What Is Point Filter AutoCAD?

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AutoCAD is a powerful software widely used in various industries for creating and editing 2D and 3D designs. One of the fundamental features of AutoCAD is the Point Filter, which allows users to precisely select points on their drawings. In this article, we will explore what Point Filter is and how it can be used effectively in AutoCAD.

What Is Point Filter?

Point Filter is a tool in AutoCAD that helps users accurately select points on their drawings. It provides a way to specify the exact location of a point by referencing its relative position to other existing points or objects.

Why Use Point Filter?

The use of Point Filter in AutoCAD offers several advantages:

  • Precision: By using Point Filter, you can precisely define and locate points on your drawing, ensuring accuracy in your design.
  • Ease of Use: It simplifies the selection process by providing a visual reference for selecting points relative to other objects.
  • Time-saving: With Point Filter, you can quickly and efficiently select multiple points without manually entering their coordinates.

How Does Point Filter Work?

The Point Filter tool works by specifying the location of a point based on its relationship to other objects or reference points. When using Point Filter, you need to understand its syntax, which consists of two parts: object snaps and keyword inputs.

Object Snaps:

In AutoCAD, object snaps are predefined locations or points on an object that you can snap to when selecting or creating new objects. Object snaps help you align elements accurately. Some commonly used object snaps are:

  • Endpoint: Snaps to the endpoint of a line or arc.
  • Midpoint: Snaps to the midpoint of a line or arc.
  • Intersection: Snaps to the intersection point of lines, arcs, or other objects.
  • Center: Snaps to the center point of a circle or arc.

Keyword Inputs:

In addition to object snaps, Point Filter also accepts keyword inputs that define the relative position of the point you want to select. Some commonly used keyword inputs are:

  • Relative Distance (RD): Specifies the distance and direction from an object snap.
  • Polar Angle (PA): Specifies the angle relative to an object snap.
  • X and Y Coordinates (XY): Specifies the exact X and Y coordinates for the point.

Using Point Filter in AutoCAD

To use Point Filter in AutoCAD, follow these steps:

  1. Select a drawing command such as Line or Circle.
  2. Type in the object snap you want to use. For example, ‘END’ for Endpoint snap.
  3. Add any necessary keyword inputs. For example, ‘RD’ for Relative Distance or ‘PA’ for Polar Angle.
  4. Select an existing object or reference point using your chosen object snap and keyword input combination.

Note: You can combine multiple object snaps and keyword inputs to further refine your selection process. For example, ‘END RD’ selects a point relative to an endpoint at a specific distance and direction.

In Conclusion

Point Filter is a valuable tool in AutoCAD that allows users to accurately select points on their drawings. By understanding its syntax and utilizing object snaps and keyword inputs effectively, you can improve the precision and efficiency of your designs. Incorporating Point Filter into your workflow will undoubtedly enhance your AutoCAD experience.

Now that you have a good understanding of Point Filter in AutoCAD, start exploring its various applications and make the most out of this powerful feature!