Do you need to capture a screenshot while working in AutoCAD? Whether it’s for documentation, sharing with colleagues, or simply keeping a record of your work, taking a screenshot in AutoCAD is a useful skill to have. In this tutorial, we will explore different methods to capture screenshots in AutoCAD and discuss some handy tips and tricks along the way.
Method 1: Using the ‘JPGOUT’ Command
If you prefer a simple and quick method to take a screenshot in AutoCAD, using the ‘JPGOUT’ command is an excellent option. It allows you to save the current viewport as an image file directly.
To use the ‘JPGOUT’ command:
- Step 1: Navigate to the desired view in your drawing.
- Step 2: Type ‘JPGOUT’ in the command line and press Enter.
- Step 3: Specify the filename and location where you want to save the screenshot. For example, ‘C:\Screenshots\my_screenshot.jpg’.
- Step 4: Press Enter to confirm and save the screenshot as a JPEG image file.
Method 2: Using Snipping Tools
If you need more flexibility in capturing specific areas of your AutoCAD drawing or want additional annotation options, using external snipping tools can be beneficial. These tools provide various capturing options such as rectangular snip, free-form snip, window snip, etc., allowing you to take precise screenshots with ease.
To use an external snipping tool:
- Step 1: Open your preferred snipping tool. Windows users can utilize the built-in ‘Snipping Tool’ or the newer ‘Snip & Sketch’ app, while Mac users can use the ‘Grab’ application.
- Step 2: Select the desired snipping mode (rectangular, free-form, window, etc.) from the toolbar.
- Step 3: Capture the required area of your AutoCAD drawing by clicking and dragging the cursor.
- Step 4: Annotate or make any necessary edits to the screenshot using the available tools in the snipping tool.
- Step 5: Save the screenshot to your preferred location on your computer.
Tips and Tricks
Capture Hidden Lines
If you want to capture hidden lines in your screenshot, you can adjust the visual style settings in AutoCAD. Go to the ‘Visual Styles’ panel and enable ‘Hidden Lines’ before capturing your screenshot. This will ensure that hidden lines are visible in the saved image.
Capture a Specific Area
If you only need to capture a specific area of your AutoCAD drawing, you can use the ‘ZOOM’ and ‘PAN’ commands to adjust your view before taking a screenshot. This way, you can focus on particular details without including unnecessary elements in your captured image.
Using External Screen Recording Software
If screenshots alone are not sufficient for your needs, consider using external screen recording software. These tools allow you to record videos of your entire AutoCAD session or specific areas of interest. You can later extract screenshots from these recordings if required.
In conclusion, taking screenshots in AutoCAD can be accomplished through various methods. Whether you prefer the simplicity of the ‘JPGOUT’ command or the advanced features of external snipping tools, capturing screenshots will enable you to document your work efficiently. Remember to utilize the tips and tricks mentioned above to enhance your screenshot capturing experience in AutoCAD.