Easily change how you input commands and values in AutoCAD by adjusting your Dynamic Input settings.
AutoCAD offers various ways to interact and input data, from the command line to clicking points in the drawing area. A key method for controlling input directly near your cursor is called Dynamic Input. This feature displays command prompts, input fields for values like distance and angle, and tips right alongside your crosshairs, significantly streamlining your workflow.
You can customize exactly what information appears and how input behaves through the Dynamic Input settings.
Adjusting Dynamic Input Settings
Modifying the Dynamic Input settings is the primary way to change the interactive input behavior in AutoCAD, especially when drawing or editing objects.
Here’s how to access and change these settings, incorporating the method described in the provided reference:
- Locate the Dynamic Input button on the AutoCAD Status Bar, usually found at the bottom of the application window. It often looks like a small icon with a pointer and a command line prompt (it might look different depending on your AutoCAD version and theme).
- Right-click directly on this Dynamic Input button.
- From the context menu that appears, choose "Dynamic Input Settings."
This action opens the "Drafting Settings" dialog box, specifically on the "Dynamic Input" tab.
Customizing Dynamic Input Behavior
Within the Dynamic Input settings, you can check or deselect display settings to control the type of input prompts and information shown near your crosshairs. According to the reference, key settings you can adjust include:
- Pointer Input: Controls the display of input fields for coordinate values (like X, Y, Z) near the crosshairs when you're prompted for a point location.
- Dimension Input: Manages the display of input fields for values like length, angle, or radius near the object you are creating or modifying.
- Command Prompting and Input near the Crosshairs: This setting controls whether the command name and command prompts appear near the crosshairs instead of solely on the command line.
- Tips with Command Prompts: Displays additional guidance or options related to the current command near the crosshairs.
Here is a summary of these key settings:
| Setting Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Pointer Input | Shows X, Y, Z coordinate fields near the cursor. |
| Dimension Input | Shows length, angle, radius fields near the object/cursor when applicable. |
| Command Prompting and Input | Displays command names and prompts near the cursor. |
| Tips with Command Prompts | Provides additional command-related tips near the cursor. |
You can individually enable or disable these options based on your preference. For instance, if you find the dimension input fields distracting, you can uncheck that option. Conversely, if you want to see prompts near your cursor, ensure "Command Prompting and Input" is checked.
Once you've made your desired changes, click "OK" in the Drafting Settings dialog box to apply them.
By customizing these Dynamic Input settings, you effectively change how AutoCAD receives and displays input information interactively during your design process.
Practical Tip: You can toggle Dynamic Input on or off quickly by clicking the Dynamic Input button on the Status Bar (without right-clicking). When the button is blue, Dynamic Input is active; when it's gray, it's off.
