The Dynamic Input tool in AutoCAD is a powerful feature that enhances the efficiency and accuracy of drafting and designing. It provides a new way of entering commands and values directly on the screen, making the drafting process more interactive and intuitive.
What is Dynamic Input?
Dynamic Input is an innovative tool in AutoCAD that allows users to input commands, specify distances, angles, and other values directly on the drawing area. Instead of relying solely on the command line or dialog boxes, Dynamic Input provides a floating interface near the cursor that displays relevant options as you work.
Enabling Dynamic Input
To enable Dynamic Input in AutoCAD, go to the status bar at the bottom of your screen. Right-click on it and select “Dynamic Input” from the context menu. You can also use the F12 key as a shortcut to toggle this feature on or off.
Using Dynamic Input
Drafting Commands:
The Dynamic Input tool simplifies drafting commands by allowing you to enter them directly on the drawing area. For example, instead of typing “LINE” in the command line, you can simply start drawing a line by clicking on two points.
Annotative Scaling:
Dynamic Input also supports annotative scaling, which means you can enter text height or other annotation properties directly on the screen while creating or editing annotations.
Numerical Inputs
Distances:
- To specify distances using Dynamic Input, simply move your cursor in the desired direction and enter the distance value directly on the screen.
- You can also use mathematical expressions like “+”, “-“, “*”, and “/” to perform calculations on-the-fly.
Angles:
- When specifying angles, you can either enter the value directly or use the “@” symbol followed by the angle in degrees.
- For example, to draw a line at a 45-degree angle, you can input “45” or “@45”.
Additional Features
Polar Tracking:
The Dynamic Input tool works seamlessly with AutoCAD’s Polar Tracking feature. You can specify polar angles directly on the drawing area while using commands like LINE, POLYLINE, and ARC.
Object Snaps:
Dynamic Input supports object snaps, allowing you to accurately reference existing objects while drawing or editing. When using object snaps, the Dynamic Input tooltip displays the snap point information as you hover over different points on the drawing area.
In Conclusion
The Dynamic Input tool in AutoCAD revolutionizes the drafting process by providing a more interactive and intuitive way of entering commands and values. Its ability to display relevant options near the cursor makes drafting faster and more accurate. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced user, incorporating Dynamic Input into your workflow will undoubtedly enhance your productivity and improve your overall drafting experience.