How Do You Write Feet and Inches in AutoCAD?

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How Do You Write Feet and Inches in AutoCAD?

AutoCAD is a powerful software that allows you to create precise and accurate drawings. When working with architectural or engineering projects, it is often necessary to include measurements in feet and inches.

In this tutorial, we will explore the different methods of writing feet and inches in AutoCAD.

Method 1: Using the Architectural Units

AutoCAD provides a built-in feature called “Architectural Units” that simplifies the process of entering measurements in feet and inches. To activate this feature, follow these steps:

  1. Select the “Format” menu from the top toolbar.
  2. Choose “Units..” from the dropdown menu.
  3. In the “Drawing Units” window, select “Architectural” from the “Type” dropdown menu.
  4. Specify the desired precision for your measurements.
  5. Click “OK” to apply the changes.

Once you have enabled Architectural Units, you can simply enter measurements using a combination of feet (‘) and inches (“). For example, to enter a length of 5 feet and 6 inches, you would type ‘5-6”.

AutoCAD will automatically interpret this input as 5 feet and 6 inches.

Method 2: Using Decimal Feet

Alternatively, if you prefer to work with decimal values rather than fractional units, AutoCAD allows you to enter measurements in decimal feet. Here’s how:

  1. Select the “Format” menu from the top toolbar.
  2. In the “Drawing Units” window, select “Decimal” from the “Type” dropdown menu.

With Decimal Units activated, you can enter measurements using decimal values. For example, to enter a length of 5 feet and 6 inches, you would type 5.5′.

AutoCAD will interpret this input as 5.5 feet.

Method 3: Using Custom Text Formatting

If you need to display measurements with more specific formatting requirements, AutoCAD allows you to customize the appearance of text using special symbols and characters. Here’s how:

  1. Select the desired text object using the “Text” tool.
  2. Right-click and choose “Properties” from the context menu.
  3. In the “Properties” window, locate the “Stacked Fraction Format” option.
  4. Enter a custom format string that represents your desired measurement format. For example, to display a length of 5 feet and 6 inches as “5’6″, you would enter ^FH^P^S’ ^H^P^S”. ^FH represents fractional height, ^P inserts a placeholder for a stacked fraction component, ^S represents a slash separator between components, and ^H adds height formatting.

By using custom text formatting, you can create measurements that adhere to specific style guidelines or project requirements.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, we explored three different methods of writing feet and inches in AutoCAD. By using Architectural Units, Decimal Feet, or Custom Text Formatting options, you can accurately represent measurements in your drawings.

Experiment with these methods to find the one that best suits your needs. Happy designing!