Basic AutoCAD Terminology

Clean screen

A display setting that gives you maximum drawing space

Modify

A generic term used for changing your objects

Panel

A grouping of commands on the ribbon

View

A particular area of your drawing

Block

A pre-drawn image you can insert in your drawing to save time and make your file size smaller

Viewport

A separate "window" on your drawing. You may have more than one viewport visible to see different areas of your drawing at the same time.

Limits (Grid)

A setting to impose an artificial boundary on your drawing that sets the area of the grid, and when turned on, limits you to drawing in the grid area

Layout tabs

A space used for plotting your drawings (formerly called Paper Space).

Orthographic projection

A standard drawing method that shows 2 or more views of the same part.

Absolute coordinates

A way of inputting points based on AutoCAD's origin

Relative Coordinates

A way of inputting points based on a starting point.

Polar Coordinates

A way of inputting points based on distance and angle.

Layer

All objects are drawn on a layer. You can group objects (such as electrical) on a single layer and organize your drawing

Linetype

All objects are drawn with a particular linetype. Examples would be solid, center, dashed, etc.

Plot

Also known as print. To make a hard copy of your drawing

Database

An AutoCAD drawing file is actually one large database containing all the info needed to reproduce the objects when the file is opened. Info for layers and line types, etc are stored in this manner

Wizard

An easy step-by-step instruction set to help you set-up certain aspects of your drawing

Object

Any item that is in the AutoCAD database. Also known as an entity

Property

Any specific characteristic of an object such as layer, scale, line type, start point, etc.

Backup file

AutoCAD can be set to automatically backup your drawing and save it. This is a safeguard in case your file gets corrupted. It is saved with a .BAK extension

Dialog box

AutoCAD uses a large number of dialog boxes to get information from you. You must know how to input the info that it asks for

Associated dimensioning

Dimensions that are associated with specific points will update as that point is moved

Styles

Formatting that defines the look of text, dimensions, etc.

Grips

Small 'handles' on objects that allow for quick editing

Origin

The (0,0) point of your current coordinate system

Ribbon

The Ribbon runs across the top of the drawing space and contains panels - each panel has a group of associated tools. Switch to different panels by clicking on the tabs at the top of the ribbon

Units

The basic drawing unit set for your drawing. For example, you can use inches or millimeters depending on your needs. You can also set the precision you want displayed, such as nearest 1/4", 1/2", 1/64", etc

Selection set

The current group of objects selected for modifying.

Model space

The drawing space where you 'model the objects'

Extents

The outer boundaries of the objects you have drawn.

Path

The specific folder where AutoCAD looks for, or saves files

Ortho mode

This is a drawing mode that allows you to draw only perpendicular lines. It is toggled on and off by pressing the F8 key

Snap

This is a drawing mode that allows you to snap your cursor to precise points laid out in a grid pattern. Toggle with the F9 key

Drawing template file

This is a file that contains preset values for frequently used settings. AKA a prototype drawing. The file extension is DWT.

Osnap - Object Snap

This is a method of 'snapping' to certain, precise points on an object.

Grid

This is a pattern of dots displayed on the screen to guide you. It can be toggled on and off by pressing the F7 key.

World Coordinate System (WCS)

This is the common X-Y coordinate system that is the default. If it is modified, it becomes a User Coordinate System (UCS)

Acad.dwt

This is the default template that automatically loads whenever you start a drawing session that can be customized to suit your needs

Crosshairs

This is your cursor when it is in the drawing space

Pan

To move around the drawing by dragging the drawing area around your screen

Pick

To select an object by 'left-clicking' on it

Zoom

To view either a smaller section of your drawing (zoom in) or a larger section (zoom out)

Cursor

Your cursor will change depending on what function it is performing in the program

Section View

a drawing that represents a cross section of a part or assembly

User coordinate system (UCS)

modifications made to the World Coordinate System (WCS) results in User Coordinate System (UCS)