or current extents, whichever is greater.

In a 3D view, ZOOM All is equivalent to ZOOM Extents. The display shows all objects even if the drawing extends outside the drawing limits.

You cannot use ZOOM All transparently, because it always regenerates the drawing.


ZOOM: Center

Zooms to display a window using a center point, then a magnification value or height. Enter a smaller value for the height to increase the magnification. Enter a larger value to decrease the magnification.

Center point: Specify a point (1)

Magnification or Height <current>: Enter a value or press


ZOOM: Extents

Zooms to display the drawing extents. You cannot use ZOOM Extents transparently, because it always regenerates the drawing.


ZOOM: Previous

Zooms to display the previous view. You can restore up to 10 previous views.


ZOOM: Window

Zooms to display an area specified by two opposite corner points of a rectangular window.

First corner: Specify a point (1)

Other corner: Specify a point (2)


ARC

Quick Help     See Also

Creates an arc

	From the toolbox, choose  From the Draw menu, choose Arc, then choose Start, Center, End Start, Center, Angle Start, End, Angle Center, Start, End Center, Start, Angle 3 Point Continue Line/Arc
	At the Command prompt, enter arc or a
The command line prompt and all of the menu options, except Continue Line/Arc, begin with the following prompt:

Center / <Start point>: Specify a point, enter c, or press


For more information, see "Drawing Arcs" in chapter 6, "Drawing Geometry," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: ELLIPSE creates an ellipse or an elliptical arc.


ARC: {bmc return.bmp} -- Tangent to Last Line or Arc
ARC:  -- Continue Line/Arc

Draws an arc tangent to the last line or arc drawn.

End point: Specify a point (1)


ARC: Start point

Specifies the starting point of an arc.

Center / End / <Second point>: Specify a point or enter an option

Second point

Draws an arc using three specified points on the arc's circumference. The first point is the start point (1). The first and third points are the arc endpoints. The second point (2) specifies a point on the circumference of the arc.

End point: Specify a point (3)

You can specify a three-point arc either clockwise or counterclockwise.

Center

Specifies the center of the circle of which the arc is a part.

Center: Specify a point

Angle /<End point>: Specify a point or enter an option

End

Specifies the endpoint of the arc.

End point: Specify a point

Included angle: Specify an angle


End point

Using the center point (2), draws an arc counterclockwise from the start point (1) to a point that falls on an imaginary ray drawn from the center point through the endpoint (3).

The endpoint determines the angle at which the arc ends. The arc does not necessarily pass through this third point, as shown in the illustration.


Angle

Draws an arc counterclockwise from the start point (1) using a center point (2) with a specified included angle. If the angle is negative, AutoCAD LT draws an arc clockwise.

Included angle: Specify an angle


Center point

Using the center point, draws an arc counterclockwise from the start point (1) to an endpoint (2) that falls on an imaginary ray drawn from the center point (3) through the second point specified.

Included Angle

Specifies the angle that the arc is to span.


ARC: Center

Specifies the center of the circle of which the arc is a part.

Center: Specify a point

Start point: Specify a point

Angle / <End point>: Specify a point or enter an option


End point

Using the center point (1), draws an arc counterclockwise from the start point (2) to a point that falls on an imaginary ray drawn from the center point through an endpoint (3).


Angle

Draws an arc counterclockwise from the start point (2) using a center point (1), with a specified included angle. If the angle is negative, AutoCAD LT draws a clockwise arc.

Included angle: Specify an angle


ARRAY

Quick Help     How do I...     See Also

Creates multiple copies of objects in a pattern

Each object in an array can be manipulated independently. If you select multiple objects when constructing an array, AutoCAD LT counts the objects as one array item.

	From the Construct menu, choose Array
	At the Command prompt, enter array or ar
Select objects: Use an object selection method

Rectangular or Polar array (R/P) <current>: Enter an option or press


For more information, see "Arraying Objects" in chapter 9, "Copying, Moving, and Erasing Objects," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: BLOCK creates a block from a group of objects. SNAP locks points entered by a pointing device into alignment with an imaginary rectangular grid, the rotation and X and Y spacing of which can be changed.

System Variables: SNAPANG stores the current UCS-relevant snap and grid rotation for the current viewport.


ARRAY: Rectangular

Creates a rectangular array defined by a number of rows and columns.

Number of rows (---) <1>: Enter a nonzero integer or press

Number of columns (|||) <1>: Enter a nonzero integer or press

AutoCAD LT constructs a rectangular array by replicating the selected object, also called the cornerstone element, the appropriate number of times. If you specify one row, you must specify more than one column and vice versa.

The cornerstone element is assumed to be in the lower-left corner, and the array is generated up and to the right.

Unit cell or distance between rows (---): Specify a distance or two points

To add rows downward, enter a negative value for distance.

If you enter two points at opposite corners of a rectangle or unit cell, row and column spacing are specified in one step, and AutoCAD LT skips the next prompt.

Distance between columns (|||): Specify a distance

To add columns to the left, enter a negative value for distance.

AutoCAD LT constructs rectangular arrays along a baseline defined by the current SNAP rotation angle. This angle is normally 0, so the rows and columns are orthogonal with respect to the X and Y drawing axes.

The Rotate option of the SNAP command changes the angle and creates a rotated array. The SNAPANG system variable stores the SNAP rotation angle.


ARRAY: Polar

Creates a polar array by replicating the selected object around a center point.

Center point of array: Specify a point (1)

Number of items: Enter a nonnegative integer or press

If you enter a value at the Number of items prompt, you must specify the Angle to fill or the Angle between items. If you pressed [image] without entering any value, both the Angle to fill and the Angle between items must be specified.

Angle to fill (+=ccw, -=cw) <360>: Specify an angle or press

A positive value specifies counterclockwise (ccw) rotation. A negative value specifies clockwise (cw) rotation. AutoCAD LT sees 0 as no response. Entering 0 is permitted only if you specified the number of items.

If you specify an Angle to fill without providing the number of items, AutoCAD LT prompts as follows:

Angle between items: Specify an angle

If you specify the number of items and enter 0 as the Angle to fill or press [image], AutoCAD LT prompts for a positive or negative value to indicate the direction of the array:

Angle between items (+=ccw, -=cw): Specify an angle

AutoCAD LT determines the distance from the array's center point to a reference point on the last object you selected. The reference point used depends on the type of object you selected last. AutoCAD LT uses the center point of a circle or arc, the insertion base point of a block or shape, the start point of text, and one endpoint of a line.

Rotate objects as they are copied? <Y>: Enter y or n, or press

In a polar array of multiple objects, the reference point of the last object in the selection set is used for all objects. If you define the selection in a window or crossing box, the last object in the selection set is arbitrary. Removing an object from the selection set and adding it back forces that object to be the last object selected. You can also make the selection set into a block that you can replicate.


BLOCK

Quick Help     See Also

Creates a block definition from a set of objects

	At the Command prompt, enter block or b
Block name ( or ? ): Enter a name or ?


For more information, see "Working with Blocks," in chapter 14, "Using Symbols, Blocks, and External References," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: ATTDEF and DDATTDEF create an attribute definition for text to be associated with a block. BMAKE creates a block using a dialog box. DDINSERT and INSERT place a previously defined block or drawing in the current drawing. EXPLODE breaks a block, dimension, or polyline into its constituent objects. WBLOCK writes selected objects to a new drawing file. XREF controls xrefs (external references).


BLOCK: Block name

Names the block. Block names can be up to 31 characters in length and can contain letters, digits, and the special characters dollar sign ($), hyphen (-), and underscore (_). AutoCAD LT converts letters to uppercase. If you enter the name of an existing block, AutoCAD LT prompts as follows:

Redefine it? <N> Enter y or n, or press

You redefine an existing block when the specifications for the part that comprise the block change. By redefining a block, you automatically update all references to that block.

Insertion base point: Specify a point (1)

The point you specify is used as the base point for subsequent insertions of the block. Typically, a base point is the center of the block or its lower-left corner. The base point is also the point about which the block can be rotated during insertion. Entering a 3D point inserts the block at a specific elevation. Omitting the Z coordinate uses the current elevation.

Select objects: Use an object selection method

AutoCAD LT constructs a block using the objects selected, the insertion base point, and the name provided. AutoCAD LT erases the selected objects from the drawing.

The insertion base point becomes the origin of the block's coordinate system, which is parallel to the UCS in effect at the time you define the block. When the block is inserted into a drawing, its coordinate system is aligned parallel to the current UCS. Thus, you can insert a block at any orientation in space by setting the UCS first.


BLOCK: ? -- Listing Previously Defined Blocks
BLOCK: ? -- List of Previously Defined Blocks

Lists the block names in the text window.

Block(s) to list <*>: Enter a name list or press

External references (xrefs) are indicated with the notation Xref: resolved. Externally dependent blocks (blocks in an xref) are indicated with the notation xdep:XREFNAME, where XREFNAME is the name of an externally referenced drawing. The following terms are used in the list:

User Blocks

External References

Dependent Blocks

Unnamed Blocks


User Blocks

Number of user-defined blocks in the list.


External References

Number of xrefs in the list.


Dependent Blocks

Number of externally dependent blocks in the list.


Unnamed Blocks

Number of unnamed (anonymous) blocks in the drawing.


CHANGE

Quick Help     See Also

Changes the properties of existing objects

	At the Command prompt, enter change or ch
Select objects: Use an object selection method

Except for zero-thickness lines, the object coordinate systems (OCS) of objects selected must be parallel to the current user coordinate system (UCS).

If you select lines and other changeable objects in the same selection set, your results vary depending upon the sequence in which you select the objects. The easiest way to use CHANGE is to select lines only in a selection set or select objects other than lines in a selection set.

Properties / <Change point>: Specify a new point (1), enter p, or press

Change point -- Lines Only

When you specify a new endpoint for a line or group of lines, the endpoints of the selected lines closest to the Change point move to the new point unless Ortho mode is on. If Ortho mode is on, AutoCAD LT modifies the selected lines so that they become parallel to either the X or the Y axis, rather than moving their endpoints to the specified coordinate.

Change point -- Objects Other than Lines

Circles

Text

Attribute Definitions

Blocks

Properties

Modifies the properties of existing objects. Use DDLMODES, DDEMODES, LAYER, LINETYPE, COLOR, or ELEV to change the current global drawing properties.

Change what property (Color / Elev / LAyer / LType / Thickness)? Enter an option

If you select several objects with different values for the property you want to change, AutoCAD LT displays varies as the current value.

You can change several properties with one CHANGE command. The Change what property prompt reappears after each option is complete.


Commands: CHPROP and DDCHPROP perform the property functions of CHANGE and do not have the extrusion perpendicularity restriction.


Change point -- Circles

Changes the circle radius.

Enter circle radius: Specify the new radius or press

Specifying a new location changes the radius.

If you selected more than one circle, AutoCAD LT moves on to the next circle and repeats the prompt.


Change point -- Text

Changes the text insertion point, style, height, and content.

Enter text insertion point: Specify a point or press

Specifying a new location repositions the text. Press [image] to leave the text in its original position.

Text style: <current>

New style or RETURN for no change: Enter a name or press

If the text has a fixed height, AutoCAD LT skips the next prompt.

New height <current>: Specify a height or press

New rotation angle <current>: Specify an angle or press

New text <current>: Enter text or press


Change point -- Attribute Definitions

Changes the text and text properties of an attribute.

Enter text insertion point: Specify a point or press

Specifying a new location repositions the text. Press [image] to leave the text in its original position.

Text style: <current>

New style or RETURN for no change: Enter a name or press

If the text has a fixed height, AutoCAD LT skips the next prompt.

New height <current>: Specify a height or press

New rotation angle <current>: Specify an angle or press

New text <current>: Enter text or press

New tag <current>: Enter a tag or press

New prompt <current>: Enter a prompt or press

New default value <current>: Enter the value or press


Change point -- Blocks

Changes the block insertion point and rotation angle.

Enter block insertion point: Specify a point (1) or press

Specifying a new location repositions the block. Press [image] to leave the block in its original position.

New rotation angle <current>: Enter an angle, or press [image] to accept the current angle

AutoCAD LT rotates the block to the specified angle.


Color

Changes the color of an object.

New color <current>: Enter a color name or number (1--255), or press

To change a color to red, for example, enter red or 1. To make an object assume the color of its layer, enter bylayer. To make an object inherit the color of the block of which it is a component, enter byblock.


Elev

Changes the Z-axis elevation of a 2D object.

New elevation <current>: Enter a numeric value

You can change the elevation of an object only if all its points have the same Z value.


LAyer

Changes the layer of an object.

New layer <current>: Enter a layer name


LType

Changes the linetype of an object.

New linetype <current>: Enter a linetype name

If the linetype you specify is not loaded, AutoCAD LT tries to load it from the standard linetype library file, aclt.lin.

For information on loading linetypes, see LINETYPE.


Thickness

Changes the Z-direction thickness of a 2D object.

New thickness <current>: Enter a distance or press

Changing the thickness of a 3D polyline, dimension, or floating viewport object has no effect.


CHPROP

Quick Help     See Also

Changes the color, layer, linetype, linetype scale factor, and thickness of an existing object

Use other commands to set the properties of new objects: DDEMODES, DDLMODES, or COLOR, ELEV, LAYER, LINETYPE, and LTSCALE.

	At the Command prompt, enter chprop or cr
Select objects: Use an object selection method

Change what property (Color / LAyer / LType / Thickness)? Enter an option

If you select a single object, AutoCAD LT displays the current value of the property. If you select several objects with different values for the property you want to change, AutoCAD LT displays varies as the current value.


Commands: CHANGE and DDCHPROP perform the property functions of CHPROP and do not have the extrusion perpendicularity restriction.


Color

Changes the color of an object.

New color <current>: Enter a color name or number (1-255), or press

To change a color to red, for example, enter red or 1. To make an object assume the color of its layer, enter bylayer. To make an object inherit the color of the block of which it is a component, enter byblock.


LAyer

Changes the layer of an object.

New layer <current>: Enter a layer name or press


LType

Changes the linetype of an object.

New linetype <current>: Enter a linetype name or press

If the linetype you specify is not loaded, AutoCAD LT tries to load it from the standard linetype library file, aclt.lin. For more information on loading linetypes, see LINETYPE.


Thickness

Changes the Z direction thickness of a 2D object.

New thickness <current>: Enter a distance or press

Changing the thickness of a 3D polyline, dimension, or floating viewport object has no effect.


Layer Control ('DDLMODES)

Quick Help     See Also

Manages layers

	From the toolbar, choose  From the Settings menu, choose Layer Control
	At the Command prompt, enter ddlmodes or ld
In the Layer Control dialog box, you can make a layer current, add new layers to the Layer Name list, and rename an existing layer. You can turn layers on and off, freeze and thaw layers, and lock and unlock layers globally or by viewport.

Dialog box options

Current Layer box Layer Name list Layer Name text box New button Current button On and Off buttons Thaw and Freeze buttons Unlock and Lock buttons Cur VP (Thw and Frz) New VP (Thw and Frz) Set Color button Set Ltype button Filters area


For more information, see "Creating Layers" in chapter 3, "The CAD Drawing Tutorial," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: COLOR sets the color for new objects. DDEMODES sets properties for new objects, including color, layer, linetype, text style, elevation, and thickness. LAYER is the command line equivalent of DDLMODES. LINETYPE creates, loads, and sets linetypes.

System variables: CLAYER stores the name of the current layer.


DDLMODES: Current Layer
Current Layer

Displays the name of the current layer. To change the current layer, select a layer from the Layer Name list and choose Current.


DDLMODES: Layer Name List
Layer Name list

Displays the name, state, color, and linetype of each layer in the drawing.

You select a layer name from the Layer Name list before you choose an option.

Select All selects all layers in a list. Clear All clears all layer selections. To search for a specific layer, choose Filters.

In the State column, ON indicates that the layer is on. F indicates that the layer is frozen, C that it is frozen in the current viewport, N that it will be frozen in newly created viewports. L marks locked layers.


DDLMODES: Layer Name Text Box
Layer Name

Displays the name(s) of the selected layer(s) or one or more layer names you enter. The layer name(s) appearing in this text box can be specified as new, current, or renamed.

A layer name can be up to 31 characters long. The text box displays 31 characters at a time, but it holds up to 255 characters for entering multiple layer names. To enter more than one layer name, separate each name with a comma.


DDLMODES: New
New

Creates a new layer. Enter the name in the Layer Name text box , then choose New.

To create more than one layer, enter the layer names separated with a comma, then choose New. When entering names, do not use wild-card characters or existing layer names.

AutoCAD LT turns on each new layer and assigns it the color white and the linetype CONTINUOUS. Creating a new layer neither changes the current layer nor affects existing objects.


DDLMODES: Current
Current

Makes the selected layer the current layer. If a layer is off and you make it the current layer, AutoCAD LT turns it on.


DDLMODES: Rename
Rename

Renames a layer you select in the Layer Name list. Edit the name in the text box and then choose Rename. If more than one layer is selected, this option is not available.


DDLMODES: On and Off
On and Off

Turns the selected layer(s) on or off. Select the layer(s) and then choose On or Off.

Layers that are on are visible. Layers that are off are invisible. Invisible layers are still part of the drawing, but AutoCAD LT does not display them.

The State column indicates which layers are on.

If you turn off the current layer, new objects you draw do not appear until you turn the layer on again.


DDLMODES: Thaw and Freeze
Thaw and Freeze

Determines whether objects on a specific layer are displayed, regenerated, and plotted.

When a layer is frozen, AutoCAD LT does not display, regenerate, or plot objects on it.

To thaw or freeze layers, select the layers and choose Thaw or Freeze.

An F in the State column indicates a frozen layer.


DDLMODES: Unlock and Lock
Unlock and Lock

Determines whether objects on a layer can be edited.

When a layer is locked, you cannot edit objects on that layer, but you can still create new objects.

To unlock or lock layers, select the layers and choose Unlock or Lock.

An L in the State column indicates a locked layer.


DDLMODES: Cur VP
Cur VP

When TILEMODE is set to 0 (off), freezes or thaws selected layers by viewport when in model space or throughout paper space when in paper space. Using the Cur VP buttons, you can freeze or thaw selected layers only in the current model space viewport. The layers might be visible in other viewports and paper space. If paper space is current, the freezing or thawing applies to paper space but not to viewports. Freezing or thawing a layer in this way overrides the global setting. A C (for current) in the State column indicates that the layer is frozen in the current viewport.


DDLMODES: New VP
New VP

Freezes or thaws selected layers for all new viewports you create. Both Cur VP and New VP are checked for each selected layer in the new viewport.

An N (for new) in the State column indicates that the layer will be frozen in any newly created viewports.


DDLMODES: Set Color
Set Color

Changes the color of selected layers, using the Select Color dialog box.

Select the color you want, and enter a color name or number in the Color text box.


DDLMODES: Set Ltype
Set Ltype

Changes the linetype of a layer, using the Select Linetype dialog box.


Select Linetype (DDLMODES)

Quick Help

Lists the linetypes that are loaded in the current drawing. Sets the current linetype BYLAYER.

Dialog box options

Linetypes

Linetype text box

Previous button

Next button


Linetypes

Displays the names and samples of available linetypes. To change linetypes, select a linetype from this list, then choose OK.


Linetype

Displays the name of the current linetype. To change linetypes, enter another linetype name or select a linetype from the Linetypes displayed above the text box. Then choose OK.


Previous

Displays the previous set of linetypes if there are more than 10 samples total.


Next

Displays the next set of linetypes if there are more than 10 samples displayed.


DDLMODES: Filters
Filters

Determines which layers are displayed in the Layer Name list. You can display layers based on their state, name, color, and linetype. You can also filter layers based on whether they're frozen in the current viewport or in new viewports.

Choose Set in the Filters area to display the Set Layer Filters dialog box.

The filtered layers appear in the Layer Name list. Setting the filters selects the On checkbox under Filters. Clear the On checkbox to turn off the filters and list all layers in the drawing.


Set Layer Filters (DDLMODES)

Quick Help

Determines which layers are displayed in the Layer Name list in the Layer Control dialog box.

To access the Set Layer Filters dialog box, use the DDLMODES command.


Running Object Snap ('DDOSNAP)

Quick Help     See Also

Sets running object snap modes and changes the target box size

With object snap modes, also called osnap modes, you can specify a point at an exact location on an object. Each mode determines a location. A running object snap mode stays in effect until you turn it off.

	From the toolbox, choose  From the Assist menu, choose Object Snap
	At the Command prompt, enter ddosnap or os
Dialog box options

Select Settings area

Specifies the running object snap modes. Select one or more options.

Endpoint	Insertion
Midpoint	Perpendicular
Center	Tangent
Node	Nearest
Quadrant	Quick
Intersection
Aperture Size area

The settings stay in effect until you specify another mode or turn off running object snap modes.


For more information, see "Setting Running Object Snaps" in chapter 7, "Drawing with Precision," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: APERTURE controls the size of the object snap target box. OSNAP sets running object snap modes on the command line.

System Variables: OSMODE sets object snap modes using bit codes.


Endpoint

Snaps to the closest endpoint of an arc, line, polyline segment, solid, or 3D face.


Midpoint

Snaps to the midpoint of an arc, line, or polyline segment.


Center

Snaps to the center of an arc, circle, or ellipse.


Node

Snaps to a point object.


Quadrant

Snaps to a quadrant point of an arc, elliptical arc, ellipse, solid, or circle.


Intersection

Snaps to the intersection of a line, arc, circle, or polyline and another line, arc, circle, or polyline.


Insertion

Snaps to the insertion point of text or a block, a shape, or an attribute.


Perpendicular

Snaps to a point perpendicular to an arc, line, circle, ellipse, or polyline.


Tangent

Snaps to the tangent of an arc, circle, ellipse, or elliptical arc.


Nearest

Snaps to the nearest point of an arc, circle, line, point, polyline, ellipse, or elliptical arc.


Quick

Snaps to the first snap point found. Quick must be used in conjunction with other object snap modes.


Aperture Size

Specifies the size of the target box aperture. The maximum size you can set using the Running Object Snap dialog box is 20 pixels.

To increase the snap target box to 50 pixels, use the APERTURE system variable. The slider bar moves between Min and Max, and the sample target box changes to show the new size.


UCS Orientation (DDUCSP)

Quick Help     See Also

Selects a preset user coordinate system

A user coordinate system (UCS) is a movable, user-defined system for convenient placement of objects. DDUCSP provides several preset UCS orientations, such as Top, Bottom, and Right, with which you can align a UCS.

	From the Assist menu, choose Preset UCS
	At the Command prompt, enter dducsp or up
Dialog box options

The image tiles in the UCS Orientation dialog box illustrate the ways you can change the current UCS. After you select an image tile, AutoCAD LT changes the current UCS based on the setting of the Relative to Current UCS or Absolute to WCS options. Relative to Current UCS and Absolute to WCS are irrelevant if you restore the WCS (World Coordinate System) or the previous UCS or set the UCS to the current view.


Commands: DDUCS renames, restores, deletes, or lists defined coordinate systems. UCS defines or modifies the current user coordinate system.

System Variables: UCSICON controls the visibility and placement of the UCS icon viewports. UCSNAME displays the name of the current coordinate system. USORG displays the origin point of the current coordinate system for the current space. UCSXDIR displays the X direction of the current UCS of the current space. UCSYDIR displays the Y direction of the current UCS for the current space.


Select DXF File (DXFIN)

Quick Help     See Also

Imports a drawing interchange file

	From the File menu, chose Import/Export, then DXF In
	At the Command prompt, enter dxfin or dn
In the Select DXF File dialog box, enter the name of the file to convert.

Full DXFIN

Loads a complete .dxf file into an empty drawing. To create an empty drawing, use the NEW command with the No Prototype option in the Create New File dialog box.

If AutoCAD LT detects any errors during input, the new drawing is discarded.

Partial DXFIN

Loads only the OBJECTS section of the .dxf file, when the current drawing is not empty, adding the objects to the current drawing.

If AutoCAD LT detects any errors during input, the drawing returns to the state it was in before you used the DXFIN command.


For more information on .dxf files, see "Creating DXF Files" in chapter 17, "Managing Files and Other Formats," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: DXFOUT creates a drawing interchange file.


Create DXF File (DXFOUT)

Quick Help     See Also

Creates a drawing interchange file of the current drawing

	From the File menu, choose Import/Export, then DXF Out
	At the Command prompt, enter dxfout or dx
In the Create DXF File dialog box, enter a file name.

AutoCAD LT prompts for the precision of floating-point numbers:

Enter decimal places of accuracy (0 to 16)  / Entities: Enter an option, enter a value (0 to 16), or press


For more information on .dxf files, see chapter 17, "Managing Files and Other Formats," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: DXFIN converts a drawing interchange file to an AutoCAD LT drawing.


DXFOUT: Enter decimal places of accuracy

Saves the file at the specified level of precision.


DXFOUT: Objects
DXFOUT: Entities

Selects the objects to export.

Select objects: Use an object selection method

The output file includes only the selected objects and the block reference portions of any included blocks. The block symbol tables are not included.

Enter decimal places of accuracy (0 to 16): Enter a value (0 to 16), or press


ELLIPSE

Quick Help     See Also

Creates an ellipse or an elliptical arc

	From the toolbox, choose  From the Draw menu, choose Ellipse
	At the Command prompt, enter ellipse or el
<Axis endpoint 1> / Center / Isocircle: Specify a point or enter an option

If the Isometric option of SNAP is set to Off, the Isocircle option is not available.

Axis endpoint 1

Defines the ellipse by two specified axis points. The first axis can define either the major or the minor axis of the ellipse. The angle of the first axis determines the angle of the ellipse.

Axis endpoint 2: Specify a point

<Other axis distance> / Rotation: Specify a point or enter r

Center

Creates an ellipse from a specified center point and axis endpoint.

Center of ellipse: Specify a point

Axis endpoint: Specify a point

<Other axis distance> / Rotation: Specify a point or enter r

Isocircle

Creates an isometric circle in the current isometric drawing plane.

Center of circle: Specify a point

<Circle radius> / Diameter: Specify a point or enter d


For more information on ellipses, see "Drawing Ellipses" in chapter 6, "Drawing Geometry," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.


Other axis distance

Defines the second axis as the distance from the center of the elliptical arc, that is, the midpoint of the first axis, to the point you specify.


Rotation

Defines the ellipse by rotating a circle about the first axis. The higher the value you enter, the greater the ratio of minor to major axis. Entering 0 defines a circle.

Rotation around major axis: Specify a point or enter a value (0-89.4)


ELLIPSE, Center: Other axis distance
Other axis distance

Defines the second axis as the distance from the center of the ellipse, that is, the midpoint of the first axis, to the point you specify.


ELLIPSE, Center: Rotation
Rotation

Defines the ellipse by rotating a circle about the first axis. The higher the value you enter, the greater the ratio of minor to major axis. Entering 0 defines a circle.

Rotation around major axis: Specify a point


ELLIPSE, Isocircle: Circle radius
Circle radius

Creates a circle using the radius you specify.


ELLIPSE, Isocircle: Diameter
Diameter

Creates a circle using the diameter you specify.

Circle diameter: Specify a point


EXPLODE

Quick Help     See Also

Breaks a compound object into its component objects

A compound object comprises more than one AutoCAD LT object. A block is an example of a compound object.

	From the toolbox, choose  From the Modify menu, choose Explode
	At the Command prompt, enter explode or ep or x
Select objects: Use an object selection method

The results of exploding an object can vary depending on the type of compound object it is. All explodable objects can have their color and linetypes changed. Certain other changes apply to certain types of objects.

Block     2D polyline     Body	Wide polyline     Circle or arc within a nonuniformly scaled block
Unless an exploded block reference was inserted in paper space, floating viewports in block definitions can't be turned on after an EXPLODE.


For more information, see "Exploding Blocks" in chapter 14, "Using Symbols, Blocks, and External References," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: BLOCK creates blocks from a group of objects. LIST displays the properties of objects.


Block

AutoCAD LT removes one grouping level at a time. If a block contains a polyline or a nested block, exploding the block exposes the polyline or nested block object, which must then be exploded to expose its individual objects.

Blocks with equal X, Y, and Z scales explode into their component objects. Blocks with unequal X, Y, and Z scales (nonuniformly scaled blocks) might explode into unexpected objects.

Exploding a block that contains attributes deletes the attribute values and redisplays the attribute definitions.

Blocks inserted with external references and their dependent blocks cannot be exploded.


2D polyline

AutoCAD LT discards any associated width or tangent information.


Wide polyline

AutoCAD LT places the resulting lines and arcs along the center of the polyline.


Body

AutoCAD LT explodes a body into a single-surface body (nonplanar surfaces) or curves.


Circle within a nonuniformly scaled block
Circle or arc within a nonuniformly scaled block

AutoCAD LT explodes a circle within a nonuniformly scaled block into ellipses and explodes an arc into elliptical arcs.


OOPS

Quick Help     See Also

Restores erased objects

	At the Command prompt, enter oops or oo
OOPS restores objects erased by the last ERASE command.

You can also use OOPS after BLOCK or WBLOCK because these commands erase the selected objects after creating a block.


Commands: UNDO reverses the effect of the previous command.


HIDE

Quick Help     See Also

Regenerates a 3D model with hidden lines suppressed

When you use the VPOINT, DVIEW, or VIEW command to create a 3D view of your drawing, AutoCAD LT produces a wire-frame display in the current viewport. All lines are present, including those hidden by other objects. HIDE eliminates these hidden lines from the display.

	From the View menu, choose Hide
	At the Command prompt, enter hide or hi
HIDE does not consider layers that have been frozen or turned off.


For more information, see "Removing Hidden Lines" in chapter 11, "Working in Three Dimensions," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: DVIEW defines parallel projection or perspective views on the screen as you change views. VIEW saves and restores named views. VPOINT sets the viewing direction for a 3D visualization of the current drawing.


'LAYER

Quick Help     See Also

Manages layers

LAYER creates new layers, selects the current layer, sets the color and linetype for designated layers, turns layers on and off, locks or unlocks layers, freezes or thaws layers, and lists defined layers.

	At the Command prompt, enter layer or la
? / Make / Set / New  / On / OFF / Color / Ltype / Freeze / Thaw / LOck / Unlock: Enter an option


Commands: DDEMODES sets properties for new objects. DDLMODES is the dialog box equivalent of LAYER. LINETYPE creates, loads, and sets linetypes.

System Variables: CLAYER stores the name of the current layer.


? -- List Layers

Displays a list of the currently defined layers, showing their names, states, color numbers, linetypes, and any externally dependent layers.

Layer name(s) to list <*>: Enter a name list or press


Make

Creates a layer and makes it current. New objects are placed on the current layer as they are drawn.

New current layer <current>: Enter a name or press

If no layer exists for the name you enter, AutoCAD LT creates a new layer by that name. That layer is turned on and is assigned color number 7 and the CONTINUOUS linetype. If the layer exists but is turned off, AutoCAD LT turns it on.


Set

Specifies a new current layer but does not create the layer if it does not already exist. If the layer exists but it is turned off, the Set option turns it on and makes it current.

New current layer <current>: Enter a name


New

Creates one or more layers. When entering two or more names, separate them with commas.

New layer name(s): Enter a name list


On

Turns on a layer.

Layer name(s) to turn On: Enter a name list


OFF

Turns off a layer.

Layer name(s) to turn Off: Enter a name list


Color

Changes the color associated with a layer.

Color: Enter a color name or color number 1-255

AutoCAD LT prompts for a list of names of the layers to which the color should be applied.

Layer name(s) for color n <current>: Enter a name list or press

The layers are turned on. To assign a color but turn off the layer, precede the color with a minus sign (-).


Ltype

Changes the linetype associated with a layer.

Linetype (or ?) <CONTINUOUS>: Enter a currently loaded linetype name, enter ?, or press

If you enter a linetype name or press [image], AutoCAD LT prompts for a list of layer names to which the linetype should be applied.

Layer name(s) for linetype xxx <current>: Enter a name list or press

If you enter ? at the Linetype (or ?) prompt, AutoCAD LT prompts for the linetypes to list.

Linetype(s) to list <*>: Enter a name list or press


Freeze

Freezes layers, making them invisible and excluding them from regeneration and plotting.

Layer name(s) to Freeze: Enter a name list


Thaw

Thaws frozen layers.

Layer name(s) to Thaw: Enter a name list


LOck

Locks layers, preventing editing on those layers.

Layer name(s) to Lock: Enter a name list


Unlock

Unlocks selected locked layers, permitting editing on those layers.

Layer name(s) to Unlock: Enter a name list


LIST

Quick Help

Displays database information for selected objects

	From the toolbox, choose  From the Assist menu, choose List
	At the Command prompt, enter list or ls
Select objects: Use an object selection method

For each object, AutoCAD LT lists its type, its layer, its X,Y,Z position relative to the current UCS, and whether it is in model space or paper space.

LIST reports color and linetype information if these items are not set by layer. The thickness of an object is displayed if it is not zero. Z coordinate information defines the elevation. If the extrusion direction of the entry differs from the Z axis (0,0,1) of the current UCS, LIST also reports the extrusion direction in UCS coordinates.

LIST reports additional information related to the specific object selected.


MEASURE

Quick Help     See Also

Places point objects or blocks at measured intervals on an object

	From the Construct menu, choose Measure
	At the Command prompt, enter measure
Select object to measure: Specify a point

<Segment length> / Block: Enter a distance, specify a point, or enter b


For more information, see "Specifying Measured Intervals on Objects" in chapter 7, "Drawing with Precision," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: BLOCK creates blocks of objects. DIVIDE places evenly spaced point objects or blocks along the length or perimeter of a selected object.

System Variables: PDMODE controls the appearance of point objects. PDSIZE controls the size of point objects.


MEASURE: Segment length

If you enter a distance or specify two points, AutoCAD LT places point objects at the specified interval along the selected object, starting at the endpoint closest to the point you used to select the object.

Measurement of closed polylines starts at their initial vertex (the first one you draw).

Measurement of circles starts at the angle from the center set as the current snap rotation angle. If the snap rotation angle is zero, then the measurement of the circle starts to the right of center, on its circumference.

The following illustration shows how MEASURE marks 0.5-unit distances along a polyline. (The PDMODE system variable is set to 35.)


MEASURE: Block

Places blocks at a specified interval along the selected object.

Block name to insert: Enter the name of a block currently defined in the drawing

Align block with object? <Y> Enter y or n or press

If you enter y, the block is rotated about its insertion point so that its horizontal lines are aligned with, and drawn tangent to, the object being measured. If you enter n, the block is always inserted with a 0 rotation angle.

Segment length: Specify a distance

After you specify the segment length, AutoCAD LT inserts the block at specified intervals. If the block has variable attributes, these attributes are not included.

Use Node object snap to draw an object by snapping to the point objects. You can then remove the point by entering ERASE Previous.

AutoCAD LT places the markers in the UCS of the object being measured (except for 3D polylines in the current UCS). Markers are always placed on the object, regardless of the elevation settings.


'OSNAP

Quick Help     How do I...     See Also

Sets running object snap modes

With object snap modes, you can specify a point at an exact location on an object. Each mode determines a location. A running object snap mode stays in effect until you turn it off.

	At the Command prompt, enter osnap or o
Object snap modes: Enter a series of object snap names, separated by a comma, enter none or off, or press

Specify one or more object snap modes by entering the first three characters of the name. If you enter more than one name, separate names with a comma. AutoCAD LT provides the following object snap modes:

Endpoint	Tangent
Midpoint	Node
Intersection	Insertion
Center	Nearest
Quadrant	Quick
Perpendicular	None


Endpoint

Snaps to the closest endpoint of an arc, elliptical arc, line, or solid.


Midpoint

Snaps to the midpoint of an arc, elliptical arc, ellipse, solid, or line.


Intersection

Snaps to the intersection of a line, arc, elliptical arc, ellipse, or circle.


Center

Snaps to the center of an arc, elliptical arc, ellipse, solid, or circle.


Node

Snaps to a point object.


Quadrant

Snaps to a quadrant point of an arc, elliptical arc, ellipse, solid, or circle.


Insertion

Snaps to the insertion point of text or a block, a shape, or an attribute.


Perpendicular

Snaps to a point perpendicular to an arc, elliptical arc, ellipse, line, solid, or circle.


Tangent

Snaps to the tangent of an arc, circle, ellipse, or elliptical arc.


Nearest

Snaps to the nearest point of an arc, circle, line, point, polyline, ellipse, or elliptical arc.


Quick

Snaps to the first snap point found. Quick must be used in conjunction with other object snap modes.


None

Turns off Object Snap mode.


Commands: APERTURE controls the size of the object snap target box. DDOSNAP sets running Object Snap modes from a dialog box.

System Variables: OSMODE sets object snap modes using bit codes.


PASTECLIP

Quick Help     See Also

Inserts data from the Windows Clipboard

You can paste into a drawing AutoCAD LT objects and text and files in various formats, such as metafile, bitmap, and multimedia.

	From the Edit menu, choose Paste
	At the Command prompt, enter pasteclip or pc
If the Clipboard contains a graphic object, AutoCAD LT inserts the object in the upper-left corner of the graphics area.

All other objects, except AutoCAD LT objects, remain as embedded or linked objects in their Clipboard formats. You can edit these embedded or linked objects by double-clicking on them in AutoCAD LT. The object's native application becomes available so you can make changes.


For more information, see "Pasting Objects into AutoCAD LT," in chapter 9, "Copying, Moving, and Erasing Objects," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: DDINSERT inserts a block by using a dialog box. INSERT inserts a block by using the command line.


POINT

Quick Help     How do I...     See Also

Creates a point object

	From the toolbox, choose  From the Draw menu, choose Point
	At the Command prompt, enter point or pt
Point: Specify a point

Points can act as nodes to which you can snap objects. You can specify a full 3D location for a point. If you omit the Z coordinate, AutoCAD LT assumes the current elevation.

Controlling the Appearance of Points

The PDMODE and PDSIZE system variables control the appearance of point objects. PDMODE values 0, 2, 3, and 4 select a figure to draw through the point. A value of 1 selects nothing to be displayed.

Adding 32, 64, or 96 to the values above selects a shape to draw around the point in addition to the figure drawn through it:

PDSIZE controls the size of the point figures, except for PDMODE values 0 (a period) and 1 (nothing). A 0 setting generates the point at 5 percent of the graphics area height. A positive PDSIZE value specifies an absolute size for the point figures. A negative value is interpreted as a percentage of the viewport size. The size of all points is recalculated when the drawing is regenerated.

After you change PDMODE and PDSIZE, the appearance of existing points changes the next time AutoCAD LT regenerates the drawing.


Commands: DDPTYPE specifies a new Point Display mode and size. REGEN regenerates the drawing and refreshes the current viewport.

System Variables: PDMODE controls the appearance of the object displayed by POINT. PDSIZE controls the size of the object displayed by POINT.


Create PostScript File (PSOUT)

Quick Help     See Also

Creates an Encapsulated PostScript file

	From the File menu, choose Import/Export, then PostScript Out
	At the Command prompt, enter psout or pu
PostScript provides a link between the world of CAD and geometry and the world of illustration and desktop publishing. PostScript in AutoCAD LT uses industry-standard PostScript fonts and exports images as EPS files.

In the Create PostScript File dialog box, enter a file name. AutoCAD LT adds the .eps extension.

What to plot -- Display, Extents, Limits, View, or Window <D>: Enter an option or press


Display
PSOUT: Display

Exports the view in the current viewport in model space or the current view in paper space.

Include a screen preview image in the file? (None / EPSI / TIFF) <None>: Enter an option or press


Extents
PSOUT: Extents

Exports the portion of the current space of the drawing that contains objects.

Include a screen preview image in the file? (None / EPSI / TIFF) <None>: Enter an option or press


Limits
PSOUT: Limits

Exports the entire drawing area defined by the drawing limits. If the current viewpoint is not the plan view (0,0,1), this option is the same as the Extents option.

Include a screen preview image in the file? (None / EPSI / TIFF) <None>: Enter an option or press


View
PSOUT: View

Exports a view saved previously with the VIEW command.

View name: Enter a name

Include a screen preview image in the file? (None / EPSI / TIFF) <None>: Enter an option or press


Window
PSOUT: Window

Exports any portion of your drawing. AutoCAD LT prompts you to specify a lower-left corner and an upper-right corner of the area you want to export.

First corner: Specify a point

Other corner: Specify a point

Include a screen preview image in the file? (None / EPSI / TIFF) <None>: Enter an option or press

After you respond to the Output units=Drawing Units or Fit or ?<current> prompt, AutoCAD LT lists the paper sizes it can accommodate.

Enter the Size or Width, Height (in Inches) <current>: Enter a standard size description from the list or explicit width and height values separated by a comma, or press

If you enter a unique size by specifying the width and height of the paper, the size appears with the label USER or USERn on the list for paper sizes the next time you create an .eps file with PSOUT.

AutoCAD LT exports an .eps file with the file name you specified.


None

Specifies no screen preview image in the file.

Size units (Inches or Millimeters) <current>: Enter an option or press


EPSI

Includes an EPSI screen preview image.

Screen preview image size (128x128 is standard)? (128 / 256 / 512) <128>: Enter a value or press

The value you enter specifies the pixel resolution of the screen preview image.


TIFF

Includes a TIFF screen preview image.

Screen preview image size (128x128 is standard)? (128 / 256 / 512) <128>: Enter a value or press

The value you enter specifies the pixel resolution of the screen preview image.

If you include a TIFF screen preview, you cannot print the .eps file directly to a PostScript printer and produce the image output.


Inches or Millimeters

Sets size units in inches or millimeters.

Output units=Drawing Units or Fit or ?<current>: Enter an explicit scale, enter f, or press

You enter an explicit scale by specifying how many drawing units are to be output per unit (millimeters or inches). For example, to produce output at a scale of 1 drawing unit per millimeter, enter 1=1.

If you enter f, AutoCAD LT scales the output so the portion of the drawing output is made as large as possible for the specified paper size.

If you enter ?, AutoCAD LT displays a short description of the options.


For more information, see chapter 17, "Managing Files and Other Formats," and Appendix G, "Using PostScript Files," in the AutoCAD LT Users Guide.

System Variables: PSPROLOG assigns a name for a prolog section to be read from the acad.psf file when using the PSOUT command. PSQUALITY controls the rendering quality of PostScript images and whether they're drawn as filled objects or as outlines.


SCALE

Quick Help     See Also

Enlarges or reduces objects equally in the X, Y, and Z directions

	From the toolbox, choose  From the Modify menu, choose Scale
	At the Command prompt, enter scale or sc
Select objects: Use an object selection method

Base point: Specify a point (1)

<Scale factor> / Reference: Specify a scale or enter r


For more information, see "Scaling Objects" in chapter 10, "Modifying AutoCAD LT Objects," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: STRETCH moves or stretches an object.


Scale factor
SCALE: Scale factor

Multiplies the dimensions of the selected objects by the specified scale. A scale factor greater than 1 enlarges the objects. A scale factor between 0 and 1 shrinks the objects.


Reference
SCALE: Reference

Scales the selected objects based on a reference length and a specified new length.

Reference length <1>: Specify a distance or press

New length: Specify a distance

If the new length is longer than the reference length, the objects are enlarged.


SELECT

Quick Help     See Also

Places selected objects in the previous selection set

AutoCAD LT requires that objects be selected in order to be processed by a command. The Select objects prompt occurs after many commands, including the SELECT command itself.

	From the Assist menu, choose Select
	At the Command prompt, enter select or se
Select objects: Use an object selection method

A small box, called the object selection target, replaces the crosshairs on the graphics cursor.

Objects can be selected by picking them individually, drawing a selection window around them, entering coordinates, or using a selection method.

The following methods can be used to select objects regardless of the command that initiated the Select objects prompt:

AUto Add ALL BOX Crossing CPolygon Fence Last	Multiple Previous Remove SIngle Undo Window WPolygon


For more information, see "Selecting Objects" in chapter 9, "Copying, Moving, and Erasing Objects," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

System variables: PICKADD controls whether subsequent selections replace the current selection set or add to it.


Add

Adds selected objects to the selection set by using any of the object selection methods. Auto and Add are the default modes.


ALL

Selects all objects on thawed layers.


AUto

Automatically selects the object pointed to. Auto and Add are the default modes.


BOX

Selects objects using a rectangle specified by two points.

If you specify the points from left to right, Box selects all objects completely inside the rectangle (equivalent to the Window method). If you specify the points from right to left, Box selects all objects inside or crossing the rectangle (equivalent to the Crossing method).

First corner: Specify a point

Other corner: Specify a point


Crossing

Selects objects within and crossing a rectangle defined by two points. Crossing displays a dashed or otherwise highlighted box to differentiate it from a window selection box.

First corner: Specify a point (1)

Other corner: Specify a point (2)


CPolygon

Selects objects within and crossing a polygon you define by specifying points around the objects to be selected.

The polygon can be any shape, but it cannot cross or touch itself. AutoCAD LT sketches the last segment of the polygon so that it is closed at all times. CPolygon is not affected by the PICKADD system variable.

First polygon point: Specify a point

Undo / <Endpoint of line>: Specify a point, enter u, or press


Fence

Selects all objects crossing a selection fence. The Fence method is similar to CPolygon except that AutoCAD LT does not close the fence, and a fence can cross itself. Fence is not affected by the PICKADD system variable.

First fence point: Specify a point

Undo / <Endpoint of line>: Specify a point, enter u, or press


Last

Selects the most recently created visible object.


Multiple

Selects multiple points without highlighting the objects, thus speeding up the selection process for complex objects. The Multiple method also selects two intersecting objects if you specify the intersection point twice.


Previous

Selects the most recent selection set. The Previous selection set is cleared by operations that delete objects from the drawing. AutoCAD LT remembers whether the selection set was defined in model space or paper space. The Previous selection set is ignored if you attempt to use in paper space a defined selection set that was created in model space and vice versa.


Remove

Switches to Remove mode, in which objects can be removed from the current selection set using any object selection method.


SIngle

Switches to Single mode in which only the first object or set of objects you specify is selected, and AutoCAD LT does not continue to prompt for further selections.


Undo

Cancels the selection of the object most recently added to the selection set.


Window

Selects all objects completely inside a rectangle defined by two points.

First corner: Specify a point (1)

Other corner: Specify a point (2)


WPolygon

Selects objects within a polygon you define by specifying points around the objects to be selected. The polygon can be any shape, but it cannot cross or touch itself. AutoCAD LT sketches the last segment of the polygon so that it is closed at all times. WPolygon is not affected by the PICKADD system variable.

First polygon point: Specify a point

Undo / <Endpoint of line>: Specify a point, enter u, or press


SHADE

Quick Help     See Also

Displays a flat-shaded image of the drawing in the current viewport

SHADE removes hidden lines and displays a shaded picture of the drawing.

	From the View menu, choose Shade
	At the Command prompt, enter shade or sh
AutoCAD LT performs shading in two phases: regeneration and construction of the shaded image. The shaded image remains in the viewport until the next regeneration of that viewport.

The shaded image can be displayed only on the screen. However, you can output a shaded image to a slide using the MSLIDE command.

The shaded image reflects the layer visibility of the colors of the drawing at the time the shading is completed. Subsequent changes to the drawing are not reflected in the shaded object until you use SHADE again.

On systems with displays that show fewer than 256 colors, SHADE produces an image that removes hidden lines and displays the faces in their original color with no lighting effect. Shading time depends on how large an area of the screen is involved.

AutoCAD LT calculates shading based on one light source -- from directly behind the eye, using the shading method set by the SHADEDGE system variable. When SHADEDGE is set to 0 or 1, AutoCAD LT shades the faces in the image based on the angle the faces form with the viewing direction. AutoCAD LT also uses the percentage of diffuse reflection and ambient light set by the SHADEDIF system variable.


For more information, see "Creating a Shaded View of Your Drawing" in chapter 11, "Working in Three Dimensions," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: HIDE regenerates a 3D model with hidden lines removed. MSLIDE creates a slide file of the current viewport.

System Variables: SHADEDGE determines the shading method used. SHADEDIF controls diffuse reflection.


'SNAP

Quick Help     See Also

Restricts cursor movement to specified intervals

The points you enter with a pointing device can be locked into alignment by the snap mechanism. You can also rotate the snap grid, set differing X and Y spacing, or choose an isometric format for the snap grid.

A change in the snap grid affects only the coordinates of new points. Objects already in the drawing retain their existing coordinates.

The snap grid is invisible. Use SNAP with the GRID command to display a separate visible grid. Set the spacing of the two grids to equal or related values.

AutoCAD LT ignores Snap mode in perspective views.

	At the Command prompt, enter snap or sn
Snap spacing or ON / OFF / Aspect / Rotate / Style <current>: Specify a distance, enter an option, or press


For more information on Snap mode, see "Setting Snap Spacing" in chapter 4, "Organizing Your Project," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: DDRMODES enables you to set snap and grid intervals and turn the snap grid on and off. GRID displays a dot grid at the specified spacing and angle.


SNAP: Spacing

Turns on Snap mode using the spacing value you specify.


SNAP: ON

Turns on Snap mode using the current snap grid resolution, rotation, and style.


SNAP: OFF

Turns off Snap mode but retains the values and modes.


SNAP: Aspect

Specifies differing X and Y spacings for the snap grid. This option is not available if the current snap style is Isometric.

Horizontal spacing <current>: Specify a distance, or press

Vertical spacing <current>: Specify a distance, or press


SNAP: Rotate

Sets the rotation of the snap grid with respect to the drawing and the display screen. You can specify a rotation angle between -90 and 90 degrees. A positive angle rotates the grid counterclockwise about its base point. A negative angle rotates the grid clockwise.

Base point <current>: Specify a point or press

Rotation angle <current>: Specify an angle or press


SNAP: Style

Selects the format of the snap grid, which is standard or isometric.

Standard / Isometric <current>: Enter s or i, or press

Standard

Displays a rectangular grid that is parallel to the XY plane of the current UCS. Choose Aspect to make X and Y spacing different.

Spacing / Aspect <current>: Specify a distance, enter a, or press

Isometric

Displays an isometric grid, where the grid points are initially at 30- and 150-degree angles.

Vertical spacing <current>: Specify a distance or press

The ISOPLANE command determines whether the crosshairs lie in the top isometric plane (30- and 150-degree angles), the left isoplane (90- and 150-degree angles), or the right isoplane (30- and 90-degree angles).

Isometric snap can be rotated but cannot have different X and Y spacing.


Spacing

Changes the overall spacing.


Aspect

Changes the horizontal and vertical spacing separately.


SOLID

Quick Help     See Also

Creates solid-filled polygons

Solids are filled only when FILLMODE is on and VIEWMODE is set to Plan.

	From the Draw menu, choose Solid
	At the Command prompt, enter solid or so
First point: Specify a point (1)

Second point: Specify a point (2)

The first two points define one edge of the polygon.

Third point: Specify a point (3) diagonally opposite the second

Fourth point: Specify a point (4) or press

If you press [image] at the Fourth point prompt, AutoCAD LT creates a filled triangle. Specifying a point creates a quadrilateral area.

The last two points form the first edge of the next filled area, thereby creating multiple connected triangles and four-sided polygons in a single solid-filled object.

AutoCAD LT repeats the Third point and Fourth point prompts. Specifying successive third and fourth points creates further connected triangles and four-sided polygons in a single solid-filled object. Pressing [image] ends the SOLID command.


For more information on solids, see "Creating Solid Filled Areas" in chapter 6, "Drawing Geometry," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: FILL controls Fill mode.

System variables: FILLMODE stores the current setting for Fill mode.


STRETCH

Quick Help     See Also

Moves or stretches objects

	From the toolbox, choose  From the Modify menu, choose Stretch
	At the Command prompt, enter stretch or s
Select objects: Use the CPolygon or Crossing object selection method

AutoCAD LT stretches arcs, elliptical arcs, lines, and polyline segments that cross the selection window. STRETCH moves the endpoints that lie inside the window, leaving those outside the window unchanged.

STRETCH also moves vertices of solids that lie inside the window and leaves those outside unchanged.

Polylines are handled segment-by-segment, as if they were primitive lines or arcs. STRETCH does not modify polyline width, tangent, or curve-fitting information.

Any objects entirely within the window or polygon are moved, as if you were using the MOVE command.

Base point or displacement: Specify a point (1) or press

Second point of displacement: Specify a point (2) or press

If you enter a second point, the objects are stretched the vector distance from the base point to the second point. If you press [image] at the Second point of displacement prompt, STRETCH treats the first point as the X,Y displacement value.


For more information, see "Stretching Objects" in chapter 10, "Modifying AutoCAD LT Objects," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: EXTEND extends a line, arc, or polyline to meet another object. MOVE displaces an object a specified distance in a specified direction. TRIM trims a selected object precisely at a defined cutting edge.


'TIME

Quick Help     See Also

Displays the date and time statistics of a drawing

	From the Assist menu, choose Time
	At the Command prompt, enter time or ti
TIME displays information as in the following example:

Current time:	16 Mar	1994 at 09:10:44.005

Times for this drawing:

Created:	23 Jul	1993 at 07:21:30.648

Last updated:	12 Mar	1994 at 15:33:59.771

Total editing time:	0 days	01:44:10.520

Elapsed timer (on):	0 days	00:07:05.312

Next automatic save in:	0 days	01:59:15.570

Display / On / OFF / Reset: Enter an option or press [image] to exit.


For more information on time, see "Tracking Drawing Time" in chapter 7, "Drawing with Precision," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: PREFERENCES sets the time interval for automatic saves.

System Variables: CDATE stores the current date. SAVETIME sets the time interval for automatic saves. TDCREATE sets the time and date the drawing was created. TDINDWG calculates the total editing time. TDUPDATE sets the time and date of the last update/save. TDUSRTIMER calculates the user elapsed timer.


Current time

Displays current date and time. AutoCAD LT displays all times to the nearest millisecond using a 24-hour clock.


Created

Displays the date and time the drawing was created.


Last updated

Displays the date and time the current drawing was last updated. This date and time is initially the drawing creation time. AutoCAD LT revises it with each use of END or SAVE and applies the default file name.


Total editing time

Displays time spent editing the current drawing. This timer is updated by AutoCAD LT and cannot be reset or stopped.

Plotting time is not included in the total editing time. If you quit the editing session without saving the drawing, the time you spent in the editing session is not added to the accumulated editing time.


Elapsed timer

Runs as another timer while AutoCAD LT is running. You can turn it on and off or reset it whenever you like.


Next automatic time save in
Next automatic save in

Indicates the time remaining until the next automatic save. You can set this time interval using the PREFERENCES command or the SAVETIME system variable.


Display

Repeats the display with updated times.


On

Starts the user elapsed timer if it was off.


OFF

Stops the user elapsed timer.


Reset

Resets the user elapsed timer to 0 days 00:00:00.000.


Import WMF (WMFIN)

Quick Help     See Also

Imports a Windows Metafile

Unlike bitmaps or raster files, Metafiles contain vector information, which can be scaled and printed without loss of resolution.

	From the File menu, choose Import/Export, then WMF In
	At the Command prompt, enter wmfin or wi
In the Import WMF dialog box, enter a file name. AutoCAD LT adds the .wmf extension.

Insertion point: Specify a point

X scale factor <1 > / Corner / XYZ: Specify a scale or enter c


WMFIN: X scale factor

Places a copy of the Metafile with its base point at the specified insertion point.

Y scale factor (default = X): Enter a scale factor or press

Rotation angle <0>: Specify an angle

AutoCAD LT multiplies all X and Y dimensions of the Metafile by the X and Y scale factors supplied. It then rotates the Metafile by the rotation angle, using the insertion point as the center of rotation.


WMFIN: Corner

Defines the X and Y scales at the same time, using the insertion point and another point as the corners of a box. The X and Y dimensions of the box become the X and Y scale factors. The insertion point is the first corner.

Other corner: Specify a point

Rotation angle <0>: Specify an angle or press


WMFIN: XYZ

Allows scaling of the Metafile in all three dimensions.

X scale factor <1> / Corner: Specify a scale factor, enter c, or press


X Scale Factor

Defines X, Y, and Z scale factors for the Metafile.

Y scale factor <default=X>: Specify a scale factor or press

Z scale factor <default=X>: Specify a scale factor or press

Rotation angle <0>: Specify an angle or press


Corner

Defines the X and Y scales at the same time, using the insertion point and another point as the corners of a box, and then defines the Z scale.

Other corner: Specify a point

Z scale factor (default = X): Specify a scale factor or press

Rotation angle <0>: Specify an angle or press


Commands: WMFOPTS sets options for the WMFIN command. WMFOUT saves selected objects to a Windows Metafile format file.


WMF Import Options (WMFOPTS)

Quick Help     See Also

Sets options for WMFIN

WMFOPTS controls the way objects such as rectangles, polygons, and circles are imported.

	From the File menu, choose Import/Export, then WMF In Options
	At the Command prompt, enter wmfopts
Dialog box options

Wire Frame (No Fills) check box

Wide Lines check box


Wire Frame (No Fills)

Imports objects as wire frames. When you clear the check box, AutoCAD LT imports objects as filled objects.


Wide Lines

Maintains the relative line width of lines and borders. When you clear the check box, AutoCAD LT imports lines with zero widths.


Commands: COPYCLIP copies vector objects to the Clipboard. WMFIN  imports a file in WMF format. WMFOUT saves selected objects to a WMF file.


Export WMF (WMFOUT)

Quick Help     See Also

Saves objects to a Windows Metafile

	From the file menu, choose Import/Export, then WMF Out
	At the Command prompt, enter wmfout or wo
In the Export WMF dialog box, enter a file name. AutoCAD LT adds a .wmf extension.

Select Objects: Use an object selection method

The selected objects are saved to a Windows Metafile.


Commands: WMFIN imports a file in WMF format. WMFOPTS sets options for the WMFIN command.


Select Color

Quick Help

Sets the color for new objects.

Standard Colors

Specifies a standard color for new objects. If you select color numbers 1-9 under Standard Colors, the name or number of the color appears in the Color text box.

Gray Shades

Specifies a shade of gray for new objects. The Gray Shades area supplies color numbers 250-255.

Logical Colors

Specifies how color assignments are made.

BYLAYER

BYBLOCK

Full Color Palette

Specifies a color for new objects. The number of colors that AutoCAD displays under Full Color Palette depends on the number of colors available to your display device. The Full Color Palette contains color numbers 10-249.

Color

Specifies a standard color name, the BYLAYER and BYBLOCK logical colors, or an AutoCAD Color Index (ACI) number between 1 and 255. The color swatch shows the object's current color.


DDCOLOR: BYLAYER
BYLAYER

Specifies that a new object assumes the color assigned to the layer on which you draw it.


DDCOLOR: BYBLOCK
BYBLOCK

Specifies that a new object will be drawn in the default color (white or black, depending on your configuration) until it is grouped into a block. When that block is inserted into a drawing, the object assumes the block's color setting.


CHAMFER

Quick Help     See Also

Bevels the edges of objects

CHAMFER bevels the edges of two selected intersecting lines at specified distances from their intersection. If the selected lines do not intersect, AutoCAD LT extends or trims them so that they do.

If both objects to be chamfered are on the same layer, AutoCAD LT creates the chamfer on that layer. Otherwise, AutoCAD LT creates the chamfer line on the current layer. The same is true for chamfer color and linetype.

	From the Construct menu choose Chamfer
	At the Command prompt, enter chamfer or cf
Polyline / Distances / <Select first line>: Use an object selection method or enter an option


For more information, see "Chamfering Objects," in chapter 10, "Modifying AutoCAD LT Objects," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: FILLET rounds and fillets the edges of objects.

System Variables: CHAMFERA sets the first chamfer distance. CHAMFERB sets the second chamfer distance.


CHAMFER: Select first line

Specifies the first of two edges required to define a 2D chamfer.

Select second line: Use an object selection method

If the two lines you select are polyline segments, they must be adjacent or separated by an arc segment.

If they're separated by one line or arc segment, AutoCAD LT deletes the segment and replaces it with a chamfer line.


CHAMFER: Polyline

Chamfers an entire 2D polyline.

Select 2D polyline: Use an object selection method

AutoCAD LT chamfers the intersecting line segments at each vertex of the polyline. Chamfers become new segments of the polyline.

After you specify the chamfer distance, use CHAMFER again to select the lines to chamfer.


CHAMFER: Distances

Sets the chamfer distances from the selected edge.

Enter first chamfer distance <current>: Specify a distance or press

Enter second chamfer distance <current>: Specify a distance or press

If you set both distances to zero, AutoCAD LT extends or trims the two lines so they end at the same point.

After you specify the chamfer distance, use CHAMFER again to select the lines to chamfer.


Change Properties (DDCHPROP)

Quick Help     See Also

Changes the color, layer, linetype, and thickness of an object

	From the toolbox, choose
	At the Command prompt, enter ddchprop or dc
Select objects: Use an object selection method

Dialog box options

Color button

Layer button

Linetype button

Thickness text box


For more information, see chapter 10, "Modifying AutoCAD LT Objects," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: CHANGE and CHPROP change the properties of an object on the command line. LAYER creates and names drawing layers and assigns properties to them. LINETYPE loads linetypes on the command line.


DDCHPROP: Color
Color

Displays the Select Color dialog box.


DDCHPROP: Layer
Layer

Displays the Select Layer dialog box.


Select Layer (DDCHPROP)

Quick Help

Dialog box options

Current Layer

Layer Name list

Set Layer Name text box


Select Layer: Current Layer
Current Layer

Displays the name of the object's layer.


Select Layer: Layer Name
Layer Name

Displays the name, state, color, and linetype of the named layers in the drawing. Select the new layer for the selected objects.


Select Layer: Set Layer Name
Set Layer Name

Changes the object's current layer to the name shown. Enter a layer name.


DDCHPROP: Linetype
Linetype

Displays the Select Linetype dialog box, which lists and shows samples of currently loaded linetypes. Select a linetype from the list or enter a linetype name in the Linetype text box.


DDCHPROP: Thickness
Thickness

Specifies the distance to extrude an object above or below its elevation.


Object Creation Modes ('DDEMODES)

Quick Help     See Also

Sets properties for new objects

When you use DDEMODES transparently, the new settings might not affect the current command.

	From the Settings menu, choose Entity Modes
	At the Command prompt, enter ddemodes or em
Dialog box options

Color button

Layer button

Linetype button

Text Style button

Elevation text box

Thickness text box


For more information, see chapter 10, "Modifying AutoCAD LT Objects" in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: CHPROP and DDCHPROP change an existing object's color, layer, linetype, and thickness. COLOR sets the color of new objects. DDLMODES and LAYER control layer settings. ELEV sets elevation and extrusion thickness of new objects. LINETYPE loads, sets, and creates linetypes.

System Variables: CECOLOR sets the color of new objects. CLAYER sets the current layer. ELEVATION stores the current 3D elevation. TEXTSTYLE sets the current text style. THICKNESS sets the current 3D thickness.


DDEMODES: Color
Color

Displays the Select Color dialog box.


DDEMODES: Layer
Layer

Displays the Layer Control dialog box.


DDEMODES: Linetype
Linetype

Displays the Select Linetype dialog box.


DDEMODES: Text Style
Text Style

Displays the Select Text Style dialog box.


DDEMODES: Elevation
Elevation

Specifies the Z value of the XY plane on which new objects are drawn.


DDEMODES: Thickness
Thickness

Specifies the distance to extrude a new object above or below its elevation.


Select Text Style (DDEMODES)

Quick Help

Select a style from the list, or enter a style in the Style Name box.

Dialog box options

Show All button

Sample Text text box

Style Name text box

Font

Height

Width

Oblique

Generation


Select Text Style: Show All
Show All

Displays a dialog box that shows the entire character set for the selected text style.


Select Text Style: Sample Text
Sample Text

Specifies which characters appear in the sample text image tile. To view extended characters, enter %% followed by the ASCII value of the character.


Select Text Style: Style Name
Style Name

Displays the name selected in the list. You may enter the name of an existing text style instead of selecting it from the list.


Select Text Style: Font
Font

Displays the font name associated with the selected style.


Select Text Style: Height
Height

Displays the text height setting associated with the selected style.


Select Text Style: Width
Width

Displays the text width setting associated with the selected style.


Select Text Style: Oblique
Oblique

Displays the oblique angle setting associated with the selected style.


Select Text Style: Generation
Generation

Displays the text orientation setting associated with the selected style.


Insert (DDINSERT)

Quick Help     See Also

Inserts a block or another drawing

	From the Draw menu, choose Insert Block
	At the Command prompt, enter ddinsert or i
The last block you insert during the current editing session becomes the default block for subsequent DDINSERT commands.

The UCS of the block is the UCS in effect when you insert the block.

Dialog box options

Block area

Options area

Explode check box


For more information, see "Inserting Blocks" in chapter 14, "Using Symbols, Blocks, and External References," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: INSERT places a named block or drawing into the current drawing. EXPLODE breaks a compound object into its component objects.

System Variables: INSNAME stores the name of the most recently inserted block.


DDINSERT: Block

Specifies the name of a block to be inserted or the name of a file to be inserted as a block.

Block button and text box

File button and text box


Block

Specifies the name of a block to be inserted. Enter the name of the block in the Block text box, or choose Block to select a block from the Defined Blocks dialog box.


File

Specifies the name of a drawing file to be inserted as a block. Enter the name of the file or choose File to select a file from the Select Drawing File dialog box.

You can create a block from the drawing file under a separate name. For example, if you select a file named lead.dwg, AutoCAD LT displays lead in both File and Block boxes. If you change the Block entry to gold, lead.dwg is inserted as the block definition GOLD.


DDINSERT: Options

Controls screen parameters, insertion point, scale, and rotation.

Specify Parameters on Screen check box

Insertion Point

Scale

Rotation


Specify Parameters on Screen

Defines the insertion point, scale, and rotation angle of the block on screen.


Insertion Point

Specifies the insertion point of the block in X,Y,Z coordinates. The Z box displays the current elevation.


Scale

Specifies the X, Y, and Z scale of the inserted block.

If you specify negative values for the X, Y and Z scale factors, AutoCAD LT inserts a mirror image of the block.


Rotation

Specifies a rotation angle for the block in the current UCS.


DDINSERT: Explode

Separates the block into individual objects during insertion. When you select Explode, you specify only an X scale factor.

Component objects of a block drawn on layer 0 remain on that layer. Objects that are assigned color BYBLOCK are white. Objects assigned linetype BYBLOCK have continuous lines.


Drawing Aids ('DDRMODES)

Quick Help     See Also

Sets drawing aids

DDRMODES controls the functions of ORTHO, FILL, QTEXT, BLIPMODE, HIGHLIGHT, SNAP, GRID, and ISOPLANE.

	From the toolbox, choose  From the Settings menu, choose Drawing Aids
	At the Command prompt, enter ddrmodes or da
Dialog box options

Modes area

Snap area

Grid area

Isometric Snap/Grid area


For more information, see "Changing the Snap Angle and Base Point" in chapter 7, "Drawing with Precision," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: BLIPMODE controls the display of marker blips. FILL controls the filling of solids and wide polylines. GRID displays a dot grid at the specified spacing(s). ISOPLANE selects the current isometric plane. ORTHO constrains cursor movement to the horizontal and vertical directions. QTEXT displays text and attributes as simple rectangles. SNAP restricts cursor movement to specific intervals.

System Variables: HIGHLIGHT controls the highlighting of selected objects.


DDRMODES: Modes

Controls various modes.

Ortho

Solid Fill

Quick Text

Blips

Highlight


Ortho

Turns Orthogonal mode on and off. Ortho mode constrains cursor movement to horizontal and vertical. For more information, see ORTHO.


Solid Fill

Turns Fill mode on and off. Fill mode controls the solid filling of wide polylines, donuts, and solids. For more information, see FILL.


Quick Text

Turns Quick Text mode on and off. Quick Text mode displays text and attributes as simple rectangles. For more information, see QTEXT.


Blips

Turns Blip mode on and off. Blip mode controls the display of marker blips on the screen. For more information, see BLIPMODE.


Highlight

Turns highlighting of selected objects on and off. For more information, see the HIGHLIGHT system variable.


DDRMODES: Snap

Restricts cursor movement to specific intervals.

On

X Spacing

Y Spacing

Snap Angle

X Base

Y Base


On

Turns Snap mode on or off.


X Spacing

Specifies the snap distance in the X direction.


Y Spacing

Specifies the snap distance in the Y direction.


Snap Angle

Rotates the imaginary snap grid by the angle you specify.


X Base

Specifies an X base point for the imaginary grid.


Y Base

Specifies a Y base point for the imaginary grid.


DDRMODES: Grid

Controls the display of a grid of dots that assists in object placement.

On

X Spacing

Y Spacing


On

Turns the grid on or off.


X Spacing

Specifies dot spacing in the X direction.


Y Spacing

Specifies dot spacing in the Y direction.


DDRMODES: Isometric Snap/Grid

Controls the use of Isometric Snap/Grid mode and sets the current drawing plane.

On

Left

Top

Right


On

Turns Isometric Snap/Grid mode on or off.


Left

Sets a plane defined by the 150- and 90-degree axis pair.


Top

Sets a plane defined by the 30- and 150-degree axis pair.


Right

Sets a plane defined by the 30- and 90-degree axis pair.


DIVIDE

Quick Help     See Also

Places evenly spaced point objects or blocks along the length or perimeter of an object

	From the Construct menu, choose Divide
	At the Command prompt, enter divide
Select object to divide: Use an object selection method

<Number of segments> / Block: Enter a value (2-32767), or enter b


For more information, see "Dividing Objects into Segments" in chapter 7, "Drawing with Precision," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: MEASURE places point objects or blocks at measured intervals on an object. POINT creates a point object.

System Variables: PDMODE and PDSIZE control the appearance of point objects.


DIVIDE: Number of segments

Places point objects along an object to divide it into the number of segments you specify.

For a closed polyline, the first dividing point is at its initial vertex, and there are the same number of segments and dividing points.

For an open polyline, the first dividing point is after the first segment along the polyline, and there is one more segment than there are dividing points.

For a circle, the first dividing point is normally on its circumference to the right of its center.

AutoCAD LT places markers in the UCS of the object being divided. For 3D polylines, it places markers in the current UCS.

The illustration shows a polyline divided into five parts. Point Display mode (PDMODE) has been set such that the points can be seen.


DIVIDE: Block

Places blocks along the selected object to divide it into the number of segments you specify.

Block name to insert: Enter the name of a block

The block you specify must be defined within the current drawing.

Align block with object? <Y>: Enter n or press

Enter y to place the X axes of the inserted blocks tangent to, or colinear with, the divided object at the dividing points.

Enter n to align the blocks according to their normal orientation.

Number of segments. Enter a value (2-32767)

The illustration shows an arc divided into five equal parts using a block that is an ellipse.


EXTEND

Quick Help     See Also

Extends an object to meet another object

Objects that can be extended include arcs, lines, and open 2D and 3D polylines.

	From the toolbox, choose  From the Modify menu, choose Extend
	At the Command prompt, enter extend or ex
Select boundary edges: Select objects: Use an object selection method

Select the objects that define the boundary edges to which you want to extend the object. Valid boundary objects include 2D and 3D polylines, arcs, circles, floating viewports, lines, and text.

If you select a 2D wide polyline as a boundary object, AutoCAD LT ignores its width and extends objects to its center line.

Extending a spline-fit polyline adds a new vertex to the control frame for the polyline. If you extend a tapered polyline segment, AutoCAD LT corrects the width of the extended end to continue its original taper to the new endpoint. If this causes the segment to have a negative ending width, the ending width becomes zero.

<Select object to extend> / Undo: Select an object or enter u


For more information, see "Extending Objects" in chapter 10, "Modifying AutoCAD LT Objects," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: TRIM trims objects at a specified cutting edge.


EXTEND: Select object to extend

Specifies the object to extend. AutoCAD LT repeats the main prompt so you can extend multiple objects. Press [image] to end the command.


EXTEND: Undo

Specifies that the object is to extend only to a boundary object that intersects it in 3D space.


FILLET

Quick Help     See Also

Rounds and fillets the edges of objects

The FILLET command rounds or fillets the edges of two arcs, circles, elliptical arcs, lines, polylines, rays, splines, or xlines with an arc of a specified radius. If the selected lines do not intersect, AutoCAD LT extends or trims them so that they do.

If both objects to be filleted are on the same layer, AutoCAD LT creates the fillet on that layer. Otherwise, AutoCAD LT creates the fillet line on the current layer. The same is true for the fillet color and linetype.

When limits checking is on, you cannot fillet line segments that intersect outside the drawing limits. You can fillet only convergent line segments of a polyline. You can fillet two lines with different extrusion directions only if the Z values of the endpoints of both lines are equal in the current UCS.

	From the Construct menu, choose Fillet
	At the Command prompt, enter fillet or f
Polyline / Radius / <Select first object>: Use an object selection method or enter an option


FILLET: Select first object

Specifies the first of two objects required to define a 2D fillet.

Select second object: Use an object selection method

If you select lines or arcs that do not intersect, AutoCAD LT extends these lines or arcs until they do intersect.

If you select lines or arcs that extend beyond their intersection, AutoCAD LT trims them at the intersection, keeping the selected segments if they cross.


FILLET: Polyline

Fillets an entire 2D polyline.

AutoCAD LT inserts fillet arcs at each vertex of a 2D polyline where two line segments meet.

Select 2D polyline: Use an object selection method

If one arc segment separates two line segments that converge as they approach the arc segment (as in the illustration below), the arc segment is removed and replaced by a fillet arc.


FILLET: Radius

Defines the radius of the fillet arc.

Enter fillet radius <current>: Specify a distance or press

The value you enter becomes the current radius for subsequent FILLET commands. Changing this value does not affect existing fillet arcs.


For more information, see "Filleting Objects" in chapter 10, "Modifying AutoCAD LT Objects," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: CHAMFER bevels the edges of objects.

System Variables: FILLETRAD stores the current fillet radius.


OFFSET

Quick Help     See Also

Creates concentric circles, parallel lines, and parallel curves

OFFSET creates a new object either at a specified distance from an existing object or through a specified point.

	From the Construct menu, choose Offset
	At the Command prompt, enter offset or of
Offset distance or Through <current>: Specify a distance, enter t, or press


For more information, see "Offsetting Objects" in chapter 9, "Copying, Moving, and Erasing Objects," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: COPY duplicates objects.

System Variables: OFFSETDIST stores the current offset value.


OFFSET: Offset distance

Creates an object at a specified distance from an existing object.

Select object to offset: Select one object

Side to offset?: Specify a point (1) on the side of the object that you want to offset

AutoCAD LT continues to repeat the two prompts so that you can create multiple offset objects. To end the command, press [image] at the Select object to offset prompt.


OFFSET: Through

Creates an object passing through a specified point.

Select object to offset: Select one object

Through point: Specify a point (1) through which you want the offset object to pass

AutoCAD LT continues to repeat the two prompts so that you can create multiple offset objects. To end the command, press [image] at the Select object to offset prompt.


TRIM

Quick Help     How do I...     See Also

Trims objects at a cutting edge defined by other objects

Objects that can be trimmed include arcs, circles, lines, and open 2D and 3D polylines.

	From the toolbox, choose  From the Modify menu, choose Trim
	At the Command prompt, enter trim or tr
Select cutting edges: Select the objects to use as the cutting edge

Select objects: Use an object selection method

Select the object(s) that define the cutting edge(s) at which you want to trim an object. Valid cutting edge objects include 2D polylines or text. TRIM projects the cutting edges and the objects to be trimmed onto the XY plane of the current UCS.

<Select object to trim> / Undo: Select an object or enter u


For more information, see "Trimming Objects" in chapter 10, "Modifying AutoCAD LT Objects," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: BREAK erases parts of an object or splits an object in two. EXTEND extends an object to meet another object.


TRIM: Select object to trim

Specifies the object to trim. AutoCAD LT repeats the main prompt so you can trim multiple objects. Press [image] to end the command.

If the point by which an object is selected is between the end of the object and a cutting edge, TRIM removes the portion of the object extending beyond the cutting edge. If the selection point is between two cutting edges, the portion between is deleted and the portions outside are preserved, turning one object into two.

AutoCAD LT trims wide 2D polylines at their center lines. If the polyline is tapered, the width at the cutting edge is the same after trimming. The ends of a wide polyline are always square. Cutting a wide polyline at an angle causes portions of the end to extend beyond the cutting edge. Trimming a spline-fit polyline turns the curve-fit information into ordinary polyline segments.


TRIM: Undo

Reverses the most recent change made by TRIM.


Create Drawing File (WBLOCK)

Quick Help     See Also

Writes objects to a new drawing file

	At the Command prompt, enter wblock or w
In the Create Drawing File dialog box, enter the name of the output file in the File Name box.

Block name: Enter the name of an existing block, enter =, enter *, or press

Enter the name of an existing block to write that block to a file. You cannot enter the name of an external reference (xref) or one of its dependent blocks.

Enter an equal sign (=) to specify that the existing block has the same name as the output file. If no block of that name exists in the drawing, AutoCAD LT redisplays the Block name prompt.

Enter an asterisk (*) to write the entire drawing to the new output file, except for unreferenced symbols. AutoCAD LT writes model space objects to model space and paper space objects to paper space.

Press [image] at the Block name prompt to select objects to write to a file that are not already grouped into a block.

Select objects: Use an object selection method

Insertion base point: Specify a point (1)

After AutoCAD LT creates the file, the selected objects are deleted from the drawing. You can use the OOPS command to restore the objects.

In the new drawing, the World Coordinate System (WCS) is set parallel to the UCS in effect at that time.


For more information on blocks, see "Defining Blocks" in chapter 14, "Using Symbols, Blocks, and External References," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: DDINSERT and INSERT place a previously defined block or drawing in the current drawing. END saves the current drawing and exits AutoCAD LT. OOPS restores erased objects. QSAVE saves the current drawing. SAVE saves the current drawing with the current file name or a specified name. SAVEAS saves an unnamed drawing with a file name and renames the current drawing. XREF controls external references to drawing files.


DSVIEWER

Quick Help

Displays the Aerial View window

	From the toolbar, choose  From the Settings menu, choose Aerial View
	At the Command prompt, enter dsviewer or ds
The Aerial View window works in all model space views and can remain open throughout an AutoCAD LT session. The AutoCAD LT graphics screen reflects changes made in the Aerial View window.

Click the Aerial View window for information.

To use the dynamic zoom and dynamic pan features, move the cursor to the Aerial View window and use the buttons on your pointing device.


Dynamic zoom

For dynamic zoom, click the right button. Move your pointing device to resize the crosshairs box and select the zoom area. Move left to zoom in. Move right to zoom out. Click the left button to complete the zoom.


Dynamic pan

For dynamic pan, click the left button when the cursor is outside the reverse background area and in the part of the Aerial View window to which you want to pan.

You can also pan by clicking the left button when the cursor is in the reverse background area. A crosshairs box appears. Move the box around until it is over the area to which you want to pan. Click the left button to complete the panning.


Reverse background area

The reverse background area displays the graphics screen.


Set to Current VP

Displays the current viewport.

Exit

Exits Aerial View.


Big Icons

Toggles the icon display size between large and small.

Toolbar

Toggles the toolbar display on or off.

Auto-Update

Updates the Aerial View window as changes are made in the graphics screen. This option is a toggle. When it is off, the Aerial View window is not updated until you next use an Aerial View menu or toolbar option.


Zooms to the drawing extents.


Zooms to the largest amount of space that AutoCAD LT can provide for the current drawing.


Sets the Aerial View window to match the zoom area in the graphics screen.


Toggles Real Time pan and zoom on and off. See dynamic zoom and dynamic pan.


Zooms in to the Aerial View window incrementally.


Zooms out of the Aerial View window incrementally.


Positions and magnifies the view in the Aerial View window.


Pans the graphics screen and displays the results in the Aerial View window.


DVIEW

Quick Help     See Also

Defines parallel projection or perspective views

DVIEW uses a camera and target metaphor to help you view the model from any point in space. The line of sight, or viewing direction, is the line between the camera and the target.

DVIEW uses objects you select or a special block named DVIEWBLOCK to display a preview image. The preview image shows the changes you make in the view. When you end the command, AutoCAD LT regenerates the whole drawing based on the view you set.

Transparent ZOOM and PAN are not available during DVIEW. When you define a perspective view, ZOOM, PAN, and transparent ZOOM and PAN are not available while that view is current.

	From the View menu, choose 3D Dynamic View
	At the Command prompt, enter dview or dv
Select objects: Select objects or press

Pressing [image] displays DVIEWBLOCK.

CAmera / TArget / Distance / POints / PAn / Zoom / TWist / CLip / Hide / Off / Undo / <eXit>: Specify a point with your pointing device, enter an option, or press


For more information, see "Viewing in 3D" in chapter 11, "Working in Three Dimensions," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: BLOCK creates a block definition from a group of objects. You can use it to create an alternate DVIEWBLOCK. HIDE regenerates a 3D model with hidden lines removed. PAN moves the drawing display in the current viewport. ZOOM increases or decreases the apparent size of objects in the current viewport.


DVIEW: Select Objects

Uses objects you select to display the preview image. The objects will be dragged into position in the preview image as you change views. The more objects you select, the more time it takes the preview image to update.


DVIEW: Return
DVIEW:

Uses DVIEWBLOCK for the preview image. You can create your own DVIEWBLOCK block in a 1x1x1-unit area, with its origin at the lower-left corner. The following illustration shows an example of using the default DVIEWBLOCK to set the view, where moving the graphics cursor adjusts the view.


DVIEW: eXit

Ends DVIEW.


DVIEW: Point Specification -- Rolling the View Under the Camera
DVIEW: Point Specification

Rolls the view under the camera. The point you select with your pointing device is a starting point for the dragging operation. Your viewing direction changes about the target point as you move the cursor.

Enter direction and magnitude angles: Enter angles between 0 degrees and 360 degrees or specify a point with your pointing device

Enter both angles, separated by a comma. The angles must be positive. The direction angle indicates the front of the view, and the magnitude angle determines how far the view rolls.


DVIEW: CAmera

Specifies a new camera position by rotating the camera about the target point. Two angles determine the amount of rotation.

Toggle angle in / Enter angle from XY plane <current>: Enter t, enter an angle, or press

After you've toggled the angle input mode or specified the angle from the XY plane, AutoCAD LT prompts:

Toggle angle from / Enter angle in XY plane from X axis <current>: Enter t, enter an angle, or press

The illustration shows how the camera rotates to the left from its initial position, leaving its angle from the XY plane unchanged.


Toggle angle in

Switches between two angle input modes. Entering an angle on the command line locks the cursor movement so you see only the positions available for that angle. The toggle option unlocks the cursor movement for the angle, and you can use the cursor to rotate the camera.


Enter angle from the XY plane

Sets the camera's position at an angle above or below the XY plane. An angle of 90 degrees looks down from above, and an angle of -90 looks up from below. A camera angle of 0 degrees means that the camera is parallel to the XY plane of the UCS.


Toggle angle from

Switches between two angle input modes. Entering an angle on the command line locks the cursor movement so you see only the positions available for that angle. The toggle option unlocks the cursor movement for the angle and you can use the cursor to rotate the camera.


Enter angle in XY plane from X axis

Sets the camera's position at an angle in the XY plane relative to the X axis of the current UCS. This angle measures from -180 to 180 degrees. A rotation angle of zero degrees means you look down the X axis of the UCS toward the origin.


DVIEW: TArget

Specifies a new position for the target by rotating it around the camera. The effect is like turning your head to see different views of the drawing from one vantage point. Two angles determine the amount of rotation.

Toggle angle in / Enter angle from XY plane <current>: Enter t, enter an angle, or press

After you've toggled the angle input mode or specified the angle from the XY plane, AutoCAD LT prompts:

Toggle angle from / Enter angle in XY plane from X axis <current>: Enter t, enter an angle, or press

The following illustration shows the effect of rotating the target point from left to right, leaving its angle from the XY plane unchanged.


Enter angle from XY plane

Sets the target's position at an angle above or below the XY plane. An angle of 90 degrees looks down from above, and an angle of -90 looks up from below. A target angle of 0 degrees means that the target is parallel to the XY plane of the UCS.


Enter angle in XY plane from X axis

Sets the target's position at an angle of rotation in the XY plane relative to the X axis of the current UCS. This angle measures from -180 to 180 degrees. A rotation angle of zero degrees means you look down the X axis of the UCS toward the origin.


DVIEW: Distance

Moves the camera in or out along the line of sight relative to the target.

This option turns on perspective viewing, which causes objects farther from the camera to appear smaller than objects closer to the camera. A special perspective icon replaces the coordinate system icon.

To turn off perspective viewing, use the Off option. AutoCAD LT then prompts for the new camera-to-target distance.

New camera / target distance <current>: Enter a distance or press

A slider bar along the top of the graphics window is labeled from 0x to 16x, with 1x representing the current distance. Moving the slider bar cursor to the right increases the distance between camera and target. Moving the cursor to the left decreases that distance.

If the target and camera points are close together, or if you specify a long focal-length lens, you might see very little of your drawing when you specify a new distance. If you see little or none of your drawing, try the maximum scale value (16x) or type in a large distance.

To magnify the drawing without turning perspective on, use the DVIEW Zoom option. To turn perspective off, use Off.

The figure shows the effect of moving the camera along the line of sight relative to the target, where the field of view remains constant.


DVIEW: POints

Specifies the camera and target points using X,Y, and Z coordinates. You can use X/Y/Z point filters. You must specify these points in a parallel projection. If perspective is on, AutoCAD LT turns it off while you specify new camera and target locations and then redisplays the preview image in perspective.

Enter target point <current>: Specify a point or press

AutoCAD LT draws a rubber-band line from the current camera position to the crosshairs to help you define a new line of sight. Then AutoCAD LT prompts you for a new camera location.

Enter camera point <current>: Specify a point, enter direction and magnitude angles, or press

A rubber-band line connects the target point to the crosshairs to help you place the camera relative to the target. The illustration shows the change in view as the camera and target points are swapped. Lens and distance settings are the same in each case. For information on entering direction and magnitude angles, see Point Specification.


DVIEW: PAn

Shifts the image without changing the level of magnification.

Displacement base point: Specify a point

Second point: Specify a point


DVIEW: Zoom

If Perspective is off, Zoom performs the equivalent of ZOOM Center, with the center point lying at the center of the current viewport.

Adjust zoom scale factor <current>: Specify a scale or press

A slider bar along the top of the graphics window is labeled from 0x to 16x, with 1x representing the current scale. Moving the slider bar cursor to the right increases the scale. Moving it to the left decreases the scale.

If Perspective is on, Zoom adjusts the camera lens length, which changes the field of view and causes more or less of the drawing to be visible at a given camera and target distance. The default lens length is 50mm, simulating what you'd see with a 35mm camera and a 50mm lens. Increasing the lens length is similar to switching to a telephoto lens. Decreasing the lens length widens the field of view, as if you switched to a wide-angle lens.

Adjust lenslength <current>: Specify a value or press

A slider bar along the top of the graphics window is labeled from 0x to 16x, with 1x representing the current lens length. Moving the slider bar cursor to the right increases the lens length. Moving it to the left decreases the lens length.

DVIEW Zoom


DVIEW: TWist

Twists or tilts the view around the line of sight. AutoCAD LT measures the twist angle counterclockwise, with 0 degrees to the right.

New view twist <current>: Specify a value or press


DVIEW: CLip

Clips the view, obscuring portions of the drawing. The front and back clipping planes are invisible walls that you can position perpendicular to the line of sight between camera and target.

Back / Front / <Off>: Enter an option or press

Off

Disables front and back clipping. If Perspective is on, front clipping remains on at the camera position.

Back

Obscures objects located behind the back clipping plane.

ON / OFF / <Distance from target> <current>: Specify a distance, enter an option, or press

Front

Obscures objects located between the camera and the front clipping plane. If Perspective is on, front clipping remains on at the camera position.

Eye / ON / OFF / <Distance from target> <current>: Specify a distance, enter an option, or press


Distance from target

Positions the back clipping plane and turns on back clipping.

Enter a positive distance to place the clipping plane between the target and the camera. Enter a negative distance to place it beyond the target. You can use the slider bar to drag the clipping plane.


ON

Turns on back clipping at the current clipping distance.


OFF

Turns off back clipping.


Distance from target

Positions the front clipping plane and turns on front clipping.

Enter a positive distance to place the clipping plane between the target and the camera. Enter a negative distance to place it beyond the target. You can use the slider bar to drag the clipping plane.


Eye

Positions the front clipping plane at the camera. This option is available only when Perspective is off.


ON

Turns on front clipping. This option is available only when Perspective is off.


OFF

Turns off front clipping. This option is available only when Perspective is off.


DVIEW: Hide

Suppresses hidden lines on the objects you selected. Using this option is quicker than using HIDE, but the results cannot be plotted.


DVIEW: Off

Turns off perspective viewing. The Distance option turns on perspective viewing.


DVIEW: Undo

Reverses the effects of the last DVIEW operation. You can use Undo to step back through multiple DVIEW operations.


HATCH

Quick Help     See Also

Fills an area with a pattern

An area is defined by a hatch boundary consisting of an object or objects that completely enclose it. If the boundary is made up of multiple objects, their endpoints must coincide for the hatch to be created properly. Unless you specify otherwise, HATCH combines the lines that make up the hatch into a block.

	At the Command prompt, enter hatch or h
Pattern (? or name / U,style) <current>: Enter a predefined pattern name, enter u, enter ?, or press


For more information, see chapter 6, "Drawing Geometry," and chapter 10, "Modifying AutoCAD LT Objects," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: BHATCH fills an enclosed area with an associative hatch pattern. PLINE creates two-dimensional polylines.

System Variables: HPANG sets the hatching angle. HPDOUBLE specifies whether a user-defined hatch is double-hatched. HPNAME sets the hatch pattern name. HPSCALE sets the hatch pattern scale. HPSPACE sets the spacing of a user-defined hatch pattern. SNAPBASE specifies the starting point of the hatch pattern.


HATCH: Pattern Name -- Predefined

Specifies a pattern name as defined in the aclt.pat file. Enter the name followed by an optional hatch style code. Precede the name with an asterisk (*) to fill the area with individual lines instead of a hatch block.

Scale for pattern <current>: Specify a value or press

If the drawing is in model space and you enter a scale factor followed by xp, AutoCAD LT calculates a scale factor relative to paper space.

Angle for pattern <current>: Specify an angle or press

Select hatch boundaries or RETURN for direct hatch option,

Select objects: Select objects or press [image] to define a polyline boundary

Select objects to define the boundary of the hatching area and objects inside the boundary. Selecting part of a block for hatching selects the entire block.


HATCH: U -- User-Defined Pattern Name

Specify a user-defined pattern. Enter u, followed optionally by a hatch style code. As with predefined patterns, you can precede the u with an asterisk (*) to fill the area with individual lines instead of a hatch block.

Angle for crosshatch lines <current>: Specify an angle or press

Spacing between lines <current>: Specify the distance between the lines or press

Double hatch area? <current>: Enter y to specify a second set of lines to be drawn at 90 degrees to the original lines or press

Select hatch boundaries or RETURN for direct hatch option,

Select objects: Select objects or press [image] to define a polyline boundary

Select objects to define the boundary of the hatching area and objects inside the boundary. Selecting part of a block for hatching selects the entire block.


HATCH: ? -- List Pattern Names

Lists and provides a brief description of the hatch patterns defined in the aclt.pat file.

Pattern(s) to list <*>: Enter a name list or press


HATCH: Hatch Style Codes

Hatch styles control how AutoCAD LT hatches objects inside the hatch boundary. Specify a hatch style by following the pattern name with a comma and the hatch style code.

For example, to hatch only the outermost area of a structure with several internal boundaries using the MUDST pattern, enter mudst,o at the Pattern prompt.

To opt for a user-defined pattern and use Ignore style, enter u,i. AutoCAD LT stores the style by adding the comma and code to the pattern name in the HPNAME system variable.

n (Normal)	Specifies standard style, or normal. This option hatches inward from the outermost area boundary. If AutoCAD LT encounters an internal boundary, it turns off hatching until it encounters another boundary. Thus, areas separated from the outside of the hatched area by an odd number of boundaries are hatched, and areas separated by an even number of boundaries are not.
o (Outer)	Fills outermost areas only. This style also hatches inward from the area boundary, but it turns off hatching if it encounters an internal boundary and does not turn it back on again. Because this process starts from both ends of each hatch line, only the outermost area of the structure is hatched, and the internal structure is left blank.
i (Ignore)	Ignores internal structure. This option hatches through all internal objects.
? (List Styles)	To list hatch styles, enter ?.
Note: Hatching concave curves using the Outer and Ignore style options can cause discrepancies.


Open Drawing (OPEN)

Quick Help     See Also

Opens an existing drawing file

	From the toolbar, choose  From the File menu, choose Open
	At the Command prompt, enter open or op
If the current drawing has not been saved, AutoCAD LT displays the Select File dialog box so you can save the current drawing before opening a new drawing.

Dialog box options

File Name list and text box

Directories list box

Drives list box

List Files of Type list box

Read-Only Mode check box

Type it button

Find File button

Select Initial View checkbox


For more information on opening files, see "Opening Existing Drawings" in chapter 2, "Getting Started," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: NEW creates a new drawing file.

System Variables: DWGWRITE determines the initial state of the read-only mode switch.


File Name

Displays a list of files. Select a file name or enter a file name in the text box.


Directories

Displays the names of the directories on the current drive.


Drives

Displays the names of the available drives.


List Files of Type

Displays file types by extension.


Read-Only Mode

Opens a drawing in read-only mode. You can edit the drawing and save your work by using SAVEAS to save it with another drawing name.


Type it

Prompts for a drawing file name to be entered on the command line.


Find File

Searches multiple paths and drives using search criteria. Displays the Find File dialog box.


Select Initial View

Specifies an initial view. AutoCAD LT displays the Select Initial View dialog box.

Select a named view or the last view used in the drawing. The letter to the right of the view name represents the space in which the view was created: M (for model space) or P (for paper space).


PEDIT

Quick Help     See Also

Edits polylines and 3D polygon meshes

AutoCAD LT prompts vary depending on whether you have selected a 2D or a 3D polyline.

	From the Modify menu, choose Edit Polyline
	At the Command prompt, enter pedit or pe
Select polyline: Use an object selection method

If the selected object is a line or an arc, AutoCAD LT prompts:

Object selected is not a polyline.

Do you want it to turn into one? <Y> Enter y or n, or press

If you enter y, the object is converted into a single-segment 2D polyline that you can edit. You can use this operation to join lines and arcs into a polyline.

2D Polyline Selection

If you have selected a 2D polyline, AutoCAD LT prompts:

Close / Join / Width / Edit vertex / Fit / Spline/ Ltype gen / Undo / eXit <X>: Enter an option or press

If the polyline you select is closed, Open replaces the Close option in the prompt. You can edit a 2D polyline if its extrusion direction is parallel to the Z axis of the current UCS.

3D Polyline Selection

If you select a 3D polyline, AutoCAD LT prompts:

Close / Edit vertex / Spline curve / Decurve / Undo / eXit <X>: Enter an option or press

If the polyline you select is closed, Open replaces the Close option in the prompt.


For more information on editing polylines, see "Editing Polylines" in chapter 10, "Modifying AutoCAD LT Objects," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands:  3DPOLY creates three-dimensional polylines. PLINE creates two-dimensional polylines.

System Variables: SPLFRAME, if set to 1, displays the control polygon for spline-fit polylines. SPLINESEGS stores the number of line segments to be generated for each spline patch. SPLINETYPE controls the type of spline curve that AutoCAD LT generates.


PEDIT (2D Polyline): Close

Creates the closing segment of the polyline, connecting the last segment with the first. AutoCAD LT considers the polyline open unless you close it using the Close option.


PEDIT (2D Polyline): Open

Removes the closing segment of the polyline. AutoCAD LT considers the polyline closed unless you open it using the Open option.


PEDIT (2D Polyline): Join

Adds lines, arcs, or polylines to the end of an open polyline and removes the curve fitting from a curve-fit polyline. For objects to join the polyline, their endpoints must touch.

Select objects: Use an object selection method


PEDIT (2D Polyline): Width

Specifies a new uniform width for the entire polyline.

Enter new width for all segments: Specify a width

Use the Width option of the Edit vertex option to change the starting and ending widths of segments.


PEDIT (2D Polyline): Edit vertex

Performs various editing tasks on one vertex of the polyline and segments that follow it.

When you select the Edit vertex option, AutoCAD LT marks the first vertex of the polyline by drawing an X on the screen. If you have specified a tangent direction for this vertex, an arrow is also drawn in that direction. AutoCAD LT prompts:

Next / Previous / Break / Insert / Move / Regen / Straighten / Tangent / Width / eXit <N>: Enter an option or press


Next

Moves the X marker to the next vertex. The marker does not wrap around from the end to the start of the polyline, even if the polyline is closed.


Previous

Moves the X marker to the previous vertex. The marker does not wrap around from the end to the start of the polyline, even if the polyline is closed.


Break

Saves the location of the marked vertex.

Next / Previous / Go  / eXit  <N>: Enter an option or press

You can move the X marker to any other vertex. If you leave the X marker where it is and enter go, AutoCAD LT splits the polyline into two pieces at the specified vertex or vertices. Any segments and vertices between the two vertices you specified are deleted.

If one of the specified vertices is at an end of the polyline, the result is one truncated polyline. If both specified vertices are at endpoints of the polyline, or if just one vertex is specified and it is at an endpoint, you cannot use Break mode.


Next

Moves the X marker to the next vertex. The marker does not wrap around from the end to the start of the polyline, even if the polyline is closed.


Previous

Moves the X marker to the previous vertex. The marker does not wrap around from the end to the start of the polyline, even if the polyline is closed.


Go

Deletes any segments and vertices between the two vertices you specify and returns to Edit vertex mode. If you did not specify a second vertex, AutoCAD LT splits the polyline in two at the marked vertex.


eXit

Exits Break mode and returns to Edit vertex mode.


Insert

Adds a new vertex to the polyline after the marked vertex.

Enter location of new vertex: Specify a point (1)


Move

Moves the marked vertex.

Enter new location: Specify a point (1)


Regen

Regenerates the polyline.


Straighten

Saves the location of the marked vertex. You can move the X marker to any other vertex, or leave it where it is and enter go. Any segments and vertices between the two vertices you specified are deleted, and a single straight line segment replaces them. If you specify only one vertex by entering go without moving the X marker, the segment following that vertex is made straight if it is an arc.

If you want to remove an arc segment that connects two straight segments of a polyline and then extend the straight segments until they intersect, use the FILLET command with a fillet radius of 0.

Next / Previous / Go / eXit <N>: Enter an option or press


Next

Moves the X marker to the next vertex.


Previous

Moves the X marker to the previous vertex.


Go

Moves the selected vertex to the new location and returns to Edit vertex mode.

Any segments and vertices between the two vertices you specify are deleted and replaced by a single straight line segment. If you do not move the marker, Go straightens the arc segment that follows the marked vertex.


eXit

Exits Straighten mode and returns to Edit vertex mode.


Tangent

Attaches a tangent direction to the current vertex, marked by the X, for use later in curve fitting. AutoCAD LT prompts:

Direction of tangent: Specify a point or enter an angle


Width

Changes the starting and ending widths for the segment that immediately follows the marked vertex.

Enter starting width <current>: Specify a point, enter a value, or press

Enter ending width <start>: Specify a point, enter a value, or press

You must regenerate the polyline to display the new width.


eXit

Exits Edit vertex mode.


PEDIT (2D Polyline): Fit

Creates a smooth curve consisting of pairs of arcs joining each pair of vertices. The curve passes through all vertices of the polyline and uses any tangent direction you specify.


PEDIT (2D Polyline): Spline

Uses the vertices of the selected polyline as the control points, or frame, of a curve. The curve passes through the first and last control points unless the original polyline was closed. The curve is pulled toward the other points but does not necessarily pass through them. The more control points you specify in a particular part of the frame, the more pull they exert on the curve. The technical term for this type of curve is B-spline. AutoCAD LT can generate quadratic and cubic varieties.

Spline curves are very different from the curves produced by the Fit option. Fit constructs pairs of arcs that pass through every control point.

If the original polyline included arc segments, they are straightened when forming the spline's frame. If the frame has width, the resulting spline tapers smoothly from the width of the first vertex to the width of the last vertex. All intermediate width information is ignored. Once spline-fit, the frame, if displayed, is shown with zero width and CONTINUOUS linetype. Tangent specifications on control point vertices have no effect on spline-fitting.

When a spline curve is fit to a polyline, the spline curve's frame is remembered so that it may be restored by a subsequent decurving. You can turn a spline curve back into its frame polyline by using the PEDIT Decurve option. This option works on fit curves in the same manner as it does on splines.

Spline frames are not usually displayed on the screen. If you want to see them, set the SPLFRAME system variable to 1. On subsequent regeneration of a spline-fit polyline, AutoCAD LT draws the frame and the spline curve.

Most editing commands act the same when applied to spline-fit polylines or fit curves. MOVE, ERASE, COPY, MIRROR, ROTATE, and SCALE operate both on the visible spline curve and its frame, whether the frame is visible or not. EXTEND changes the frame by adding a new vertex at the intersection of the initial or final line of the frame with the boundary geometry. If you apply one of these commands to a spline, then decurve it and later fit a new spline to it, you end up with the same spline.

BREAK, TRIM, and EXPLODE delete the frame and generate a polyline with only the fit spline, which is consistent with fit curves, where the curve fitting is permanent. OFFSET generates a polyline with only the fit spline, which is consistent with its behavior with fit curves. DIVIDE, MEASURE, the Object option of AREA, HATCH, FILLET, and CHAMFER see only the fit spline, not the frame. STRETCH refits the spline to the stretched frame after a spline is stretched.

The Join option of PEDIT performs an implicit Decurve operation and discards the spline information of the original and any added polylines. Once the Join operation is complete, you can fit a new spline to the resulting polyline.

The Next and Previous options of the Edit vertex option of PEDIT move the X marker only to points on the frame of the spline, whether visible or not. The Break option of the Edit vertex option discards the spline. The Insert, Move, Straighten, and Width options of the Edit vertex option automatically refit the spline. The Tangent option of the Edit vertex option has no effect on splines.

Object snap sees only the spline itself, not the frame. If you want to snap to the frame control points, use PEDIT to straighten the spline first.

The SPLINETYPE system variable controls the type of spline curve generated. Setting SPLINETYPE to 5 creates a quadratic B-spline. Setting SPLINETYPE to 6 creates a cubic B-spline.

You can examine or change the fineness or coarseness of the spline approximation with the SPLINESEGS system variable, or you can use AutoLISP. The default value is 8. If you set the value higher, a greater number of line segments are drawn and the approximation to the ideal spline becomes more precise. The generated spline occupies more space in the drawing file and takes longer to generate.

If you set SPLINESEGS to a negative value, AutoCAD LT generates segments using the absolute value of the setting, and then applies a fit-type curve to those segments. Fit-type curves use arcs as the approximating segments. Using arcs yields a smoother generated curve when few segments are specified, but the curve can take longer to generate.

To change the number of segments used to fit an existing spline, change SPLINESEGS and respline the curve. You do not have to decurve it first.


PEDIT (2D Polyline): Ltype gen

Generates the linetype in a continuous pattern through the vertices of the polyline. When turned off, this option generates the linetype starting and ending with a dash at each vertex. Ltype gen does not apply to polylines with tapered segments.

Full PLINE line type ON / OFF <current>: Enter on or off, or press


PEDIT (2D Polyline): Undo

Reverses operations as far back as the beginning of the PEDIT session.


PEDIT (2D Polyline): eXit

Exits PEDIT.


PEDIT (3D Polyline): Close

Creates the closing segment of the polyline, connecting the last segment with the first. AutoCAD LT considers the polyline open unless you close it using the Close option.


PEDIT (3D Polyline): Open

Removes the closing segment of the polyline. AutoCAD LT considers the polyline closed unless you open it using the Open option.


PEDIT (3D Polyline): Edit vertex

Performs various editing tasks on one vertex of the polyline and segments that follow it. When you select the Edit vertex option, AutoCAD LT marks the first vertex of the polyline by drawing an X on the screen. If you have specified a tangent direction for this vertex, an arrow is also drawn in that direction. AutoCAD LT prompts:

Next / Previous / Break / Insert / Move / Regen / Straighten / eXit <N>: Enter an option or press


Next

Moves the X marker to the next vertex. The marker does not wrap around from the end to the start of the polyline, even if the polyline is closed.


Previous

Moves the X marker to the previous vertex. The marker does not wrap around from the end to the start of the polyline, even if the polyline is closed.


Break

Saves the location of the marked vertex.

Next / Previous / Go  / eXit <N>: Enter an option or press

You can move the X marker to any other vertex.  If you leave the X marker where it is and enter go, AutoCAD LT splits the polyline into two pieces at the specified vertex or vertices. If you move the marker, any segments and vertices between the two vertices you specify are deleted. If one of the specified vertices is at the end of the polyline, the result is one truncated polyline. If both specified vertices are at endpoints of the polyline, or if just one vertex is specified and it is an endpoint, you cannot use Break mode.


Next

Moves the X marker to the next vertex.


Previous

Moves the X marker to the previous vertex.


Go

Deletes any segments and vertices between the two vertices you specify and returns to Edit vertex mode. If you did not specify a second vertex, AutoCAD LT splits the polyline in two at the marked vertex.


eXit

Exits Break mode and returns to Edit vertex mode.


Insert

Adds a new vertex to the polyline after the marked vertex.

Enter location of new vertex: Specify a point


Move

Moves the marked vertex.

Enter new location: Specify a point


Regen

Regenerates the polyline.


Straighten

Saves the location of the marked vertex. You can move the X marker to any other vertex, or leave it where it is and enter go. Any segment and vertices between the two vertices you specify are deleted, and a single straight line segment replaces them.

Next / Previous / Go / eXit <N>: Enter an option or press


Next

Moves the X marker to the next vertex.


Previous

Moves the X marker to the previous vertex.


Go

Moves the selected vertex to the new location and returns to Edit vertex mode.

Any segments and vertices between the two vertices you specify are deleted and replaced by a single straight line segment.


eXit

Exits Straighten mode and returns to Edit vertex mode.


eXit

Exits Edit vertex mode.


PEDIT (3D Polyline): Spline curve

Fits a 3D B-spline curve to its control points. The SPLFRAME system variable controls the accuracy of and displays the control points for the 3D B-spline, whose curves can be approximated only by line segments. AutoCAD LT ignores negative values for spline segments.


PEDIT (3D Polyline): Decurve

Removes extra vertices inserted by a fit or spline curve and straightens all segments of the polyline. Retains tangent information assigned to the polyline vertices for use in subsequent fit curve requests. If you edit a spline-fit polyline with commands such as BREAK or TRIM, you cannot use the Decurve option.


PEDIT (3D Polyline): Undo

Reverses operations as far back as the beginning of the PEDIT session.


PEDIT (3D Polyline): eXit

Ends the PEDIT command.


PLINE

Quick Help     See Also

Creates two-dimensional polylines

	From the toolbox choose  From the Draw menu, choose Polyline
	At the Command prompt, enter pline or pl
From point: Specify a point (1)

Current line-width is <current>

Arc / Close / Halfwidth / Length / Undo / Width / <Endpoint of line>: Specify a point (2) or enter an option


For more information on drawing polylines, see "Drawing Polylines" in chapter 6, "Drawing Geometry," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: LINE creates single or multiple line segments that are separate objects. PEDIT controls linetype display for existing polylines.

System Variables: PLINEGEN controls the linetype pattern display of a 2D polyline.


PLINE: Endpoint of line

Draws a line segment.


PLINE: Arc

Changes PLINE to Arc mode, in which you can add arc segments to the polyline.

Angle / CEnter / CLose / Direction / Halfwidth / Line / Radius / Second pt / Undo / Width / <Endpoint of arc>: Specify a point (3) or enter an option

Endpoint of arc

Draws an arc segment. The arc segment starts at the last point tangent to the previous segment of the polyline.

Angle

Specifies the included angle of the arc segment from the start point.

Included angle: Specify an angle

Enter a positive number to create a counterclockwise arc segment. Enter a negative number to create a clockwise arc segment.

Center / Radius / <Endpoint>: Specify a point or enter an option

CEnter

Specifies the center of the arc segment. Center point: Specify a point (3) Angle / Length / <End point>:  Specify a point (4) or enter an option
CLose Closes a polyline with an arc segment.
Direction

Specifies a starting direction for the arc segment. Direction from start point: Specify a point (3) End point: Specify a point (4)
Halfwidth

Specifies the width of the next wide polyline segment from its center to one of its edges.

Starting half-width <current>: Enter a value or press

Ending half-width <current>: Enter a value or press

The starting half-width becomes the default ending half-width. The ending half-width becomes the uniform half-width for all subsequent segments until you change the half-width again. The starting and ending points of wide line segments are at the center of the line.

Typically, the intersections of adjacent wide polyline segments are beveled. AutoCAD LT does not bevel nontangent arc segments, very acute angles or wide lines that use a dot-dash linetype.

Line

Changes PLINE to Line mode.

Radius

Specifies the radius of an arc segment. Radius: Specify two points or enter a value Second point: Specify a point Angle / <End point>: Specify an angle, specify a point, or enter a
Second pt

Specifies the second and end points to draw a three-point arc. Second point: Specify a point (2) End point: Specify a point (3)
Undo

Removes the most recent arc segment added to the polyline.

Width

Specifies the width of the next arc segment.

Starting width <current>: Enter a value or press

Ending width <current>: Enter a value or press

The starting width becomes the default ending width. The ending width becomes the uniform width for all subsequent segments until you change the width again. The starting and ending points of wide line segments are at the center of the line.

Typically, the intersections of adjacent wide polyline segments are beveled. AutoCAD LT does not bevel nontangent arc segments, very acute angles or wide lines that use a dot-dash linetype.


Endpoint

Draws the arc segment.


Center

Specifies the center of the arc segment.

Center point: Specify a point

AutoCAD LT draws the arc segment.


Radius

Specifies the radius of the arc segment.

Radius: Specify a point

If you specify a point, AutoCAD LT prompts as follows:

Second point: Specify a point

Direction of chord <current>: Specify a point or press

AutoCAD LT draws the arc segment.


End point

Draws the arc segment.


Angle

Specifies the included angle of the arc segment from the start point.

Included angle: Specify an angle

AutoCAD LT draws the arc segment.


Length

Specifies the chord length of the arc segment. If the previous segment is an arc, AutoCAD LT draws the new arc segment tangent to the previous arc segment.

Length of chord: Specify a length

AutoCAD LT draws the arc segment.


End point

Draws the arc segment.


Angle

Specifies the included angle for the arc segment.

Included angle: Specify an angle

Direction of chord <current>: Specify an angle or press

AutoCAD LT draws the arc segment.


PLINE: Close

Draws a line segment from the current position to the starting point of the polyline, creating a closed polyline.


PLINE: Halfwidth

Specifies the width of the next wide polyline segment from its center to one of its edges.

Starting half-width <current>: Enter a value or press

Ending half-width <current>: Enter a value or press

The starting half-width becomes the default ending half-width. The ending half-width becomes the uniform half-width for all subsequent segments until you change the half-width again.

The starting and ending points of wide line segments are at the center of the line.

Typically, the intersections of adjacent wide polyline segments are beveled. AutoCAD LT does not bevel nontangent arc segments, very acute angles or wide lines that use a dot-dash linetype.


PLINE: Length

Draws a line segment of a specified length at the same angle as the previous segment. If the previous segment is an arc, AutoCAD LT draws the new line segment tangent to that arc segment.

Length of line: Specify a point


PLINE: Undo

Removes the most recent line segment added to the polyline.


PLINE: Width

Specifies the width of the next line segment.

Starting width <current>: Enter a value or press

Ending width <current>: Enter a value or press

The starting width becomes the default ending width. The ending width becomes the uniform width for all subsequent segments until you change the width again. The starting and ending points of wide line segments are at the center of the line.

Typically, the intersections of adjacent wide polyline segments are beveled. AutoCAD LT does not bevel nontangent arc segments, very acute angles or wide lines that use a dot-dash linetype.


Slidelib

Quick Help     See Also

Slidelib creates slide libraries (.slb files). This utility is found in the acltwin directory.

You can construct slide libraries (.slb) from slide (.sld) files by using the Slidelib utility program supplied in the AutoCAD LT support directory. The following operating system command line syntax constructs a slide library:

slidelib library [ < slide-list ]

Slidelib reads a list of slide file names. This list is normally supplied by redirecting a list of files (one per line in another file created using a text editor or utility program) to standard input.

The operating system commands shown below will create a slide-list file that can be used with Slidelib. All the slide files you want to compile into a slide library should be placed in a single directory. At a DOS prompt (version 5.0 or newer), enter the following:

dir *.sld /b > mylist

This creates the file, mylist, that you can pass to the Slidelib utility. You can also create this file with a text editor by listing the slide file names (and paths, if necessary), such as lobby, d:\slides\office, and \aec\slides\stairs. The slide file name, but not the drive and directory information, is saved in the library file. Because only the file name is included, a library can contain slides with the same name from different directories, but only one of the slides can be accessed by AutoCAD LT.

To generate the slide library mlib from mylist, enter the following:

slidelib mlib < mylist

This entry creates the file mlib.slb, which contains the names and definitions of the slides listed in mylist.

Warning: Do not delete your original slides. The Slidelib program has no provision for updating a slide library once it is created. If you want to add or delete a slide, update the slide-list file and re-create the library with Slidelib. All the original slides must be present in order to do this.


Commands: MSLIDE creates a slide file of the current viewport. VSLIDE displays a raster image slide file in the current viewport.


library

Specifies the slide library (.slb) file into which the slide (.sld) files are added.


slide-list

Specifies a list of slide (.sld) files. If you want to specify an extension, it must be .sld.


Find File

Quick Help

Find File searches for files across multiple directories on a single drive or on multiple drives.

Dialog box options

Files Found list box

File Spec text box

Type list box

Date Created area

Search Location area

Start Search button

Open button


Files Found

Displays the names and number of files that match your search criteria.


File Spec

Displays the extension of the files for which you want to search.


Type

Displays file types for which you want to search.


Date Created

Date text box

Displays the earliest file creation date for which to search.

Time text box

Displays the earliest file creation time for which to search.


Search Location

Drives list box

Displays a list of all available drives.

Edit Path button

Displays the Edit Path dialog box.

Path text box

Displays the current search path.


Start Search

Begins the search for files that meet the search criteria.


Open

Opens the files selected in the Files Found list box.


Edit Path

Quick Help

Dialog box options

Path text box

Directories list box

Drives list box

Search Path list box

Add button

Delete button

Delete All button


Path

Displays the current path.


Directories

Displays the available directories.


Drives

Displays the available drives.


Search Path

Displays the current search paths.


Add

Adds the Path to the Search Path.


Delete

Deletes the selected Search Path.


Delete All

Deletes all Search Paths.


DDMODIFY

Quick Help     See Also

Controls object properties

	From the Modify menu, choose Modify Entity
	At the Command prompt, enter ddmodify
Select object to modify: Use an object selection method

AutoCAD LT displays the appropriate dialog box for the type of object you selected:

Arc	Line
Attribute Definition	Point
Block Insertion	Polyline
Circle	Solid
External Reference	Text
(If the PICKFIRST system variable is set to 1 and you select a single object when starting the command, DDMODIFY immediately displays the appropriate dialog box.)


For more information, see "Changing Paragraph Text Location" in chapter 12, "Adding Text to Drawings," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: CHPROP and DDCHPROP change an existing object's color, layer, linetype, and thickness. COLOR sets the color of new objects. DDLMODES and LAYER control layer settings. ELEV sets elevation and extrusion thickness of new objects. LINETYPE loads, sets, and creates linetypes.

System Variables: CECOLOR sets the color of new objects. CELTYPE sets the linetype of new objects. CLAYER sets the current layer. ELEVATION stores the current 3D elevation. THICKNESS sets the current 3D thickness.


DDMODIFY: Properties
Properties (DDMODIFY)

Color button

Layer button

Linetype button

Thickness text box


Color

Displays the Select Color dialog box.


Layer

Displays the Select Layer dialog box.

To change the layer of an object, select the layer name from the list, or enter it in the Set Layer Name text box and choose OK.


Linetype

Displays the Select Linetype dialog box.


Thickness

Specifies the object's thickness.


Handle

Displays the object's handle. The handle cannot be changed using DDMODIFY.


Modify Arc (DDMODIFY)

Quick Help

Dialog box options

Properties area

Center area

Radius text box

Start Angle text box

End Angle text box

Total Angle

Arc Length

Handle


Center

Displays the center coordinates of the arc.

Pick Point button

Specifies a new center point on screen or from the command line.

Center point: Specify a point

X/Y/Z text boxes

Specifies the center coordinates of the arc.


Radius

Specifies the radius of the arc.


Start Angle

Specifies the start angle of the arc.


End Angle

Specifies the end angle of the arc.


Total Angle

Displays the total angle of the arc.


Arc Length

Displays the length of the arc.


Modify Attribute Definition (DDMODIFY)

Quick Help

Dialog box description

Properties area	Justify list box
Tag text box	Style list box
Prompt text box	Upside Down check box
Default text box	Backward check box
Origin area	Invisible check box
Height text box	Constant check box
Rotation text box	Verify check box
Width Factor text box	Preset check box
Obliquing text box
Changes you make to text height, rotation, width factor, and obliquing angle affect only the attribute text and not the drawing's text styles. To reset these options to their defaults, select the correct style from the Style list.


Tag

Specifies the name, or tag, of an attribute. The tag value cannot be null or contain spaces.


Prompt

Specifies the prompt AutoCAD LT displays when you insert a block containing this attribute.


Default

Specifies the attribute default value.


Origin

Specifies the attribute insertion point.

Pick Point button

Specifies new coordinates on screen or from the command line. If the attribute uses an Aligned or Fit justification, AutoCAD LT prompts for a start point and an endpoint.

Insertion point: Specify a point

X/Y/Z text boxes

Specifies the insertion point coordinates.


Height

Specifies the height of the attribute text.


Rotation

Specifies the rotation angle of the attribute text.


Width Factor

Specifies the width of the attribute text.


Obliquing

Specifies the angle at which the attribute text is slanted.


Justify

Specifies text alignment of the attribute text.. For a description of each justification option, see DTEXT.


Style

Specifies the attribute text style.


Upside Down

Specifies whether attribute text is typed upside down.


Backward

Specifies whether attribute text is typed backwards.


Invisible

Specifies that attribute values do not appear when you insert the block.


Constant

Gives attributes a fixed value for block insertions.


Verify

Specifies that AutoCAD LT displays a prompt to verify that the attribute value is correct when you insert the block.


Preset

Sets the attribute to its default value when you insert a block containing a preset attribute.


Modify Block Insertion (DDMODIFY)

Quick Help

After you insert a block, you can change the block insertion point and the X, Y, and Z scale.

If the block insertion is a hatch pattern, you can change the insertion point but not the scale, rotation, rows, columns, or spacing.

Dialog box options

Properties area

Block Name

At area

X-scale/Y-scale/Z-scale text boxes

Rotation text box

Columns text field

Rows text field

Col Spacing text field

Row Spacing text field

Handle


Block Name

Displays the name of the selected block.


At

Displays the insertion point.

Pick Point button

Specifies a new insertion point on screen or from the command line.

Insertion point: Specify a point

X/Y/Z text boxes

Specifies the insertion point coordinates.


X-scale/Y-scale/Z-scale

Specifies the block scale values.


Rotation

Specifies the rotation angle.


Columns

Displays the number of columns used when AutoCAD LT created a rectangular array using the selected block.


Rows

Displays the number of rows used when AutoCAD LT created a rectangular array using the selected block.


Col Spacing

Displays the array column spacing value.


Row Spacing

Displays the array row spacing value.


Modify Circle (DDMODIFY)

Quick Help

Dialog box options

Properties area

Center area

Radius text box

Diameter

Circumference

Area

Handle


Center

Displays the center coordinates.

Pick Point button

Specifies a new center point on screen or from the command line.

Center point: Specify a point

X/Y/Z text boxes

Specifies the center coordinates.


Radius

Specifies the radius of the circle.


Diameter

Specifies the diameter of the circle.


Circumference

Specifies the circumference of the circle.


Area

Specifies the area of the circle.


Modify External Reference (DDMODIFY)

Quick Help

Dialog box options

Properties area

Xref Name

Path

At area

X-scale/Y-scale/Z-scale text boxes

Rotation text box

Columns text field

Rows text field

Col Spacing text field

Row Spacing text field

Handle


Xref Name

Displays the xref name.


Path

Displays the xref name path. If you do not supply an explicit path, only the xref name is displayed here.


At

Displays the insertion point.

Pick Point button

Specifies a new insertion point on screen or from the command line.

Insertion point: Specify a point

X/Y/Z text boxes

Specifies the insertion point coordinates.


X-scale/Y-scale/Z-scale

Specifies the xref scale values.


Rotation

Specifies the rotation angle.


Columns

Displays the number of columns used when AutoCAD LT created a rectangular array using the selected xref.


Rows

Displays the number of rows used when AutoCAD LT created a rectangular array using the selected xref.


Col Spacing

Displays the array column spacing.


Row Spacing

Displays the array row spacing.


Modify Line (DDMODIFY)

Quick Help

Dialog box options

Properties area

From Point area

To Point area

Delta XYZ

Length

Angle


From Point

Specifies the start point location of the line.

Pick Point button

Specifies a new point location on screen or from the command line.

From pt: Specify a point

X/Y/Z text boxes

Specifies the start point coordinates.


To Point

Specifies the endpoint location of the line.

Pick Point button

Specifies a new point location on screen or from the command line.

To point: Specify a point

X/Y/Z text boxes

Specifies the endpoint coordinates.


Delta XYZ

Reflects the change in coordinate values from the start point to the endpoint.


Length

Specifies the length of the line.


Angle

Specifies the angle of the line.


Modify Point (DDMODIFY)

Quick Help

Dialog box options

Properties area

Location area

Handle


Location

Specifies the location of the point.

Pick Point button

Specifies a new point location on screen or from the command line.

Point: Specify a point

X/Y/Z text boxes

Specifies the location coordinates.


Modify Polyline (DDMODIFY)

Quick Help

You can change the following properties:

The type of curve and surface fitting

Whether the object is closed

How linetype patterns are applied to the object

Dialog box options

Properties area

Polyline Type area

Vertex Listing area

Fit/Smooth area

Polyline area

Handle


Polyline Type

Displays the type of polyline selected.


Modify Polyline: Vertex Listing

When you select a polyline, AutoCAD LT displays the first vertex.

Vertex

Next button

X/Y/Z


Vertex

Displays the current vertex.


Next

Cycles through the vertices.


X/Y/Z

Display the vertex coordinates.


Modify Polyline: Fit/Smooth

Specifies the type of line or surface curve fitting.


Modify Polyline: Polyline

Specifies whether the polyline is closed and controls how AutoCAD LT applies linetype patterns.

Closed check box

LT Gen check box


Closed

Opens or closes the polyline.


LT Gen

Controls how linetype patterns are assigned to a 2D polyline. If LT Gen is selected, AutoCAD LT applies the linetype from the start point to the endpoint.

If LT Gen is not selected, AutoCAD LT applies the linetype from vertex to vertex.


Modify Solid (DDMODIFY)

Quick Help

Solids are planar objects. When you change a solid point, the result might not be obvious if the current UCS is not parallel to the UCS of the solid.

Dialog box options

Properties area

Point 1/2/3/4 areas

Handle


Point 1/2/3/4

Specifies any of the four corner points that define a solid object.

Pick Point button

Specifies new points on screen or from the command line.

current point: Specify a point

X/Y/Z text boxes

Specifies the coordinates of the corner. The Point 4 area Z coordinate specifies the Z coordinate for the solid.


Modify Text (DDMODIFY)

Quick Help

Changes you make to text height, rotation, width factor, and obliquing angle affect only the selected text object and not the drawing's text styles. To reset these options to the defaults, select the correct style from the Style list.

Dialog box options

Properties area

Text text box

Origin area

Height text box

Rotation text box

Width Factor text box

Obliquing text box

Justify list box

Style list box

Upside Down check box

Backward check box


Text

Displays the selected text. Edit the characters in the Text box to change the text string.


Origin

Specifies the text insertion point.

Pick Point button

Specifies a new insertion point on screen or from the command line. If the text uses Aligned or Fit justification, AutoCAD LT prompts for a start point and an endpoint.

Insertion point: Specify a point

X/Y/Z text boxes

Specifies the insertion point coordinates.


Height

Specifies the height of the text.


Rotation

Specifies the rotation angle of the text.


Width Factor

Specifies the width factor of the text.


Obliquing

Specifies the angle at which the text is slanted.


Justify

Specifies the justification option for the text. For a description of each justification option, see DTEXT.


Style

Specifies the text style.


Upside Down

Specifies whether text is typed upside down.


Backward

Specifies whether text is typed backwards.


COPYCLIP

Quick Help     See Also

Copies objects to the Windows Clipboard

	From the Edit menu, choose Copy Vectors
	At the Command prompt, enter copyclip or cc
Select objects: Use an object selection method

COPYCLIP saves a copy of the selected objects to the Clipboard in all available formats.


For more information, see "Copying Objects" in chapter 9, "Copying, Moving, and Erasing Objects," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: COPYLINK copies the current viewport so that it can be linked into other OLE applications. WMFOUT saves selected objects to a Windows metafile.


COPYLINK

Quick Help     See Also

Copies the current view to the Windows Clipboard for linking to other OLE applications

	From the Edit menu, choose Copy Link
	At the Command prompt, enter copylink or cl
COPYLINK copies the current view to the Clipboard and returns to the Command prompt.


For more information on copying objects, see "Copying Objects" in chapter 9, "Copying, Moving, and Erasing Objects," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: COPYCLIP copies objects to the Windows Clipboard.


Boundary Hatch (BHATCH)

Quick Help     See Also

Fills an enclosed area with an associative hatch pattern

BHATCH hatches a closed area that you define. You define the area to be hatched by pointing inside it. BHATCH then computes a polyline boundary using the objects that define the enclosed area. If you use HATCH, you have to select each entity to define a boundary around the area to hatch.

You can view AutoCAD LT 2 drawings 100% in LT 1.0 and Release 12. However, if a boundary of an associative hatch is changed in LT 1.0 or Release 12, the associative hatch will not be updated automatically.

If you set CMDDIA to 1, BHATCH displays the Boundary Hatch dialog box. If you set CMDDIA to 0, BHATCH displays prompts at the command line.

	From the toolbox, choose  From the Draw menu, choose Boundary Hatch
	At the Command prompt, enter bhatch
Dialog box options

Pattern Type area

Pattern Properties area

Boundary area

Preview Hatch button

Inherit Properties button

Associative check box

Apply button


"For more information, see "Adding Hatch Patterns," in chapter 6, "Drawing Geometry," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: HATCH fills selected objects with a nonassociative hatch pattern. HATCHEDIT updates a previously drawn associative hatch pattern.

System Variables: HPANG sets the hatching angle. HPDOUBLE specifies whether a user-defined hatch is double hatched. HPNAME sets the hatch pattern name. HPSCALE sets the hatch pattern scale. HPSPACE sets the spacing of a user-defined hatch pattern. SNAPBASE specifies the starting point for the hatch pattern.


BHATCH: Pattern Type

Sets the pattern type.

Predefined

User-defined

Custom


Predefined

Selects a pattern from those defined in the aclt.pat file.


User-defined

Defines a pattern of lines using the current linetype.


Custom

Specifies a custom pattern in a .pat file other than the aclt.pat file. You specify the custom pattern in the Pattern Properties area's custom Pattern text box. A custom pattern is the name of a custom .pat file. See How to create a custom hatch pattern.


BHATCH: How to Create a Custom Hatch Pattern

See Also

Sets the pattern type.

You create a custom hatch pattern by using a text editor. You define the hatch pattern by using the following format:

*pattern name [,description]

angle,x-origin,y-origin,delta-x,delta-y [, dash-1, dash-2 , ...]

The description that follows the pattern name is optional. If you do not include a description, you must omit the comma that follows the pattern name. The dash-length definition in brackets is also optional.

The format without a description appears as follows:

*pattern name

angle,x-origin,y-origin,delta-x,delta-y

The following example defines a hatch pattern called L45. The pattern has 45-degree lines separated by 0.5 spacing:

*L45,45 degree lines

45, 0,0, 0,0.5

Each line in a pattern definition can contain up to 80 characters. There is no limit on the number of lines that you can use.

To define dashed line patterns, you add dash-length descriptions at the end of a pattern line description. The following example modifies the L45 line pattern so that it draws dashed lines with a dash length of 0.5 units. The space between dashes is 0.5 units:

*L45,dashed lines at 45 degrees

45, 0,0, 0,.5, .5,-.5

The dash pattern starts at the origin point with the first segment. A positive dash-length draws a dash. A negative dash-length leaves a space of the specified length. A dash length of 0 draws a dot. You can specify up to six dash lengths per line.

You can define a custom hatch pattern in the AutoCAD LT default hatch file, aclt.pat, or in a new file that has the same name as the custom pattern. If the L45 hatch pattern above were in its own file, the file name would be L45.pat. A new custom .pat file can only contain one hatch pattern.

If you add a hatch pattern to aclt.pat, the name of the new pattern is included in the list in the Pattern Properties Pattern list. To see an image tile of any pattern, the pattern must have a slide with a matching name stored in aclt.slb.

To modify an existing hatch pattern, see HATCHEDIT.


For more information on customizing hatch patterns, see "Creating Hatch Patterns" in chapter 21, in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.


BHATCH: Pattern Properties

Sets properties specific to the chosen pattern type.

Pattern list box

Custom Pattern text box

Scale text box

Angle text box

Spacing text box

Double check box

Exploded check box


Pattern

Specifies a predefined pattern name. AutoCAD LT stores the pattern name in the HPNAME system variable. This option is not available if you have selected User-defined or Custom in the Pattern Type box.


Custom Pattern

Specifies a custom pattern name, which is the name of a custom .pat file. AutoCAD LT stores the pattern name in the HPNAME system variable. This option is available only if you have selected Custom in the Pattern Type box.


Scale

Specifies an amount to expand or contract the predefined or custom hatch pattern. AutoCAD LT stores the scale in the HPSCALE system variable. This option is not available if you have selected User-defined in the Pattern Type box.


Angle

Specifies an angle for the hatch pattern relative to the X axis of the current UCS. AutoCAD LT stores the angle in the HPANG system variable.


Spacing

Specifies the spacing of lines in a user-defined hatch pattern. AutoCAD LT stores the spacing in the HPSPACE system variable. This option is available only if you have selected User-defined in the Pattern Type box.


Double

Specifies that a second set of lines is to be drawn at 90 degrees to the original lines in a user-defined hatch pattern. AutoCAD LT stores this information in the HPDOUBLE system variable. This option is available only if you have selected User-defined in the Pattern Type box.


Exploded

Specifies that the hatch pattern be created from individual line segments rather than as a hatch block. AutoCAD LT stores this information by preceding the pattern name with an asterisk in the HPNAME system variable. You can also use the EXPLODE command to split hatch blocks into individual line objects.


BHATCH: Boundary

Controls aspects of boundary definition.

Pick Points

Constructs a boundary from existing objects that form an enclosed area. If you turned Island Detection on in the Advanced Options dialog box, AutoCAD LT uses objects within the outermost boundary as islands that are hatched using the hatch style. The Boundary Hatch dialog box disappears and AutoCAD LT prompts for point specification.

Select internal point: Specify a new point within the hatched area

Select internal point: Specify a point, enter u, or press [image] to end point specification

To construct multiple boundaries, select multiple internal points. To undo the last selection, enter u or undo.

Select Objects

Selects specific objects for hatching. The Boundary Hatch dialog box disappears and AutoCAD LT prompts for object selection.

When using the Select Objects option, you must select the objects within the selected boundary to ensure that those objects are not hatched through.

Each time you choose Select Objects, AutoCAD LT clears the previous selection set and lets you create a new one.

Remove Islands

Removes from the boundary set objects defined as islands by the Pick Points option. You cannot remove the outer boundary.

View Selections

Displays the currently defined boundary set. This option is not available when you have not made a selection or defined a boundary.

Advanced

Displays the Advanced Options dialog box, which refines the method AutoCAD LT uses to create the hatch boundary.


BHATCH: Preview Hatch

Displays the hatching before applying it. AutoCAD LT removes the dialog box and hatches the selected areas. After viewing the hatch, choose Select to redisplay the Boundary Hatch dialog box. This option is not available if you have not made any selections.


BHATCH: Inherit Properties

Applies the properties of an existing associative hatch to the current Pattern Type and Pattern Properties options. The Boundary Hatch dialog box disappears, and AutoCAD LT prompts for object selection.

Select hatch object: Select an associative hatch

The Boundary Hatch dialog box reappears, and the hatch pattern properties are displayed. AutoCAD LT does not allow the properties of a nonassociative hatch pattern to be inherited.

You can view AutoCAD LT 2 drawings 100% in LT 1.0 and Release 12. However, if a boundary of an associative hatch is changed in LT 1.0 or Release 12, the associative hatch will not be updated automatically.


BHATCH: Associative

Controls associative hatching. If this option is selected, the new hatch pattern is associative. You must turn Handles on before using BHATCH for associative hatching.

You can view AutoCAD LT 2 drawings 100% in LT 1.0 and Release 12. However, if a boundary of an associative hatch is changed in LT 1.0 or Release 12, the associative hatch will not be updated automatically.


BHATCH: Apply

Creates the specified hatching in the drawing. The Apply option is not available when you have not made a selection or defined a boundary.


Advanced Options (BHATCH)

Quick Help

Improves the speed of hatching. In large drawings, the default method of defining a boundary may be slow, because AutoCAD LT examines everything visible in the current viewport. To increase the speed of hatching, redefine the boundary set in the Advanced Options dialog box.

Dialog box options

Define Boundary Set area

Style list box

Ray Casting list box

Island Detection check box

Retain Boundaries check box


Advanced Options: Define Boundary Set

Defines the set of objects analyzed when AutoCAD LT defines a boundary from a specified pick point.

Specifying a boundary set can produce the boundary faster because AutoCAD LT examines fewer objects. When there is no existing boundary set, the From Existing Boundary Set option is not available.

You can define many hatch areas before exiting BHATCH. Each time, the default boundary set is the one last used. To use the boundaries of newly hatched areas as boundaries of other areas to be hatched, either make a new boundary set or select the From Everything on Screen option.

From Everything on Screen radio button

From Existing Boundary Set radio button

Make New Boundary Set button


Make New Boundary Set

Selects a set of objects. When you choose Make New Boundary Set, all dialog boxes clear to allow you to select objects. AutoCAD LT includes only the  objects that can be hatched when it constructs the new boundary set. If there is already a boundary set, it is discarded and replaced by the new one. If you do not select any objects that can be hatched, AutoCAD LT retains any current set. Until you exit BHATCH or define a new boundary set, AutoCAD LT uses only the objects you have selected to construct boundaries.


From Everything on Screen

Creates a boundary set from everything visible on the screen. Selecting this option when there is a current boundary set discards the current set and uses everything visible in the current viewport.


From Existing Boundary Set

Selects the current boundary set. When you first invoke BHATCH, this option is not available.


Advanced Options: Style

Specifies the method used to hatch objects within the outermost hatch boundary. If there are no internal objects, specifying a hatching style has no effect on the resulting hatch. Because you can define a precise set of boundaries, it is best to use the Normal style.

The image tile to the right of the Style list shows an example of the selected hatching style. This image shows a group of four nested objects -- text within a triangle within a square and the square within a circle. For these examples, assume that all of these objects are boundary objects.

Normal

Hatches inward from the area boundary. If AutoCAD LT encounters an internal intersection, it turns off hatching until it encounters another intersection. Areas separated from the outside of the hatched area by an odd number of intersections are hatched. Areas separated by an even number of intersections are not hatched. AutoCAD LT stores the Normal style code by adding a ,N to the pattern name in the HPNAME system variable.

Outer

Hatches inward from the area boundary. AutoCAD LT turns hatching off if it encounters an internal intersection and does not turn it back on. Because this process starts from both ends of each hatch line, only the outermost level of the structure is hatched, and the internal structure is left blank. AutoCAD LT stores the Outer style code by adding a ,O to the pattern name in the HPNAME system variable.

Ignore

Ignores all internal objects and hatches through them. AutoCAD LT stores the Ignore style code by adding a ,I to the pattern name in the HPNAME system variable.

Note: Hatching concave curves with the Outer and Ignore styles can cause hatching discrepancies.


Advanced Options: Ray Casting

Controls the way AutoCAD LT defines a hatch boundary. Ray casting is available only if you have not selected Island Detection. Usually the Nearest option produces a desirable result. However, it may not be satisfactory when the space between two possible boundaries is very narrow. If you select one of the other options, you can look for the boundary in a specific direction from the point you specify.

Nearest

Runs a line from the point you specify to the nearest object and then traces the boundary in a counterclockwise direction.

Runs a line in the positive X direction from the point you specify to the first object encountered and then traces the boundary in a counterclockwise direction.

The previous illustration indicates that the valid internal points for positive X direction ray casting are nearest the right-hand edges of the circle. The X indicates the area that causes a boundary definition error.

-X

Runs a line in the negative X direction from the point you specify to the first object encountered and then traces the boundary in a counterclockwise direction.

The illustration on the left indicates that the valid internal points for negative X direction ray casting are nearest the left-hand edges of the circle. The X indicates the area that causes a boundary definition error.

+Y

Runs a line in the positive Y direction from the point you specify to the first object encountered and then traces the boundary in a counterclockwise direction.

The illustration on the left indicates that the valid internal points for positive Y direction ray casting are nearest the upper edges of the circle. The X indicates the area that causes a boundary definition error.

-Y

Runs a line in the negative Y direction from the point you specify to the first object encountered and then traces the boundary in a counterclockwise direction.

The illustration on the left indicates that the valid internal points for negative Y direction ray casting are nearest the lower edges of the circle. The X indicates the area that causes a boundary definition error.


Advanced Options: Island Detection

Specifies whether objects within the outermost boundary are used as boundary objects. These internal objects are known as islands.


Advanced Options: Retain Boundaries

Specifies whether or not the boundary objects will remain in your drawing after hatching is completed.


BHATCH: Using the Command Line

Quick Help

You must set CMDDIA to 0 to run BHATCH from the command prompt.

	At the Command prompt, enter bhatch
Properties / Select / Remove islands / Advanced / Internal point>: Specify a point or enter an option


BHATCH: Internal point

Specifies a point from which the associative hatch pattern is derived.

You can view AutoCAD LT 2 drawings 100% in LT 1.0 and Release 12. However, if a boundary of an associative hatch is changed in LT 1.0 or Release 12, the associative hatch will not be updated automatically.


BHATCH: Properties

Specifies new hatch properties for the selected hatch. For more information, see the HATCH command.

Pattern (? or name / U, style) current>: Enter a predefined pattern name, enter u, enter ?, or press


Pattern Name -- Predefined

Specifies a predefined pattern. Enter the pattern name followed by an optional hatch style code. Precede the pattern name with an asterisk (*) to fill the area with individual lines instead of a hatch block.

Scale for pattern current>: Specify a scale or press

Angle for pattern current>: Specify an angle or press


U -- User-Defined Pattern Name

Specifies a user-defined pattern. Enter u, followed by an optional hatch style code. Precede the u with an asterisk (*) to fill the area with individual lines instead of a hatch block.

Angle for crosshatch lines current>: Specify an angle for the pattern or press

Spacing between lines current>: Specify the distance between pattern lines or press

Double hatch area? current>: Enter y to specify a second set of lines to be drawn at 90 degrees to the original lines, or press


BHATCH: Select

Selects specific objects for hatching.

Select objects: Use an object selection method


BHATCH: Remove islands

Removes from the boundary set objects defined as islands by the internal point option.


BHATCH: Advanced

Refines the method AutoCAD LT uses to create the hatch boundary.

Boundary set / Retain polyline / Island detection / Associativity / eXit>: Enter an option or press

eXit

Returns to the initial prompt.

Boundary set

Defines the set of objects analyzed when AutoCAD LT defines a boundary from a specified pick point.

New / Everything>: Enter an option or press [image].

Retain polyline

Specifies whether or not the boundary polylines will remain in the drawing after hatching is completed.

Retain derived polylines? current>: Enter y or n, or press

Island detection

Specifies whether objects within the outermost boundary are used as boundary objects.

Do you want island detection? current>: Enter y or n, or press

If you specify no island detection, AutoCAD LT prompts for the ray casting method.

Specify ray:

Nearest / +X / -X / +Y / -Y / Angle current>: Enter an option or press

Associativity

Controls associative hatching. If you select this option, the new hatch pattern is associative.

You must turn Handles on before using BHATCH if you want associative hatching.

You can view AutoCAD LT 2 drawings 100% in LT 1.0 and Release 12. However, if a boundary of an associative hatch is changed in LT 1.0 or Release 12, the associative hatch will not be updated automatically.

Do you want associativity? current>: Enter y or n, or press


Nearest

Runs a line from the point you specify to the nearest object and then traces the boundary in a counterclockwise direction.


+X

Runs a line in the positive X direction from the point you specify to the first object encountered and then traces the boundary in a counterclockwise direction.


-X

Runs a line in the negative X direction from the point you specify to the first object encountered and then traces the boundary in a counterclockwise direction.


+Y

Runs a line in the positive Y direction from the point you specify to the first object encountered and then traces the boundary in a counterclockwise direction.


-Y

Runs a line in the negative Y direction from the point you specify to the first object encountered and then traces the boundary in a counterclockwise direction.


Angle

Runs a line at the specified angle from the point you specify to the first object encountered and then traces the boundary in a counterclockwise direction.

Ray casting angle: Specify an angle


Everything

Creates a boundary set from everything visible on the screen (viewport). If you select this option when there is a current boundary set, AutoCAD LT discards the current set and uses everything visible on the screen (viewport).


New

Creates a boundary set from a selection set you define. If you select this option when there is a current boundary set, AutoCAD LT discards the current set and uses everything visible in the current viewport.

Select objects: Use an object selection method


Hatchedit (HATCHEDIT)

Quick Help     See Also

Modifies an existing associative hatch block

You must turn HANDLES on before you use HATCHEDIT.

You can view AutoCAD LT 2 drawings 100% in AutoCAD LT 1.0 and AutoCAD Release 12. However, if a boundary of an associative hatch is changed in AutoCAD LT 1.0 or AutoCAD Release 12, the associative hatch will not be updated automatically.

If you set CMDDIA to 1, HATCHEDIT displays the Hatchedit dialog box. If you set CMDDIA to 0, HATCHEDIT displays prompts at the command line.

	From the Modify menu, choose Edit Hatch
	At the Command prompt, enter hatchedit
Select associative hatch: Use an object selection method

Dialog box options

Pattern Type area

Pattern Properties area

Boundary area

Inherit Properties button

Associative check box

Apply button


For more information, see "Removing Hatch Associativity" in chapter 10, "Modifying AutoCAD LT Objects," in the AutoCAD User's Guide.

Commands: BHATCH fills an enclosed area with an associative hatch pattern. HATCH fills a selected object with a nonassociative hatch pattern.

System Variables: HPANG sets the hatching angle. HPDOUBLE specifies whether a user-defined hatch is double-hatched. HPNAME sets the hatch pattern name. HPSCALE sets the hatch pattern scale. HPSPACE sets the spacing of a user-defined hatch pattern. SNAPBASE specifies the starting point for the hatch pattern.


HATCHEDIT: Pattern Type

Sets the pattern type.

Predefined

User-defined

Custom


Predefined

Selects a pattern from those defined in the aclt.pat file.


User-defined

Defines a pattern of lines using the current linetype.


Custom

Specifies a custom pattern in a .pat file other than the aclt.pat file. You specify the custom pattern in the Pattern Properties area's custom Pattern text box. A custom pattern is the name of a custom .pat file. See How to create a custom hatch pattern.


HATCHEDIT: How to create a custom hatch pattern

See Also

You create a custom hatch pattern by using a text editor. You define the hatch pattern by using the following format:

*pattern name [,description]

angle,x-origin,y-origin,delta-x,delta-y [, dash-1, dash-2 , ...]

The description that follows the pattern name is optional. If you do not include a description, you must omit the comma that follows the pattern name. The dash-length definition in brackets is also optional.

The format without a description appears as follows:

*pattern name

angle,x-origin,y-origin,delta-x,delta-y

The following example defines a hatch pattern called L45. The pattern has 45-degree lines separated by 0.5 spacing:

*L45,45 degree lines

45, 0,0, 0,0.5

Each line in a pattern definition can contain up to 80 characters. There is no limit on the number of lines that you can use.

To define dashed line patterns, you add dash-length descriptions at the end of a pattern line description. The following example modifies the L45 line pattern so that it draws dashed lines with a dash length of 0.5 units. The space between dashes is 0.5 units:

*L45,dashed lines at 45 degrees

45, 0,0, 0,.5, .5,-.5

The dash pattern starts at the origin point with the first segment. A positive dash-length draws a dash. A negative dash-length leaves a space of the specified length. A dash length of 0 draws a dot. You can specify up to six dash lengths per line.

You can define a custom hatch pattern in the AutoCAD LT default hatch file, aclt.pat, or in a new file that has the same name as the custom pattern. If the L45 hatch pattern above were in its own file, the file name would be L45.pat. A new custom .pat file can only contain one hatch pattern.

If you add a hatch pattern to aclt.pat, the name of the new pattern is included in the list in the Pattern Properties Pattern list. To see an image tile of any pattern, the pattern must have a slide with a matching name stored in aclt.slb.


For more information on customizing hatch patterns, see "Creating Hatch Patterns" in chapter 21, in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.


HATCHEDIT: Pattern Properties

Sets properties specific to the chosen pattern type. For an explanation of the pattern properties, see BHATCH.


HATCHEDIT: Boundary

Controls aspects of boundary definition.

Preview Hatch displays the hatching before you apply it. For more information about other Boundary options, see BHATCH.


HATCHEDIT: Inherit Properties

Applies the properties of an existing associative hatch to the current Pattern Type and Pattern Properties options. The Boundary Hatch dialog box disappears, and AutoCAD prompts for object selection.

Select hatch object: Select an associative hatch

Once an object is selected, the Hatchedit dialog box reappears, and the hatch pattern properties are displayed. AutoCAD LT does not allow the properties of a nonassociative hatch pattern to be inherited.


HATCHEDIT: Associative

Controls whether or not selected hatching will be associative. If you select this option the modified hatch pattern is associative.

Drawings drawn with AutoCAD LT 2 will be 100% viewable in LT 1.0 and Release 12. However, if a boundary of an associative hatch is changed in LT 1.0 or Release 12, the associative hatch will not be updated automatically.


HATCHEDIT: Apply

Applies the modifications to the hatch.


HATCHEDIT: Using the Command Line

Quick Help

If you set CMDDIA to 1, HATCHEDIT displays the Boundary Hatch dialog box. If you set CMDDIA to 0, HATCHEDIT displays prompts at the command line.

	At the Command prompt, enter hatchedit
Disassociate / Properties>: Enter an option or press


Properties

Specifies new hatch properties for the selected hatch. For an explanation of setting pattern properties at the command line, see BHATCH.


Disassociate

Removes the associative quality from an associative hatch.


Dimension Styles and Settings (DDIM)

Quick Help

Creates and modifies dimension styles

A dimension style is a named group of settings that determines the appearance of a dimension.

	From the Settings menu, choose Dimension Style
	At the Command prompt, enter ddim or dm
Dialog box options

Dimension Styles area and text box

Dimension Settings area


Dimension Styles and Settings: Dimension Styles

Displays all defined dimension styles.

To create a new dimension style based on the current dimension style, enter the name in the Dimension Style text box and press [image]. The name then appears in the list of dimension styles. The new style becomes the current dimension style. Make changes to the applicable settings in the Dimension Styles area.

To make a dimension style current, select its name from the list box. The style name appears in the Dimension Style text box and becomes the current style. See Externally Referenced Dimension Styles


Dimension Styles and Settings: Externally referenced dimension styles

If a drawing contains externally referenced drawings (Xrefs), the Dimension Styles list box lists the dimension styles in those drawings. You can not change, rename, or make externally referenced dimension styles current with DDIM. Use XBIND to add an externally referenced dimension style permanently to the current drawing.

AutoCAD LT displays externally referenced dimension style names using the same syntax as for other externally dependent symbols. The name of the Xref is combined with the dimension style name. The | (vertical bar) character separates the two names. In the following example, the Xref name is BASEPLAT and the dimension style name is FRACTIONAL-1.

BASEPLAT|FRACTIONAL-1

To use an externally referenced dimension style as a template for creating a new style, select the style from the list, and enter a new name in the Dimension Style text box. The new style uses all settings of the selected dimension style.


Dimension Styles and Settings: Dimension Settings

Controls the distances, scale factors, integers, and text strings used in dimension styles.

Dimension Line button

Extension Lines button

Arrows button

Text Location button

Text Format button

Scale and Colors button


Dimension Line (DDIM)

Quick Help

Specifies the spacing to be used for dimension lines and draws dimension text.

Dialog box options

Force Interior Lines check box

Basic Dimension check box

Text Gap text box

Baseline Increment text box


Dimension Line: Force Interior Lines

Draws dimension lines between the extension lines even when the text is placed outside the extension lines. For radius and diameter dimensions, select this box when the horizontal placement of text location is the default setting. This option draws dimension lines and arrows inside a circle or arc, and the text and leader outside.


Dimension Line: Basic Dimension

Creates dimension text within a box.


Dimension Line: Text Gap

Specifies the amount of space to maintain around the dimension text when the dimension line is broken. If the lengths of the two dimension line segments are greater than the text gap, AutoCAD LT places the dimension text inside the extension lines.


Dimension Line: Baseline Increment

Provides the value used by the BASELINE and CONTINUE dimensioning commands for the distance between dimension lines.


Extension Lines (DDIM)

Quick Help

Formats extension lines.

Dialog box description

Extension Above Line text box

Feature Offset text box

Visibility pop-up list

Center Mark Size text box

Mark with Center Lines check box


Extension Lines: Extension Above Line

Specifies how far the extension line extends beyond the dimension line.


Extension Lines: Feature Offset

Specifies the distance from the origin points to the beginning of the extension lines. This setting lets the extension lines stop just short of the selected object.


Extension Lines: Visibility

Displays the current extension line visibility setting. Select the setting from list box.

Draw Both

Suppress First

Suppress Second

Suppress Both


Draw Both

Draws both extension lines.


Suppress First

Suppresses the first extension line.


Suppress Second

This option suppresses the second extension line.


Suppress Both

This option suppresses both extension lines.


Extension Lines: Center Mark Size

Specifies the size of center marks when you use the CENTER, DIAMETER, and RADIUS dimension commands. To select no center mark, enter 0. AutoCAD LT draws center lines for RADIUS and DIAMETER only if the dimension line is placed outside the circle or arc.


Extension Lines: Mark with Center Lines

Draws a center mark with center lines when you use the CENTER, DIAMETER, and RADIUS commands. AutoCAD LT draws center lines for RADIUS and DIAMETER only if the dimension line is placed outside the circle or arc.


Arrows (DDIM)

Quick Help

Formats arrows.

Dialog box options

Arrow button

Tick button

Dot button

User button

Arrow Size text box

User Arrow text box

Separate Arrows check box

First Arrow text box

Second Arrow text box

Tick Extension text box


Arrows: Arrow

Places arrows at the ends of dimension lines. AutoCAD LT draws the arrow in the size specified in the Arrow Size text box.


Arrows: Tick

Places tick marks at the ends of dimension lines. AutoCAD LT draws the tick in the size specified in the Arrow Size text box. Enter a value in the Tick Extension text box to specify the amount to extend the dimension line past the extension line.


Arrows: Dot

Places dots at the ends of dimension lines. AutoCAD LT draws the dot in the size specified in the Arrow Size text box.


Arrows: User

Specifies an alternate block to use at the ends of dimension lines. Enter the alternate block name in the User Arrow text box.


Arrows: Arrow Size

Specifies the size to draw the alternate block defined by the User. This option is only available if you have chosen User.


Arrows: User Arrow

Specifies the alternate block. This option is only available if you have chosen User.


Arrows: Separate Arrows

Uses different blocks at the ends of dimension lines. This option is only available if you have chosen User.


Arrows: First Arrow

Specifies the name of the block to use at the end of the first arrow. This option is only available if you have chosen User and Separate Arrows.


Arrows: Second Arrow

Specifies the name of the block to use at the end of the second arrow. This option is only available if you have chosen User and Separate Arrows.


Arrows: Tick Extension

Specifies the amount by which to extend the dimension line past the extension line. This option is only available if you have chosen Tick.


Text Location (DDIM)

Quick Help

Positions text.

Dialog box options

Text Height text box

Tolerance Height text box

Horizontal pop-up list

Vertical pop-up list

Relative Position text box

Alignment pop-up list


Text Location: Text Height

Specifies the height of the dimension text.


Text Location: Tolerance Height

Specifies the height for the tolerance values of the dimension text. See Tolerances for more information.


Text Location: Horizontal

Controls horizontal placement of dimension text.

Default

Force Text Inside

Text, Arrows Inside


Default

Places text according to the type of dimension. AutoCAD LT places text inside the extension lines if there is sufficient room with linear and angular dimensions. AutoCAD LT places text outside the circle or arc with radius and diameter dimensions.

See Text Gap for more information.


Force Text Inside

Forces text between the extension lines. AutoCAD LT places the arrows outside the extension lines if they do not fit inside.


Text, Arrows Inside

Forces text and arrows between the extension lines. AutoCAD LT suppresses the arrows and dimension line if they do not fit inside.


Text Location: Vertical

Controls vertical placement of dimension text. This control is effective when dimension text is drawn in its default location.

Centered

Above

Relative

Note: Neither the Above nor Relative position has any effect on angular dimensions.


Centered

Centers text on the dimension line. The line is split to allow the placement of text.


Above

Places text above the dimension line at a distance equal to the text height.


Relative

Places text relative to the dimension line determined by the value in the Relative Position text box.


Text Location: Relative Position

Adjusts the vertical position of the dimension text above or below the dimension line. You must first select Relative from the Vertical list box. Then enter a value in the Relative Position text box.

The vertical adjustment of the dimension text is the relative position divided by the text height. For example, if the text height value is 0.18 and 3 is the relative position, then the adjustment is a distance of 16.67.

AutoCAD LT splits the dimension line to accommodate the text only if the absolute value in the Relative Position text box is less than 0.7.


Text Location: Alignment

Controls the alignment of the dimension text. This setting affects the orientation of dimension text for linear, radius, and diameter dimensions.

Orient Text Horizontally

Align With Dimension Line

Aligned When Inside Only

Aligned When Outside Only


Orient Text Horizontally

Draws text horizontally relative to the current UCS, regardless of the dimension line alignment.


Align With Dimension Line

Draws text aligned with the dimension line.


Aligned When Inside Only

Draws text aligned with the dimension line only when text is inside the extension lines.


Aligned When Outside Only

Draws text aligned with the dimension line only when text is outside the extension lines.


Text Format (DDIM)

Quick Help

Formats text.

Dialog box description

Basic Units area

Zero Suppression area

Tolerances area

Alternate Units area


Text Format: Basic Units

Length Scaling text box

Scale In Paper Space Only check box

Round Off text box

Text Prefix text box

Text Suffix text box


Length Scaling

Specifies a global scale factor for linear dimension measurements. AutoCAD LT multiplies all linear distances measured by dimensions (including radii, diameters, and coordinates) by the current value in the Length Scaling text box. The length scaling value affects the value of the default text only. This value has no effect on angular dimensions and is not applied to the rounding value or plus-or-minus tolerance values.


Scale In Paper Space Only

Applies the length scaling value to dimensions created in paper space.


Round Off

Specifies a rounding value for all distance dimensions. If you enter a value of 0.25, AutoCAD LT rounds all distances to the nearest 0.25 unit. If you enter a value of 1.0, AutoCAD LT rounds all dimension distances to the nearest integer.

The number of digits appearing after the decimal point depends on the precision set by the DDUNITS command. The rounding value does not apply to angular dimensions.


Text Prefix

Specifies a prefix for dimensions. The following figure shows the result of entering Approx. in the text box.

Text prefix in dimension text

A specific prefix overrides any default prefixes, such as those used in diameter (e) and radius (R) dimensioning.


Text Suffix

Specifies a suffix for dimensions. The following figure shows the result of entering mm in the text box.

Text suffix in dimension text

Turning on the tolerances applies the suffix to the tolerances as well as to the main dimension.


Text Format: Zero Suppression

0 Feet check box

0 Inches check box

Leading check box

Trailing check box


0 Feet

Suppresses the feet portion of a feet-and-inches dimension when the distance is less than one foot (for example, 0'-6 1/2" becomes 6 1/2").


0 Inches

Suppresses the inches portion of a feet-and-inches dimension when the distance is an integral number of feet (for example, 1'-0" becomes 1') and you have selected 0 Inches.


Leading

Suppresses leading zeros in all decimal dimensions (for example, 0.5000 becomes .5000).


Trailing

Suppresses trailing decimal zeros (for example, 12.5000 becomes 12.5, and 30.0000 becomes 30).


Text Format: Tolerances

None button

Variance button

Limits button

Upper Value text box

Lower Value text box


None

Does not apply tolerances.


Variance

Appends tolerances to dimension text. See Upper Value and Lower Value for more information.


Limits

Adds the upper value to and subtracts the lower value from the dimension text. The result of the upper value appears above the result of the lower value.

Effects of the Limits radio button for dimension limits


Tolerances: Upper Value

If you select Variance, the values in the Upper Value and Lower Value text boxes appear in the plus and minus strings of the dimension tolerances.

If you enter the same value for both plus and minus tolerances, AutoCAD LT draws a ± symbol followed by the tolerance value when creating the dimension. The following figure shows the effect of entering a tolerance value of 1.5 in both text boxes.

Effects of Variance when tolerance values are the same

If you enter different values for the plus and minus tolerances, AutoCAD LT adds a plus sign (+) to upper values and a minus sign (-) to lower values. AutoCAD LT does not add a sign to a value of zero. The following figure shows the effect of entering different tolerance values.

Effects of Variance when tolerance values are different


Tolerances: Lower Value

If you select Variance, the values in the Upper Value and Lower Value text boxes appear in the plus and minus strings of the dimension tolerances.

If you enter the same value for both plus and minus tolerances, AutoCAD LT draws a ± symbol followed by the tolerance value when creating the dimension. The following figure shows the effect of entering a tolerance value of 1.5 in both text boxes.

Effects of Variance when tolerance values are the same

If you enter different values for the plus and minus tolerances, AutoCAD LT adds a plus sign (+) to upper values and a minus sign (-) to lower values. AutoCAD LT does not add a sign to a value of zero. The following figure shows the effect of entering different tolerance values.

Effects of Variance when tolerance values are different


Text Format: Alternate Units

Show Alternate Units check box

Decimal Places text box

Scaling text box

Suffix text box


Show Alternate Units

Turns on alternate units dimensioning.

The following figure shows dimension text using architectural units.

Alternate units in dimension text


Decimal Places

Specifies the number of decimal places used in displaying the alternate measurement. This option is only available if you have chosen Show Alternate Units.


Scaling

Multiplies linear dimensions by the value you enter to produce the alternate units measurement. This option is only available if you have chosen Show Alternate Units.


Suffix

Specifies the alternate units suffix for all but angular dimensions. This option is only available if you have chosen Show Alternate Units.


Scale and Colors (DDIM)

Quick Help

Sets scale and color.

Dialog box description

Scale area

Colors area


Scale and Colors: Scale Area

Feature Scaling text box

Use Paper Space Scaling check box


Feature Scaling

Specifies an overall scale factor for all dimension settings that specify sizes, distances, or offsets. This scale factor does not apply to tolerances, measured lengths, coordinates, or angles.


Use Paper Space Scaling

Computes a scale factor based on the scaling between the current model space viewport and paper space. By computing the scale factor, you turn off the Feature Scaling text box. The default scale factor is 1.0.


Scale and Colors: Colors

Dimension Line Color

Extension Line Color

Dimension Text Color


Dimension Line Color

Specifies the color number or standard color name for dimension lines. The default color label, or logical color, is BYBLOCK. You can enter any color number from 1 to 255, or a standard color name. You can also enter the color label, or logical color BYLAYER. To select a color from the Select Color dialog box, choose the color swatch.


Extension Line Color

Specifies the color number or standard color name for extension lines. The default color label, or logical color, is BYBLOCK. You can enter any color number from 1 to 255, or a standard color name. You can also enter the color label, or logical color BYLAYER. To select a color from the Select Color dialog box, choose the color swatch.


Dimension Text Color

Specifies the color number or standard color name for dimension text. The default color label, or logical color, is BYBLOCK. You can enter any color number from 1 to 255, or a standard color name. You can also enter the color label, or logical color BYLAYER. To select a color from the Select Color dialog box, choose the color swatch.


Preferences (PREFERENCES)

Quick Help

Customizes the AutoCAD LT settings

Use PREFERENCES to change your AutoCAD LT settings and save them for future drawing sessions.

	From the File menu, choose Preferences
	At the Command prompt, enter preferences or pf
Dialog box options

Settings area

Measurement area

Automatic Save area

Environment area

User Name

Temporary Files button

Color button

Fonts button


Preferences: Settings

Toolbar check box

Toolbox check box

Beep On Error check box

File Locking check box


Toolbar

Turns the toolbar on or off.


Toolbox

Turns the toolbox on or off.


Beep On Error

Turns the beep that alerts you to error messages on or off.


File Locking

Turns file locking on or off. File locking prevents users from making concurrent changes in a file. When a user opens a file, AutoCAD LT creates a lock file in the same directory, with the same prefix as the open file and the extension .dwk.


Preferences: Measurement

Selects the English (feet and inches) or metric system of measurement.


Preferences: Automatic Save

Saves your drawing every 1 to 600 minutes in a default file called auto.sv$. You can specify a different file.

Automatic Save Every check box

Minutes spin box

Save File Name text box


Automatic Save Every

Turns automatic file saving on of off.


Minutes

Specifies interval at which to save the current drawing. The range of intervals is 1 to 600. You can click on the arrows to set the value or enter an interval.


Save File Name

Specifies the name of the file in which to store the current drawing when it is automatically saved. The default file name is auto.sv$.


Preferences: Environment

Sets the search path for support files and specifies the name of the menu file.

Support Dirs text box

Browse button

Menu File text box


Support Dirs

Specifies the name of the directory where the support files are located. You can choose Browse to select a different directory or enter the other directory's name in the Support Dirs text box.


Browse

Displays the Edit Path dialog box in which you can specify the support directory if you choose Browse while in the Support Dirs text box.

Displays the Select a File dialog box if you choose Browse from the Menu File text box.


Preferences: Select a File

Dialog box options

File Name list and text box

List Files of Type list box

Directories list box

Drives list box


File Name

Displays a list of files. Select a file name or enter the file name in the text box.


List Files of Type

Displays file types by extension.


Directories

Displays the names of the directories on the current drive.


Drives

Displays the names of the available drives.


Menu File

Specifies the name of the menu file. You can choose Browse to select a different menu file or enter the other menu file name in the Menu File text box.

A menu file is a text file that modifies an existing menu or creates a new menu. You use menu files to define the appearance and location of menu items. You can then assign menu macros that execute specific steps when the user chooses a menu item. Being able to specify a menu file is a new feature in AutoCAD LT 2.

Menu files must have the extension mnu or mnx. The extension mnu denotes a template menu file. When you specify a menu file to load, AutoCAD LT first looks for the specified file name with an mnu extension and then for a compiled version of the same file, but with an mnx extension. For example, the file aclt.mnu is the template version of the compiled file aclt.mnx. AutoCAD recompiles mnu files if their mnx counterparts were saved at an earlier date.


Preferences: User Name

Displays the user name specified during setup/personalization. You can enter a new user name in the User Name box. The User Name is stored in the aclt.ini file.

This user name is inserted when you use the REVDATE command to insert a date and time stamp into your drawing. You may want to change this name when more than one person works on the drawing.


Temporary Files

Displays the Temporary Files dialog box.


Temporary Files (PREFERENCES)

Specifies the directory in which to store temporary files. AutoCAD LT creates temporary files on disk and then deletes these files when you exit the program.

Dialog box options

Use Drawing Directory check box

Directory text box

Browse button


Use Drawing Directory

Stores temporary files in the drawing directory.


Directory

Specifies the directory in which to store temporary files if you have not selected the Use Drawing Directory option. You can enter the name of the alternate directory or choose the Browse button to select the directory in the Edit Directory dialog box.


Browse

Displays the Edit Directory dialog box. You specify the directory where AutoCAD LT should save temporary files.


Edit Directory

Specifies the directory where AutoCAD LT should save temporary files.

Dialog box options

Path text box

Directories list box

Search Path list box

Drives list box

Change button

Delete button

Delete All button


Path

Specifies the path that AutoCAD LT should use to save temporary files. You can enter a new path.


Directories

Lists directories available on the current drive. You can double-click on a directory to enter its name in the Path text box.


Search Path

Displays the current search path. You can add the search path listed in the Path text box by choosing the Change button. You can delete the search path by choosing the Delete or Delete All button.


Drives

Lists available drives. You can double-click on a drive to make it the current drive.


Change

Replaces the path in the Search Path list box with the current path.


Delete

Deletes the path listed in the Search Path list box.


Delete All

Deletes all paths listed in the Search Path list box.


Preferences: AutoCAD LT Window Colors

Changes the colors of the AutoCAD LT drawing environment.

Dialog box options

Representation of the graphic screen

Window Element list box

Basic Colors swatches

R, G and B

Color tile

System Color button

Monochrome Vectors check box


Representation of the graphic screen

Identifies elements of the graphic screen. To change the color of an element, click on the element in the representation of the graphic screen. (You cannot select the crosshair by clicking on it. You must select it in the Window Element list box.) You can then use the Basic Colors swatches or R, G, or B text box and scroll bars to set the color for the selected element.

The Window Element list box displays the name of the element of which you have clicked. To change the color of the crosshair, you must select Crosshair color (XOR) in the Window Element list box.


Window Element

Display the name of the element the color of which you are changing. You can identify all elements, except the crosshair, by clicking on the element in the Representation of the graphic screen or by selecting the element in the Window Element list box.


Basic Colors

Displays the basic system colors from which you can choose. To mix colors, use the R and B options. To apply a color to the currently selected window element, click on any color swatch. A sample of the color will be applied to the element in the Representation of the graphic screen and also in the Color tile.


R, G, and B

Changes the hue of the currently selected window element. To change the hue, enter a new value in the R, G, or B text box, or use the scroll bar. The scroll bar resets the value in the respective text box. To revert to Windows system colors, choose the System Color button.


Color

Displays a sample of the currently specified color.


System Color

Reverts to Windows system colors.


Monochrome Vectors

Automatically selected if you have a monochrome monitor. You can choose this option if you are having problems viewing colors on a gray-scale monitor.


Preferences: Fonts

Changes the fonts in the AutoCAD LT drawing environment. This setting does not affect the text entities in your drawings.

Dialog box options

Font text box and list box

AutoCAD LT Window area

Font Style text box and list box

Sample Graphics/Text Window Font

Size text box and list box


Font

Displays the current font for the Graphics or Text window, whichever is selected under the AutoCAD LT Window option. You can choose a different font by selecting it in the Font list box.


AutoCAD LT Window

Specifies whether the Graphics or Text window font will be changed.


Font Style

Applies a text attribute, such as italics, to the text. You can choose any attribute in the list box.


Sample Graphics/Text Window Font

Displays a sample of the current font.


Size

Displays the current point size of the current font. You can change point size by selecting a value in the list box.


Boundary Creation (BOUNDARY)

Quick Help     See Also

Creates a polyline of a closed boundary

	From the Draw menu, choose Boundary
	At the Command prompt, enter boundary
BOUNDARY is the portion of BHATCH that creates a boundary object. Use BOUNDARY to create a polyline boundary from overlapping objects that define an enclosed area.

Dialog box options

Define Boundary Set area

Ray Casting list box

Island Detection check box

Pick Points button


For more information, see "Creating Polylines from the Boundaries of Objects," in chapter 6, "Drawing Geometry," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.


BOUNDARY: Define Boundary Set

Defines the set of objects that AutoCAD LT uses to define a boundary based on a pick point.

From Everything on Screen button

From Existing Boundary Set button

Make New Boundary Set button


From Everything on Screen

Creates a boundary set from everything visible on the screen. If you select this option when there is a current boundary set, AutoCAD LT discards the current set and uses everything visible in the current viewport.


From Existing Boundary Set

Selects the current boundary set.


Make New Boundary Set

Selects a set of objects. When you choose this option, the dialog box temporarily disappears so that you can select objects. AutoCAD LT constructs the new boundary set with selected objects that can be hatched and ignores other objects. If there is a current boundary set, AutoCAD LT replaces it with the new set. If all of the  objects you select cannot be hatched, AutoCAD LT retains the current set.


BOUNDARY: Ray Casting

Controls how AutoCAD LT defines a boundary object. Ray casting is available only if Island Detection is not selected. See BHATCH for more information.


BOUNDARY: Island Detection

Specifies whether AutoCAD LT uses objects (within the outermost boundary) as boundary objects. These internal objects are called islands.


BOUNDARY: Pick Points

Specifies internal points that define the boundary objects. Choose this option to accept the settings and create the boundary object.

Select internal point: Specify a point

Select internal point: Specify a point or press

If you select a point in an enclosed area, AutoCAD LT highlights the boundary. AutoCAD LT continues to prompt for internal points until you press [image].


COPYEMBED

Quick Help

Copies selected objects to embed in another program

	From the Edit menu, choose Copy Embed
	At the Command prompt, enter copyembed or ce
Object linking and embedding (OLE) is a Windows feature that combines data from several applications into one compound document. For example, you may combine an AutoCAD LT drawing in a word-processed document. You can then edit the AutoCAD LT drawing from within the word-processing application by double-clicking the drawing. This opens AutoCAD LT and the drawing. The changes you make in the drawing will affect the original drawing and the copy that is in the word-processing file.

You can embed an AutoCAD LT drawing in any Windows application that supports OLE 1.0 as a destination or client application.

COPYEMBED works only in the current viewport in model space. You cannot embed drawings while in paper space or multiple viewports.

Select objects: Use an object selection method


Save DIB (SAVEDIB)

Quick Help

Saves the graphics area to a file in device-independent bitmap format

	From the File menu, choose Import/Export, then BMP Out
	At the Command prompt, enter savedib
Saves the graphics area, command line, and toolbar to a .bmp file. You specify the file name and path in the Save DIB dialog box.

Dialog box options

File Name list and text box

List Files of Type list box

Directories list box

Drives list box


File Name

Displays a list of files. Select a file name or enter a file name in the text box.


Directories

Displays the names of the directories on the current drive.


Drives

Displays the names of the available drives.


List Files of Type

Displays file types by extension.


File(s) to Unlock ('UNLOCK)

Quick Help

Unlocks locked files

	From the File menu, Unlock Files
	At the Command prompt, enter unlock or ul
File locking is controlled by the PREFERENCES File Locking option. Locking a file prevents other users from making changes while you are working on the same file. If you have turned file locking on, AutoCAD LT creates a lock file using the current file's prefix and path, but replaces the extension with .dwk.

You specify the files to unlock in the File(s) to Unlock dialog box.

Dialog box options

File Name list and text box

List Files of Type list box

Directories list box

Drives list box

Select All

Clear All

Find File


File Name

Displays a list of files. Select a file name or enter a file name in the text box.


Directories

Displays the names of the directories on the current drive.


Drives

Displays the names of the available drives.


List Files of Type

Displays file types by extension.


Select All

Selects all files in the File Name list.


Clear All

Cancels the selection of all files in the File Name list.


Find File

Displays the Find File dialog box.


COPYIMAGE

Quick Help

Copies the selected area of the drawing in bitmap format

	From the Edit menu, choose Copy Image
	At the Command prompt, enter copyimage or ci
After you copy an image to the Windows Clipboard, you can paste the image into other Windows applications.

Select an area of the screen: Use the window selection method


Direct Distance Entry

Quick Help     Example

Uses a real value as the distance to draw.

Direct Distance Entry is an alternative method for specifying a location. This method is a good way to quickly specify a line of a specific length. For example, if you are at the LINE prompt:

To point:

you can enter a real value instead of using your pointing device to specify a distance. Before you enter the value, however, you must move the cursor in the direction in which AutoCAD LT is to draw. AutoCAD LT starts drawing from the last point and draws (in the direction of the cursor) a line segment of the distance you entered. If Ortho is on, that line will be straight. If Ortho is off, the line will be extended based on the angle created by the last point and the current cursor location.

Direct Distance Entry is always available, except with coordinate entry commands, such as ROTATE and SNAP. Coordinate entry commands already accept real values or points.


Tracking

Quick Help

Tracking is a visual method for using XYZ filters. When viewing XYZ filters, you specify X, Y, or Z values by selecting points with a corresponding coordinate. AutoCAD LT then assembles a complete point specification from the individual coordinate values.

Tracking is limited to X and Y values, which effectively limits your input to orthogonal specification. Tracking is always parallel to the snap axes. If you rotate the snap axes using the SNAP command, you also rotate the Tracking axes.

Tracking works only when AutoCAD LT prompts for a point. If you try to use tracking at the Command prompt, AutoCAD LT displays an error message.

	From the Toolbox, choose
	At the Command prompt, enter tracking, tk, or tra
First tracking point: Specify a point

Move the cursor directly up, down, left, or right until you see the rubber-band line. The direction of your movement affects the tracking direction. Notice that if you move the cursor from left to right you must then move it directly over the last point picked in order to move it up or down.

Next point (Press RETURN to end tracking): Specify a point in the X or Y direction or enter a distance

The starting point of the line snaps to the imaginary intersection of the vertical and horizontal path extending from the points you specified. The position is determined by the direction in which you moved the cursor after specifying the first point.

AutoCAD LT repeats the Next point prompt. When you press [image], AutoCAD LT completes the Tracking command and draws the resulting point.

Next point (Press RETURN to end tracking): Specify another point, enter a distance, or press [image] to end tracking


XYZ Filters

Quick Help     Example

References an existing point location and filters out unwanted X, Y, or Z coordinates.

XYZ filtering is useful for 2D and 3D constructions and can be used in conjunction with object snap. You must specify the XYZ filter before specifying object snap override. Valid filters are:

.X	.XY

.Y	.XZ

.Z	.YZ

Z is valid only when a 3D point is expected.


Block Definition (BMAKE)

Quick Help     See Also

Defines blocks using a dialog box

	From the Construct menu, choose Make Block
	At the Command prompt, enter bmake
After specifying the block, the selected objects are removed from the drawing unless Retain Entities is selected.

Dialog box options

Block name

Unnamed check box

Base Point area

Select Objects button

List Block Names button

Retain Entities check box


For more information, see "Working with Blocks" in chapter 14, "Using Symbols, Blocks, and External References," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.

Commands: WBLOCK saves a block to a .dwg file.


Block name

Specifies the name of the block. A block name can be up to 31 characters. You can use letters, numbers, and special characters, such as $, -, and _.


Unnamed

Leaves the block unnamed if the check box is checked.


Base Point

Indicates where the insertion point for the block is. You can specify a base point by choosing Select Point and selecting a point on screen, or you can enter coordinates in the X, Y, and Z text boxes.


Select Point

Displays the drawing so that you can select a base point.


X

Specifies the X coordinate for the base point.


Y

Specifies the Y coordinate for the base point.


Z

Specifies the Y coordinate for the base point.


Select Objects

Picks the entities to include in the new block. When you have finished selecting objects, press [image] to display the dialog box. The entities you select are removed from the drawing unless you selected Retain Entities.


List Block Names

Displays the currently defined blocks in the drawing. Displays Block Names In This Drawing dialog box.

In the Pattern text box you can enter wildcard characters or names of blocks to list in the list box below the text box.


Retain Entities

Retains entities that you have selected to be in the block.


DLINE

Quick Help

Draws a double line using straight line segments and arcs

	From the toolbox, choose  From the Draw menu, choose Double Line
	At the Command prompt, enter dline or dl
Break / Caps / Dragline / Offset / Snap / Undo / Width / <start point> :Specify a point, enter an option, or press


DLINE: Break

Determines whether AutoCAD LT creates a gap at the intersection of two double lines.

Break Dline's at start and end points? OFf <ON>: Enter an option or press

Double line break and end cap


DLINE: Caps

Specifies the type of endcaps of a double line.

Draw which endcaps? Both / End / None / Start / <Auto>: Enter an option or press

AutoCAD LT caps the specified ends whether or not they snap to an object

Double-line endcap


Both

Caps both ends of a double line.


End

Caps the end of a double line.


Start

Caps the start of a double line.


Auto

Caps the ends of a double line that are not snapped to an object.


None

Does not cap the ends of a double line.


DLINE: Dragline

Draws a double line by locating points centered on or offset from the double line. You can also draw along the left and right legs of the double line.

Set dragline position to the Left / Center / Right / <Offset from center = current >: Enter an option or press

A negative value offsets the double line to the left of the located points, the rubber band line. A positive number offsets the double line to the right of the located points.

The following example shows the dragline set to zero. A positive number shifts the double line upward; a negative number shifts it downward.

double-line dragline


DLINE: Offset

This option locates the start of a double line at a specified distance and angle from a base point. First, you locate the base point, then a point to define the direction of the offset, and finally, the offset distance.

Offset from: Locate a point.

Offset toward: Locate a point.

Enter the offset distance: Enter a distance value or locate a point.


DLINE: Snap

This option starts or ends a double line by snapping to an existing object. When Snap is on, the Break option determines whether to break the object at the intersection of the double line.

Set snap size or snap On / Off. Size / OFF / <ON>:

The Size option specifies the size of a search area, in pixels. The double line starts or terminates by snapping to the object it finds within the search area and adjusts each of its legs to form a clean junction with the object.

Selecting the Size option displays the following prompt:

New snap size (1 - 10) <current>: Enter a number from 1 through 10.


DLINE: Undo

This option removes, in reverse order, the points located for the current double line. A closed double line can't be undone with this option. You can use the UNDO command to undo each segment individually.


DLINE: Width

This option sets the width of a double line. The width is the perpendicular distance from one leg of the double line to the other.

New DLINE width <current width>: Enter a width value or locate two points.


DLINE: start point

Selecting a start point for a double line displays the following prompt:

Arc / Break / CAps / CLose / Dragline / Snap / Undo / Width / <next point> :


Arc

Use this option to change from drawing straight double-line segments to double-line Arcs. The following prompt appears when you draw drawing double-line Arcs:

Break / CAps / CEnter / CLose / Dragline / Endpoint / Line / Snap / Undo / Width / <second point >:

The last point you locate is the start point of the Arc. The Center, Endpoint, and Second point options are the same as those in the ARC command. Defining the Arc redisplays the prompt for the Arc option.

If you choose the Line option, AutoCAD LT changes from drawing double line Arcs to drawing straight double-line segments and displays the prompt for the Start point option.


CLose

This option closes a double line by returning to the start point with a straight Line or Arc, whichever is currently active. Then DLINE terminates. This option works only if you draw two or more Line segments or one or more Arcs.


next point

This option is similar to the Start point option, except that it locates the next point of the double line.


STYLE
'STYLE

Quick Help

Creates named text styles

	At the Command prompt, enter style or st
A style is a name for a group of settings that describe how text should look. The settings include:

Style name

Font file

Height

Width factor

Obliquing Angle

Backward

Upside-down

Orientation

AutoCAD LT assigns the STANDARD text style to all new drawings.

If you select Text Style from the Settings menu, AutoCAD LT displays the Select Text Font dialog box. If you enter style at the Command prompt, see Command Line Usage.


STYLE: Style name

A style name can be up to 31 characters. You can use letters, numbers, and special characters, such as $, -, and _.

If you enter the name of a new style, AutoCAD LT displays the message:

New style.

and displays the Select Font File dialog box.

If you enter the name of an existing style, AutoCAD LT displays the message:

Existing style.

and displays the Select Font File dialog box.


STYLE: Font file

Displays the Select Font File dialog box.


STYLE: Height

Height <current>: Enter the text height or press

If you enter 0.0, you must specify the text height each time you enter text using this style. If you enter a height greater than 0.0, AutoCAD LT sets the text height for the style and the Height prompt does not reappear.


STYLE: Width factor

Width factor <1.0>: Enter the text width or press

If you enter a value less than 1.0, AutoCAD LT condenses the text. If you enter a value more than 1.0, AutoCAD LT expands the text.

Obliquing angle <0>: Enter the obliquing angle or press

The obliquing angle determines the slant of the text.

Backwards <N>: Enter y, n, or press

Upside-down <N>: Enter y, n, or press

Vertical <N>: Enter y, n, or press

Vertical is available only if the selected font supports dual orientation.

STYLENAME is now the current text style.


STYLE: Obliquing Angle

Obliquing angle <0>: Enter the obliquing angle or press

The obliquing angle determines the slant of the text. If you enter a value less than 1.0 and greater than 85, AutoCAD LT italicizes the text.


STYLE: Backward

Backwards <N>: Enter y, n, or press

Displays the text backwards.


STYLE: Upside-down

Upside-down <N>: Enter y, n, or press

Displays the text upside-down.


STYLE: Orientation

Vertical <N>: Enter y, n, or press

Displays the text vertically.

Vertical is available only if the selected font supports dual orientation.


'STYLE: Command Line Usage
'STYLE: Using the Command Line

Quick Help

	At the Command prompt, enter style or st
Text style name (or ?) <STYLENAME>: Enter a text style name, ?, or press

If you enter a text style name, AutoCAD LT displays the Select Text Font dialog box.

Height <current>: Enter the text height.

Entering a height of 0.0 lets you specify the text height each time you enter text using this style. If you enter a height greater than 0.0, the text height is set for this style, and the Height prompt does not appear. AutoCAD LT prompts for a width factor, which horizontally condenses or expands the text.

Width factor <1.00>:

A value less than 1.0 condenses the text, and a value greater than 1.0 expands it. AutoCAD LT prompts for the obliquing angle.

Obliquing angle <0>:

Values greater than 0 and less than 85 oblique (italicize) the text. AutoCAD LT prompts for the alternate font variations: backwards, upside-down, and vertical. Vertical is available only if the selected font supports dual orientation.

Backwards <N>:

Upside-down <N>:

Vertical <N>:

STYLENAME is now the current text style.


? -- List

Lists existing text styles.

Text style(s) to list <*>: Enter a text style name, *, or press

If you enter an asterisk (*), AutoCAD LT lists all text styles.


Select Text Font (STYLE)

Quick Help

Creates and changes text styles.

Font Name list

Font Sample tiles

Previous button

Next button


Font Name

Displays a list of fonts. If you single-click a name in the list, AutoCAD LT highlights the matching Font Sample tile to the right of the list. If you double-click a name in the list, AutoCAD LT displays the STYLE command's Height prompt.


Font Sample

Displays sample tiles of each font in the Font Name list. If you single-click a tile, AutoCAD LT highlights the font name in the Font Name List. If you double-click a tile, AutoCAD LT displays the STYLE command's Height prompt.


Previous

Displays the previous set of tiles, if you are viewing beyond the first set.


Next

Displays the next set of tiles, if there is one.


Select Font File (STYLE)

Quick Help

Lists the standard title block drawing files. Choose a title block from the File Name list.

Dialog box options

File Name list and text box

List Files of Type list box

Directories list box

Drives list box

Type It button

Find File button


File Name

Displays a list of files. Select a file name or enter a file name in the text box.


Directories

Displays the names of the directories on the current drive.


Drives

Displays the names of the available drives.


Type It

Prompts you to enter a file name on the command line.


Find File

Searches multiple paths and drives using search criteria. Displays the Find File dialog box.


List Files of Type

Displays the current file type.


TOOLBOX

Quick Help

Controls the position and layout of the toolbox

	From the toolbar, choose  From the Settings menu, choose Toolbox Style
	At the Command prompt, enter toolbox
Each time you enter the command, the toolbox toggles between these states:

Locked to the upper-left corner of the graphics window

Hidden

Locked to the upper-right corner of the graphics window

Floating (default)

You can set the floating toolbox to be displayed or hidden through PREFERENCES. You can also customize the toolbox, changing its shape and the function and arrangement of the buttons. See Toolbar Button Customization.


FILEOPEN

Quick Help

Opens a file

	At the Command prompt, enter fileopen
You also open a drawing by entering OPEN at the Command prompt or by choosing File Open. These methods automatically display the Open Drawing dialog box. FILEOPEN prompts you for the name of the file to open:

Enter name of drawing <current>: Enter ? or the name of a drawing, or press

If you enter ?, AutoCAD LT displays the Open Drawing dialog box. If you enter the name of a drawing, AutoCAD LT open the drawing. If you press [image], AutoCAD LT prompts you to save the current drawing if it has been modified since you last saved it. AutoCAD LT then reopens the current drawing.


'GETENV

Quick Help

Displays variables available in the aclt.ini file

	At the Command prompt, enter getenv
Variable name: Enter the name of a variable

GETENV looks in the [AutoCAD LT General] section of aclt.ini to find the value of the variable that you specify. If the variable does not exist, GETENV returns NIL.


'SETENV

Quick Help

Sets the variables in the file aclt.ini

	At the Command prompt, enter setenv
Variable name: Enter the name of a variable

Value <current>: Enter a value or press

SETENV changes the value of a variable in the [AutoCAD LT General] section of aclt.ini.


EXIT

Quick Help

Exits AutoCAD LT

	From the File menu, choose Exit
	At the Command prompt, enter exit
If there have been no changes since the drawing was last saved, EXIT exits AutoCAD LT. If the drawing has been modified, AutoCAD LT prompts you to save or discard the changes before quitting.

You can EXIT a file that has been opened in read-only mode if you have made no modifications or if you are willing to discard them. To save modifications to a read-only drawing, use the SAVEAS command.


LOGFILEOFF

Quick Help     See Also

Closes the log file opened by LOGFILEON

	At the Command prompt, enter logfileoff
LOGFILEON opens an ASCII file and begins recording the contents of the text window. LOGFILEOFF terminates the recording and closes the log file.

The name of the standard AutoCAD LT log file is aclt.log. You can close it during your drawing session by using LOGFILEOFF.


Commands: LOGFILEON records each redline save in a log file.


LOGFILEON

Quick Help     See Also

Writes the contents of the text window to a file

	At the Command prompt, enter logfileon
LOGFILEON opens an ASCII file and begins recording the contents of the text window. LOGFILEOFF terminates the recording and closes the log file.

The name of the standard AutoCAD LT log file is aclt.log. You can close it during your drawing session by using LOGFILEOFF.

A new log session begins each time you use LOGFILEON. Each session in the log file is separated by a dashed line.


Commands: LOGFILEOFF closes the log file opened by LOGFILEON.


Create New Drawing (NEW)

Quick Help     See Also

Sets up a new drawing file

	From the toolbar, choose  From the File menu, choose New
	At the Command prompt, enter new or n
When you open a new drawing, AutoCAD offers several options for establishing basic setting:

With Quick setup, you specify the unit style and overall size of your object; AutoCAD LT automatically sets scale factors that determine the size of such objects as text and dimensions.

With Custom setup, you can set the same options as in Quick setup, but with more control. In addition, you can insert a title block and border, a date and time stamp, and a floating viewport.

If you choose a prototype drawing, you open a new, untitled drawing that has the same settings as an existing drawing.

When you open a new drawing, AutoCAD LT displays the Create New Drawing dialog box. If the drawing on the screen has not been saved, AutoCAD LT prompts you to save or abandon the drawing.

Dialog box options

Setup Method area

Prototype area

Show This Dialog at Startup check box

Some system variables are affected by Quick and Custom Drawing Setup.

System Variables Affected by Quick and Custom Drawing Setup


For more information, see "Setting up New Drawings" in chapter 4, "Organizing Your Project," in the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.


Create New Drawing: Setup Method

Quick button

Custom button

None button

Description


Quick

Displays the Quick Drawing Setup dialog box when you choose OK.

If you are a new user, this option is the best way for you to set up a new drawing quickly.


Quick Drawing Setup (NEW)

Quick Help

Sets up a new drawing quickly.

Dialog box options

Units of Measurement area

World (actual) Size to Represent area

Drawing Aids area

After you choose OK, AutoCAD LT sets up your new drawing and scales certain system variables. AutoCAD LT then zooms into the center of your drawing.

If you choose Cancel, AutoCAD LT creates a new drawing using the None setup defaults.

Some system variables are affected by Quick and Custom Drawing Setup.

System Variables Affected by Quick and Custom Drawing Setup


Quick Drawing Setup: Units of Measurement

Sets the type of unit. Click on the downwards arrow to choose from:

Scientific

Decimal

Engineering

Architectural

Fractional

To the right of the list box is an example of the current unit type you specify.

Look in the Toolbar for the Coordinate Display showing decimal unit type. The Coordinate Display icon identifies the X and Y coordinates of the current location of your cursor. AutoCAD LT displays the coordinates using the unit type you specify under Units of Measure.

If you do not set the Unit of Measurement, AutoCAD LT uses the unit set in the prototype drawing. If there is no prototype selected, AutoCAD LT uses decimal units.

For more information, see UNITS and DDUNITS.


Quick Drawing Setup: World (actual) Size to Represent

Sets boundaries, called drawing limits, that can be used as a visual reference as you draw. AutoCAD LT uses the height you specify to set scales for such elements as dimensions, text, and chamfers.

Width text box

Height text box

When you open the new drawing, AutoCAD zooms to fit the graphic area to the width and height that you specified. AutoCAD LT defines the boundary based on the coordinates of the lower-left and upper-right corners of your drawing area.

For more information, see LIMITS.


Width

Enter the width. AutoCAD LT displays the value you enter in the units you have specified. For example, if you have chosen Fractional Units and enter 1200.5, AutoCAD LT displays 1200½.


Height

Enter the height. AutoCAD LT displays the value you enter in the units you specified. For example, if you have chosen Fractional Units and enter 1200.5, AutoCAD LT displays 1200½. AutoCAD LT uses this value to establish scale factors for such elements as text and dimensions.


Quick Drawing Setup: Drawing Aids

Displays a grid and restricts the cursor movement to specific intervals.

Turns on Grid check box

Turns on Snap check box

X Spacing text box

Y Spacing text box


Turns on Grid

Displays a grid. For more information, see GRID.


Turns on Snap

Restricts cursor movement to specified intervals. For more information, see SNAP.


X Spacing

Sets horizontal spacing for the snap grid. Enter a value.

For more information, see GRID and SNAP.


Y Spacing

Sets the vertical spacing for the snap grid. Enter a value.

For more information, see GRID and SNAP.


Custom

Displays the Custom Drawing Setup dialog box when you choose OK.


Custom Drawing Setup (NEW)

Quick Help

Sets the same options used for Quick Drawing Setup and creates a floating viewport in paper space.  In addition, you can add a title block and border and insert a date and time stamp.

Dialog box options

Units area

World (actual) Size to Represent area

Drawing Aids area

Title Block area

After you choose OK in the dialog box, AutoCAD LT sets up your drawing and scales certain relevant system variables. If you choose Cancel, AutoCAD LT creates a new drawing using the None setup defaults.

Some system variables are affected by Quick and Custom Drawing Setup.

System Variables Affected by Quick and Custom Drawing Setup


Custom Drawing Setup: Units

Displays the Units Control dialog box. You select the desired linear and angular units and precision. To the right of the Units button AutoCAD LT displays the units set by the prototype drawing.


Custom Drawing Setup: World (actual) Size to Represent

Sets boundaries, called drawing limits, that can be used as a visual reference as you draw. AutoCAD LT uses the height you specify to set scales for such elements as dimensions, text, and chamfers.

Width text box

Height text box

This option creates a boundary in your drawing. AutoCAD LT defines the boundary based on the coordinates of the lower-left and upper-right corners of your drawing area.

For more information, see LIMITS.


Width

Scales the width of the objects you draw so that they fit on your screen and on your plotter's paper. Enter the width. AutoCAD LT displays the value you enter in the units you specified. For example, if you have chosen Fractional Units and enter 1200.5, AutoCAD LT displays 1200'½.


Height

Scales the height of the objects you draw so that they fit on your screen and on your plotter's paper. Enter the height. AutoCAD LT displays the value you enter in the units you specified. For example, if you have chosen Fractional Units and enter 1200.5, AutoCAD LT displays 1200'½.


Custom Drawing Setup: Drawing Aids

Displays the Drawing Aids dialog box, through which you control snap and grid settings.


Custom Drawing Setup: Title Block

Inserts the title block and border. A title block is the same as a title strip in a manual drawing. Title blocks in AutoCAD LT drawings are optional.

The description and file name of the standard title appear to the right of the Title Block... button. Initially, the filename is none. The filename and description are all stored in the aclt.ini file.

Title Block button

Date Stamp check box


Title Block

Displays the Title Block dialog box.


Title Block (NEW)

Quick Help

Lists standard title blocks to insert into the drawing.

AutoCAD LT inserts title blocks into the drawing at 0,0.

Dialog box options

Description list box

File field

Add button

Change button

Delete button


Description

Displays descriptions of the standard title block files, which are separate .dwg files. Click the description of a title block file to place it in the File field. Double-click the name of a title block file to place it in the File field and return to the Custom Drawing Setup dialog box.


File

Displays the name of the current title block file.


Add

Displays the Add Title Block dialog box.


Add Title Block (NEW)

Quick Help

Adds a new title block description.

Dialog box options

Description text box

File button


Description

Describes a title block. Enter a textual description.


File

Displays the Select Title Block File dialog box.


Select Title Block File (NEW)

Quick Help

Lists the standard title block drawing files. Choose a title block from the File Name list.

Dialog box options

File Name list and text box

List Files of Type list box

Directories list box

Drives list box

Find File button


File Name

Displays a list of files. Select a file name or enter a file name in the text box.


Directories

Displays the names of the directories on the current drive.


Drives

Displays the names of the available drives.


List Files of Type

Displays file types by extension.


Find File

Searches multiple paths and drives using search criteria. Displays the Find File dialog box.


Change

Displays the Change Title Block dialog box.


Change Title Block (NEW)

Quick Help

Adds a new title block description.

Dialog box options

Description text box

File button


Description

Describes a title block. Enter a textual description.


File

Displays the Select Title Block File dialog box.


Delete

Deletes the selected title block from the Description list.


Date Stamp

Updates the drawing to include the user name, current time, file name, and date stamp on any drawing. The default selection is on. Selecting this item will execute the REVDATE after you choose OK in the Custom Setup dialog box.


None

Uses AutoCAD LT's standard settings or those of the selected prototype.

For more information, see Prototype.


Description

Briefly describes what each Setup Method does.


Prototype (NEW)

Displays the Prototype Drawing File dialog box. The default prototype drawing is aclt.dwg.

A prototype drawing is a framework that you use to create new drawings. In your prototype drawing, you might include settings and basic drawing elements consistent with your office standards:

Unit type and precision

Drawing limits

Snap, Grid, and Ortho settings

Layer organization

Title blocks, borders, and logos

Linetype, dimension, and text styles

Dialog box options

Lists the standard prototype drawing files. Choose a prototype file from the File Name list.

File Name list and text box

List Files of Type list box

Directories list box

Drives list box

Default

Find File button

Use Prototype check box

Retain as Default check box

In the Prototype text box, specify the name of the drawing you want to use as a prototype. You can choose the Prototype button to use drawings stored on different directory paths.


File Name

Displays a list of files. Select a file name or enter a file name in the text box.


Directories

Displays the names of the directories on the current drive.


Drives

Displays the names of the available drives.


List Files of Type

Displays file types by extension.


Default

Specifies the default prototype drawing.


Find File

Searches multiple paths and drives using search criteria. Displays the Find File dialog box.


Use Prototype

Creates a new drawing based on a prototype drawing. All parameters in the new drawing are set to their defaults.


Retain as Default

Uses the drawing named in the Prototype box as the default prototype drawing.


Create New Drawing: Show This Dialog at Startup

Controls whether or not the Create New Drawing dialog box is displayed. The Create New Drawing dialog box is always displayed when you choose New from the File menu or enter the NEW command. If you select this option, the Create New Drawing dialog appears whenever you start AutoCAD LT, except when starting with a drawing name or script.


Create New Drawing:
System Variables Affected by Quick and Custom Drawing Setup

The following is a list of system variables, along with their initial default settings for English and metric measurement settings, which will get scaled by Quick and Custom setup:

System Variable	English default	Metric default
CHAMFERA	0.5*	10.0
CHAMFERB	0.5*	10.0
DIMASZ	0.18	2.5
DIMCEN	0.09	2.5
DIMDLI	0.38	3.75
DIMEXE	0.18	1.25
DIMEXO	0.0625	0.625
DIMGAP	0.09	0.625
DIMTXT	0.18	2.5
DONUTID	0.5	10.0*
DONUTOD	1.0	20.0*
FILLETRAD	0.5*	10.0
HPSCALE	0.5	10.0*
HPSPACE	0.25	5.0*
LTSCALE	1.0	20.0*
SNAPUNIT	(0.5, 0.5)*	(10.0, 10.0)
TEXTSIZE	0.2	3.5
GRIDUNIT	(0.0, 0.0)	(0.0, 0.0)


REVDATE

Quick Help

Inserts a revision date, time, file name, and user name into the drawing

	From the Modify menu, choose Date and Time
	At the Command prompt, enter revdate
Inserts and updates a revdate block, which includes the user name, current time and date, and name of the drawing. The first time you use REVDATE in a drawing, AutoCAD LT inserts the revdate block. When you use REVDATE after inserting a revdate block, AutoCAD LT updates the revdate block.

You can explode the revdate block and reposition its contents in another location, such as a title block.

REVDATE block insertion point <0,0>: Specify a point or press

REVDATE block rotation(0 or 90 degrees) <0>: Specify an angle or press

AutoCAD LT inserts or updates a revdate block.


Tool Tips

Quick Help     See Also

Identifies a button on the toolbar

You see Tool Tips when you move the cursor on top of a toolbar button. The name of the button appears below the cursor.


System Variables: TOOLTIPS turns Tool Tips on and off.


Toolbar Button n Customization

Quick Help

Changes certain buttons on the toolbar. The buttons that you can change are called programmable buttons.

The buttons that you cannot change are the following toggle buttons:

To customize a button, click your right pointing device button on one of the customizable toolbar buttons. AutoCAD LT displays the Toolbar Button n Customization dialog box. The n represent the number of the icon being changed.

Dialog box options

Select Image/Select Character list box

AutoCAD LT Command edit box

Save to ACLT.INI check box

Image button

Character button

Next button

Previous button

Delete button


Select Image/Select Character

Displays the names of alternative commands or characters to apply to buttons.

AutoCAD LT displays the Select Image list of commands if Image button is on. When you click on a command, AutoCAD LT displays a sample of the command's button in the image tile. You must enter the command itself in the AutoCAD LT Command text box.

To apply the command and its image to a button, choose OK.

The following images are provided:

	.X		DIM		NONE
	.Y		DIST		OFFSET
	.Z		DIVIDE		OPEN
	@		DLINE		PAN
	ARC		DONUT		PASTECLIP
	AREA		DSVIEWER		PEDIT
	ARRAY		EDIT (DDEDIT)		PERPENDICULAR
	BHATCH		ELLIPSE		PLINE
	BLOCK		ENDPOINT		PLOT
	BOUNDARY		ERASE		POINT
	BREAK		EXPLODE		POLYGON
	CANCEL (\3\3)		EXTEND		PREFERENCES
	CENTER		FILLET		QUADRANT
	CHAMFER		HATCH		RECTANG
	CHANGE (DDCHPROP)		HATCHEDIT		REDO
	CIRCLE		HELP		REDRAW
	CLOSE		ID		ROTATE
	COPY		INS		SAVE
	COPYCLIP		INTERSECTION		SCALE
	COPYLINK		LAYER (DDLMODES)		STRETCH
	CUT		LINE		TANGENT
	DDEMODES		LIST		TEXT (DTEXT)
	DDIM		MEASURE		TOOLBOX
	DDINSERT		MIDPOINT		TRACKING
	DDMODIFY		MIRROR		TRIM
	DDOSNAP		MOVE		UCS
	DDRMODES		NEAREST		UNDO
	DDUCS		NEW		ZOOM
	DDUCSP		NODE
AutoCAD LT displays the Select Character list if the Character button is on. The Select Character list displays letters A through Z, which you can apply to a button.


Toolbar Button: AutoCAD LT Command

Specifies a string (up to 255 characters) for one or more AutoCAD LT commands. You must enter a command sequence (the code that executes a command) for each button that you customize.

For example, if you select Extend, you must enter extend in the text box. If you do not enter extend, but you choose OK, the Extend button in the toolbar will not do anything. If you choose Extend in the dialog box and enter the name of a different command, AutoCAD LT will execute the different command when you click on the Extend button in the toolbar.


AutoCAD LT interprets a space in a command string as a [image]. AutoCAD LT appends a space character to the AutoCAD LT command string by default. If you want to suppress the space character, place a semicolon (;) at the end of the command string.

You can use the following additional special characters in a toolbar or toolbox command string:

\\	The \ character (can be used in path names)

\n	New line

\2	 + [image] (Snap mode toggle)

\3	 + [image] (Cancel)

\4	 + [image] (Coordinates toggle)

\5	 + [image] (Isoplane toggle)

\7	 + [image] (Grid mode toggle)

Note: We recommend that you not use command aliases in the AutoCAD LT command string.


Toolbar Button: Save to ACLT.INI

Saves the new button definitions in aclt.ini. If you do not select this option, the toolbar will revert to its former settings during your next AutoCAD LT session.


Toolbar Button: Character

Displays the letters A through Z in the Select Character list. You can apply a letter to a button by selecting the letter.


Toolbar Button: Image

Displays the names of alternative commands in the Select Image list. When you click on a command, AutoCAD LT displays a sample of the command's button in the image tile. You can apply the command and its image to a button.


Toolbar Button: Next

Moves to the next programmable button in the toolbar.


Toolbar Button: Previous

Moves to the previous programmable button in the toolbar.


Toolbar Button: Delete button

Deletes the definition shown in the text box for the current programmable button.


Toolbox Customization

Quick Help

Changes buttons as well as the number of buttons in the toolbox.

The default toolbox includes 48 icons arranged in 4 rows and 12 columns:

To customize a toolbox button, click it with the right pointing device button to open the Toolbox Customization dialog box. You can change the buttons themselves and also the number of buttons in the toolbox.

Dialog box options

Image Name list box

AutoCAD LT Command edit box

Save to ACLT.INI check box

Insert button

Delete button

Floating Toolbox Width edit box

Locked Toolbox Width edit box

If you want to use the new button definitions in another session, choose Save to ACLT.INI.


Toolbox Customization: Image Name

Displays the names of alternative commands to apply to buttons.

When you click on a command, AutoCAD LT displays a sample of the command's button in the image tile. You must enter the command itself in the AutoCAD LT Command text box.

To apply the command and its image to a button, choose OK.

The following images are provided:

	.X		DIM		NONE
	.Y		DIST		OFFSET
	.Z		DIVIDE		OPEN
	@		DLINE		PAN
	ARC		DONUT		PASTECLIP
	AREA		DSVIEWER		PEDIT
	ARRAY		EDIT (DDEDIT)		PERPENDICULAR
	BHATCH		ELLIPSE		PLINE
	BLOCK		ENDPOINT		PLOT
	BOUNDARY		ERASE		POINT
	BREAK		EXPLODE		POLYGON
	CANCEL (\3\3)		EXTEND		PREFERENCES
	CENTER		FILLET		QUADRANT
	CHAMFER		HATCH		RECTANG
	CHANGE (DDCHPROP)		HATCHEDIT		REDO
	CIRCLE		HELP		REDRAW
	CLOSE		ID		ROTATE
	COPY		INS		SAVE
	COPYCLIP		INTERSECTION		SCALE
	COPYLINK		LAYER (DDLMODES)		STRETCH
	CUT		LINE		TANGENT
	DDEMODES		LIST		TEXT (DTEXT)
	DDIM		MEASURE		TOOLBOX
	DDINSERT		MIDPOINT		TRACKING
	DDMODIFY		MIRROR		TRIM
	DDOSNAP		MOVE		UCS
	DDRMODES		NEAREST		UNDO
	DDUCS		NEW		ZOOM
	DDUCSP		NODE


Toolbox Customization: AutoCAD LT Command

Specifies a string (up to 255 characters) for one or more AutoCAD LT commands. AutoCAD LT automatically enters the command when you choose a command in the Image Name list. You can enter a command other than those listed in the Select Image list. See characters for information on how to enter a command yourself.


Toolbox Customization: Save to ACLT.INI

Saves the new button definitions in aclt.ini. If you do not select this option, the toolbox will revert to its former settings during your next AutoCAD LT session.


Toolbox Customization: Insert

Adds a new toolbox button to the left of the previously selected button, assigns to it the current command string and icon, and exits the dialog box.


Toolbox Customization: Delete

Deletes the current toolbox button and exits the dialog box.


Toolbox Customization: Floating Toolbox Width

Modifies the width of the floating toolbox. A setting of 4, for example, generates a toolbox that is 4 buttons wide.

The minimum value you can enter is 1. The maximum value you can enter is 60.


Toolbox Customization: Locked Toolbox Width

Modifies the width of the locked toolbox. A setting of 2 generates a vertical toolbox 2 buttons wide, locked to the upper-left or upper-right corner of the graphics area. A setting of 40 generates a horizontal toolbox 40 buttons wide.

The minimum value you can enter is 1. The maximum value you can enter is 60.


	Pull-Down Menus
Quick Help

Click any menu name for information.

You can also display the cursor menu while you are working.


File Menu

Quick Help

Click any menu item for information.


File Menu

Quick Help

Click any menu item for information.


New...

Creates a new drawing file. See NEW.


Open...

Opens an existing drawing file. See OPEN.


Save

Saves the current drawing. See QSAVE.


Save As...

Saves an unnamed drawing with a file name or renames the current drawing. See SAVEAS.


Print/Plot...

Plots a drawing to a plotter, printer, or file. See PLOT.


View Slide...

Displays a raster image slide file in the current viewport. See VSLIDE.


DXF In...

Imports a drawing interchange file. See DXFIN.


WMF In...

Imports a Windows Metafile. See WMFIN.


WMF In Options...

Sets options for WMFIN. See WMFOPTS.


Make Slide...

Creates a slide file of the current viewport. See MSLIDE.


DXF Out...

Creates a drawing interchange file of the current drawing. See DXFOUT.


Block Out...

Writes objects to a new drawing file. See WBLOCK.


Attributes Out...

Extracts attribute data. See DDATTEXT.


PostScript Out...

Creates an Encapsulated PostScript file. See PSOUT.


WMF Out...

Saves objects to a Windows Metafile. See WMFOUT.


BMP Out...

Saves the graphics area to a file in device-independent bitmap format. See SAVEDIB.


Run Script...

Executes a sequence of commands from a script. See SCRIPT.


Unlock Files...

Unlocks locked files. See UNLOCK.


Preferences...

Customizes the AutoCAD LT settings. See PREFERENCES.


Exit

Exits AutoCAD LT. See QUIT.


Edit Menu

Quick Help

Click any menu item for information.


Undo

Reverses the most recent operation. See U.


Redo

Reverses the effects of the previous UNDO or U command. See REDO.


Copy Image

Copies the selected area of the drawing in bitmap format. See COPYIMAGE.


Copy Vectors

Copies objects to the Windows Clipboard. See COPYCLIP.


Copy Embed

Copies selected objects to embed in another program. See COPYEMBED.


Copy Link

Copies the current view to the Windows Clipboard for linking to other OLE applications. See COPYLINK.


Paste

Inserts data from the Windows Clipboard. See PASTECLIP.


Paste Command

Pastes text from the Windows Clipboard to command line. There is no command line equivalent for this menu.


Text Window

Switches from the graphics area to the text window. See TEXTSCR.


Draw Menu

Quick Help

Click any menu item for information.


Draw Menu

Quick Help

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Draw Menu

Quick Help

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Draw Menu

Quick Help

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Draw Menu

Quick Help

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Draw Menu

Quick Help

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Draw Menu

Quick Help

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Draw Menu

Quick Help

Click any menu item for information.


Line

Creates straight line segments. See LINE.


Start, Center, End

Creates an arc based on a start point, center point, and then endpoint. See ARC.


Start, Center, Angle

Creates an arc based on a start point, center point, and then specified angle. See ARC.


Start, End, Angle

Creates an arc based on a start point, end point, and then specified angle. See ARC.


Center, Start, End

Creates an arc based on a center point, start point, and then endpoint. See ARC.


Center, Start, Angle

Creates an arc based on a center point, start point, and then specified angle. See ARC.


3 Point

Creates an arc based on a start point, center point, and an then endpoint, all on the arc's circumference. See ARC.


Continue Line/Arc

Draws an arc tangent to the last arc or line drawn. See ARC. This is equivalent to pressing [image].


Center, Radius

Creates a circle based on a center point and then a radius. See CIRCLE.


Center, Diameter

Creates a circle based on a center point and then a diameter. See CIRCLE.


Tan, Tan, Radius

Draws a circle tangent to two objects with a specified radius. See CIRCLE TTR.


3 Point

Draws a circle based on three points of the circumference. See CIRCLE 3P.


Text

Displays text on screen as it is entered. See DTEXT.


Polyline

Creates two-dimensional polylines. See PLINE.


Point

Creates a point object. See POINT.


Boundary Hatch...

Fills an enclosed area with an associative hatch pattern. See BHATCH.


Boundary...

Creates a polyline of a closed boundary. See BOUNDARY.


Solid

Creates solid-filled polygons. See SOLID.


Donut

Draws filled circles and rings. See DONUT.


Ellipse

Creates an ellipse or an elliptical arc. See ELLIPSE.


Polygon

Creates an equilateral closed polyline. See POLYGON.


Rectangle

Draws a rectangular polyline. See RECTANG.


Double Line

Draws a double line using straight line segments and arcs. See DLINE.


Insert Block...

Inserts a block or another drawing. See DDINSERT.


Attach...

Attaches external references to drawing files. See XREF Attach.


Bind

Binds external references to drawing files. See XREF Bind.


Detach

Detaches external references from drawing files. See XREF Detach.


Reload

Reloads external references to drawing files. See XREF Reload.


Change Path

Specifies the path name of an external reference to a drawing file. See XREF Path.


List ?

Lists paths and number of external references to drawing files. See XREF ?.


Retain Settings

Determines whether AutoCAD LT saves (within the main drawing) changes in the layer settings for external references. Sets the system variable VISRETAIN.


Block

Binds a block from an external reference to the current drawing. See XBIND Block.


Dim Style

Binds a dimension style from an external reference to the current drawing. See XBIND Dimstyle.


Layer

Binds a layer from an external reference to the current drawing. See XBIND LAyer.


Linetype

Binds a linetype from an external reference to the current drawing. See XBIND LType.


Text Style

Binds a text style from an external reference to the current drawing. See XBIND Style.


Horizontal

Draws a linear dimension with a horizontal dimension line. See DIM Linear Dimensions Horizontal.


Vertical

Draws a linear dimension with a vertical dimension line. See DIM Linear Dimensions Vertical.


Aligned

Draws a linear dimension with a vertical dimension line. See DIM Linear Dimensions Aligned.


Rotated

Draws a linear dimension at a specified angle. See DIM Linear Dimensions Rotated.


Baseline

Uses a linear dimension as an offset for another dimension line. See DIM Linear Dimensions Baseline.


Continue

Continues drawing a linear dimension based on the last extension line drawn. See DIM Linear Dimensions Continue.


Automatic

Draws a dimension to measure the X or Y coordinate. See DIM Ordinate Dimensions Automatic.


X-Datum

Dimensions the X coordinate. See DIM Ordinate Dimensions X-Datum.


Y-Datum

Dimensions the Y coordinate. See DIM Ordinate Dimensions Y-Datum.


Diameter

Creates a diameter dimension for an arc or a circle. See DIM Radial Dimensions Diameter.


Radius

Creates a radius dimension for an arc or a circle. See DIM Radial Dimensions Radius.


Center Mark

Draws a center mark or center lines for an arc or a circle. See DIM Radial Dimensions Center Mark.


Angular Dimension

Dimensions the angle between two nonparallel lines or a vertex and two other points. See DIM Angular Dimensions.


Leader

Constructs complex leaders. See DIM Leader.


View Menu

Quick Help

Click any menu item for information.


View Menu

Quick Help

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View Menu

Quick Help

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View Menu

Quick Help

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View Menu

Quick Help

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View Menu

Quick Help

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View Menu

Quick Help

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View Menu

Quick Help

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View Menu

Quick Help

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All

Displays the entire drawing in the current viewport. See ZOOM All.


Center

Bases the display window on a specified center point. See ZOOM Center.


Extents

Uses the drawing extents to display the largest possible area that includes all objects. See ZOOM Extents.


Previous

Displays the previous view. See ZOOM Previous.


Window

Displays a window based on two of its opposite corner points. See ZOOM Window.


Scale

Displays the window at the specified scale. See ZOOM Scale.


Pan

Moves the drawing display in the current viewport. See PAN.


Delete

Deletes named views. See VIEW Delete.


Restore

Restores named views. See VIEW Restore.


Save

Saves named views. See VIEW Save.


Window

Saves named views. See VIEW Window.


List ?

Saves named views. See VIEW ?.


Redraw

Refreshes the display of all viewports. See REDRAW.


Regen

Regenerates the drawing and refreshes all viewports. See REGEN.


Tile Mode

Sets the system variable TILEMODE, which means you can only create a tiled viewport.


Single

Returns the drawing to a single viewport view using the active viewport. See VPORTS SIngle.


2 Viewports

Divides the current viewport in half. See VPORTS 2 Viewports


3 Viewports

Divides the current viewport into three viewports. See VPORTS 3 Viewports


4 Viewports

Divides the current viewport into four viewports. See VPORTS 4 Viewports


Join

Combines two adjacent viewports. See VPORTS Join


Save

Saves the current viewport. See VPORTS Save


Restore

Restores a saved viewport. See VPORTS Restore


Delete

Deletes a named viewport. See VPORTS Delete


List ?

Displays the identification numbers and screen positions of the active viewports. See VPORTS ?


Freeze

Sets layer visibility within viewports. See VPLAYER Freeze.


Thaw

Sets layer visibility within viewports. See VPLAYER Thaw.


Reset

Sets layer visibility within viewports. See VPLAYER Reset.


New Freeze

Sets layer visibility within viewports. See VPLAYER Newfrz


VP Default Visibility

Sets layer visibility within viewports. See VPLAYER Vpvisdflt.


List ?

Sets layer visibility within viewports. See VPLAYER ?.


Axes

Uses a compass and axis tripod to define the viewing direction in a viewport. See VPOINT Axes.


Rotate

Sets the viewing direction using two angles. See VPOINT Rotate.


Vector

Uses X, Y, Z coordinates to create the vector that defines the viewing direction of the drawing. See VPOINT Vector.


Top

Sets the viewing direction for a 3D visualization of the drawing. See VPOINT Top


Front

Sets the viewing direction for a 3D visualization of the drawing. See VPOINT Front


Left

Sets the viewing direction for a 3D visualization of the drawing. See VPOINT Left


Right

Sets the viewing direction for a 3D visualization of the drawing. See VPOINT Right


Back

Sets the viewing direction for a 3D visualization of the drawing. See VPOINT Back


Iso View SW

Sets the viewing direction for a 3D visualization of the drawing. See VPOINT Iso View SW


Iso View SE

Sets the viewing direction for a 3D visualization of the drawing. See VPOINT Iso View SE


Iso View NE

Sets the viewing direction for a 3D visualization of the drawing. See VPOINT Iso View NE


Iso View NW

Sets the viewing direction for a 3D visualization of the drawing. See VPOINT Iso View NW


Current UCS

Fits the drawing extents into the current viewport of the current user coordinate system. See PLAN Current UCS.


World UCS

Fits the drawing extents into the screen of the World Coordinate System. See PLAN World.


Named UCS

Displays the plan view of a user coordinate system. See PLAN Ucs.


3D Dynamic View

Defines parallel projection or perspective views. See DVIEW.


Hide

Regenerates a 3D model with hidden lines suppressed. See HIDE.


256 Color

Creates shaded faces with no highlighting on edges. See SHADEDGE.


256 Color Edge Highlight

Creates shaded faces with edges highlighted in the background color. See SHADEDGE.


16 Color Hidden Line

Shades polygon faces with the background color and visible edges with the object's color. See SHADEDGE.


16 Color Filled

Draws faces in their original color, but does not shade them. See SHADEDGE.


Shade Diffuse

Controls the amount of diffuse light used to calculate shading. See SHADEDIF.


Assist Menu

Quick Help

Click any menu item for information.


Assist Menu

Quick Help

Click any menu item for information.


Assist Menu

Quick Help

Click any menu item for information.


Object Snap...

Sets running object snap modes and changes the target box size. See DDOSNAP.


Last

Selects the most recently created visible object. See SELECT Last.


All

Selects all objects on thawed layers. See SELECT ALL.


Fence

Selects all objects crossing a selection fence. See SELECT Fence.


Wpolygon

Selects objects within a polygon defined by points that surround the objects. See SELECT WPolygon.


Cpolygon

Selects objects within and crossing a polygon defined by points that surround the objects. See SELECT CPolygon.


Add

Switches to Add mode and adds selected objects to the selection set. See SELECT Add.


Remove

Switches to Remove mode and removes objects from the selection set. See SELECT Remove.


Previous

Selects the most recent selection set. See SELECT Previous.


XYZ Filters

References an existing point location and filters out unwanted X, Y, or Z coordinates. See XYZ Filters.


Preset UCS...

Selects a preset user coordinate system. See DDUCSP.


Named UCS...

Manages defined user coordinate systems. See DDUCS.


World

Sets the current user coordinate system (UCS) to the World Coordinate System. See UCS World.


Origin

Defines a new user coordinate system (UCS) by shifting the origin of the current UCS. See UCS Origin.


Z Axis Vector

Defines a user coordinate system (UCS) with a particular positive Z axis. See UCS ZAxis.


3 Point

Specifies a new user coordinate system (UCS) and the direction of its positive X and Y axes. See UCS 3point.


Entity

Defines a new coordinate system based on a selected object. See UCS Entity.


View

Establishes a coordinate system with the XY plane perpendicular to your viewing direction. See UCS View.


X Axis Rotate

Rotates the current user coordinate system (UCS) about a specified axis. See UCS X.


Y Axis Rotate

Rotates the current user coordinate system (UCS) about a specified axis. See UCS Y.


Z Axis Rotate

Rotates the current user coordinate system (UCS) about a specified axis. See UCS Z.


Previous

Restores the previous user coordinate system (UCS). See UCS Prev.


Restore

Restores a saved user coordinate system (UCS) to the current UCS. See UCS Restore.


Save

Saves the current user coordinate system (UCS). See UCS Save.


Delete

Deletes the name of a saved user coordinate system (UCS). See UCS Del.


List ?

Displays the names, origins, and X, Y, and Z axes for each saved coordinate system. See UCS ?.


UCS Icon

Controls the visibility and placement of the UCS icon. See UCSICON.


ID Point

Displays the coordinates of a location. See ID.


Distance

Measures the distance and angle between two points. See DIST.


Area

Calculates the area and perimeter of objects or of defined areas. See AREA.


List

Displays database information for selected objects. See LIST.


Time

Displays the date and time statistics of a drawing. See TIME.


Construct Menu

Quick Help

Click any menu item for information.


Array

Creates multiple copies of objects in a pattern. See ARRAY.


Copy

Duplicates objects. See COPY.


Mirror

Creates a mirror image copy of objects. See MIRROR.


Divide

Places evenly spaced point objects or blocks along the length or perimeter of an object. See DIVIDE.


Measure

Places point objects or blocks at measured intervals on an object. See MEASURE.


Offset

Creates concentric circles, parallel lines, and parallel curves. See OFFSET.


Chamfer

Bevels the edges of objects. See CHAMFER.


Fillet

Rounds and fillets the edges of objects. See FILLET.


Make Block...

Defines blocks using a dialog box. See BMAKE.


Define Attribute...

Creates an attribute definition. See DDATTDEF.


Modify Menu

Quick Help

Click any menu item for information.


Modify Menu

Quick Help

Click any menu item for information.


Modify Menu

Quick Help

Click any menu item for information.


Modify Entity...

Controls object properties. See DDMODIFY.


Erase

Removes objects from a drawing. See ERASE.


Oops

Restores erased objects. See OOPS.


Move

Displaces objects a specified distance in a specified direction. See MOVE.


Rotate

Moves objects about a base point. See ROTATE.


Scale

Enlarges or reduces objects equally in the X, Y, and Z directions. See SCALE.


Stretch

Moves or stretches objects. See STRETCH.


Break

Erases parts of an object or splits an object in two. See BREAK.


Extend

Extends an object to meet another object. See EXTEND.


Trim

Trims objects at a cutting edge defined by other objects. See TRIM.


Change Properties...

Changes the color, layer, linetype, and thickness of an object. See DDCHPROP.


Rename...

Changes the names of objects. See DDRENAME.


Edit Text...

Edits text and attribute definitions. See DDEDIT.


Edit Hatch...

Modifies an existing associative hatch block. See HATCHEDIT.


Edit Polyline

Edits polylines and 3D polyline meshes. See PEDIT.


Change Text

Changes the dimension text for existing dimension entities. See DIM Newtext.


Home Position

Returns dimension text to its original position after it has been modified by TEDIT. See DIM Hometext.


Move Text

Controls the placement and orientation of dimension text. See DIM TEdit.


Rotate Text

Sets the dimension text orientation of associative dimensions. See DIM TRotate.


Oblique Dimension

Sets an oblique angle for the extension lines of existing dimensions. See DIM Oblique.


Update Dimension

Updates dimension entities with the current dimension style, text style, and units. See DIM Update


Edit Attribute...

Edits the variable attributes of a block. See DDATTE.


Explode

Breaks a compound object into its component objects. See EXPLODE.


Date and Time

Inserts a revision time, date, file name, and user name into a drawing. See REVDATE.


Block

Removes unused blocks from the database. See PURGE Block.


Dimension Style

Removes unused named references, such as unused blocks or layers, from the database. See PURGE Dimstyles.


Layer

Removes layers from the database. See PURGE LAyers.


Linetype

Removes unused named references, such as unused blocks or layers, from the database. See PURGE LTypes.


Text Style

Removes unused named references, such as unused blocks or layers, from the database. See PURGE STyles.


All

Removes unused named references, such as unused blocks or layers, from the database. See PURGE All.


Settings Menu

Quick Help

Click any menu item for information.


Settings Menu

Quick Help

Click any menu item for information.


Settings Menu

Quick Help

Click any menu item for information.


Settings Menu

Quick Help

Click any menu item for information.


Aerial View

Opens the Aerial View window. See DSVIEWER.


Toolbox Style

Controls the position and layout of the toolbox. See TOOLBOX.


Entity Modes...

Sets properties for new objects. See DDEMODES.


Drawing Aids...

Sets drawing aids. See DDRMODES.


Layer Control...

Manages layers. See DDLMODES.


Create

Creates, loads, and sets linetypes. See LINETYPE Create.


Load

Creates, loads, and sets linetypes. See LINETYPE Load.


Set

Creates, loads, and sets linetypes. See LINETYPE Set.


List ?

Creates, loads, and sets linetypes. See LINETYPE ?.


Linetype Scale

Sets the linetype scale factor. See LTSCALE.


Pspace LT Scale

Controls paper space and linetype scaling. See the system variable PSLTSCALE.


Text Style...

Creates and changes text styles. See Select Text Font dialog box.


Dimension Style...

Creates and modifies dimension styles. See DDIM.


Associative Dimensions

Controls associative dimensioning. See the system variable DIMASO.


Linetype Generation

Sets the linetype pattern generation around the vertices of a 2D polyline. See the system variable PLINEGEN.


Spline Frame

Controls the display of spline-fit polylines. See the system variable SPLFRAME.


Spline Segments

Sets the number of line segments generated for each spline. See the system variable SPLINESEGS.


Quadratic B-Spline

Sets the spline curve to a Quadratic B-spline. See the system variable SPLINETYPE, set to 5.


Cubic B-Spline

Sets the spline curve to a Cubic B-spline. See the system variable SPLINETYPE, set to 6.


Point Style...

Specifies the display mode and size of point objects. See DDPTYPE.


Units Style...

Controls coordinate and angle display formats and determines the displayed precision. See DDUNITS.


Grips Style...

Turns on grips and sets their color. See DDGRIPS.


Selection Style...

Sets object selection modes. See DDSELECT.


Base

Sets the insertion base point for the current drawing. See BASE.


Limits

Sets and controls the drawing boundaries. See LIMITS.


Help Menu

Quick Help

Click any menu item for information.


Contents

Displays online help. See HELP, or for general information, see How To Use Help.


Search for Help on...

Searches for help on the keyword that you enter.


How to use Help

Displays How To Use Help.


Orientation

Introduces AutoCAD LT to manual drafters.

Start Orientation


What's new

Reviews new features in AutoCAD LT Release 2.0.

Start What's New


Tutorial

Teaches drawing basics for architecture, mechanical engineering, and facilities management.

Start Tutorial


About AutoCAD LT...

Displays information about AutoCAD LT. See ABOUT.


Cursor Menu

Quick Help

Click any menu item for information.

The cursor menu lists Tracking, Object Snap modes and XYZ filters. If you have a two-button pointing device, it appears at the graphics cursor when you press [image] and right-click.


Tracking

Tracking locates points relative to other points. See Tracking


Center

Snaps to the center of an Arc or Circle. On the command line, enter cen.


Endpoint

Snaps to the closest endpoint of a Line or Arc. On the command line, enter endp.


Insert

Snaps to the insertion point of a Block, Text, Attribute, or Attribute Definition. If you select an Attribute within a Block, AutoCAD LT selects the insertion point of the Attribute, not the insertion point of the Block. On the command line, enter ins.


Intersection

Snaps to the intersection of two Lines, a Line with an Arc or Circle, or two Circles or Arcs. On the command line, enter int.


Midpoint

Snaps to the midpoint of a Line or Arc. On the command line, enter mid.


Nearest

Snaps to the point on a Line, Arc, or Circle closest to the position of the graphics cursor, or snaps to the Point entity closest to the graphics cursor. On the command line, enter nea.


Node

Snaps to a Point entity. On the command line, enter nod.


Perpendicular

Snaps to the point on a Line, Circle, or Arc that forms a normal from that object to the last point specified. On the command line, enter per.


Quadrant

Snaps to the closest quadrant point of an arc or circle (the 0-, 90-, 180-, and 270-degree points). On the command line, enter qua.


Tangent

Snaps to the point on a circle or arc that, when connected to the last point specified, forms a line tangent to that object. On the command line, enter tan.


None

Cancels last snap. On the command line, enter non.


XYZ Filters

References an existing point location and filters out unwanted X, Y, or Z coordinates. See XYZ Filters.


	Toolbar
Quick Help

Click any icon for information.


  New

Creates a new drawing file. See NEW.


  Open

Opens an existing drawing file. See OPEN.


  Save

Saves the drawing with the current file name or a specified name. See SAVE.


  Print/Plot

Plots a drawing to a plotter, printer, or file. See PLOT.


  Undo

Reverses the effect of commands. See U.


  Redo

Reverses the effects of the previous UNDO or U command. See REDO.


  Zoom

Increases or decreases the apparent size of objects in the current viewport. See ZOOM.


  Help

Displays online help. See HELP.


  Ortho

Constrains cursor movement. See ORTHO.


  Snap

Restricts cursor movement to specified intervals. See SNAP.


  Paper Space/Model Space

Switches from a model space viewport to paper space. See PSPACE.


  Coordinate Display

Displays the current position of the graphics cursor, expressed in UCS X, Y coordinates.


  Entity Modes, current color

Sets properties for new objects. See DDEMODES.


  Layer control

Manages layers. See DDLMODES.


  Current layer

Sets the current layer. See the system variable CLAYER.


  Toolbox style

Controls the position and layout of the toolbox. See TOOLBOX.


  Aerial View

Opens the Aerial View window. See DSVIEWER.


  Cancel

Cancels a command.


	Toolbox
Quick Help

Click any icon for information.


  Line

Creates straight line segments. See LINE.


  Arc

Creates an arc. See ARC.


  Circle

Creates a circle. See CIRCLE.


  Text

Displays text on screen as it is entered. See DTEXT.


  Polyline

Creates two-dimensional polylines. See PLINE.


  Point

Creates a point object. See POINT.


  Boundary Hatch

Fills an enclosed area with an associative hatch pattern. See BHATCH.


  Donut

Draws filled circles and rings. See DONUT.


  Ellipse

Creates an ellipse or an elliptical arc. See ELLIPSE.


  Polygon

Creates an equilateral closed polyline. See POLYGON.


  Rectangle

Draws a rectangular polyline. See RECTANG.


  Double Lines

Draws a double line using straight line segments and arcs. See DLINE.


  Running Object Snap

Sets running object snap modes and changes the target box size. See DDOSNAP.


  Endpoint

Snaps to the closest endpoint of a line or arc. On the command line, enter endp.


  Insertion

Snaps to the insertion point of a Block, Text, Attribute, or Attribute Definition. If you select an Attribute within a Block, AutoCAD LT selects the insertion point of the Attribute, not the insertion point of the Block. On the command line, enter ins.


  Midpoint

Snaps to the midpoint of a line or arc. On the command line, enter mid.


  Perpendicular

Snaps to the point on a line, circle, or arc that forms a normal from that object to the last point specified. On the command line, enter per.


  Center

Snaps to the center of an arc or circle. On the command line, enter cen.


  Tangent

Snaps to the point on a circle or arc that, when connected to the last point specified, forms a line tangent to that object. On the command line, enter tan.


  Quadrant

Snaps to the closest quadrant point of an arc or circle (the 0-, 90-, 180-, and 270-degree points). On the command line, enter qua.


  Intersection

Snaps to the intersection of two lines, a line with an arc or circle, or two circles or arcs. On the command line, enter int.


  Node

Snaps to a point entity. On the command line, enter nod.


  Nearest

Snaps to the point on a line, arc, or circle closest to the position of the graphics cursor, or snaps to the point object closest to the graphics cursor. On the command line, enter nea.


  None

Turns off object snap mode. See OSNAP None.


  Copy

Duplicates objects. See COPY.


  Erase

Removes objects from a drawing. See ERASE.


  Move

Displaces objects a specified distance in a specified direction. See MOVE.


  Rotate

Moves objects about a base point. See ROTATE.


  Scale

Enlarges or reduces objects equally in the X, Y, and Z directions. See SCALE.


  Stretch

Moves or stretches objects. See STRETCH.


  Break

Erases parts of an object or splits an object in two. See BREAK.


  Extend

Extends an object to meet another object. See EXTEND.


  Trim Extend

Trims objects at a cutting edge defined by other objects. See TRIM.


  Change Properties

Changes the color, layer, linetype, and thickness of an object. See DDCHPROP.


  Explode

Breaks a compound object into its component objects. See EXPLODE.


  Edit Text

Edits text and attribute definitions. See DDEDIT.


  Redraw

Refreshes the display of all viewports. See REDRAW.


  Pan

Moves the drawing display in the current viewport. See PAN.


  Drawing Aids

Sets drawing aids. See DDRMODES.


  Last Point

Enters the last point entered. See the system variable LASTPOINT.


  .X (XYZ Filter)

References an existing point and filters out an unwanted X coordinate. See XYZ Filters.


  .Y (XYZ Filter)

References an existing point and filters out an unwanted Y coordinate. See XYZ Filters.


  Tracking

A way to locate a point relative to other points in the drawing. See TRACKING.


  Close

Connects the last segment of a line to the beginning of the first point of the line. See PLINE Close.


  ID

Displays the coordinates of a location. See ID.


  Distance

Measures the distance and angle between two points. See DIST.


  Area

Calculates the area and perimeter of objects or of defined areas. See AREA.


  List

Displays database information for selected objects. See LIST.


 What do you want to do?

Draw a point

Draw a line

Draw a circle

Copy an object to use again in your drawing

Copy an object to make a pattern

Make a mirror image of an object

Move an object

Erase an object

Trim an object

Undo the effects of a command

Calculate an area

Determine a distance between two points

Snap to a specific point on an object


Copying an object to make a pattern

Command: ARRAY

 What do you want to do?

Create a rectangular array

Create a polar array


Rectangular

Creates a rectangular array. You specify the number of rows and columns. The rows and columns form a matrix of the selected objects. For example, if you select a rectangle then specify three rows and three columns with a unit spacing of 1, AutoCAD LT creates the following array:


Polar

Creates a polar array. You specify a center point and an angle. AutoCAD LT copies the selected object about the center point and at the angle you specified. For example, if you select an object and specify an angle of 180 degrees with no rotation, AutoCAD LT creates the following polar array:

If you specify an angle of 360 degrees with rotation, AutoCAD LT creates the following polar array:


You can manipulate each object in an array independently. If you select multiple objects when you construct an array, AutoCAD LT counts the objects as one array item.


Creating a rectangular array

Example

Command: ARRAY

1	From the Construct menu, choose Array.

2	Select an object to copy and press [image].

3	Enter r.

4	Enter the number of rows.

5	Enter the number of columns.

6	Enter the distance between rows.

7	Enter the distance between columns.


Creating a polar array

Command: ARRAY

1	From the Construct menu, choose Array.

2	Select an object to copy and press [image].

3	Enter p.

4	Specify the center point of the array.

5	Enter the number of items.

6	Enter the angle that you want the array to fill.

7	Press [image] to rotate the objects or enter N not to rotate them.


Ccw stands for counterclockwise. Cw stands for clockwise.


Calculating an area

Command: AREA

 What do you want to do?

Calculate the area of a circle

Calculate an area defined with points

Add an area to a running total of areas

Subtract an area from a running total of areas


Calculating the area of a circle

Command: AREA

3	From the Assist menu, choose Area.

4	Enter e.

5	Select a circle.

AutoCAD LT displays the area and circumference of the circle.


Calculating an area defined with points

Command: AREA

1	From the Draw menu, choose Line.

2	Draw a rectangle.

3	From the Assist menu, choose Area.

4	From the Assist menu, choose Object Snap.

5	From the Object Snap submenu, choose Intersection, and press [image].

6	Select a point (1) on the rectangle.

7	Select another point (2) on the rectangle.

8	Select another point (3) on the rectangle.

9	Select another point (4) on the rectangle and press [image].

AutoCAD LT displays the area and perimeter of the boundary you defined.

Limitations: All points must lie in a plane parallel to the XY plane of the current UCS.


When you draw a rectangle using the LINE command, you draw four separate objects. In this exercise you specify an area by selecting points on these objects. To learn how to measure the area of a rectangle drawn with the RECTANG command, see Calculating the area of a polyline or circle.


Adding an area to a running total of areas

Command: AREA

1	Draw two rectangles.

2	Calculate the area of one of the two rectangles.

3	From the Assist menu, choose Area.

4	Enter a.

5	From the Assist menu, choose Object Snap.

6	From the Object Snap submenu, choose Intersection and press [image].

7	Select a point (1) on the rectangle.

8	Select another point (2) on the rectangle.

9	Select another point (3) on the rectangle.

10	Select another point (4) on the rectangle and press [image].

AutoCAD LT displays the area and perimeter of the shape you defined and adds these to the running total.


You can use the RECTANG or LINE command to draw rectangles. RECTANG draws a single polyline. LINE draws four separate line objects. To calculate the area of a rectangle drawn with RECTANG, you must choose Entity option of the AREA command and select the rectangle. To calculate the area of a rectangle drawn with LINE, you must specify points on each side of the rectangle.


Subtracting an area from a running total of areas

Command: AREA

1	Draw two rectangles.

2	Calculate the area of both rectangles.

3	From the Assist menu, choose Area.

4	Enter s.

5	Select a point (1) on one of the rectangles.

6	Select another point (2) on the rectangle.

7	Select another point (3) on the rectangle.

8	Select another point (4) on the rectangle and press [image] or click the left pointing device button.

AutoCAD LT displays the area and perimeter of the shape you defined and subtracts these from the running total.


Moving an object

Command: MOVE

1	From the Modify menu, choose Move.

2	Select the object that you want to move and press [image].

3	Specify a base point on the object.

4	Drag your cursor across the screen.

AutoCAD LT temporarily copies the object and draws a rubber-band line from the specified base point to the cursor.

5	Drag the duplicate object to second point of displacement (another location).

6	Click the left pointing device button.


The base point is the relative point from which you are moving the object. You can pick any point as the base point. AutoCAD LT moves the object the distance and angle it measures between the base point and the second point that you specify.


A rubber-band line is a temporary line that AutoCAD extends between your base point and the cursor.


Determining a distance between two points

Command: DIST

1	From the Assist menu, choose Distance

2	Specify a point.

3	Specify a second point.

AutoCAD LT displays the distance, angle in XY plane, angle from XY plane, delta X, delta Y, and delta Z values.


Erasing an object

Command: ERASE

1	From the Modify menu, choose Erase

2	Select an object to erase.

3	Press [image].

4	From the View menu, choose Redraw.

AutoCAD LT removes the objects and marker blips from the drawing.


Trimming an object

Command: TRIM

1	From the Modify menu, choose Trim.

2	Select an arc, circle, line, or open 2D or 3D polyline that intersects the object to trim.

3	Press [image].

4	Select the object to trim.

5	Press [image].

AutoCAD LT trims the second object, using the first object as the cutting edge.


Undo reverses the most recent TRIM operation.


Undoing the effects of a command

Command: U

1	Enter a command.

Note: U has no effect on the following commands and system variables:

ABOUT	HELP	QSAVE
AREA	HIDE	QUIT
ATTEXT	ID	REDRAW
CVPORT	LIST	REGEN
DELAY	MSLIDE	RESUME
DIST	NEW	SAVE
DXFOUT	OPEN	SAVEAS
END	PLOT	SHADE
GRAPHSCR	PSOUT	TEXTSCR
2	From the Edit menu, choose Undo.

AutoCAD LT reverses the effect of the command and displays the name of the command on the command line.


Drawing a point

Command: POINT

 What do you want to do?

Draw a point using absolute coordinates

Draw a point using relative coordinates

Draw a point using your pointing device and keyboard


When you use the POINT command, you create an object. You can snap to the point or use it as an offset for other objects.

You specify points when you draw geometric objects. For example, when you draw a line, AutoCAD LT prompts you for the From point and To point to define a segment of the line. These points are not objects.

There are two ways to use a point: create a point object or specify the coordinate values of a point.


The point of reference for an absolute coordinate is 0,0.


The point of reference for a relative coordinate is the last point you entered.


Drawing points using absolute coordinates

Command: POINT

1	From the Draw menu, choose Point.

2	Enter X and Y coordinate values separated by a comma (no spaces) as in the following example: 3,7

AutoCAD LT draws  a marker blip at the coordinates you specified relative to 0,0.

3	From the View menu, choose Redraw.

AutoCAD removes the marker blip and displays the point.

You can also draw a point by specifying a distance and an angle:

1	From the Draw menu, choose Point.

2	Enter a distance, a less-than sign (<), and an angle, as in the following example: 3<70

3	From the View menu, choose Redraw.

AutoCAD LT places a point at the distance and angle you specified, relative to 0,0.


When you enter a point, AutoCAD LT displays a small cross called a marker blip. When you redraw the screen, the marker blip disappears. AutoCAD LT displays a single dot where the point is located. You can change the dot to a different symbol by using the POINT command.


Drawing a point using relative coordinates

Command: POINT

1	From the Draw menu, choose Point.

2	Move the cursor to the bottom of your drawing area, and click the pick button on your pointing device.

3	Enter the X and Y values of the coordinate separated by a comma (no spaces), and precede the X value with an @ sign, as in the following example: @3,7

4	Press [image].

You can also draw a point by specifying a distance and an angle as follows:

1	From the Draw menu, choose Point.

2	Move the cursor to the bottom of your drawing area and click the pick button on your pointing device.

3	Enter an at sign (@), a distance, a less-than sign (<), and an angle as in the following example: @3<70


The pick button on a two-button pointing device is the left button.


Drawing a point with the pointing device and keyboard

Command: POINT

1	From the Draw menu, choose Point.

2	Move the cursor to any location in the drawing area, and click the pick button on your pointing device.

AutoCAD LT places a point where you have clicked. Another way to move the cursor incrementally before you press the pick button is to press any of the arrow keys on the keyboard.


The pick button on a two-button pointing device is the left button.


Drawing a circle

Command: CIRCLE

1	From the Draw menu, choose Circle.

2	From the Circle submenu, choose Center, Radius.

3	Drag the cursor across the screen.

4	Specify a point or enter a radius value and press [image].


Making a mirror image of an object

Command: MIRROR

1	From the Draw menu, choose Line.

2	Draw a triangle.

3	From the Construct menu, choose Mirror.

4	Select each side of the triangle.

5	Specify the first point of the mirror line.

6	Specify the second point of the mirror line.

7	Press [image] to retain the original triangle.


Drawing a line

Command: LINE

 What do you want to do?

Draw a line using the cursor

Draw a line using absolute coordinates

Draw a line using relative coordinates

Draw parallel lines

Draw a line using snap points and a grid

Draw a line using an object snap mode


Drawing a line with the cursor

Command: LINE

1	From the Draw menu, choose Line.

2	Specify the start point (From point).

3	Move the cursor in any direction (To point).

4	Specify an end point.

Every segment in a line is a separate object. Use PLINE to draw a polyline that appears to have multiple segments but is a single object.

5	Move the cursor in any direction.

6	Specify another point to continue the line.

Repeat steps 5 and 6 to draw as many segments as you need.

7	Press [image] to end the line.


Drawing a line using absolute coordinates

Command: LINE

1	From the Draw menu, choose Line.

2	Enter the X and Y values of the coordinate separated by a comma (no spaces) as in the following example: 1,3

3	Enter a different set of X and Y values, as in the following example: 2,2

4	Enter a distance, a < sign, and an angle, as in the following example: .25<45

5	Press [image].


Drawing a line using relative coordinates

Command: LINE

1	From the Draw menu, choose Line.

2	Specify a start point (From point).

3	Enter the X and Y values of the coordinate separated by a comma (no spaces), and precede the X value with an at sign (@), as in the following example: @3,5

You can also draw a line by specifying a distance and an angle, as follows:

1	From the Draw menu, choose Line.

2	Specify a start point (From point).

3	Enter an at sign (@), a distance, a less-than sign (<), and an angle as in the following example: @2<45


Drawing parallel lines

Command: DLINE

1	From the Draw menu, choose Double Line.

2	Specify the start point for the double line.

3	Enter w.

4	Enter a width.

5	Specify the next point for the double line.

Repeat step 5 to draw as many segments as you need.

6	Press [image] to end the double line.


Drawing a line using a grid and snap points

Commands: DDRMODES and LINE

1	From the Settings menu, choose Drawing Aids.

2	In the Drawing Aids dialog box, set Snap to On.

3	In the Drawing Aids dialog box, type new X and Y spacing, for example: 1

4	In the Drawing Aids dialog box, set Grid to On and press [image].

AutoCAD LT applies the X and Y spacing you specified for snap to the X and Y spacing of the grid.

5	From the Draw menu, choose Line.

6	Specify the start point (From point) of the line.

7	Specify the next point (To point) of the line.

Repeat step 7 to draw as many segments as you need.

8	Press [image] to end the line.


Drawing a line using an object snap mode

Commands: OSNAP and LINE

1	Draw a line and a rectangle.

2	From the Draw menu, choose Line.

3	From the Assist menu, choose Object Snap.

4	In the Running Object Snap dialog box, choose Endpoint and press [image].

5	Click near the end of the line.

6	From the Assist menu, choose Object Snap.

7	From the Running Object Snap dialog box, choose Intersection and press [image].

8	Click on the nearest corner of the rectangle.


Quadrant snaps to the closest 0-, 90-, 180-, or 270-degree point on an arc or circle.


Tangent snaps to the point (on a circle or an arc) that forms a tangent with the last point entered.


Snapping to a specific point on an object

 What do you want to do?

Snap to an endpoint

Snap to the midpoint

Snap to the center point of a circle

Snap to a node

Snap to a quadrant

Snap to an intersection of two objects

Snap to a perpendicular point

Snap to a tangent point

Snap to the nearest point


Snapping to an endpoint

Command: OSNAP

1	Draw a rectangle.

2	From the Draw menu, choose Line.

3	Specify the start point (From point) of the line.

4	From the Assist menu, choose Object Snap.

5	In the Running Object Snap dialog box, choose Endpoint and press [image].

6	Select the side of the rectangle closest to the cursor and press [image].


Snapping to a midpoint

Command: OSNAP

1	Draw a rectangle.

2	From the Draw menu, choose Line.

3	Specify the start point (From point) of the line.

4	From the Assist menu, choose Object Snap.

5	In the Running Object Snap dialog box, choose Midpoint and press [image].

6	Select the side of the rectangle closest to the cursor and press [image].


Snapping to the center point of a circle

Command: OSNAP

1	Draw a circle.

2	From the Draw menu, choose Line.

3	Specify the start point (From point) of the line.

4	From the Assist menu, choose Object Snap.

5	In the Running Object Snap dialog box, choose Center and press [image].

6	Select the circle and press [image].


Snapping to a node

Command: OSNAP

1	Draw a point using the POINT command.

2	From the Draw menu, choose Line.

3	Specify the start point (From point) of the line.

4	From the Assist menu, choose Object Snap.

5	In the Running Object Snap dialog box, choose Node and press [image].

6	Select the point and press [image].


A node is a point that you have drawn as an object. See POINT.


Snapping to a quadrant

Command: OSNAP

1	Draw a circle.

2	From the Draw menu, choose Line.

3	Specify the start point (From point) of the line.

4	From the Assist menu, choose Object Snap.

5	In the Running Object Snap dialog box, choose Quadrant and press [image].

6	Select the circle and press [image].

AutoCAD LT snaps to the closest 0-, 90-, 180-, or 270-degree point on the circle.


Snapping to the intersection of two objects

Command: OSNAP

1	Draw a rectangle.

2	From the Draw menu, choose Line.

3	Specify the start point (From point) of the line.

4	From the Assist menu, choose Object Snap.

5	In the Running Object Snap dialog box, choose Intersection and press [image].

6	Select a corner of the rectangle and press [image].


Snapping to a perpendicular point

Command: OSNAP

1	Draw a rectangle.

2	From the Draw menu, choose Line.

3	Specify the start point (From point) of the line.

4	From the Assist menu, choose Object Snap.

5	In the Running Object Snap dialog box, choose Perpendicular and press [image].

6	Select the rectangle and press [image].


Snapping to a tangent point

Command: OSNAP

1	Draw a circle.

2	From the Draw menu, choose Line.

3	Specify the start point (From point) of the line.

4	From the Assist menu, choose Object Snap.

5	In the Running Object Snap dialog box, choose Tangent and press [image].

6	Select the circle and press [image].


Snapping to the nearest point

Command: OSNAP

1	Draw a rectangle.

2	From the Draw menu, choose Line.

3	Specify the start point (From point) of the line.

4	From the Assist menu, choose Object Snap.

5	In the Running Object Snap dialog box, choose Nearest and press [image].

6	Select the rectangle and press [image].


Copying an object to use again in your drawing

Command: COPY

1	From the Construct menu, choose Copy.

2	Select an object and press [image].

3	Specify the base point on the object.

AutoCAD LT copies the selected object but does not place it in your drawing until you specify a second point of displacement.

4	Drag your cursor across the screen.

AutoCAD LT copies the object and draws a rubber-band from the specified base point to the cursor.

5	Drag the copied object to the Second point of displacement and click the left pointing device button.


How do I... Calculate an area?


How do I... Copy an object to make a pattern?


How do I... Copy an object to use again in my drawing?


How do I... Determine a distance between two points?


How do I... Erase an object?


How do I... Draw a line?


How do I... Make a mirror image of an object?


How do I... Move an object?


How do I... Snap to specific points on an object?


How do I... Draw a point?


How do I... Trim a portion of an object?


How do I... Undo the effects of a command?


Creating a rectangular array

How do I...

Command: ARRAY

1	Draw a small rectangle.

2	From the Construct menu, choose Array.

3	Select the rectangle and press [image].

4	Enter r to create a rectangular array.

5	Enter 4 and press [image] to define the number of rows in the array.

6	Enter 3 and press [image] to define the number of columns in the array.

7	Enter 1.5 and press [image] to specify the distance between the rows in the array.

8	Enter 1.5 and press [image] to specify the distance between the columns in the array.


How do I use Direct Distance Entry?

Tool: Direct Distance Entry

To draw a line using Direct Distance Entry

1	From the Draw menu, choose Line.

2	Enter 2,2.

3	Move your cursor any distance at a 45-degree angle.

4	Enter 3.

You should see a line 3-units long at a 45-degree angle, originating at 2,2.


Applying X/Y/Z filters

Tool: XYZ Filters

1	From the Draw menu, choose Rectangle.

2	Enter 1,1.

3	Enter @8,6.

4	From the Draw menu, choose Circle.

5	From the submenu, choose Center, Radius.

6	Enter .y.

7	Enter mid.

8	Select the left vertical edge of the rectangle.

9	Enter mid.

10	Select the bottom horizontal edge of the rectangle.

11	Enter .5.


glossary;definitions
A-B-C-D-E-F-G-H-I-L-M-N-O-P-R-S-T-U-V-W-X-Z

A

absolute coordinates

algorithm

alias

aliasing

aligned dimension

angular dimension

angular unit

annotations

anonymous block

ANSI (American National Standards Institute)

anti-aliasing

approximation points

array

arrowhead

ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange)

assembly

associative dimension

associative hatching

attribute definition

attribute tag

attribute value

AutoCAD LT library search path

Autodesk Device Interface (ADI)

axis tripod

B

baseline

baseline dimensions

base point

beveling

Bezier curve

bill of materials (BOM)

binary

bind

bit

bitmap

blip marks

block

block definition

block reference

B-spline curve

button menu

BYBLOCK

BYLAYER

C

Cartesian coordinate system

centerline

center mark

chain dimension

chamfer

chord

circular external reference

clipping planes

color map

command

command line

construction plane

continued dimension

control bits

control point

coordinate

coordinate filters

coordinate system

coplanar

CPolygon

crosshairs

crosshatch

crossing window

cross section

cubic curve

cursor

cursor menu

curve fitting

cutaway view

cylindrical coordinates

D

datum-line dimension

default

default drawing

definition points

dependent symbol

diameter dimension

DIESEL (Direct Interpretively Evaluated String Expression Language)

dimensioning

dimension line

dimension line arc

dimension style

dimension text

dimension variables

direct distance entry

direction vector

displacement

display extents

dithering

documentation drawing

drag

drawing

drawing extents

drawing file

drawing limits

drawing unit

DXF (Drawing Interchange Format)

E

edit

elevation

embed

entity

explode

extension lines

extents

external program

external reference (xref)

F

feature

fence

file locking

fill

fillet

filters

fit points

flat projection

floating viewport

font

freeze

G

graphics area

graphics cursor

graphics screen/graphics window

grid

grip modes

grips

H

handle

hatching

hidden surfaces

hole

hook line

horizontal dimension

I

icon menu

IGES (Initial Graphics Exchange Specification)

image tile

included angle

initial environment

instance

interpolation points

island

ISO (International Standards Organization)

isometric drawing

isometric plane

isometric snap style

L

layer

leader

limits

limits tolerances

linetype

link

lock file

M

macro

major axis

menu

mesh

minor axis

mirror

mnemonic

mode

model

modeling

model space

N

named view

node

normal

noun-verb selection

null response

O

object

Object Linking and Embedding (OLE)

Object Snap mode

object snap override

oblique stroke

OLE (Object Linking and Embedding)

ordinate dimension

origin

orthogonal

orthographic projection

Ortho mode

P

pan

paper space

parallel dimensions

parallel projection

parameter

parts list

personalization

perspective projection

pick button

pixel

plan view

pline

plus/minus tolerance

point

point filters

polar array

polar coordinate system

polygon window

polyline

projection lines

prompt

prototype drawing

R

radial copy

radius dimension

real-world scale

real-world units

rectangular coordinate

redraw

regenerate

relative coordinates

resolution

return button

right-hand rule

rubber-band line

running object snap

S

scanlines

script file

select

selection set

selection window

slide file

slide library

snap grid

Snap mode

snap resolution

space

spherical coordinate system

spline curve

stretch

surface

symbol

system environment variable

system variable

T

tangent

target point

temporary files

tessellation lines

text style

thaw

thickness

tick mark

tiled viewports

TILEMODE

toggle

tolerance

toolbar

toolbox

tracking

transparent command

two-dimensional AutoCAD LT object

typeface

U

UCS

UCS icon

unit

User Coordinate System (UCS)

V

variance

vector

vertex

vertical dimension

view

viewpoint

viewport

viewport configuration

W

WCS

wire-frame model

witness lines

working drawing

world coordinates

World Coordinate System (WCS)

WPolygon

X

xref

X,Y,Z point filters

Z

zoom


absolute coordinates

Coordinates for locating a point, expressed in X,Y,Z coordinate values, relative to the origin point of the current UCS. See also origin, relative coordinates, user coordinate system (UCS), world coordinates, and World Coordinate System (WCS).


algorithm

A step-by-step procedure for solving a problem.


alias

Shorthand for an AutoCAD LT command. For example, CP is an alias for the COPY command and Z executes the ZOOM command. You define aliases in the aclt.pgp file.


aliasing

The jagged appearance of the edge of an object on a raster display that cannot show diagonal lines, arcs, and circles as smooth images. See also anti-aliasing and pixel.


aligned dimension

A dimension that measures the distance between two points at any angle. The dimension line is parallel to the line connecting the dimension's definition points. Aligned dimensions are typically used in architectural and structural drawings. Associated command: DIM Aligned.


angular dimension

A dimension that measures angles or arc segments and consists of text, extension lines, and leaders. Associated command: DIM Angular.


angular unit

The unit of measurement for an angle. Angular units can be measured in decimal degrees, degrees/minutes/seconds, grads, and radians.


annotations

Text, dimensions, tolerances, symbols, or notes.


anonymous block

An unnamed block that supports hatch patterns, associative dimensioning, and other objects that you cannot access directly.


ANSI (American National Standards Institute)

Coordinator of voluntary standards development for both private and public sectors in the United States. Standards pertain to programming languages, Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), telecommunications, and the physical properties of diskettes, cartridges, and magnetic tapes.


anti-aliasing

The process of smoothing out the jagged effects of aliasing. See also aliasing.


approximation points

Points that a curve or surface follows but might not pass through. See also fit points and interpolation points.


array

1. Multiple copies of selected AutoCAD LT objects in a rectangular or polar (radial) pattern. 2. A collection of data items, each identified by a subscript or key, arranged so a computer can examine the collection and retrieve data with the key.


arrowhead

A terminator, such as an arrowhead, slash, or dot, at the end of a dimension line showing where a dimension begins and ends.

sample arrowheads


ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange)

A common numeric code used in computer data communications. The code assigns meaning to 128 numbers, using 7 bits per character with the 8th bit used for parity checking. Nonstandard versions of ASCII assign meaning to 255 numbers.


assembly

A set of parts combined to make a completed product, often mechanical.


associative dimension

A dimension that adapts as the associated geometry is modified.


associative hatching

Hatching of an enclosed area that adapts to copying, moving, or resizing of the area. Associated command: BHATCH.


attribute definition

An AutoCAD LT object that serves as a template for assigning attribute values to objects, including attributes in block definitions. Attribute definitions can be used for extracting attributes from the drawing database to put them into external files. Applications include creating bills of materials. Associated commands: DDATTDEF, ATTDEF.


attribute tag

A text string associated with an attribute that identifies a particular attribute during extraction from the drawing database.


attribute value

The alphanumeric information associated with an attribute tag.


AutoCAD LT library search path

The order in which AutoCAD LT looks for a support file: current directory, drawing directory, directory specified in the support path, and directory containing the AutoCAD LT executable file, aclt.exe.


Autodesk Device Interface (ADI)

An interface specification for developing device drivers needed for peripherals to work with AutoCAD LT and other Autodesk products.


axis tripod

A vector representation of the X, Y, and Z axes for defining the viewpoint of a three-dimensional AutoCAD drawing. The axis tripod rotates to conform to the viewpoint indicated on the compass, which you manipulate with a pointing device. Associated command: VPOINT.


baseline

An imaginary line on which text characters appear to rest. Individual characters can have descenders that drop below the baseline.


baseline dimensions

Multiple dimensions measured from the same baseline. Also called parallel dimensions.


base point

1. In the context of editing grips, the grip that turns to a solid color when picked to specify the focus of the subsequent editing operation. 2. A point for relative distance and angle when copying, moving, and rotating objects.


beveling

A machining term that describes a cut at an angle other than 90 degrees. See also chamfer.


Bezier curve

A polynomial curve defined by a set of control points, representing an equation of an order one less than the number of points being considered. A Bezier curve is a special case of a B-spline curve.


bill of materials (BOM)

A list of information about parts, such as identification, quantity, length, and weight, required to assemble a designated item. AutoCAD LT generates BOMs from attributes. Also called parts list.


binary

A system of numbers having 2 as its base. The binary digits are 0 and 1.


bind

To make externally referenced drawings (xrefs) a standard block definition within the AutoCAD LT drawing database. Associated command: XREF.


bit

A 1 or 0 in a binary number; the smallest unit of information stored in digital memory.


bitmap

The digital representation of an image having bits referenced to pixels. In color graphics, a different value represents each red, green, and blue component of a pixel.


blip marks

Temporary screen markers displayed in the AutoCAD LT graphics area when you designate a point. Associated command: BLIPMODE.


block

One or more AutoCAD LT objects grouped to create a single object. Associated command: BLOCK.


block definition

The name, base point, and set of objects you create with the BLOCK command.


block reference

Insertions of a block created by the INSERT command. Also called instance.


B-spline curve

A curve defined by a set of control points. The blending functions provide more local control than is possible with curves such as Bezier curves.


button menu

The menu for a mouse with multiple buttons. Each button on the input device (except the pick button) can be defined in the AutoCAD LT menu file in the BUTTONSn and AUXn sections.


BYBLOCK

A special object property used to specify that the object inherits the color or linetype of any block containing it. See also BYLAYER.


BYLAYER

A special object property used to specify that the object inherits the color or linetype associated with its layer. See also BYBLOCK.


Cartesian coordinate system

A coordinate system defined using three perpendicular axes (X, Y, and Z) to specify locations in three-dimensional space. See also polar coordinate system, spherical coordinate system, and cylindrical coordinates.


centerline

Line that radiates from the center mark of a dimensioned circle, usually extending just slightly beyond the circle. Associated command: DDIM.


center mark

A cross marking the center of a dimensioned circle or arc.


chain dimension

See continued dimension.


chamfer

A beveled edge or corner between either two lines or two surfaces. See also beveling.


chord

A line segment joining two points on a circle or arc.


circular external reference

An externally referenced drawing (xref) that references itself directly or indirectly. AutoCAD LT ignores the xref that creates the circular condition.


clipping planes

The boundaries that define or clip the field of view. Associated command: DVIEW.


color map

A table defining the intensity of red, green, and blue (RGB) for each displayed color.


command

An instruction that causes AutoCAD LT to execute a procedure. You can start commands by entering them on the command line, choosing a menu option, or choosing a button on the toolbar or toolbox.


command line

A text area reserved for keyboard input, prompts, and special messages.


construction plane

A geometric plane on which planar geometry is constructed. The XY plane of the current UCS represents the construction plane. See also user coordinate system (UCS).


continued dimension

A type of linear dimension that uses the second extension line origin of a selected dimension as its first extension line origin, breaking one long dimension into shorter segments that add up to the total measurement. Also called chain dimension.


control bits

Control characters, usually integers, that are logically combined to perform or modify a particular function.


control point

One of a set of points used to define a curve


coordinate

A set of values that determines the location of a point relative to a given coordinate system. In a 2D coordinate system, a coordinate is defined by its distance from 0 along the X and Y axes. In a 3D coordinate system, a coordinate is defined by its distance from 0 along the X, Y, and Z axes. See also Cartesian coordinate system, cylindrical coordinates, polar coordinate system, relative coordinates, and spherical coordinate system.


coordinate filters

Functions that extract individual X, Y, and Z coordinate values from different points to create a new, composite point. Also called X,Y,Z point filters.


coordinate system

A fixed system that incorporates an origin and associated axes to define the positions of objects in space. AutoCAD LT is based on the Cartesian coordinate system, which uses an origin point (0,0,0) and three orthogonal axes, X, Y, and Z. See also user coordinate system (UCS) and World Coordinate System (WCS).


coplanar

Lying on the same plane.


CPolygon

A multisided area drawn to select objects fully or partially within its borders. See also crossing window.


crosshairs

A type of cursor consisting of two lines that intersect at the cursor. The cursor lines extend over the full screen or, in the case of an application in a window, over the full viewport. Also called graphics cursor.


crosshatch

To fill an area with two or more sets of intersecting parallel lines. See also hatching.


crossing window

A rectangular area drawn to select objects fully or partly within its borders. See also CPolygon.


cross section

A view of a part formed by the intersection of the part and a cutting plane.


cubic curve

A curve of degree three, typically defined by a parametric polynomial equation.


cursor

A pointer on a video display screen that can be moved around to place textual or graphical information. Also called graphics cursor. See also crosshairs.


cursor menu

A menu that appears in the graphics area at the cursor location when you hold down either [image], [image], or [image] and press the return button on a pointing device. The cursor menu is defined in the POP0 section of aclt.mnu.


curve fitting

Passing arc or polynomial segments through a number of interpolation points to create a curve.


cutaway view

A view that exposes interior parts by cutting away a portion of an object with a clipping plane. Associated command: DVIEW. See also cross section.


cylindrical coordinates

Coordinates describing a point in space based on its Z value, distance from the UCS origin, and angle in the XY plane.


datum-line dimension

See ordinate dimension.


default

A predefined value for a program input or parameter. Default values for AutoCAD LT commands are denoted by angle braces <>. See also null response.


default drawing

See initial environment.


definition points

Points for creating an associative dimension. AutoCAD LT refers to the points to modify the appearance and value of an associative dimension when the associated object is modified. Also called defpoints and stored on a special layer, DEFPOINTS.


dependent symbol

An entry in a drawing's named object definition tables -- for example, a layer, block, or linetype -- defined as a result of attaching or overlaying an external drawing.


diameter dimension

A dimension that measures the diameter of a circle or arc.


DIESEL (Direct Interpretively Evaluated String Expression Language)

A macro language for altering the AutoCAD LT status line with the MODEMACRO system variable and for customizing menu items.


dimensioning

A way of showing measurements in a drawing. The dimensioning commands automatically calculate the measurements of objects you select and draw the extension lines, dimension line, and arrowheads.


dimension line

A line to show where a measurement starts and stops. The dimension text is situated above, below, or within this line. ISO standards require the measurement to be placed above a solid dimension line. ANSI standards advise a broken dimension line.


dimension line arc

An arc (usually with arrows at each end) spanning the angle formed by the extension lines of an angle being measured. The dimension text near this arc sometimes divides it into two arcs. See also angular dimension.


dimension style

A named group of dimension settings that determines the appearance of the dimension and simplifies setting dimension system variables. Associated command: DDIM.


dimension text

The measurement value of dimensioned objects.


dimension variables

A set of numeric values, text strings, or toggles that activate AutoCAD LT dimensioning features. Associated command: DDIM.


direct distance entry

A way to specify a second point by first moving the cursor to indicate direction and then entering a distance.


direction vector

A vector of unit length. An AutoCAD LT direction vector usually designates a direction or an axis for creating geometry. See also vector.


displacement

The distance and angle between two points.


display extents

The boundaries of the current display, expressed in rectangular coordinates.


dithering

Combining color dots to give the impression of displaying more colors than are actually available.


documentation drawing

A two-dimensional drawing, usually an orthographic projection drawing, that includes annotations to describe the physical characteristics of an object.


drag

To move an object across the display screen using a pointing device, such as a mouse.


drawing

A layout of drawing views in paper space or a layout of models. See paper space and model space.


drawing extents

The smallest rectangle that contains all objects in a drawing, positioned on the screen to display the largest possible view of all objects. Associated command: ZOOM.


drawing file

The formatted file on disk that preserves the state of an AutoCAD LT session along with drawings and possibly models. See also paper space and model space.


drawing limits

The user-defined boundaries of a drawing area, expressed in two pairs of rectangular coordinates identifying the lower-left and upper-left corners. Associated command: LIMITS.


drawing unit

The type of linear measurement for a drawing, such as centimeters, feet, or inches. Associated commands DDUNITS, UNITS. See also unit.


DXF (drawing interchange format)

An ASCII or binary file format of an AutoCAD LT drawing file for exporting AutoCAD LT drawings to other software packages or for importing drawings from other software packages.


edit

To modify the objects in a drawing by copying, erasing, moving, extending, and so on.


elevation

The Z value from the XY plane where a 2D AutoCAD LT object is defined. Associated command: ELEV.


embed

To use object linking and embedding (OLE) to add information from a source document to a destination document. This information can be edited by opening the source application from within the destination document.


entity

One or more graphical elements, such as text, dimensions, lines, circles, or polylines, treated as a single element for creation, manipulation, and modification. Also called object.


explode

To break down a complex object, such as a block, solid, or polyline, into simpler objects. In the case of a block, the block definition is unchanged. The block reference is replaced by the contents of the block. See block, block definition, block reference.


extension lines

Lines extending away from a dimensioned object for placing a dimension line. The measurement of the dimension line is calculated from one extension line to the other. Also called witness lines or projection lines.


extents

See drawing extents.


external program

An operating system command, application program, or other executable file invoked from within AutoCAD LT and supported by aclt.pgp, which holds run-time parameters for the programs.


external reference (xref)

A drawing file linked (or attached) to another drawing. Associated command: XREF.


feature

In dimensioning, some aspect of a part, such as a point, line, axis, or surface. See also dimensioning.


fence

A multisegmented line drawn to select objects it passes through. Associated command: SELECT.


file locking

A technique that prevents processing of a file by more than one program or user at a time, ensuring that a file in use by one user is made unavailable to others. The file can be locked for read or write permissions. See also lock file.


fill

A solid color covering an area bounded by lines or curves. Associated command: FILL.


fillet

A curved surface of constant radius blending two otherwise intersecting surfaces. A 2D representation of this surface involves two lines or curves and an arc. Associated command: FILLET.


filters

See coordinate filters.


fit points

See approximation points and interpolation points.


flat projection

The projection of 3D objects onto a 2D display plane.


floating viewport

A viewport created in paper space. Floating viewports are objects that can be moved, copied, stretched, and scaled. Associated command: MVIEW.


font

A character set, comprising letters, numbers, punctuation marks, and symbols, of a distinctive proportion and design. Also called typeface.


freeze

To ignore the objects on specified layers. Objects on frozen layers are not displayed, regenerated, or plotted. Freezing layers shortens regeneration time. Associated commands: LAYER, DDLMODES. See also thaw.


graphics area

The area of the AutoCAD LT screen for creating and editing a drawing.


graphics cursor

See crosshairs and cursor.


graphics screen/graphics window

The graphics area, its surrounding menus, and the command line.


grid

An area on the graphics display covered with regularly spaced dots to aid drawing. The spacing between grid dots is adjustable. Grid dots are not plotted. Associated command: GRID.


grip modes

The editing capabilities activated when grips are displayed on an object: stretching, moving, rotating, scaling, and mirroring.


grips

Small squares that appear on objects you select. After selecting the grip, you edit the object by dragging it with the mouse rather than entering commands.


handle

A unique alphanumeric tag for an object in the AutoCAD LT database.


hatching

A regular pattern, filling an enclosed area. Associated commands: HATCH, BHATCH. See also crosshatch.


hidden surfaces

Surfaces obscured by other surfaces from a specific viewpoint.


hole

A closed hatch boundary within another closed hatch boundary.


hook line

A short horizontal line used in dimensioning for connecting text and feature control frames to the leader line. See also leader.


horizontal dimension

A linear measurement of a distance parallel to the X axis. See also vertical dimension and baseline dimensions.


icon menu

A menu that contains multiple image tiles. It can be customized by editing the aclt.mnu file. See image tile.


IGES (Initial Graphics Exchange Specification)

An ANSI-standard format for digital representation and exchange of information between CAD/CAM systems.


image tile

An AutoCAD LT option displayed in pictorial form.


included angle

An angular measurement that describes the sweep of an object along a circular path. In AutoCAD LT, the included angle is given in degrees, radians, or surveyor's units and can be positive or negative.


initial environment

The variables and settings for new drawings as defined by the default prototype drawing, such as aclt.dwg or acltiso.dwg. See also prototype drawing.


instance

See block reference.


interpolation points

Defining points that a curve passes through. See also approximation points and fit points.


island

An enclosed area within the hatch area.


ISO (International Standards Organization)

An organization that sets international standards in all fields except electrical and electronics. Headquarters are in Geneva, Switzerland.


isometric drawing

A drawing of an object with the X, Y, and Z axes spaced 120 degrees apart and the Z axis projected vertically.


isometric plane

One of a system of three mutually orthogonal planes.


isometric snap style

An AutoCAD LT drafting option that aligns the cursor with two of three isometric axes and displays grid points, making isometric drawings easier to create.


layer

A logical grouping of data, like transparent acetate overlays on a drawing. You can view layers individually or in combination. Associated commands: DDLMODES, LAYER.


leader

A line that calls attention to notes and dimensions. See also hook line.


limits

See drawing limits.


limits tolerances

Dimension text showing the largest and smallest dimensions allowed. The upper limit is displayed above the lower limit on the dimension line, which can be broken or solid, depending on the standard. When the dimension is a note, the lower limit precedes the upper limit.


linetype

Defines the display of a line or other type of curve. For example, a continuous line has a different linetype than a dashed line. Also called line font. Associated command: LINETYPE.


link

To use object linking and embedding (OLE) to reference data in another file. When data is linked, any changes to the original file can be easily updated in any linked files.


lock file

A binary file, created when you open an AutoCAD LT data file, that contains permissions that determine whether other AutoCAD LT users can read or write to the opened data file. See also file locking.


macro

A single command made up of a group of commands.


major axis

The longer axis of an ellipse.


menu

A list of commands that appears at the top of the graphics window.


mesh

A set of connected, polygonally bounded planar faces that approximate the curved surfaces of an object that was created in AutoCAD LT.


minor axis

The shorter axis of an ellipse.


mirror

To create a new version of an existing object such that the new version is reflected symmetrically with respect to a prescribed line or plane.


mnemonic

See alias.


mode

A software setting or operating state. For example, to turn off the display of blip marks, change the Blip mode by setting the BLIPMODE system variable to zero.


model

A two- or three-dimensional representation of an object.


modeling

Describing a geometric object graphically.


model space

One of the two primary spaces in which AutoCAD LT objects reside. Typically, a geometric model is placed in a 3D coordinate space called model space. A final layout of specific views and annotations of this model is placed in paper space. See also paper space and TILEMODE.


named view

A view saved for restoration later. Associated command: VIEW.


node

A point object.


normal

A vector perpendicular to an object at the point where it is drawn.


noun-verb selection

Selecting an object first and then performing an operation on it, rather than entering a command first and then selecting the object.


null response

Accepting a default value by pressing [image] or [image].


object

One or more graphical elements, such as text, dimensions, lines, circles, or polylines, treated as a single element for creation, manipulation, and modification. Also called entity.


Object Linking and Embedding (OLE)

An information-sharing method in which data from a source document can be linked to or embedded in a destination document. Selecting the data in the destination document opens the source application so that the data can be edited.


Object Snap mode

Methods for selecting commonly needed points on an object while you create or edit an AutoCAD LT drawing. See also running object snap and object snap override.


object snap override

Disabling or changing of a running object snap for the input of a single point. See also Object Snap mode and running object snap.


oblique stroke

See tick mark.


ordinate dimension

The measurement of the orthogonal distance from a baseline point to a dimensioned feature. Also called datum-line dimension.


origin

The point where coordinate axes intersect. For example, the origin of a Cartesian coordinate system is where the X, Y, and Z axes meet at (0,0,0).


orthogonal

Having perpendicular slopes or tangents at the point of intersection.


orthographic projection

The 2D representation of a 3D object without perspective. In drafting, it is typically the front, top, and right side views of an object. Also called parallel projection.


Ortho mode

An AutoCAD LT setting that limits pointing device input to horizontal or vertical (relative to the current snap angle).


pan

To shift the view of a drawing without changing magnification. See also zoom.


paper space

An AutoCAD LT state for creating a finished layout for printing or plotting, as opposed to doing drafting or design work. Model space is the state for creating the drawing. See also model space, viewport, and TILEMODE.


parallel dimensions

See baseline dimensions.


parallel projection

See orthographic projection.


parameter

A user-assigned value, such as a dimension, that defines a feature or part.


parts list

See bill of materials (BOM).


personalization

Customizing the AutoCAD LT executable file, aclt.exe, during installation by entering the user name, company, and other information.


perspective projection

Displaying an object smaller or larger as the viewing distance increases or decreases, respectively. Also called perspective viewing.


pick button

The button on a pointing device that is used to select objects or specify points on the screen. For example, on a two-button mouse, it is the left button.


pixel

Stands for picture element. Pixels are the tiny dots that make up what is displayed on a computer screen. See also aliasing and anti-aliasing.


plan view

A display of the user coordinate system (UCS) from above, looking down the Z axis, which is a viewpoint of (0,0,1).


pline

See polyline.


plus/minus tolerance

See variance.


point

1. A location in 3D space specified by X, Y, and Z coordinates. 2. An AutoCAD LT object consisting of a single coordinate location.


point filters

See coordinate filters.


polar array

Objects copied around an axis point a specified number of times.


polar coordinate system

A set of references used to locate a position in space by specifying its angle 0 with respect to the X axis and its distance from the origin. See also Cartesian coordinate system, cylindrical coordinates, and spherical coordinate system.


polygon window

A multisided area drawn to select objects in groups. See also CPolygon, crossing window, fence, and WPolygon.


polyline

An AutoCAD LT object composed of one or more connected line segments or circular arcs treated as a single object. Associated commands: PLINE, PEDIT.


projection lines

See extension lines.


prompt

A message on the command line that asks for information or requests action such as specifying a point.


prototype drawing

A drawing file with preestablished settings for new drawings such as aclt.dwg and acltiso.dwg; however, any drawing can be used as a prototype. See also initial environment.


radial copy

See polar array.


radius dimension

Measures the radius of a circle or arc. The text and radius dimension line are drawn either inside or outside the circle or arc.


real-world units

A distance assigned to each unit of the coordinate system for modeling, drawing, or plotting that matches the full size of the actual object. Associated commands: DDUNITS, UNITS.


real-world scale

A 1:1 ratio between dimensions in the drawing and the dimensions of the actual object.


rectangular coordinate

A coordinate in a rectangular Cartesian coordinate system.


redraw

To quickly refresh or clean up the current viewport without updating the drawing's database. Associated command: REDRAW. See also regenerate.


regenerate

To update a drawing's screen display by recomputing the screen coordinates from the database. Associated command: REGEN. See also redraw.


relative coordinates

Coordinates specified in relation to previous coordinates.


resolution

The number of horizontal and vertical rows of pixels that can be displayed by a particular graphics controller or monitor. For example, a standard VGA graphics controller and color monitor displays 640 columns and 480 rows of pixels.


return button

The button on a pointing device used to accept an entry. For example, on a two-button mouse, it is the right button.


right-hand rule

A visual aid for remembering the relative directions of the positive X, Y, and Z axes of a Cartesian coordinate system and the positive rotation direction about an axis. For a full description, see "Applying the Right-Hand Rule" in chapter 11 of the AutoCAD LT User's Guide.


rubber-band line

A line that stretches dynamically on the screen with the movement of the cursor. One endpoint of the line is attached to a point in your drawing, and the other is attached to the moving cursor.


running object snap

Setting an object snap mode so it continues for subsequent selections. Associated command: OSNAP. See also Object Snap mode and object snap override.


scanlines

The horizontal bands in which raster information is displayed on the screen.


script file

A set of AutoCAD LT commands executed sequentially with a single SCRIPT command. Script files are created outside AutoCAD LT using a text editor, saved in text format, and stored in an external file with the extension .scr.


select

1. To specify which object(s) to move, copy, erase, and so on, usually by clicking the object with a pointing device. 2. To change a setting in a dialog box by clicking a radio button or check box or by highlighting a name in a list.


selection set

One or more AutoCAD LT objects specified for processing as a unit. Associated command: SELECT.


selection window

A rectangular area drawn in the AutoCAD LT graphics area to select objects in groups. See also crossing window, CPolygon, polygon window, and WPolygon.


slide file

A file that contains a raster image or snapshot of the display on the graphics screen. Slide files work with Autodesk Animator and Animator Pro and have the extension .sld. Associated commands: MSLIDE, VSLIDE.


slide library

A collection of slide files organized for convenient retrieval and display. Slide library names have the extension .slb and are created with the slidelib.exe utility.


snap grid

The invisible grid that locks the graphics cursor into alignment according to the spacing set by the SNAP command. Snap grid does not necessarily correspond to the visible grid, which is controlled separately by the GRID command.


Snap mode

A mode for locking a pointing device into alignment with an imaginary rectangular grid. When Snap mode is on, the screen crosshairs and all input coordinates are snapped to the nearest point on the grid. The snap resolution defines the spacing of this grid. See also Object Snap mode.


snap resolution

The spacing between points of the snap grid.


space

The realm in which an AutoCAD LT drawing is created and displayed. Model space is used for creating and maintaining geometry. Paper space is used primarily to arrange, annotate, and plot various views of model space geometry.


spherical coordinate system

A coordinate system that describes a point by its distance from the current UCS origin, its angle in the XY plane, and its angle up from the XY plane, each separated by <.


spline curve

A blended piecewise polynomial curve passing near a given set of control points.


stretch

To move some points in an object while leaving others in place.


surface

A topological 2D region of space. See also mesh.


symbol

A representative shape, mark, sign, or pattern. In AutoCAD LT, you can create a symbol by saving objects in your drawing as a block.


system environment variable

A variable bound to a user-specified string and stored in the computer's memory. The operating system command that defines the string and variable is SETENV.


system variable

A name that AutoCAD LT recognizes as a mode, size, or limit. Read-only system variables such as DWGNAME cannot be modified directly by the user. You can use the SETVAR command to display and use system variables.


tangent

A line that intersects a circle, ellipse, or arc at only one point.


target point

The central viewpoint within a model. The line between the camera and the target point defines the line of sight or viewing direction. Associated command: DVIEW.


temporary files

Data files created during an AutoCAD LT session. AutoCAD LT deletes the files by the time you end the session. If the session ends abnormally, such as during a power outage, temporary files might be left on the disk.


tessellation lines

Lines that help you visualize a curved surface.


text style

A named, saved collection of settings that determines the appearance of text characters -- for example stretched, compressed, oblique, mirrored, or set in a vertical column.


thaw

To display previously frozen layers. Associated command: LAYER. See also freeze.


thickness

The distance a 2D AutoCAD LT object is extruded above or below its elevation. Associated commands: ELEV, DDEMODES, CHPROP.


tick mark

A slash placed at the end of a dimension line as a terminator to show where a dimension begins and ends. Tick marks are commonly used in architectural drafting. Also called oblique strokes.


tiled viewports

Multiple views that can be displayed when TILEMODE is on (1). Associated command: VPORTS.


TILEMODE

A system variable that controls whether viewports can be created as movable, resizable objects (floating), or as nonoverlapping display elements that appear side-by-side (tiled). See also model space and paper space.


toggle

To change a setting from one state to another. For example, you can toggle Snap mode on and off.


tolerance

The amount a manufactured part can vary from a specified dimension. For dimensioning purposes, a tolerance can be shown as a plus/minus tolerance or a limits tolerance. See also variance and limits tolerances.


toolbar

Part of the AutoCAD LT interface containing icons that represent commands. The toolbar is located just above the graphics area.


toolbox

A window containing buttons that initiate commands. Toolboxes can be floating (so you can move them around the graphics area) or docked to the left or right corner of the graphics area. You can customize the toolbox by adding other buttons.


tracking

A way to locate a point relative to other points on the drawing. Associated feature: Tracking.


transparent command

A command started while another is in progress. Precede transparent commands with an apostrophe.


two-dimensional AutoCAD LT object

Any object in an AutoCAD LT drawing that is a single two-dimensional object, such as a circle, arc, rectangle, ellipse, 2D polyline, donut, polygon, or region.


typeface

See font.


UCS

See user coordinate system (UCS).


UCS icon

An icon that indicates the orientation of the UCS axes, the location of the current UCS origin, and the viewing direction relative to the XY plane. Associated command: UCSICON.


unit

A user-defined distance, such as kilometers, inches, meters, or miles, used as the standard of measurement in a drawing. See also drawing unit.


user coordinate system (UCS)

A user-defined coordinate system that defines the orientation of the X, Y, and Z axes in 3D space. The UCS determines the default placement of geometry in a drawing. See also World Coordinate System (WCS).


variance

A dimensioning element, often prefixed by the symbol , indicating the allowable variance (oversize/undersize) of a part from a specified dimension. When the measurements are equal, a single tolerance is given. Also called plus/minus tolerance.


vector

A mathematical object with precise direction and length but without specific location. See also direction vector.


vertex

A point at which the sides of an angle intersect.


vertical dimension

A linear measurement of a straight distance, placed perpendicular to the horizon. See also baseline dimensions and horizontal dimension.


view

A graphical representation of a model from a specific location (viewpoint) in space. Associated commands: VPOINT, DVIEW, VIEW.


viewpoint

The location in 3D model space from which you are viewing a model. Associated command: VPOINT.


viewport

A bounded area that displays some portion of the model space of a drawing. The TILEMODE system variable determines the type of viewport created. When TILEMODE is off, viewports are objects that can be moved and resized. When TILEMODE is on, viewports are noneditable, nonoverlapping screen displays. Associated commands: MVIEW, VPORTS. See also paper space.


viewport configuration

A named collection of tiled viewports that can be saved and restored.


WCS

See World Coordinate System (WCS).


wire-frame model

The representation of an object using lines and curves to represent its boundaries.


witness lines

See extension lines.


working drawing

A drawing for manufacturing or building purposes.


world coordinates

Coordinates expressed in relation to the World Coordinate System (WCS). To enter world coordinates from within an AutoCAD LT user coordinate system (UCS), precede the first coordinate value with an asterisk (*). See also user coordinate system (UCS).


World Coordinate System (WCS)

A coordinate system used as the basis for defining all objects and other coordinate systems.


WPolygon

A multisided polygon area drawn to select objects within its borders.


xref

See external reference (xref).


X,Y,Z point filters

See coordinate filters.


zoom

To reduce or increase the apparent magnification of graphics on the display screen. Associated command: ZOOM.


ACLTPREFIX System Variable

Quick Help

(Read-only)

Type:	String

Not saved

Stores the directory path, if any, specified in the Preferences dialog box, with path separators appended if necessary.


ACLTVER System Variable

Quick Help

(Read-only)

Type:	String

Not saved

Stores the AutoCAD LT version number. This variable differs from the DXF file $ACADVER header variable, which contains the drawing database level number.


AFLAGS System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Not saved

Initial value:	0

Sets attribute flags for the ATTDEF command bit-code. It is the sum of the following:

0	No attribute mode selected

1	Invisible

2	Constant

4	Verify

8	Preset


ANGBASE System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Real

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0.0000

Sets the direction of the base angle 0 with respect to the current UCS.


ANGDIR System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0

Sets the positive angle direction from angle 0 with respect to the current UCS.

0	Counterclockwise

1	Clockwise


APERTURE System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Config

Initial value:	10

Sets object snap target height, in pixels.


AREA System Variable

Quick Help

(Read-only)

Type:	Real

Not saved

Stores the last area computed by AREA or LIST. Use the SETVAR command to access this system variable.


ATTDIA System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0

Controls whether INSERT uses a dialog box for attribute value entry.

0	Issues prompts on the command line

1	Uses a dialog box


ATTMODE System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	1

Controls Attribute Display mode.

0	Off

1	Normal

2	On


ATTREQ System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	1

Determines whether INSERT uses default attribute settings during insertion of blocks.

0	Assumes the defaults for the values of all attributes

1	Enables prompts or dialog box for attribute values, as selected by ATTDIA


AUNITS System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0

Sets Angular Units mode.

0	Decimal degrees

1	Degrees/minutes/seconds

2	Gradians

3	Radians

4	Surveyor's units


AUPREC System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0

Sets angular units decimal precision display.


BACKZ System Variable

Quick Help

(Read-only)

Type:	Real

Saved in:	Drawing

Stores the back clipping plane offset from the target plane for the current viewport, in drawing units. Meaningful only if the back clipping bit in VIEWMODE is on. The distance of the back clipping plane from the camera point can be found by subtracting BACKZ from the camera-to-target distance.


BLIPMODE System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	1

Controls whether marker blips are visible.

0	Turns off marker blips.

1	Turns on marker blips.


CDATE System Variable

Quick Help

(Read-only)

Type:	Real

Not saved

Shows date and time in calendar and clock format. The value is returned as a real number in the following format: YYYYMMDD.HHMMSSmsec

YYY = year

MM = month (01-12)

DD = day (01-31)

HH = hours (00-23)

MM = minutes (00-59)

SS = seconds (00-59)

msec = milliseconds (000-999)

For example, for a date of November 6, 1994, at 755 milliseconds past 11:05:03 p.m, CDATE would return the value 19941106.230503755.


CECOLOR System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	String

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	"BYLAYER"

Sets the color of new objects.


CELTYPE System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	String

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	"BYLAYER"

Sets the linetype of new objects.


CHAMFERA System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Real

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0.5000

Sets the first chamfer distance.


CHAMFERB System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Real

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0.5000

Sets the second chamfer distance.


CIRCLERAD System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Real

Not saved

Initial value:	0.0000

Sets the default circle radius. A zero sets no default.


CLAYER System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	String

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	"0"

Sets the current layer.


CMDACTIVE System Variable

Quick Help

(Read-only)

Type:	Integer

Not saved

Stores the bit-code that indicates whether an ordinary command, transparent command, script, or dialog box is active. It is the sum of the following:

1	Ordinary command is active.

2	Ordinary command and a transparent command are active.

4	Script is active.

8	Dialog box is active.


CMDDIA System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Config

Initial value:	1

Controls whether dialog boxes are turned on for more than just PLOT.

0	Turns off dialog boxes.

1	Turns on dialog boxes.


CMDNAMES System Variable

Quick Help

(Read-only)

Type:	String

Not saved

Displays the name (in English) of the currently active command and transparent command. For example, LINE'ZOOM indicates that the ZOOM command is being used transparently during the LINE command.


COORDS System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	1

Controls when coordinates are updated.

0	Coordinate display is updated on pick points only.

1	Display of absolute coordinates is continuously updated.

2	Display of absolute coordinates is continuously updated until a distance or angle is requested. Then the distance and angle from the last point are displayed.


CVPORT System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	2

Sets the identification number of the current viewport. When you are in paper space, you can change this value, thereby changing the current viewport, if the following conditions are met:

The identification number you specify is that of an active viewport

A command in progress has not locked cursor movement to that viewport


DATE System Variable

Quick Help

(Read-only)

Type:	Real

Not saved

Stores the current date and time represented as a Julian date and fraction in a real number:

<Julian date>.<Fraction>

For example, on January 29, 1993, at 2:29:35 in the afternoon, the DATE variable would contain 2446460.603877364.

The DATE system variable returns a true Julian date only if the system clock is set to UTC/Zulu (Greenwich Mean Time). TDCREATE and TDUPDATE have the same format as DATE, but their values represent the creation time and last update time of the current drawing.


DIMALT System Variable

See Also     Quick Help

Type:	Switch

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0

When turned on (1), enables alternate units dimensioning.


System Variables: DIMALTD, DIMALTF, and DIMAPOST.


DIMALTD System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	2

Controls alternate units decimal places. If DIMALT is enabled, DIMALTD governs the number of decimal places displayed in the alternate measurement.


DIMALTF System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Real

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	25.4000

Controls alternate units scale factor. If DIMALT is enabled, DIMALTF multiplies linear dimensions by a factor to produce a value in an alternate system of measurement. The initial value represents the number of millimeters in an inch.


DIMAPOST System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	String

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	""

Specifies a text prefix or suffix (or both) to the alternate dimension measurement for all types of dimensions except angular. For instance, if the current Units mode is Architectural, DIMALT is enabled, DIMALTF is 25.4, DIMALTD is 2, and DIMAPOST is set to "mm," then a distance of 10 units would be edited as 10"[254.00mm]. To disable an established prefix or suffix (or both), set it to a single period (.).


DIMASO System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Switch

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	1

Controls the associativity of dimension objects.

0	Creates no association between the various elements of the dimension. The lines, arcs, arrowheads, and text of a dimension are drawn as separate objects.

1	Creates an association between the elements of the dimension. If the definition point moves, the dimension value is updated. The elements are formed into a single object.

The DIMASO value is not stored in a dimension style.


DIMASZ System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Real

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0.1800

Controls the size of dimension line and leader line arrowheads. Multiples of the arrowhead size determine whether dimension lines and text are to fit between the extension lines. Also used to scale arrowhead blocks if set by DIMBLK. DIMASZ has no effect when DIMTSZ is other than zero.


DIMBLK System Variable

Quick Help

(Read-only)

Type:	String

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	""

Sets the name of a block to be drawn instead of the normal arrowhead at the ends of the dimension line or leader line. To disable an established block name, set it to a single period (.).


DIMBLK1
DIMBLK1 System Variable

Quick Help

(Read-only)

Type:	String

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	""

If DIMSAH is on, DIMBLK1 specifies user-defined arrowhead blocks for the first end of the dimension line. This variable contains the name of a previously defined block. To disable an established block name, set it to a single period (.).


DIMBLK2
DIMBLK2 System Variable

Quick Help

(Read-only)

Type:	String

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	""

If DIMSAH is on, DIMBLK2 specifies user-defined arrowhead blocks for the second end of the dimension line. This variable contains the name of a previously defined block. To disable an established block name, set it to a single period (.).


DIMCEN System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Real

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0.0900

Controls drawing of circle or arc center marks and centerlines by the CENTER, DIAMETER, and RADIUS dimensioning commands.

0	No center marks or lines are drawn

<0	Center lines are drawn

>0	Center marks are drawn

The absolute value specifies the size of the mark portion of the center line. RADIUS and DIAMETER draw the center mark or line only if the dimension line is placed outside the circle or arc.


DIMCLRD System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0

Assigns colors to dimension lines, arrowheads, and dimension leader lines. Also controls the color of leader lines created with the Leader option of the DIM command. The color can be any valid color number or special color label BYBLOCK or BYLAYER. Using the SETVAR command, supply the color number. Integer equivalents for BYBLOCK and BYLAYER are 0 and 256, respectively. From the Command prompt, set the color values by entering dimclrd and then a standard color name or BYBLOCK or BYLAYER.


DIMCLRE System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0

Assigns colors to dimension extension lines. The color can be any valid color number or the special color label BYBLOCK or BYLAYER. See DIMCLRD.


DIMCLRT System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0

Assigns colors to dimension text. The color can be any valid color number or the special color label BYBLOCK or BYLAYER. See DIMCLRD.


DIMDLE System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Real

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0.0000

Extends the dimension line beyond the extension line when oblique strokes are drawn instead of arrowheads.


DIMDLI System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Real

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0.3800

Controls the dimension line offset for baseline dimensions. Each baseline dimension is offset by this amount, if necessary, to avoid drawing over the previous dimension.


DIMEXE System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Real

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0.1800

Determines how far to extend the extension line beyond the dimension line.


DIMEXO System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Real

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0.0625

Determines how far extension lines are offset from origin points. If you point directly at the corners of an object to be dimensioned, the extension lines stop just short of the object.


DIMGAP System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Real

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0.0900

Sets the distance around the dimension text when you break the dimension line to accommodate dimension text. A negative DIMGAP value creates basic dimensioning -- dimension text with a box around its full extents.

AutoCAD LT also uses DIMGAP as the minimum length for pieces of the dimension line. When calculating the default position for the dimension text, it positions the text inside the extension lines only if doing so breaks the dimension lines into two segments at least as long as DIMGAP. Text placed above or below the dimension line is moved inside if there is room for the arrowheads, dimension text, and a margin between them at least as large as

DIMGAP:	2 * (DIMASZ + DIMGAP).


DIMLFAC System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Real

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	1.0000

Sets a global scale factor for linear dimensioning measurements. All linear distances measured by dimensioning (including radii, diameters, and coordinates) are multiplied by the DIMLFAC setting before being converted to dimension text.

DIMLFAC has no effect on angular dimensions, and it is not applied to the values held in DIMTM, DIMTP, or DIMRND.

If you are creating a dimension in paper space and DIMLFAC is nonzero, AutoCAD LT multiplies the distance measured by the absolute value of DIMLFAC. In model space, negative values are ignored, and the value 1.0 is used instead. AutoCAD LT computes a value for DIMLFAC if you try to change DIMLFAC from the Dim prompt while in paper space and you select the Viewport option.

Dim:	dimlfac

Current value <1.0000> New value (Viewport):	v

Select viewport to set scale:

AutoCAD LT calculates the scaling of model space to paper space and assigns the negative of this value to DIMLFAC.


DIMLIM System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Switch

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0

DIMLIM generates dimensions tolerance limits as the default text. Setting DIMLIM on forces DIMTOL to be off.


DIMPOST System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	String

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	""

Specifies a text prefix or suffix (or both) to the dimension measurement. For example, to establish a suffix for millimeters, set DIMPOST to mm; a distance of 19.2 units would be displayed as 19.2mm.

If tolerances are enabled, the suffix is applied to the tolerances as well as to the main dimension.

Use <> to indicate placement of the text in relation to the dimension value. For example, enter <> mm to display a 5.0 millimeter radial dimension as "5.0 mm." If you enter mm<>, the dimension would display as "mm 5.0." Use the <> mechanism for angular dimensions.


DIMRND System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Real

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0.0000

Rounds all dimensioning distances to the specified value. For instance, if DIMRND is set to 0.25, all distances round to the nearest 0.25 unit. If you set DIMRND to 1.0, all distances round to the nearest integer. Note that the number of digits edited after the decimal point depends on the precision set by DDUNITS. DIMRND does not apply to angular dimensions. A value of 0 turns off rounding.


DIMSAH System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Switch

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0

Controls use of user-defined arrowhead blocks at the ends of the dimension line.

0	Normal arrowheads or user-defined arrowhead blocks set by DIMBLK are used

1	User-defined arrowhead blocks are used

DIMBLK1 and DIMBLK2 specify different user-defined arrowhead blocks for each end of the dimension line.


DIMSCALE System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Real

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	1.0000

Sets the overall scale factor applied to dimensioning variables that specify sizes, distances, or offsets. Also affects the scale of leader objects created with the Leader option of the DIM command.

0	Scale factor of dimensioning variables is based on a calculated value that depends on your current space. In a tiled viewport or in paper space, new dimension objects are scaled by a factor of 1. In a floating viewport, new dimension objects are scaled by the scale factor of the current viewport relative to paper space (ZOOM XP).

>0	Scale factor for dimensioning variables is based on the current setting.

DIMSCALE does not affect tolerances or measured lengths, coordinates, or angles.


DIMSE1
DIMSE1 System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Switch

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0

When turned on (1), suppresses drawing of the first extension line.


DIMSE2
DIMSE2 System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Switch

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0

When turned on (1), suppresses drawing of the second extension line.


DIMSHO System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Switch

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	1

When turned on (1), controls redefinition of dimension objects while dragging. Associative dimensions recompute dynamically as they are dragged. Radius or diameter leader length input uses dynamic dragging and ignores DIMSHO. On some computers, dynamic dragging can be very slow, so you can set DIMSHO to off to drag the original image instead. The DIMSHO value is not stored in a dimension style.


DIMSOXD System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Switch

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0

When turned on (1), suppresses drawing of dimension lines outside the extension lines. If the dimension lines would be outside the extension lines and DIMTIX is on, setting DIMSOXD to on suppresses the dimension line. If DIMTIX is off, DIMSOXD has no effect.


DIMSTYLE System Variable

Quick Help

(Read-only)

Type:	String

Saved in:	Drawing

Used with SETVAR, shows the current dimension style by name. To change the dimension style, use DDIM or the DIM STYLE dimensioning command.


DIMTAD System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0

Controls vertical position of text in relation to the dimension line.

0	Centers the dimension text between the extension lines.

1	Places the dimension text above the dimension line except when the dimension line is not horizontal and text inside the extension lines is forced horizontal (DIMTIH = 1). The distance from the dimension line to the baseline of the lowest line of text is the current DIMGAP value.


DIMTFAC System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Real

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	1.0000

Specifies a scale factor for text height of tolerance values relative to the dimension text height as set by DIMTXT.

For example, if DIMTFAC is set to 1.0, the text height of tolerances is the same as the dimension text. If DIMTFAC is set to 0.75, the text height of tolerances is three-quarters the size of dimension text.

Use DIMTFAC for plus and minus tolerance strings when DIMTOL is on and DIMTM is not equal to DIMTP, or when DIMLIM is on.


DIMTIH System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Switch

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	On

Controls the position of dimension text inside the extension lines for all dimension types except ordinate dimensions.

Off	Aligns text with the dimension line

On	Draws text horizontally


DIMTIX System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Switch

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0

Draws text between extension lines.

0	The result varies with the type of dimension. For linear and angular dimensions, AutoCAD LT places text inside the extension lines if there is sufficient room. For radius and diameter dimensions, setting DIMTIX off forces the text outside the circle or arc.

1	Draws dimension text between the extension lines even if AutoCAD LT would ordinarily place it outside those lines.


DIMTM System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Real

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0.0000

When DIMTOL or DIMLIM is on, sets the minimum (or lower) tolerance limit for dimension text. AutoCAD LT accepts signed values for DIMTM. If DIMTOL is on and DIMTP and DIMTM are set to the same value, AutoCAD LT draws a ± symbol followed by the tolerance value.

If DIMTM and DIMTP values differ, the upper tolerance is drawn above the lower, and a plus sign is added to the DIMTP value if it is positive.

For DIMTM, AutoCAD LT uses the negative of the value you enter (adding a minus sign if you specify a positive number and a plus sign if you specify a negative number). No sign is added to a value of zero.


DIMTOFL System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Switch

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0

When turned on (1), draws a dimension line between the extension lines even when the text is placed outside the extension lines. For radius and diameter dimensions (while DIMTIX is off), draws a dimension line and arrowheads inside the circle or arc and places the text and leader outside.


DIMTOH System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Switch

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	1

When turned on (1), controls the position of dimension text outside the extension lines.

0	Aligns text with the dimension line

1	Draws text horizontally


DIMTOL System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Switch

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0

When turned on (1), appends dimension tolerances to dimension text. Setting DIMTOL on forces DIMLIM off.


DIMTP System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Real

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0.0000

When DIMTOL or DIMLIM is on, sets the maximum (or upper) tolerance limit for dimension text. AutoCAD LT accepts signed values for DIMTP. If DIMTOL is on and DIMTP and DIMTM are set to the same value, AutoCAD LT draws a ± tolerance symbol followed by the tolerance value.

If DIMTM and DIMTP values differ, the upper tolerance is drawn above the lower, and a plus sign is added to the DIMTP value if it is positive.


DIMTSZ System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Real

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0.0000

Specifies the size of oblique strokes drawn instead of arrowheads for linear, radius, and diameter dimensioning.

0	Draws arrows.

>0	Draws oblique strokes instead of arrows. Size of oblique strokes is determined by this value multiplied by the DIMSCALE value. Also determines if dimension lines and text fit between extension lines.


DIMTVP System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Real

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0.0000

Adjusts the vertical position of dimension text above or below the dimension line. AutoCAD LT uses the DIMTVP value when DIMTAD is off. The magnitude of the vertical offset of text is the product of the text height and DIMTVP. Setting DIMTVP to 1.0 is equivalent to setting DIMTAD to on. AutoCAD LT splits the dimension line to accommodate the text only if the absolute value of DIMTVP is less than 0.7.


DIMTXT System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Real

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0.1800

Specifies the height of dimension text, unless the current text style has a fixed height.


DIMZIN System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0

Controls the suppression of the inches portion of a feet-and-inches dimension when the distance is an integral number of feet, or the feet portion when the distance is less than one foot.

0	Suppresses zero feet and precisely zero inches

1	Includes zero feet and precisely zero inches

2	Includes zero feet and suppresses zero inches

3	Includes zero inches and suppresses zero feet


DISTANCE System Variable

Quick Help

(Read-only)

Type:	Real

Not saved

Stores the distance computed by the DIST command.


DITHER System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	 Integer

Saved in:	aclt.ini

Initial value:	1

Controls whether drawings printed using a Windows system printer are dithered. (Dithering attempts to simulate more colors than the printer actually supports by mixing colors and white space.)

0	Dithering is off

1	Dithering is on


DONUTID System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Real

Not saved

Initial value:	0.5000

Sets the default for the inside diameter of a donut.


DONUTOD System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Real

Not saved

Initial value:	1.0000

Sets the default for the outside diameter of a donut. Must be nonzero. If DONUTID is larger than DONUTOD, the two values are swapped by the next command.


DWGCODEPAGE System Variable

Quick Help

(Read-only)

Type:	String

Saved in:	Drawing

Stores the drawing code page. This variable is set to the system code page when you create a new drawing; otherwise, AutoCAD LT does not maintain it. It should reflect the code page of the drawing. You can set it to any of the values used by the SYSCODEPAGE system variable or set it as undefined. It is saved in the header.


DWGNAME System Variable

Quick Help

(Read-only)

Type:	String

Not saved

Stores the drawing name as entered by the user. If the drawing hasn't been named yet, DWGNAME reports that it is unnamed. If the user specified a drive/directory prefix, it is included as well.


DWGPREFIX System Variable

Quick Help

(Read-only)

Type:	String

Not saved

Stores the drive/directory prefix for the drawing.


DWGTITLED System Variable

Quick Help

(Read-only)

Type:	Integer

Not saved

Indicates whether the current drawing has been named.

0	The drawing has not been named

1	The drawing has been named


DWGWRITE System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Not saved

Initial value:	1

Controls the initial state of the read-only toggle in the Open Drawing dialog box of the OPEN command.

0	Opens the drawing for reading only

1	Opens the drawing for reading and writing


ELEVATION System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Real

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0.0000

Stores the current 3D elevation relative to the current UCS for the current space.


EXEDIR System Variable

Quick Help

(Read-only)

Type:	String

Not saved

Displays directory path of the executable file.


EXPERT System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Not saved

Initial value:	0

Controls the issuance of certain prompts.

0	Issues all prompts normally.

1	Suppresses "About to regen, proceed?" and "Really want to turn the current layer off?"

2	Suppresses the preceding prompts and "Block already defined. Redefine it?" (BLOCK) and "A drawing with this name already exists. Overwrite it?" (SAVE  or WBLOCK).

3	Suppresses the preceding prompts and those issued by LINETYPE if you try to load a linetype that's already loaded or create a new linetype in a file that already defines it.

4	Suppresses the preceding prompts and those issued by UCS Save and VPORTS Save if the name you supply already exists.

5	Suppresses the preceding prompts and those issued by the DIM SAVE option and DIM OVERRIDE if the dimension style name you supply already exists (the entries are redefined).

When a prompt is suppressed by EXPERT, the operation in question is performed as though you entered y at the prompt. The setting of EXPERT can affect scripts, menu macros, and the command functions.


EXTMAX System Variable

Quick Help

(Read-only)

Type:	3D Point

Saved in:	Drawing

Stores the upper-right point of drawing extents. Expands outward as new objects are drawn, shrinks only with ZOOM All or ZOOM Extents. Reported in World coordinates for the current space.


EXTMIN System Variable

Quick Help

(Read-only)

Type:	3D Point

Saved in:	Drawing

Stores the lower-left point of drawing extents. Expands outward as new objects are drawn; shrinks only with ZOOM All or ZOOM Extents. Reported in World coordinates for the current space.


FILEDIA System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Config

Initial value:	1

Suppresses the display of the file dialog boxes.

0	Disables file dialog boxes. You can still request a file dialog box to appear by entering a tilde (~) in response to the command's prompt.

1	Enables file dialog boxes. However, if a script is active, an ordinary prompt appears.


FILLETRAD System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Real

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0.5000

Stores the current fillet radius.


FILLMODE System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	1

Specifies whether objects created with SOLID are filled in.

0	Objects are not filled

1	Objects are filled


FRONTZ System Variable

Quick Help

(Read-only)

Type:	Real

Saved in:	Drawing

Stores the front clipping plane offset from the target plane for the current viewport, in drawing units. Meaningful only if the front clipping bit in VIEWMODE is on and the front clip not at eye bit is also on. The distance of the front clipping plane from the camera point is found by subtracting FRONTZ from the camera-to-target distance.


GRIDMODE System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0

Specifies whether the grid is turned on or off.

0	Turns the grid off

1	Turns the grid on


GRIDUNIT System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Real

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0.0000,0.0000

Specifies the grid spacing (X and Y) for the current viewport. Changes to the grid spacing are not reflected in the displayed grid until you use the REDRAW or REGEN command. AutoCAD LT does not perform automatic redraws or regenerations when variables are changed.


GRIPBLOCK System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Config

Initial value:	0

Controls the assignment of grips in blocks.

0	Assigns grip only to the insertion point of the block

1	Assigns grips to objects within the block


GRIPCOLOR System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Config

Initial value:	5

Controls the color of nonselected grips (drawn as box outlines). The valid range is 1-255.


GRIPHOT System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Config

Initial value:	1

Controls the color of selected grips (drawn as filled boxes). The valid range is 1-255.


GRIPS System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Config

Initial value:	1

Allows the use of selection set grips for the Stretch, Move, Rotate, Scale, and Mirror grip modes.

0	Disables grips

1	Enables grips

To adjust the size of the grips and the effective selection area used by the cursor when you snap to a grip, use the GRIPSIZE system variable.


GRIPSIZE System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Config

Initial value:	3

Sets the size of the box drawn to display the grip in pixels. The valid range is 1-255.


HANDLES System Variable

Quick Help

(Read-only)

Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	1

Reports that object handles are enabled and can be accessed by applications.

0	Handles are disabled

1	Handles are enabled


HIGHLIGHT System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Not saved

Initial value:	1

Controls object highlighting; does not affect objects selected with grips.

0	Disables object selection highlighting

1	Enables object selection highlighting


HPANG System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Real

Not saved

Initial value:	0

Specifies the hatch pattern angle.


HPDOUBLE System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Not saved

Initial value:	0

Specifies hatch pattern doubling for "U" user-defined patterns.

0	Disables hatch pattern doubling

1	Enables hatch pattern doubling


HPNAME System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	String

Not saved

Initial value:	""

Sets default hatch pattern name of up to 34 characters, no spaces allowed. Returns "" if there is no default. Enter a period (.) to set no default.


HPSCALE System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Real

Not saved

Initial value:	1.0000

Specifies the hatch pattern scale factor; must be nonzero.


HPSPACE System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Real

Not saved

Initial value:	1.0000

Specifies the hatch pattern line spacing for "U" user-defined simple patterns; must be nonzero.


INSBASE System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	3D point

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0.0000, 0.0000, 0.0000

Stores insertion base point set by BASE command, expressed in UCS coordinates for the current space.


INSNAME System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	String

Not saved

Initial value:	""

Sets default block name for DDINSERT or INSERT. The name must conform to symbol naming conventions. Returns "" if no default. Enter a period (.) to set no default.


LASTANGLE System Variable

Quick Help

(Read-only)

Type:	Real

Not saved

Stores the end angle of the last arc entered, relative to the XY plane of the current UCS for the current space.


LASTPOINT System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	3D point

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0.0000, 0.0000, 0.0000

Stores the last point entered, expressed in UCS coordinates for the current space; referenced by the at symbol (@) during keyboard entry.


LENSLENGTH System Variable

Quick Help

(Read-only)

Type:	Real

Saved in:	Drawing

Stores the length of the lens (in millimeters) used in perspective viewing for the current viewport.


LIMCHECK System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0

Controls object creation outside the drawing limits.

0	Enables object creation

1	Disables object creation


LIMMAX System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	2D point

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	12.0000, 9.0000

Stores upper-right drawing limits for the current space, expressed in world coordinates.


LIMMIN System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	2D point

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0.0000,0.0000

Stores lower-left drawing limits for the current space, expressed in world coordinates.


LTSCALE System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Real

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	1.0000

Sets global linetype scale factor.


LUNITS System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	2

Sets Linear Units mode.

1	Scientific

2	Decimal

3	Engineering

4	Architectural

5	Fractional


LUPREC System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	4

Sets linear units decimal places or denominator. You can use values between 0 and 8.


MAXACTVP System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Not saved

Initial value:	16

Sets maximum number of viewports to regenerate at one time. The permissible value range is determined by your operating system and display driver.


MENUECHO System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Not saved

Initial value:	0

Sets menu echo and prompt control bits. It is the sum of the following:

1	Suppresses echo of menu items (^P in a menu item toggles echoing)

2	Suppresses display of system prompts during menu

4	Disables ^P toggle of menu echoing

8	Displays input/output strings; debugging aid for DIESEL macros


MIRRTEXT System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	1

Controls how MIRROR reflects text.

0	Retains text direction

1	Mirrors the text


MODEMACRO System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	String

Not saved

Initial value:	""

Displays a text string on the toolbar, such as the name of the current drawing, time/date stamp, or special modes. Use MODEMACRO to display text, or use special text strings written in the DIESEL macro language to have AutoCAD LT evaluate the macro from time to time and base the toolbar on user-selected conditions. You can restore the original toolbar by typing a period (.).


OFFSETDIST System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Real

Not saved

Initial value:	-1.0000

Sets the default offset distance.

<0	Changes to Through mode

>0	Sets the default offset distance


ORTHOMODE System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0

Controls creation of orthogonal lines or polylines.

0	Turns off Ortho mode

1	Turns on Ortho mode


OSMODE System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0

Sets running object snap modes using the following bit-codes. To specify more than one object snap, enter the sum of their values. For example, entering 3 specifies the Endpoint (1) and Midpoint (2) object snaps.

0	NONe

1	ENDpoint

2	MIDpoint

4	CENter

8	NODe

16	QUAdrant

32	INTersection

64	INSertion

128	PERpendicular

256	TANgent

512	NEArest

1024	QUIck


PDMODE System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0

Sets point object display mode. For information on values to enter, see the POINT command.


PDSIZE System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Real

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0.0000

Sets point object display size.

0	Creates a point at 5% of the graphics area height

>0	Specifies an absolute size

<0	Specifies a percentage of the viewport size


PERIMETER System Variable

Quick Help

(Read-only)

Type:	Real

Not saved

Stores the last perimeter value computed by AREA and LIST.


PICKADD System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Config

Initial value:	1

Controls additive selection of objects.

0	Disables PICKADD. The objects most recently selected, either by an individual pick or windowing, become the selection set. Previously selected objects are removed from the selection set. Add more objects to the selection set by holding down [image] while selecting.

1	Enables PICKADD. Each object selected, either individually or by windowing, is added to the current selection set. To remove objects from the set, hold down [image] while selecting.


PICKAUTO System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Config

Initial value:	1

Controls automatic windowing when the Select objects prompt appears.

0	Disables PICKAUTO

1	Draws a selection window (both window and crossing window) automatically at the Select objects prompt


PICKBOX System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Config

Initial value:	3

Sets object selection target height, in pixels.


PICKDRAG System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Config

Initial value:	0

Controls the method of drawing a selection window:

0	Draws the selection window by clicking the pointing device or digitizer at one corner and then at the other corner.

1	Draws the selection window by clicking at one corner, holding down the pointing device or digitizer button, dragging, and releasing the pointing device or digitizer button at the other corner.


PICKFIRST System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Config

Initial value:	1

Controls the method of object selection so that you select objects first and then use an edit or inquiry command.

0	Disables PICKFIRST

1	Enables PICKFIRST


PLINEGEN System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0

Sets the linetype pattern generation around the vertices of a 2D polyline. Does not apply to polylines with tapered segments.

0	Polylines are generated to start and end with a dash at each vertex

1	Generates the linetype in a continuous pattern around the vertices of the polyline


PLINEWID System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Real

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0.0000

Stores the default polyline width.


PLOTID System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	String

Saved in:	Config

Initial value:	""

Changes the default plotter, based on its assigned description, and retains the text string of the current plotter description. Change to another configured plotter by entering its full or partial description. Applications can use PLOTTER to step through the available plotter descriptions retained by PLOTID and thus control the default plotter.


PLOTTER System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Config

Initial value:	0

Changes the default plotter, based on its assigned integer, and retains an integer number that AutoCAD LT assigns for each configured plotter. This number can be in the range of 0 to 14. Change to another configured plotter by entering its valid, assigned number.


POLYSIDES System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Not saved

Initial value:	4

Sets the default number of sides for POLYGON. The range is 3-1024.


PSLTSCALE System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0

Controls paper space linetype scaling.

0	No special linetype scaling. Linetype dash lengths are based on the drawing units of the space (model or paper) in which the objects were created, scaled by the global LTSCALE factor.

1	Viewport scaling governs linetype scaling. If TILEMODE is set to 0, dash lengths are based on paper space drawing units, even for objects in model space. In this mode, viewports can have varying magnifications, yet display linetypes identically. For a specific linetype, the dash lengths of a line in a viewport are the same as the dash lengths of a line in paper space. You can still control the dash lengths with LTSCALE.

When you change PSLTSCALE or use a command such as ZOOM with PSLTSCALE set to 1, objects in viewports are not automatically regenerated. Use REGEN to update the linetypes in the viewports.


PSPROLOG System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	String

Saved in:	Config

Initial value:	""

Assigns a name for a prologue section to be read from the acad.psf file when using PSOUT.


PSQUALITY System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	75

Controls the rendering quality of PostScript images and whether they are drawn as filled objects or as outlines. The value represents dots per inch (dpi).

0	Disables PostScript image generation

>0	Sets the number of pixels per AutoCAD LT drawing unit for the PostScript resolution

<0	Sets the number of pixels per drawing unit, but uses the absolute value; causes AutoCAD LT to show the PostScript paths as outlines and does not fill them


QTEXTMODE System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0

Controls Quick Text mode.

0	Turns off Quick Text mode; displays characters

1	Turns on Quick Text mode; displays a box in place of text


SAVEFILE System Variable

Quick Help

(Read-only)

Type:	String

Saved in:	Config

Initial value:	"autosave.$ac"

Stores current auto-save file name.


SAVENAME System Variable

Quick Help

(Read-only)

Type:	String

Not saved

Initial value:	""

Stores the file name you save the drawing to using SAVEAS.


SAVETIME System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Config

Initial value:	0

Sets automatic save interval, in minutes.

0	Disables automatic save

>0	Automatically saves the drawing at intervals specified by the nonzero integer

The SAVETIME timer starts as soon as you make a change to a drawing. It is reset and restarted by a manual SAVE, SAVEAS, or QSAVE. The current drawing is saved to auto.$ac.


SHADEDGE System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	3

Controls shading of edges in rendering.

0	Faces shaded, edges not highlighted

1	Faces shaded, edges drawn in background color

2	Faces not filled, edges in object color

3	Faces in object color, edges in background color


SHADEDIF System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	70

Sets ratio of diffuse reflective light to ambient light (in percent of diffuse reflective light).


SNAPANG System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Real

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0

Sets snap/grid rotation angle (UCS-relative) for the current viewport.

Note: Changes to this variable are not reflected in the displayed grid until a redraw is performed. AutoCAD LT does not perform automatic redraws when variables are changed.


SNAPBASE System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	2D point

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0.0000,0.0000

Sets snap/grid origin point for the current viewport (in UCS X,Y coordinates).

Note: Changes to this variable are not reflected in the displayed grid until a redraw is performed. AutoCAD LT does not perform automatic redraws when variables are changed.


SNAPISOPAIR System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0

Controls current isometric plane for the current viewport.

0	Left

1	Top

2	Right


SNAPMODE System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0

Controls the Snap mode.

0	Snap off

1	Snap on for current viewport


SNAPSTYL System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0

Sets snap style for current viewport.

0	Standard

1	Isometric


SNAPUNIT System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	2D point

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0.5000, 0.5000

Sets snap spacing (X and Y) for current viewport.

Note: Changes to this variable are not reflected in the displayed grid until a redraw operation is performed. AutoCAD LT does not perform automatic redraws when variables are changed.


SORTENTS System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Config

Initial value:	96

Controls the display of object sort order operations using the following codes:

0	Disables SORTENTS.

1	Sorts for object selection.

2	Sorts for object snap.

4	Sorts for redraws.

8	Sorts for MSLIDE slide creation.

16	Sorts for REGENs.

32	Sorts for plotting.

64	Sorts for PostScript output.

To select more than one, enter the sum of their codes. For example, enter 3 to specify code 1 and code 2.


SPLFRAME System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0

Controls display of spline-fit polylines.

0	Does not display the control polygon for spline-fit polylines

1	Displays the control polygon for spline-fit polylines


SPLINESEGS System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	8

Sets the number of line segments to be generated for each spline.


SPLINETYPE System Variable

Quick Help

Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	6

Sets the type of spline curve to be generated by PEDIT Spline.

5	Quadratic B-spline

6	Cubic B-spline


SYSCODEPAGE System Variable

Quick Help

(Read-only)

Type:	String

Saved in:	Drawing

Indicates the system code page specified in acad.xmf. Codes are as follows:

ascii	dos863	iso8859-4

dos860	iso8859-2	mac-roman

dos932	johab	dos855

iso8859-8	dos850	dos866

big5	dos864	iso8859-6

dos861	iso8859-3	dos857

iso8859-1	ksc5601	dos869

iso8859-9	dos852	iso8859-7

dos437	dos865


TARGET System Variable

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(Read-only)

Type:	3D point

Saved in:	Drawing

Stores location (in UCS coordinates) of the target point for the current viewport.


TDCREATE System Variable

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(Read-only)

Type:	Real

Saved in:	Drawing

Stores time and date of drawing creation.


TDINDWG System Variable

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(Read-only)

Type:	Real

Saved in:	Drawing

Stores total editing time.


TDUPDATE System Variable

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(Read-only)

Type:	Real

Saved in:	Drawing

Stores time and date of last update/save.


TDUSRTIMER System Variable

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(Read-only)

Type:	Real

Saved in:	Drawing

Stores user-elapsed timer.


TEXTEVAL System Variable

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Type:	Integer

Not saved

Initial value:	0

Controls method of evaluation of text strings.

0	All responses to prompts for text strings and attribute values are taken literally

1	Text starting with "(" or "!" is evaluated as for nontextual input

Note: The DTEXT command takes all input literally, regardless of the setting of TEXTEVAL.


TEXTSIZE System Variable

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Type:	Real

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0.2000

Sets the default height for new text objects drawn with the current text style (meaningless if the style has a fixed height).


TEXTSTYLE System Variable

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Type:	String

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	STANDARD

Contains the name of the current text style.


THICKNESS System Variable

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Type:	Real

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0.0000

Sets the current 3D thickness.


TILEMODE System Variable

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Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	1

Controls access to paper space, as well as the behavior of AutoCAD LT viewports.

0	Enables paper space and viewport objects (uses MVIEW). AutoCAD clears the graphics area and prompts you to create one or more viewports.

1	AutoCAD LT returns to Tiled Viewport mode, restoring the most recently active tiled-viewport configuration. Paper space objects -- including viewport objects -- are not displayed, and the MVIEW, MSPACE, PSPACE, and VPLAYER commands are disabled.


TOOLTIPS System Variable

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Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Config

Initial value:	1

Controls the display of ToolTips.

0	Turns off display of ToolTips

1	Turns on display of ToolTips


UCSICON System Variable

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Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	1

Displays the Coordinate System icon using bit-code for the current viewport. It is the sum of the following:

1	On; icon display is enabled

2	Origin; if icon display is enabled, the icon floats to the UCS origin if possible


UCSNAME System Variable

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(Read-only)

Type:	String

Saved in:	Drawing

Stores the name of the current coordinate system for the current space. Returns a null string if the current UCS is unnamed.


UCSORG System Variable

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(Read-only)

Type:	3D point

Saved in:	Drawing

Stores the origin point of the current coordinate system for the current space. This value is always returned in World coordinates.


UCSXDIR System Variable

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(Read-only)

Type:	3D point

Saved in:	Drawing

Stores the X direction of the current UCS for the current space. The value is stored in World coordinates.


UCSYDIR System Variable

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(Read-only)

Type:	3D point

Saved in:	Drawing

Stores the Y direction of the current UCS for the current space. The value is stored in World coordinates.


UNITMODE System Variable

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Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0

Controls the unit's display format.

0	Displays fractional, feet-and-inches, and surveyor's angles as previously set

1	Displays fractional, feet-and-inches, and surveyor's angles in input format


VIEWCTR System Variable

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(Read-only)

Type:	3D point

Saved in:	Drawing

Stores the center of view in the current viewport, expressed in UCS coordinates.


VIEWDIR System Variable

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(Read-only)

Type:	3D vector

Saved in:	Drawing

Stores the viewing direction in the current viewport, expressed in UCS coordinates. This describes the camera point as a 3D offset from the target point.


VIEWMODE System Variable

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(Read-only)

Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Drawing

Controls Viewing mode for the current viewport, using bit-code. (The Viewing mode is set by DVIEW.) The value is the sum of the following bit values.

0	Disabled

1	Perspective view active

2	Front clipping on

4	Back clipping on

8	UCS Follow mode on

16	Front clip not at eye.

If on, the front clip distance (FRONTZ) determines the front clipping plane. If off, FRONTZ is ignored, and the front clipping plane is set to pass through the camera point (vectors behind the camera are not displayed). This flag is ignored if the front clipping bit (2) is off.


VIEWSIZE System Variable

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(Read-only)

Type:	Real

Saved in:	Drawing

Stores height of view in current viewport, expressed in drawing units.


VIEWTWIST System Variable

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(Read-only)

Type:	Real

Saved in:	Drawing

Stores view twist angle for the current viewport.


VISRETAIN System Variable

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Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	0

Controls visibility of layers in xref files.

0	The xref layer definition in the current drawing takes precedence over these settings: On/Off, Freeze/Thaw, color, and linetype settings for xref-dependent layers.

1	On/Off, Freeze/Thaw, color, and linetype settings for xref-dependent layers take precedence over the xref layer definition in the current drawing.


VSMAX System Variable

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(Read-only)

Type:	3D point

Saved in:	Drawing

Stores the upper-right corner of the current viewport's virtual screen, expressed in UCS coordinates.


VSMIN System Variable

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(Read-only)

Type:	3D point

Saved in:	Drawing

Stores the lower-left corner of the current viewport virtual screen, expressed in UCS coordinates.


WORLDVIEW System Variable

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Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Drawing

Initial value:	1

Controls whether UCS changes to WCS during DVIEW or VPOINT.

0	Current UCS remains unchanged

1	Current UCS is changed to the WCS for the duration of DVIEW or VPOINT. DVIEW and VPOINT command input is relative to the current UCS


XREFCTL System Variable

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Type:	Integer

Saved in:	Config

Initial value:	0

Controls whether AutoCAD LT writes .xlg files (external reference log files).

0	Xref log (.xlg) files are not written

1	Xref log (.xlg) files are written