AutoCAD is a powerful software used by professionals in various fields such as architecture, engineering, and design. Selecting and printing in AutoCAD are fundamental skills that every user should master. In this tutorial, we will explore the different methods of selecting objects and discuss the printing options available in AutoCAD.
Selecting Objects
Before we dive into the selection methods, it’s important to understand the different types of objects in AutoCAD. Objects can be points, lines, arcs, circles, or complex shapes like polylines. To select objects in AutoCAD, you can use the following methods:
- Window Selection: This method allows you to select objects within a rectangular area. To use this method, type “W” on your keyboard or click on the “Window” button in the ribbon. Then click and drag your mouse to create a selection window around the desired objects.
- Crossing Selection: Similar to window selection, crossing selection also selects objects within a rectangular area. However, it includes objects that are partially or fully enclosed by the selection window.
To use this method, type “C” on your keyboard or click on the “Crossing” button in the ribbon. Click and drag your mouse to create a crossing selection window.
- Select All: To select all objects in the drawing, type “A” on your keyboard or click on the “Select All” button in the ribbon.
- Select Similar: If you want to select objects with similar properties (e.g., color or layer), type “SS” on your keyboard or click on the “Select Similar” button in the ribbon. AutoCAD will automatically select objects that match the properties of the currently selected object.
Printing Options
Once you have selected the desired objects, you can proceed to print your drawing. AutoCAD provides several options for printing, allowing you to customize the output according to your needs. Here are some of the printing options:
Print Setup:
To configure the print settings, click on the “Print” button in the ribbon or type “PLOT” on your keyboard. This opens the Plot dialog box where you can specify settings such as paper size, plot area, scale, and plot style.
Plot Style:
In AutoCAD, plot styles control how objects are plotted or printed. You can choose between color-dependent plot styles (CTB) and named plot styles (STB).
To manage plot styles, click on the “Plot Style Manager” button in the Plot dialog box. Here you can create, modify, and assign plot styles to your drawing objects.
Layouts:
In complex drawings with multiple views or sheets, layouts are used to arrange and print different parts of the drawing. To create a layout, type “PAGESETUP” on your keyboard or click on the “Page Setup Manager” button in the ribbon. Here you can create new layouts and customize their settings.
Plot Preview:
To preview how your drawing will look before printing it, click on the “Preview” button in the Plot dialog box. This allows you to check for any errors or make adjustments to ensure a high-quality printout.
Conclusion
Selecting objects and printing in AutoCAD are essential skills that every user should master. By utilizing the various selection methods and exploring the printing options available, you can efficiently work with your drawings and produce accurate prints. Remember to experiment with different settings and familiarize yourself with the tools to optimize your workflow in AutoCAD.