Object Snap Tracking is a powerful feature in AutoCAD that allows you to accurately align and position objects in your drawings. It enables you to track specific points or locations while drawing or editing, making it easier to create precise designs. Let’s delve deeper into what Object Snap Tracking is and how it can enhance your workflow in AutoCAD.
What is Object Snap Tracking?
Object Snap Tracking is an extension of the Object Snap feature in AutoCAD. While Object Snap helps you snap to precise points on existing objects, Object Snap Tracking takes it a step further by allowing you to track along specific paths or distances.
With Object Snap Tracking, you can establish a temporary tracking point that follows your cursor as you move around the drawing area. This tracking point can be set to any desired distance or angle from an existing object or reference point.
Using Object Snap Tracking
To enable Object Snap Tracking, you need to activate the feature by clicking on the “Object Snap” button located in the status bar at the bottom of the AutoCAD window. Alternatively, you can use the “F11” key on your keyboard as a shortcut.
Once enabled, you can start using Object Snap Tracking by selecting one of the available object snaps (e.g., Endpoint, Midpoint, Intersection) from the Object Snap menu or by typing their respective keyboard shortcuts (e., E for Endpoint).
After selecting an object snap, move your cursor close to an existing object or reference point. You will notice that a tracking line appears, indicating the direction and distance of the tracked point from your starting position.
Tracking Along Distance
If you want to track along a specific distance from an object or reference point, simply type in that distance after selecting an object snap. AutoCAD will display a temporary tracking line at the specified distance from the starting position.
For example, if you want to track 50 units away from an endpoint, select the Endpoint object snap and type “50” before moving your cursor. The temporary tracking point will be displayed 50 units away from the endpoint, making it easier to align objects accurately.
Tracking Along Angle
In addition to tracking along distances, Object Snap Tracking also allows you to track along specific angles. After selecting an object snap, type in the desired angle (in degrees) before moving your cursor. AutoCAD will display a temporary tracking line at that angle from the starting position.
For instance, if you want to track at a 45-degree angle from an intersection point, select the Intersection object snap and type “45” before moving your cursor. The temporary tracking point will be positioned exactly 45 degrees from the intersection point.
Benefits of Object Snap Tracking
Object Snap Tracking offers numerous benefits that can significantly improve your productivity and accuracy while working in AutoCAD:
- Precision: By allowing you to track along specific distances or angles, Object Snap Tracking helps you achieve precise alignments and measurements.
- Ease of use: Once enabled, Object Snap Tracking seamlessly integrates with the existing snapping functionality in AutoCAD, making it easy to use without any additional steps or commands.
- Efficiency: By eliminating the need for manual calculations or estimations, Object Snap Tracking saves time and effort during drawing and editing tasks.
In conclusion, Object Snap Tracking is a valuable tool in AutoCAD that enhances precision and efficiency while creating or editing drawings. By combining it with other object snaps, you can achieve accurate alignments and measurements with ease. Incorporate Object Snap Tracking into your workflow to streamline your AutoCAD experience and produce high-quality designs.