AutoCAD is a powerful software tool used for creating precise 2D and 3D designs. One of its handy features is the tracking function, which allows you to precisely align objects and measurements within your drawing. In this tutorial, we will explore how to turn on tracking in AutoCAD and make the most of this useful feature.
Step 1: Accessing the Drafting Settings
To enable tracking in AutoCAD, you first need to access the drafting settings. To do this, navigate to the “Drafting Settings” menu by following these steps:
- Step 1.1: Open AutoCAD and select the “Tools” tab from the top menu.
- Step 1.2: Click on the “Drafting Settings” option.
Step 2: Enabling Object Snap Tracking
Once you have accessed the drafting settings, it’s time to enable object snap tracking. This feature allows you to track along specified points or lines within your drawing. Follow these steps:
- Step 2.1: In the “Drafting Settings” dialog box, click on the “Object Snap” tab.
- Step 2.2: Check the box next to “Object Snap Tracking” to enable it.
Note:
The “Object Snap Tracking” option should be located under the “Running Object Snaps” section of the dialog box.
Step 3: Adjusting Object Snap Tracking Settings
To make object snap tracking more effective and tailored to your specific needs, you can customize its settings. Here’s how:
- Step 3.
- Step 3.2: Click on the “Settings” button located next to “Object Snap Tracking.”
Note:
The “Settings” button will open a new dialog box where you can adjust various settings related to object snap tracking.
Step 4: Using Object Snap Tracking in AutoCAD
Now that you have enabled and customized object snap tracking, it’s time to put it into action. Follow these steps to use object snap tracking in AutoCAD:
- Step 4.1: Start a new drawing or open an existing one.
- Step 4.2: Activate the desired drawing command, such as “Line,” “Circle,” or “Rectangle.”
- Step 4.3: Move your cursor close to an existing point or line that you want to track.4: As you move your cursor, AutoCAD will display temporary tracking lines and tooltips indicating the distance and angle between the tracked point/line and your cursor.
Note:
You can also press the “F11” key on your keyboard to toggle object snap tracking on and off without accessing the drafting settings menu.
Congratulations! You have now learned how to turn on tracking in AutoCAD and utilize this powerful feature to enhance your design workflow. Experiment with different settings and explore other drawing commands that support object snap tracking to take full advantage of this functionality.