Drawing with coordinates in AutoCAD allows for precise placement of points and objects. You can input coordinates directly via the command line using different formats, including absolute, relative, and polar coordinates.
To draw using coordinates, you typically start a drawing command (like Line, Circle, or Polyline) and then input the coordinate values for the required points when prompted.
Drawing a Line Using Coordinates (Based on Reference)
Based on the provided reference, here is a common way to start drawing a line by specifying its first point using absolute coordinates:
- Click the Home tab, then the Draw panel, and select the Line tool.
- When prompted for the first point, type the desired coordinate value directly into the command line. Input the X value, followed by a comma, and then the Y value.
- Example: To specify the point X=1.65, Y=4.25, you would type 1.65,4.25.
- Press the Spacebar or Enter to accept the first point.
- The command will then prompt you to specify the next point. You can continue specifying points using coordinate input or other methods.
- Press the Spacebar or Enter again to finish the line segment or end the command, depending on the context.
Understanding Coordinate Input Types
AutoCAD supports several methods for entering coordinates:
Absolute Coordinates
Absolute coordinates are based on the origin (0,0) of the current coordinate system (UCS). The format is always X,Y.
- Format:
X,Y - Example:
10,20(Places a point at X=10, Y=20 from the origin).
Relative Coordinates
Relative coordinates are based on the last specified point, not the origin. This is useful for drawing segments of a known length and direction from the previous point. You indicate relative coordinates by preceding them with the @ symbol.
- Relative Cartesian Format:
@X,Y(Moves X units horizontally and Y units vertically from the last point).- Example:
@5,0(Draws a segment 5 units horizontally to the right from the last point). - Example:
@0,3(Draws a segment 3 units vertically upwards from the last point).
- Example:
- Relative Polar Format:
@distance<angle(Draws a segment of a specific length at a specific angle from the last point).- Example:
@10<45(Draws a segment 10 units long at a 45-degree angle from the last point).
- Example:
Using Coordinate Input in Practice
- Start Commands: As shown in the reference, coordinates are often used to define the starting point of objects (lines, circles, polylines).
- Define Vertices: For commands like
LINEorPOLYLINE, you can enter coordinates for each subsequent vertex. - Specify Displacements: When moving or copying objects, you can use coordinate input to specify the displacement vector (relative coordinates are often used here).
- Object Creation: Commands like
CIRCLEmay ask for a center point (using coordinates) and then a radius.
Coordinate Input Summary
| Coordinate Type | Description | Format | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Absolute (UCS) | Based on the origin (0,0) | X,Y |
100,50 |
| Relative (Cartesian) | Based on the last point, using X and Y offsets | @X,Y |
@20,10 |
| Relative (Polar) | Based on the last point, using distance and angle | @distance<angle |
@30<90 |
Mastering coordinate input is fundamental for precise drawing and editing in AutoCAD. By using the command line to type these values, you gain direct control over the placement of your geometry.
