Copyright: Copyright © 1996, 1997 SoftSource                      Vdraft Help Version 1.01
Citation: Copyright 1996, 1997 SoftSource


Be a Vdraft power user-pronto!
	Be a Vdraft power-user— pronto!
	For instant power and productivity with Vdraft: 1. Watch the status bar for helpful cues!   2. Get the right mouse-button habit!   3. Use screen tips!   4. Use Vdraft Help!


	Status bar prompts at the bottom of the Vdraft window guide you through each drawing process. Click anywhere on the screen to close this pop-up.


	Right-click for real power!  At any time, you can click the right mouse button to display a context-sensitive pop-up menu with appropriate options for the task at hand—instant access to handy tools that simplify drawing! Click anywhere on the screen to close this pop-up.


	Exacting detail—when you need it—with Vdraft screen tips! Screen tips are pop-up windows with useful info on dialog box items—the kind of nitty-gritty, exacting detail you need in technical drafting with CAD. To view a screen tip: 1. Click the [image] in the upper-right-hand corner of any dialog box. 2. Click the ? cursor over the dialog box item you want to know more about.


	For example, here’s the screen tip for the Base Angle setting (Units command dialog box):
Vdraft’s default base angle setting (angle 0) sets 0 degrees toward the right (i.e., “east” or the “three o’clock” position). Also, by default, angles increase in counterclockwise direction. You can change both of these settings.

To change the angle direction and location of 0 degrees, specify the angle you want in the Base Angle box. That value then becomes the new base angle/angle 0 direction.

Examples

To specify Angle 0 in this direction	Enter this value in the Base Angle box
East (default)	0 (see example illustration A)
North	90
West	180
South	270
Other	45 (see example illustration B)
Click anywhere on the screen to close this pop-up.


	How to Use Vdraft Help
	Click the Using Help button to see the Vdraft Help Quick Reference. The Using Help button appears in the special QRefs toolbar in the non-scrolling area at the top of most Vdraft Help windows. “Test-drive” the other Quick References! In the QRefs toolbar above, click Drafting. Then click the first [image] button. The Drafting QRef is a set of pop-up windows that teach you key drafting techniques in Vdraft in a snap. Note: Pop-up windows close as soon as you click again anywhere on the screen. To keep information in a pop-up window open in a regular Help window while you work, Click the [image] at the bottom of a pop-up window. Now click Commands in the QRefs toolbar. Use this quick-reference list of Vdraft commands to jump to the Help topic for each command.


Help Tips
 Vdraft Help Quick Reference

Press F1 at any time to get context-sensitive Help.

For Help’s table of contents, click Vdraft Help on the Help menu.

For the Vdraft equivalents to AutoCAD commands, on the Help menu, click AutoCAD Help.

For help on Vdraft customizing and programmability, on the Help menu, click Customization Help.

Also:

Click	To
; then click the ? cursor over a screen or menu item	Get context-sensitive Help on that item.
; then click the ? cursor over a dialog box item	Get pop-up, “screen tip help” on that dialog box item.
or	Display a window with more information.
Solid underlined text or	Jump to a different Help topic.
	Display a pop-up with visual examples.
	Jump to related how-to/step-by-step topic(s).
	Jump to related topic(s) with detailed conceptual background about a subject.
	Display quick-references for using Help, Vdraft essentials on drafting, a central command index, and the extended glossary.
	Display a tip.
Just for Fun. . .

	Click this icon to display one pop-up page from Virtual Drafter’s Journal of Interesting and Possibly Obscure CAD Quotes, Lore, and Tidbits (may not apply to all topics).
Click anywhere on the screen to close this pop-up.


1	Click the [image] in the upper-right-hand corner of the dialog box.

2	Then click the ? cursor over the dialog box item you want to know more about.


 Menu Overview/Quick Reference

Click command names on each menu and sub-menu below for brief descriptions and links to more detailed Help topics.

File Menu

Edit Menu

Modify Menu

View Menu

Draw Menu

Blocks Menu

Settings Menu

Extensions Menu

Notes:

The commands on the Extensions menu vary according to the custom applications available to your system. The menu below shows sample programs included with Vdraft.

If you do not have any third-party applications installed (for example, sample programs installed by Vdraft Setup or from other sources), the Extensions menu and APPLICATIONS command are not available.

Window Menu

Help Menu

Windows Control Menu

See Also

Toolbar Overview

AutoCAD Help (Vdraft command equivalents)


 Toolbar Overview/Quick Reference

Click the How To buttons for more about toolbar techniques.

 Hiding/displaying more toolbars

 Hiding/displaying more tool buttons

 Docking toolbars

 Using tooltips for quick tool identification

Click buttons and controls on each toolbar below for brief descriptions and links to more detailed Help topics.

Note:	All toolbars are shown here with their complete tool button sets. On first start-up of Vdraft, many toolbars display a default subset of buttons. Use the above procedures to customize toolbars for your needs and preferences.

Standard Toolbar

Draw Toolbar

Notes:	Each tool button marked with an asterisk in the lower right corner is a “sticky” tool that draws a series of connected or continuous objects until you terminate the command.

The Draw Alternates toolbar is identical to the Draw toolbar. On first-time start up of Vdraft, 1) by default, only the Draw toolbar is displayed, and 2) the two toolbars display different default tool button subsets.

Colors Toolbar

Dimensions Toolbar

Modify Toolbar

View Toolbar

Blocks Toolbar

Coordinate Settings Toolbar

Coordinate Entry Toolbar

Snap/Grid Toolbar

Object Snaps Toolbar

Layers Toolbar

Linetypes Toolbar

Text Styles Toolbar

Dimension Styles Toolbar

Named Views Toolbar

Drawing Space Toolbar

Net Hyperlinks Toolbar

Select Toolbar

Projects Toolbar

See Also

Menu Command Overview

AutoCAD Help (Vdraft command equivalents)


For more on pop-ups, see Associated Context-Sensitive Pop-up Menus, later in this topic.


To terminate a command when using a “sticky” drawing tool:

1	Click the right mouse button to display the pop-up menu.

2	Click Done [object] on the pop-up menu.


 Vdraft Precision Drafting Quick Reference

 Using Pop-up Menus for Drawing Speed and Power

 Drawing by Coordinates—Direct Entry Method

 Drawing by Coordinates—“Auto-enter” Method

 Drawing by Cursor Tips—“Auto-enter” Method

 Snapping to Precise Points on Objects

 Toggling Coordinate Settings As You Draw

 Selecting Objects

 Using the Object Properties Box

 Productivity Technique: Using “Flicks” to Choose Pop-up Menu Items


 Using Pop-up Menus for Drawing Speed and Power

Pop-up menus are one of Vdraft’s most powerful features. You simply click the right mouse button and—voila! Instant power right at your fingertips without having to memorize commands!

To display a pop-up menu, click the right mouse button during any task.

Related Tools

To display a pop-up menu with shortcuts to View menu commands (Zoom, Pan, etc.), press the Ctrl key as you click the right mouse button.

To display a pop-up menu with user-defined options, press the Shift key as you click the right mouse button. For more about creating user-defined pop-up menus, see pages 7-8 in Vdraft Customization and Programmer’s Guide, a separate printed manual included with Vdraft.

See Also

Productivity Technique: Using “Flicks” to Choose Pop-up Menu Items

 Click here to keep this information displayed while you work.


 Drawing by Coordinates—Direct Entry Method

One way to draw by coordinates is to directly enter the data in the Coordinate Entry toolbar, as shown here:

Note:	If you start typing numbers while in the middle of a drawing- or editing-related command, the Coordinate Entry toolbar is automatically activated.

See Also

Drawing by Coordinates—“Auto-Enter” Method

 Click here to keep this information displayed while you work.


 Drawing by Coordinates—“Auto-Enter” Method

Vdraft also has an easy, power-technique for “auto-entering” coordinates into the Coordinate Entry toolbar. Follow the steps in the diagram below.

Note:	If you start typing numbers while in the middle of a drawing- or editing-related command, the Coordinate Entry toolbar is automatically activated.

See Also

Drawing by Coordinates—Direct Entry Method

 Click here to keep this information displayed while you work.


 Drawing by Cursor Tips—“Auto-enter” Method

As another precision drafting technique, you can automatically type the information in cursor tips into the Coordinate Entry toolbar (cursor tips are precise, context-sensitive read-outs of measurements such as line length, angle, radius, etc., that Vdraft displays as you draw). Follow the steps in the diagram below.

Note:	If you start typing numbers while in the middle of a drawing- or editing-related command, the Coordinate Entry toolbar is automatically activated.

See Also

Drawing by Coordinates—“Auto-Enter” Method

 Click here to keep this information displayed while you work.


 Snapping to Precise Points on Objects

As you draw, use the buttons on the Object Snaps toolbar to snap to precise geometric points such as endpoints, midpoints, centerpoints, and so on. You can toggle the snaps on/off even after starting a drawing command.

Use the Snap/Grid toolbar to toggle snap settings on/off as you draw:

 Click here to keep this information displayed while you work.


 Toggling Coordinate Settings As You Draw

Use the Coordinate Settings toolbar to easily toggle between absolute and relative settings for rectangular, polar, or spherical coordinates:

 Click here to keep this information displayed while you work.


 Selecting Objects

Selection Methods

In Vdraft, you can select objects (in CAD, this is also often referred to as “defining a selection set”) in the following ways:

Direct selection. Direct selection is useful for selecting simple objects or selecting parts a complex object comprised of many individual components. With this method, you click on objects directly.

Selection windows. Selection windows are useful for selecting groups of objects or for selecting objects composed of many individual elements. You define a selection window by clicking two opposite corner points of the window. The direction in which you pick the points (left-to-right or right-to-left) determines the type of selection window (containing window or crossing window), as shown in the following illustrations:

Note:	Many right-click pop-up menus also have commands for starting a containing or crossing window (under Options).

About Selection Sequences

For most Vdraft tasks, you can use either of the following selection sequences:

Noun-verb selection [i.e., select object(s) first; then choose command/tool]. Select the object(s) first (via direct selection or selection window); then choose the command or tool.

Verb-noun selection [i.e., choose command/tool first; then select object(s)]. Choose the command or tool first, and then select the object(s) via direct selection or selection window. Then right-click for the pop-up menu, and click the Start [command] option.

 Click here to keep this information displayed while you work.


 Using the Object Properties Box

Each object in a drawing has an associated Properties box. You can quickly view and edit the entire array of properties assigned to the object (color, layer linetype, layer, coordinate positions, etc.).

To open the object properties box:

1	Select the object.

2	Right-click to display the context-sensitive pop-up menu.

3	Click Properties on the pop-up menu.

Note:	If you want to keep the Properties dialog box open to experiment with or apply several different settings, click the pushpin from the “out” [image] position to the “in” position: . This changes the OK button to Apply. Clicking Apply applies any changes you’ve made thus far without closing the dialog box.

Clicking the pushpin back to the out” position [image] changes the Apply button back to OK. Clicking OK applies any changes and automatically closes the dialog box.

 Click here to keep this information displayed while you work.


 Productivity Technique: Using “Flicks” to Choose Pop-up Menu Items

A flick is a special Vdraft “speed-drawing” technique by which you can rapidly choose a command on a right-click pop-up menu without actually displaying the menu itself. If a menu has a square number of items in it (that is, 4, 9, 16, or 25), you can use the flick capability for the inner set of tiles on your menu.

The trick is learning the spatial orientation of commands on the pop-up and then rapidly “flicking” to them (this may take a little practice at first). For example:

To select the bottom center tile on a pop-up menu, press the right mouse button, quickly move the mouse down a bit, and release the button.

To select the first tile on a pop-up menu, press the right mouse button, quickly move the mouse up and to the left, and then release the button.

Notes:

Use the Default Option Select setting via the PREFERENCES command (Settings menu) to specify your preferred technique for picking the default option on pop-ups. This setting is especially useful for working with flicks.

You can also use flicks with the alternate pop-up menus (CTRL-flick and SHIFT-flick) described under Related Tools in Using Pop-up Menus for Drawing Speed and Power.

 Click here to keep this information displayed while you work.


 Hiding or Displaying More Toolbars

Vdraft first starts up with a default subset of tools in the main drawing space. You can display additional toolbars (and tool buttons), as well as hide those you don’t need.

To display/hide toolbars, follow these steps:

See Also

Hiding or Displaying More Tool Buttons

 Click here to keep this information displayed while you work.


 Hiding or Displaying More Tool Buttons

By default, many of Vdraft’s toolbars first start up with a small subset of tool buttons. For example, the Draw toolbar first starts up with 11 tool buttons, but the full toolbar actually contains 26 buttons that provide several additional methods for drawing lines, polylines, circles, arcs, etc.

You can easily customize Vdraft’s toolbars, displaying buttons you use and hiding those you don’t need.

To display/hide tool buttons, follow these steps:

See Also

Hiding or Displaying More Toolbars

 Click here to keep this information displayed while you work.


 Docking Toolbars

Vdraft first starts up with toolbars docked along the top and sides of the drawing space. You can dock toolbars along all four sides of the Vdraft window or let toolbars “float” freely in the drawing space as you work on different areas of your drawing.

Note:	Toolbars with drop-down list boxes (e.g., Layers, Colors, Linetypes, Blocks, etc.) can only be docked horizontally along the top or bottom of the drawing space.

To dock a toolbar, follow this procedure:

See Also

Hiding or Displaying More Toolbars

 Click here to keep this information displayed while you work.


 Using Tooltips for Quick Tool Identification

Pause the mouse pointer over any toolbar button for a second or two (without clicking) to see a tooltip that identifies the tool.
See Also

Hiding or Displaying More Tool Buttons

 Click here to keep this information displayed while you work.


	NEW command
Use to:	Create a new drawing; includes options for using a built-in prototype, template, or the Vdraft drawing wizard.

Command Access:
button on Standard toolbar NEW command on File menu
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts, and use screen tips for help on dialog box options (also described under Dialog Box Description, later in this topic).

Dialog Box Description

	Use screen tips as a shortcut to this info!
Templates option button

Prototype Files option button

List box

Description box

File text box

OK button

Cancel button

See Also

Open command


Clicking the Templates button displays a list of existing templates.

A template is a drawing with pre-sets that you can use as the basis for new drawings. Typically, a template might contain default layouts (for title blocks, etc.), settings (layers, layer names, drawing units, etc.), styles (text, dimensions, etc.) , and other formatting that you regularly use—for example, as a standard for your firm or industry.

Note:	A Vdraft template is similar to a prototype drawing, the main difference being that a template can run under a script, interactively prompting the user for information and automating the entire drawing setup.

To open a new drawing based on a template, click Templates. Click the template you want in the list box, and then click OK.


Clicking the Prototype Files button displays a list of existing prototype drawings.

A prototype is a drawing with pre-sets that you can use as the basis for new drawings. Typically, a prototype drawing might contain default layouts (for title blocks, etc.), settings (layers, layer names, drawing units, etc.), styles (text, dimensions, etc.) , and other formatting that you regularly use—for example, as a standard for your firm or industry.

Note:	A Vdraft prototype drawing is similar to a template, the main difference being that a template can run under a script, interactively prompting the user for information and automating the entire drawing setup.

To open a new drawing based on a prototype, click Prototype Files. Click the prototype drawing you want in the list box, and then click OK.


Displays a list of templates if the Templates button is turned on.

Displays a list of prototype drawings if the Prototype Files button is turned on.


Displays a description of the selected template or prototype file.


Displays the complete path for the selected template or prototype file.


To open a new drawing file based on the template or prototype drawing you specified, click Open.


To close the dialog box without saving any changes you’ve made, click Cancel.


	OPEN command
Use to:	Find, preview, and open an existing drawing.

Command Access:
on Standard toolbar OPEN command on File menu
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts, and use screen tips for help on dialog box options (also described under Dialog Box Description, later in this topic).

Dialog Box Description

Use the pushpin if you want to keep the dialog box open in the drawing space as you work.

	Use screen tips as a shortcut to this info!
Drawings list box (unlabeled list box)

Path box box (unlabeled drop-down box)

Browse button

File type list box (unlabeled list box)

Read-Only check box

Tile Drawings check box

Close Currently Opened Drawings check box

Preview window

Display Extents option button

Display Last View option button

Drawings Currently Open read-out

Open button

New button

Project button

Cancel button

See Also

New command

Projects command


Lists drawings in the current folder. The box at the right previews the selected drawing from the list.

To work with a drawing in this folder, double-click the filename in the list.

To list and choose from drawings in a different folder:

Click Path, specify the folder/filename in the Select Path for Drawings dialog box (see also the screen tips for that dialog box), and click Open.

Or, click the down arrow in the drop-down list box (above the Path button) for recently used paths. Then click the path for the folder you want.


Lists the most recently used paths and folders; use to change the current folder and choose from drawings in a different folder:

Click the down arrow in the drop-down list box, and then click the path for the folder you want.

Note:	To browse your entire system, click Path, specify the folder/filename in the Select Path for Drawings dialog box (see also the screen tips for that dialog box), and click Open.


Use to change the current folder and choose from drawings in a different folder:

Click Path, specify the folder/filename in the Select Path for Drawings dialog box (see also the screen tips for that dialog box), and click Open.

Note:	To choose from a list of the most recently used paths, click the down arrow in the drop-down list box (above the Path button), and click the path for the folder you want.


Lists the available file formats; use to narrow down the list of files displayed to those you’re interested in.

Options:

DWG—native AutoCAD DWG format.

DXF—Drawing eXchange File format, a standard format for translating drawing files among different CAD programs or computer environments. This option reads in the drawing as an ASCII file.

VBK—Vdraft backup file.

BAK—backup file.

To specify the type of file you want to open, click the down arrow and then select from the drop-down list of formats.


Indicates that the selected drawing is read-only. You cannot edit or save changes to a read-only file.


To close all other drawings upon opening the currently selected drawing, click to turn on the Close Currently Opened Drawings check box. If necessary, Vdraft prompts you to save changes to the other drawings.


Displays a preview image of the selected drawing in the list at the left.

You can adjust the preview image in the following ways:

If the preview image is greatly zoomed in, clicking Display Extents (this displays all objects contained in the drawing and the orientation in effect when the drawing was last saved) may clarify the contents of the drawing in the preview image.

If the preview image of a complex drawing is very small, clicking Display Last View (this displays the view in effect as the drawing was last saved) may enlarge the preview image.


To preview the extents (i.e., all objects contained in the drawing and the orientation in effect when the file was last saved) of the selected drawing , click Display Extents.

Note:	If the preview image of a complex drawing is very small, try clicking Display Last View instead (this displays the view in effect as the drawing was last saved). This may enlarge the preview image.


To preview the selected drawing using the view in effect when the file was last saved, click Display Last View.

Note:	If the preview image is greatly zoomed in, try clicking Display Extents instead (this displays all objects contained in the drawing and the orientation in effect when the drawing was last saved). This may clarify the contents of the drawing in the preview image.


Indicates how many drawings are currently open in the workspace.


Indicates the current folder.

To open a drawing on a different drive, click the location you want in the Look In box. The contents of the selected drive or folder are displayed below the Look In box.


To work with a drawing listed in this box, double-click the filename.

To work with a drawing in a different folder, double-click the folder name.


To specify the drawing that you want to open or find, type the document name in the File Name box.

Notes:

You can use * as a wildcard. For example, you can type *.* to see a list of all files.

You can also type the full path of a file. For example, you can type c:\dwgs\hexbolt. Or, if you have used a long filename, you might type c:\drawings\hexagonBolt.


To specify the type of file you want to open, click the file type you want in the Files Of Type box.

This option is useful for narrowing the list of files displayed to only those files you're interested in.


To create a new drawing or to use a template, prototype, or the drawing wizard as the basis of a new drawing, click New to open the New Drawing dialog box.


To open the selected file or folder, click Open.


To open and work with all drawings related to a named project, click Project to open the Projects dialog box.


Use the Tile Drawings setting to specify that Vdraft sizes all open drawing windows as large as possible without overlapping them.

To tile all drawings open in the drawing space, click to turn on the Tile Drawings check box.


	CLOSE command
Use to:	Close the current drawing window; Vdraft prompts you to save changes to the document, if necessary.

Command Access:
(upper right-hand corner of document window) CLOSE command on File menu
See Also

Save command

Save As command


	CLOSE ALL command
Use to:	Close all open drawings; Vdraft prompts you to name and/or save documents if you have not already done so.

Command Access:
CLOSE ALL command on File menu
See Also

Open command

Save As command


	SAVE command
Use to:	Save changes to the current drawing; Vdraft prompts you to name the document if you have not already done so.

Command Access:
on Standard toolbar SAVE command File menu
See Also

Open command

Save As command

Close command

Close All command


	SAVE AS command
Use to:	Save the current drawing to a new name.

Command Access:
SAVE AS command on File menu
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts, and use screen tips for help on dialog box options (also described under Dialog Box Description, later in this topic).

Note:	Under Microsoft Windows NT 3.5.1, this dialog box does not have screen tips capability.

Dialog Box Description

	Use screen tips as a shortcut to this info!
Save in: drop-down list box

Files (unlabeled list box)

File name: text box

Save as type: drop-down list box; options:

DWG option (list box)

DXF option (list box)

Binary DXF option (list box)

Save button

Cancel button

Related Tools and Information

	Unleash the full power of CAD over the World Wide Web!
See Also

Open command

Close command

Close command

Save command


	SAVE AS RELEASE command
Use to:	Save the current drawing in a different AutoCAD release/file format. File format options on the sub-menu include release 2.5, 2.6, 9, 10, 11/12.

Command Access:
SAVE AS RELEASE/2.5, 2.6, 9, 10, 11/12 commands on File menu
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts, and use screen tips for help on dialog box options (also described under Dialog Box Description, later in this topic).

Notes:

Vdraft does not automatically reload the new, renamed document as the current drawing (the way the standard File SAVE AS command works). To work with the new drawing, use the standard procedure for opening an existing drawing.

Under Microsoft Windows NT 3.5.1, this dialog box does not have screen tips capability.

Dialog Box Description—basic descriptions apply to the dialog box for each release on the sub-menu:

	Use screen tips as a shortcut to this info!
Save in: drop-down list box

Files (unlabeled list box)

File name: text box

Save as type: drop-down list box; options:

DWG option (list box)

DXF option (list box)

Binary DXF option (list box)

Save button

Cancel button

See Also

Open command

Close command

Close All command

Save As command


To save a drawing on a different drive, click the location you want in the Save In box. The contents of the selected drive or folder are displayed below the Save In box.


To work with a drawing listed in this box, double-click the filename. To work with a document in a different folder, first double-click the name of the folder.


To specify a filename for the active drawing, type a name in the File Name box.


To save the active drawing in another file format, click the file format you want in the Save As Type box.

Options:

The DWG option saves the drawing in native AutoCAD DWG (release 12 or earlier) format.

The DXF option saves the drawing in Drawing eXchange File format, which is useful as a standard format for importing/

exporting drawing files among different CAD programs or computer environments. This option outputs the drawing as an ASCII file.

The Binary DXF option saves the drawing in Drawing eXchange File format, but as a binary file instead of as an ASCII file. A binary DXF file is about 25% smaller than an ASCII DXF file, and is a little more efficient (i.e., Vdraft can read it even faster than ASCII). Certain third-party applications can also read the binary format; howerver, you cannot read or edit the binary file with a text editor.


Vdraft reads and writes native AutoCAD DWG (release 12 or earlier) files directly without translation.

To save a drawing in the DWG file format, click DWG.


The DXF (Drawing eXchange File) format is useful if you need a standard format for translating drawing files among different CAD programs or computer environments.

To save a drawing in the DXF file format, click DXF.


The Binary DXF option saves the drawing in Drawing eXchange File format, but as a binary file instead of as an ASCII file. A binary DXF file is about 25% smaller than an ASCII DXF file, and is a little more efficient (i.e., Vdraft can read it even faster than ASCII). Certain third-party applications can also read the binary format; howerver, you cannot read or edit the binary file with a text editor.

To save a drawing in the DXF file format, click Binary DXF.


To save the active drawing with the filename, location, and file format you’ve specified, click Save.


	PROJECTS command
Use to:

Create a named project out of all drawings currently open in the drawing space

Open and work with all drawings related to a project.

Delete a named project.

Command Access:
on Projects toolbar PROJECTS command on File menu
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts, and use screen tips for help on dialog box options (also described under Dialog Box Description, later in this topic).

Notes:

When you open a named project, Vdraft closes all drawings, prompting you to save changes, if necessary.

Under Microsoft Windows NT 3.5.1, this dialog box does not have screen tips capability.

Dialog Box Description—basic descriptions apply to the dialog box for each release on the sub-menu:

	Use screen tips as a shortcut to this info!
Projects (unlabeled list box)

Create button

Delete button

Description box

File box

Close All Drawings box

Tile Drawings box

Load Project button

Cancel button

See Also

Open command

Close command

Close command

Save As command


Lists named projects (one or more related drawings that have been grouped as a project).

To open all the drawings in a project, select the project in this list box and click Load Project.


You can create a named project that consists of any number of related drawings.

To create a project, first open all the drawings you want as part of the project. Then click Create. In the Create Project dialog box, enter a name and description for the project, and click OK.

Vdraft creates a project file in the \Projects directory that lists the names of all drawings related to the project.


To delete a named project, select the project in the list box and click Delete.

Note:	This deletes only the project file that lists the drawings related to the project; it does not delete the drawing files themselves.


Describes the contents of the selected project.


Lists the complete path of the project file.


To close all drawings currently open before loading the selected project, click to turn on the Close All Drawings check box.

Vdraft closes all other drawings currently open in the drawing space, prompting you to save changes, if necessary.


To tile all drawings upon opening the selected project, click to turn on the Tile Drawings check box.


To load a project, select it in the list box, and then click Load Project.


	PRINT command
Use to:	Print or plot the current drawing; includes options for previewing the drawing and setting up printers or plotters.

Use the PRINT command to output drawings if you have a printer or a plotter with a Windows device driver.

If you have a Hewlett Packard (or compatible) printer and want to plot to a file, use the PLOT HPGL FILE command. That command allows you to specify initialization strings to put the printer into HPGL/2 or HPGL mode.

Command Access:
on Standard toolbar PRINT command on File menu
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts, and use screen tips for help on dialog box options (also described under Dialog Box Description, later in this topic).

Notes

Vdraft Release 1: If you change system printer default settings from within Vdraft, those settings remain in effect for the current session only. To have Vdraft default to those settings on each start-up, change the settings through Windows 95 (click the Start button, then Settings, then Printers) or Windows NT (double-click Program Manager, then Main, then Print Manager). Keep in mind that those defaults will apply all other applications.

Print Options Dialog Box Description

Notes:

Use the pushpin if you want to keep the dialog box open in the drawing space as you work.

Under Microsoft Windows NT 3.5.1, this dialog box does not have screen tips capability.

	Use screen tips as a shortcut to this info!
View tab—define the specific area or view for printing your drawing.

Current option button (View option group)

Named View option button (View option group)

Extents option button (View option group)

Named Views box

Color option button

Gray Scale option button

Black and White option button

 option button (View option group)

Pick Window button

Scale tab—set scaling options (scale to fit/ use ratio) for printing your drawing.

To Fit button

Using Ratio button

Inches button

Millimeters button

Output Inches box

Drawing Units box

Pens tab—assign line widths to colors when printing your drawing.

Colors box

Select All button

Line Width box

Options available from all tabs:

Page Size read-out

Printable Size read-out

View Size read-out

Printer Setup button

PrintPreview button

Print button


Define the specific area or view for printing/plotting your drawing.


Set scaling options (scale to fit/ use ratio) for printing/plotting your drawing.


Set pen widths (line widths) for printing/plotting your drawing.

Note:	Possible settings and capabilities vary per printing device. For more information, see the manual for your printer.


Set margins for printing/plotting of your drawing.


Set paper size and orientation for plotting your drawing.

Note:	Possible settings and capabilities vary per printing device. For more information, see the manual for your plotter.


Rotate the plot or change the plot origin and assign HP-GL mode and initialization strings for plotting your drawing.


Indicates the current paper size specified for printing/plotting your drawing.

If printing: To change the paper size, click Printer Setup in the Print Options dialog box to access the Windows system print dialog boxes (see also the screen tips for those dialog boxes).

If plotting:To change the paper size, click the Paper tab in the Plot Options dialog box and use the Paper Size options (see also the screen tips for those options).


Indicates the actual printable or plottable area for your paper size.

Note:	The non-printing/non-plotting area of the paper (i.e., the margin that is inaccessible to the printer/plotter) may vary per output device. For more information, see the manual for your printer or plotter.

If plotting: If a checkplot indicates problems occurring with the non-plotting area of the paper, try rotating the plot and/or adjusting the plotter’s starting point to achieve the best use of paper on certain plotters.

To rotate the plot and/or adjust the starting point, click the Settings tab of the Plot Options dialog box and use the Rotation and Origin settings (see also the screen tips for those options).


Indicates the size of the view (shown in the current drawing units) of the print-out or plot of your drawing.


To access the Windows system print setup dialog boxes, click Printer Setup. These dialog boxes control such properties as the output device itself, paper size, image orientation, image quality/resolution, font handling, and printer memory usage. See also the screen tips for those dialog boxes.


To access the Vdraft print preview window, click Print Preview. You can use zoom in and zoom out options to magnify or de-magnify the printed image. See also the screen tips for controls in that window.


To print the current image, click Print.


Use the View setting to control the area of the drawing to print or plot.

To print/plot the current view on the screen; click Current.

This option is useful for outputting portions of a large drawing without plotting the entire document or for review copies (sometimes called check plots).


Use the View setting to control the area of the drawing to print or plot.

To print/plot a named view in the drawing, click Named View. Then click the down arrow in the Named Views drop-down list box and select a view from the list.


Use the View setting to control the area of the drawing to print or plot.

To print/plot the extents of the drawing (all objects contained in the drawing and the current orientation), click Extents.

This option outputs the image as large as possible to fit the paper, plot scale factor permitting.


Use the View setting to control the area of the drawing to print or plot.

To print/plot an area of a drawing you define within a rectangular window, click Window. Then click Pick Window, and follow the status bar prompts to pick two opposite corner points to define the window.

This option is also useful for partial print-outs/plots and check plots.


Use the Named Views list box to view/select from available named views in the current drawing. (Available only if the Named View option button is in effect.)

To print/plot a named view, click the Named View option button. Then click the down arrow in the Named Views drop-down list box, and select a view from the list.


Use the Pick Window button to define a window around an area of a drawing to print/plot. (Available only if the Window option button is in effect.)

To print/plot an area of a drawing you define within a rectangular window, click the Window option button. Then click Pick Window, and follow the status bar prompts to pick two opposite corner points to define the window.


Use the Color Scheme setting to control the color output of your print-out or plot. (Available only if the current output device has color capability.)

To print/plot in color, click Color.


Use the Color Scheme setting to control the color output of your print-out or plot.

To print/plot in 256-grayscale, click Gray Scale.


Use the Color Scheme setting to control the color output of your print-out or plot.

To print/plot in black-and-white, click Black and White.


Use the Scale setting to specify whether to print/plot to an explicit plot scale or to have Vdraft automatically scale the drawing as large as possible to fit your paper size and image orientation (“landscape”/“portrait”).

To have Vdraft scale your drawing to fit your paper size and orientation, click To Fit. Then specify the Output Units setting.

The To Fit option is useful for creating quick print-outs, review copies, or sketches and schematics from modelspace that don’t need scaling. Keep in mind that the To Fit option does not necessarily plot at a standard scale. If you need to figure measurements and calculations from your output, use the the Scale/Using Ration option instead, which allows you to set an explicit plot scale.


Use the Scale setting to specify whether to print/plot to an explicit plot scale or to have Vdraft automatically scale the drawing to fit your paper size and image orientation (“landscape”/“portrait”).

To have Vdraft print or plot to a given plot scale, click Using Ratio. Then specify the Output Units and Scaling Ratio settings.

The Using Ratio option is useful for printing/plotting at standard scales such as ¼” = 1’0, and so forth.


Use the Output Units setting to specify units for the plot size of your print-out/plot.

To specify plot size in inches, click Inches.

The output units you choose are reflected in the Scaling Ratio, Line Width, and Margins settings and in the Page Size, Printable Size, and View Size read-outs in the dialog box.


Use the Output Units setting to specify units for the plot size of your print-out/plot.

To specify plot size in the metric system, click Millimeters.

The output units you choose are reflected in the Scaling Ratio, Line Width, and Margins settings and in the Page Size, Printable Size, and View Size read-outs in the dialog box.


(Available only if the Scale/Using Ratio setting is in effect.) Use the Scaling Ratio setting to specify an explicit plot scale. This setting establishes the relationship between distances/sizes as printed/plotted (in either inches or millimeters) and as drawn in modelspace (i.e., per your drawing units as set with the Units command).

To set your plot scale, enter the scale you want for output in the Output Inches (or Output Millimeters) box. Then enter the equivalent for actual drawing units in the Drawing Units box.

In addition to drawn objects, the Scaling Ratio affects text, annotations and attributes, and dimensions.

Example: To set a standard plot scale of ¼” = 1’0”, first, be sure you’ve clicked Inches for the Output Units setting on this tab. Then enter .25 in the Output Units box, and enter 1.0 in the Drawing Units box. This means that an object drawn as 1’0’ (one drawing unit) in modelspace prints/plots out as ¼” on paper; an object drawn as 2’0” in modelspace is output as ½”, and so forth.

More Help:

For more about adjusting the size/scale of text, dimension arrows, and linetypes in relation to your plot scale, see the screen tips for these dialog box options: Default Height (TEXT STYLES dialog box), Size of Arrow (DIMENSION STYLES dialog box), and Scaling (LINETYPES dialog box). These screen tips are also linked to reference tables that can help you establish correct settings for these options.

Vdraft Handbook—see pages 55-60; 130-132.


(Available only if the Scale/Using Ratio setting is in effect.) Use the Scaling Ratio setting to specify an explicit plot scale. This setting establishes the relationship between distances/sizes as printed/plotted (in either inches or millimeters) and as drawn in modelspace (i.e., per your drawing units as set with the Units command).

To set your plot scale, enter the scale you want for output in the Output Inches (or Output Millimeters) box. Then enter the equivalent for actual drawing units in the Drawing Units box.

In addition to drawn objects, the Scaling Ratio affects text, annotations and attributes, and dimensions.

Example: To set a standard plot scale of ¼” = 1’0”, first, be sure you’ve clicked Inches for the Output Units setting on this tab. Then enter .25 in the Output Units box, and enter 1.0 in the Drawing Units box. This means that an object drawn as 1’0’ (one drawing unit) in modelspace prints/plots out as ¼” on paper; an object drawn as 2’0” in modelspace is output as ½”, and so forth.

More Help:

For more about adjusting the size/scale of text, dimension arrows, and linetypes in relation to your plot scale, see the screen tips for these dialog box options: Default Height (TEXT STYLES dialog box), Size of Arrow (DIMENSION STYLES dialog box), and Scaling (LINETYPES dialog box). These screen tips are also linked to reference tables that can help you establish correct settings for these options.

Vdraft Handbook—see pages 55-60; 130-132.


Lists the line width assigned to each color for the print-out of the current drawing.

To change the line width for a given color, select the color in this list box. In the Line Width box (below this list box), click the down arrow and select  the line thickness you want for output in that color. Or, enter a value for the line thickness, and press Enter.

Note:	To assign the same line width to all colors, click the Select All button before specifying the line width .


Use the Select All button to highlight all colors in the Colors box so you can assign the same line width to all colors for your print-out.


Use the Line Width setting to specify the weight or thickness of the line used in the print-out/plot of your drawing for a given color.

To assign a line width to a given color, select the color in the Colors list box (above this box). In the Line Width box, click the down arrow and select  the line thickness you want for output in that color. Or, enter a value for the thickness, and press Enter.

Notes:

To assign the same line width to all colors, click the Select All button before specifying the line width.

The Line Width setting is affected by the Output Units and Scaling Ratio settings (Scale tab on this dialog box) and linetype scaling in your drawing (controlled by the Scaling setting in the LINETYPES dialog box). For more information, see the screen tips for those options.

Examples

The following examples show two pen width settings for a drawing plotted at ¼” = 1’0 (linetype scaling in the LINETYPES dialog box = 48, or, the inverse of the plot scale, as explained in the screen tip for that option):


To set the top margin, enter the distance between the top of the page and the top edge of the drawing (or border/title block) in the Top box.


To set the bottom margin, enter the distance between the bottom of the page and the bottom edge of the drawing (or border/title block) in the Bottom box.


To set the left margin, enter the distance between the left edge of the page and the left edge of the drawing (or border/title block) in the Left box.


To set the right margin, enter the distance between the right edge of the page and the right edge of the drawing (or border/title block) in the Right box.


	PLOT HPGL FILE command
Use to:	Output the current drawing as an HPGL/2 or HPGL plot file; includes options for setting up printers/plotters, rotating the plot, adjusting the plot origin, and so forth.

Use this command to output drawings if you have a Hewlett Packard (or compatible) printer and/or want to plot to a file. This command allows you to specify initialization strings to put the printer into HPGL/2 or HPGL mode.

If you have a printer or a plotter with a Windows device driver, use the PRINT command to output drawings.

Command Access:
PLOT HPGL FILE command on File menu
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts, and use screen tips for help on dialog box options (also described under Dialog Box Description, later in this topic).

Note:	Under Microsoft Windows NT 3.5.1, this dialog box does not have screen tips capability.

Plot Options Dialog Box Description

Use the pushpin if you want to keep the dialog box open in the drawing space as you work.

	Use screen tips as a shortcut to this info!
View tab—define the specific area or view for plotting your drawing:

Current option button (View option group)

Named View option button (View option group)

Extents option button (View option group)

Named Views box

Color option button

Gray Scale option button

Black and White option button

Scale tab—set scaling options (scale to fit/ use ratio) for plotting your drawing:

To Fit button

Using Ratio button

Inches button

Millimeters button

Output Inches box

Drawing Units box

Pens tab—assign pen colors and line widths for plotting your drawing:

Pen Assignment settings

Colors box

Select All Button box

Pen box

Pen Width settings

Assign Pen Widths check box

Pens box

Select All Button button

Pen Width box

Pen Width box

Paper tab—set paper size, image orientation, and printer correction for plotting your drawing:

Standard box

Custom box

Portrait button

Landscape button

Printer Correction box

Settings tab—rotate plot, adjust origin point, and specify initialization strings for plottingyour drawing:

Rotation box

X box

Y box

HP-GL/2 buttom

HP-GL button

Prefix box

Postfix box

Options available from all tabs:

Page Size read-out

Printable Size read-out

View Size read-out

Plot button


Use the Pen Assignment settings to specify the pen mapped to each color for plotting the current drawing.


Lists the pen assigned to each color for plotting the current drawing.

To change pen assignment for a given color or colors, select the color(s) in this list box. In the Pen box (below this list box), click the down arrow and select the pen you want for output in that color. Or, enter a number for the pen.

Note:	To assign the same pen to all colors, click the Select All button before specifying the pen assignment.


Use the Select All button to highlight all colors in the Colors box so that you can assign the same pen to all colors in the plot.


Use the Pen setting to specify the number of the pen assigned to a given color.

To assign a pen to a given color, select the color in the Colors list box (above this box). In the Pen box, click the down arrow and select the pen number you want for output in that color. Or, enter a number.


Use the Pen Width settings to assign line widths to color pens for plotting the current drawing.


To assign pen widths, click to turn on the Assign Pen Widths check box. This makes the other settings available. If this setting is not in effect (check box turned off), Vdraft sends no pen width data to the plotter and thus, all pen widths default to the plotter’s default.


Lists the line width assigned to each pen for plotting the current drawing. (Available only if the Assign Pen Widths check box is turned on.)


Use the Select All button to highlight all colors in the Pens box so you can assign the same line width to all pens for the current plot. (Available only if the Assign Pen Widths check box is turned on.)


Use the Pen Width setting to specify the weight or thickness assigned to each pen. (Available only if the Assign Pen Widths check box is turned on.)

To assign a pen width to a given pen, select the pen in the Pens list box (above this box). In the Pen Width box, click the down arrow and select the width you want for output with that pen. Or, enter a value for the width.

Note:	To assign the same line width to all pens, click the Select All button before specifying the pen width.


Use the Number of Pens setting to specify the number of pens to be used by the plotter.

To specify the number of pens the plotter will use, click the down arrow in the Number of Pens box, and then click the number you want. Or, enter a value for the number of pens.


To specify a standard sheet size for your plot, click the Standard button. Then click the down arrow in the Standard box, and select the size you want.

Note:	Plotter support for standard paper sizes varies. For more information, see the manual for your plotter.


To specify a custom sheet size for your plot, click the Custom button. Then click the down arrow in the Custom box, and enter the sheet size you want (or pick from the history list).

(Option available only if your plotter supports custom paper sizes.)

Note:	Plotter support for custom paper sizes varies. For more information, see the manual for your plotter.


To plot the drawing with its top along the short edge of the paper, click Portrait.


To plot the drawing with its top along the long edge of the paper, click Landscape.


If necessary, when sending a plot to a printer, use the Printer Correction option to rotate the plot 90 degrees. Depending on the layout of your drawing or your printer’s capabilities, rotating the plot often ensures optimal use of the paper.

To rotate a plot you’re outputting to a printer, click to turn on the Printer Correction check box.


If necessary, use the Rotation setting to rotate the plot for your drawing. Depending on the layout of your drawing or your plotter’s capabilities, rotating the plot often ensures optimal use of the paper.

To rotate the plot, click the down arrow in the Rotation box, and then click the rotation angle you want (0, 90, 180, or 270 degrees). Vdraft rotates the plot clockwise on the paper.

Notes:

Rotating the plot can sometimes move the drawing off the actual paper area or partially into the non-plotting area of the paper (the area along the margins that is inaccessible to the plotter). If a check plot indicates a problem, use the Origin setting to adjust the plot origin to accommodate the rotation angle.

Certain plotters allow negative coordinates. For more information, see the manual for your plotter.


Use the Origin setting to change the plot origin (the plotter’s starting point on the paper) for your plot. The default origin for most output devices is the lower-left corner of the sheet (the “home position”).

This option is useful for the following:

Adjusting for plot rotation. For example, rotating the plot (via the Rotation setting on this tab) can sometimes move the drawing off the actual paper area or partially into the non-plotting area of the paper (the area along the margins that is inaccessible to the plotter). You can use the Origin setting to adjust the plot origin to accommodate the new rotation angle.

Adjusting margins. For example, if your plotter leaves a smaller margin on one side of the sheet than the other, you can even out the margins and center the plot by adjusting the origin.

Plotting a mult-view layout. (This is an alternate technique to composing a multi-view layout in paperspace, the preferred technique.) For example, if your plotter allows you to reuse the same sheet for multiple plots, you can fit several smaller plots onto the sheet.

To change the plot origin, enter the X and Y coordinates that you want in the X and Y boxes (or choose from the history lists).

Example: If you’ve specified inches (Output Units setting on the Scale tab of this dialog box) for your output, to change the origin 3 inches to the right and 2 inches above the home position, enter 3 and 2 in the X and Y boxes, respectively.

Note:	Certain plotters allow negative coordinates. For more information, see the manual for your plotter.


Use the Origin setting to change the plot origin (the plotter’s starting point on the paper) for your plot. The default origin for most output devices is the lower-left corner of the sheet (the “home position”).

This option is useful for the following:

Adjusting for plot rotation. For example, rotating the plot (via the Rotation setting on this tab) can sometimes move the drawing off the actual paper area or partially into the non-plotting area of the paper (the area along the margins that is inaccessible to the plotter). You can use the Origin setting to adjust the plot origin to accommodate the new rotation angle.

Adjusting margins. For example, if your plotter leaves a smaller margin on one side of the sheet than the other, you can even out the margins and center the plot by adjusting the origin.

Plotting a mult-view layout. (This is an alternate technique to composing a multi-view layout in paperspace, the preferred technique.) For example, if your plotter allows you to reuse the same sheet for multiple plots, you can fit several smaller plots onto the sheet, changing the origin point for each plot.

To change the plot origin, enter the X and Y coordinates that you want in the X and Y boxes (or choose from the history lists).

Example: If you’ve specified inches (Output Units setting on the Scale tab of this dialog box) for your output, to change the origin 3 inches to the right and 2 inches above the home position, enter 3 and 2 in the X and Y boxes, respectively.

Note:	Certain plotters allow negative coordinates. For more information, see the manual for your plotter.


To create a plot file for a device that supports HP-GL/2 (the latest version of the Hewlett Packard Graphics Language), click HP-GL/2.


To create a plot file for a device that supports HP-GL (an earlier version of the Hewlett Packard Graphics Language), click HP-GL.


To add a prefix/initialization command, enter the string in the Prefix box (or choose from the history list).

Notes:

Syntax for strings. Enclose any code between quotes (“”). You can include comments anywhere outside the quotes—before and/or after. For characters other than literal characters, use \ and a three-digit decimal number that represents the equivalent ASCII character (for example, \027 = ESCAPE). Example of a prefix string: hpLaserjet “\027%-1B” puts a Hewlett Packard (or compatible) printer into plot/PCL mode.

Command set. Possible initialization commands vary per device. For more information, see the manual for your output device.


To add a postfix command, enter the string in the Postfix box (or choose from the history list).

Notes:

Syntax for strings. Enclose any code between quotes (“”). You can include comments anywhere outside the quotes—before and/or after. For characters other than literal characters, use \ and a three-digit decimal number that represents the equivalent ASCII character (for example, \027 = ESCAPE). Example of a postfix string: hpLaserjet “\027E” takes a Hewlett Packard (or compatible) printer out of plot/PCL mode.

Command set. Possible commands vary per device. For more information, see the manual for your output device.


To plot the current drawing to a file, click Plot. Vdraft prompts you to save the drawing as a .PLT file (see also the screen tips in the Output HPGL dialog box).


To specify a filename for the current drawing, type a name in the File Name box. Include the file extension .plt.

In general, it’s a good idea to use the same filename for the .PLT file as for the original drawing file (using the .plt file extension to differentiate the two).


To specify the current drawing as an HP-GL or HP-GL/2 plot file, click PLT. (*.plt) in the Save As Type box.


	OUTPUT SVF command
Use to:	Output the current drawing as an SVF file. This file format is optimized for publishing and viewing CAD drawings and other graphics on the World Wide Web.

Command Access:
OUTPUT SVF command on File menu
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts, and use screen tips for help on dialog box options (also described under Dialog Box Description, later in this topic).

Dialog Box Description

	Use screen tips as a shortcut to this info!
Save in: box

Files (unlabeled list box)

File name box

Save as type box

Save button

Cancel button

Related Tools and Information

Use the Hyperlinks commands (Settings menu) to create Internet hyperlinks:

Create Link command—convert objects to hyperlinks

Edit Link command—change actions associated with hyperlinks.

Unmake Link command command—remove hyperlink information associated with objects.


To specify a filename for the current drawing, type a name in the File Name box. Include the file extension .svf.

In general, it’s a good idea to use the same filename for the .SVF file as for the original drawing file, using the file extensions differentiate the two.


To specify the current drawing as an SVF file, click SVF. (*.svf) in the Save As Type box.


	SEND command
Use to:	Send the current drawing through electronic mail to specified recipients (available only on networked computers).

Command Access:
SEND command on File menu
Note:	This command opens the Microsoft Windows New Message dialog box. You can use the Attachment or Link Attachment To Original File options to send Vdraft drawings through your network email system. A file linked to a message must be accessible via a server or other means to mail recipients.

After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts, and use screen tips for help on dialog box options.

Dialog Box Description

For help on individual options in the Microsoft Windows New Message dialog box, in the window’s main toolbar, click [image], and then click over the item you want to know more about.


Step-by-Step Help—Send Command

For complete step-by-step procedures using the Send command, use the Microsoft Exchange Help system. While in the Send dialog box, click Microsoft Exchange Help Topics from the Help menu.


	EXIT command
Use to:	Quit Vdraft (Vdraft prompts you to save documents if you have not done so).

Command Access:
(upper right-hand corner of application window) EXIT command on File menu


	UNDO command
Use to:	Reverse or cancel the previous command or action.

Command Access:
on Standard toolbar UNDO command on Edit menu Also available on many context-sensitive, right-click pop-up menus)
Notes:

Vdraft appends the name of the last command or action to the Undo command name on the Edit menu to clarify which operation will be affected.

To work back through several previous commands, use the Undo/Redo List command (Edit menu), which displays a running list of commands and actions executed during the current session and allows you to easily undo or redo multiple operations.

See Also

Redo command


	REDO command
Use to:	Re-execute the previous undo action or command. The Redo command is available only if the previous command issued was the Undo command (Edit menu).

Command Access:
on Standard toolbar REDO command on Edit menu
Notes:

Vdraft appends the name of the last command or action to the Redo command name on the Edit menu to clarify which operation will be affected.

To work back through several previous commands, use the Undo/Redo List command (Edit menu), which displays a running list of commands and actions executed during the current session and allows you to easily undo or redo multiple operations.

See Also

Undo command


	UNDO/REDO LIST command
Use to:	Display a list of previous commands/actions executed in the current drawing; includes options for undoing/redoing one or more previous, consecutive operations.

Command Access:
UNDO/REDO LIST command on Edit menu
After you start the command, use screen tips for help on dialog box options (also described under Dialog Box Description, later in this topic).

To undo one or more previous actions, click or drag through them in the Actions Performed list box, and then click Undo. Vdraft undoes the actions and places the listings in the Actions Undone list box.

To redo one or more previous actions, click or drag through them in the Actions Undone list box, and then click Redo. Vdraft redoes the actions and restores the listings to the Actions Performed list box. (The Redo list is erased when you perform a new action.)

Note:	You can only undo/redo one or more actions in consecutive order. You cannot select discontiguous items in either list box. As an alternate technique, you can step back through view changes in your drawing using the Last View command.

Dialog Box Description

Use the pushpin if you want to keep the dialog box open in the drawing space as you work.

	Use screen tips as a shortcut to this info!
Actions Performed list box (unlabelled)

Actions Undone list box (unlabelled)

Undo button

Redo button

Help button

	Use the UNDO/REDO LIST dialog box to quickly view macro syntax!
See Also

Undo command

Redo command


Lists the commands and actions you have executed so far in the current work session.

	Use the UNDO/REDO LIST dialog box to quickly view macro syntax!


Lists the commands and actions you have undone so far in the current work session.

	Use the UNDO/REDO LIST dialog box to quickly view macro syntax!


Undoes the most recent, selected command(s) or action in the Actions Performed list box and places the item(s) at the top of the Actions Undone list box.

	Use the UNDO/REDO LIST dialog box to quickly view macro syntax!


Re-executes the most recent, selected undo command(s) or action(s) and places the item(s) at the top of the Actions Performed list box.

	Use the UNDO/REDO LIST dialog box to quickly view macro syntax!


	CUT TO CLIPBOARD command
Use to:	Delete the selected object(s) from the current drawing and place them into the Windows Clipboard for pasting into another drawing or into a document created with another application.

Command Access:	More Help:
on Standard toolbar CUT TO CLIPBOARD command on Edit menu
Important:	For information on data integrity when transferring data from Vdraft to another application, click the Key Concepts button above.

Notes:

To delete objects from a drawing without placing them into the Clipboard, use the Delete command (Edit menu).

To “cut” objects from one place within a drawing and relocate them elsewhere in the same drawing, use the Move command (Modify menu).

See Also

Copy to Clipboard command


 On the Standard toolbar, click [image].

 Or, on the Edit menu, click Paste from Clipboard.


	COPY TO CLIPBOARD command
Use to:	Duplicate the selected object(s) from the current drawing to the Windows Clipboard for pasting into another drawing or into a document created with another application.

Command Access:	More Help:
on Standard toolbar COPY TO CLIPBOARD command on Edit menu
Important:	For information on data integrity when copying data from Vdraft to another application, click the Key Concepts button above.

Note:	To copy objects within the same drawing, use the Copy command (Modify toolbar and menu). (Click the Key Concepts button for a detailed comparison of the Copy to Clipboard command and the Copy commands.)


	PASTE FROM CLIPBOARD command
Use to:	Paste one or more objects from the Windows Clipboard (placed by the Copy to Clipboard or Cut to Clipboard commands) into the current drawing or into another drawing or document created with another application.

Command Access:	More Help:
on Standard toolbar PASTE FROM CLIPBOARD command on Edit menu
Important:	For information on data integrity when transferring data from Vdraft to another application, click the Key Concepts button above.


	WINDOW TO CLIPBOARD command
Use to:	Copy the contents displayed in the current window as a metafile and bitmap to the Clipboard. For example, this is useful for transferring a quick, high-quality copy of a drawing to a word processing program for inclusion in a report or other type of document.

Command Access:	More Help:
WINDOW TO CLIPBOARD command on Edit menu
Important:	For information on data integrity when transferring data from Vdraft to another application, click the Key Concepts button above.

See Also

Text to Clipboard command


	TEXT TO CLIPBOARD command
Use to:	Copy the currently selected object(s) as text to the Clipboard. This is useful for transferring text you’ve created in Vfdraft to another application such as a word processing program. For example, you can extract information from attributes for a bill of materials or insert technical specifications from your drawings into reports.

Command Access:	More Help:
TEXT TO CLIPBOARD command on Edit menu
Important:	For information on data integrity when transferring data from Vdraft to another application, click the Key Concepts button above.

See Also

Window to Clipboard command


	DELETE command
Use to:	Erase/delete the selected object(s) from the current drawing.

Command Access:
on Modify toolbar DELETE command on Edit menu Also available on many pop-up menus under Options Delete (Del) key (with objects selected)
Notes:

Objects that intersect with deleted items sometimes appear partially erased at the intersection after the deletion. Simply refresh the display to correctly redraw the remaining objects: Use the Redraw command (View menu) to refresh the current viewport or the Redraw All (View menu) to refresh the entire drawing.

The Delete command erases a selected object in entirety. To erase or edit part of an object, use the Trim to Objects, Extend to Objects, or Break commands (all on the Modify menu).

To cut (delete) an object from the current drawing and transfer it to another drawing, use the Cut to Clipboard and Paste from Clipboard commands (both on the Edit menu).


	COPY command
Use to:

Duplicate the selected object(s) in the current drawing and paste them into the drawing at an offset point you specify for distance and direction.

Use to copy objects within a Vdraft drawing.

Command Access:	More Help:
on Modify toolbar COPY command on Modify menu Also available on many context-sensitive pop-up menus under Options
You can also select objects first, and then choose the command. After you start the command, and with the object(s) selected, follow the status bar prompts, and:

Pick the first and second offset points for the copy. (To snap to precise points on other objects, use tools on the Object Snaps toolbar or in the Snap/Grid dialog box.)

Or, type coordinates for positioning the copy.

Notes:

Unlike Copy to Clipboard and Paste from Clipboard, the Copy command on the Modify menu controls a complete copy and paste operation in itself and does not require a separate “paste” command. Hence, the Clipboard will not be affected by this operation.

To copy objects to another drawing or a document created in another application, use the Copy to Clipboard and Paste from Clipboard commands (Standard toolbar and Edit menu). Click the Key Concepts buttonfor a detailed comparison of those commands and the Copy commands on the Modify menu.

To make multiple copies of one or more selected objects, use the Copy Multiple, Rectangular Array, or Polar Array commands (Modify menu).


	COPY MULTIPLE command
Use to:	Make multiple copies of the selected object(s) in the current drawing and paste the copies into the drawing at offset points you specify for distance and direction.

Command Access:	More Help:
on Modify toolbar COPY MULTIPLE command on Modify menu
Notes:

Unlike Copy to Clipboard and Paste from Clipboard, Copy Multliple/Non-Array controls a complete copy and paste operation in itself and does not require a separate “paste” command.

To copy objects to another drawing or to a document created in another application, use the Copy to Clipboard and Paste from Clipboard commands (Standard toolbar and Edit menu). Click the Key Concepts button for a detailed comparison of those commands and the Copy commands on the Modify menu.

See Also

Cut command

Paste command


	OFFSET command
Use to:	Create a new object offset from the selected object (line, circle, arc, or polyline); includes options for offsetting an object through a point or at a given distance/direction.

Command Access:
on Modify toolbar OFFSET command on Modify menu
You can also select the object first, and then choose the command. After you start the command, and with the object selected, follow the status bar prompts, and:

Specify the offset you want (offset through point or distance/direction). The first-time, start-up default is offset through point. To offset the object at a specified distance, right-click for context-sensitive pop-up menu, click Options, and then click Distance (Vdraft also subsequently prompts for direction). Vdraft then defaults to the last offset method you used (offset through point or distance/direction) until you switch via the pop-up menu.

To snap to precise points on other objects, use tools on the Object Snaps toolbar or in the Snap/Grid dialog box.)

Or, type coordinates for positioning the offset copy.

To terminate the command, right-click for the pop-up menu and click Done Offset.

Notes:

The Offset command automatically repeats, prompting you to select the next item to offset until you terminate the command, as described above.

Unlike Copy to Clipboard and Paste from Clipboard, Offset controls a complete “copy-and-paste” operation in itself and does not require a separate “paste” command.

See Also

Copy command

Copy Multiple command


	ARRAY commands
Use to:	Display a submenu with options for creating a rectangular array or polar array with the selected object(s).


	ARRAY/RECTANGULAR command
Use to:	Make multiple copies of the selected object(s) in the current drawing and paste the copies into the drawing in a rectangular array configuration you specify.

Command Access:
on Modify toolbar ARRAY/RECTANGULAR command on Modify menu
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts, and use screen tips for help on dialog box options (also described under Dialog Box Description, later in this topic).

Notes:

Unlike Copy to Clipboard and Paste from Clipboard, Copy Multliple/Rectangular Array controls a complete copy and paste operation in itself and does not require a separate “paste” command.

To copy objects to another drawing or a document created in another application, use the Copy to Clipboard and Paste from Clipboard commands (Standard toolbar and Edit menu). To review key concepts about copy, cut, and paste operations (including a detailed comparison of the Clipboard-related commands and the Copy commands on the Modify menu), click the Key Concepts button.)

Dialog Box Description

Note:	Use the pushpin [image] if you want to keep the dialog box open in the drawing space as you work.

	Use screen tips as a shortcut to this info!
Number of Rows box

Number of Columns box

Number of Levels box

Row Spacing box

Column Spacing box

Level Spacing box

Draw Spacing button

Rotation button

Rotation box

OK/Apply button

Cancel button

See Also

Cut command

Paste command


Use the options under Number of to specify the number of rows, columns, and levels (if you want a three-dimensional array) for a rectangular array.

To specify the number of rows in which to configure the array, enter the number in the Rows box (or choose from the history list).


Use the options under Number of to specify the number of rows, columns, and levels (if you want a three-dimensional array) for a rectangular array.

To specify the number of columns in which to configure the array, enter the number in the Columns box (or choose from the history list).


Use the options under Number of to specify the number of rows, columns, and levels (if you want a three-dimensional array) for a rectangular array.

To specify the number of levels in which to configure the array, enter the number in the Levels box (or choose from the history list). This configures the array along the Z-axis to create a three-dimensional array.


Use the options under Spacing to specify the distance between rows, columns, and levels (if you want a three-dimensional array) for a rectangular array.

To specify the distance between rows in the array, enter the value in the Row box (or choose from the history list).

Or, click the Draw Spacing button to temporarily leave the dialog box and manually pick points in the drawing space for the distance.


Use the options under Spacing to specify the distance between rows, columns, and levels (if you want a three-dimensional array) for a rectangular array.

To specify the distance between columns, enter the value in the Column box (or choose from the history list).

Or, click the Draw Spacing button to temporarily leave the dialog box and manually pick points in the drawing space for the distance.


Use the options under Spacing to specify the distance between rows, columns, and levels (if you want a three-dimensional array) for a rectangular array.

To specify the distance between levels, enter the value in the Level box (or choose from the history list). This configures the array along the Z-axis to create a three-dimensional array.

Or, click the Draw Spacing button to temporarily leave the dialog box and manually pick points in the drawing space for the distance.


Use the options under Spacing to specify the distance between rows, columns, and levels (if you want a three-dimensional array) for a rectangular array.

To specify distances for row, column, and/or level spacing, click the Draw Spacing button, and then specify the points in the drawing space. Repeat for each option (row, column, level).

Or, enter the distances in the Row, Column, and/or Level boxes.


Use the Rotation setting if you want the arrayed objects rotated at a given angle.

To specify a rotation angle, click the Rotation button to temporarily leave the dialog box and manually pick points in the drawing space to define the angle.

Or, enter the rotation angle in the combo box to the right of the button (or choose from the history list).


Use the Rotation setting if you want the arrayed objects rotated at a given angle.

To specify a rotation angle, enter an angle in the combo box to the right of the Rotation button (or choose from the history list).

Or, click the Rotation button to temporarily leave the dialog box and manually pick points in the drawing space to define the angle.


	ARRAY/POLAR command
Use to:	Make multiple copies of the selected object(s) in the current drawing and paste the copies into the drawing in a polar array configuration you specify.

Command Access:
on Modify toolbar ARRAY/POLAR command on Modify menu
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts, and use screen tips for help on dialog box options (also described under Dialog Box Description, later in this topic).

Notes:

When you first start the command, Vdraft prompts you to choose a center point for the array and then opens the Polar Array dialog box. If you want to change that coordinate location at any time as you define the array, click the Center Point button and specify the points in the drawing space. Or, enter the coordinates in the box to the right of the Center Point button.

Unlike Copy to Clipboard and Paste from Clipboard, Copy Multliple/Polar Array controls a complete copy and paste operation in itself and does not require a separate “paste” command.

To copy objects to another drawing or a document created in another application, use the Copy to Clipboard and Paste from Clipboard commands (Standard toolbar and Edit menu). To review key concepts about copy, cut, and paste operations (including a detailed comparison of the Clipboard-related commands and the Copy commands on the Modify menu), click the Key Concepts button.

Dialog Box Description

	Use screen tips as a shortcut to this info!
Notes:

Use the pushpin [image] if you want to keep the dialog box open in the drawing space as you work.

To define the array, choose any combination of two items from the three marked with an asterisk in the list below.

Center Point button

Center Point box

Number of Items setting*

Angle to Fill setting*

Angle Between Items setting*

Rotate Items button

Maintain Orientation button

Reference Point button

Reference Point box

OK/Apply button

Cancel button

See Also

Cut command

Paste command


Use the Center Point option to change the coordinates for the center point of the array from the initial location you specified on starting the command.

To specify a center point for the array, click the Center Point button to temporarily leave the dialog box and manually pick points in the drawing space to define the center point.

Or, enter coordinates for the center point in the box to the right of the button (or, choose from the history list).

Note:	The nearer the center point is to the selected object(s), the smaller the radius of the array.


Use the Center Point option to change the coordinates for the center point of the array from the initial location you specified on starting the command.

To specify the center of the array, enter the coordinates in the box to the right of the Center Point button (or, choose from the history list).

Or, click the Center Point button to temporarily leave the dialog box and manually pick points in the drawing space to define the center point.

Note:	The nearer the center point is to the selected object(s), the smaller the radius of the array.


Under Choose Two, specify the two parameters you want for the polar array: this can be any combination of the options (Number of Items, Angle to Fill, and Angle Between Items). Note that clicking a check box in this group turns off one of the others. If necessary, click the check boxes until you get the combination of parameters that you want.


Under Choose Two, specify the two parameters you want for the polar array: this can be any combination of the options (Number of Items, Angle to Fill, and Angle Between Items). Note that clicking a check box in this group turns off one of the others. If necessary, click the check boxes until you get the combination of parameters that you want.

To specify the number of objects for the array, click to turn on the check box to the left of the Number of Items button. Then enter the number in the box to the right of the button (or choose from the history list).


Under Choose Two, specify the two parameters you want for the polar array: this can be any combination of the options (Number of Items, Angle to Fill, and Angle Between Items). Note that clicking a check box in this group turns off one of the others. If necessary, click the check boxes until you get the combination of parameters that you want.

To specify an angle to fill with arrayed objects, click to turn on the check box to the left of the Angle to Fill button. Then:

Click the Angle to Fill button to temporarily leave the dialog box and manually pick points in the drawing space to define the angle.

Or, enter the angle in the box to the right of the button (or choose from the history list).


Under Choose Two, specify the two parameters you want for the polar array: this can be any combination of the options (Number of Items, Angle to Fill, and Angle Between Items). Note that clicking a check box in this group turns off one of the others. If necessary, click the check boxes until you get the combination of parameters that you want.

To specify an angle to fill with arrayed objects, click to turn on the check box to the left of the Angle to Fill button. Then:

Enter the angle in the box box to the right of the button (or choose from the history list).

Or, click the Angle to Fill button to temporarily leave the dialog box and manually pick points in the drawing space to define the angle.


Under Choose Two, specify the two parameters you want for the polar array: this can be any combination of the options (Number of Items, Angle to Fill, and Angle Between Items). Note that clicking a check box in this group turns off one of the others. If necessary, click the check boxes until you get the combination of parameters that you want.

To specify an angle between arrayed items, click to turn on the check box to the left of the Angle Between Items button. Then:

Click the Angle Between Items button to temporarily leave the dialog box and manually pick points in the drawing space to define the angle.

Or, enter the angle in the box to the right of the button (or choose from the history list).


Under Choose Two, specify the two parameters you want for the polar array: this can be any combination of the options (Number of Items, Angle to Fill, and Angle Between Items). Note that clicking a check box in this group turns off one of the others. If necessary, click the check boxes until you get the combination of parameters that you want.

To specify an angle between arrayed items, click to turn on the check box to the left of the Angle Between Items button. Then:

Enter the angle in the box to the right of the button.

Or, click the Angle Between Items button to temporarily leave the dialog box and manually pick points in the drawing space to define the angle.


To rotate items in the array around the center point, click Rotate Items.


To maintain the original orientation of the object(s) being arrayed, click Maintain Orientation.

Optional: Use the Reference Point setting to specify a reference point that will be rotated around the center point. All the rest of the arrayed objects are moved relative to the reference point. To specify a reference point:

Click the Reference Point button to temporarily leave the dialog box and manually pick points in the drawing space to define the reference point.

 Or, enter the coordinates for the reference point in the box at the right of this button.


Use the Reference Point setting to optionally specify a reference point that will be rotated around the center point. All the rest of the arrayed objects are moved relative to the reference point. (Available only if Maintain Orientation is in effect.)

To specify a reference point:

 Click the Reference Point button to temporarily leave the dialog box and manually pick coordinates in the drawing space to define the reference point.

 Or, enter the coordinates in the box to the right of the button (or choose from the history list).


Use the Reference Point setting to optionally specify a reference point that will be rotated around the center point. All the rest of the arrayed objects are moved relative to the reference point. (Available only if Maintain Orientation is in effect.)

To specify a  reference point:

 Enter the coordinates in the box to the right of the Reference Point button (or choose from the history list).

Or, click the Reference Point button to temporarily leave the dialog box and manually pick coordinates in the drawing space to define the reference point.


	MOVE command
Use to:	Move the selected object(s) within the current drawing, relocating them per offset points you specify for distance and direction.

Command Access:
on Modify toolbar MOVE command on Modify menu Also on most context-sensitive pop-up menus
You can also select objects first, and then choose the command. After you start the command, and with the object(s) selected, follow the status bar prompts, and:

Pick the first and second offset points for the move. (To snap to precise points on other objects, use tools on the Object Snaps toolbar.)

Or, type coordinates for the new position (note that the pop-up menu offers an easy shortcut for typing coordinates).

See Also

Rotate command

Scale command


	ROTATE command
Use to:	Change the angle or orientation of the selected object(s) by rotating them around the specified base point.

Command Access:
on Modify toolbar ROTATE command on Modify menu Also available on most context-sensitive pop-up menus.
You can also select objects first, and then choose the command. After you start the command, and with the object(s) selected, follow the status bar prompts, and:

Pick the first and second angles for the rotation. (To snap to precise points on other objects, use tools on the Object Snaps toolbar.)

Or, type coordinates for the rotation (note that the pop-up menu offers an easy shortcut for typing coordinates).

See Also

Move command

Scale command


	SCALE command
Use to:	Shrink or enlarge the selected object(s) proportionately, using a specified base point and displacement point.

Command Access:
on Modify toolbar SCALE command on Modify menu Also available on most context-sensitive pop-up menus.
You can also select objects first, and then choose the command. After you start the command, and with the object(s) selected, follow the status bar prompts, and:

Pick the first and second points for the scale factor. (To snap to precise points on other objects, use tools on the Object Snaps toolbar.)

Or, type coordinates for the scale factor (note that the pop-up menu offers an easy shortcut for typing coordinates).

See Also

Move command

Rotate command


	MIRROR command
Use to:	Create a mirror (reverse) the image of the currently selected object(s).

Command Access:
on Modify toolbar MIRROR command on Modify menu Also available on most context-sensitive pop-up menus.
You can also select objects first, and then choose the command. After you start the command, and with the object(s) selected, follow the status bar prompts, and:

Pick the first and second points for the scale factor. (To snap to precise points on other objects, use tools on the Object Snaps toolbar.)

Or, type coordinates for the scale factor (note that the pop-up menu offers an easy shortcut for typing coordinates).

See Also

Move command

Rotate command


Copy and Mirror command
	MIRROR COPY command
Use to:	Make a mirror (reverse) copy of the currently selected object(s).

Command Access:
on Modify toolbar MIRROR COPY command on Modify menu Also available on most context-sensitive pop-up menus.
You can also select objects first, and then choose the command. After you start the command, and with the object(s) selected, follow the status bar prompts, and:

Pick the first and second points for the scale factor. (To snap to precise points on other objects, use tools on the Object Snaps toolbar.)

Or, type coordinates for the scale factor (note that the pop-up menu offers an easy shortcut for typing coordinates).

See Also

Move command

Rotate command


	GRIPS commands
Use to:	Display a submenu with these options for working with grips: Display Grips, Erase Grips, and toggling on/off Auto Grips.


	GRIPS/DISPLAY command
Use to:	Display grips on objects you select; you can then move or manipulate portions of the objects.

Command Access:
on Select toolbar GRIPS/DISPLAY command on Modify menu Also available on the righ-click, context-sensitive pop-up menu associated with grips (see below) and via the Options submenu on pop-up menus associated with other drawing commands.
You can also select objects first, and then choose the command. After you start the command, and with grips displayed, follow the status bar prompts for manipulating grips. As you work, you can:

Right-click to display a context-sensitive pop-up menu with more tools. When the cursor is over or near a grip, the pop-up menu contains these additional, grip-related options:

Activate.

Deactivate.

Display Grips.

Erase Grips/Undo Erase.

Erase Grip/Undo Erase.

Window Activate (Options submenu).

Window DeActivate (Options submenu).

Note:	Additional options may be available, depending on the object a grip is associated with. For example, if the grip is associated with the endpoint of a line, the Options submenu includes commands for changing the length or angle of the line via the active grip. If the grip is associated with an endpoint on an arc or a polyline arc, the Options submenu includes a toggle command for keeping the sagitta constant or varying it.

Click directly on a grip to activate the grip. This allows you to move or manipulate the part of the object associated with that grip. When a grip is active, the selection square changes from blue to red.

Activate selected, multiple grips: For each grip you want to activate, move the mouse cursor over the grip, right-click for the pop-up, and click Activate. (Or, press the Shift key, and then click each grip you want to select.)

Use precision drafting techniques described in the Drafting QRef (click the Drafting button in the QRefs toolbar in the non-scrolling area of the Help window).

Notes:

Use the Grips/Erase command to clear grips for the selected object(s) from the screen display.

Use the Grips/Auto Grips command to automatically display individual grips on an object as you move the mouse over the object.

See Also

Stretch command


Activates the grip under or nearest the cursor. The color of the grip box changes from blue to red to indicate that the grip is active.


Deactivates the grip under or nearest the cursor. The color of the grip box changes from red back to blue to indicate that the grip is inactive.


Displays grips for the selected object(s); prompts you to select objects, if necessary.


Erases grips for the selected object(s); prompts you to select objects, if necessary (to undo the action, right-click again for the pop-up and click Undo grips.erase).


Erases the grip under or nearest the cursor (to undo the action, right-click again for the pop-up and click Undo grips.eraseclose).


Use to draw a crossing or containing window for selecting grips to activate.


Use to draw a crossing or containing window for selecting grips to deactivate.


	GRIPS/ERASE command
Use to:	Clear grips for the selected object(s) from the screen display.

Command Access:
on Select toolbar GRIPS/ERASE command on Modify menu Also available on the right-click, context-sensitive pop-up associated with grips (see below).
You can also select objects you want to erase grips for first, and then choose the command. After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts. As you work, you can:

Right-click to display a context-sensitive pop-up menu with additional tools.

Note:	You can erase an individual grip with an option on the pop-up menu. With grips still in effect, move the mouse cursor over the grip you want to erase, and right-click for the pop-up. Then click Erase Grip.

Use precision drafting techniques described in the Drafting QRef (click the Drafting button in the QRefs toolbar in the non-scrolling area of the Help window).

Notes:

Use the Grips/Display command to display grips on objects you select.

Use the Grips/Auto Grips command to automatically display grips as you move the mouse over objects.

See Also

Scale command

Trim to Objects command


	GRIPS/AUTO GRIPS command
Use to:	Automatically display individual grips on an object as you move over the object; toggles on/off the display of Auto Grips.

Command Access:
on Select toolbar GRIPS/AUTO GRIPS command on Modify menu
With Auto Grips in effect, Vdraft displays each individual grip on an object as you move over the object and also identifies the grip in the cursor tip. While working, you can also:

Right-click to display a context-sensitive pop-up menu with more tools. When the cursor is over or near a grip, the pop-up menu contains these additional, grip-related options:

Activate.

Deactivate.

Display Grips.

Erase Grips/Undo Erase.

Erase Grip/Undo Erase.

Window Activate (Options submenu).

Window DeActivate (Options submenu).

Note:	Additional options may be available, depending on the object a grip is associated with. For example, if the grip is associated with the endpoint of a line, the Options submenu includes commands for changing the length or angle of the line via the active grip. If the grip is associated with an endpoint on an arc or a polyline arc, the Options submenu includes a toggle command for keeping the sagitta constant or varying it.

Click directly on a grip when the mouse cursor is over it to activate the grip. This allows you to move or manipulate the part of the object associated with that grip. When a grip is active, the selection square changes from blue to red.

Activate selected, multiple grips: For each grip you want to activate, move the mouse cursor over the grip, right-click for the pop-up, and click Activate. (Or, press the Shift key, and then click each grip you want to select.)

Toggle on/off the display of Auto Grips by clicking the toolbar button or the menu command again.

Use precision drafting techniques described in the Drafting QRef (click the Drafting button in the QRefs toolbar in the non-scrolling area of the Help window).

Notes:

With Auto Grips in effect, the toolbutton appears depressed, and a check mark appears next to the Auto Grips command on the submenu.

Use the Grips/Display command to display grips on objects you select.

Use the Grips/Erase command to clear grips for the selected object(s) from the screen display.

See Also

Scale command

Trim to Objects command


	STRETCH command
Use to:	Stretch portions of the selected object(s); use a crossing window for all selection operations with this command.

Command Access:
on Modify toolbar STRETCH command on Modify menu
You can also select objects first, and then choose the command.

Important:	To use STRETCH, you should select the object(s) using a crossing window. Also, where the crossing window intersects with an object—which endpoints or vertices are included in the selection window—determines which part of the object is stretched.

For example, with a line or an arc, the crossing window needs to intersect with one of the two endpoints of the entity. With a polygon/polyline, the selection window should cross at least one vertex. (Otherwise, if the selection window crosses both endpoints of a line or an arc or all vertices of a polygon/polyline, the effect of STRETCH is simply to move the object, rather than stretching a portion of it.)

After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts. As you work, you can:

Right-click to display a context-sensitive pop-up menu with additional tools.

Use precision drafting techniques described in the Drafting QRef (click the Drafting button in the QRefs toolbar in the non-scrolling area of the Help window).

Notes:

When STRETCH is applied to an arc or polyline arc, Vdraft automatically adjusts the center point of the arc to keep the sagitta constant—i.e., the distance from the midpoint of the chord to the midpoint of the arc remains fixed. Using grips to stretch the arc provides more flexibility: the Options submenu for a grip associated with an arc endpoint includes a toggle command for keeping the sagitta constant or varying it. For more information, see the Grips/Display Grips and Grips/Auto Grips commands.

When STRETCH is applied to a viewport, the scale of the contents remains fixed; only the viewport itself is stretched.

See Also

Grips/Erase command

Move command


	EXTEND TO OBJECTS command
Use to:	Lengthen objects (lines, open polylines, and arcs) to a precise boundary edge created by other objects you select. The boundary edge may be defined by lines, polylines, arcs, circles, and viewport objects (paperspace only).

Command Access:
on Modify toolbar EXTEND TO OBJECTS command on Modify menu
You can also select objects first, and then choose the command. After you start the command, and with the object(s) selected, follow the status bar prompts for using the tool and the context-sensitive pop-up menus, and:

Select the object(s) to extend and the direction for the extension. (To snap to precise points on other objects, use tools on the Object Snaps toolbar.)

Or, type coordinates for the extension (note that the pop-up menu offers an easy shortcut for typing coordinates).

See Also

Scale command

Trim to Objects command


	TRIM TO OBJECTS command
Use to:	Shorten objects (lines, polylines, and arcs) by erasing them to a precise boundary or cutting edge created by other objects you select. The cutting edge may be defined by lines, polylines, arcs, circles, and viewport objects (paperspace only).

Command Access:
on Modify toolbar TRIM TO OBJECTS command on Modify menu
You can also select objects first, and then choose the command. After you start the command, and with the object(s) selected, follow the status bar prompts for using the tool and the context-sensitive pop-up menus, and:

Select the object(s) to trim and the direction for the trim. (To snap to precise points on other objects, use tools on the Object Snaps toolbar.)

Or, type coordinates for the extension (note that the pop-up menu offers an easy shortcut for typing coordinates).

Note:	If your drawing does not contain an object you can use as a cutting edge or boundary, use the Break command instead to erase part of an object.

See Also

Extend to Objects command


	BREAK command
Use to:	Erase portions of objects (lines, arcs, circles, traces, and polylines) or splits them in two for further editing.

Command Access:
on Modify toolbar BREAK command on Modify menu
On the Modify menu, click Break, and select the object(s) you want to modify. Or, type coordinates for the object (note that the pop-up menu offers an easy shortcut for typing coordinates).

You can also select objects first, and then choose the command.

Note:	If your drawing contains an object that can serve as a cutting edge or boundary that you can trim the object to, an even easier-to-use option is the Trim to Objects command.

See Also

Extend to Objects command

Trim to Objects command


	FILLET command
Use to:	Apply a fillet to objects (lines, circles, arcs, and polylines only).

Note:	You cannot apply a fillet to a 3-D polyline.

Command Access:	More Help:
on Modify toolbar FILLET command on Modify menu
See Also

Break command

Trim to Objects command


	CHAMFER command
Use to:	Apply a chamfer to objects (lines, circles, arcs, and polylines only).

Note:	You cannot apply a chamfer to a 3-D polyline.

Command Access:	More Help:
on Modify toolbar CHAMFER command on Modify menu
See Also

Break command

Trim to Objects command


	EXPLODE commands
Use to:	Display a submenu with options for exploding Blocks, Dimensions, and Polylines.


	EXPLODE BLOCKS command
Use to:	Convert a block insert) into its component objects; this restores the original property settings of all block objects.

Command Access:
on Modify toolbar EXPLODE BLOCKS command on Modify menu
On the Modify menu, click Explode, and then click Blocks from the sub-menu. Next, select the block(s) you want to explode, and follow the status bar prompts for using the pop-up menu.

You can also select block(s) first, and then choose the command.

Important:

When you explode a block, any assigned attribute values are lost. Vdraft retains the attribut properties of block objects to their original settings (for example, if the insert overrode some properties; without the insert, individual entities may appear different). If necessary, modify these properties, as desired.

Generally, you cannot explode blocks that have been unequally scaled, especially if they contain circles, arcs, polylines, or point objects.


Explode Dimension command
	EXPLODE DIMENSIONS command
Use to:	Convert a dimension into its component objects (extension lines, dimension lines, text, etc.).

Command Access:
on Modify toolbar EXPLODE DIMENSIONS command on Modify menu
On the Modify menu, click Explode and then click Dimensions from the sub-menu. Next, select the dimension(s) you want to explode, and follow the status bar prompts for using the pop-up menu.

You can also select the dimension(s) first, and then choose the command.

Important:

The Explode Dimensions command enables you to fine-tune a dimension the way you want it. However, in so doing, you lose the ability to dynamically control it with dimension styles. Before exploding a dimension, check to see if a Dimension Styles command option offers a solution for your needs.

Vdraft treats dimensions as unnamed blocks. Exploding a dimension may expose the Layer property for all dimension objects to its original settings (layer 0 and the Color property to Same As Block). As a rule, for each object, a) reset the Layer property to your dimensioning layer, and b) reset the Color property to Same As Layer.


	EXPLODE POLYLINES command
Use to:	Convert a polyline into its component objects (line and/or arc objects representing vertices).

Command Access:
on Modify toolbar) EXPLODE POLYLINES command on Modify menu)


	ZOOM WINDOW command
Use to:	Zoom in on a specific area of the drawing you define via a magnifying window.

Command Access:
on View toolbar ZOOM WINDOW command on View menu
Note:	In general, when you use the Zoom Window command, Vdraft attempts a redraw only, whenever possible. Zooming in past the precision of the display list may cause a regen. Click the Key Concepts button for more about other uses for this command and conditions that cause a screen redraw or regen.

See Also

Plan command

Extents command

Pan command

Zoom In command

Zoom Out command


	ZOOM IN command
Use to:	Zoom in to the center of the current view, magnifying by a factor of two.

Command Access:
on View toolbar ZOOM IN command on View menu
Note:	In general, when you use the Zoom In command, Vdraft attempts a redraw only, whenever possible. Zooming in past the precision of the display list may cause a regen. Click the Key Concepts button for more about other uses for this command and conditions that may cause a screen redraw or regen.

See Also

Plan command

Extents command

Pan command

Zoom Out command

Zoom Window command


	ZOOM OUT command
Use to:	Zoom out from the center of the current view, demagnifying by a factor of two.

Command Access:
on View toolbar ZOOM OUT command on View menu
Note:	In general, when you use the Zoom Out command, Vdraft attempts a redraw only, whenever possible. Certain conditions may cause a regen. Click the Key Concepts button for more about other uses for this command and conditions that may cause a screen redraw or regen.

See Also

Plan command

Extents command

Pan command

Zoom In command

Zoom Window command


Zoom Out command
	ZOOM SCALE command
Use to:	Scale the view relative to the current view or to paperspace. This command is useful for scaling a view to a precise scale factor in a multi-view layout.

Command Access:
on View toolbar ZOOM SCALE command on View menu
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts, and use screen tips for help on dialog box options (also described under Dialog Box Description, later in this topic).

Note:	The ZOOM SCALE command yields an absolute scale between paperspace and modelspace. The ration can be expressed as follows:

paperspace units
modelspace units

Dialog Box Description

Use the pushpin if you want to keep the dialog box open in the drawing space as you work.

	Use screen tips as a shortcut to this info!
View Scaling combo box

Relative to settings

Current View button

Paperspace button

OK/Apply button

Cancel button

See Also

Extents command

Pan command

Plan command

Zoom In command

Zoom Window command


In the View Scaling box, enter the scale factor you want. Or, choose from the history list.


Use the Relative To settings to indicate whether you want to scale the view relative to the current view or to paperspace.

Note:	The Paperspace button is available only if you are in paperspace ports.


To scale the view relative to the current view, click Current View.


To scale the view relative to paperspace, click Paperspace. (Available only if you are in paperspace ports.


	PAN command
Use to:	Shift or slide the area of the drawing displayed, moving it horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, per displacement points for distance and direction.

Note:	You can also use the vertical and horizontal scrollbars on the main Vdraft window as an easy way to pan around a drawing.

Command Access:
on View toolbar PAN command on View menu
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts and:

Pick the two displacement points.

(Hint: Select the second displacement point in the direction you want the drawing to slide. For example, to slide the drawing left, click the desired distance to the left of the first displacement point. To slide the drawing up, click the desired distance above the first displacement point.)

Or, type coordinates for the displacement points (note that the pop-up menu offers an easy shortcut for typing coordinates).

Notes:

Depending on the current zoom scale, a large drawing may not fit the confines of the screen display. To pan to points outside the bounds of the current screen display, you can enter approximate coordinates for the points in the Coordinate Entry toolbar. Alternately, you can Zoom Out to see more of the drawing or use the Extents command to display the entire drawing

In general, when you use the Pan command, Vdraft attempts a redraw, whenever possible. Panning outside of the display list will cause a regen. Click the Key Concepts button for more about other uses for this command and conditions that cause a screen redraw or regen.

See Also

Plan command

Extents command

Zoom In command

Zoom Window command


	EXTENTS command
Use to:	Zoom out to display the extents (all objects contained in the current drawing), displaying the image as large and as tightly as possible within the drawing space.

Command Access:
on View toolbar EXTENTS command on View menu
Note:	In general, when you use the Extents command, Vdraft attempts a redraw only, whenever possible. Zooming in past the precision of the display list may cause a regen. Click the Key Concepts button for more about other uses for this command and conditions that cause a screen redraw or regen.

See Also

Plan command

Pan command

Zoom In command

Zoom Out command

Zoom Window command


	PLAN command
Use to:	Display the drawing extents in plan view.

Command Access:
PLAN command on View menu
Related Tools and Information

To zoom to the extents of the drawing in the current view orientation, use the Extents command.

See Also

Pan command

Zoom In command

Zoom Out command

Zoom Window command


	LAST VIEW command
Use to:	Restore the previous view.

Command Access:
on View toolbar LAST VIEW command on View menu
Note:	Vdraft keeps track of all previous views of the current drawing in the current work session. Continually executing the Last View command steps back through all previous views in reverse consecutive order.

	Undo/Redo at a Glance—the Powerful Undo/Redo List Command
See Also

Plan command

Extents command

Pan command

Zoom In command

Zoom Out command

Zoom Window command


	NAMED VIEWS command
Use to:	Create and choose named views and specify settings for views.

Command Access:
on Named Views toolbar NAMED VIEWS command on View menu
After you start the command, use screen tips for help on dialog box options (also described under Dialog Box Description, later in this topic).

Shortcut:	The box on the Named Views toolbar is loaded with named views defined for the current drawing. To change the currently active view, click the down arrow of the box, and then click the desired view.

Dialog Box Description

Use the pushpin if you want to keep the dialog box open in the drawing space as you work.

	Use screen tips as a shortcut to this info!
Current view setting

Available named viewst list box (unlabeled)

Make Current button

New button

Rename button

Select All button

Center setting

Height setting

Width setting

Direction setting

Target setting

Twist setting

Space

OK/Apply button

Cancel button


Displays the currently active view.


Displays the existing named views in the current drawing.


To change the currently active view, select the view in the list box, and click Make Current. Then click OK or Apply.


To add a new view to the drawing, click New. In the Create New View dialog box, enter a view name, and then click OK or Apply.


To rename a view, select the view in the list box, and then click Rename. In the Rename View dialog box, enter a new name, and then click OK or Apply.


To select all views in the list box, click Select All.


The Center setting indicates the center X,Y coordinate of the current view area.


The Height setting indicates the height of the current view area.


The Width setting indicates the width of the current view area.


The Direction setting establishes the line of sight along which the view is plotted toward the target.


The Target setting is the point at which the view is actually directed.


The Twist setting indicates the angle at which the view is oriented. By default, Vdraft assumes a standard angle orientation, where 0 is on the horizontal and directed to the right.


Indicates the drawing space in which the object(s) reside(s)—either modelspace or paperspace. This property is read-only in this dialog box.

More Help:

To review key concepts about modelspace, paperspace, and paperspace ports (including a table that compares the three), click


	3D ROTATE command
Use to:	Rotate the view at various angles in 3-D space at specified degree increments around a central point.

Command Access:
3D ROTATE command on View menu
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts, and use screen tips for help on dialog box options (also described under Dialog Box Description, later in this topic).

Dialog Box Description

Use the pushpin if you want to keep the dialog box open in the drawing space as you work.

	Use screen tips as a shortcut to this info!
Rotation Axes/Arrows (unlabeled)

Rotation Angle box

Plan View button

Cancel button

See Also

VIEWPOINT


To rotate the current view in 3D, click one or a combination of rotation arrows on an axis (the arrows indicate the direction of rotation). The arrows at opposite ends of each axis rotate the inverse of each other.

To adjust the rotation increment of the axis arrows (15-, 45-, and 90-degree increments), use the Rotation Angle box.


To adjust the rotation increment of the axis arrows (15-, 45-, and 90-degree increments), click the value you want in the Rotation Angle box.


To display the drawing extents (all objects contained in the drawing) of the current drawing in plan view (in 2-D from a top view); click Plan View. This button is a shortcut to the PLAN command (View menu).

This option is useful if you’ve been experimenting with rotated views and want to return to a standard, two-dimensional top view of the model.


	VIEWPOINT command
Use to:	Specify XYZ coordinates to define the viewpoint from which to view the model.

Command Access:
VIEWPOINT command on View menu
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts, and use screen tips for help on dialog box options (also described under Dialog Box Description, later in this topic).

Dialog Box Description

Notes

Use the pushpin if you want to keep the dialog box open in the drawing space as you work.

Use the refresh button to update settings in the dialog box.

	Use screen tips as a shortcut to this info!
Enter Viewpoint box

OK/Apply button

Cancel button

See Also

3D ROTATE


To define a viewpoint from which to view a model, enter a value for X, Y, and Z in the Enter Viewpoint box (or choose from the history list), and then click OK or Apply. The default values are for plan view (2-D top view): 0, 0, 1


	REDRAW command
Use to:	Quickly redisplay the current viewport; this refreshes the display and clears away marks or other elements sometimes left over after erasing or modifying objects.

Command Access:	More Help:
on View toolbar REDRAW command on View menu
Note:	Deleting an object sometimes makes remaining, intersecting objects also appear partially erased at the former intersection points. To correctly redraw the remaining objects, refresh the display: Use Redraw to refresh the current viewport or Redraw All to refresh the entire drawing. Click the Key Concepts button for more about other uses for this command and conditions that may cause a screen redraw or regen.

See Also

Redraw All

Regen

Regen All


Redraw All
	REDRAW ALL command
Use to:	Quickly redisplay the entire drawing; this refreshes the display and clears away marks or other elements sometimes left over after erasing or modifying objects.

Command Access:	More Help:
REDRAW ALL command on View menu
Note:	Deleting an object sometimes makes remaining, intersecting objects also appear partially erased at the former intersection points. To correctly redraw the remaining objects, refresh the display: Use Redraw All to refresh the entire drawing or Redraw to refresh the entire drawing. Click the Key Concepts button for more about other uses for this command and conditions that may cause a screen redraw or regen.

See Also

Redraw

Regen

Regen All


	REGEN command
Use to:	Regenerate the display list for the current viewport. This includes recalculating screen coordinates for all objects in the current viewport, updating the virtual screen, and optimizing the object database for display and object manipulation performance.

Command Access:	More Help:
on View toolbar REGEN command on View menu
Notes:

For larger drawings, a regen may take considerable time. Click the Key Concepts button for more about other uses for this command and conditions that may cause a screen redraw or regen.

See Also

Redraw

Redraw All

Regen All


	REGEN ALL command
Use to:	Regenerate the display list for the entire drawing. This includes recalculating screen coordinates for all objects in the drawing, updating the virtual screen, and optimizing the object database for display and object manipulation performance.

Command Access:	More Help:
REGEN ALL command on View menu
Notes:

For larger drawings, a regen may take considerable time. Click the Key Concepts button for more about other uses for this command and conditions that cause a screen redraw or regen.

See Also

Redraw

Redraw All

Regen


	DRAWING SPACE commands
Use to:	Display a submenu with these commands: Paperspace, Paperspace Ports, Modelspace, New Viewport and Delete Viewport.


Paperspace command
	DRAWING SPACE/PAPERSPACE command
Use to:	Switch to paper space:

Lay out viewports to create your finished paper layout for printing or plotting.

Add annotations, borders, title blocks, and any other elements that don’t need to be part of the actual drawing in modelspace.

Command Access:	More Help:
on Drawing Space toolbar DRAWING SPACE/PAPERSPACE command on View menu
When you initially enter paperspace, the drawing space is blank. To see your drawing again, open a viewport back into the drawing with the New Viewports command.

Notes:

While in paperspace, you can only select and work with objects drawn in paperspace. To select and work with objects in modelspace from your paperspace layout, activate Paperspace Ports.

From paperspace or paperspace ports, you can toggle back into modelspace, if desired.

Click the Key Concepts button to review a helpful table that compares their different capabilities.

Related Tools and Information

Delete Viewport command


To open a new viewport from modelspace or paperspace:

On the Viewports toolbar, click [image].

 	Or, on the View menu, click Drawing Space, and then click New Viewport on the sub-menu.

After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts, and:

Pick the first and second points to define the corners of the viewport rectangle.

Or, click the right mouse button to display the context-sensitive pop-up menu and type coordinates for the two points (the pop-up menu offers an easy shortcut for typing coordinates).


To activate paperspace ports:

On the Viewports toolbar, click [image].

Or, on the View menu, click Drawing Space, and then click Paperspace Ports on the sub-menu.


To activate paperspace:

On the Viewports toolbar, click [image].

Or, on the View menu, click Drawing Space, and then click Paperspace on the sub-menu.


To activate modelspace:

On the Viewports toolbar, click [image].

Or, on the View menu, click Drawing Space, and then click Modelspace on the sub-menu.


Paperspace Ports command
	DRAWING SPACE/PAPERSPACE PORTS command
Use to:	Switch to paperspace viewports to view and edit modelspace while working from your paperspace view and layout. Paperspace ports offer these additional capabilities:

Freely set size, number, and arrangement of viewports, including overlapping viewports, if desired (modelspace viewports can only be tiled and arranged in pre-set configurations).

Set layer visibility options for individual viewports.

Command Access:	More Help:
on Drawing Space toolbar DRAWING SPACE/PAPERSPACE PORTScommand on View menu
The easiest way to use paperspace ports is to first set up your paperspace layout with viewports, as described in the Paperspace command Help topic. Then activate paperspace ports:

Notice that—unlike paperspace itself—in paperspace ports, you can now “reach back” into modelspace and select and work with objects drawn there.

Notes:

While in paperspace ports, you can only select and work with objects drawn in modelspace. To select and work with objects such as borders you drew in paperspace, activate Paperspace again.

As in modelspace, while in paperspace ports, you can save named views and display them in different viewports with the Named Views command.

From paperspace or paperspace ports, you can toggle back into modelspace, if desired.

Click the Key Concepts button to review a helpful table that compares their different capabilities.

See Also

Paperspace command


Modelspace command
	DRAWING SPACE/MODELSPACE command
Use to:	Switch to model space; use to do your main drafting and design work (you can work at 1:1 scale or any other scale), set up different views to display the drawing from various angles and zoom factors.

Command Access:	More Help:
on Drawing Space toolbar DRAWING SPACE/MODELSPACE command on View menu
When you initially enter modelspace, the drawing space is basically one large viewport. To be able to see multiple views of your drawing from different angles and zoom factors, open one or more viewports with the New Viewports command.

Notes:

While in modelspace, you can only select and work with objects drawn in modelspace. To select and work with objects in your paperspace layout drawn in paperspace such as borders and annotations, activate Paperspace.

While in paperspace, you can only select and work with objects drawn in paperspace. To select and work with objects drawn in modelspace from your paperspace layout, activate Paperspace Ports.

To save named views for display in different viewports, use the Named Views command.

Click the Key Concepts button to review a helpful table that compares their different capabilities.

See Also

Paperspace command

Delete Viewport command


New Viewport command
	DRAWING SPACE/NEW VIEWPORT command
Use to:	Opens a new viewport to model space from paperspace:

In modelspace, you can use tiled viewports arranged in pre-set configurations.

In paperspace, you can use viewports of any size, arrangement, and style, including overlapped viewports.

Command Access:	More Help:
on Drawing Space toolbar DRAWING SPACE/NEW VIEWPORT command on View menu
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts, and:

Pick the first and second points to define the corners of the viewport rectangle.

Or, click the right mouse button to display the context-sensitive pop-up menu and type coordinates for the two points (the pop-up menu offers an easy shortcut for typing coordinates).

Note:	To delete a viewport, use the Delete Viewport command (View menu and Viewports toolbar).

See Also

Paperspace command


To review key concepts about modelspace, paperspace, and paperspace ports, including a helpful table that compares their different capabilities, click [image]. The table gives you an overview of the differences in viewport capabilities between modelspace and paperspace ports.

To review detailed information about viewports and their related capabilities (for example, freezing and thawing layers in individual viewports, etc.) and the differences in viewport capabilities between modelspace and paperspace, click [image].


Delete Viewport command
	DRAWING SPACE/DELETE VIEWPORT command
Use to:	Delete a viewport in model space or paperspace ports.

Command Access:	More Help:
From modelspace or paperspace ports:  on Drawing Space toolbar DRAWING SPACE/DELETE VIEWPORT command on View menu
You can also select viewports first, and then choose the command.

Note:	To create a viewport, use the New Viewport command (View menu and Viewports toolbar).

See Also

Paperspace command


	DRAWING INFO command
Use to:

Display information about the current drawing—for example, file size, number of objects, blocks, layers, linetypes, text styles, dimension styles, views, attributes, external references, and extended entities.

Vdraft also displays the version number(s) of AutoCAD that the drawing is compatible with.

Command Access:
DRAWING INFO command on View menu
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts, and use screen tips for help on dialog box options (also described under Dialog Box Description, later in this topic).

Dialog Box Description

Use the refresh button to update settings in the dialog box.

	Use screen tips as a shortcut to this info!
Filename text box

Release Information read-out

(List) read-out

OK button

See Also

DistanceArea command


Displays the filename, including the complete pathname, for the current drawing.


Displays the version number(s) of AutoCAD that the drawing is compatible with.


 Displays information about the current drawing—for example, file size, number of objects, blocks, layers, linetypes, text styles, dimension styles, views, attributes, external references, and extended entities.


	DISTANCE/AREA command
Use to:	Use to measure distance and area of any object. As you measure, Vdraft displays the cumulative measurements (including length, angle, total length, and area) as a cursor tip and then displays the final length and area measurements in a message box.

Command Access:	More Help:
on View toolbar DISTANCE/AREA command on View menu
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts, and:

Select the object or area of the drawing for the measurement. (To snap to precise points on the object or on other objects, use tools on the Object Snaps toolbar.)

Or, type coordinates for the new position (note that the pop-up menu offers an easy shortcut for typing coordinates).

Important:	“Actual precision” versus “display precision.” The format and precision of cursor tip read-outs are determined by your settings for the Units command. In particular, the Display Precision settings for that command affect cursor tip values displayed as you measure. Note that display precision (with maximum precision accuracy to 8 decimal places) is different from the actual precision (with maximum precision accuracy to 14 decimal places) stored for drawing objects in the object database.

The “screen tip” Help for the Display Precision setting discusses this in more detail and includes suggestions for setting display precision at a level greater than what you need in final dimensions to spot accuracy problems as you draw. To read that screen tip now, click

Notes:

Measuring objects with intersecting edges. For Vdraft to be able to correctly calculate area, the order in which you pick area measurement points for objects such as polylines is important. If an object is drawn so that edges intersect other edges—except at vertices, the Area command may return an area measurement other than what you expect. For Vdraft to be able to calculate area correctly, pick area measurement points on the object so that edges in the measurement definition itself don’t cross. Click the Examples button to review the correct procedure for picking area measurement points.

Area measurement pickpoints in different planes. If you pick area calculation points that reside in different planes, Vdraft uses the plane determined by the first three pick points and projects any subsequent pickpoints onto that plane in calculating the area measurement.

See Also

Drawing Info command

Object Tip command


	COMMAND CURSOR TIPS command
Use to:	Toggle on/off “command cursor tip” mode. With this command in effect, Vdraft displays the command or action currently in progress in a cursor tip.

Command Access:
on View toolbar
Note:	To toggle on/off the display of all cursor tips, press Ctrl + T.

See Also

Distance/Area  command

Drawing Info command


	INFO CURSOR TIPS command
Use to:	Toggle on/off “info cursor tip” mode. With this command in effect, Vdraft displays length and angle information in a cursor tip about the object being drawn or edited.

Command Access:
on View toolbar
Note:	To toggle on/off the display of all cursor tips, press Ctrl + T.

See Also

Distance/Area  command

Drawing Info command


	OBJECT CURSOR TIPS command
Use to:	Toggle on/off “object tip” mode. With this command in effect, Vdraft displays information in a cursor tipabout the object the mouse cursor is currently over (for example, length and angle data for a line, radius and area for a circle, length for an arc, etc.).

Command Access:
on View toolbar
Note:	To toggle on/off the display of all cursor tips, press Ctrl + T.

See Also

Distance/Area  command

Drawing Info command


	LINE command
Use to:	Draw one or a series of connected, straight line segments with endpoints specified by two-dimensional or three-dimensional coordinates.

Command Access:	More Help:
on Draw toolbar LINE command on Draw menu
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts for picking each point that defines the object. As you draw, you can:

Right-click to display a context-sensitive pop-up menu with additional drawing tools.

Use precision drafting techniques described in the Drafting QRef (click the Drafting button in the QRefs toolbar in the non-scrolling area of this Help window).

Left-click to finish one line segment and begin another, connected segment.

Finish the line: right-click for the pop-up, and then click Done Line. (Or, press Spacebar.)

Related Tools and Information

As an alternative to the Coordinate Entry toolbar, you can also enter coordinates in applicable fields of the modeless Properties dialog box for any drawing object.


	POLYLINE commands
Use to:	Display a submenu with options for these polyline-drawing methods: 2D, 3D, and Double.


	POLYLINE/DOUBLE command
Use to:	Draw one or a series of straight, parallel line segments with endpoints specified by two-dimensional or three-dimensional coordinates.

Command Access:
on Draw toolbar POLYLINE/DOUBLE command on Draw menu
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts for picking each point that defines the object. As you draw, you can:

Right-click to display a context-sensitive pop-up menu with additional drawing tools.

Use precision drafting techniques described in the Drafting QRef (click the Drafting button in the QRefs toolbar in the non-scrolling area of this Help window).

Left-click to finish one double polyline segment and begin another, connected segment.

Finish the line: right-click for the pop-up, and then click Done Double Line. (Or, press Spacebar.)

Related Tools and Information

As an alternative to the Coordinate Entry toolbar, you can also enter coordinates in applicable fields of the modeless Properties dialog box for any drawing object.


2D Polyline command
	POLYLINE/2D command
Use to:

Draw a two-dimensional polyline, consisting of one or more straight line segments or arc segments connected at vertices.

Create open or closed areas/polygons.

Command Access:	More Help:
on Draw toolbar POLYLINE/2D command on Draw menu
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts for picking each point that defines the object. As you draw, you can:

Right-click to display a context-sensitive pop-up menu with additional drawing tools, including these polyline-specific tools (available on the Options submenu):

Arc.

Direction.

Closed.

Start Width.

Segment Width.

End Width.

Polyline Width.

Default.

Curve Fit.

Quadratic Spline.

Cubic Spline.

Use precision drafting techniques described in the Drafting QRef (click the Drafting button in the QRefs toolbar in the non-scrolling area of this Help window).

Left-click to finish one polyline segment and begin another, connected segment.

Finish the line: right-click for the pop-up, and then click Done Polyline. (Or, press Spacebar.)

Related Tools and Information

As an alternative to the Coordinate Entry toolbar, you can also enter coordinates in applicable fields of the modeless Properties dialog box for any drawing object.

Use the Distance/Area command to measure the length and area of a polyline.


Polyline Pop-up Menu Options: Arc

Use to:	Toggle between drawing arc and line segments when creating a polyline.

To toggle back from arc to line segments while drawing a polyline, right-click for the pop-up menu, click Options, and then click Arc again. Vdraft toggles off the Arc option.

Notes:

A check mark ( [image]) next to the option name indicates that the Arc option is in effect.

By default, Vdraft draws an arc segment tangent to the preceding line or arc segment. To change the initial direction of an arc segment, use the Direction option on the pop-up menu.

More Help:

To see another example of a polyline with arc and line segments, click [image].


Polyline Pop-up Menu Options: Direction

Use to:	Change the initial direction of an arc segment of a polyline by specifying a different starting angle; available only when the Arc option on the pop-up menu is active.


Polyline Pop-up Menu Options: Closed

Use to:

Create a closed polyline; causes Vdraft to draw a line or an arc segment (whichever is currently in effect) from the current coordinate location to the start point of the polyline.

Ensure a clean end corner on a closed polyline, especially when using widths larger than zero-width.

Notes:

Closed option versus explicitly drawn segment. Using the Close option is different from drawing an explicit polyline segment to the start point of the polyline. Editing and curve-fitting may yield different results, depending on which method you use. In general, use the Closed option as the preferred method.

Completing a closed polyline. When you specify the Closed option, Vdraft sets an internal flag for the location of the close. You can then optionally continue to pick additional points. To complete the polyline, right-click for the pop-up menu, and then click Done Polyline. Note that this is different from some CAD systems, in which closing the polyline also terminates the command.


Polyline Pop-up Menu Options: Start Width

Use to:	Set the starting width of one line or arc segment (as defined by a vertex) in a polyline.

To see an example of a polyline with varied start widths, click [image].


Polyline Pop-up Menu Options: Segment Width

Use to:	Set the width of an entire line or arc segment (as defined by a vertex) of a polyline.

To see an example of a polyline using the Segment Width setting, click [image].


Polyline Pop-up Menu Options: End Width

Use to:	Set the ending width of one line or arc segment (as defined by a vertex) of a polyline.

To see an example of a polyline with varied end widths, click [image].


Polyline Pop-up Menu Options: Polyline Width

Use to:	Set the width of an entire polyline (including the arc and/or line segments for all vertices).

Note:	Any individual vertices that are set to zero (0) inherit the overall Polyline Width setting—i.e., if Polyline Width is set to a width other than 0, vertices set to 0 width also inherit the 0 Polyline Width setting. If Polyline Width is set to 0, only vertices also set to 0 width inherit the 0 Polyline Width setting.

To see an example of a uniform-width polyline, click [image].


Polyline Pop-up Menu Options: Default

Indicates that the default polyline display—as line and arc segments (instead of splines)—is in effect.

(Greyed out when the Quadratic Spline or Cubic Spline option is in effect.)


Polyline Pop-up Menu Options: Curve Fit

Use to:	Draw a smooth curve through the selected polyline vertices; Vdraft constructs a pair of arcs to generate the curve.

Notes:

Vdraft spline types. Vdraft, release 1.0, generates a spline as a uniform, rational b-spline. The spline passes through the start- and endpoints. The remaining vertices act as control points for curve, but the spline does not necessarily pass through these points.

Converting arc segments in existing polylines. In converting an existing polyline to a spline, Vdraft straightens arc segments when forming the spline.


Polyline Pop-up Menu Options: Quadratic Spline

Use to:	Draw a polyline as a curved quadratic spline; each vertex becomes a control point that defines a curve. As in regular 2D polylines, spline segments can be of uniform width or varied widths.

Notes:

Vdraft spline types. Vdraft, release 1.0, generates a spline as a uniform, rational b-spline. The spline passes through the start- and endpoints. The remaining vertices act as control points for curves, but the spline does not necessarily pass through these points.

Converting arc segments in existing polylines. In converting an existing polyline to a spline, Vdraft straightens arc segments when forming the spline.

Quadratic versus cubic splines. To see an example that compares quadratic and cubic splines, click [image].


Polyline Pop-up Menu Options: Cubic Spline

Use to:	Draw a polyline as a curved cubic spline; each vertex becomes a control point that defines a curve. As in regular 2D polylines, spline segments can be of uniform width or varied widths.

Notes:

Vdraft spline types. Vdraft, release 1.0, generates a spline as a uniform, rational b-spline. The spline passes through the start- and endpoints. The remaining vertices act as control points for curves, but the spline does not necessarily pass through these points.

Converting arc segments in existing polylines. In converting an existing polyline to a spline, Vdraft straightens any arc segments when forming the spline.

Cubic versus quadratic splines. To see an example that compares cubic and quadratic splines, click [image].


3D Polyline command
	POLYLINE/3D command
Use to:	Draw a three-dimensional polyline, consisting of one or more straight, zero-width line segments connected at vertices.

Note:	In contrast to 2D polylines, 3D polylines cannot contain arc segments or varied line widths.

Command Access:
on Draw toolbar POLYLINE/3D command on Draw menu
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts for picking each point that defines the object. As you draw, you can:

Right-click to display a context-sensitive pop-up menu with additional drawing tools, including these polyline-specific tools (available on the Options submenu):

Default.

Curve Fit.

Quadratic Spline.

Cubic Spline.

Use precision drafting techniques described in the Drafting QRef (click the Drafting button in the QRefs toolbar in the non-scrolling area of this Help window).

Left-click to finish one polyline segment and begin another, connected segment.

Finish the line: right-click for the pop-up, and then click Done 3D Polyline. (Or, press Spacebar.)

Related Tools and Information

As an alternative to the Coordinate Entry toolbar, you can also enter coordinates in applicable fields of the modeless Properties dialog box for any drawing object.


	ARC commands
Use to:	Display a submenu with options for these arc-drawing methods: Continous 3-Point, Center, Start, End, Start, Center, End, and Start, Direction, End.


	ARC/CONTINUOUS 3-POINT command
Use to:	Draw one arc or a series of continuous arcs, each defined by three points on the arc’s circumference: starting point, one point along the circumference, and the endpoint of the arc.

Command Access:
on Draw toolbar ARC/CONTINUOUS 3-POINT command on Draw menu
Note:	The Arc/3-Point command/button is a “sticky tool” that draws a series of connected or continuous arcs until you terminate the command, as described below.

After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts for picking each point that defines the object. As you draw, you can:

Right-click to display a context-sensitive pop-up menu with more drawing tools, including these additional methods for drawing arcs (available on the Options submenu):

Center, Start, End

Start, Center, End

Start, End, Center

Start, Direction, End

Use precision drafting techniques described in the Drafting QRef (click the Drafting button in the QRefs toolbar in the non-scrolling area of the Help window).

(Optional) Left-click to finish one arc and begin another, connected arc.

Finish the arc: right-click for the pop-up, and then click Done Arc. (Or, press Spacebar.)

Related Tools and Information

As an alternative to the Coordinate Entry toolbar, you can also enter coordinates in applicable fields of the modeless Properties dialog box for any drawing object.


	ARC/CENTER, START, END command
Use to:	Draw an arc, defined by the center, start, and endpoints of the arc.

The start and center point determine the radius of the arc. The endpoint determines the ending angle of the arc (the arc does not necessarily pass through this point).

Specifying a negative end angle draws a clockwise arc; a positive angle draws a counterclockwise arc.

Command Access:
on Draw toolbar ARC/CENTER, START, END command on Draw menu
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts for picking each point that defines the object. As you draw, you can:

Right-click to display a context-sensitive pop-up menu with more drawing tools, including these additional methods for drawing arcs (available on the Options submenu):

Continuous 3-Point

Start, Center, End

Start, End, Center

Start, Direction, End

Use precision drafting techniques described in the Drafting QRef (click the Drafting button in the QRefs toolbar in the non-scrolling area of the Help window).

Related Tools and Information

As an alternative to the Coordinate Entry toolbar, you can also enter coordinates in applicable fields of the modeless Properties dialog box for any drawing object.


	ARC/START, CENTER, END command
Use to:	Draw an arc, defined by the start, center, and endpoints of the arc.

The start and center point determine the radius of the arc.

The endpoint determines the ending angle of the arc (the arc does not necessarily pass through this point).

Command Access:
on Draw toolbar ARC/START, CENTER, END command on Draw menu
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts for picking each point that defines the object. As you draw, you can:

Right-click to display a context-sensitive pop-up menu with more drawing tools, including these additional methods for drawing arcs (available on the Options submenu):

Continuous 3-Point

Center, Start, End

Start, End, Center

Start, Direction, End

Use precision drafting techniques described in the Drafting QRef (click the Drafting button in the QRefs toolbar in the non-scrolling area of the Help window).

Related Tools and Information

As an alternative to the Coordinate Entry toolbar, you can also enter coordinates in applicable fields of the modeless Properties dialog box for any drawing object.


	ARC/START,END, CENTER command
Use to:	Draw an arc, defined by starting point, endpoint, and center (including the radius) point of the arc.

Note:	In contrast to the Arc/Center, Start, End and Arc/Start, Center, End methods (where the endpoint determines the ending angle and does not necessarily lie along the circumference of the arc), with this method, the arc passes through the endpoint.

Command Access:
on Draw toolbar ARC/START, END, CENTER command on Draw menu
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts for picking each point that defines the object. As you draw, you can:

Right-click to display a context-sensitive pop-up menu with more drawing tools, including these additional methods for drawing arcs (available on the Options submenu):

Continuous 3-Point

Center, Start, End

Start, Center, End

Start, Direction, End

Use precision drafting techniques described in the Drafting QRef (click the Drafting button in the QRefs toolbar in the non-scrolling area of the Help window).

Related Tools and Information

As an alternative to the Coordinate Entry toolbar, you can also enter coordinates in applicable fields of the modeless Properties dialog box for any drawing object.


	ARC/START, DIRECTION, END command
Use to:	Draw an arc, defined by start point, initial direction, and end point of the arc.

Note:	In contrast to the Arc/Center, Start, End and Arc/Start, Center, End methods (where the endpoint determines the ending angle and does not necessarily lie along the circumference of the arc), with this method, the arc passes through the endpoint.

Command Access:
on Draw toolbar ARC/START, DIRECTION, END command on Draw menu
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts for picking each point that defines the object. As you draw, you can:

Right-click to display a context-sensitive pop-up menu with more drawing tools, including these additional methods for drawing arcs (available on the Options submenu):

Continuous 3-Point

Center, Start, End

Start, Center, End

Start, End, Center

Use precision drafting techniques described in the Drafting QRef (click the Drafting button in the QRefs toolbar in the non-scrolling area of the Help window).

Related Tools and Information

As an alternative to the Coordinate Entry toolbar, you can also enter coordinates in applicable fields of the modeless Properties dialog box for any drawing object.


	CIRCLE commands
Use to:	Display a submenu with options for these circle-drawing methods: Center, Radius, 2-Point, and 3-Point.


Circle/Center, Radius command
	CIRCLE/CENTER RADIUS command
Use to:	Draw a circle defined by center point, then radius.

Command Access:
on Draw toolbar CIRCLE/CENTER, RADIUS command on Draw menu
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts for picking each point that defines the object. As you draw, you can:

Right-click to display a context-sensitive pop-up menu with more drawing tools, including these additional methods for drawing circles (available on the Options submenu):

Type Radius

Circle/2-Point

Circle/3-Point

Use precision drafting techniques described in the Drafting QRef (click the Drafting button in the QRefs toolbar in the non-scrolling area of the Help window).

(Optional) Start another circle: right-click, and then click Restart Circle on the pop-up.

Related Tools and Information

As an alternative to the Coordinate Entry toolbar, you can also enter coordinates in applicable fields of the modeless Properties dialog box for any drawing object.


Circle Pop-up Menu Options: Type Radius

Use to: Draw by cursor tips—automatically enter the circle radius as displayed in the cursor tip into the Coordinate Entry toolbar.

For a pop-up recap of how to draw by cursor tips, click [image].


Circle Pop-up Menu Options: Center, Radius

Use to: Switch to Circle/Center, Radius drawing method.


Circle Pop-up Menu Options: 2-Point

Use to: Switch to Circle/2-Point drawing method.


Circle Pop-up Menu Options: 3-Point

Use to: Switch to Circle/3-Point drawing method.


	CIRCLE/2-POINT command
Use to:	Draw a circle defined by two points on opposite sides of the circle’s circumference (the endpoints of the diameter).

Command Access:
on Draw toolbar CIRCLE/2-POINT command on Draw menu
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts for picking each point that defines the object. As you draw, you can:

Right-click to display a context-sensitive pop-up menu with more drawing tools, including these additional methods for drawing circles (available on the Options submenu):

Type Diameter

Type Angle

Circle/Center, Radius

Circle/3-Point

Use precision drafting techniques described in the Drafting QRef (click the Drafting button in the QRefs toolbar in the non-scrolling area of the Help window).

(Optional) Start another circle: right-click, and then click Restart Circle 2-Point on the pop-up.

Related Tools and Information

As an alternative to the Coordinate Entry toolbar, you can also enter coordinates in applicable fields of the modeless Properties dialog box for any drawing object.


Circle Pop-up Menu Options: Type Diameter

Use to: Draw by cursor tips—automatically enter the circle diameter as displayed in the cursor tip into the Coordinate Entry toolbar.

For a pop-up recap of how to draw by cursor tips, click [image].


Circle Pop-up Menu Options: Type Angle

Use to: Draw by cursor tips—automatically enter the angle (in this case, the angle at which to draw the diameter) as displayed in the cursor tip into the Coordinate Entry toolbar.

For a pop-up recap of how to draw by cursor tips, click [image].


	CIRCLE/3-POINT command
Use to:	Draw a circle defined by three points along the circumference.

Command Access:
on Draw toolbar CIRCLE/3-POINT command on Draw menu
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts for picking each point that defines the object. As you draw, you can:

Right-click to display a context-sensitive pop-up menu with more drawing tools, including these additional methods for drawing circles (available on the Options submenu):

Circle/Center, Radius

Circle/2-Point

Use precision drafting techniques described in the Drafting QRef (click the Drafting button in the QRefs toolbar in the non-scrolling area of the Help window).

(Optional) Start another circle: right-click, and then click Restart Circle 3-Point on the pop-up.

Related Tools and Information

As an alternative to the Coordinate Entry toolbar, you can also enter coordinates in applicable fields of the modeless Properties dialog box for any drawing object.


	2D SOLID command
Use to:	Draw a two-dimensional, triangular or quadrilateral filled (opaque) irregular polygon area.

Command Access:
on Draw toolbar 2D SOLID command on Draw menu
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts for picking each point that defines the object. As you draw, you can:

Right-click to display a context-sensitive pop-up menu with additional drawing tools.

Use precision drafting techniques described in the Drafting QRef (click the Drafting button in the QRefs toolbar in the non-scrolling area of the Help window).

(Optional) After picking the fourth point, left-click to finish one solid and begin another, connected solid. (After each fourth point pick, Vdraft cycles back and prompts you to choose a third point, using points one and two of the adjacent solid as the first two points of the new solid.)

Finish the solid: right-click, and then click Done Solid on the pop-up.

Note:	Vdraft simplifies the method for choosing the third and fourth points of a rectangular solid. In certain CAD programs, you must pick points 3 and 4 in a figure 8 (or “bow tie”) configuration—or else you get a “bow tie” figure instead of a rectangular area. In Vdraft, you simply pick points in the logical order, proceeding in a rectangular motion.

Related Tools and Information

As an alternative to the Coordinate Entry toolbar, you can also enter coordinates in applicable fields of the modeless Properties dialog box for any drawing object.


	3D FACE command
Use to:	Draw a three-dimensional, three- or four-sided surface. Each corner can be defined by a different Z-coordinate.

Command Access:
on Draw toolbar 3D FACE command on Draw menu
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts for picking each point that defines the object. As you draw, you can:

Right-click to display a context-sensitive pop-up menu with additional drawing tools.

Use precision drafting techniques described in the Drafting QRef (click the Drafting button in the QRefs toolbar in the non-scrolling area of the Help window).

(Optional) After picking the fourth point, left-click to finish one 3D face and begin another, connected face. (After each fourth point pick, Vdraft cycles back and prompts you to choose a third point, using points one and two of the adjacent face as the first two points of the new face.)

Finish the 3D face: right-click for the pop-up, and then click Done Face.

Related Tools and Information

As an alternative to the Coordinate Entry toolbar, you can also enter coordinates in applicable fields of the modeless Properties dialog box for any drawing object.


	POINT command
Use to:	Draw a point object.

Command Access:
on Draw toolbar POINT command on Draw menu
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts for picking each point that defines the object. As you draw, you can:

Right-click to display a context-sensitive pop-up menu with additional drawing tools.

Use precision drafting techniques described in the Drafting QRef (click the Drafting button in the QRefs toolbar in the non-scrolling area of the Help window).

(Optional) Start another point: right-click, and then click Restart Point on the pop-up.

Related Tools and Information

As an alternative to the Coordinate Entry toolbar, you can also enter coordinates in applicable fields of the modeless Properties dialog box for any drawing object.


	RECTANGLE commands
Use to:	Display a submenu with options for these rectangle-drawing methods: 2-Point, 3-Point.


Rectangle/Two-Point command
	RECTANGLE/2-POINT command
Use to:	Draw a rectangle defined by two opposite corners.

Command Access:
on Draw toolbar RECTANGLE/2-POINT command on Draw menu
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts for picking each point that defines the object. As you draw, you can:

Right-click to display a context-sensitive pop-up menu with additional drawing tools. For example, to switch among different rectangle-drawing methods as you draw, click Options for a sub-menu with the Rectangle/3-Point command.

Use precision drafting techniques described in the Drafting QRef (click the Drafting button in the QRefs toolbar in the non-scrolling area of the Help window).

Left-click to finish the rectangle.

(Optional) Start another rectangle: right-click for the pop-up, and then click Restart Rectangle.

Related Tools and Information

As an alternative to the Coordinate Entry toolbar, you can also enter coordinates in applicable fields of the modeless Properties dialog box for any drawing object.


Rectangle/Three-Point command
	RECTANGLE/3-POINT command
Use to:	Draw a rectangle defined by two adjacent corners and the height.

Command Access:
on Draw toolbar RECTANGLE/3-POINT command on Draw menu
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts for picking each point that defines the object. As you draw, you can:

Right-click to display a context-sensitive pop-up menu with additional drawing tools. For example, to switch among different rectangle-drawing methods as you draw, click Options for a sub-menu with the Rectangle/2-Point command.

Use precision drafting techniques described in the Drafting QRef (click the Drafting button in the QRefs toolbar in the non-scrolling area of the Help window).

Left-click to finish the rectangle.

(Optional) Start another rectangle: right-click for the pop-up, and then click Restart Rectangle.

Related Tools and Information

As an alternative to the Coordinate Entry toolbar, you can also enter coordinates in applicable fields of the modeless Properties dialog box for any drawing object.


	POLYGON commands
Use to:	Displays a submenu with options for these polygon-drawing methods: Center, Vertex, Center, Midpoint, and Edge.


	POLYGON/CENTER, VERTEX command
Use to:	Draw an equilateral (regular) polygon with a specified number of sides (from 3 to a maximum of 1,024), defined by center point and vertex (also referred to as an inscribed polygon—i.e., a polygon inscribed within a circle).

Command Access:
on Draw toolbar POLYGON/CENTER, VERTEX command on Draw menu
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts for picking each point that defines the object. As you draw, you can:

Right-click to display a context-sensitive pop-up menu with more drawing tools, including these additional methods for drawing polygons (available on the Options submenu):

Number of Sides.

Direction.

Center, Midpoint

Edge

Use precision drafting techniques described in the Drafting QRef (click the Drafting button in the QRefs toolbar in the non-scrolling area of the Help window).

Left-click to finish the polygon.

(Optional) Start another polygon: right-click for the pop-up, and then click Restart Polygon.

Related Tools and Information

As an alternative to the Coordinate Entry toolbar, you can also enter coordinates in applicable fields of the modeless Properties dialog box for any drawing object.


	POLYGON/CENTER, MIDPOINT command
Use to:	Draw a equilateral (regular) polygon with a specified number of sides (from 3 to a maximum of 1,024),defined by center point and an edge’s midpoint (also referred to as a circumscribed polygon—i.e., a polygon circumscribed about a circle).

Command Access:
on Draw toolbar POLYGON/CENTER, MIDPOINT command on Draw menu
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts for picking each point that defines the object. As you draw, you can:

Right-click to display a context-sensitive pop-up menu with more drawing tools, including these additional methods for drawing polygons (available on the Options submenu):

Number of Sides.

Direction.

Center, Vertex

Edge

Use precision drafting techniques described in the Drafting QRef (click the Drafting button in the QRefs toolbar in the non-scrolling area of the Help window).

Left-click to finish the polygon.

(Optional) Start another polygon: right-click for the pop-up, and then click Restart Polygon.

Related Tools and Information

As an alternative to the Coordinate Entry toolbar, you can also enter coordinates in applicable fields of the modeless Properties dialog box for any drawing object.


	POLYGON/EDGE command
Use to:	Draw an equilateral (regular) polygon with a specified number of sides (from 3 to a maximum of 1,024), defined by an edge and a direction.

Command Access:
on Draw toolbar POLYGON/EDGE command on Draw menu
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts for picking each point that defines the object. As you draw, you can:

Right-click to display a context-sensitive pop-up menu with more drawing tools, including these additional methods for drawing polygons (available on the Options submenu):

Number of Sides.

Direction.

Center, Vertex

Center, Midpoint

Use precision drafting techniques described in the Drafting QRef (click the Drafting button in the QRefs toolbar in the non-scrolling area of the Help window).

Left-click to finish the polygon.

(Optional) Start another polygon: right-click for the pop-up, and then click Restart Polygon.

Related Tools and Information

As an alternative to the Coordinate Entry toolbar, you can also enter coordinates in applicable fields of the modeless Properties dialog box for any drawing object.


	SPLINE commands
Use to:	Display a submenu with an option for this spline-drawing method: 2D.


	SPLINE/2D command
Use to:	Draw a two-dimensional b-Spline; can consist of line and/or arc segments of the same or varied line widths.

Command Access:
on Draw toolbar SPLINE/2D command on Draw menu
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts for picking each point that defines the object. As you draw, you can:

Right-click to display a context-sensitive pop-up menu with more drawing tools, including these additional methods for drawing splines (available on the Options submenu):

Arc.

Direction.

Closed.

Start Width.

Segment Width.

End Width.

Polyline Width.

Default.

Curve Fit.

Quadratic Spline.

Cubic Spline.

Use precision drafting techniques described in the Drafting QRef (click the Drafting button in the QRefs toolbar in the non-scrolling area of the Help window).

Left-click to finish the spline.

(Optional) Start another polygon: right-click for the pop-up, and then click Restart Spline.

Related Tools and Information

As an alternative to the Coordinate Entry toolbar, you can also enter coordinates in applicable fields of the modeless Properties dialog box for any drawing object.


	DONUT command
Use to:	Draw a filled circle or ring

Command Access:
on Draw toolbar DONUT command on Draw menu
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts. Vdraft prompts you to pick a center point, plus two radii—one to define the donut hole, and the other to define the perimeter and thickness of the filled ring.

After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts for picking each point that defines the object. As you draw, you can:

Right-click to display a context-sensitive pop-up menu with additional drawing tools.

Use precision drafting techniques described in the Drafting QRef (click the Drafting button in the QRefs toolbar in the non-scrolling area of the Help window).

Left-click to finish the donut after specifying the second radius.

(Optional) Start another donut: right-click for the pop-up, and then click Restart Donut.

Related Tools and Information

As an alternative to the Coordinate Entry toolbar, you can also enter coordinates in applicable fields of the modeless Properties dialog box for any drawing object.


	TEXT command
Use to:	Draw a text object (add a single line or multiple lines of text to the current drawing), using the current text style.

Command Access:
on Draw toolbar TEXT command on Draw menu
After you start the command, you can either:

Left-click once to anchor the text at a point in the drawing and then type the text.

Type the text (without left-clicking just yet) and then drag the text to where you want to position it. Then click the left mouse button once more to anchor the text.

While drawing your text, you can also:

Press the Enter key to start a new line below the previous line of text.

Right-click to display a context-sensitive popup menu that offers several additional options for manipulating the text and adding special characters.

Use precision drafting techniques described in the Drafting QRef (click the Drafting button in the QRefs toolbar in the non-scrolling area of the Help window).

Related Tools and Information

Use the Text Styles command to choose built-in text styles and create custom text styles.

As an alternative to the Coordinate Entry toolbar, you can also enter coordinates in applicable fields of the modeless Properties dialog box for any drawing object.


Note:	“Below” is relative to the orientation you choose for the text. For example, in addition to placing text in the standard, left-to-right reading format, you can orient text vertically, backwards, or upside down.


	DIMENSIONS commands
Use to:	Display a submenu with options for drawing these dimension types: Horizontal, Vertical, Rotated, Aligned, Angular,Diameter, Radius, X-Ordinate, Y-Ordinate, Baseline, Continuous, and Leader.


	DIMENSIONS command
Use to:	Start a dimension for the selected object.

Command Access:	More Help:
on Draw toolbar DIMENSIONS command on Draw menu See also the toolbuttons for individual dimension types on the Dimensions toolbar	Examples: Horizontal, Vertical, Rotated, Aligned, Angular,, Diameter, Radius,, X-Ordinate, Y-Ordinate,, Baseline, Continuous, Leader,
After you start the command, select the dimension type you want from the Dimensions dialog box. Use screen tips for help on dialog box options (also described under Dialog Box Description, later in this topic). As you dimension, you can:

Right-click to display a context-sensitive pop-up menu with additional drawing tools.

Use precision drafting techniques described in the Drafting QRef (click the Drafting button in the QRefs toolbar in the non-scrolling area of this Help window).

Creating Vdraft “Quick Dimensions”

Use Vdraft “quick dimensions” to rapidly and easily dimension objects and then fine-tune later, if necessary. This method works with all dimension types except X- and Y-ordinate dimensions. You can use either noun-verb selection or verb-noun selection.

To create a “quick dimension” using noun-verb selection:

1	Select the line, arc, circle, or dimension you want to dimension.

2	On the Dimension toolbar, click the button for the type of dimension you want to create.

Vdraft automatically calculates the pick points for the extension lines of the dimension.

3	Drag the ghosted image of the dimension where you want to place it and left-click.

Vdraft displays the pop-up menu.

4	On the pop-up menu, click Done Dimension.

5	Or, use any of the opther options on the pop-up menu (for example, if you want to override the calculated quick dimension points), and then click Done Dimension.

To create a quick dimension using verb-noun selection:

1	On the Dimension toolbar, click the button for the type of dimension you want to create.

2	Right-click for the pop-up menu, and click Select Entity.

3	Select the entity you want to dimension.

Vdraft automatically calculates the pick points for the extension lines of the dimension.

4	Drag the ghosted image of the dimension where you want to place it and left-click.

Vdraft displays the pop-up menu.

5	On the pop-up menu, click Done Dimension.

6	Or, use any of the opther options on the pop-up menu (for example, if you want to override the calculated quick dimension points), and then click Done Dimension.

Shortcuts

You can also directly access the individual dimension commands in the following ways:

On the Dimension toolbar, click the dimension type you want.

On the Draw menu, click Dimension, and then click the type of dimension you want on the sub-menu.

After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts for picking each point that defines the object. As you draw, you can:

Right-click to display a context-sensitive pop-up menu with additional drawing tools.

Use precision drafting techniques described in the Drafting QRef (click the Drafting button in the QRefs toolbar in the non-scrolling area of this Help window).

Dialog Box Description

Use the pushpin if you want to keep the dialog box open in the drawing space as you work.

Click each icon for a description of the corresponding dialog box option.

	Use screen tips as a shortcut to this info!
Horizontal

Vertical

Aligned

Rotated

Angular

Radial

Diameter

X-Ordinate

Y-Ordinate

Leader

Related Tools and Information

Use the Dimension Styles command to choose built-in dimension styles and create custom dimension styles.

As an alternative to the Coordinate Entry toolbar, you can also enter coordinates in applicable fields of the modeless Properties dialog box for any drawing object.


You can “dimension a dimension”—i.e., you can base one dimension on another dimension.


Starts a horizontal linear dimension (a shortcut to the Horizontal Dimension command).


Starts a vertical linear dimension (a shortcut to the Vertical Dimension command).


Starts a rotated linear dimension (a shortcut to the Rotated Dimension command).


Starts a linear aligned dimension (a shortcut to the Aligned Dimension command).


Starts a four-point angular dimension (a shortcut to the 4-Point Dimension command).


Starts a three-point, angular dimension (a shortcut to the Angular Dimension command command).


Starts a radius dimension (a shortcut to the Radius Dimension command).


Starts a diameter dimension (a shortcut to the Diameter Dimension command).


Starts an x-axis ordinate dimension (a shortcut to the X-Ordinate Dimension command).


Starts a y-axis ordinate dimension (a shortcut to the Y-Ordinate Dimension command).


Starts a continuous dimension (a shortcut to the Continuous Dimension command).


Starts a baseline dimension (a shortcut to the Baseline Dimension command).


Starts a leader dimension (a shortcut to the Leader DimensionIDH_DimLdr command).


Horizontal Dimension command
	DIMENSION/ HORIZONTAL command
Use to:	Dimension a linear, horizontal distance of a line, arc, or circle.

Command Access:	More Help:
on Dimensions toolbar DIMENSION/HORIZONTAL command on Draw menu  on Draw toolbar; opens to general DIMENSIONS dialog box
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts for picking each point that defines the object. As you draw, you can:

Right-click to display a context-sensitive pop-up menu with additional drawing tools.

Use precision drafting techniques described in the Drafting QRef (click the Drafting button in the QRefs toolbar in the non-scrolling area of this Help window).

Creating a Quick Horizontal Dimension

Use Vdraft “quick dimensions” to rapidly and easily dimension objects and then fine-tune later, if necessary.

To create a quick horizontal dimension:

1	 Select the line, arc, circle, or dimension.

2	On the Dimensions toolbar, click [image].

3	Drag the ghosted image of the dimension where you want to place it and left-click.

4	Click Done Dimension on the pop-up menu.

5	Optional: Vdraft automatically calculates pick points for the extension lines of the dimension. To override these choices or to further modify the dimension, right-click for the context-sensitive pop-up menu and use options there. Then click Done Dimension.

Note:	The above procedure uses noun-verb selection order. To see a general procedure using verb-noun selection order for creating this type of quick dimension, click [image].

Related Tools and Information

Use the Dimension Styles command to choose built-in dimension styles and create custom dimension styles.

As an alternative to the Coordinate Entry toolbar, you can also enter coordinates in applicable fields of the modeless Properties dialog box for any drawing object.


Vertical Dimension command
	DIMENSION/VERTICAL command
Use to:	Dimension a linear, vertical distance.

Command Access:	More Help:
on Dimensions toolbar DIMENSION/VERTICAL command on Draw menu  on Draw toolbar; opens to general DIMENSIONS dialog box
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts for picking each point that defines the object. As you draw, you can:

Right-click to display a context-sensitive pop-up menu with additional drawing tools.

Use precision drafting techniques described in the Drafting QRef (click the Drafting button in the QRefs toolbar in the non-scrolling area of this Help window).

Creating a Quick Vertical Dimension

Use Vdraft “quick dimensions” to rapidly and easily dimension objects and then fine-tune later, if necessary.

To create a quick vertical dimension:

1	 Select the line, arc, circle, or dimension.

2	On the Dimensions toolbar, click [image].

3	Drag the ghosted image of the dimension where you want to place it and left-click.

4	Click Done Dimension on the pop-up menu.

5	Optional: Vdraft automatically calculates pick points for the extension lines of the dimension. To override these choices or to further modify the dimension, right-click for the context-sensitive pop-up menu and use options there. Then click Done Dimension.

Note:	The above procedure uses noun-verb selection order. To see a general procedure using verb-noun selection order for creating this type of quick dimension, click [image].

Related Tools and Information

Use the Dimension Styles command to choose built-in dimension styles and create custom dimension styles.

As an alternative to the Coordinate Entry toolbar, you can also enter coordinates in applicable fields of the modeless Properties dialog box for any drawing object.


Rotated Dimension command
	DIMENSION/ROTATED command
Use to:	Dimension a linear distance along a specified angle.

Command Access:	More Help:
on Dimensions toolbar DIMENSION/ROTATED command on Draw menu  on Draw toolbar; opens to general DIMENSIONS dialog box
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts for picking each point that defines the object. As you draw, you can:

Right-click to display a context-sensitive pop-up menu with additional drawing tools.

Use precision drafting techniques described in the Drafting QRef (click the Drafting button in the QRefs toolbar in the non-scrolling area of this Help window).

Creating a Quick Rotated Dimension

Use Vdraft “quick dimensions” to rapidly and easily dimension objects and then fine-tune later, if necessary.

To create a quick rotated dimension:

1	 Select the line, arc, circle, or dimension you want to dimension..

2	On the Dimensions toolbar, click [image].

3	Drag the ghosted image of the dimension where you want to place it and left-click.

4	Click Done Dimension on the pop-up menu.

5	Optional: Vdraft automatically calculates pick points for the extension lines of the dimension. To override these choices or to further modify the dimension, right-click for the context-sensitive pop-up menu and use options there. Then click Done Dimension.

Note:	The above procedure uses noun-verb selection order. To see a general procedure using verb-noun selection order for creating this type of quick dimension, click [image].

Related Tools and Information

Use the Dimension Styles command to choose built-in dimension styles and create custom dimension styles.

As an alternative to the Coordinate Entry toolbar, you can also enter coordinates in applicable fields of the modeless Properties dialog box for any drawing object.


Aligned Dimension command
	DIMENSION/ALIGNED command
Use to:	Dimension a linear distance rotation aligned with two base points.

Command Access:	More Help:
on Dimensions toolbar DIMENSION/ALIGNED command on Draw menu  on Draw toolbar; opens to general DIMENSIONS dialog box
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts for picking each point that defines the object. As you draw, you can:

Right-click to display a context-sensitive pop-up menu with additional drawing tools.

Use precision drafting techniques described in the Drafting QRef (click the Drafting button in the QRefs toolbar in the non-scrolling area of this Help window).

Creating a Quick Aligned Dimension

Use Vdraft “quick dimensions” to rapidly and easily dimension objects and then fine-tune later, if necessary.

To create a quick aligned dimension:

1	 Select the line, arc, circle, or dimension you want to dimension..

2	On the Dimensions toolbar, click [image].

3	Drag the ghosted image of the dimension where you want to place it and left-click.

4	Click Done Dimension on the pop-up menu.

5	Optional: Vdraft automatically calculates pick points for the extension lines of the dimension. To override these choices or to further modify the dimension, right-click for the context-sensitive pop-up menu and use options there. Then click Done Dimension.

Note:	The above procedure uses noun-verb selection order. To see a general procedure using verb-noun selection order for creating this type of quick dimension, click [image].

Related Tools and Information

Use the Dimension Styles command to choose built-in dimension styles and create custom dimension styles.

As an alternative to the Coordinate Entry toolbar, you can also enter coordinates in applicable fields of the modeless Properties dialog box for any drawing object.


	DIMENSION/ANGULAR command
Use to:	Dimension an angle.

Command Access:	More Help:
on Dimensions toolbar DIMENSION/ANGULAR command on Draw menu  on Draw toolbar; opens to general DIMENSIONS dialog box
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts for picking each point that defines the object. As you draw, you can:

Right-click to display a context-sensitive pop-up menu with additional drawing tools.

Use precision drafting techniques described in the Drafting QRef (click the Drafting button in the QRefs toolbar in the non-scrolling area of this Help window).

Creating a Quick Angular Dimension

Use Vdraft “quick dimensions” to rapidly and easily dimension objects and then fine-tune later, if necessary.

To create a quick angular dimension:

1	 Select the line, arc, circle, or dimension you want to dimension.

2	On the Dimensions toolbar, click [image].

3	Drag the ghosted image of the dimension where you want to place it and left-click.

4	Click Done Dimension on the pop-up menu.

5	Optional: Vdraft automatically calculates pick points for the extension lines of the dimension. To override these choices or to further modify the dimension, right-click for the context-sensitive pop-up menu and use options there. Then click Done Dimension.

Note:	The above procedure uses noun-verb selection order. To see a general procedure using verb-noun selection order for creating this type of quick dimension, click [image].

Related Tools and Information

Use the Dimension Styles command to choose built-in dimension styles and create custom dimension styles.

As an alternative to the Coordinate Entry toolbar, you can also enter coordinates in applicable fields of the modeless Properties dialog box for any drawing object.


Diameter Dimension command
	DIMENSION/DIAMETER command
Use to:	Dimension the diameter of a circle.

Command Access:	More Help:
on Dimensions toolbar DIMENSION/DIAMETER command on Draw menu  on Draw toolbar; opens to general DIMENSIONS dialog box
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts for picking each point that defines the object. As you draw, you can:

Right-click to display a context-sensitive pop-up menu with additional drawing tools.

Use precision drafting techniques described in the Drafting QRef (click the Drafting button in the QRefs toolbar in the non-scrolling area of this Help window).

Creating a Quick Diameter Dimension

Use Vdraft “quick dimensions” to rapidly and easily dimension objects and then fine-tune later, if necessary.

To create a quick diameter dimension:

1	 Select the circle or arc you want to dimension.

2	On the Dimensions toolbar, click [image].

3	Drag the ghosted image of the dimension where you want to place it and left-click.

4	Click Done Dimension on the pop-up menu.

5	Optional: Vdraft automatically calculates pick points for the extension lines of the dimension. To override these choices or to further modify the dimension, right-click for the context-sensitive pop-up menu and use options there. Then click Done Dimension.

Note:	The above procedure uses noun-verb selection order. To see a general procedure using verb-noun selection order for creating this type of quick dimension, click [image].

Related Tools and Information

Use the Dimension Styles command to choose built-in dimension styles and create custom dimension styles.

As an alternative to the Coordinate Entry toolbar, you can also enter coordinates in applicable fields of the modeless Properties dialog box for any drawing object.


Radius Dimension command
	DIMENSION/RADIUS command
Use to:	Dimension the radius of a circle.

Command Access:	More Help:
on Dimensions toolbar DIMENSION/RADIUS command on Draw menu  on Draw toolbar; opens to general DIMENSIONS dialog box
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts for picking each point that defines the object. As you draw, you can:

Right-click to display a context-sensitive pop-up menu with additional drawing tools.

Use precision drafting techniques described in the Drafting QRef (click the Drafting button in the QRefs toolbar in the non-scrolling area of this Help window).

Creating a Quick Radius Dimension

Use Vdraft “quick dimensions” to rapidly and easily dimension objects and then fine-tune later, if necessary.

To create a quick radius dimension:

1	 Select a circle or arc.

2	On the Dimensions toolbar, click [image].

3	Drag the ghosted image of the dimension where you want to place it and left-click.

4	Click Done Dimension on the pop-up menu.

5	Optional: Vdraft automatically calculates pick points for the extension lines of the dimension. To override these choices or to further modify the dimension, right-click for the context-sensitive pop-up menu and use options there. Then click Done Dimension.

Note:	The above procedure uses noun-verb selection order. To see a general procedure using verb-noun selection order for creating this type of quick dimension, click [image].

Related Tools and Information

Use the Dimension Styles command to choose built-in dimension styles and create custom dimension styles.

As an alternative to the Coordinate Entry toolbar, you can also enter coordinates in applicable fields of the modeless Properties dialog box for any drawing object.


Ordinate Dimension command
	DIMENSION/X-ORDINATE command
Use to:	Create an x-axis ordinate dimension for the selected object.

Command Access:	More Help:
on Dimensions toolbar DIMENSION/X-ORDINATE command on Draw menu  on Draw toolbar; opens to general DIMENSIONS dialog box
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts for picking each point that defines the object. As you draw, you can:

Right-click to display a context-sensitive pop-up menu with additional drawing tools.

Use precision drafting techniques described in the Drafting QRef (click the Drafting button in the QRefs toolbar in the non-scrolling area of this Help window).

Related Tools and Information

Use the Dimension Styles command to choose built-in dimension styles and create custom dimension styles.

As an alternative to the Coordinate Entry toolbar, you can also enter coordinates in applicable fields of the modeless Properties dialog box for any drawing object.


Ordinate Dimension command
	DIMENSION/Y-ORDINATE command
Use to:	Create a Y-axis ordinate dimension for the selected object.

Command Access:	More Help:
on (Dimensions toolbar DIMENSION/Y-ORDINATE command on Draw menu on Draw toolbar; opens to general DIMENSIONS dialog box
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts for picking each point that defines the object. As you draw, you can:

Right-click to display a context-sensitive pop-up menu with additional drawing tools.

Use precision drafting techniques described in the Drafting QRef (click the Drafting button in the QRefs toolbar in the non-scrolling area of this Help window).

Related Tools and Information

Use the Dimension Styles command to choose built-in dimension styles and create custom dimension styles.

As an alternative to the Coordinate Entry toolbar, you can also enter coordinates in applicable fields of the modeless Properties dialog box for any drawing object.


Baseline Dimension command
	DIMENSION/BASELINE command
Use to:	Create a baseline dimension for the selected object.

Command Access:	More Help:
on Dimensions toolbar DIMENSION/BASELINE command on Draw menu on Draw toolbar; opens to general DIMENSIONS dialog box
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts for picking each point that defines the object. As you draw, you can:

Right-click to display a context-sensitive pop-up menu with additional drawing tools.

Use precision drafting techniques described in the Drafting QRef (click the Drafting button in the QRefs toolbar in the non-scrolling area of this Help window).

Creating a Quick Vdraft Baseline Dimension

Use Vdraft “quick dimensions” to rapidly and easily dimension objects and then fine-tune later, if necessary.

To create a quick baseline dimension:

1	 Select the linear or angular dimension you want to base the next dimension on.

2	On the Dimensions toolbar, click [image].

3	Drag the ghosted image of the dimension where you want to place it and left-click.

4	Click Done Dimension on the pop-up menu.

5	Optional: Vdraft automatically calculates pick points for the extension lines of the dimension. To override these choices or to further modify the dimension, right-click for the context-sensitive pop-up menu.

Note:	The above procedure uses noun-verb selection order. To see a general procedure using verb-noun selection order for creating this type of quick dimension, click [image].

Related Tools and Information

Use the Dimension Styles command to choose built-in dimension styles and create custom dimension styles.

As an alternative to the Coordinate Entry toolbar, you can also enter coordinates in applicable fields of the modeless Properties dialog box for any drawing object.


Continued Dimension command
	DIMENSION/CONTINUOUS command
Use to:	Create a continuous dimension for the selected object.

Command Access:	More Help:
on Dimensions toolbar DIMENSION/CONTINUOUScommand on Draw menu  on Draw toolbar; opens to general DIMENSIONS dialog box
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts for picking each point that defines the object. As you draw, you can:

Right-click to display a context-sensitive pop-up menu with additional drawing tools.

Use precision drafting techniques described in the Drafting QRef (click the Drafting button in the QRefs toolbar in the non-scrolling area of this Help window).

Creating a Quick Continuous Dimension

Use Vdraft “quick dimensions” to rapidly and easily dimension objects and then fine-tune later, if necessary.

To create a quick continuous dimension:

1	 Select the linear or angular dimension you want the next dimension to continue from.

2	On the Dimensions toolbar, click [image].

3	Drag the ghosted image of the dimension where you want to place it and left-click.

4	Click Done Dimension on the pop-up menu.

5	Optional: Vdraft automatically calculates pick points for the extension lines of the dimension. To override these choices or to further modify the dimension, right-click for the context-sensitive pop-up menu.

Note:	The above procedure uses noun-verb selection order. To see a general procedure using verb-noun selection order for creating this type of quick dimension, click [image].

Related Tools and Information

Use the Dimension Styles command to choose built-in dimension styles and create custom dimension styles.

As an alternative to the Coordinate Entry toolbar, you can also enter coordinates in applicable fields of the modeless Properties dialog box for any drawing object.


Leader command
	DIMENSION/LEADER command
Use to:	Draw a leader line for a free-floating dimension or annotation.

Command Access:	More Help:
on Dimensions toolbar DIMENSION/LEADER command on Draw menu  on Draw toolbar; opens to general DIMENSIONS dialog box
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts for picking each point that defines the object. As you draw, you can:

Right-click to display a context-sensitive pop-up menu with additional drawing tools.

Use precision drafting techniques described in the Drafting QRef (click the Drafting button in the QRefs toolbar in the non-scrolling area of this Help window).

Related Tools and Information

Use the Dimension Styles command to choose built-in dimension styles and create custom dimension styles.

As an alternative to the Coordinate Entry toolbar, you can also enter coordinates in applicable fields of the modeless Properties dialog box for any drawing object.


	BLOCK/XREF MANAGER command
Use to: Access the Block/Xref Manager dialog box for the following tasks:

Graphically preview blocks and external references (Xrefs) associated with the current drawing and external drawing files you can use as blocks and Xrefs.

Insert one or more instances of a named block in the current drawing.

Attach one or more instances of an external reference to the current drawing.

Reload, detach, or bind an Xref to the current drawing.

Set block/Xref insert options (scale, rotate, explode-block-on-insert).

Output existing blocks to disk as files.

Note:	In the Blocks/Xrefs list on the Internal tab of the dialog box, an x preceding an item name indicates that it is an Xref.

Important:	Working with multiple layers, colors, and linetypes presents special considerations, especially with regard to blocks. For example, color and linetype settings for the current layer may affect the appearance of a newly inserted block.To read more about managing layers, linetypes, colors, and blocks, click [image].

Command Access:
on Draw toolbar or Blocks/Xrefs toolbar BLOCK/XREF MANAGER command on Blocks menu Shortcut: Existing blocks or Xrefs in the current drawing are available via the drop-down list in the Blocks/Xrefs toolbar (click the down arrow and select from the drop-down list). An x preceding an item name indicates that it is an Xref.
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts, and use screen tips for help on dialog box options (also described under Dialog Box Description, later in this topic). When inserting a block/Xref, you can:

Right-click to display a context-sensitive pop-up menu with additional drawing tools.

Use precision drafting techniques described in the Drafting QRef (click the Drafting button in the QRefs toolbar in the non-scrolling area of this Help window).

Dialog Box Description

Note:	Use the pushpin [image] if you want to keep the dialog box open in the drawing space as you work.

	Use screen tips as a shortcut to this info!
Internal tab—insert/attach one or more instances of existing blocks/Xrefs in the current drawing:

Blocks/Xrefs Available in Drawing list box

Block/Xref preview box

Reload button

Detach button

Bind button

Options Settings Enabled/Disabled read-out

Display Base Point check box

Insert Block button

Attach Xref button

External tab—insert a drawing as an external block into the current drawing or attach the first instance of an Xref to the drawing:

Blocks/Xrefs Available on Disk list box

Block/Xref preview box

Path box

Path button

Options Settings Enabled/Disabled read-out

External Reference check box

Display Base Point check box

Extents check box

Insert Block button

Attach Xref button

Options tab—specify pre-set block/Xref insert options (scaling, rotation, and explode-block-on-insert):

Use Options Settings  check box

Common Factor button

Common Factor box

Individual Factors button

X box

Y box

Z box

Rotation box

Explode Block on Insert check box

Output tab—write a block to disk as a file:

Blocks Available to Write to Disk list box

Block/Xref preview box

Copy Block to Clipboard check box

Display Base Point check box

Output Block button

To Clipboard button

Available from all tabs in the dialog box:

Cancel button

Related Tools and Information

To define and attach attributes to blocks, use the Define Attribute command (Block menu).

To edit individual elements of a block reference, use the Explode Blocks command (Modify menu), which returns the block reference to its original components.

To write a block you created previously in the current drawing out to disk as a file, use the Save Blocks As command (Block menu).


Use the Internal tab to insert/attach one or more instances of existing blocks/Xrefs in the current drawing.


Use the External tab to insert a drawing as an external block into the current drawing or attach the first instance of an Xref to the drawing.


Use the Options tab to specify pre-set block/Xref insert options (scaling, rotation, explode-block-on-insert).


Use the Output tab to write a block to disk as a file or to copy it to the Windows Clipboard for pasting into other drawings or documents.


Displays a list of available blocks/Xrefs for the options on this tab. The box at the right previews the selected item from the list.

Internal tab: Lists existing blocks and/or Xrefs in the current drawing (an x preceding an item name indicates that it is an Xref). To insert an instance of a block or Xref, double-click an item name and specify an insert point for the object.

Shortcut: To quickly insert an instance of a block/Xref in the current drawing, in the Blocks/Xrefs toolbar, click the down arrow, and then click the item you want to insert.

Output tab: Displays a list of existing blocks in the current drawing that are available to write to disk as a file (to make the block available to other drawings) or to copy to the Windows Clipboard (to paste into another drawing or document).


To update an Xref during the current session, click the Xref name in the Block/Xrefs Available in Drawing list (an x preceding a name indicates that the item is an Xref). Then click Reload.

Reloading an Xref is useful if the drawing has been modified during the current session, and you want to update to the latest version without closing the master drawing or exiting Vdraft.

Notes:

To attach the first instance of an Xref to a drawing, use the External Reference option on the External tab of this dialog box.

This option is grayed out if the selected item in the list is a block.


To remove an Xref from the current drawing, click the Xref in the Block/Xrefs Available in Drawing list (an x preceding a name indicates that the item is an Xref), and then click Detach.

Notes:

Detaching an Xref also purges the master drawing of dependent symbols such as layer or block names from the Xref.

This option is grayed out if the selected item in the list is a block.


To make an Xref a permanent component of the current drawing, click the Xref in the Block/Xrefs Available in Drawing list (an x preceding a name indicates that the item is an Xref). Then click Bind.

Binding an Xref to a master drawing is useful for archiving or for transmitting the drawing out-of-house. Note that if you don’t bind Xrefs to a master drawing, you must include any Xref drawings along with the master if you archive the drawing or send it out-of-house.

Notes:

If naming conflicts occur between the two drawings—for example, between existing layer names, linetypes, etc., Vdraft automatically supplies a substitute name in the Xref drawing.

This option is grayed out if the selected item in the list is a block.


Indicates whether block/Xref insert options (scaling, rotation, explode-on-insert) are enabled or disabled.

Notes:

To enable/disable these options, click to turn on/off the Use Insert Options check box (Options tab of this dialog box)

To set these options, click the Options tab on this dialog box, and use the settings there (see also the screen tips for those options).


To insert an instance of the currently selected block in the Blocks Available. . .list, click Insert Block (or double-click the block name in the list). Vdraft displays a ghosted, rubber-banding image of the block and prompts you to specify an insert point for the block.

Shortcut: To quickly insert an internal block, on the Blocks toolbar, click the down arrow, and then click the block you want from the drop-down list.
Important:	To read more about managing layers, linetypes, colors, and blocks, click [image].


To insert another instance of an externally referenced drawing (Xref) in the current drawing, click the Xref name in the External References in Drawing list, and then click Insert. Optional: Click Reload to update to the latest version of the Xref.


Displays a list of drawings in the current folder available for inserting as external blocks into the current drawing. The box at the right previews the selected drawing from the list.

To insert a drawing from this folder as a block, double-click the filename in the list, and specify an insert point for the object.

Or, to access drawings in a different folder:

Click Path, specify the folder/filename in the Select Path for Blocks dialog box (see also the screen tips for that dialog box), and then click Open.

Or, click the down arrow in the box above the Path button for recently used paths. Then click the path for the folder you want.


Lists the most recently used paths and folders; use to change the current folder and access drawings in a different folder to use as external blocks:

Click the down arrow in the drop-down list box, and then click the path for the folder you want.

Note:	To browse your entire system, click Path, specify the folder/filename in the Select Path for Blocks dialog box (see also the screen tips for that dialog box), and click Open.


Use to change the current folder and access drawings in a different folder to use as external blocks:

Click Path, specify the folder/filename in the Select Path for Blocks dialog box (see also the screen tips for that dialog box), and click Open.

Note:	To choose from a list of the most recently used paths, click the down arrow in the box above the Path button, and click the path you want.


You can attach another drawing as an externally referenced block in a master drawing. This type of block is called an external reference (abbreviated Xref).

To attach the currently selected drawing in the Block(s) Available on Disk. . .list as an external reference to the current drawing, click to turn on the External Reference check box. Then click Attach Xref.

Note: To see a list of external references attached to the current drawing, click the Xrefs tab in this dialog box.

More Help:

When you attach an Xref to a master drawing, the Xref brings its layers, linetypes, blocks, text styles, and dimension styles into the master drawing. These are known as the Xref’s dependent symbols. For more about dependent symbols, click [image].

Vdraft Handbook—see pages 104-105.


To display the extents (all objects contained in the drawing) of the currently selected drawing in the Block(s) Available on Disk list, click to turn on the Extents check box.

Note:	If the preview image of a large or complex drawing is quite small, try clicking to turn off the Extents check box to enlarge the preview image.


This button changes to reflect the current setting of the External Reference check box.

External Reference check box off: the Insert Block button is displayed.

To attach the currently selected drawing in the Block(s) Available on Disk list as a block in the current drawing, click to turn on the External Reference check box. Then click Insert Block.

External Reference check box on: the Attach Xref button is displayed.

To attach the currently selected drawing in the Block(s) Available on Disk list as an external reference to the current drawing, click to turn on the External Reference check box. Then click Attach Xref.


To put block/Xref insert options (scaling, rotation, explode-on-insert) into effect, click to turn on the Use Options Settings check box.

Note:	To set block/Xref insert options, use the Options tab on this dialog box.


Use the Scaling Options setting to pre-set a common XYZ scaling factor or to use different XYZ scaling factors when inserting a block or an Xref.

Note:	To put insert options on this tab into effect, you must click and turn on the Use Options Settings check box (Internal, External, and Xref tabs).


To pre-set a single XYZ scale factor for block inserts, click Common Factor. Then enter the factor in the Common Factor box (or choose from the history list).

For example, to scale a block insert to 25% of the original image, enter .25 in the Common Factor box.

Note:	To put insert options on this tab into effect, you must click and turn on the Use Options Settings check box (Internal, External, and Xref tabs).


To pre-set a single XYZ scale factor for block inserts, click Common Factor. Then enter the factor in the Common Factor box (or choose from the history list).

For example, to scale a block insert to 25% of the original image, enter .25 in the Common Factor box.

Note:	To put insert options on this tab into effect, you must click and turn on the Use Options Settings check box (Internal, External, and Xref tabs).


To pre-set different XYZ scale factors for block inserts, click Individual Factors. Then enter the factors in the X, Y, and Z boxes (or choose from the history list).

For example, to scale a block insert to 25% horizontally, 20% vertically, and 15% in 3-D (Z), enter .25, .20, and .15 in the X, Y, and Z boxes, respectively.

Note:	To put insert options on this tab into effect, you must click and turn on the Use Options Settings check box (Internal, External, and Xref tabs).


To pre-set different XYZ scale factors for block inserts, click Individual Factors. Then enter the factors in the X, Y, and Z boxes (or choose from the history list).

For example, to scale a block insert to 25% horizontally, 20% vertically, and 15% in 3-D (Z), enter .25, .20, and .15 in the X, Y, and Z boxes, respectively.

Note:	To put insert options on this tab into effect, you must click and turn on the Use Options Settings check box (Internal, External, and Xref tabs).


To pre-set different XYZ scale factors for block inserts, click Individual Factors. Then enter the factors in the X, Y, and Z boxes (or choose from the history lists).

For example, to scale a block insert to 25% horizontally, 20% vertically, and 15% in 3-D (Z), enter .25, .20, and .15 in the X, Y, and Z boxes, respectively.

Note:	To put insert options on this tab into effect, you must click and turn on the Use Options Settings check box (Internal, External, and Xref tabs).


To pre-set different XYZ scale factors for block inserts, click Individual Factors. Then enter the factors in the X, Y, and Z boxes (or choose from the history lists).

For example, to scale a block insert to 25% horizontally, 20% vertically, and 15% in 3-D (Z), enter .25, .20, and .15 in the X, Y, and Z boxes, respectively.

Note:	To put insert options on this tab into effect, you must click and turn on the Use Options Settings check box (Internal, External, and Xref tabs).


To pre-set a rotation for block inserts, enter the rotation angle you want in the Rotation box (or choose from the history list).

For example, to rotate a block insert by 45 degrees, enter 45 in the Rotation box.

Note:	To put insert options on this tab into effect, you must click and turn on the Use Options Settings check box (Internal, External, and Xref tabs).


To specify that Vdraft explodes block inserts upon insertion into the drawing, click to turn on the Explode Block on Insert check box.

Notes:

To put insert options on this tab into effect, you must click and turn on the Use Options Settings check box (Internal, External, and Xref tabs).

Generally, you cannot explode blocks that have been unequally scaled (via the settings under Scaling Options on this tab), especially if they contain circles, arcs, polyline arcs, or point objects (depending on the point display setting).

More Help:

Vdraft Handbook—see pages 95; 98.


Displays the existing blocks in the current drawing that are available to write to disk as a file or to copy to the Windows Clipboard. These options are useful if you want to make an internal block available to other drawings. The box at the right previews the selected drawing from the list.

To write a block to disk as a file, make sure the Copy Block to Clipboard check box is turned off. Click the block name in the Blocks Available to Output list, and click Output Block. In the Output Block dialog box (see also the screen tips for that dialog box), type a filename for the block in the text box, and then click Save.

To copy a block to the Windows Clipboard, click to turn on the Copy Block to Clipboard check box. Click the block name in the Blocks Available to Output list. Then click To Clipboard. In the target drawing, click PASTE FROM CLIPBOARD (Edit menu) insert the block.

Note:	If the Copy Block to Clipboard check box is turned on, the Output Block button changes to To Clipboard.


Use the Copy Block to Clipboard option to quickly copy and paste blocks between drawings or to documents created with other applications.

To copy a block to the Clipboard, click the block you want in the Blocks Available to Output list. Click to turn on the Copy Block to Clipboard check box. Then click To Clipboard. In the target drawing or document, click PASTE FROM CLIPBOARD on Edit menu (or the equivalent command in the application) to insert the block.

Note:	If the Copy Block to Clipboard check box is turned off, the To Clipboard button changes to Output Block.


To write the currently selected block in the Blocks Available to Output list out to disk as a separate file, click Output Block. In the Output Block dialog box (see also the screen tips for that dialog box), type a filename for the block in the text box, and then click Save.

Note:	If the Copy Block to Clipboard check box is turned on, the Output Block button changes to To Clipboard.


To write the currently selected block in the Blocks Available to Output list out to disk to the Windows Clipboard, click to turn on the Copy Block to Clipboard check box. Then click To Clipboard. In the target drawing or document, click PASTE FROM CLIPBOARD on Edit menu (or the equivalent command in the application) to insert the block.

Note:	If the Copy Block to Clipboard check box is turned off, the To Clipboard button changes to Output Block.


Shows a preview of the block, Xref, or drawing currently selected in the list box at the left.


The base point of a block serves as a kind of handle for manipulating the block at insertion. It is displayed as a red box in the block preview window for the currently selected internal or external block (a block written to disk as a file).

The following applies to base points:

When you create an internal or external block, you specify the base point when you create the block.

For any other drawing file that you insert as a block, Vdraft uses 0, 0 as the base point.

To display the base point of the block in the preview image, click to turn on the Display Base Point check box.

Note:	If the base point for a block lies some distance from the actual block itself, the preview image may appear smaller to fit in the base point. To enlarge the preview image of the block itself, click to turn off the Display Base Point check box.


	CREATE BLOCK command
Use to:	Create a new block from a selection set.

Important:	Working with multiple layers, colors, and linetypes presents special considerations, especially with regard to blocks. For example, color and linetype settings for the current layer may affect the appearance of a newly inserted block.To read more about managing layers, linetypes, colors, and blocks, click [image].

Command Access:
CREATE BLOCK command on Blocks menu
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts and use screen tips for help on dialog box options (also described under Dialog Box Description, later in this topic).

Dialog Box Description

	Use screen tips as a shortcut to this info!
Block name (unlabeled) text box

Remove objects when creating the block option button

Replace objects with an insert of new block option button

Leave objects after creating the block option button

OK button

Cancel button

Related Tools and Information

To write a block you created previously in the current drawing out to disk as a file, use the Save Blocks As command (Block menu).


Type a name for the block in the text box to define the selected object(s) as a new block in the current drawing. Next, specify how to handle the original block objects by clicking the desired option (see the screen tip for each option button), and then click OK.

Important:	To read more about managing layers, linetypes, colors, and blocks, click [image].


To erase the original objects comprising a new block from the drawing, click Remove Objects. Then, to insert the new block, select it in the Blocks/Xrefs toolbar and follow the status bar prompts to place the block where you want it.

Important:	To read more about managing layers, linetypes, colors, and blocks, click [image].


To erase the original object(s) comprising a new block from the current drawing and automatically insert them as an instance of the new block in the drawing, click Replace objects.

Important:	To read more about managing layers, linetypes, colors, and blocks, click [image].


To retain the original objects comprising a new block in the current drawing, click Leave objects. Then, to insert the new block, select it in the Blocks/Xrefs toolbar and follow the status bar prompts to place the block where you want it.

Important:	To read more about managing layers, linetypes, colors, and blocks, click [image].


	DEFINE ATTRIBUTE command
Use to:	Create an attribute definition.

Command Access:
DEFINE ATTRIBUTE command on Blocks menu
After you start the command, start typing the text of your attribute tag immediately (don’t click a mouse button yet). Then drag the text to where you want to position it, and click the left mouse button once to anchor the tag.

While drawing attribute tag text, you can also:

Right-click to display a context-sensitive pop-up menu, which offers several additional options for manipulating the text and adding special characters.

Use precision drafting techniques described in the Drafting QRef (click the Drafting button in the QRefs toolbar in the non-scrolling area of the Help window).

Use screen tips for help on dialog box options (also described under Dialog Box Description, later in this topic).

Dialog Box Description

Note:	Use the pushpin [image] if you want to keep the dialog box open in the drawing space as you work.

	Use screen tips as a shortcut to this info!
Tag box (with history list)

Prompt box (with history list)

Default Value box

Invisible option button

Constant option button

Verify option button

Preset option button

OK/Apply button

Cancel button

The options on the General, Text, Justify, and Hyperlink tabs of this dialog box are also described in the Help topic on Attribute Properties.


View or change general object properties such as color, layer, linetype, and thickness for objects.


View or change display format properties of attribute text such as insert point, rotation angle, and scale.


View or change related text properties such as alignment and position of attribute text.


View or change key attribute definition properties such as attribute tags, prompts, and default behavior on insertion into the drawing.


View or change settings for net hyperlinks related to the object.


The attribute tag is the generic name or category associated with the attribute .(e.g., Name, Part Number, etc.). This is also the value used for extracting attributes.

To specify a tag, enter an alphanumeric string in the Tag box. Or, click the down arrow, and choose a previously entered tag from the history list. A block can have one or more attributes associated with it, but each attribute must have a unique tag.

Notes:

Vdraft can display tags of a maximum of 255 characters. In general, however, it’s best to keep tags as concise as possible.

To specify a default value each time the attribute is inserted, use the Default Value property.


The attribute prompt asks for the value the attribute will have when you insert it as part of a block into the drawing. For example, for the prompt Enter the part number, you would specify a character string as the actual value to be entered. This means that each time you insert the block (i.e., for each instance of the block), you can enter a different value for the same attribute.

To specify a prompt, enter an alphanumeric string in the Prompt box. Or, click the down arrow, and choose a previously entered prompt from the history list. If you specify no prompt, Vdraft uses the attribute tag as the prompt.

Notes:

Vdraft can display prompts of a maximum of 255 characters. In general, however, it’s a good idea to keep prompts as concise as possible.

To specify a default value each time the attribute is inserted, use the Default Value property.


Optional. To specify a default value to be displayed for the attribute each time you insert the associated block in the drawing, enter an alphanumeric string in the Default Value box. Or, click the down arrow, and choose a previously entered string from the history list.

Otherwise, in general, you specify the attribute’s value when you insert its associated block. Use the other options on this dialog box tab to set properties that govern that behavior.


To hide the attribute when it’s inserted into the drawing, click to turn on the Invisible check box.

Invisible attributes are useful if you want to extract the information to another application (for example, a report in a spreadsheet or database application) and do not need to view the actual information in the drawing.


To specify the same value for the attribute each time it’s inserted into the drawing, click to turn on the Constant check box.

Use this option if you do not need to be able to edit the attribute. Also, when the Constant property is enabled, the attribute does not have a prompt.

Note:	If you need to be able to edit the attribute later, use the Preset option instead.


To have Vdraft provide a second confirmation prompt when you insert the attribute, click to turn on the Verify check box.

This option is useful for double-checking attributes that contain long numbers or information that is easily misspelled.


To specify the same value for the attribute each time it’s inserted into the drawing, click to turn on the Preset check box.

Use this option if you need to be able to edit the attribute later. Otherwise, use the Constant option.


	SAVE OBJECTS AS command
Use to:	Write a selection set from the current drawing out to disk as a block (creates a separate file).

Command Access:
SAVE OBJECTS AS command on Blocks menu
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts, and use screen tips for help on dialog box options (also described under Dialog Box Description, later in this topic).

Dialog Box Description

	Use screen tips as a shortcut to this info!
Save in: drop-down list box

Files (unlabeled list box)

File name: text box

Save as type: drop-down list box; options:

DWG option (list box)

DXF option (list box)

Save button

Cancel button

Related Tools and Information

To write a block you created previously in the current drawing out to disk as a file, use the Save Blocks As command (Block menu).

Use the options available through the Block/Xref Manager command to insert a block into a drawing.


	SAVE BLOCKS AS command
Use to:	Write an existing block from the current drawing out to disk as a separate file.

Command Access:
SAVE BLOCKS AS command on Blocks menu
Shortcut:	When working with the Block/Xref Manager dialog box open in the drawing space, use the Output button as an equivalent for this command.

After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts, and use screen tips for help on dialog box options (also described under Dialog Box Description, later in this topic).

Dialog Box Description

	Use screen tips as a shortcut to this info!
Save in: drop-down list box

Files (unlabeled list box)

File name: text box

Save as type: drop-down list box; options:

DWG option (list box)

DXF option (list box)

Save button

Cancel button

Related Tools and Information

To write a selection set from the current drawing out to disk as a file, use the Save Objects As command (Block menu).


Properties command
	PROPERTIES command (General tab)
Use to:	View, set, edit properties for the selected object(s).

Command Access (w/ object selected):
on Modify toolbar PROPERTIES command on Settings menu Also available on most context-sensitive pop-up menus
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts, and use screen tips for help on dialog box options (also described under General Tab Description, later in this topic).

Important:	Working with multiple layers, colors, and linetypes presents special considerations, especially with regard to how these properties behave in blocks. For example, color and linetype property settings for the current layer may affect the appearance of a newly inserted block. To read more about managing layers, linetypes, colors, and blocks, click [image].

General Tab Description

Notes

The Properties box for an object contains other tabs in addition to in addition to the General tab. The available options in the Properties dialog box vary, depending on the type of object(s) selected (refer to the object Properties boxes listed under See Also, later in this topic). The options listed under General, apply to all or most drawing objects.

When more than one object is selected, Vdraft displays the Group Properties box. Some property combo boxes may display the setting, *varies, indicating that the selection set includes multiple objects with different settings for a given property.

Use the pushpin if you want to keep the dialog box open in the drawing space as you work.

Use the refresh button to update settings in the dialog box.

	Use screen tips as a shortcut to this info!
Color box

Layer box

Linetype box

Thickness box

Drawing Space setting

Handle listing

Normal listing

OK/Apply button

Cancel button

See Also

Line Properties command

2D Polyline Properties command

3D Polyline Properties command

Arc Properties command

Circle Properties command

2D Solid Properties command

3D Face Properties command

Point Properties command

Spline Propertiescommand

Text Properties command

Linear Dimension Properties command

Angular Dimension Properties command

Diameter Dimension Properties command

Radius Dimension Properties command

Ordinate Dimension Properties command

Insert [Block] Properties command

Attribute DefinitionProperties command

Net Hyperlinks Properties tab


	GROUP PROPERTIES command
Use to:	View, set, edit properties for multiple selected objects; includes provisions for globally changing properties of the selected objects.

Command Access (w/ objects selected):
on Modify toolbar PROPERTIES command on Settings menu Also available on most context-sensitive pop-up menus
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts, and use screen tips for help on dialog box options (also described under Dialog Box Description, later in this topic).

Important:	Working with multiple layers, colors, and linetypes presents special considerations, especially with regard to how these properties behave in blocks. For example, color and linetype property settings for the current layer may affect the appearance of a newly inserted block. To read more about managing layers, linetypes, colors, and blocks, click [image].

Dialog Box Description

Notes:

Use the pushpin if you want to keep the dialog box open in the drawing space as you work.

Use the refresh button to update settings in the dialog box.

When more than one object is selected, some property combo boxes may display the setting, *varies. This indicates that the selection set includes multiple objects with different settings for a given property.

	Use screen tips as a shortcut to this info!
General tab: View or change general settings such as color, layer, linetype, and thickness for objects.

Color box

Layer box

Linetype box

Thickness box (with history list)

Drawing Space setting

Handle listing

Normal listing

Specific tab: View or change settings such as text or dimension styles for object(s).

TextStyle combo box

Dimension Style combo box

Hyperlink tab: View or change settings for net hyperlinks (if any) related to the object (not included as a tab if no hyperlinks are present). To read about the properties on the Hyperlink tab, click [image].

Extended Entity tab: View extended entity data (if any) related to the object (tab included only if extended entity data is present).

OK/Apply button

Cancel button

See Also

Line Properties command

2D Polyline Properties command

3D Polyline Properties command

Arc Properties command

Circle Properties command

2D Solid Properties command

3D Face Properties command

Point Properties command

Spline Propertiescommand

Text Properties command

Linear Dimension Properties command

Angular Dimension Properties command

Diameter Dimension Properties command

Radius Dimension Properties command

Ordinate Dimension Properties command

Insert [Block] Properties command

Attribute DefinitionProperties command

Net Hyperlinks Properties tab


	NET HYPERLINKS commands
Use to:	Display a submenu with options for these net hyperlink tasks: Create LinkNet, Edit Link, Unmake Link, Hyper Tip and Select Links.


Hyperlinks/Create Link command
	NET HYPERLINKS/CREATE LINK command
Use to:	Convert an object into an net hyperlink.

Command Access:
on Hyperlinks toolbar HYPERLINKS/CREATE command on Settings menu
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts, and use screen tips for help on dialog box options (also described under Dialog Box Description, later in this topic).

Dialog Box Description

Use the pushpin if you want to keep the dialog box open in the drawing space as you work.

	Use screen tips as a shortcut to this info!
Enable This Hyperlink check box

URL box (history list)

Text box (history list)

1D Objects option button

2D Objects option button

Visible check box

OK/Apply button

Cancel button

Related Tools and Information

	Unleash the full power of CAD over the World Wide Web!


Hyperlinks/Edit Link command
	NET HYPERLINKS/EDIT LINK command
Use to:	Modify the information in an existing net hyperlink.

Command Access:
on Hyperlinks toolbar HYPERLINKS/EDIT command on Settings menu
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts, and use screen tips for help on dialog box options (also described under Dialog Box Description, later in this topic).

Dialog Box Description

Use the pushpin if you want to keep the dialog box open in the drawing space as you work.

	Use screen tips as a shortcut to this info!
Enable This Hyperlink check box

URL box (history list)

Text box (history list)

1D Objects option button

2D Objects option button

Visible check box

OK/Apply button

Cancel button

Related Tools and Information

	Unleash the full power of CAD over the World Wide Web!


Hyperlinks/Unmake Link command
	NET HYPERLINKS/UNMAKE LINK command
Use to:	remove net hyperlink information from an object.

Command Access:
on Hyperlinks toolbar HYPERLINKS/UNMAKE LINK command on Settings menu
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts, and use screen tips for help on dialog box options (also described under Dialog Box Description, later in this topic).

Dialog Box Description

Use the pushpin if you want to keep the dialog box open in the drawing space as you work.

	Use screen tips as a shortcut to this info!
Enable This Hyperlink check box

URL box (history list)

Text box (history list)

1D Objects option button

2D Objects option button

Visible check box

OK/Apply button

Cancel button

Related Tools and Information

	Unleash the full power of CAD over the World Wide Web!


	NET HYPERLINKS/HYPER TIP command
Use to:	Display Internet hyperlink information in a cursor tip.

Command Access:
on Hyperlinks toolbar NET HYPERLINKS/HYPER TIP command on Settings menu
Use the pushpin if you want to keep the dialog box open in the drawing space as you work.

	Use screen tips as a shortcut to this info!


	NET HYPERLINKS/SELECT LINKS command
Use to:	Select all objects that are Internet hyperlinks.

Command Access:
on Hyperlinks toolbar NET HYPERLINKS/SELECT LINKS command on Settings menu
Related Tools and Information

	Unleash the full power of CAD over the World Wide Web!


	COORDINATES command
Use to:

Set up the coordinate system used for drawing.

Set point filters.

Command Access:
on Coordinate Entry toolbar COORDINATES command on Settings menu
After you start the command, use screen tips for help on dialog box options (also described under Dialog Box Description, later in this topic).

The following table summarizes coordinate systems you can use in Vdraft:

Coordinate  System	Format for  Coordinate Entries	Examples
Rectangular (Cartesian)		Absolute	Relative
2-D	x, y	7, 11	@ 7, 11
3-D	x, y, z	2, 13, 50	@2, 13, 50
Polar
2-D	r<theta  ( or, distance<angle)	12<90	@12<90
3-D (Cylindrical)	r<theta, z  (or, distance<angle, z)	4.5<30, 20	@4.5<30, 20
Spherical
3-D	rho, theta, phi (or, distance<angle1<angle2)	2<50<13	@2<50<13
Notes:

The most convenient way to draw by coordinates is to use the Coordinate Entry toolbar. Most drawing pop-up menus offer an easy shortcut for typing coordinates. Howerver, you can also use the Coordinates dialog box as an alternate way to enter coordinates as you draw. Use the pushpin [image] if you want to keep the dialog box open in the drawing space as you work.

Use the Units command to set the actual drawing units and display precision used in the drawing.

Dialog Box Description

Use the pushpin if you want to keep the dialog box open in the drawing space as you work.

	Use screen tips as a shortcut to this info!
Rectangular tab—Set relative or absolute 2-D and 3-D rectangular coordinates and x, y, z point filters.

X check box

X value box

Y check box

Y value box

Z check box

Z value box

Absolute option button

Relative option button

Units button

Clear Anchors check box

Polar tab—Set relative or absolute polar 2-D and 3-D (sometimes referred to as Cylindrical) polar coordinates and filters for r, theta, and z filters (distance<angle, z).

R (distance) check box

R (distance) box

Theta (angle) check box

Theta (angle) box

Z check box

Z value box

Absolute option button

Relative option button

Units button

Clear Anchors check box

Spherical tab—Set relative or absolute spherical coordinates (sometimes referred to as a variation of 3-D polar) and filters for rho, theta, and phi (distance<angle1<angle2).

Rho (distance) check box

Rho (distance) box

Theta (angle 1) check box

Theta (angle 1) box

Phi (angle 2) check box

Phi (angle 2) box

Absolute option button

Relative option button

Units button

Clear Anchors check box

OK/Apply button

Cancel button

Related Tools and Information

Vdraft has several other key tools for precision drawing by coordinates, many of them available at your fingertips as you draw—via the right-click/context-sensitive pop-up menus:

In addition to the Coordinate Entry toolbar, you can also enter coordinates in applicable fields of the modeless Properties dialog box to edit coordinate locations for any drawing object.

Use buttons on the Coordinate Settings toolbar to easily toggle on/off absolute rectangular, relative rectangular, polar, and spherical (distance/angle) coordinates.

To snap to precise points or coordinates on objects and in the drawing space, use the tools on the Object Snaps toolbar and also the options available though Snap/Grid command.


To review key concepts about rectangular coordinate systems, click [image].

To review key concepts about polar coordinate systems, click [image].

To review key concepts about spherical coordinate systems, click [image].

To review key concepts about precision drawing by coordinates, click [image].


Set relative or absolute 2-D and 3-D rectangular coordinates and x, y, z point filters.


Set relative or absolute polar 2-D and 3-D (sometimes referred to as Cylindrical) polar coordinates and filters for r, theta, and z filters (distance<angle, z).


Set relative or absolute spherical coordinates (sometimes referred to as a variation of 3-D polar) and filters for rho, theta, and phi (distance<angle1<angle2).


The X value is the location of a point along the X-, or horizontal, axis.

To filter out portions of the X value, click to turn on the X check box.

Use this option if you want to extract the X values from selected points to construct a new point using these coordinates.


The X value is the location of a point along the X-, or horizontal, axis.

Use the X value box:

To enter X coordinates as you draw (as an alternate to the Coordinate Entry toolbar).

As a read-out of the current X coordinate (also displayed in the status bar).


The Y value is the location of a point along the Y-, or vertical, axis.

To filter out portions of the Y value, click to turn on the Y check box.

Use this option if you want to extract the Y values from selected points to construct a new point using these coordinates.


The Y value is the location of a point along the Y-, or vertical, axis.

Use the Y value box:

To enter Y coordinates as you draw (as an alternate to the Coordinate Entry toolbar).

As a read-out of the current Y coordinate (also displayed in the status bar).


The Z value is the location of a point along the Z-axis (the axis that lies at right angles to the XY plane—the plane defined by the X and Y axes), which is used in a 3-D coordinate system.

To filter out portions of the Z value, click to turn on the Z check box.

Use this option if you want to extract the Z values from selected points to construct a new point using these coordinates.


The Z value is the location of a point along the Z-axis (the axis that lies at right angles to the XY plane—the plane defined by the X and Y axes), which is used in a 3-D coordinate system.

Use the Z value box:

To enter Z coordinates as you draw (as an alternate to the Coordinate Entry toolbar).

As a read-out of the current Z coordinate (also displayed in the status bar).


The Clear Anchors option allows you to set up point filters as temporary values.

To clear X, Y, or Z values that you’ve used as point filters (after you’ve clicked OK or Apply), click to turn on the Clear Anchors check box.


Absolute coordinates measure coordinate locations using point 0, 0 as the origin or point-of-reference (this is also the point at which the horizontal and vertical axes intersect). Generally, point 0, 0 is the lower-left corner of the drawing, although you can also specify a different location as the point 0, 0 origin (via the Origin option in dialog box for the Snap/Grid command—Grid tab).

To use absolute coordinates, click the Absolute option button.

Shortcuts:	Use buttons on the Coordinate Settings toolbar to easily toggle between absolute rectangular, relative rectangular, absolute polar, and relative polar, respectively (for quick tool identification, pause the mouse pointer over each button to see the tooltip):


Relative coordinates measure coordinate locations using the last point specified as the origin or point-of-reference.

To use relative coordinates, click the Relative option button.

Note:	When entering relative coordinates, you can use the AutoCAD convention of preceding each entry with the @ (at symbol). To continue drawing from the previous data point, simply enter @ (with no additional coordinates).

Shortcuts:	Use buttons on the Coordinate Settings toolbar to easily toggle between absolute rectangular, relative rectangular, absolute polar, and relative polar, respectively (for quick tool identification, pause the mouse pointer over each button to see the tooltip):


To set drawing units and precision used for displaying coordinates, distances, angles, and dimension values, click the Units button.


2-D polar coordinates: The R value is the distance of a point (located along a circle) from the Z-axis.

3-D polar coordinates: The R value is the distance of a point (located along a cylinder) from the Z-axis.

To filter out portions of the R (distance from z axis) value, click to turn on the R check box.

Use this option if you want to extract the R values from selected points to construct a new point using these coordinates.


2-D polar coordinates: The R value is the distance of a point (located along a circle) from the Z-axis.

3-D polar coordinates: The R value is the distance of a point (located along a cylinder) from the Z-axis.

Use the R (distance) value box:

To enter R coordinates as you draw (as an alternate to the Coordinate Entry toolbar).

As a read-out of the current R coordinate (also displayed in the status bar).


The Theta value is the angle out from the X-axis.

To filter out portions of the Theta (angle from x axis) value, click to turn on the Theta check box.

Use this option if you want to extract the Theta values from selected points to construct a new, composite point using these coordinates.


The Theta value is the angle out from the X-axis.

Use the Theta (angle) value box:

To enter Theta coordinates as you draw (as an alternate to the Coordinate Entry toolbar).

As a read-out of the current Theta coordinate (also displayed in the status bar).


The Rho value is the distance of a point (located along a sphere) from the origin.

To filter out portions of the Rho value, click to turn on the Rho check box.

Use this option if you want to extract the Rho values from selected points to construct a new point using these coordinates.


The Rho value is the distance of a point (located along a sphere) from the origin.

Use the Rho value box:

To enter Rho coordinates as you draw (as an alternate to the Coordinate Entry toolbar).

As a read-out of the current Rho coordinate (also displayed in the status bar).


The Phi value is the angle measured up from the XY plane (the plane defined by the X and Y axes).

To filter out portions of the Phi (angle 2) value, click to turn on the Phi check box.

Use this option if you want to extract the Phi values from selected points to construct a new point using these coordinates.


The Phi value is the angle measured up from the XY plane (the plane defined by the X and Y axes).

Use the Phi value box:

To enter Phi coordinates as you draw (as an alternate to the Coordinate Entry toolbar).

As a read-out of the current Phi coordinate (also displayed in the status bar).


	SNAP/GRID command
Use to:	Control these settings and drawing tools:

Grid display and grid snap.

Orthogonal (ortho) mode/snap.

Angle and object snaps.

Conditions for snaps to be in effect.

Size of cursor for choosing objects.

Command Access:
on Snap/Grid toolbar SNAP/GRID command on Settings menu Also available on many context-sensitive  pop-up menus
After you start the command, use screen tips for help on dialog box options (also described under Dialog Box Description, later in this topic).

Shortcuts for options controlled by the Snap/Grid command:

To toggle the grid snap on/off, click [image].

To toggle the ortho mode/snap on/off, click [image].

To toggle the angle snap on/off, click [image].

To toggle the object snaps on/off, click [image].

To set individual object snaps, you can also use the Object Snaps toolbar.

Dialog Box Description

Use the pushpin if you want to keep the dialog box open in the drawing space as you work.

	Use screen tips as a shortcut to this info!
Grid tab—specify grid display settings and to relocate the 0,0 origin point, if desired.

Spacing box

Display box

Iso Spacing box

Origin box

Snap to Grid check box

Isometric Grid check box

Display Grid check box

Same as Snap check box

Angles tab—set ortho mode and and snap angle.

Ortho Snap check box

Snap to Nearest Angle check box

Angle for Snap box

Base Angle for Snap box

Object tab—set precise snap points on objects.

Snap to Objects checkbox

Endpoint check box

Midpoint check box

Center check box

Nearest check box

Point check box

Quandrant check box

Insertion check box

Perpendicular check box

Tangent check box

Intersection check box

When tab—control the conditions under which snap settings are in effect; specify the size of the cursor for selecting objects.

Creating objects checkbox

Moving objects check box

Moving the cursor check box

Snap to selected objects check box

Size of cursor for selecting objects slider


To review key concepts about:

Grid and grid snaps, click [image].

Angle snap options, click [image].

Object snaps, click [image].


Specify grid display settings and to relocate the 0,0 origin point, if desired.


Set ortho mode and and snap angle.


Set precise snap points on objects.


Control the conditions under which snap settings are in effect; specify the size of the cursor for selecting objects.


To set the cursor to accurately snap to the nearest grid point, click to turn on the Snap to Grid check box.


To set an isometric grid, click to turn on the Isometric Grid check box. Then enter the spacing you want in the Iso Spacing box (or choose from the history list).


To set the spacing for an isometric grid, enter the spacing increment you want in the Iso Spacing box (or choose from the history list). (Available only if the Isometric Grid check box is turned on.)


To display the grid, click to turn on the Display Grid check box.


To specify that the grid spacing as displayed is the same as the grid snap spacing, click to turn on the Same as Snap check box.


To relocate the origin point from 0,0 (the default) to another point in the drawing, enter a new X,Y value in the Origin box. Or, click the down arrow, and click a previously entered origin point from the history list.

Note:	You can often use relative coordinates instead of relocating the 0,0 origin point. For more about coordinates, click [image].


To set equal horizontal and vertical grid spacing increments, enter the same value for X and Y in the Spacing box.

To set a different aspect ratio, enter different values for X and Y.

Or, click the down arrow, and then click previously entered grid increments from the history list.


To snap the cursor and restrict lines to 90-degree angles (i.e., draw only perpendicular lines), click to turn on the Ortho Snap check box.


To snap the cursor to the nearest angle, click to turn on the Snap to Nearest Angle check box, and then specify the angle you want in the Angle for Snap box.


To snap the cursor to the nearest angle, select the Snap to Nearest Angle check box, and then specify the angle you want in the Angle for Snap box. Or, click the down arrow, and click a previously entered angle from the history list.


To rotate the base of the angle snap from the default (0 degrees), specify a different angle in the Base Angle for Snap box. Or, click the down arrow, and click a previously entered angle from the history list.


To snap to specific points on objects, first click to turn on the Snap to Objects check box. Then, click to turn on the check box(es) for the object snap(s) you want from the list below.

Note:	You can also set object snaps with the Object Snaps toolbar. .


To snap the cursor to the endpoint of an existing line or arc, click to turn on the Endpoint checkbox.


To snap the cursor to the midpoint of an existing line or arc, click to turn on the Midpoint check box.


To snap to the center point of an arc, circle, or donut, click to turn on the Center check box.


To snap to a point on a line, circle, arc, or other object that is nearest to the cursor, click to turn on the Nearest check box.


To snap the cursor to a point object, click to turn on the Point check box.


To snap the cursor to a quadrant (quarter section) of a circle, donut, or arc, click to turn on the Quadrant check box.


To snap the cursor to the insertion point of a text object, block, or attribute, click to turn on the Insertion check box.


To snap the cursor from the current point on a line, arc, or circle that forms a perpendicular to a selected object, click to turn on the Perpendicular check box.


To snap the cursor to a point on an object that forms a tangent between the object and another point, click to turn on the Tangent check box.


To snap the cursor to the point where two objects cross each other, click to turn on the Intersection check box.


To put snap settings into effect as you draw objects, click to turn on the Creating Objects check box.


To put snap settings into effect as you move objects, click to turn on the Moving Objects check box.


To put snap settings into effect as you move the cursor, click to turn on the Moving the Cursor check box.


To put snap settings into effect only with objects that are selected, click to turn on the Snap to Selected Objects check box.


To adjust the size of the cursor’s aperture for selecting objects, click the arrows or drag the slider box until the cursor is the size you want, as displayed in the preview box to the left of the slider.


	ENDPOINT SNAP command
Use to:	Snap the cursor to the endpoint of an existing line or arc.

Command Access:	More Help:
on Object Snaps toolbar Also available through the Snap/Grid command (on the Object tab of the dialog box)
Note:	Toggling object snap settings on/off with the Object Snap command/button overrides settings with individual buttons on the Object Snaps toolbar.


	MIDPOINT SNAP command
Use to:	Snap the cursor to the midpoint of an existing line or arc.

Command Access:	More Help:
on Object Snaps toolbar Also available through the Snap/Grid command (on the Object tab of the dialog box)
Note:	Toggling object snap settings on/off with the Object Snap command/button overrides settings with individual buttons on the Object Snaps toolbar.


Center Snap command
	CENTERPOINT SNAP command
Use to:	Snap the cursor to the center point of an arc, circle, or donut.

Command Access:	More Help:
on Object Snaps toolbar Also available through the Snap/Grid command (on the Object tab of the dialog box)
Note:	Toggling object snap settings on/off with the Object Snap command/button overrides settings with individual buttons on the Object Snaps toolbar.


	NEAREST SNAP command
Use to:	Snap the cursor to a point on a line, circle, arc, or other object that is nearest to the cursor.

Command Access:	More Help:
on Object Snaps toolbar Also available through the Snap/Grid command (on the Object tab of the dialog box)
Note:	Toggling object snap settings on/off with the Object Snap command/button overrides settings with individual buttons on the Object Snaps toolbar.


	POINT SNAP command
Use to:	Snap the cursor to a point object.

Command Access:	More Help:
on Object Snaps toolbar Also available through the Snap/Grid command (on the Object tab of the dialog box)
Note:	Toggling object snap settings on/off with the Object Snap command/button overrides settings with individual buttons on the Object Snaps toolbar.


	QUADRANT SNAP command
Use to:	Snap the cursor to a quadrant (quarter section) of a circle, donut, or arc.

Command Access:	More Help:
on Object Snaps toolbar Also available through the Snap/Grid command (on the Object tab of the dialog box)
Note:	Toggling object snap settings on/off with the Object Snap command/button overrides settings with individual buttons on the Object Snaps toolbar.


	INSERTION SNAP command
Use to:	Snap the cursor to the insertion point of a text object, block, or attribute.

Command Access:	More Help:
on Object Snaps toolbar Also available through the Snap/Grid command (on the Object tab of the dialog box)
Note:	Toggling object snap settings on/off with the Object Snap command/button overrides settings with individual buttons on the Object Snaps toolbar.


	PERPENDICULAR SNAP command
Use to:	Snap the cursor from the current point on a line, arc, or circle that forms a perpendicular to a selected object.

Command Access:	More Help:
on Object Snaps toolbar Also available through the Snap/Grid command (on the Object tab of the dialog box)
Note:	Toggling object snap settings on/off with the Object Snap command/button overrides settings with individual buttons on the Object Snaps toolbar.


	INTERSECTION SNAP command
Use to:	Snap the cursor to the point where two objects cross each other.

Command Access:	More Help:
on Object Snaps toolbar Also available through the Snap/Grid command (on the Object tab of the dialog box)
Note:	Toggling object snap settings on/off with the Object Snap command/button overrides settings with individual buttons on the Object Snaps toolbar.


	UNITS command
Use to:	Set the drawing units and precision used for displaying coordinates, distances, angles, and dimension values.

Command Access:
on Coordinates Settings toolbar UNITS command on Settings menu
After you start the command, use screen tips for help on dialog box options (also described under Dialog Box Description, later in this topic).

Note:	Use the Coordinates command to set up your coordinate system and set point filters.

Dialog Box Description

Use the pushpin if you want to keep the dialog box open in the drawing space as you work.

	Use screen tips as a shortcut to this info!
Units tab—specify basic drawing units, display format, and display precision.

Scientific option button

Decimal option button

Engineering option button

Architectural option button

Fractional option button

Precision box

OK/Apply button

Cancel button

Angles tab—specify angular measurement units, display format, and display precision.

Decimal degrees option button

Deg/Min/Sec option button

Grads option button

Radians option button

Surveyor option button

Precision box

Base Angle box

Clockwise option button

Counter Clockwise option button

Metric/Scale tab—specify metric units, scale drawing units, use different display formats for units.

Scale Units By option button

Scale Units By box

1 Drawing Unit = option button

1 Drawing Unit = box

1 Drawing Unit = 1Inch option button

Display Units As box

Important: The display precision settings are different from the actual precision of the drawing objects as stored in the object database. Vdraft stores drawing objects as vector graphics and as floating-point values with an accuracy to fourteen decimal places. The maximum display precision is eight decimal places or 1/256”.


Specify basic drawing units, display format, and display precision.


Specify angular measurement units, display format, and display precision.


Units command/dialog box options for the Units tab:

Scientific option button

Decimal option button

Engineering option button

Architectural option button

Fractional option button

Precision box

OK/Apply button

Cancel button


The Units setting determines your basic drawing units—i.e., the format and appearance of coordinates and numerical values. This setting affects the following:

Input/output format of coordinates and numerical information—for example, in the status bar display, cursor tips display, Coordinate Entry toolbar, and in any dialog boxes that display coordinates and numbers.

Input/output format of values in dimensions.

Input/output format of values displayed when measuring with the Distance or Area commands (View menu).

To display coordinates, values, and dimensions as real numbers raised to a power of ten, click the Scientific option button. Then specify the display precision you want in the Precision box.

Example: 1.86E+001

Note:	Vdraft’s maximum display precision is eight (8) decimal or fractional (1/256) places, but actual precision is stored at fourteen (14) decimal places.


The Units setting determines your basic drawing units—i.e., the format and appearance of coordinates and numerical values. This setting affects the following:

Input/output format of coordinates and numerical information—for example, in the status bar display, cursor tips display, Coordinate Entry toolbar, and in any dialog boxes that display coordinates and numbers.

Input/output format of values in dimensions.

Input/output format of values displayed when measuring with the Distance or Area commands (View menu).

Default unit. To display coordinates and dimensions as decimal units, click the Decimal option button. Then specify the display precision you want in the Precision box.

Example: 20.68

Note:	Vdraft’s maximum display precision is eight (8) decimal or fractional (1/256) places, but actual precision is stored at fourteen (14) decimal places.


The Units setting determines your basic drawing units—i.e., the format and appearance of coordinates and numerical values. This setting affects the following:

Input/output format of coordinates and numerical information—for example, in the status bar display, cursor tips display, Coordinate Entry toolbar, and in any dialog boxes that display coordinates and numbers.

Input/output format of values in dimensions.

Input/output format of values displayed when measuring with the Distance or Area commands (View menu).

To display coordinates and dimensions as feet, inches, and decimal parts of an inch, click the Engineering option button. Then specify the display precision you want in the Precision box.

Example: 8’3.33”

Important:	Vdraft uses inches as the default Engineering unit and automatically converts and displays 12 inches as one foot. When entering coordinates or measurements in feet, always specify the foot symbol (‘). Example: 1’9.94”

Note:	Vdraft’s maximum display precision is eight (8) decimal or fractional (1/256) places, but actual precision is stored at fourteen (14) decimal places.


The Units setting determines your basic drawing units—i.e., the format and appearance of coordinates and numerical values. This setting affects the following:

Input/output format of coordinates and numerical information—for example, in the status bar display, cursor tips display, Coordinate Entry toolbar, and in any dialog boxes that display coordinates and numbers.

Input/output format of values in dimensions.

Input/output format of values displayed when measuring with the Distance or Area commands (View menu).

To display coordinates and dimensions as feet, inches, and fractional parts of an inch, click the Architectural option button. Then specify the display precision you want in the Precision box.

Example: 6 ¾

Important:	Vdraft uses inches as the default Architectural unit and automatically converts and displays 12 inches as one foot. When entering coordinates or measurements in feet, always specify the foot symbol (‘). Example: 3’ 5 1/8”

Note:	Vdraft’s maximum display precision is eight (8) decimal or fractional (1/256) places, but actual precision is stored at fourteen (14) decimal places.


The Units setting determines your basic drawing units—i.e., the format and appearance of coordinates and numerical values. This setting affects the following:

Input/output format of coordinates and numerical information—for example, in the status bar display, cursor tips display, Coordinate Entry toolbar, and in any dialog boxes that display coordinates and numbers.

Input/output format of values in dimensions.

Input/output format of values displayed when measuring with the Distance or Area commands (View menu).

To display coordinates and dimensions as whole units and fractional parts of an unit, click the Fractional option button. Fractional units can represent any system of measure or value such as miles, feet, or inches. Then specify the display precision you want in the Precision box.

Note:	Vdraft’s maximum display precision is eight (8) decimal or fractional (1/256) places, but actual precision is stored at fourteen (14) decimal places.


The Display Precision setting determines the accuracy (to a specified number of decimal or fractional places) as displayed for coordinates and numerical values in your specified drawing units. (As explained below, display precision is different from the actual precision stored in the object database.) The Display Precision setting affects the following:

Input/output appearance of coordinates and numerical information—for example, in the status bar display, cursor tips display, Coordinate Entry toolbar, and in any dialog boxes that display coordinates and numbers.

Input/output appearance of values in dimensions (see also Important, below).

Input/output appearance of values displayed when measuring with the Distance or Area commands (View menu).

The exact format of the precision readout is determined by the basic drawing units you specify on the Units tab of this dialog box (Scientific, Decimal, Engineering, Architectural, or Fractional).

Important:

“Actual precision” versus “display precision.” The actual precision stored for drawing objects in the object database is different from display precision. Vdraft stores drawing objects as vector graphics and as floating-point values with actual precision accuracy to fourteen (14) decimal places. Vdraft’s maximum display precision is eight (8) decimal places or eight fractional places (1/256”).

Use greater display precision than you need. Because Vdraft rounds off displayed values according to the display precision you set, in general, it’s a good idea to set at least one level greater precision than what you need displayed in dimensions. This will ensure that extremely minute measurements are not displayed as 0 (for example, with Display Precision set to 0.00, a radius whose actual stored value is 0.0028 would be displayed in a cursor tip or in a Properties box as 0.00). This will also help you detect errors during drawing—for example, if a measurement is rounded off per your display precision. When you are ready to dimension your edited drawing, specify how you want to round off dimensions (to the nearest ½ inch, nearest ¼ inch, and so forth) in the Dimension Styles dialog box (Round Off setting).

To set the display precision, click the down arrow, and then choose the display precision you want in the Precision box.


Units command/dialog box options for the Angles tab:

Decimal degrees option button

Deg/Min/Sec option button

Grads option button

Radians option button

Surveyor option button

Precision box

Base Angle box

Clockwise option button

Counter Clockwise option button

OK/Apply button

Cancel button


The Angles setting determines the format and appearance of angular coordinates and numerical values. This setting affects the following:

Input/output appearance of coordinates and numerical information—for example, in the status bar display, cursor tips display, Coordinate Entry toolbar, and in any dialog boxes that display coordinates and numbers.

Input/output appearance of values in dimensions.

Input/output appearance of values displayed when measuring with the Distance or Area commands (View menu).

Default setting. To display angular measurement as real numbers with a maximum of 8 decimal places, click the Decimal Degrees option button. Then specify the display precision you want in the Precision box.

Example: 90.5000

Note:	Vdraft’s maximum display precision is eight (8) decimal or fractional (1/256) places, but actual precision is stored at fourteen (14) decimal places.


The Angles setting determines the format and appearance of angular coordinates and numerical values. This setting affects the following:

Input/output appearance of coordinates and numerical information—for example, in the status bar display, cursor tips display, Coordinate Entry toolbar, and in any dialog boxes that display coordinates and numbers.

Input/output appearance of values in dimensions.

Input/output appearance of values displayed when measuring with the Distance or Area commands (View menu).

To display angular measurement as degrees, minutes, and seconds, click the Deg/Min/Sec option button. Then specify the display precision you want in the Precision box.

Vdraft uses ASCII characters and displays measurements of less than one second as decimal places.

Example: 90d30’0”

Note:	Vdraft’s maximum display precision is eight (8) decimal or fractional (1/256) places, but actual precision is stored at fourteen (14) decimal places.


The Angles setting determines the format and appearance of angular coordinates and numerical values. This setting affects the following:

Input/output appearance of coordinates and numerical information—for example, in the status bar display, cursor tips display, Coordinate Entry toolbar, and in any dialog boxes that display coordinates and numbers.

Input/output appearance of values in dimensions.

Input/output appearance of values displayed when measuring with the Distance or Area commands (View menu).

To display angular measurement as grads (90 degrees = 100 grads), click the Grads option button. Then specify the display precision you want in the Precision box.

Vdraft displays a grad measurement with a lowercase g after the value.

Example: 45.3333g

Note:	Vdraft’s maximum display precision is eight (8) decimal or fractional (1/256) places, but actual precision is stored at fourteen (14) decimal places.


The Angles setting determines the format and appearance of angular coordinates and numerical values. This setting affects the following:

Input/output appearance of coordinates and numerical information—for example, in the status bar display, cursor tips display, Coordinate Entry toolbar, and in any dialog boxes that display coordinates and numbers.

Input/output appearance of values in dimensions.

Input/output appearance of values displayed when measuring with the Distance or Area commands (View menu).

To display angular measurement as radians (1 radian = 180/pi degrees), click the Radians option button. Then specify the display precision you want in the Precision box.

Vdraft displays a radian measurement with a lowercase r after the value.

Example: 0.8371r

Note:	Vdraft’s maximum display precision is 8 decimal or fractional (1/256) places, but actual precision is stored at fourteen (14) decimal places.


The Angles setting determines the format and appearance of angular coordinates and numerical values. This setting affects the following:

Input/output appearance of coordinates and numerical information—for example, in the status bar display, cursor tips display, Coordinate Entry toolbar, and in any dialog boxes that display coordinates and numbers.

Input/output appearance of values in dimensions.

Input/output appearance of values displayed when measuring with the Distance or Area commands (View menu).

To display angular measurement as quadrant bearings plus minutes, degrees, and seconds, click the Surveyor option button. Then specify the display precision you want in the Precision box.

Note:	Surveyors units are derived from a circle divided into four quadrants. Therefore, the maximum angular value you can use in Surveyors units is 90 degrees.

Example: N85d25’0”E

Note:	Vdraft’s maximum display precision is eight (8) decimal or fractional (1/256) places, but actual precision is stored at fourteen (14) decimal places.


The Display Precision setting determines the accuracy (to a specified number of decimal or fractional places) as displayed for angular values and coordinates. (As explained below, display precision is different from the actual precision stored in the object database.) The Display Precision setting affects the following:

Input/output appearance of angular coordinates and numerical information—for example, in the status bar display, cursor tips display, Coordinate Entry toolbar, and in any dialog boxes that display coordinates and numbers.

Input/out appearance of values in dimensions (see also Important, below).

Input/out appearance of values displayed when measuring with the Distance or Area commands (View menu).

The format of the precision readout is determined by the setting you specify on the Angles tab of this dialog box (Decimal degrees, Deg/Min/Sec, Grads, Radians, or Surveryor).

Important:

“Actual precision” versus “display precision.” The actual precision stored for drawing objects in the object database is different from the display precision. Vdraft stores drawing objects as vector graphics and as floating-point values with actual precision accuracy to fourteen (14) decimal places. The maximum display precision is eight (8) decimal places or eight fractional places (1/256”).

Use greater display precision than you actually need. Because Vdraft rounds off displayed values according to the display precision you set, in general, it’s a good idea to set at least one level greater precision than what you need displayed in dimensions. This will ensure that extremely minute measurements are not displayed as 0 (for example, with Display Precision set to 0.00, a radius whose actual stored value is 0.0028 would be displayed in a cursor tip or in a Properties box as 0.00). This will also help you detect errors during drawing—for example, if a measurement is rounded off per your display precision. When you are ready to dimension your edited drawing, specify how you want to round off dimensions (nearest ½ degree, nearest ¼ degree, and so forth) in the Dimension Styles dialog box (Round Off setting).

To set the display precision, click the down arrow, and then choose the display precision you want in the Precision box.


Vdraft’s default base angle setting (angle 0) sets 0 degrees toward the right (i.e., “east” or the “three o’clock” position). Also, by default, angles increase in counterclockwise direction. You can change both of these settings.

To change the angle direction and location of 0 degrees, specify the angle you want in the Base Angle box. That value then becomes the new base angle/angle 0 direction.

Examples

To specify Angle 0 in this direction	Enter this value in the Base Angle box
East (default)	0 (see illustration A)
North	90
West	180
South	270
Other	45 (see illustration B)


Vdraft assumes a default angle 0 direction of 0 degrees toward the right (or east or three o’clock). This means angles increase in counterclockwise direction.

To change the direction to measure angles clockwise from the north, click the Clockwise option button.


Default. Vdraft assumes a default angle 0 direction of 0 degrees toward the right (or east or three o’clock). This means angles increase in counterclockwise direction.

To measure angles counterclockwise from the east, click the Counterclockwise option button.


Use the Scale Units By setting to set a scale factor for the drawing. All linear units as well as input will be scaled by this factor.

To set a scale factor for units, click the Scale Units By button, and enter a scale factor in the combo box at the right (or choose from the history list).

For example, entering a .25 in the combo box to set a scale factor of 1/4.


Use the Scale Units By setting to set a scale factor for the drawing. All linear units as well as input will be scaled by this factor.

To set a scale factor for units, click the Scale Units By button, and enter a scale factor in this combo box (or choose from the history list).

For example, entering a .25 in the combo box to set a scale factor of 1/4.


Use the 1 Drawing Unit = setting to specify metric units as your drawing units.

To set metric units, click the 1 Drawing Unit = button, and then choose the unit delineation (mm, cm, m, or km) from the list box at the right.

Note:	Vdraft also automatically converts input to metric. For example, if you type in 1” into a field in a combo box or into the Coordinate Entry toolbar, Vdraft will convert it to metric.


Use the 1 Drawing Unit = setting to specify metric units as your drawing units.

To set metric units, click the 1 Drawing Unit = button, and then choose the unit delineation (mm, cm, m, or km) from this list box.

Note:	Vdraft also automatically converts input to metric. For example, if you type in 1” into a field in a combo box or into the Coordinate Entry toolbar, Vdraft will convert it to metric.


Use the 1 Drawing Unit = setting to specify metric units as your drawing units.

To set metric units, click the 1 Drawing Unit = button, and then choose the unit delineation (mm, cm, m, or km) from this list box.

Note:	Vdraft also automatically converts input to metric. For example, if you type in 1” into a field in a combo box or into the Coordinate Entry toolbar, Vdraft will convert it to metric.


Use the 1 Drawing Unit = 1 inch setting to specify inches as your drawing units but to display drawing units as metric.

Click the 1 Drawing Unit = 1 inch button, and then choose the unit delineation (mm, cm, m, or km) from the Display Units As combo box.


Use the 1 Drawing Unit = 1 inch setting to specify inches as your drawing units but to drawing units as metric.

Click the 1 Drawing Unit = 1 inch button, and then choose the unit delineation (mm, cm, m, or km) from this combo box.


	OBJECT CREATION command
Use to:	Set properties and other defaults to be in effect when creating new objects.

Command Access:
OBJECT CREATION command on Settings menu
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts, and use screen tips for help on dialog box options (also described under Dialog Box Description, later in this topic).

Important:	Working with multiple layers, colors, and linetypes presents special considerations, especially with regard to blocks. For example, the current color and linetype settings or the color/linetype pre-sets for the current layer may affect the appearance of a newly inserted block in unexpected ways.To read more about managing layers, linetypes, colors, and blocks, click [image].

Dialog Box Description

Use the pushpin if you want to keep the dialog box open in the drawing space as you work.

	Use screen tips as a shortcut to this info!
General tab—view or change general properties such as color, layer, linetype, and thickness to be assigned to new objects.

Color button

Color box

Layer button

Layer box

Linetype button

Linetype box

Thickness box

Drawing space setting

Handle listing

Specific tab—view or change properties for text style and dimension style to be assigned to new objects.

Text StyleObjsetng button

TextStyleObjsetng box

Dimension StyleObjsetng button

Dimension StyleObjsetng box

OK/Apply button

Cancel button

OK/Apply button

Cancel button

Note:	To change properties of an existing object, use the object’s Properties dialog box.


View or change general properties such as color, layer, linetype, and thickness to be assigned to new objects.


View or change properties for text style and dimension style to be assigned to new objects.


 $Object Creation command/dialog box options for the General tab:

Color button

Color box

Layer button

Layer box

Linetype button

Linetype box

Thickness box

Drawing space setting

Handle listing

OK/Apply button

Cancel button


The Color button is a shortcut to the Colors command.

Click the Color button to display the Colors command dialog box, which shows the currently active color plus all available colors laid out in a grid.


Displays the current color in effect as the default for new objects.

To change this setting, click the down arrow in the Color box.

Important:	To read more about managing layers, linetypes, colors, and blocks, click [image].


The Layer button is a shortcut to the Layers command. .

To display the Layers dialog box, adjust layer settings, or create new layers, click the Layer button.


Displays the currently active layer as the default for new objects.

To change this setting, click the down arrow in the Layer box, and then follow these guidelines for handling new objects with regard to layers:

Important:	To read more about managing layers, linetypes, colors, and blocks, click [image].


Click the Linetype button to display the Linetypes dialog box for specifying built-in linetypes and creating custom linetypes.


Displays the current linetype in effect as the default for new objects.

To change this setting, click the down arrow in the Linetype box, and then click the linetype you want.

Important:	To read more about managing layers, linetypes, colors, and blocks, click [image].


An object’s thickness refers to the distance that the object is extruded above or below its elevation (the Z value of the XY plane on which the object’s base is drawn) when the object is viewed in 3-D. A positive number for thickness extrudes the 3-D image upward (positive Z value); a negative number extrudes the 3-D image downward (negative Z value).

By default, Vdraft assigns a thickness of 0.00” to new objects.

To change this setting, enter the value you want in the Thickness box. Or, click the down arrow, and choose a previously entered setting from the history list.

The effects of any setting other than 0.00” are not apparent until the object is viewed in 3-D.


Indicates the drawing space (modelspace, paperspace, or paperspace ports) currently in effect and in which subsequent new objects will reside. This property is read-only in this dialog box.

Notes:	The three drawing spaces are used for different purposes. After setting Object Creation defaults, if necessary, switch to the appropriate drawing space before you resume drawing.

More Help:

If you need help figuring out which drawing space is appropriate for parts of your drawing, click [image] to review key concepts about the different drawing spaces (including a helpful table that compares the three).


Displays the next available handle Vdraft will assign to an object. An object’s handle is the unique identifier Vdraft permanently assigns to each object you draw. The handle is saved with the drawing file and deleted only if you delete the object from the drawing. In this case, Vdraft does not use that particular handle again in the drawing. A handle is a read-only property and can be used by DXF and by other applications.


Object Creation command/dialog box options for the Specific tab:

Text StyleObjsetng button

TextStyleObjsetng box

Dimension StyleObjsetng button

Dimension StyleObjsetng box

OK/Apply button

Cancel button


Click the Text Style button to display the Text Styles dialog box for specifying built-in text styles and creating custom text styles.


Displays the current text style in effect as the default for new objects.

To change this setting, click the down arrow in the Text Styles box, and then click the text style you want.


Click the Dimension Style button to display the Dimension Styles dialog box for specifying built-in text styles and creating custom dimension styles.


Displays the current dimension style in effect as the default for new objects.

To change this setting, click the down arrow in the Dimension Styles box, and then click the dimension style you want:


	LAYERS command
Use to:	Control layer creation and layer settings and properties.

Command Access:
on Layers toolbar LAYERS command on Settings menu Also available via the Layers button in the Object Creation dialog box
After you start the command, use screen tips for help on dialog box options (also described under Dialog Box Description, later in this topic).

Shortcut:	The box on the Layers toolbar is loaded with layers defined for the current drawing. To change the currently active layer, click the down arrow of the box, and then click the desired layer.

Important:	Working with multiple layers, colors, and linetypes presents special considerations, especially with regard to blocks. For example, the current color and linetype settings or the color/linetype pre-sets for the current layer may affect the appearance of a newly inserted block in unexpected ways.To read more about managing layers, linetypes, colors, and blocks, click [image].

Dialog Box Description

Use the pushpin if you want to keep the dialog box open in the drawing space as you work.

	Use screen tips as a shortcut to this info!
Current Layer setting

Layers (unlabeled) list box

Make Current button

New button

Rename button

Select All button

Display check box

Frozen check box

Frozen in Current Viewport box

Color box

Linetype box

OK/Apply button

Cancel button


Displays the currently active layer.

To change this setting, click the down arrow in the Layers box.

Important:	Working with multiple layers, colors, and linetypes presents special considerations, especially with regard to blocks. For example, the current color and linetype settings or the color/linetype pre-sets for the current layer may affect the appearance of a newly inserted block in unexpected ways.To read more about managing layers, linetypes, colors, and blocks, click [image].


Displays the existing layers available in the current drawing.


To change the currently active layer, select the layer in the list box, click Make Current, and then click OK or Apply.


To add a new layer to the drawing, click New. In the Create New Layer dialog box, enter a layer name, and then click OK or Apply.


To rename a layer, select the layer in the list box, and then click Rename. In the Rename Layer dialog box, enter a new name, and then click OK or Apply.


To select all layers in the list box, click Select All.


You can turn off the visibility of a layer to:

View only layers of the drawing you want to focus on, which simplifies the amount of information on the screen.

Print or plot selected layers of the drawing. Though invisible layers are still part of the drawing, Vdraft prints or plots only visible layers.

To display/hide a layer, select it in the list box, click to turn on/turn off the Display check box, and then click OK or Apply.


You can freeze a layer to:

Speed up screen regeneration. Though frozen layers are still part of the drawing, they are not regenerated.

View only layers of the drawing you want to focus on, which simplifies the amount of information on the screen. This option is similar to turning off the display of the layer.

To freeze/thaw a layer, select it in the list box, click to turn on/turn off the Frozen check box, and then click OK or Apply.


You can freeze a layer in the current viewport to:

Turn off display of that layer in one or more viewports in paperspace. Thus, you can view only those layers of the drawing you want to focus on. This simplifies the amount of information on the screen and allows you to tailor the information presented in a given view. Note that the layer is still visible in other viewports and in modelspace unless you freeze it in any of those instances, as well.

Speed up screen regeneration. Though frozen layers are still part of the drawing, they are not regenerated.

To freeze/thaw a layer in the current viewport, make sure you are in Paperspace Ports. Select the layer you want to freeze in the list box, click to turn on/turn off the Frozen in Current Viewport check box, and then click OK or Apply.

Note:	When you change the current viewport, the Layers dialog box automatically refreshes and updates to indicate the status of the current layer (frozen or thawed) in that viewport. For example, if you freeze a layer only in viewport A, when you switch to viewport B and work in the Layers dialog box, the checkbox for this setting would be unchecked to indicate that the layer is still thawed in viewport B.


Displays the current color assigned to the layer.

To change this setting, click the down arrow in the Colors box, and then click the color you want.

Note:	For this change to affect any new objects subsequently drawn on this layer, the current color, as reflected in the Colors toolbar, must be set to Same As Layer.

Important:	Working with multiple layers, colors, and linetypes presents special considerations, especially with regard to blocks. For example, color and linetype settings for the current layer may affect the appearance of a newly inserted block.To read more about managing layers, linetypes, colors, and blocks, click [image].


Displays the current linetype assigned to the layer.

To change this setting, click the down arrow in the Linetypes box, and then click the Linetype you want.

Note:	For this change to affect any new objects subsequently drawn on this layer, the current linetype, as reflected in the Linetypes toolbar, must be set to Same As Layer.

Important:	Working with multiple layers, colors, and linetypes presents special considerations, especially with regard to blocks. For example, color and linetype settings for the current layer may affect the appearance of a newly inserted block.To read more about managing layers, linetypes, colors, and blocks, click [image].


	COLORS command
Use to:	Control colors assigned to layers and objects, choose built-in colors, and create custom colors.

Command Access:
on Colors toolbar COLORS command on Settings menu Also available via the Colors button in the Object Creation dialog box
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts, and use screen tips for help on dialog box options (also described under Dialog Box Description, later in this topic).

Shortcut:	The box on the Colors toolbar is loaded with labeled and numbered color swatches for all 255 standard colors plus the Same as Block and Same as Layer options. To change the currently active color, click the down arrow of the box, and then click the desired color.

Important:	Working with multiple layers and colors presents special considerations, especially with regard to blocks and attributes. For example, the current color setting or the color pre-set for the current layer may affect the appearance of a newly inserted block in unexpected ways. To read more about managing layers, colors, and blocks, click [image].

Notes:

Depending on the background color you specify via the Preferences command (Settings menu), colors 7 and 255 in the color palette may adjust to contrast with that background color. For example, if you specify a black background, colors 7 and 255 change to white.

Sixteen-color displays may show color 8 as either black or gray, and colors 9-15 as deeper shades of colors 1-7.

Dialog Box Description

Use the pushpin if you want to keep the dialog box open in the drawing space as you work.

	Use screen tips as a shortcut to this info!
Palette Area

Same As Layer option button

Same As Block option button

Colors drop-down list box

OK/Apply button

Cancel button


The color palette area displays the colors available for the current drawing. The currently active color is highlighted and also appears in the drop-down list box.

To change this setting, click the color swatch you want (or the option button for one of the above two options). Or, click the down arrow in the drop-down list box (which includes the same colors plus their corresponding color numbers 1-255), and then click the color you want. Then click OK or Apply.

Important:	Working with multiple layers and colors presents special considerations, especially with regard to blocks and attributes. For example, the current color setting or the color pre-set for the current layer may affect the appearance of a newly inserted block in unexpected ways. To read more about managing layers, colors, and blocks, click [image].

Notes:

Depending on the background color you specify via the Preferences command (Settings menu), colors 7 and 255 in the color palette may adjust to contrast with that background color. For example, if you specify a black background, colors 7 and 255 change to white.

Sixteen-color displays may show color 8 as either black or gray, and colors 9-15 as deeper shades of colors 1-7.


The Same As Layer option automatically assigns the color you have pre-set for the layer (through the Layers command to the selected object(s) and to new objects.

To specify the currently active color as the color pre-set for the layer, click the Same As Layer option button. Then click OK or Apply.

Blocks and Attributes

Blocks and attributes present special considerations. For example, the current color setting or the color pre-set for the current layer can affect the appearance of a newly inserted block in unexpected ways.

Guideline: Use Same As Layer when you want block objects and attributes to inherit the color preset for the original layers on which they are drawn.

You can create a block from objects that reside on different layers, each with specific color and linetype settings. With the Same As Block setting, block objects retain the pre-set color and linetype for their original layers and are also inserted on the original layers on which they were drawn, regardless of the current layer and linetype settings in effect (only the insertion point of the block instance actually resides on the current layer upon block insertion). Exception: This does not apply to objects drawn on layer 0, a special layer that is useful for creating objects for blocks.

Important:	.To read more about managing layers (including layer 0), colors, and blocks, click [image].


Same As Block. This option assigns color based on a block that you will use to group objects. This option defers final color assignments for block objects until the actual block insertion. Until you actually create the block, Vdraft displays the objects in the color assigned to the layer on which they are first drawn. Then, when you actually insert the block, the objects comprising the block inherit the current color setting (either Same as Layer or an explicit color 1-255), and linetype settings (either Same as Layer or an explicit linetype), as indicated in the Colors toolbar. Exception: Block objects drawn on the layer 0, a special layer that is useful for creating blocks, behave differently.

Guideline: Use Same As Block when you want block objects to inherit current settings, regardless of their layer pre-sets and the pre-sets of the current layer.

Important:	The current color setting or the color pre-set for the current layer can affect the appearance of a newly inserted block in unexpected ways. To read more about managing layers (including layer 0), colors, and blocks, click [image].


The drop-down list box indicates the currently active color.

Note:	Sixteen-color displays may show color 8 as either black or gray, and colors 9-15 as deeper shades of colors 1-7.

To change the currently active color, click the down arrow in the drop-down list box (which includes colors plus their corresponding color numbers 1-255), and then click the color swatch you want, and then click OK or Apply. Or, click the color in the color palette area (which includes the same colors minus their color number listings), and then click OK or Apply. Note that new objects you draw subsequently inherit this setting until you change it.

Important:	The current color setting or the color pre-set for the current layer can affect the appearance of a newly inserted block in unexpected ways. To read more about managing layers, colors, and blocks, click [image].


	LINETYPES command
Use to:	Control linetypes assigned to layers and objects, choose built-in linetypes, and create custom linetypes; includes an easy-to-use, WYSIWYG/graphical tool that lets you design the linetype right in Vdraft.

Command Access:
on Linetypes toolbar LINETYPES command on Settings menu Also available via the Linetypes button in the Object Creation dialog box
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts, and use screen tips for help on dialog box options (also described under Dialog Box Description, later in this topic).

Note:	All Vdraft objects have linetypes associated with them. However, only lines, circles, arcs, and 2D polylines are affected by linetype settings you specify. Vdraft draws all other types of objects—for example, text and 3D faces—with the default linetype, CONTINUOUS solid line.

Shortcut:	The box on the Linetypes toolbar is loaded with the built-in and custom linetypes available for the current drawing. To change the currently active linetype, click the down arrow of the box, and then click the desired linetype.

Important:	Working with multiple layers and linetypes presents special considerations, especially with regard to blocks and attributes. For example, the current linetype setting or the linetype preset for the current layer may affect the appearance of a newly inserted block in unexpected ways. To read more about managing layers, linetypes, and blocks, click [image].

Dialog Box Description

Use the pushpin if you want to keep the dialog box open in the drawing space as you work.

	Use screen tips as a shortcut to this info!
Current linetype setting

Available linetypes list box (unlabeled)

Make Current button

New button

Rename button

Description box

Linetypes Description list box

Move Up button

Delete button

Move Down button

Dash button

Space button

Dot button

Units box (history list)

Scaling box (history list)

OK/Apply button

Cancel button


Displays the currently active linetype.

To change the currently active linetype, click the linetype in the list box, click Make Current, and then click OK or Apply. Note that new objects you subsequently draw inherit this setting until you change it.

Blocks and Attributes

Blocks and attributes present special considerations. For example, the current linetype setting or the linetype preset for the current layer may affect the appearance of a newly inserted block in different. Here are a few guidelines:

Use Same As Layer when you want block objects to inherit the linetype presets for the original layers on which they are drawn. You can create a block from objects that reside on different layers, each with different linetype settings. With the Same As Layer setting, block objects retain the pre-set linetype for their original layers and are also inserted on the original layers on which they were drawn, regardless of the current layer and linetype settings in effect (only the insertion point of the block instance actually resides on the current layer upon block insertion). Exception: This does not apply to objects drawn on layer 0, a special layer that is useful for creating objects for blocks.

Use Same As Block when you want block objects to inherit the current linetype setting, regardless of their layer pre-sets and the pre-sets of the current layer. This option defers final linetype assignments for block objects until the actual block insertion. Until you actually create the block, Vdraft displays the objects in the CONTINOUS Solid Line linetype. Then, when you actually insert the block, the objects comprising the block inherit the current color setting (either Same as Layer or an explicit color 1-255), and linetype settings (either Same as Layer or an explicit linetype), as indicated in the Linetypes toolbar. Exception: Block objects drawn on the special layer 0 behave differently.

Important:	To read more about managing layers (including layer 0), linetypes, and blocks, click [image].


The list box displays the linetypes available for the current drawing.


To change the currently active linetype, select the linetype in the list box, and click Make Current. Then click OK or Apply.


To add a new linetype to the drawing, click New. In the Create New Linetype dialog box, enter a linetype name, and then click OK or Apply. Then use the options in the Description section of this dialog box to define the linetype.


To rename a linetype, select the linetype in the list box, and then click Rename. In the Rename Style dialog box, enter a new name, and then click OK or Apply.


The Description box graphically previews the linetype pattern as you build it. Use the Dash, Space, and Dot, Move Up, Delete, and Move Down buttons to build the pattern.


The list box shows the sequence of elements in the linetype pattern (Dash, Dot, or Space) and the size of each (individually controlled by the Units box).

Use the Dash, Space, and Dot buttons to add linetype elements. Use the Move Up, Delete, and Move Down buttons to re-order the sequence of elements in your pattern, if desired. Use the Units box to adjust the size of individual elements. Specify just one instance of the pattern for your linetype; Vdraft takes care of the repeating pattern.


The Move Up button repositions the selected linetype element (Dash, Dot, or Space) up one place in the pattern sequence.

To move up a linetype element, select the element, and then click the Move Up button as many times as needed.


The Delete button removes a selected linetype element (Dash, Dot, or Space) from the pattern sequence.

To delete a linetype element, select the element, and then click the Delete button.


The MoveDown button repositions the selected linetype element (Dash, Dot, or Space) down one place in the pattern sequence.

To move down a linetype element, select the element, and then click the Move Down button as many times as needed.


Click the Dash button for each dash element you want at a given place in your linetype pattern. If necessary, adjust the size of the dash in the Units box(dashes are sized according to your drawing units, as set by the Units command.

Important:	To correctly display your linetype, keep your plot scale in mind. For more information, see the guidelines and table referred to in the pop-up screen tip for the Scaling option in this dialog box. .


Click the Space button for each blank space you want at a given place in your linetype definition. If necessary, adjust the size of the space in the Units box (spaces are sized according to your drawing units, as set by the Units command.

Important:	To correctly display your linetype, keep your plot scale in mind. For more information, see the guidelines and table referred to in the pop-up screen tip for the Scaling option in this dialog box. .

Note:	A linetype definition cannot have a space as the first element in the pattern.


Click the Dot button for each dot you want at a given place in your linetype definition. If necessary, adjust the size of the space in the Units box (dots are sized according to your drawing units, as set by the Units command.

Important:	To correctly display your linetype, keep your plot scale in mind. For more information, see the guidelines and table referred to in the pop-up screen tip for the Scaling option in this dialog box. .


The Units box indicates the size of each linetype element, as set by the Units command.

To adjust the size of an element, type the size you want in the box. Or, click the down arrow, and then click a previously entered unit size from the history list.

Important:	To correctly display your linetype, keep your plot scale in mind. For more information, see the guidelines and table referred to in the pop-up screen tip for the Scaling option in this dialog box. .


The elements in a linetype definition are sized according to your drawing units, as set by the Units command.  To correctly display your linetype, you need to keep your plot scale in mind. Use the linetype Scaling box to correctly scale linetype elements in your final plotted drawing, regardless of the drawing units you are using.

General guideline:

To plot the linetype with dash and space lengths as specified in your linetype definition, set the linetype Scaling factor to the inverse of the plot scale.

More Help:

For a table of common plot scales and corresponding correct linetype scaling, click [image].


 Reference Table for Scaling Setting (Linetypes Dialog Box)

The following table shows common plot scales and the corresponding linetype Scaling factor to set for correct linetype scaling in the plotted drawing:

With this overall plot scale set for the drawing	Enter this value in the linetype Scaling box
1:1	1
1”=4” (i.e., a ratio of 1:4)	4
¼”=1’ (12”) (i.e., 1”=48” or, a ratio of 1:48)	48
1/8”=1’ (12”) (i.e., 1”=96” or, a ratio of 1:96)	96
3/8”=1’ (12”) (i.e., 1”=32” or, a ratio of 1:32)	32
1/16”=1’ (12”) (i.e., 1”=192” or, a ratio of 1:192)	192
Thus, to have the final plotted drawing show dashes as 0.5 drawing units (as specified in your linetype definition) and spaces as 0.25 drawing units (again, as specified in your linetype definition), the Scaling factors for the corresponding plot scales shown in the table would correctly plot your linetype.

Note:	Changing the Scaling factor causes a regen of the drawing and affects the linetype scale of all new and existing objects.


	TEXT STYLES command
Use to:	Control text styles assigned to text objects; use to choose built-in text styles and to create custom text styles, including dedicated dimension text styles.

Command Access:
on Text Styles toolbar TEXT STYLES command on Settings menu Also available via the Text Styles button in the Object Creation dialog box
After you start the command, use screen tips for help on dialog box options (also described under Dialog Box Description, later in this topic).

Shortcut:	The box on the Text Styles toolbar is loaded with the built-in and custom text styles available for the current drawing. To change the currently active text style, click the down arrow of the box, and then click the desired text style.

Note:	In general, to preserve your existing text styles but be able to change one or more style settings for an individual text element, create another style based on an existing text style, and make the changes in the new style.

Dialog Box Description

Use the pushpin if you want to keep the dialog box open in the drawing space as you work.

	Use screen tips as a shortcut to this info!
Current text style setting

Available text stylest list box (unlabeled)

Make Current button

New button

Rename button

Select All button

Font File box

Browse button (for Font Files)

Big Font File box

Browse button (for Big Font Files)

Default Height box (with history list)

Oblique Angle box (with history list)

X-Scale box (with history list)

Upsidedown check box

Vertical check box

Backwards check box

OK/Apply button

Cancel button


To review key concepts about text, click [image].

To review key concepts about text styles, click [image].

Note:	You can use the Text Styles command to create special text styles to be used solely with dimensioning. Dimension text has special considerations with regard to sizing and scaling. For more information, click [image].


Displays the currently active text style.


Displays the text styles available in the current drawing.


To change the currently active text style, select the style in the list box, and click Make Current. Then click Apply or OK.


To add a new text style to the drawing, click New. In the Create New Text Style dialog box, enter a style name, and click OK. Then use the options in this dialog box to set up your style.


To rename a text style, select the style in the list box, and then click Rename. In the Rename Style dialog box, enter a new name, and click OK.


To select all text styles in the list box, click Select All.


The Font File box indicates the font file associated with the current style and is also loaded with additional fonts available for the current drawing.

To change the current font, click the down arrow in the Font File box, and then click the font you want. Or, to browse and make more fonts available to the drawing, click the Browse button to the right of the box.


To browse and make more regular fonts available to the drawing, click the Browse button to the right of the Font File box.


The term big font refers a font that contains more than 256 characters—for example, Kanji.

The Big Font File box lists the big font file (if any) associated with the current style and is also loaded with additional big fonts available for the current drawing.

To change the current big font, click the down arrow in the Big Font File box, and then click the font you want. Or, to browse for big fonts, click the Browse button to the right of the box.


To browse for big fonts, click the Browse button to the right of the Big Font File box.


The Default Height setting indicates the current drawn height of the text. Note that in all cases except a 1:1 plot scale, the drawn height is different from the plotted text height.

Important:	To correctly display text, keep your plot scale in mind when setting the text height.

To change the height of the text, enter the height you want in the Default Height box. Or, click the down arrow, and choose a previously entered text height from the history list.

More Help:

For a table of examples and correct settings for Default Height using common plotting scales, click [image].


Reference Table for Default Height Setting ( ext Styles Dialog Box)
Reference Table for Default Height Setting (Text Styles Dialog Box)

The following table shows correct settings for text Default Height, using various common plotting scales:

To plot text at this height	With this plot scale set for the drawing (plot scale factor shown in bold red)	Enter this value for Default Height (Text Styles dialog box)
.25” high	1”=2” (i.e., a ratio of 1:2)	.5” (or, 2/4)
¼” high	¼”=1’ (12”)  (i.e., 1”=48” or, a ratio of 1:48)	12” (or, 48/4)
1/8” high	¼”=1’0” (12”) (i.e., 1”=48” or, a ratio of 1:48)	6” (or, 48/8)
¼” high	3/8”=1’ (12”) (i.e., 1”=32” or, a ratio of 1:32)	8” (or, 32/4)


The obliquing angle indicates the left or right slant of the text (referenced relative to the face of the clock—i.e., 0=12 o’clock). The default is 0.

To change the obliquing angle of the text, enter the angle you want in the Oblique Angle box. Or, click the down arrow and choose a previously entered angle from the history list.

Examples:

To slant text in this direction	Enter this value in the Oblique Angle box
no slant/oblique	0
left slant	negative value (e.g. -30)
right slant	positive value (e.g., 35)


The X Scale setting affects the overall width of text objects. You can use this setting to compress text that must fit into tight spaces or stretch text to fill out space in the drawing.

To change the text width, enter a value in the X-Scale box. Or, click the down arrow, and choose a previously entered width from the history list.

For example, to compress the text, enter a value less than 1.0. To stretch the text, enter a value greater than 1.0.


To display text printed upside down, click to turn on the Upside Down check box.


To display text printed vertically, click to turn on the Vertical check box.


To display text printed in reverse/mirror style, click to turn on the Backwards check box.


	DIMENSION STYLES command
Use to:	Control dimension styles, built-in dimension styles, to create custom dimension styles, and modify individual dimension settings.

Command Access:
on Dimension Styles toolbar DIMENSION STYLES command on Settings menu Also available via the Dimension Styles button in the Object Creation dialog box
After you start the command, use screen tips for help on dialog box options (also described under Dialog Box Description, later in this topic).

Shortcut:	The box on the Dimension Styles toolbar is loaded with the built-in and custom dimension styles available for the current drawing. To change the currently active dimension style, click the down arrow of the box, and then click the desired dimension style.

Note:	Changing explicit settings on the fly overrides definitions for current Dimension Style, which, in effect, redefines the style. The change is not retroactive to existing dimension objects; only new dimension objects will reflect the change. In general, to preserve your existing dimension styles, but have the ability to change one or more style settings for an individual dimension element, create another style based on an existing dimension style, and make the changes in the new style.

Dialog Box Description

Use the pushpin if you want to keep the dialog box open in the drawing space as you work.

	Use screen tips as a shortcut to this info!
Current dimension style setting

Available dimension styles list box (unlabeled)

Make Current button

New button

Rename button

Select All button

Extension Lines tab—view or change settings for geometry, style, and color of extension lines.

Important:	The Dimension Scaling factor (Extension Lines tab) is the single most important setting to adjust in dimensioning a drawing. This setting globally affects all other dimension components, in conjunction with the overall plotting scale for the drawing. For more information, click [image].

Extension Above Line box (history list)

Offset from Feature box (history list)

Visibility box (history list)

Center Mark Size box (history list)

Extension Line Color box

Create Center Lines check box

Force Exterior Lines check box

Box Around Dimension Text check box

Dimension Scaling box (history list)

Baseline Increment box (history list)

Gap Around Dimension Text box (history list)

Arrows tab—view or change geometry, style, and color settings for dimension lines and arrows.

Size of Arrow box (history list)

Dimension Line Color box

Use same arrow both ends option button

Use different arrows option button

Common Arrow box

Extension of tick box

First Arrow box

Second Arrow box

Text Location tab—view or change height, position, and color settings for dimension text and tolerances.

Text Height box (history list)

Vertical Position Factor box (history list)

Alignment box (history list)

Vertical Placement box (history list)

Horizontal Placement box (history list)

Text Color box (history list)

Tolerance Height Scale box (history list)

Text Format tab—view or change text display format, specify tolerances, and enable alternate units for dimensions.

Round Off box (history list)

Text Before the Value box (history list)

Text After the Value box (history list)

Length Scaling box (history list)

None option button

Variance option button

Limits option button

Upper Value box (history list)

Lower Value box (history list)

Alternate Units check box

Decimal Places box (history list)

Text After Value box (history list)

Scaling Factor box (history list)

OK/Apply button

Cancel button

	General Dimensioning Strategy
	Easy-fit Dimension Text
See Also

Dimension Toolbar


To review key concepts about dimensions, including a discussion of all elements of a dimension, click [image].

To review key concepts about dimension styles, click [image].


View or change settings for overall dimension scaling factor and geometry, style, and color of extension lines.    .


View or change geometry, style, and color settings for dimension lines and arrows.


View or change height, position, and color settings for dimension text and tolerances.


View or change text display format, specify tolerances, and enable alternate units for dimensions.


Displays the currently active dimension style.


Displays the dimension styles available in the current drawing.


To change the currently active dimension style, select the style in the list box, and click Make Current. Then click Apply or OK.


To add a new dimension style to the drawing, click New. In the Create New Dimension Style dialog box, enter a style name, and click OK. Then use the options in this dialog box to set up your style.


To rename a dimension style, select the style in the list box, and then click Rename. In the Rename Style dialog box, enter a new name, and click OK.


To select all dimension styles in the list box, click Select All.


 Dimension Styles command/dialog box options for the Extension Lines tab:

Extension Above Line box (history list)

Offset from Feature box (history list)

Visibility box (history list)

Center Mark Size box (history list)

Extension Line Color box

Create Center Lines check box

Force Exterior Lines check box

Box Around Dimension Text check box

Dimension Scaling box (history list)

Baseline Increment box (history list)

Gap Around Dimension Text box (history list)

	Use screen tips as a shortcut to this info!


The Extension Above Line setting controls the distance the extension lines measure beyond the dimension line itself.

To adjust how far extension lines measure beyond the dimension line, enter a distance in the box. Or, click the down arrow, and choose a previously entered distance from the history list.

Note:	Entering 0 causes extension lines to stop at the dimension line.

 General Dimensioning Strategy _


The Offset from Feature setting controls the distance between the object and the beginning of the extension lines.

To adjust extension line offset, enter an offset distance in the box. Or, click the down arrow, and choose a previously entered distance from the history list.

	General Dimensioning Strategy


The Visibility setting controls the display of extension lines.

To specify which extension lines you want displayed, click the down arrow, and then click the option you want in the box.

Note:	You can use this setting to suppress the display of overlapping extension lines, a common practice with continuous and baseline dimensions. Suppressing display of extension lines is also useful for site plans or other types of drawings where extension lines might cover individual linetypes used for different types of objects, thereby creating confusion.

	Snapping to Invisible Extension Lines


 A center mark indicates the center origin point of an angular, radius, or circular dimension for a circle or an arc. A center mark can appear as a cross at the center of the dimension, or as a cross with extension lines that reach just beyond the circle’s or arc’s perimeter (This option works in conjunction with the Create Center Lines check box).

To specify a center mark size, enter a value in the Center Mark Size box. Or, click the down arrow, and choose a previously entered size from the history list.

Follow these guidelines for setting up center marks:

To specify	Enter this value in the Center Mark Size box
Only center marks	Positive value
Center marks with extensions that reach just beyond the circle’s/arc’s perimeter	Negative value Note: To display center mark extensions, click to turn on the Create Center Lines check box (Dimension Styles dialog box).
No center marks	0
	General Dimensioning Strategy


To set the Extension Line Color, click the down arrow, and then click the color you want in the box.


The Create Center Lines option specifies whether or not Vdraft creates a center mark with center lines. This option applies to radius and diameter dimensions only.

To have Vdraft draw center lines, click to turn on the Create Center Lines check box.

Note:	This setting works in conjunction with the Center Mark Size setting. To have Vdraft draw center marks with extensions that reach just beyond the circle’s perimeter, enter a negative setting for Center Mark Size.


The Force Interior Lines option controls whether or not Vdraft creates dimension lines between extension lines, regardless of how close the dimensioning points are.

To force Vdraft to create a dimension line between the extension lines, click to turn on the Force Interior Lines check box.


To draw a box around dimension text, click to turn on the Box Around Dimension Text check box.

Note:	This style is sometimes called a reference dimension or a basic dimension.


The Dimension Scaling setting controls the overall scale factor for all dimension elements. Vdraft uses this setting to adjust the individual components and measurements in a dimension to the correct size for the current drawing’s plotting scale.

To set the scaling factor, enter a scale in the Dimension Scaling box. Or, click the down arrow, and choose a previously entered scale factor from the history list.

Notes:

In general, set this option to the total scale factor of the drawing so that Vdraft can automatically and globally calculate the correct sizes for all individual elements of a dimension. For example, if your plot scale is ¼”=1’, then set Dimension Scaling to 1; if your plot scale is 1=2, set Dimension Scaling to 2.

A good, general dimensioning strategy to follow is to a) in the Dimension Styles dialog box, set the individual dimension component sizes and measurements to the size you want when plotted, and then b) let the Dimension Scaling setting globally scale them correctly in the plotted drawing.

If Dimension Scaling is set to 0, Vdraft calculates a scaling factor based on the scale of the current viewport.


The Baseline Increment setting controls the distance between continued linear dimensions. Vdraft offsets each continued dimension line by this distance to avoid overlapping the previous dimension line.

To set the baseline increment, enter a distance in the Baseline Increment box. Or, click the down arrow, and choose a previously entered distance from the history list.

	General Dimensioning Strategy


The Gap Around Dimension Text setting controls the distance Vdraft maintains around dimension text when breaking the dimension line to fit in the text.

To set the gap distance, enter a distance in the Gap Around Dimension Text box. Or, click the down arrow, and choose a previously entered distance from the history list.

Notes:

This setting is useful for fine-tuning text positioning if you are having trouble fitting the text.

This setting also affects the minimum lengths for dimension line segments and how dimension lines and text are fitted between extension lines of the dimension. Vdraft places dimension text inside the extension lines only if this divides the dimension line into two segments at least the distance of the gap setting. For text placed above or below the dimension line, Vdraft positions the text inside the extension lines if there’s room for the dimension text, arrows, and a margin between them at least as large as the text gap.

	General Dimensioning Strategy
	Easy-fit Dimension Text


Dimension Styles command/dialog box options for the Arrows tab:

Size of Arrow box (history list)

Dimension Line Color box

Use same arrow both ends option button

Use different arrows option button

Common Arrow box

Extension of tick box

First Arrow box

Second Arrow box

	Use screen tips as a shortcut to this info!


To set the size of arrow used on a dimension line, enter a measurement in the Size of Arrow box. Or, click the down arrow, and choose a previously entered measurement from the history list.

Note:	In general, it’s a good idea to specify arrow sizes to the measurements you want as plotted, and then b) let the Dimension Scaling (see More Help, below) setting globally scale arrows correctly in the plotted drawing. The reference table (under More Help, below) shows examples of correct settings.

More Help:

For a reference table of examples and correct settings for Size of Arrow using common plotting scales, click [image].  .

To read the screen tip for the Dimension Scaling option, click [image].


Reference Table for Size of Arrow Setting (Dimension Styles Dialog Box)

The following table shows correct settings for the Size of Arrow setting, using various common plotting scales. These examples assume that you also specify the overall drawing scale factor for the Dimension Scaling setting:

To plot arrows at this size	With this overall plot scale set for the drawing (plot scale factor shown in bold red)	Enter this value for Size of Arrow (Dimension Styles dialog box)
¼” long	1”=2” (i.e., a ratio of 1:2)	.5” (or, 2/4)
¼” long	¼”=1’ (12”)  (i.e., 1”=48” or, a ratio of 1:48)	12” (or, 48/4)
1/8” long	¼”=1’0” (12”)  (i.e., 1”=48” or, a ratio of 1:48)	6” (or, 48/8)
¼” long	3/8”=1’ (12”) (i.e., 1”=32” or, a ratio of 1:32)	8” (or, 32/4)
	General Dimensioning Strategy
 Click here to keep this information displayed while you work.


To set dimension line color, click the down arrow in the Dimension Line Color box, and click the desired color.


To have Vdraft draw the same style of arrow on both ends of a dimension line, click the Use Same Arrow Both Ends option button. Then specify the Common Arrow and Extension of Tick settings.


To have Vdraft draw different styles of arrows on either end of a dimension line, click the Use Different Arrows option button. Then specify the First Arrow and Second Arrow settings in the dialog box.


To specify the style of arrow used on both ends of a dimension line, click the down arrow in the Common Arrow box, and choose the desired arrow style. (Available only if the Use Same Arrow at Both Ends option button is turned on.)

Notes:

If you have defined custom arrows for the current drawing via a block, the arrow styles are available through this box.

Various drafting standards or contexts may determine style choices for arrows and terminators on dimension lines. For example,


The Extension of Tick setting controls the distance that the dimension line extends past the extension line. (Available only if you specified tick marks instead of arrows in the Common Arrow box, which, in turn, is available only if the Use Same Arrow at Both Ends option button is turned on.)

To specify the distance that the dimension line will extend past the extension line, enter the measurement in the Extension of Tick box. Or, click the down arrow, and choose a previously entered distance from the history list.

	General Dimensioning Strategy


To specify the style for the first arrow of a dimension line, click the down arrow in the First Arrow box, and choose the desired arrow style. (Available only if the Use Different Arrows option button is turned on.)

Note:	If you have defined custom arrows for the current drawing via a block, the arrow styles are available through this box.


To specify the style for the second arrow of a dimension line, click the down arrow in the Second Arrow box, and choose the desired arrow style. (Available only if the Use Different Arrows option button is turned on.)

Note:	If you have defined custom arrows for the current drawing via a block, the arrow styles are available through this box.


Dimension Styles command/dialog box options for the Text Location tab:

Text Height box (history list)

Vertical Position Factor box (history list)

Alignment box (history list)

Vertical Placement box (history list)

Horizontal Placement box (history list)

Text Color box (history list)

Tolerance Height Scale box (history list)

	Use screen tips as a shortcut to this info!


The Text Height property determines the height of dimension text. Vdraft uses this setting only if the Height property (in the Text Styles dialog box) is set to 0 for the the current Text Style.

To change the height of the text, enter the height you want in the Text Height box. Or, click the down arrow, and choose a previously entered height from the history list. *To achieve the best results with dimension text, follow the guidelines below.

* General Guidelines for Setting Dimension Text Height

A	Create dedicated text styles for dimension text. In general, it’s a good idea to create text styles solely used for dimension text. As noted above, set the Height property in the Text Styles dialog box to 0 when you are creating each dimension text style. (To squeeze text width so that text fits more easily in often-tight dimension spaces, adjust Length Scaling in the Dimension Styles dialog box to a narrower width. As with the Height property, set the X-Scale setting in the Text Styles dialog box to 0.)

B	Set the dimension text height. Next, set Text Height here, in the Dimension Styles dialog box, to the desired size when plotted, using the examples in the table below as a guideline.

C	Adjust overall dimension scaling. Then, adjust the Dimension Scaling setting (located on the Extension Lines tab in this dialog box; see also More Help, below) to your overall plot scale. The Dimension Scale setting globally scales all dimension elements correctly in the plotted drawing.

More Help:

For a reference table of correct settings for Text Height using common plotting scales, click [image].

To read the screen tip for the Dimension Scaling setting now, click

For a step-by-step treatment of the above process for creating a dedicated dimension text style, click [image].


Reference Table for Text Height Setting (Dimension Styles Dialog Box)

The following table shows correct settings for Text Height, using various common plotting scales. These examples assume that you also a) set the Height property = 0 for the current text style—as set in the Text Styles dialog box, and b) specify the overall drawing scale factor for the Dimension Scaling setting:

To plot dimension text at this height	With this plot scale set for the drawing (plot scale factor shown in bold red)	Enter this value for Text Height (Dimension Styles dialog box)
.25” high	1”=2” (i.e., a ratio of 1:2)	.5” (or, 2/4)
¼” high	¼”=1’ (12”)  (i.e., 1”=48” or, a ratio of 1:48)	12” (or, 48/4)
1/8” high	¼”=1’0” (12”)  (i.e., 1”=48” or, a ratio of 1:48)	6” (or, 48/8)
¼” high	3/8”=1’ (12”) (i.e., 1”=32” or, a ratio of 1:32)	8” (or, 32/4)
	General Dimensioning Strategy


The Vertical Position Factor adjusts the verbal text position relative to the dimension line.


The Alignment setting controls the orientation of dimension text for linear, radius, and diameter dimensions.

To change the alignment of dimension text, click the down arrow in the Alignment box, and choose the desired setting, per the following guidelines:

To align dimension text	Click this option in the Alignment box:
Horizontally, regardless of dimension line alignment	Horizontal
With the dimension line	Dimension Line
With the dimension line only if text is inside the extension lines	When Inside
With the dimension line only if text is outside the extension lines	When Outside


The Vertical Placement setting controls how dimension text is positioned in relation to the dimension line.

To specify the vertical format of dimension text, click the down arrow in the Vertical Placement box, and choose the desired setting, per the following guidelines:

To place dimension text	Click this option	Notes
Centered within a space in the dimension line	Centered	This splits the dimension line into two segments to accommodate the dimension text.
Above the dimension line	Above	This avoids splitting the dimension line. Vdraft places the text at the distance specified by the Text Height setting. This setting does not affect angular dimensions.
Relative to the dimension line (adjusted via the Vertical Alignment Factor)	Relative	Vdraft calculates the adjustment based on Relative positionText height. This setting does not affect angular dimensions.
Note:	Various drafting standards may determine style choices. For example, ANSI standards usually call for the text to be centered within the dimension line (Centered option), while ISO and architectural standards may require the text to be centered above the dimension line (Above or Relative options).

	Easy-fit Dimension Text Styles


The Horizontal Placement setting controls the horizontal positioning of dimension text in relation to the extension lines of the dimension.

To specify horizontal placement of dimension text, click the down arrow in the Horizontal Placement box, and choose the desired setting, per the following guidelines:

To	Click this option	Notes
Let Vdraft calculate the best fit for placing text and arrows with extension lines	Default	Results vary per dimension type. In general, with sufficient space, Vdraft places both text and arrows between the extension lines. Otherwise, it places the text inside, and arrows outside the extension lines. If space is insufficient for either, both text and arrows are placed outside the lines.
Force text to be positioned between extension lines	Text Inside	If space is sufficient, places text and arrows between extension lines; otherwise, places text between extension lines and arrows outside them. If space is insufficient, places both outside the extension lines.
Force text and arrows to be positioned between extension lines	Text & Arrows Inside	If space is sufficient, places text and arrows between extension lines; otherwise, places both outside the extension lines.
	Easy-fit Dimension Text Styles


To set dimension Text Color, click the down arrow, and then click the desired color in the box.


The Tolerance Height Scale indicates the height of tolerance text relative to regular dimension text.

To change the scale of tolerance text, enter a scale factor in the Tolerance Height Scale box. Or, click the down arrow, and choose a previously entered scale from the history list.

For example, if you want tolerance text to appear at half the size of regular dimension text, enter 0.5.

	General Dimensioning Strategy


Dimension Styles command/dialog box options for the Text Format tab:

Round Off box (history list)

Text Before the Value box (history list)

Text After the Value box (history list)

Length Scaling box (history list)

None option button

Variance option button

Limits option button

Upper Value box (history list)

Lower Value box (history list)

Alternate Units check box

Decimal Places box (history list)

Text After Value box (history list)

Scaling Factor box (history list)

	Use screen tips as a shortcut to this info!


The Round Off setting controls the rounding off factor for all dimension measurements as displayed and in relation to the drawing units you set with the Units command.

To specify a rounding off factor, enter a value in the Round Off box. Or, click the down arrow, and choose a previously entered value from the history list.

Notes:

The number of digits after the decimal point is controlled by the Units command.

This setting does not apply to angular dimensions.

Examples

Entering this value	Causes Vdraft to round off to this value
1.0	Nearest integer
0.25	Nearest 0.25 units


The Text Before the Value setting controls any prefix text (for example, About, Approx., etc.) you want to add to dimension text.

To specify prefix text for a dimension, enter a text string in the Text Before the Value box. Or, click the down arrow, and choose a previously entered string from the history list.

	Easy-fit Dimension Text Styles


The Text After the Value setting controls any suffix text (for example, mi., or so, cm., mm., etc.) you want to add to dimension text.

To specify suffix text for a dimension, enter a text string in the Text After the Value box. Or, click the down arrow, and choose a previously entered string from the history list.

	Easy-fit Dimension Text Styles


The Length Scaling property determines the overall width of dimension text. Vdraft uses this setting only if the X-Scale property is set to 0 for the the current Text Style (i.e., the text width as set in the Text Styles dialog box). You can adjust this setting to compress dimension text that must fit into tight spaces, or stretch out text to fill space in the dimension.

To change the length scaling of the text, enter the scale width you want in the Length Scaling box (or choose from the history list).

For example, to have Vdraft compress or narrow the text width, enter a value less than 1.0. To stretch the text width, enter a value greater than 1.0.

	General Dimensioning Strategy


Tolerance dimensions are often used in mechanical drawings to ensure quality and safety in the design and manufacture of mechanical parts.

To specify no tolerance indicators for dimensions, click the None option button.


 A variance tolerance dimension displays the measured dimension, along with plus or minus values for the maximum and minimum dimension values that are valid within the confines of the design. The upper tolerance value is displayed as a plus value, along with the original dimension; the lower tolerance value is displayed as a minus value, along with the original dimension.

To apply variance tolerances to dimensions, click the Variance option button. Then enter the maximum and minimum tolerance in the Upper and Lower Value boxes, respectively. Or, click the down arrow, and choose a previously entered value from the history list in each box.

Examples

These examples show the resulting dimension when you enter the same or enter different tolerances for Upper and Lower Value:

Original Dimension Value	Tolerance Entered for Upper and Lower Value	Variance Tolerance Dimension
20.00	Upper Value=1.50 Lower Value =1.50	20.00 1.50
45.00	Upper Value =0.25 Lower Value =1.10
Note:	Use the Tolerance Height Scale setting (Text Location tab in the Dimension Styles dialog box) to adjust the font size of tolerance text.


A limits tolerance dimension displays two values that replace the original dimension and represent the maximum and minimum dimension values that are valid within the confines of the design. The upper tolerance value is displayed alone, as the sum of the original dimension plus the Upper Value. The lower tolerance value is displayed alone, as the remainder of the original dimension minus the Lower Value.

To apply limits tolerances to dimensions, click the Limits option button. Then enter the maximum and minimum tolerance in the Upper and Lower Value boxes, respectively. Or, click the down arrow, and choose a previously entered value from the history list in each box.

Examples

These examples show the resulting dimension when you enter the same or enter different tolerances for Upper and Lower Value:

Original Dimension Value	Tolerance Entered for Upper and Lower Value	Limits Tolerance Dimension
20.00	Upper Value=1.50 Lower Value =1.50	21.50 18.50
45.00	Upper Value =0.25 Lower Value =1.10	45.25 43.90
Note:	Use the Tolerance Height Scale setting (Text Location tab in the Dimension Styles dialog box) to adjust the font size of tolerance text.


The Upper Value setting represents the maximum tolerance value for a variance or limits tolerance. (Available only if the Variance or the Limits option button is turned on.)

To set the maximum tolerance for either kind of dimension, enter a value in the Upper Value box. Or, click the down arrow, and choose a previously entered value from the history list.

Notes:

In a variance tolerance, the upper value is displayed as a plus value, along with the original dimension.

In a limits tolerance, the upper value is displayed alone, as the sum of the original dimension plus the Upper Value.

Examples

These examples show the resulting dimension for each kind of tolerance, both when you enter the same or enter different tolerances for Upper and Lower Value:

Original Dimension Value	Tolerance Entered for Upper  and Lower Value	Resulting Variance Tolerance Dimension	Resulting Limits Tolerance Dimension
20.00	Upper Value=1.50 Lower Value=1.50	20.00 1.50	21.50 18.50
45.00	Upper Value=0.25 Lower Value=1.10		45.25 43.90


The Lower Value setting represents the minimum tolerance value for a variance or limits tolerance. (Available only if the Variance or the Limits option button is turned on.)

To set the minimum tolerance for either kind of dimension, enter a value in the Lower Value box. Or, click the down arrow, and choose a previously entered value from the history list.

Notes:

In a variance tolerance, the lower value is displayed as a minus value, along with the original dimension.

In a limits tolerance, the lower value is displayed alone, as the remainder of the original dimension minus the Lower Value.

Examples

These examples show the resulting dimension for each kind of tolerance, both when you enter the same or enter different tolerances for Upper and Lower Value:

Original Dimension Value	Tolerance Entered for Upper and Lower Value	Resulting Variance Tolerance Dimension	Resulting Limits Tolerance Dimension
20.00	Upper Value=1.50 Lower Value=1.50	20.00 1.50	21.50 18.50
45.00	Upper Value=0.25 Lower Value=1.10		45.25 43.90


The Alternate Units setting controls dimensioning with a second set of alternate units. This allows you to represent two types of units on each dimension line, a requirement in some industries. For example, you may need dual dimensions in English and metric units or in feet and inches plus total inches.

To enable alternate unit dimensioning, click to turn on the Alternate Units check box. Then specify the Decimal Places, Text After Value, and Scaling Factor settings.


The Decimal Places setting controls the precision or number of decimal places used to edit an alternate unit dimension. (Available only if the Alternate Units check box is turned on.)

To specify the number of decimal places in alternate unit dimensioning, enter a value in the Decimal Places box. Or, click the down arrow, and choose a previously entered value from the history list.

Note:	Since an inch is a much larger unit than a millimeter, in general, always use at least one more place of accuracy for inch units than for decimal units.


The Text After the Value setting controls the suffix text for an alternate unit dimension (for example, mi., or so, cm., mm., etc.). (Available only if the Alternate Units check box is turned on.)

To specify suffix text to follow an alternate dimension, enter a text string in the Text After the Value box. Or, click the down arrow, and choose a previously entered string from the history list.

	Easy-fit Dimension Text Styles


The Scaling Factor setting specifies the conversion value to be applied to the original dimension for the alternate units dimension. (Available only if the Alternate Units check box is turned on.)

To apply alternate units to the original dimension, enter a conversion value in the Scaling Factor box. Or, click the down arrow, and choose a previously entered value from the history list.

Note:	Since an inch is a much larger unit than a millimeter, in general, always use at least one more place of accuracy for inch units than for decimal units. (Specify this through the Decimal Places box in this dialog box.)

Examples

These examples represent two of the most common conversion factors for alternate unit dimensioning:

To	Enter this conversion value in the Scaling Factor box
Convert inches to millimeters for alternate units	25.4
Convert millimeters to inches for alternate units	.03937


	POINT DISPLAY command
Use to:	Change the display format/style and size of point objects. This is useful for making point objects more easily visible or for differentiating them from grid dots.

Command Access:
POINT DISPLAY command on Settings menu
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts, and use screen tips for help on dialog box options (also described under Dialog Box Description, later in this topic).

Dialog Box Description

Use the pushpin if you want to keep the dialog box open in the drawing space as you work.

	Use screen tips as a shortcut to this info!
Point Display Options palette

Current box

Drawing Units button

Drawing Units box

% of Screen button

% of Screen box

OK/Apply button

Cancel button


To select a point style for displaying point objects, click the style you want in the Point Display Options palette. Then specify a size in the Point Display Size setting.


Indicates the current point style in effect for point objects.

To change the point style, click the style you want in the Point Display Options palette. Then specify a size in the Point Display Size setting.


Use the Point Display Size setting to specify whether to size points in actual drawing units (Drawing Units option) or relative to the screen (% of Screen option).


To set the display size for point objects in actual drawing units, click Drawing Units. Then enter the number of drawing units to represent point size in the Drawing Units box.

Note:	When point size is set to drawing units, point objects remain proportional to the rest of the drawing and will change size as you zoom in and out of the drawing. To keep point size constant even in zoom operations, use the % of Screen option instead.


To set the display size for point objects in actual drawing units, click Drawing Units. Then enter the number of drawing units to represent point size in the Drawing Units box.

Note:	When point size is set to drawing units, point objects remain proportional to the rest of the drawing and will change size as you zoom in and out of the drawing. To keep point size constant even in zoom operations, use the % of Screen option instead.


To set the display size for point objects relative to the screen, click % of Screen. Then enter the percentage for point size in the % of Screen box.

Note:	When point size is set relative to the screen, point objects remain constant, even when you zoom in and out of the drawing. To keep point objects proportional to the rest of the drawing, use the Drawing Units option instead. Keep in mind that this will cause point objects to change size as you zoom in and out of the drawing.


To set the display size for point objects relative to the screen, click % of Screen. Then enter the percentage for point size in the % of Screen box.

Note:	When point size is set relative to the screen, point objects remain constant, even when you zoom in and out of the drawing. To keep point objects proportional to the rest of the drawing, use the Drawing Units option instead. Keep in mind that this will cause point objects to change size as you zoom in and out of the drawing.


	DRAWING DEPENDENCIES command
Use to:	View all dependencies related to the current drawing (for example, fonts and Xrefs), to make any desired changes or substitutions, or to resolve dependency problems (for example, if Vdraft cannot find a font associated with an Xref or if the Xref itself cannot be found).

Command Access:
DRAWING DEPENDENCIES command on Settings menu
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts, and use screen tips for help on dialog box options (also described under Dialog Box Description, later in this topic).

Dialog Box Description

Use the pushpin if you want to keep the dialog box open in the drawing space as you work.

	Use screen tips as a shortcut to this info!
Show All button

Only Unresolved button

Dependencies list (unlabelled)

Find button

Change button

Paths to Search box

Up button

Remove button

Down button

Path. . . button

Display this dialog automatically. . . box

OK/Apply button

Cancel button


To display all dependencies related to the current drawing, click Show All.


To display only unresolved dependencies related to the current drawing, click Only Unresolved.


Displays a list of all or only unresolved (per your setting for the Show All or Only Resolved buttons) dependencies related to the current drawing. Dependencies include such items as fonts and Xrefs.


To find the file associated with the selected item in the dependencies list, click Find.


To change the file associated with the selected item in the dependencies list, click Change.


The message indicates the current path(s) that Vdraft is looking for dependent items such as fonts, Xrefs (if any), and linetypes.


Use the Path(s) to Search list to specify paths to search for the selected item in the dependencies list.

To add a search path to the Path(s) to Search list, click the path you want in the drop-down list box below this list. (To add paths to the drop-down list, use the Path button.)

To remove a search path from the Path(s) to Search list, click the path, and then click Remove.

To move up or down through the Path(s) to Search list, click Up or Down.


To move up through the Path(s) to Search list, click Up.


To remove a search path from the Path(s) to Search list, click the path, and then click Remove.


To move down through the Path(s) to Search list, click Down.


To add search paths to the Path(s) to Search list from recently used paths, click the down arrow in the path history box, and then click the path(s) you want.


To add search paths to the drop-down list, click Path, and then open the folder you want via the Select Path for Dependency Resolution dialog box (see also the screen tips for that dialog box).


To have Vdraft display the Dependency Resolution dialog box automatically for unresolved dependencies, click to click to turn on the Display This Dialog Automatically. . .check box.


	GRID SNAP command
Use to:	Toggle the current grid settings on/off (including the grid origin, grid spacing, and whether or not mouse movements are snapped to a grid). This toolbar button/command is a shortcut for grid settings controlled through the Grid tab in the Snap/Grid command dialog box.

Command Access:
on Snap/Grid toolbar Also available via SNAP/GRID command dialog box (Grid tab)


	GRID DISPLAY command
Use to:	Toggle the display of the grid on/off. This toolbar button/command is a shortcut for grid settings controlled through the Grid tab in the Snap/Grid command dialog box.

Command Access:
on Snap/Grid toolbar Also available via SNAP/GRID command dialog box (Grid tab)


	ORTHO SNAP command
Use to:	Toggle the ortho mode snap setting on or off. This toolbar button/command is a shortcut for the Ortho Snap setting controlled through the Snap/Grid command dialog box.

Command Access:
on Snap/Grid toolbar Also available via SNAP/GRID command dialog box (Angles tab)
Note:	Use the other angle snap options on the Angles tab to specify snap angles other than 90-degrees.


1	On the Snap/Grid toolbar, click [image].

Or, on the Settings menu, click Snap/Grid.

2	 click the Angles tab in the Snap Grid dialog box

3	Click Snap to Nearest Angle.

4	Set the Angle for Snap and Base Angle for Snap options, if desired.

5	Click OK or Apply.

Note:	To toggle the snap angle settings on/off, on the Snap/Grid toolbar click [image].


	ANGLE SNAP command
Use to:	Toggle the current angle snap settings on or off. This toolbar button/command is a shortcut for the Snap to Nearest Angle setting controlled through the Snap/Grid command dialog box.

Command Access:
on Snap/Grid toolbar Also available via SNAP/GRID command dialog box (Angles tab)
Note:	To snap or restrict drawing to vertical/horizontal lines and 90-degree angles, use the ortho mode options.


On the Snap/Grid toolbar click [image] to toggle ortho mode on/off.

Or:

1	On the Snap/Grid toolbar click [image].

Or, on the Settings menu, click Snap/Grid.

2	Click the Angles tab in the Snap Grid dialog box.

3	 Click Ortho Snap.

4	Click OK or Apply.


	OBJECT SNAP command
Use to:	Toggle the current object snap settings on or off. This toolbar button/command is a shortcut for the Snap to Object settings controlled through the Snap/Grid command dialog box (Object tab).

Command Access:	More Help:
on Snap/Grid toolbar Also available via SNAP/GRID command dialog box (Object tab)
Notes:

To turn on/off individual object snaps on the fly, use the Object Snaps toolbar.

The Object Snap command/toggle overrides any individual settings you may have made with buttons on the Object Snaps toolbar.


	KEY POINT SNAP command
Use to:	Toggle the key object snap settings on or off. (The key object snaps are pre-set and include major geometric locations on an entity such as the endpoints and midpoint of a line, center of a circle, and so forth.)

Command Access:	More Help:
on Snap/Grid toolbar
Notes:

To turn on/off individual object snaps on the fly, use the Object Snaps toolbar.

The Object Snap command/toggle overrides any individual settings you may have made with buttons on the Object Snaps toolbar.


Using Object Pop-up Menus

While you are drawing or editing an object, you can click the right mouse button to display a pop-up menu with these options available:

Click	To
Angle snap	Toggle whether mouse movements are snapped at an angle.
Object snap	Toggle whether mouse movements are snapped to objects.
Snap modes	Change entity, angle, or grid snap settings.
Grid snap	Toggle whether mouse movements are snapped to a grid.
Done	Finish the current action.
Cancel	Cancel the current action.
Properties	View or set properties for the current object.
Undo	Undo the previous action.


	PREFERENCES command
Use to:	Control program settings and user preferences for the drawing environment, toolbar display, and Clipboard-related operations.

Command Access:
PREFERENCES command on Settings menu
After you start the command, use screen tips for help on dialog box options (also described under Dialog Box Description, later in this topic).

	Vdraft’s instant toolbar customizing feature!
Dialog Box Description

Use the pushpin if you want to keep the dialog box open in the drawing space as you work.

	Use screen tips as a shortcut to this info!
Settings tab—specify drawing environment settings such as window style, cursor tip display, keyboard command format, selection techniques, and background color.

Show Scroll Bars check box

Show Status Bar check box

Command Cursor Tips check box

Info Cursor Tips check box

Object Cursor Tips check box

AutoCAD Commands button

2-Letter Shortcuts button

Background Color button

Combination Click option button

Single Click option button

Double Click option button

No Click option button

Auto Popup check box

Standard CAD Mouse Picks check box

Viewport Selected by Click check box

Fullscreen Crosshairs

Auto-Reload of Xref on Xref Save

Toolbar tab—specify which toolbars you want displayed or hidden.

	Vdraft’s instant toolbar customizing feature!
Show Toolbar check box

Standard check box

Snap/Grid check box

View check box

Draw check box

Coordinate Entry check box

Coordinate Settings check box

Colors check box

Layers check box

Linetypes check box

Text Styles check box

Blocks/Xrefs check box

Object snaps check box

Modify check box

Drawing Space check box

Select check box

Draw Alternates check box

Named Views check box

Dimension Styles check box

Projects check box

Dimension check box

Net Hyperlinks check box

Clipboard tab—specify preferences for Clipboard-related operations.

Optimal button

AutoCAD R12-Compatible button

(0,0) button

Center of Objects button

OK/Apply button

Cancel button


Specify drawing environment settings such as window style, cursor tip display, keyboard command format, selection techniques, and background color.


Specify which toolbars you want displayed or hidden.


Specify preferences for Clipboard operations.


You can use horizontal and vertical scrollbars to shift the current view easily in the main Vdraft window and in each open document window.

To display horizontal and vertical scroll bars in Vdraft windows, click to turn on the Show Scroll Bars check box.

Note:	To clear some screen space, you can turn off scroll bar display and use the PAN command as an alternate way to shift the view.


The status bar at the bottom of the window displays helpful prompts and other useful information on available options as you work with commands. The right side of the status bar includes a coordinate read-out section that displays the current cursor/mouse-pointer location on the screen.

To display the status bar, click to turn on the Show Status Bar check box.


 A command cursor tip is a brief prompt that appears at the end of the mouse pointer and the “rubber band image” (the dynamic shape displayed as a drawing guide when commands that draw or manipulate objects are in progress). The hint is context-sensitive—for example, during block insertions or copy operations, it prompts you to select an insert point, and so forth.

To have Vdraft display command hints at the cursor, click to turn on the Command Cursor Tip check box.

To easily toggle this setting on/off, click [image] on the View toolbar.


An info cursor tip is a readout in the current drawing units. The read-out appears at the end of the mouse pointer and the “rubber band image” (the dynamic shape displayed as a drawing guide when commands that draw or manipulate objects are in progress). The read-out is context-sensitive—for example, as you draw, it displays the applicable length, radius, angle, distance/area information, and so forth.

To have Vdraft display coordinate and other measurement information at the cursor, click to turn on the Info Cursor Tip check box.

To easily toggle this setting on/off, click [image] on the View toolbar.

Note:	“Auto-entering” cursor tip data in the Coordinate Entry toolbar is a handy Vdraft precision drafting technique related to cursor tips (you can also use it without cursor tips turned on). To read about this technique, click [image], or see page 34 in Vdraft Handbook.


An object cursor tip displays context-sensitive information about the object the mouse cursor is currently over (includes object type and object-specific information such as length and angle data for a line, radius and area for a circle, length for an arc, and so forth). The read-out appears at the end of the mouse pointer.

To have Vdraft display object information at the cursor, click to turn on the Info Cursor Tip check box.

To easily toggle this setting on/off, click [image] on the View toolbar.


Use the Keyboard Commands setting to specify preferences for entering commands via the keyboard.

The AutoCAD Commands option enables you to enter AutoCAD commands for the Vdraft equivalents. For example, to start the POLYLINE command in Vdraft, you can enter the AutoCAD command PLINE.

To use AutoCAD commands, click the AutoCAD Commands button.

To use an AutoCAD command, enter the command at the keyboard. Vdraft displays the entry in the status bar at the bottom of the screen.

More Help:

To access AutoCAD Help (an AutoCAD-Vdraft command equivalents quick reference, click [image] or see Vdraft for AutoCAD Users, a separate printed manual included with Vdraft.


Use the Keyboard Commands setting to specify preferences for entering commands via the keyboard.

The 2-Letter Shortcuts option enables you to type in two-letter commands for the Vdraft equivalent commands. These shortcuts are based on the underlined letters in the Vdraft menu and command names. For example, on the Draw menu, the D is underlined (D), as is the L in the LINE command (L) on that same menu. Thus, to issue the LINE command, you can type DL>

To use two-letter short commands, click the 2-Letter Shortcuts button.

To use a 2-letter shortcut command, enter the command at the keyboard. Vdraft displays the entry in the status bar at the bottom of the screen.

More Help:

Vdraft Handbook, page 152.


Use the Background Color option to control the color of the Vdraft drawing space.

To set a background color, click the Background Color button. In the Color dialog box, click the color you want from the palette sections. Or, create a custom color (see also the screen tips for that dialog box). Then click OK.

Note:	Depending on the background color you specify, colors 7 and 255 in the drawing color palette (controlled by the Colors command may adjust to sufficiently contrast with that background color. For example, if you specify a black background, colors 7 and 255 change to white.


Use the Default Option Select setting to specify your preferred technique for picking the default option on pop-up menus. The default is usually the center option of the pop-up menu.

Note:	This setting is especially useful for an advanced Vdraft technique called a flick. A flick is a “speed-drawing” technique by which you can rapidly choose a command on a right-click pop-up menu without even displaying the pop-up (the trick is learning the spatial orientation of commands on the pop-up and then “flicking” to them).

With the Combination Click option in effect, you hold the right mouse button down while clicking with the left to flick to the pop-up. (To display the pop-up, simply right-click.)

To specify a right-left mouse-button click for this setting, click Combination Click.

More Help:

For more about using flicks, see the sidebar on page 7 of Vdraft Customization and Programmer’s Guide, a separate manual included with Vdraft.  .


Use the Default Option Select setting to specify your preferred technique for picking the default option on pop-up menus. The default is usually the center option of the pop-up menu.

Note:	This setting is especially useful for an advanced Vdraft technique called a flick. A flick is a “speed-drawing” technique by which you can rapidly choose a command on a right-click pop-up menu without even displaying the pop-up (the trick is learning the spatial orientation of commands on the pop-up and then “flicking” to them).

With the Single Click option in effect, you use a single, right mouse-button click to flick to the pop-up. (To display the pop-up, press and hold down the right button for a half-second or so.)

To specify a single rightmouse-button click for this setting, click Single Click.

More Help:

For more about using flicks, see the sidebar on page 7 of Vdraft Customization and Programmer’s Guide, a separate manual included with Vdraft.


Use the Default Option Select setting to specify your preferred technique for picking the default option on pop-up menus. The default is usually the center option of the pop-up menu.

Note:	This setting is especially useful for an advanced Vdraft technique called a flick. A flick is a “speed-drawing” technique by which you can rapidly choose a command on a right-click pop-up menu without even displaying the pop-up (the trick is learning the spatial orientation of commands on the pop-up and then “flicking” to them).

With the Double Click option in effect, you double-click the right mouse button to flick to the pop-up. (To display the pop-up, click and release right button; the pop-up will appear after a half-second or so.)

To specify a left-button double-click for this setting, click Double Click.

More Help:

For more about using flicks, see the sidebar on page 7 of Vdraft Customization and Programmer’s Guide, a separate manual included with Vdraft.


Use the Default Option Select setting to specify your preferred technique for picking the default option on pop-up menus. The default is usually the center option of the pop-up menu.

Note:	This setting is especially useful for an advanced Vdraft technique called a flick. A flick is a “speed-drawing” technique by which you can rapidly choose a command on a right-click pop-up menu without even displaying the pop-up (the trick is learning the spatial orientation of commands on the pop-up and then “flicking” to them).

With the Display First option in effect, the pop-up menu is always displayed before command selection (i.e., this disables flicks).

To designate that the pop-up always be displayed, click Display First.

More Help:

For more about using flicks, see the sidebar on page 7 of Vdraft Customization and Programmer’s Guide, a separate manual included with Vdraft.


When the Auto Pop-up option is in effect, Vdraft automatically displays context-sensitive pop-ups that prompt for information pertaining to block insertions, text insertions (including tags and prompts for attribute text), and dimensions. If you are familiar with Vdraft, you may wish to turn this option off. In general, however, keep the Auto Pop-up option turned on until you have gained some experience with Vdraft.

To have Vdraft automatically display pop-ups that prompt for information, click turn on the Auto Pop-up check box.


Use the Standard CAD Mouse Picks setting to specify your preferred technique for picking points as you draw with the mouse. By default, this feature is turned on. With this feature in effect, you can pick points as you draw by clicking (you don’t need to hold down the mouse button and drag, as in other types of paint/draw programs). Turning off this feature allows you to hold down the mouse button and drag as you draw.

Note:	 If you’re new to CAD or used to other non-CAD graphics programs, you may initially feel more comfortable turning off this option as you get acquainted with Vdraft. In general, however, it’s a good idea to accustom yourself to the CAD-style of picking points by just clicking instead of dragging. As you work more with CAD, you’ll find that you’ll draw with greater speed, comfort, and flexibility.

To enable/disable Standard CAD Mouse Picks feature, click to turn on/off the check box.


Use the Viewport Selected by Click setting to specify your preferred technique for making a viewport the current viewport.

Note:	By default, this setting is enabled. In general, this technique is easier to work with. When this setting is disabled, moving the mouse over a viewport changes it to the active viewport.

To select viewports by clicking, click to turn on the Viewport Selected by Click check box.


Use the Fullscreen Crosshairs setting to specify your preference for the crosshairs display:

To have the crosshairs extend across the entire drawing area or current viewport, click to turn on the Fullscreen Crosshairs check box. (Note: If you have only one viewport open in either modelspace or paperspace/paperspace ports, the crosshairs extend over the entire drawing area. With multiple viewports open, the crosshairs extend only over the active viewport.)

To have the crosshairs always displayed as a smaller, crosshairs pointer icon, click to turn off the Fullscreen Crosshairs check box.


To have Vdraft automatically reload any Xrefs if they are updated and saved during the current session, click to turn on the Auto-Reload of Xref on Xref Save check box.


Use the Show Toolbars setting to toggle on/off the display of all toolbars you have set up in the drawing space. This option is useful if you want to keep your toolbar settings, but temporarily clear some screen space.

To toggle on/off display of all toolbars, click to turn on the Show Toolbar check box.


The Standard toolbar includes button shortcuts to commands for creating, opening, and saving documents; copying/cutting objects via the Clipboard; undoing/redoing actions, printing, and context-sensitive Help.

Click on any toolbar area, button, or control for more information.

To display this toolbar, click to turn on the Standard check box.

	Vdraft’s instant toolbar customizing feature!


The Draw toolbar includes button shortcuts to commands for drawing geometric objects such as lines, polylines, circles, and polygons, and for creating dimensions and blocks.

Click on any toolbar area, button, or control for more information.

To display this toolbar, click to turn on the Draw check box.

	Vdraft’s instant toolbar customizing feature!


The Modify toolbar includes button shortcuts to commands for manipulating objects (for example, copy, move, rotate, scale, delete, and trim and extend to objects) and for viewing and changing object properties.

Click on any toolbar area, button, or control for more information.

To display this toolbar, click to turn on the Modify check box.

	Vdraft’s instant toolbar customizing feature!


The View toolbar includes button shortcuts to commands for zooming, panning, zooming the drawing extents, switching to the previous view, and redrawing the current viewport or drawing.

Click on any toolbar area, button, or control for more information.

To display this toolbar, click to turn on the View check box.

	Vdraft’s instant toolbar customizing feature!


The Layers toolbar includes a button shortcut to options for creating and managing layers plus a drop-down box for quickly viewing the list of available layers or changing the current layer.

Click on any toolbar area, button, or control for more information.

To display this toolbar, click to turn on the Layers check box.

	Vdraft’s instant toolbar customizing feature!


The Colors toolbar includes a button shortcut to options for choosing drawing colors plus a drop-down box for quickly viewing the list of available colors or changing the current color.

Click on any toolbar area, button, or control for more information.

To display this toolbar, click to turn on the Colors check box.

	Vdraft’s instant toolbar customizing feature!


The Linetypes toolbar includes a button shortcut to options for creating and managing drawing linetypes plus a drop-down box for quickly viewing the list of available linetypes or changing the current linetype.

Click on any toolbar area, button, or control for more information.

To display this toolbar, click to turn on the Linetypes check box.

	Vdraft’s instant toolbar customizing feature!


The Text Styles toolbar includes a button shortcut to options for creating and managing text styles plus a drop-down box for quickly viewing the list of available text styles or changing the current text style.

Click on any toolbar area, button, or control for more information.

To display this toolbar, click to turn on the Text Styles check box.

	Vdraft’s instant toolbar customizing feature!


The Snap/Grid toolbar includes a button shortcut to options for setting up the grid, snap angle, object snaps, and selection cursor size.

Click on any toolbar area, button, or control for more information.

To display this toolbar, click to turn on the Snap/Grid check box.

	Vdraft’s instant toolbar customizing feature!


The Object Snaps toolbar includes button shortcuts to individual commands for snapping the cursor to geometric points on objects (endpoint snap, midpoint snap, center snap, and so on).

Click on any toolbar area, button, or control for more information.

To display this toolbar, click to turn on the Object Snaps check box.

	Vdraft’s instant toolbar customizing feature!


The Coordinate Entry toolbar includes a button shortcut to options for setting up the drawing units plus a drop-down box for entering coordinates or choosing previously entered coordinates from a history list.

Click on any toolbar area, button, or control for more information.

To display this toolbar, click to turn on the Coordinate Entry check box.

Note:	If you start typing numbers while in the middle of a drawing- or editing-related command, the Coordinate Entry toolbar is automatically activated.

	Vdraft’s instant toolbar customizing feature!


The Named Views toolbar includes a button shortcut to options for creating and managing named views plus a drop-down box for quickly viewing the list of available named views or changing the current view.

Click on any toolbar area, button, or control for more information.

To display this toolbar, click to turn on the Named Views check box.

	Vdraft’s instant toolbar customizing feature!


The Blocks toolbar includes button shortcuts to commands for inserting or creating blocks, saving blocks to disk, and attaching external references, plus a drop-down box for quickly viewing the list of available blocks and Xrefs in the drawing or for inserting a block/Xref instance in the current drawing.

Click on any toolbar area, button, or control for more information.

To display this toolbar, click to turn on the Blocks check box.

	Vdraft’s instant toolbar customizing feature!


The Draw Alternates toolbar includes button shortcuts to commands for drawing geometric objects such as lines, polylines, circles, and polygons, and for creating dimensions and blocks.

Note:	This toolbar duplicates the Draw toolbar. You can use it to set up a second drawing toolbar with alternate tools you occasionally use, reserving the Draw toolbar for those you use most often.

Click on any toolbar area, button, or control for more information.

To display this toolbar, click to turn on the Draw Alternates check box.

	Vdraft’s instant toolbar customizing feature!


The Dimension Styles toolbar includes button shortcuts to commands for choosing, creating, or editing dimension styles plus a drop-down box for quickly viewing or changing the current dimension style.

Click on any toolbar area, button, or control for more information.

To display this  toolbar, click to turn on the Dimension Stylescheck box.

	Vdraft’s instant toolbar customizing feature!


The Coordinate Settings toolbar includes a button shortcut to options for setting up the coordinate system plus button toggles for absolute and relative coordinates (rectangular, polar, distance/angle coordinates, and spherical coordinates).

Click on any toolbar area, button, or control for more information.

To display this toolbar, click to turn on the Coordinate Settings check box.

	Vdraft’s instant toolbar customizing feature!


The Net Hyperlinks toolbar includes button shortcuts to commands for creating, editing, and disabling net hyperlinks for output to SVF files and for displaying net hyperlink information in a cursor tip.

Click on any toolbar area, button, or control for more information.

To display this toolbar, click to turn on the Net Hyperlinks check box.

	Vdraft’s instant toolbar customizing feature!


The Dimension toolbar includes button shortcuts to commands for creating Vdraft’s standard dimension types (horizontal, vertical, aligned, rotated, angular, radius, diameter, ordinate-x/ordinate-y, baseline, continued).

Click on any toolbar area, button, or control for more information.

To display this toolbar, click to turn on the Dimension check box.

	Vdraft’s instant toolbar customizing feature!


The Drawing Space toolbar includes button shortcuts to commands for creating and deleting viewports and button toggles for switching between modelspace, paperspace, and paperspace ports.

Click on any toolbar area, button, or control for more information.

To display this toolbar, click to turn on the Drawing Space check box.

	Vdraft’s instant toolbar customizing feature!


The Projects toolbar includes button shortcuts to commands for creating and deleting named projects. Grouping drawings as projects makes it easy to open and work with all drawings associated with a project at the same time.

Click on any toolbar area, button, or control for more information.

To display this toolbar, click to turn on the Projects check box.

	Vdraft’s instant toolbar customizing feature!


The Select toolbar includes button shortcuts to commands for the various methods of selecting objects (for example, crossing window, containing window, selecting all objects, and so forth) and for removing one or more objects from the current selection set. In addition, the toolbar contains button shortcuts to commands that control grips.

Click on any toolbar area, button, or control for more information.

To display this toolbar, click to turn on the Select check box.

	Vdraft’s instant toolbar customizing feature!


Use the Cut and Paste setting to specify your preferred protocol for handling copy/cut and paste operations via the Windows Clipboard.


Use the Cut and Paste setting to specify your preferred protocol for handling copy/cut and paste operations via the Windows Clipboard.

Click Optimal if you are transferring data between Vdraft drawings only.


Use the Cut and Paste setting to specify your preferred protocol for handling copy/cut and paste operations via the Windows Clipboard.

Click AutoCAD R12 Compatible if you are transferring data between Vdraft drawings and AutoCAD drawings.


Use the Cut and Paste setting to specify your preferred protocol for handling copy/cut and paste operations via the Windows Clipboard.

Click Using DXF if you are transferring data between Vdraft drawings and other CAD programs and/or third-party applications.


Use the Base Point of Pasted Objects setting to specify your preference for the basepoint to use when pasting objects from the Windows Clipboard.


Use the Base Point of Pasted Objects setting to specify your preference for the basepoint to use when pasting objects from the Windows Clipboard.

To use the (0,0) origin (lower-left corner) of objects as the basepoint, click (0,0).


Use the Base Point of Pasted Objects setting to specify your preference for the basepoint to use when pasting objects from the Windows Clipboard.

To use the center of objects as the basepoint, click Center of Objects.


	CASCADE command
Use to:	Arrange document windows so they overlap in the application window.

Command Access:
CASCADE command on Window menu


	TILE HORIZONTALLY command
Use to:	Arrange document windows horizontally as non-overlapping tiles in the application window.

Command Access:
TILE HORIZONTALLY command on Window menu


	TILE VERTICALLY command
Use to:	Arrange document windows vertically as non-overlapping tiles in the application window.

Command Access:
TILE HORIZONTALLY command on Window menu


	ARRANGE ICONS command
Use to:	Arrange document icons (minimized drawings in the main Vdraft window) at the bottom of the application window.

Command Access:
ARRANGE ICONS command on Window menu


	Vdraft HELP command
Use to:	Display Help topics for Vdraft commands, tools, techniques, and tasks.

Command Access:
Vdraft HELP command on Help menu


	CUSTOMIZATION HELP command
Use to:	Display Help topics for programming and customizing Vdraft.

Command Access:
CUSTOMIZATION HELP command on Help menu


	QUICK TOUR command
Use to:	Display the Vdraft Quick Tour, a ten-screen overview of Vdraft.

Command Access:
QUICK TOUR command on Help menu


	TIP OF THE DAY command
Use to:	Display tips related to Vdraft commands, tools, and tasks or tips related to programming and customizing Vdraft.

Command Access:
TIP OF THE DAY command on Help menu
After you start the command, follow the status bar prompts, and use screen tips for help on dialog box options (also described under Dialog Box Description, later in this topic).

Dialog Box Description

	Use screen tips as a shortcut to this info!
Tip box (unlabeled)

List box (unlabeled)

Show Tips at Start-up box

Previous button

Next button

More Info button

Close button

Note:	If this is the first time you’ve used Vdraft Help, you may also be interested in perusing these topics:

Be a Vdraft power user—pronto!

How to Use Vdraft Help

Menu Overview/Quick Reference

Toolbar Overview/Quick Reference


With General Tips selected (in the list box below this one), displays tips for Vdraft commands, tools, and tasks.

With Customization selected, displays tips for programming and customizing Vdraft.


To view tips for Vdraft commands, tools, and tasks, click the down arrow in the drop-down list box, and then click General Tips.

To view tips for programming and customizing Vdraft, click the down arrow in the drop-down list box, and then click Customization.


To turn off automatic display of the Tip of the Day on each start-up of Vdraft (which is the default setting), click to turn off the Show Tips at Start-up check box.

To automatically display the Tip of the Day on each start-up of Vdraft, click to turn on the Show Tips at Start-up check box.


To display the previous tip, click Previous Tip.


To display the next tip, click Next Tip.


To display the Vdraft Help topic related to this tip, click More Info (grayed out where inapplicable).


To close the Tip of the Day dialog box, click Close.


	AutoCAD HELP command
Use to:	Display the AutoCAD Help quick reference.

Command Access:
AutoCAD HELP command on Help menu


	ABOUT Vdraft command
Use to:	Display program information, version number, and copyright.

Command Access:
ABOUT Vdraft command on Help menu


On the Snap/Grid toolbar, click [image].

Or, on the Settings menu, click Snap/Grid.


To close this dialog box and keep any changes
you’ve made, click OK.


To close this dialog box and keep any changes
you’ve made, click OK.

Note:	If you want to keep the dialog box open to experiment with different settings, click the pushpin from the “out” [image] position to the “in” position: . This changes the OK button to Apply. Clicking Apply applies any changes you’ve made thus far without closing the dialog box.


 	To keep this dialog box open and apply any changes
you’ve made thus far, click Apply.


To apply any changes you’ve made thus far without closing the dialog box, click the Apply button.

Note:	If you want the dialog box to automatically close after you apply changes, click the pushpin from the in “ [image] to the out” position: . This changes the Apply button to OK. Clicking OK applies any changes and closes the dialog box.


If you want to keep the dialog box open to experiment with or apply several different settings, click the pushpin from the “out” [image] position to the “in” position: . This changes the OK button to Apply. Clicking Apply applies any changes you’ve made thus far without closing the dialog box.

To change the Apply button back to OK, click the pushpin back to the out” position: . Clicking OK applies any changes and automatically closes the dialog box.

Note:	The pushpin affects only the OK/Apply button. The Cancel and Close [image] buttons always work in the standard way, regardless of the position of the pushpin. Until you change it, the pushpin position remains in effect after you use Cancel or Close to close the dialog box. The pin defaults to that position the next time you open the dialog box.


To close this dialog box and cancel any changes you’ve made, click Cancel.


To close this dialog box and keep any changes you’ve made, click Done.


To display context-sensitive Help on this dialog box, click Help.


A dialog box that has a pushpin [image] has either an OK or an Apply button, depending on the position of the pushpin.

Pushpin “out” [image]: The dialog box has an OK button. Clicking OK saves any changes you’ve made in the dialog box and automatically closes it. This is the default setting.

Pushpin “in” [image]: The dialog box has an Apply button. Clicking Apply applies any changes you’ve made thus far without closing the dialog box. This is useful if you want to experiment with different settings for an object or work with the dialog box open in the drawing space.

To toggle the pushpin in/out, simply click the pin.


The refresh icon [image] is a special device displayed in some Vdraft dialog boxes (for example, object Properties boxes and the Drawing Info box). You can use the refresh icon to manually update settings in a dialog box. This is useful if you are working with a dialog box open in the drawing space, but change settings in the dialog box manually.

For example, if you reposition an object manually with the MOVE command while the object’s Properties box is open, clicking the refresh button immediately updates the object’s coordinate locations in the Properties box. Otherwise, the change is reflected in the listings when you next open the dialog box.

To manually update a dialog box, click [image].


	PREVIOUS SET command
Use to:	Choose the previous selection set.

Command Access:
on Select toolbar Also available on many context-sensitive, right-click pop-up menus)


	LAST OBJECT command
Use to:	Select the last object drawn.

Command Access:
on Select toolbar Also available on many context-sensitive, right-click pop-up menus)


	SELECT ALL command
Use to:	Select all objects in the drawing.

Command Access:
on Select toolbar Also available on many context-sensitive, right-click pop-up menus)


	DESELECT ALL command
Use to:	Remove all objects from the selection set.

Command Access:
on Select toolbar Also available on many context-sensitive, right-click pop-up menus)


	DESELECT command
Use to:	Remove one or more objects from the selection set.

Command Access:
on Select toolbar Also available on many context-sensitive, right-click pop-up menus)


	SINGLE command
Use to:	Add a single object to the current selection set.

Command Access:
on Select toolbar Also available on many context-sensitive, right-click pop-up menus)


Crossing command
	CROSSING WINDOW command
Use to:	Do a crossing window select.

Command Access:
on Select toolbar Also available on many context-sensitive, right-click pop-up menus) While in the default "select" mode (with no other command in progress) pick points right to left.


Containing command
	CONTAINING WINDOW command
Use to:	Do a containing window select.

Command Access:
on Select toolbar Also available on many context-sensitive, right-click pop-up menus) While in the default "select" mode (with no other command in progress) pick points left to right.


	APPLICATIONS command
Use to:	Run other Vdraft custom applications or third-party applications.

Command Access:
APPLICATIONS command on Extensions menu
The dialog box displays icons for any custom Vdraft or third-party applications are available to your system. For example, these applications are included with Vdraft:

Attribute extraction program. Linetypes creation program.	Program for listing selected objects. Drawing Setup Wizard
Notes:

Available applications in the dialog box may vary, depending on the version of Windows and the specific applications Vdraft finds.

If you do not have any third-party applications installed (for example, sample programs installed by Vdraft Setup or from other sources), the Extensions menu and APPLICATIONS command are not available.

See Also

Extension Menu commands


Extensions menu commands
	EXTENSIONS menu command
Use to:	Run other Vdraft custom applications or third-party applications or add-ons.

Command Access:
Commands on Extensions menu
Notes:

The commands on the Extensions menu vary according to the custom applications available to your system. The menu below shows sample programs included with Vdraft. (Click on items to see descriptions.)

If you do not have any third-party applications installed (for example, sample programs installed by Vdraft Setup or from other sources), the Extensions menu and APPLICATIONS command are not available.

See Also

Applications command


 Rotating the View in 3-D with the 3D ROTATE command

This example shows four views of a helicopter model created with the 3D Rotate command. Each view was rotated using a different axis arrow in the dialog box at 15-degree increments.


 Rotating the View in 3-D with the VIEWPOINT command

The following example shows four standard rotated views created with the VIEWPOINT command and the settings you would enter for each:

	Example Summary *Top, left (plan view): 0, 0, 1 Top, right (SW isometric): 1, 1, -1 Bottom, left (front view): 0, -1, 0 Bottom, right (left side view): 1, 0, 0
*Note:	You can also set plan view with the PLAN command (View menu) or the Plan View button in the dialog box for the 3D ROTATE command (View menu).


 Measuring objects with intersecting edges

These examples illustrate the importance of picking measurement points in a certain order to avoid crossing edges in order to correctly calculate distance/area. For more information, see the Notes section in the Help topic for the Distance/Area command.

	Picking area measurement points in this order results in crossing edges and an area calculation other than what you expect.
	To calculate area and avoid crossing edges, pick area measurement points in this order.


 Line command

Note:	The Line command/button is a “sticky tool” that draws a series of connected or continuous lines until you terminate the command, as described below.

Example A: Line—Drawing a Single Line

Pick points 1 and 2, as prompted by the status bar. Then right-click for the pop-up menu, and click Done Line.

Example B: Line—Drawing Continuous Lines

Pick points 1 and 2 for the first line segment, as described above. After each second pick point, Vdraft cycles back and again prompts you to pick a second point, using point 2 of the preceding line as the first point of the new line. To finish drawing, right-click for the pop-up menu, and click Done Line.


 2D Polyine command

A. Polyline with Equal-Width Line Segments

B. Polyline with Equal-Width Line and Arc Segments

C. Polyline with Varied Line Widths

D. Polyline with Varied Arc and Line Widths

E. Polyline/Quadratic Spline

F. Polyline/Cubic Spline

G. Comparing Curve Styles in Polylines and Splines


  Polyline with Equal-Width Line Segments

	Example Summary 1 Start 2D Polyline command, and pick vertex 1*. Use current line width (the example uses zero-width segments). Or, right-click for pop-up menu, click Options, and then click Polyline Width, and follow the prompts for picking base point and offset for width.** 2 Complete first line segment by picking vertex 2. 3 Pick vertices 3 through 8 to complete remaining line segments. 4 Right-click for pop-up menu, click Options, and then click Closed to close the polyline. Right click again, and choose Done Polyline.
Notes:

*	Picking vertex points. Click points (using cursor tips as a guide) or use any other precision drafting technique for entering exact coordinates or measurements. (More help: Click Drafting button, top of Help window.)

**	Drawing by cursor tips to specify width. Optionally, you can also type the measurement in cursor tips at this point: Right-click again for the pop-up menu, click Options, and then click Type Width. (More help: Click Drafting button, top of Help window.)


  Polyline with Equal-Width Line and Arc Segments

	Example Summary 1 Start 2D Polyline command, and pick vertex 1*. Use current line width (the example uses zero-width segments). Or, right-click for pop-up menu, click Options, and then click Polyline Width, and follow the prompts for picking base point and offset for width.** 2 Complete first line segment by picking vertex 2. Right-click for the pop-up, click Options, and then click Arc. 3 Complete arcs by picking vertices 3 and 4.*** Then right-click for pop-up, click Options, and then click Arc to uncheck it and toggle back to Line. 4 Complete lines by picking vertices 5 and 6. 5 Right-click for pop-up menu, click Options, and then click Closed to close the polyline. Right click again, and choose Done Polyline.
Notes:

*	Picking vertex points. Click points (using cursor tips as a guide) or use any other precision drafting technique for entering exact coordinates or measurements. (More help: Click Drafting button, top of Help window.)

**	Drawing by cursor tips to specify width. Optionally, you can also type the measurement in cursor tips at this point: Right-click again for the pop-up menu, click Options, and then click Type Width. (More help: Click Drafting button, top of Help window.)

***	Changing arc direction. To change the default arc direction (as used in this example), use the Direction option, which is available when Arc is in effect on the right-click pop-up menu. You can also use the Direction option to change the default for consecutive arcs (drawn tangent to each other, again, as in this example).


  Polyline with Varied Line Widths

Example Summary

1	Start 2D Polyline command, and pick vertex 1,* the tip of the left arrowhead.

2	Set the starting and ending widths, as noted in the example, for the left arrow head.

a.	Right-click for pop-up menu, click Options, and then click Start Width, and follow the prompts for picking base point and offset for width.**

b.	Repeat above steps for pop-up menu, but click End Width.**

3	 Drag the cursor until the arrow head is the length you want.**

Complete the arrow head by picking vertex 2.

4	To start the arrow leader line, right-click for the pop-up, click Options, and then click Segment Width.

Follow the prompts for picking base point and offset for width and set width of entire segment as noted.***

7	Pick vertex 3.

8	Create the right arrowhead, setting Start Width and End Width as noted (settings are the reverse of step 2).

9	 Drag the cursor until the arrow head is the length you want.**

Complete the arrow head by picking vertex 4.

10	Right-click for pop-up menu, and click Done Polyline.

Notes:

*	Picking vertex points. Click points (using cursor tips as a guide) or use any other precision drafting technique for entering exact coordinates or measurements. (More help: Click Drafting button, top of Help window.)

**	Drawing by cursor tips to specify width. Optionally, you can also type the measurement in cursor tips at this point: Right-click again for the pop-up menu, click Options, and then click Type Width. (More help: Click Drafting button, top of Help window.)


 Polyline with Varied Arc and Line Widths

	Example Summary 1 Start 2D Polyline command, and pick vertex 1,* the bottom of the arrow. 2 Right-click for the pop-up menu, click Options, and then click Arc. 3 Set Start Width and End Width (as noted in the example) for the arrow: a. Right-click for pop-up menu, click Options, and then click Start Width, and follow the prompts for picking base point and offset for width.** b. If necessary, repeat above steps for pop-up menu, but click End Width.** (Skip this step if you don’t want to change End Width from the current width.)  4  Drag the cursor until the arc/arrow is the length you want.** 5 Complete the arrow by picking vertex 2. 6 Repeat the procedure in step 3 to set Start Width and End Width for the arrow head.  7 Pick vertex 3 to complete the arrowhead. 8 Right-click for pop-up menu, and click Done Polyline.
Notes:

*	Picking vertex points. Click points (using cursor tips as a guide) or use any other precision drafting technique for entering exact coordinates or measurements. (More help: Click Drafting button, top of Help window.)

**	Drawing by cursor tips to specify width. Optionally, you can also type the measurement in cursor tips at this point: Right-click again for the pop-up menu, click Options, and then click Type Width. (More help: Click Drafting button, top of Help window.)


 Polyline/Quadratic Spline

Example Summary

1	Start 2D Polyline command, and pick vertex 1*.

2	Right-click for the pop-up menu, click Options, and then click Quadratic Spline.

3	Pick vertices 2 through 6.

4	Right-click for the pop-up menu, and click Done Polyline.

Notes:

*	Picking vertex points. Click points (using cursor tips as a guide) or use any other precision drafting technique for entering exact coordinates or measurements. (More help: Click Drafting button, top of Help window.)


 Polyline/Cubic Spline

Example Summary

1	Start 2D Polyline command, and pick vertex 1*.

2	Right-click for the pop-up menu, click Options, and then click Cubic Spline.

3	Pick vertices 2 through 8.

4	Right-click for the pop-up menu, and click Closed.

5	Right-click again for the pop-up menu, and click Done Polyline.

Notes:

*	Picking vertex points. Click points (using cursor tips as a guide) or use any other precision drafting technique for entering exact coordinates or measurements. (More help: Click Drafting button, top of Help window.)


Comparing Curve Styles in Polylines and Splines

Converting an existing 2D polyline to both a cubic and quadratic spline points out the basic differences between the default curve style for polylines (“no curve”) and two curve styles for splines, as shown here:

	Example Summary Each spline example (A, B) shows the original polyline and a copy of it precisely superimposed. (The copy has been converted to a spline via the Curve Style setting in the object Properties box.) X marks a vertex acting as a control point for one curve in the spline.

For an even clearer comparison, here’s how all three curve styles look superimposed:

	In general, a cubic spline generates a smoother curve. A quadratic spline typically generates a sharper curve that conforms more closely to the control points.


 Aligned Dimension

The following example shows the main pick points for drawing this type of dimension:

Tip:	Use Endpoint Snap for picking points 1 and 2.

See also:	The procedure for creating a “quick dimension,” later in this topic.


 Angular Dimension

The following example shows the main pick points for drawing this type of dimension:

Tip:	Use Endpoint Snap or Intersection Snap for picking point 1.

See also:	The procedure for creating a “quick dimension,” later in this topic.


 Baseline Dimension

The following example shows the main pick points for drawing this type of dimension:

Note:	To start the dimension, click anywhere on an existing linear dimension (as with point 1, above), click the Baseline Dimension toolbutton, and then specify the next pick point (2). Drag to place the new dimension where you want it and click.

See also:	The procedure for creating a “quick dimension,” later in this topic.


 Continuous Dimension

The following example shows the main pick points for drawing this type of dimension:

Note:	To start the dimension, click anywhere on an existing linear dimension (as with point 1, above), click the Continuous Dimension toolbutton, and then specify the next pick point (2).

See also:	The procedure for creating a “quick dimension,” later in this topic.


 Diameter Dimension

The following examples show the main pick points for drawing this type of dimension, using two different styles for dimension lines:

See also:	The procedure for creating a “quick dimension,” later in this topic.


 Horizontal Dimension

The following example shows the main pick points for drawing this type of dimension:

Tip:	Use Endpoint Snap for picking points 1 and 2.

See also:	The procedure for creating a “quick dimension,” later in this topic.


 Leader Dimension

The following example shows the main pick points for drawing this type of dimension:


 Radius Dimension

The following examples show the main pick points for drawing this type of dimension, using two different styles for dimension lines:

Tip:	Use Center Snap for picking point 1 in either example.

See also:	The procedure for creating a “quick dimension,” later in this topic.


 Rotated Dimension

The following example shows the main pick points for drawing this type of dimension:

Note:	For pick point 4 you can rotate the dimension angle with a right-click pop-up menu option.

Tip:	Use Endpoint Snap for picking points 1 and 2.

See also:	The procedure for creating a “quick dimension,” later in this topic.


 Vertical Dimension

The following example shows the main pick points for drawing this type of dimension:

Tip:	Use Endpoint Snap for picking points 1 and 2.

See also:	The procedure for creating a “quick dimension,” later in this topic.


 X-Ordinate Dimension

The following example shows the main pick points for drawing this type of dimension:

Tip:	Use Endpoint Snap for picking point 1.


 Y-Ordinate Dimension

The following example shows the main pick points for drawing this type of dimension:

Tip:	Use Endpoint Snap for picking point 1.


 Typical Snap Points on Objects

Object snaps correspond to key points on geometric figures. Here are some typical examples that show where the cursor crosshairs would snap with a given object snap in effect. X marks a snap point.


 Chamfering an Object to Create a Beveled Edge

1 Specifying the chamfer distance. Either use a precision drafting method (for instance, entering coordinates) or click to set the base point and distance for the chamfer. Vdraft displays the distance/length from the chamfer base point in a cursor tip as you drag. 2 Specifying the two lines to be chamfered. 3 The resulting beveled edge.


 Filleting an Object to Create a Rounded Edge

1 Specifying the fillet radius distance. Either use a precision drafting method (for instance, entering coordinates) or click to set the base point and radius for the fillet. Vdraft displays the distance/length from the fillet base point in a cursor tip as you drag. 2 Specifying the two lines to be filleted. 3 The resulting rounded edge.


Key Concepts About SVF Files
	SVF Files
What is SVF?

SVF (an acronym for Simple Vector Format) is a graphics file format jointly developed by SoftSource and the NCSA. SVF is optimized for viewing and publishing CAD drawings and other complex graphics over the World Wide Web. Vdraft both reads and writes SVF files.

You can save Vdraft drawings as SVF files and embed the SVF files in HTML documents. This enables other Web users can view your CAD drawings using a special plug-in—for example, SoftSource’s SVF plug-in (described later in this topic)—that works in tandem with a Web browser such Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Internet Explorer.

Main Features of SVF

SVF images offer many new possibilities for information design, graphical communication, data-sharing, and collaborative work over a wide-area network on the Internet, with significant advantages over other graphics formats traditionally used in Web documents, such as bitmaps (the .BMP or .WMF graphics formats). For example, with SVF, you can make the following features—the extra power of your CAD drawings—easily available to other Web users without their needing a full CAD system to view the drawings:

Layers information preserved with the drawing. You can embed CAD drawings in SVF format into HTML documents so that all the layers information in the original CAD drawing will be accessible to anyone else viewing the drawing over the World Wide Web.

Dynamic layers visibility control. Anyone viewing the drawing with the SVF plug-in can display and hide layers, just as you would in Vdraft or a compatible CAD program.

Dynamic navigation and viewing. Again, any Web user can pan around an SVF drawing and use various techniques for zooming in/out to get a closer look at intricate detail in areas of a drawing or data points on a chart.

Rich information design through Internet hyperlinks. Perhaps the most powerful feature of SVF is the ability to include hyperlinked information that can add rich structuring and detail to information design. For example, a Vdraft drawing of the solar system could include links from planets in the drawing to NASA photographs of each individual planet. Hyperlinks can serve a variety of uses—from simple text annotations linked to drawing objects to other navigational links within one Web site or to sites all over the World Wide Web.

Accurate scaling. SVF images are vector graphics, so they scale with total accuracy.

Overview of Creating and Using SVF Files on the Internet/World Wide Web

Publishing an SVF drawing for use on the Internet entails these basic steps. For more detail about a given step, click the number of the step:

1	Create the drawing.

2	Set up hyperlinks, if desired.

3	Save the drawing as an SVF file.

4	Embed the drawing in an HTML document.

5	Publish the HTML document onyour home page or other Web address. Provide a brief note in your Web document about access to the SoftSource SVF plug-in.


Working with HTML Hyperlinks
Working with Net Hyperlinks

You can set up a hyperlink between a Vdraft drawing object and a simple text annotation or a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) on the World Wide Web—i.e., a navigational link to another Web site and/or HTML document. A hyperlink to a textual annotation alone is called an inactive link. A hyperlink to a URL is known as an active link (active links may display text annotations in addition to the actual URL). Anyone viewing the SVF drawing with the plug-in can then navigate by clicking on the hyperlinks.

Use Vdraft’s Hyperlinks commands (Settings menu) to work with HTML hyperlinks:

Create Link command—convert objects to hyperlinks.

Edit Link command—change actions associated with hyperlinks.

Unmake Link command command—remove hyperlink information associated with objects.


Outputting a Drawing as an SVF File

After you set up hyperlinks in your drawing in Vdraft, save the drawing as an SVF file:

1	On the File menu, click Output SVF.

2	To save the document in a location other than the My Documents folder, click a different drive name or folder name.

3	In the File Name box, type a name for the drawing, and include the file extension .SVF.

4	Click Save.


Key Concepts About Copy, Cut, and Paste Operations
	Copy, Cut, and Paste Operations
Copy to Clipboard versus Copy Command

Vdraft has two commands for copying objects, each serving different purposes:

The Copy to Clipboard command (Standard toolbar and Edit menu) is a standard Windows operation that copies the selected object(s) to the Windows Clipboard. Use the Copy command along with the Paste command (Standard toolbar and Edit menu) to transfer objects from one Vdraft drawing to another or to a document created with another application such as a word processor.

The Copy command (Modify menu and toolbar) is a special Vdraft command that includes a complete copy and paste operation in itself and does not work with the Paste command. Use Copy with Offset for duplicating objects within the same Vdraft drawing.

Important:	Data Integrity and File Compatibility in Copy Operations

When copying between Vdraft drawings or to AutoCAD drawings: When you copy Vdraft objects/drawings to a different Vdraft drawing (or to drawings in AutoCAD, Release 12 or earlier .DWG/.DXF format), all the drawing information (including layers, dimensions, linetypes, etc.) and data integrity of the original is preserved in the copy.

Also note that Vdraft follows certain rules when pasting in block and layer information and when reconciling named items and references between two drawings. For example, if the copy includes layers not in the target drawing, Vdraft automatically creates those layers as it pastes the copy into the target drawing.

When copying to documents created with other applications. When you copy Vdraft objects/drawings to documents created in other applications such as a word processor or spreadsheet, Windows converts the data to be compatible with the file format of the target application. In this case, much of the drawing’s CAD accuracy or “intelligence” may be lost (for example, a word processor is not set up to handle the type of complex layer or dimensioning information in a CAD drawing). Thus, the copy will most likely be a good outward replica of the original. If you need to preserve the original CAD drawing’s accuracy and information when copying to other documents, use Windows ActiveX protocol, as explained below.

Note:	If you need to include a Vdraft drawing or object in a document created in another application, you should consider using Windows ActiveX (formerly OLE) protocol. With ActiveX, you can link or embed Vdraft drawings or objects in documents created with other applications. ActiveX protocol preserves the file format and data integrity of the original Vdraft object/drawing in the linked or embedded item and also allows further editing of the item in Vdraft.


Key Concepts About Redraw and Regen Operations
	Redraw and Regen Operations
Understanding the Display

How Vdraft stores precision information about a drawing. Vdraft maintains a highly precise database of information for every drawing you create or edit. To ensure precision, Vdraft stores all objects in the drawing database both as vector graphics (for example, the start, mid-, and endpoints of lines, center points and radii of circles, and so forth) and also as floating point values.

How Vdraft stores screen display information about a drawing. Vdraft stores information needed for the screen display as integer values, which are generally faster to compute than floating point values. To display objects on the sceen, Vdraft converts the precise floating point values from the object database to integer screen coordinates. Certain conditions that cause changes in the vector graphics of the object database (for example, rotating from a 2-D to a 3-D view) require a complete recalculation of screen coordinates, an operation otherwise known as a screen regeneration, or more commonly, a regen.

The drawing display list. To maintain a constant display, Vdraft stores a certain precision level display it uses as a sort of “virtual screen” between the drawing database and the integer screen coordinates. This virtual screen is called the drawing’s display list, and is based on the object database for the drawing.

Redraw and Regen Operations

Redraw versus regen. A regen is a complete recalculation of screen coordinates from the floating point values of the drawing’s object database. Thus, a regen is the slower of the two operations. The drawing display list is based on the database of information about drawing objects that Vdraft creates as you draw. To maintain and quickly update the screen display, Vdraft also stores the information as integer values. To display objects on the screen, Vdraft converts the floating-point values to integer screen coordinates.

Conditions that cause a redraw. In general, most View menu operations with the Zoom Window, Zoom In, Zoom Out, Pan, and Extents commands automatically trigger a redraw, which quickly refreshes the display.

Conditions that cause a regen. The drawing display list is based on the database of information about drawing objects that Vdraft creates as you draw. To maintain and quickly update the screen display, Vdraft also stores the information as integer values. To display objects on the screen, Vdraft converts the floating-point values to integer screen coordinates.


Key Concepts About Modelspace, Paperspace, and Paperspace Ports
 Modelspace, Paperspace, and Paperspace Ports

The following table compares the features and functionality of Vdraft’s three drawing environments:

Modelspace	Paperspace	Paperspace Ports
Description: 2-D/3-D environment for main precision drafting and design work. (In general, you start most drawings in modelspace and switch to paperspace as you prepare to plot or print.)	Description: 2-D environment (like paper) for creating finished paper layout for plotting/printing and adding objects (annotations, borders, title blocks, etc.) not part of core modelspace drawing.	Description: Conceptually, functions as a “bridge” from paperspace to modelspace—i.e., like windows “cut out from” paperspace that let you view/work in modelspace through your paperspace viewports.
Main uses: View/work in multiple viewports; display drawing from various angles and zoom factors; draw at true 1:1 (full) scale, if desired (or in same scale as paperspace plot scale).	Main uses: Plot multiple viewports of 2-D/3-D work (i.e., created in modelspace or paperspace ports) as a 2-D paper layout, using appropriate plot scale for plot/print-out (e.g. ¼” = 1’).	Main uses: View/draw/edit in modelspace from the vantage point of and without leaving your paperspace layout.
How objects are handled: Objects drawn in modelspace exist in/can be edited in modelspace only (or via paperspace ports).	How objects are handled: Objects drawn in paperspace exist in/can be edited in paperspace only	How objects are handled: Objects drawn in paperspace ports exist in/can be edited in modelspace only (or via paperspace ports).
How multiple views of drawing are displayed: Through viewports that can display the same or different sections of the drawing from various angles and zoom/magnification factors.	How multiple views of drawing are displayed: No viewports per se. Instead, work with 2-D images (i.e., a 2-D layout) of 2-D or 3-D views originally created in modelspace or paperspace ports. Display area for each image is determined by viewport size as defined in paperspace ports. You can draw borders that correspond to paperspace ports or plot views without drawing borders.	How multiple views of drawing are displayed: Through viewports that can display the same or different sections of the drawing from various angles and zoom/magnification factors. Viewport borders in paperspace ports may or may not correspond to viewport borders as defined in modelspace.
Viewport configuration: Tiled viewports only that fill entire drawing space (pre-set arrangements; can sub-divide individual tiled viewports within pre-set arrangements, if desired).	Viewport configuration: N/A. (Think of the entire space as a single view—a 2-D piece of paper on which you lay out and plot images that represent the 2-D and 3-D views you created in modelspace or paperspace ports.) See also previous item.	Viewport configuration: Viewports of any style (tiled, overlapped, contiguous, etc.); no limit on number of viewports—use as many as is practical.
Current viewport behavior: Only one viewport at a time is active or current; border of active viewport is highlighted. Cursof crosshairs are in effect for the current viewport.	Current viewport behavior: N/A. (In a multiple-view layout, no one view is “active”; the entire drawing space is active). Cursor crosshairs are in effect for the entire screen.	Current viewport behavior: Same as modelspace.
How drawing works: Objects drawn in the active viewport are also displayed in other viewports opened onto same portion of the drawing (i.e., all viewports are updated as you draw).	How drawing works: Objects drawn over any one view in a multiple-view layout are displayed only as part of that view (and are not displayed in modelspace or paperspace ports at all).	How drawing works: Same as modelspace.
Screen refresh: Redraw/Regen affects only the active viewport; Redraw All/Regen All affects all viewports.	Screen refresh: Redraw/Regen and Redraw All/Regen All affects the entire drawing—i.e., all views.	Screen refresh: Same as modelspace.
Snap/grid, zoom, and pan behavior: Set snap, grid modes for individual viewports; zoom and pan individual viewports.	Snap/grid, zoom, and pan behavior: Snap, grid, zoom, and pan globally affect all views in the layout.	Snap/grid, zoom, and pan behavior: Same as modelspace.
Viewport navigation: Switch between viewports at any time (including in the middle of a command, while drawing, or during object selection).	Viewport navigation: N/A.	Viewport navigation: Same as modelspace.
Layers control: Freeze/thaw layers globally only; cannot adjust layer visibility for individual vports	Layers control: N/A. Only layers visible in modelspace or paperspace ports are displayed and plotted.	Layers control: Freeze/thaw layers globally or per individual viewports.
Editing: Can edit different parts of your model in different viewports; edit only objects originally drawn in paperspace.	Editing: Cannot edit drawing directly from paperspace; switch to paperspace ports. Edit only objects drawn in paperspace.	Editing: Same as modelspace.
Printing/plotting: Print/plot the drawing extents, named view, or the current view; can output the display in the current viewport or in multiple viewports.	Printing/plotting: Print or plot drawing extents, named view, or the current view; can output the display in the current viewport or in multiple viewports.	Printing/plotting: Print or plot from one or multiple viewports. With ZOOM SCALE command, can set up views at varying scales.


Key Concepts About Text and Fonts
	Text and Fonts
General Notes About Fonts

Font types supported. Vdraft supports font types native to the AutoCAD release 12 file format, including .SHP files and compiled .SHX shape file fonts.

Built-in fonts. Vdraft includes a set of built-in text and symbol fonts.

Font sizes. You use the text height property to define the font size of a text object. This is different from the way font sizes are handled in other programs such as word processors, which usually refer to font sizes in terms of points—for example, 10-point type, 12-point type, and so on. In CAD, you set text height in relation to the scale factor of your drawing.

Important:	Font substitution/sending files out-of-house. To display fonts exactly as you specify in your original drawings, Vdraft must also access the font files you use. Otherwise, Vdraft substitutes the TXT font to display text. If you send drawings out-of-house—for example, to outside service agencies—you must include the font files on disk.

Important:	Font permissions. For any non-built-in font you include with files sent out-of-house, check the font license agreement to make sure you can legally distribute the font to other users who have not directly licensed the font. You are authorized to freely distribute drawings using Vdraft’s built-in fonts.

Text Styles, Formats, and Properties

Text styles and formats. Text styles are a powerful way to build in efficiency, speed, and consistency in managing text in your drawings. Vdraft’s default text style is called Standard, which uses a default stick-lettering font called TXT. Use the Text Styles command (Settings menu) to create and choose other text styles. You can format text or symbol characters, using a variety of built-in fonts or third-party fonts, font sizes, alignment, justification, and text position options. For more about text styles and formatting, click [image].

Overriding text style settings by changing properties. To override style formats for an individual text object, you can change settings in the object’s Properties dialog box. For more about text properties, click [image].


	Managing Layers, Colors, and Linetypes
When working with multiple layers, linetypes, and colors, or with blocks comprised of objects on different layers, special considerations may apply. For example, the current color and linetype settings (or the layer pre-sets) may affect the appearance of a newly inserted block. To achieve the most consistent or predictable results with block inserts (and attributes), follow these guidelines:

To have block objects and attributes. . .	Do this	Additional Notes	Exception(s)
A. Retain the color/linetype presets for the original layers on which they’re drawn. . .	Set Color/Linetype to Same as Layer for all objects in the block/attribute definition.	• Objects are also inserted on the original layers on which they were drawn. • Upon block insertion, only the insertion point of the block instance actually resides on the current layer.	Does not apply to objects drawn on layer 0 (see item C., below).
B. Inherit the current color/linetype settings, regardless of their layer presets and the presets of the current (insertion) layer (this is either Same as Layer or an explicit setting). . .	Set color/linetype to Same as Block for all objects in the block/attribute definition.	• Defers final color/linetype assignments for block objects until actual block insertion (until then, objects are displayed as color 7—black or white, depending on your background color— and in CONTINUOUS solid linetype).
C. Inherit the color/linetype presets of the current (insertion) layer. . .	Create block and attribute objects on layer 0 and use Same as Layer.	• This applies regardless of whether color/linetype is set to Same as Layer or Same as Block for the objects. • Also causes block objects/attributes and the block insertion point to reside on the same layer.	Objects created on layer 0 with explicit color/linetype settings (those settings are preserved upon block insertion; see item D., below).
D. Absolutely guaranteed to retain specific color/linetype settings on block  insertion. . .	Use explicit color/linetype settings for block objects/attributes.	• Explicit color/linetype settings override current settings and pre-set layer assignments. • Note, however, that the better overall CAD design philosophy is to use a systematic approach to layer colors and linetypes versus individual settings.


Key Concepts About Object Snaps
	Object Snaps

Object snaps are important precision drafting tools that help you accurately locate and pick key geometric points on drawing objects or in relation to drawing objects—for example, endpoints and midpoints of lines, center points or quadrants of circles, and so on.

Why Use Object Snaps? (Object Snaps Versus Grid Snap)

For more complex drawings, object snaps afford even greater accuracy than the Grid Snap command, another useful precision drafting tool. For example, key geometric locations on objects such as the midpoints of lines or centers of circles may not fall exactly on grid snap points. Instead, you can use the midpoint snap  or center snap to locate those points quickly.	Midpoint Snap command/button   Center Snap command/button
Accessing Object Snaps

You can access object snaps in the following ways:

The Object Snaps toolbar, shown here:

The Snap/Grid command (on the Object tab of that dialog box).

Many of the context-sensitive pop-up menus contain shortcuts to object snaps that apply to the task at hand.

Using Object Snaps

When to use object snaps. You can set object snaps at virtually any point in the drawing process—i.e., before or after issuing a drawing command, or while you are in the middle of drawing an object. For example, you can click the Line tool to start a line and then click the Endpoint Snap while still drawing; this allows you to snap the end of the new line to the closest endpoint of another object such as an arc or a different line. Visual feedback while using object snaps. While a snap setting is in effect, the screen provides visual cues when you move within a certain range of any existing object that the snap setting applies to. The object you are currently manipulating appears to “magnetically” pull to that snap point on the stationary object.Thus, when snapping to an object, you need only pick a point that is within close, approximate range of the actual snap point. Vdraft takes care of the actual precision pick. Setting conditions for object snaps to be in effect. You can also set specific conditions for when you want snaps to be in effect—for example, when creating or moving objects, moving the cursor, and so on. These options are available through the Snap/Grid command (on the When tab of that dialog box).	Endpoint Snap command/button
Other Factors Affecting Object Snaps

Objects snaps not in effect. You cannot use object snaps to snap to objects not visible on the screen, objects on frozen layers, or to the blank parts of dashed linetypes. Object snaps override. Toggling object snap settings on/off with the Object Snap command/button overrides settings with individual buttons on the Object Snap toolbar.	Object Snap command/button


Vdraft Command Quick Reference
2D SOLID

2DSPLINE

3D FACE

4-Point Dimension

3D Spline

A

About

Aligned Dimension

Angle Snap

Angular Dimension

Arc/Center Start End

Arc/Continuous 3-Point

Arc/Start Center End

Arc/Start Direction End

Arc/Start End Center

Arrange Icons

Array/Polar

Array/Rectangular

AutoCAD Help

B

Baseline Dimension

Block/Xref Manager

Break

C

Cascade

Centerpoint Snap

Chamfer

Circle/2-Point

Circle/3-Point

Circle/Center Radius

Close All

Close

Colors

Continued Dimension

Coordinates

Copy Multiple

Copy to Clipboard

Copy

Create Block

Cut to Clipboard

D

Define Attribute

Delete Viewport

Delete

Diameter Dimension

Dimension/Angular

Dimension Styles

Dimensions

Distance/Area

Donut

Drawing Info

E

Endpoint Snap

Exit

Explode/Blocks

Explode/Dimensions

Explode/Polylines

Extend to Objects

Extents

F

Fillet

G

Grid Snap

H

Horizontal Dimension

I

Insertion Snap

Intersection Snap

L

Last View

Layers

Line/Continuous

Line/Double

Linetypes

M

Midpoint Snap

Mirror

Modelspace

Move

N

Named Views

Nearest Snap

Net Hyperlinks/Create Link

Net Hyperlinks/Edit Link

Net Hyperlinks/Unmake

New Viewport

New

O

Object Creation

Object Snaps

Open

Ortho Snap

Output HPGL

Output SVF

P

Pan

Paperspace Ports

Paperspace

Paste from Clipboard

Perpendicular Snap

Plan

Point Snap

Point

Polygon/Center, Midpoint

Polygon/Center, Vertex

Polygon/Edge

Polyline/2D

Polyline/3D

Preferences

Print

Properties

Q

Quadrant Snap

Quick Tour

R

Radius Dimension

Rectangle/2-Point

Rectangle/3-Point

Redo

Redraw All

Redraw

Regen All

Regen

Rotated Dimension

Rotate

S

Save As

Save Blocks As

Save Objects As

Save

Scale

Send

Snap/Grid

Spline/2D

Spline/3D

T

Text Styles

Text

Tile Horizontally

Tile Vertically

Trim to Objects

U

Undo/Redo List

Undo

Units

V

Vdraft Help

Vertical Dimension

X

X-Ordinate Dimension

Y

Y-Ordinate Dimension

Z

Zoom In

Zoom Out

Zoom Window


AutoCAD Help
AutoCAD Command	Vdraft Equivalent Command                   or Action
3DARRAY	ARRAY/RECTANGULAR or ARRAY/POLAR (Modify menu)
3DFACE
3DPOLY	P0LYLINE/3D (Draw menu)
A
ABOUT	ABOUT (Help menu)
ARC (or a)	ARC/CONTINUOUS 3-POINT ARC/CENTER, START, END ARC/START, CENTER, END ARC/START, END, CENTER ARC/START, DIRECTION, END (all on Draw menu)
AREA	DISTANCE/AREA (View menu)
ARRAY	ARRAY/RECTANGULAR ARRAY/POLAR (Modify menu)
ATTDEF	DEFINE ATTRIBUTE (Blocks menu)
ATTEDIT	PROPERTIES (Settings menu)
B
BLOCK	CREATE BLOCK (Blocks menu)
BREAK	BREAK (Modify menu)
C
CHAMFER	CHAMFER (Modify menu)
CHAMFERA	CHAMFER (Modify menu)
CHAMFERB	CHAMFER (Modify menu)
CHANGE	PROPERTIES (Settings menu)
CHPROP	PROPERTIES (Settings menu)
CIRCLE or c)	CIRCLE/CENTER, RADIUS CIRCLE/2 POINT CIRCLE/3 POINT (all on Draw menu/toolbar)
COLOR	COLORS (Settings menu)
COPY (or cp)	COPY  COPY MULTIPLE (all on Modify menu)
COPYCLIP	COPY TO CLIPBOARD (Edit menu)
CUTCLIP	CUT TO CLIPBOARD (Edit menu)
D
DDATTDEF	DEFINE ATTRIBUTE (Blocks menu)
DDATTE	PROPERTIES (Settings menu)
DDCHPROP	PROPERTIES (Settings menu)
DDEDIT	PROPERTIES (Settings menu)
DDEMODES	OBJECT CREATION (Settings menu)
DDIM	DIM STYLE (Settings menu)
DDINSERT	BLOCK/XREF MANAGER (Blocks menu)
DDLMODES	LAYERS (Settings menu)
DDMODIFY	PROPERTIES (Settings menu)
DDOSNAP	SNAP/GRID (Settings menu)
DDPTYPE	POINT DISPLAY (Settings menu)
DDRENAME	DIM STYLE LAYERS LINETYPES TEXT STYLES (Settings menu) NAMED VIEW (View menu)
DDRMODES	SNAP/GRID (Settings menu)
DDUNITS	UNITS (Settings menu)
DDVIEW	NAMED VIEW (View menu)
DDVPOINT	VIEWPOINT (View menu)
DIMALIGNED	DIMENSION/ALIGNED (Draw menu)
DIMANGULAR	DIMENSION/ANGULAR (Draw menu)
DIMBASELINE	DIMENSION/BASELINE (Draw menu)
DIMCONTINUE	DIMENSION/CONTINUOUS (Draw menu)
DIMDIAMETER	DIMENSION/DIAMETER (Draw menu)
DIMORDINATE	DIMENSION/ORDINATE X DIMENSION/ORDINATE Y (all on Draw menu)
DIMRADIUS	DIMENSION/RADIUS (Draw menu)
DIMSTYLE	DIM STYLE (Settings menu)
DIMTEDIT	PROPERTIES (Settings menu)
DIST	DISTANCE/AREA (View menu)
DLINE	POLYLINE/DOUBLE (Draw menu)
DONUT	DONUT (Draw menu)
DTEXT	TEXT (Draw menu)
DVIEW or dv)	NAMED VIEW (View menu)
DXFIN	OPEN (File menu)
DXFOUT	SAVE AS (File menu)
E
ELEV	OBJECT CREATION (Settings menu)
END	EXIT (File menu)
ERASE or e	DELETE (Edit menu)
EXIT	EXIT (File menu)
EXPLODE	EXPLODE/BLOCKS EXPLODE/DIMENSIONS EXPLODE/POLYLINES (all on Modify menu)
EXTEND	EXTEND TO OBJECTS (Modify menu)
F
FILEOPEN	OPEN (File menu)
FILLET	FILLET (Modify menu)
G
GRID	SNAP/GRID (Settings menu)
H
HELP	VDRAFT HELP CUSTOMIZATION HELP AUTOCAD HELP (all on Help menu)
I
INFO	DRAWING INFO (View menu)
INSERT	BLOCK/XREF MANAGER (Blocks menu)
L
LAYER (or la)	LAYERS (Settings menu)
LEADER	DIMENSION/LEADER (Draw menu)
LINE or l	LINE (Draw menu)
LINETYPE	LINETYPES (Settings menu)
LIST	PROPERTIES (Settings menu)
LTSCALE	LINETYPES (Settings menu)
M
MIRROR	MIRROR  MIRROR COPY (all on Modify menu)
MOVE (or m)	MOVE (Modify menu)
MSPACE (or ms)	DRAWING SPACE/MODELSPACE DRAWING SPACE/PAPERSPACE DRAWING SPACE/PAPERSPACE PORTS (all on View menu)
MVIEW	DRAWING SPACE/NEW VIEWPORT (View menu)
N
O
OPEN	OPEN (File menu)
ORTHO	SNAP/GRID (Settings menu)
OSNAP	SNAP/GRID (Settings menu)
P
PAN (or p)	PAN (View menu)
PASTECLIP	PASTE FROM CLIPBOARD (Edit menu)
PEDIT	PROPERTIES (Settings menu)
PLAN	PLAN (View menu)
PLINE (or pl)	POLYLINE/2D POLYLINE/3D POLYLINE/DOUBLE (all on Draw menu)
PLOT	PLOT HPGL FILE (File menu)
POINT	POINT (Draw menu)
POLYGON	POLYGON/CENTER, VERTEX POLYGON/CENTER, MIDPOINT POLYGON/EDGE (all on Draw menu)
PREFERENCES	PREFERENCES (Settings menu)
PSPACE (or ps)	DRAWING SPACE/MODELSPACE DRAWING SPACE/PAPERSPACE DRAWING SPACE/PAPERSPACE PORTS (all on View menu)
Q
QSAVE	SAVE (File menu)
QUIT	EXIT (File menu)
R
RECTANG	RECTANGLE/2 POINT RECTANGLE/3 POINT (all on Draw menu)
REDO	REDO UNDO/REDO (all on Edit menu)
REDRAW (or r)	REDRAW REDRAW ALL (all on View menu)
REDRAWALL	REDRAW ALL (View menu)
REGEN	REGEN REGEN ALL (all on View menu)
REGENALL	REGEN ALL (View menu)
RENAME	DIM STYLE LAYERS LINETYPES TEXT STYLES (Settings menu) NAMED VIEW (View menu)
ROTATE	ROTATE (Modify menu)
ROTATE3D	3D ROTATE (View menu)
S
SAVE	SAVE (File menu)
SAVEAS	SAVE AS (File menu)
SAVEASR12	SAVE AS RELEASE (File menu)
SAVEASR11	SAVE AS RELEASE (File menu)
SAVEASR10	SAVE AS RELEASE (File menu)
SAVEASR9	SAVE AS RELEASE (File menu)
SAVEASV26	SAVE AS RELEASE (File menu)
SAVEASV25	SAVE AS RELEASE (File menu)
SCALE	SCALE (Modify menu)
SENDMAIL	SEND (File menu)
SNAP	SNAP/GRID (Settings menu)
SOLID	2D SOLID (Draw menu)
*SPLINE	SPLINE/2D (Draw menu)
STYLE	TEXT STYLES(Settings menu)
SVFOUT	OUTPUT SVF(Settings menu)
T
TEXT	TEXT (Draw menu)
TEXTCLIP	TEXT TO CLIPBOARD (Edit menu)
TILEMODE	DRAWING SPACE/MODELSPACE DRAWING SPACE/PAPERSPACE DRAWING SPACE/PAPERSPACE PORTS  (all on View menu)
TIME	DRAWING INFO  (all on View menu)
TRIM	TRIM TO OBJECTS (Modify menu)
U
U	UNDO UNDO/REDO (both on Edit menu)
UNDO	UNDO UNDO/REDO (both on Edit menu)
UNITS	UNITS (Settings menu)
V
VIEW	NAMED VIEW (View menu)
VPOINT	VIEWPOINT (View menu)
W
WBLOCK	SAVE OBJECTS AS SAVE BLOCKS AS (Blocks menu)
WINDOWCLIP	WINDOW TO CLIPBOARD (Edit menu)
*WMFOUT	COPY TO CLIPBOARD (Edit menu)
X
XBIND	BLOCK/XREF MANAGER (Blocks menu)
XREF	BLOCK/XREF MANAGER (Blocks menu)
Z
ZOOM (or z)	WINDOW (View menu)


How to Use AutoCAD HELP

To jump to an alphabetical section of the command listing: Click the alphabetical keypad at the top of the AutoCAD Help window.

To see a brief pop-up description of the Vdraft command equivalent: Click the AutoCAD command name in the first column. Near-equivalent commands are marked with an asterisk (*), and differences are also explained in the pop-up notes.

To jump to the related Help topic for a command: Click the Vdraft command name in the second column.

To see a pop-up locator for a Vdraft tool button: Click the button icon in the third column to see a pop-up picture of the entire toolbar that contains that tool button.

To find out how to enter AutoCAD command line syntax in Vdraft: Click the Tip button at the top of the AutoCAD Help window.


Vdraft Glossary
Vdraft Extended Glossary
A

absolute coordinates

ActiveX

ActiveX Automation

ActiveX Automation object

actual precision

aligned dimension

alternate units

angular dimension

angular unit

annotation

ANSI

array

arrowhead

ASCII

aspect ratio

attribute

attribute tag

Automation object

B

big font

bind

bitmap

b-spline

base angle

base point

baseline dimension

block

C

center line

center mark

center point

chamfer

client application

Clipboard

containing window

continuous dimension

control point

coordinate filter

coordinate readout area

coordinate system

crosshairs

crossing window

cursor

cursor tip

D

dependencies/dependent symbols

detach

diameter dimension

dimension line

dimension style

dimension text

display list

display precision

dock

donut

DOS window

drawing database

drawing dependencies

drawing extents

drawing space

drawing unit

dual dimensioning

DWG

DWG/DXF Plug-in

DXE

DXF

E

elevation

embed

English units

event

explode

extended entity data

extents

extension line

external block

external data

external reference

extrusion

F

Favorites folder

fillet

flick

freeze

G

grid

grid snap

grip

H

handle

history list

horizontal dimension

HP-GL/2 or HP-GL

HTML

I

internal block

Internet

intranet

J

justification

L

layer

layer 0

leader

limits tolerance

linetype

link

long filename

M

macro

method

metric units

mirror

modeless

modelspace

N

named view

NCSA

nested block

Net [for Internet] hyperlink

New Drawing Wizard

noun-verb selection

O

object

object linking and embedding

object pick method

object snap

OLE

OLE Automation

ordinate dimension

origin

ortho mode

output unit

P

pan

paperspace

paperspace ports

path

plan view

plot scale

plug-in

point filter

point

point object

polar array

polyline

pop-up menu

property

Properties box

prototype drawing

pushpin

Q

quick dimension

R

radius dimension

rectangular array

redraw

refresh icon

regen

relative coordinates

reload

rotated dimension

rubber-band

S

sagitta

Same as Block

Same as Layer

scale

scale factor

screen tip

script

scrollbars

selection set

selection window

server application

snap angle

snap settings

spline

status bar

sticky tool

sub-menu

SVF

SVF Plug-in

system variable

T

template

text style

thaw

thickness

tile

tolerance

trace

V

variance tolerance

Vdraft Internet Tools

vector

verb-noun selection

vertex

vertical dimension

view

viewport

virtual screen

W

WMF

World Wide Web

X

X-coordinate

X-ordinate dimension

Xref

XYZ filters

Y

Y-coordinate

Y-ordinate dimension

Z

Z-coordinate

zoom


absolute coordinates—coordinate locations that use point 0, 0 as the origin or point-of-reference (this is also the point at which the horizontal and vertical axes intersect). Generally, point 0, 0 is the lower-left corner of the drawing, although you can also specify a different location as the point 0, 0 origin (via the Origin option in dialog box for the SNAP/GRID command—Grid tab).

See also relative coordinates.


ActiveX (formerly known as OLE, or Object Linking and Embedding)—a protocol for exchanging data between Windows applications. You can use two methods of date exchange:

Linking a document: When a Vdraft drawing is linked to another document, any changes to the drawing are also reflected in all other documents linked to that file. When a target document is opened, links are automatically updated (similar to the way Vdraft Xrefs work). The path specified in the target document must be valid at all times to maintain the link. Note that linking also associates the current view of a drawing.

Embedding a document: When you embed a Vdraft drawing, a copy of it is created and stored as part of the document. However, no further link with the original file is maintained. Changes in the original are not reflected in the embedded drawing. Changes made to the embedded drawing by double-clicking in the inserted affect only the embedded drawing. You also have the option of displaying an embedded drawing as an icon, if desired.

See also ActiveX Automation.


ActiveX Automation (also called Automation; formerly OLE Automation)—a programming mechanism you use to customize Vdraft. ActiveX Automation defines a protocol by which one Windows application—called a client application, or controlling application—can control another application, called a server application (Vdraft functions solely as a server application).

For example, you might extract attributes from a Vdraft drawing for tracking in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. Or, you might use Automation to create a completely new Windows custom application. Vdraft’s New Drawing Wizard is one example of a custom application created with Automation.

You drive a transaction between Vdraft and another application by writing code in a Windows-compliant programming language (such as Microsoft Visual Basic or Visual C++) in tandem with the ActiveX Automation programming protocol. This allows the other application to manipulate what are known as Vdraft’s Automation objects. ActiveX Automation requires the use of only one Windows-compliant programming language for all customization needs.

Note:	In Vdraft documentation, the terms ActiveX Automation and Automation are used interchangeably.

See also event; method; property; script


ActiveX Automation object (also called an Automation object; formerly OLE Automation object)—in ActiveX Automation, a Vdraft internal object (such as a layer, line, block, attribute, object property, etc.) that Vdraft (acting as a server application) exposes for use by another Windows application (acting as a client application). A client application might be another standard Windows program such as Microsoft Excel or a completely new custom Windows application such as Vdraft’s New Drawing Wizard (which itself was created with Automation).

Vdraft’s Automation objects are organized in a hierarchy extending from the level of the application itself, down through objects (lines, points, circles, blocks, attributes, object properties, and so forth), down through given dialog box options, and so on.

You drive a transaction between Vdraft and another application by writing code in a Windows-compliant programming language (such as Microsoft Visual Basic or Visual C++) in tandem with the ActiveX Automation programming protocol. For a transaction to occur, the other application connects to an exposed Vdraft Automation object. The other application can then set properties of the exposed Automation objects, execute the methods of those objects, or trigger events to manipulate the objects.

Note:	In Vdraft documentation, the terms ActiveX Automation object and Automation object are used interchangeably.


actual precision—the level of mathematical precision for dimensions and measurements of drawing objects as stored in the object database. Vdraft stores drawing objects as vector graphics and as floating-point values with actual precision accuracy to fourteen (14) decimal places.

Note:	Actual precision is different from display precision. Vdraft’s maximum display precision is eight (8) decimal places or eight fractional places (1/256”).


aligned dimension—a measurement of a linear distance, rotation aligned with two base points at any angle. The dimension line is parallel to the line it measures. The extension lines are perpendicular and of equal length.

See also quick dimension.


alternate units (also called dual dimensioning)—the convention of displaying dimensions in two sets of units, as required in some industries. For example, alternate units in dimensions might display English units and metric units, or feet and inches plus total inches. Typically, the units used for the original dimensioning are placed on the left or on top of the alternate units. Another convention places brackets around the converted units.

See also quick dimension.

Related Topics

Setting Basic Drawing Units

Setting Up Dual Dimensions

Setting a Scaling Factor for Drawing Units

Displaying Alternate Units for Drawing Units

Setting Output Units


angular dimension—a measurement of an angle or arc segment.

See also quick dimension.


angular unit—a unit of measurement for angles and angular coordinates/numerical values. In Vdraft, you can specify angular units in the following formats:

degrees/minutes/seconds (for example, 90d30’0”).

grads (for example, 45.3333g), radians (for example, 0.8371r).

quandrant bearings plus minutes, degrees, and seconds (for example, N85d25’0”E; this is often called surveryors units).


annotation—text, notes, specifications, dimensions and tolerances, or other symbols used to clarify a drawing.


ANSI—acronym for American National Standards Institute, which coordinates standards for both the private and public sectors for programming languages, telecommunications, data storage media, and electronic data exchange.


array—a set of multiple copies of the selected object(s) in one of the following patterns:

rectangular array—arranges the copies in a grid pattern (in a specified number of rows and/or columns).

polar array—arranges the copies in a polar or circular pattern around an axis point.


arrowhead—a general term for the arrow, dot, slash, or other style of terminator at the ends of a dimension line to show the start and end-point of the dimension.

See also quick dimension.


ASCII—acronym for American Standard Code for Information Interchange, a standard numeric code used to define characters in computer communications. For example, each character is defined using 7 bits per character with the eighth for parity checking.


aspect ratio—the ratio of screen display height to width.


attribute—a label or annotation associated with a block (a set of drawing objects grouped together as a single unit, such as a title block). An attribute might consist of a name, part number, price, manufacturer, and so on. You can use attributes like preset annotations (for example, your name and firm always displayed in a title block). Or, you can set up an attribute to prompt you for a different value each time you insert the block associated with the attribute (for example, prompting for a unique part number).

You can also extract attributes to generate reports. For example, you might write a Visual Basic program to extract part numbers from attributes within a drawing and export the information to a spreadsheet or database program.

An attribute definition refers to the template you set up to define properties that govern an attribute.

An attribute tag consists of the text you specify as the generic name or category associated with the attribute (e.g., NAME, PART_NUMBER, etc.). This is also the value used for extracting attribute data for use in another application.

An attribute value refers to the specific content of an attribute.


attribute tag—the text you specify as the generic name or category associated with an attribute (e.g., NAME, PART_NUMBER, etc.). This is also the value used for extracting attribute data for use in another application.

Note:	A block can have one or more attributes associated with it, but each attribute mus have a unique tag.


big font—a font that contains more than 256 different characters—for example, a Kanji font.

In Vdraft, you can set up text styles that use big fonts.


bind—to make an Xref (external reference) a permanent component of a master drawing. This is useful for archiving or for easily transmitting a drawing out-of-house, for example, to an outside service agency.


bitmap (abbreviated BMP)—a digital image that uses bits to refer to pixels (picture elements). In black-and-white graphics, the bits turn the display of pixels on or off. In color graphics, each pixel is defined by red, green, and blue components (each component having a different value).

A .BMP file refers to a graphics file that is in bitmap format.


b-spline—a type of curved polyline. Vdraft generates a spline as a uniform, rational b-spline—i.e., the spline passes through the start- and endpoints. The remaining vertices act as control points for the curve, but the spline does not necessarily pass through these points.

In Vdraft you can create 2-D and 3-D b-splines.


base angle—establishes angle 0 (zero degrees) as the reference point for angles in the drawing. By default, Vdraft sets 0 degrees toward the right (i.e., “east” or the “three o’clock” position). Also, by default, angles increase in counterclockwise direction.

You can change both of these settings on the Angles tab in the UNITS command dialog box.


base point (of an object)—a point defined on an object that serves as a kind of handle for grabbing and manipulating the object at insertion or for pasting it from the Windows Clipboard in a copy/cut operation. For example, the base point of a block is the point at which you can move, rotate, or scale the block upon insertion.

If you are specifying a base point for an object (for example, as you create a block), pick a point that allows you to easily manipulate the object upon insertion or pasting in. Good choices for a base point include the lower-left, center point, or center line of the object.

Note:	In the preview window of the Blocks/Xrefs Manager, the base point of a block is displayed as a small red box.


baseline dimension (also referred to as a parallel dimension)—two or more dimensions measured from the same baseline  and based on an initial linear, aligned, or angular dimension. Each succeeding dimension is measured from the preceeding extension line or a point you specify.

See also quick dimension.


block—one or more drawing objects named and grouped together as a unit. You can define a block as (a) an internal block for use within the current drawing, or (b) an external block, a separate drawing file on disk for use among several drawings (i.e., any .DWG file you save can be used as a block). Block entities are treated as a group, making it easy to manipulate all components of a block as one object.

Only the original block definition is actually stored in the drawing database, which saves disk space and facilitates maintaining multiple instances of an object. Each time you insert a block into a drawing, you create a pointer to it, variously called a block insert, or block reference. What is actually displayed in the drawing is called an instance or insert of the block. You can scale and rotate each individual instance of a block or “explode” the block instance back into its original components if you want to edit individual items.

You can use blocks to assemble symbol libraries of frequently used drawing elements such as title areas (title blocks), company or product logos, standard symbols, or parts.

See also attribute; Xref (external reference).


center line—a broken line that indicates the center of a circle or an arc.


center mark—indicates the center origin point of an angular, radius, or diameter dimension for a circle or an arc. The mark may appear as a cross at the center of the dimension or as a cross with extension lines that reach just beyond the arc’s perimeter.


center point—the center of a circle or an arc.


chamfer—a sharp, beveled edge.

See also fillet.


client application (also called a controlling application)—in ActiveX Automation, a Windows application that obtains data and/or services from another Windows application (called a server application. A client application might be another standard Windows program such as Microsoft Excel or a completely new custom Windows application such as Vdraft’s New Drawing Wizard (which itself was created with ActiveX Automation).

For a transaction to occur, the client application first connects to an ActiveX Automation object exposed by the server application. Then the client application can set properties of the objects exposed by the server application, execute the methods of those objects, or trigger events to manipulate the objects.

You drive a transaction between Vdraft and another application by writing code in a Windows-compliant programming language (such as Microsoft Visual Basic or Visual C++) in tandem with the ActiveX Automation programming protocol.

Note:	Vdraft functions solely as a server application.


Clipboard (or Windows Clipboard)—a temporary storage/transfer area that is accessible to all Windows-based applications. Objects transferred to the Clipboard via the following Vdraft commands remain there until replaced by the next Clipboard-related operation:

COPY TO CLIPBOARD, CUT TO CLIPBOARD, PASTE TO CLIPBOARD, TEXT TO CLIPBOARD, WINDOW TO CLIPBOARD (all on the Edit menu).

Note:	The copy-, mirror, and array-related commands on the Modify/toolbar menu do not affect the Clipboard.


containing window—a type of selection window you can draw to select groups of objects or to select objects composed of many individual elements. A containing window selects only objects that it completely encloses.

To draw a containing window, pick points left to right, as show here, with points 1 and 2:

Note:	Many right-click pop-up menus also have commands for starting a containing or crossing window (under Options).

See also crossing window; object pick method.


continuous dimension—two or more dimensions positioned end-to-end and based on an initial linear, aligned, or angular dimension. Each succeeding dimension is measured from the preceeding extension line or a point you specify.

See also quick dimension.


control point—a point used to define a curve in a b-spline; may include vertices that act as control points for curves, but the spline does not necessarily pass through these points.


coordinate filter—see point filter.


coordinate readout area—the right-hand side of the status bar (at the bottom of the Vdraft window) that provides a readout of the current coordinate location of the cursor crosshairs.


coordinate system—a set of points that represents the drawing space in relation to an origin point, 0, 0. In 2-D, a set of axes, X and Y, represent horizontal and vertical directions, respectively. In 3-D, an additional Z axis is used for points lying above and below the two-dimensional X-Y plane. The axes intersect at the origin point, 0, 0, 0. In Vdraft, you can use absolute and relative coordinates of the following types: rectangular (Cartesian), 2-D polar and 3-D polar (cylindrical), and spherical (3-D only).

In 2-D rectangular coordinates, you specify a given point in the format X,Y (for example, 3, 3); in 3-D, use the format X, Y, Z (for example, 0, 0, -1).

Polar and spherical coordinate systems utilize an X-coordinate and an angle instead of a Y-axis distance to define the second point of a coordinate location (for example 6>45).


crosshairs—the two lines in the drawing area that intersect at the cursor and help you draw, select, align, or place objects in the drawing or in relation to other objects.

You can control the display of the crosshairs with the Fullscreen Crosshairs setting in the Preferences dialog box (Settings menu):

To have the crosshairs extend across the entire drawing area or current viewport, click to turn on the Fullscreen Crosshairs check box. (Note: If you have only one viewport open in either modelspace or paperspace/paperspace ports, the crosshairs extend over the entire drawing area. With multiple viewports open, the crosshairs extend only over the active viewport.)

To have the crosshairs always displayed as a smaller, crosshairs pointer icon, click to turn off the Fullscreen Crosshairs check box.


crossing window—a type of selection window you can draw to select groups of objects or to select objects composed of many individual elements. A crossing window selects all objects that it crosses (the objects need not be entirely contained in the window).

To draw a crossing window, pick points right to left, as show here, with points 1 and 2:

Note:	Many right-click pop-up menus also have commands for starting a containing or crossing window (under Options).

See also containing window; object pick method.


cursor—the mouse pointer on the screen; the cursor changes according to the context of the current task or screen location:


cursor tip—context-sensitive prompts, hints, and other helpful information displayed at the end of the mouse pointer as you work. Vdraft displays the following types of cursor tips:

Command cursor tip—a brief prompt that appears at the end of the mouse pointer and the “rubber band image” (the dynamic shape displayed as a drawing guide when commands that draw or manipulate objects are in progress). For example, during block insertions or copy operations, it prompts you to select an insert point, and so forth.

Info cursor tip—a readout in the current drawing units. The read-out appears at the end of the mouse pointer and the “rubber band image” (the dynamic shape displayed as a drawing guide when commands that draw or manipulate objects are in progress). For example, as you draw, it displays the applicable length, radius, angle, distance/area information, and so forth.

Object cursor tip—displays information in the current drawing units about the object the mouse cursor is currently over (includes object type and object-specific information such as length and angle data for a line, radius and area for a circle, length for an arc, and so forth).

The following examples show the info cursor tips displayed when drawing circles and lines:

You can control cursor tip display via the View toolbar (on/off toggles) and Preferences dialog box (Settings menu).


dependencies/dependent symbols—see drawing dependencies.


detach—to remove an Xref (external reference) from a master drawing. Detaching an Xref also purges the master drawing of dependent symbols such as layer names.


diameter dimension—a measurement of the diameter of a circle.

See also quick dimension.


dimension line—a line that indicates the direction and measurement of a dimension (linear dimensions); an angular dimension uses an arc as the dimension line.

See also arrowhead; center mark; extension line; quick dimension.


dimension style—a group of pre-sets that determine dimension format and appearance. Dimension styles are useful for streamlining your work: you can establish and tweak various settings once and the apply the style from thereon in.

See also arrowhead; center mark; extension line; quick dimension.


dimension text—indicates the dimension measurement value; optionally may include prefixes, suffixes, tolerances, and/or other notes such as manufacturing specifications. Usually positioned near the middle of the dimension line.

See also quick dimension.


display list—a kind of “virtual screen” Vdraft uses to maintain a constant display and to quickly update the screen display of the current drawing. The display list is based on the high-precision database of information about drawing objects that Vdraft creates as you draw. The database stores screen display information as floating point values. Vdraft converts the floating point values into integers for the display list to accommodate fast updates for redraw operations.

See also redraw; regen.


display precision—the mathematical precision for dimensions and measurements of drawing objects as displayed on-screen. Vdraft’s maximum display precision is eight (8) decimal places or eight fractional places (1/256”).

Note:	Display precision is different from actual precision. Vdraft stores drawing objects as vector graphics and as floating-point values with actual mathematical precision accuracy to fourteen (14) decimal places.


dock—to drag a toolbar and snap it into a fixed location in a docking area around the drawing space. Toolbars can dock vertically or horizontally (toolbars with drop-down list boxes dock horizontally only). Docking a toolbar hides the titlebar of the toolbar.

Undocked toolbars display a title bar and “float” anywhere in the drawing space or on the screen.


donut—a filled circle or ring.


DOS window—a window that opens into the MS-DOS operating environment and allows you to switch back and forth between Windows and the MS-DOS prompt. To open a DOS window, click [image].


drawing database—a precise database of information that Vdraft creates for every drawing you create or edit. To ensure precision, Vdraft stores all objects in the drawing database both as vector graphics (for example, the start, mid-, and endpoints of lines, center points and radii of circles, and so forth) and also as floating point values.

See also actual precision; display precision.


drawing dependencies—

All drawings: refers to fonts or linetypes, which are not stored in the drawing and for which Vdraft must have a path reference in order to display them in the drawing.

Drawings with Xrefs (external references): includes the dependent symbols that an Xref brings into a master drawing—layers, fonts, linetypes, blocks, text styles, dimension styles.

You use the DRAWING DEPENDENCIES command to resolve dependency problems, or make any changes or substitutions in a drawing dependency.


drawing extents—see extents.


drawing space—one of Vdraft’s three main drawing environments:

modelspace—the 2-D/3-D environment you use for your main drafting and design work. In general, you start most drawings in modelspace (typically but not always drawing at a 1:1 scale in real-world units) and then switch to paperspace to compose your paper layout using one or more views of the model. See also paperspace, paperspace ports.

paperspace—a special 2-D drawing space that is like a sheet of paper for composing your finished paper layout for printing/plotting. You can add title blocks and borders and create viewports to arrange different views of your model. See also modelspace, paperspace ports.

paperspace ports—a special drawing space that acts as a kind of bridge between 2-D paperspace and 2-D/3-D modelspace. If you’ve created one or more viewports in paperspace, working in paperspace ports allows you to access modelspace within each viewport.


drawing unit—the linear and angular measurement system (English or metric) you set up for drawing in model space—for example, the scientific, decimal, engineering, or fractional formats. Your drawing units settings determine the display format of coordinates and other numerical values such as dimensions and the distance, angle, length, and area readouts in cursor tips. (By contrast, the term output units refers to distances/sizes as printed/plotted.)

Note:	Unless you are drawing in modelspace at 1:1 real-world units and also plotting/printing at 1:1, your drawing units will differ from your output units.

See also plot scale.


dual dimensioning—the convention of displaying dimensions in two sets of units, as required in some industries. For example, dual dimensions might display English (imperial) units and metric units, or feet and inches plus total inches. Typically, the units used for the original dimensioning are placed on the left or on top of the alternate units. Another convention places brackets around the converted units.

See also quick dimension.

Related Topics

Setting Basic Drawing Units

Setting Up Dual Dimensions

Setting a Scaling Factor for Drawing Units

Displaying Alternate Units for Drawing Units

Setting Output Units


DWG—the native AutoCAD .DWG file format. Vdraft reads and writes DWG (release 12 or earlier) files directly and entirely without translation.


DWG/DXF Plug-in—part of the SoftSource Vdraft Internet Tools. DWG/DXF Plug-in is a utility program that provides additional capabilities for Web browsers such as Netscape Navigator 2.0 (and later releases) and Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0 (and later releases). The plug-in brings dynamic CAD viewing capabilities (for example, zoom, pan, layer visibility control) to anyone with a compatible Web browser. Users need not have a compatible CAD system installed to view the drawings.

See also SVF Plug-in.


DXE—acronym for Drawing eXchange Engine, the industry-standard AutoCAD read-write API (Applications Programming Interface), developed by SoftSource. Vdraft uses DXE as its internal engine, which allows it to read and write AutoCAD (DWG) and DXF files directly and entirely without translation. This ensures total compatibility with AutoCAD (release 12 back through release 2.5) and maintains the total data integrity of your AutoCAD drawings.


DXF—acronym for Drawing eXchange File format, a standard format (either ASCII or binary) for importing/exporting drawing files among different CAD programs or computer environments. Vdraft reads and writes .DXF drawings directly and entirely without translation.

Vdraft’s SAVE AS command (File menu) includes both a default DXF option that saves the file as an ASCII file and a Binary DXF option that saves a file in binary format. A binary DXF file is about 25% smaller than an ASCII DXF file and is a little more efficient (i.e., Vdraft can read it even faster than ASCII). Certain third-party applications can also read the binary format; howerver, you cannot read or edit the binary file with a text editor.


elevation (also referred to as a Z coordinate)—indicates the position of an object as measured along the Z axis from the XY plane that has a Z value of 0 (zero)—i.e., from the XY plane on which the object is drawn. By default, this property is 0 (zero).

A negative Z value defines the elevation below the XY plane.

A positive Z value defines the elevation above the XY plane.

The illustration below shows how a positive value for elevation defines the position of an object along the Z axis:

Note:	The effects of any setting other than 0 (zero) for the elevation property are not apparent until the object is viewed in 3-D.

See also extrusion; thickness.


embed—to use an ActiveX (formerly (formerly known as OLE, or Object Linking and Embedding) technique for exchanging data between different Windows applications. For example, embedding a Vdraft drawing into a target document creates a copy of the drawing that is stored as part of the target document. Double-clicking the copy of the drawing allows you to edit it using Vdraft without leaving the target document.

See also link.


English units (also referred to as the English system, imperial system, or imperial units)—a system of measurements that uses the foot (length), pound (weight), and gallon (volume) as the basic drawing units and/or output units.

In Vdraft you can set English or metric units for input/output units. Also, you can optionally specify a scaling factor for your drawing units, or set inches as your drawing units but display the units as metric. You can also set up dual dimensioning.


event—in ActiveX Automation, an action, such as pressing a key or clicking a mouse button, that can be recognized by a Vdraft Automation object. Events can be triggered by user actions, program code, or by the system. Using ActiveX Automation from within a Windows-compliant programming language (such as Microsoft Visual Basic), you can write code to have Vdraft and Vdraft Automation objects respond to events.

See also method; property.


explode—to convert an object into its original, individual components. You can explode polylines (into arc/line segments), dimensions (into text labels, dimension lines, and extension lines), and block inserts (into whatever components were used to create the block; the original block definition remains unchanged).


extended entity data (often also referred to as external data)—any of a variety of additional information that can be attached to drawing objects or to drawings. For example, Vdraft stores hyperlink information as extended entity data. Extended entity data may be in the form of alphanumeric strings, values, coordinates, etc. This data is often used by custom, third-party applications.

Note:	The Properties box for an object includes an Extended Entity Data tab if such data is associated with the object.


extents—a view that includes all objects contained in the current drawing, displayed as large and as tightly as possible within the drawing space.


extension line—a line that extends from an object to a dimension line.

See also quick dimension.


external data—see extended entity data.


external reference (abbreviated as Xref)—a drawing that is associated as an externally referenced block to another, master drawing. The externally referenced drawing is displayed in the master drawing, but unlike a block definition stored in a drawing, the contents of the Xref are not added to the master drawing. For a drawing of considerable size or complexity, using it as an Xref can result in a significant savings in file size in your master drawing. Changes in an Xref are automatically reflected in the master drawing.


extrusion—the effect produced by making a 2-D object into a 3-D object. Extruding a 2-D object (in effect, extending the lines so as to produce 3D) above or below its elevation (in short, the Z value of the XY plane on which the object’s base is drawn) makes the 2-D object into a 3-D object.

For example, changing the thickness property of a two-dimensional object from 0 (the default) extrudes the object along the Z axis and makes the object a three-dimensional object: A negative value for the thickness property extrudes the 3-D image downward (i.e., the original 2-D object becomes the top of the 3-D object). A positive value extrudes the 3-D image upward (i.e., the original 2-D object becomes the bottom of the 3-D object).

Note:	The effects of any setting other than 0 (zero) for the thickness property are not apparent until the object is viewed in 3-D.


You use the Favorites folder to store shortcuts to files and folders of interest, including those in remote network locations. The original file or folder doesn't move. You can use a shortcut for quick access to the file without having to remember where the file is located.

To add a file or folder to the Favorites folder, click Open on the File menu, select the file or folder you want a shortcut for, click , and then click Add Selected Item To Favorites. To add a shortcut to the folder selected in the Look In box, click Add 'Look In' Folder To Favorites.

To open a favorite file or folder, click  , and then double-click the shortcut or the filename or folder name.

When you first use the Open and Save As dialog boxes, the My Documents folder is the default folder. The My Documents folder is located at the root level and is a good place to store drawings you're currently working on.


fillet—an arc’ed or curved edge.

See also chamfer.


flick—a special Vdraft “speed-drawing” technique by which you can rapidly choose a command on a right-click pop-up menu without even displaying the pop-up (the trick is learning the spatial orientation of commands on the pop-up and then “flicking” to them).


freeze—to suppress the display of a given layer. This is useful for speeding up screen regenaration (objects on frozen layers are still part of the drawing but not regen’ed) or for viewing only layers of the drawing you want to focus on.

See also thaw.


grid—a regularly spaced pattern of dots on the screen that helps you locate pick points and draw, select, align, or place objects in the drawing or in relation to other objects. The grid is not stored as part of the drawing, nor does it print out/plot on the drawing.

See also grid snap.


grid snap—a drawing aid that allows you to snap objects or the cursor to the nearest grid points.

See also grid; object snap.


grip—a small selection square for manipulating an object at a key geometric point on the object—for example, the endpoints and midpoint of a line, the center point and quadrants of a circle, the vertices of a polyline or spline, or the base point of a block. By selecting a grip, you can move or manipulate that part of the object.

The following illustration shows the grips that Vdraft displays for various types of drawing objects:

Note:	When a grip is actively selected, the color of the square changes from blue to red.


handle (of an object)—the unique identifier Vdraft permanently assigns to each object you draw. The handle is saved with the drawing file and deleted only if you delete the object from the drawing. In this case, Vdraft does not use that particular handle again in the drawing. A handle is read-only and also can be used by DXF and by other applications.

For more about handles, click [image].


history list—a drop-down section of a combo box that you can use to keep track of or re-enter previously entered data. Many of the combo boxes in which you enter coordinates (for example, object Properties boxes and the Coordinate Entry toolbar) or other numerical information also function as history lists.

To display a history list, click the down arrow on the combo box.

Click on a previously entered item to re-enter it.


horizontal dimension—measures a linear, horizontal distance.

See also quick dimension.


HP-GL/2 or HP-GL—acronyms for the latest and an earlier version of the Hewlett Packard Graphics Language, which is used to control Hewlett Packard (and compatible) output devices such as printers and plotters.


HTML—acronym for Hypertext Markup Language, which is used to create pages for the World Wide Web that can be viewed via a Web browser such as Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Internet Explorer.

See also Internet; Net [for Internet] hyperlink.


Internet—a global network of computers for data-sharing.

See also intranet; Net [for Internet] hyperlink; World Wide Web.


intranet—another term used to describe local and remote networked computing.

See also Internet.


justification—any of the various alignment options for text objects (for example, vertical justification options such as top, middle, baseline, or bottom; horizontal options such left/right, fit, true middle; and upside down or backwards).

You control justification settings with the Justification tab in a text object Properties box.


layer—the computer equivalent to the overlays used in manual drafting. Layers are useful for organizing conceptually related elements of drawing information such as the plumbing, walls, or electrical components of a construction plan.


layer 0—a special layer that is useful for creating objects to be included in blocks. Block objects drawn on layer 0 (regardless of whether their color and linetype is set to Same as Layer or Same as Block) inherit the properties of the layer that is current when the block is actually inserted (this also means that the block reference’s objects and insertion point reside on the same layer).

Exception: Explicit color and linetype settings for layer 0 block objects are preserved upon block insertion.


leader—a line or pointer that extends from a free-floating dimension or annotation to the object or part of the object referred to by the dimension.


limits tolerance—a type of dimension that displays two values that replace an original value; these represent the maximum and minimum dimension values that are valid within the confines of the design.

In Vdraft you can set up a dimension style to include a variance tolerance.

See also variance tolerance.


linetype—a pattern that defines the format and appearance of a line; can consist of (a) a solid line at a given width, (b) different combinations of dashes, dots, and spaces or other symbols. Many industries and disciplines have established conventions for linetype use. For example, cartographers often use standard linetypes to denote borders, roads, rivers, etc.

All Vdraft objects have linetypes associated with them. However, only lines, circles, arcs, and 2D polylines are affected by linetype settings you specify. Vdraft draws all other types of objects—for example, text and 3D faces—with the default linetype, CONTINUOUS solid line.


link—to use an Active X (formerly known as OLE, or Object Linking and Embedding) technique for exchanging data between different Windows applications.

For example, when you link a Vdraft drawing to a target document, any change to the original drawing is automatically updated in the linked copy displayed in the other document.

See also embed.


long filename—a Microsoft Windows 95 convention that allows document and folder names to exceed eight characters (a limitation formerly imposed by DOS). Longer, more descriptive filenames can make it easier to name, classify, and find and your documents and folders.

The following guidelines apply when using long filenames:

The complete path to the file, including drive letter, server name, folder path, and filename, can contain a maximum of 255 characters.

Filenames cannot include any of the following characters: forward slash (/), backslash (\), greater-than sign (>), less-than sign (<), asterisk (*), question mark (?), quotation mark ("), pipe symbol (|), colon (:), or semicolon (;).

Note:	If you view directories in a DOS window, long filenames are truncated to eight characters, ending with a tilde (~) and an integer (usually the number 1) as the last two characters.


macro—an equivalent for a Vdraft command that you can include as an instruction in a script.

The following table shows various examples of macro syntax (note differences such as the use or absence of parentheses for coordinates arguments, etc.):

Vdraft Command or Action	Macro Equivalent
MOVE (Modify menu/toolbar)	move (X, Y, Z)
LINE (Draw menu/toolbar)	line (X, Y, Z)
COPY (Modify menu/toolbar)	copy.offset (X, Y, Z)
3D ROTATE (View menu/toolbar	rotate.pre X, Y, Z
Selecting a single object	select.single (X, Y, Z)
Note:	In the above table, X, Y, and Z represent coordinate locations along the X-, Y-, and Z- axes, respectively.

	Use the UNDO/REDO LIST dialog box to quickly view macro syntax!


method—in ActiveX Automation, a function that operates on a Vdraft objectActiveX Automation object. Using ActiveX Automation from within a Windows-compliant programming language (such as Microsoft Visual Basic), you can write code to manipulate Vdraft’s Automation objects with methods.


metric units (also referred to as the metric system or the International System of Units; abbreviated SI)—a decimal system of weights and measures that uses meter (distance/length), kilogram (weight), and liter (volume) as the basic drawing units or output units.

In Vdraft you can set English or metric units or English units for input/output units. Also, you can optionally specify a scaling factor for your drawing units, or set inches as your drawing units but display the units as metric. You can also set up dual dimensioning.


mirror—to create a reverse-image copy of an object or to modify the object itself by mirroring.


modeless—a flexible operating state for the application that allows you to perform multiple tasks without changing modes.

For example, most of Vdraft’s dialog boxes are modeless: These dialog boxes contain a pushpin [image] you can use to keep them open in the drawing space as you work. You need not dismiss a modeless dialog box before going on to other tasks or commands.


modelspace—the 2-D/3-D environment you use for your main drafting and design work. In general, you start most drawings in modelspace (typically but not always drawing at a 1:1 scale in real-world units) and then switch to paperspace to compose your paper layout using one or more views of the model.

See also paperspace ports; viewport.


named view—a saved view that you can quickly recreate later by specifying its name; can consist of a specific part of your drawing, zoomed in at a given level of magnification, panned to a certain section of the drawing, rotated to a 3-D perspective, etc.

See also view; viewport.


NCSA—acronym for National Center for Super-Computing Applications; the original developers of the Mosaic browser for the World Wide Web and co-developers (along with SoftSource) of the SVF file format.


nested block—a block contained within another block.


Net [for Internet] hyperlink—an association between an object or document and another piece of information such as a textual annotation or a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) on the Web—i.e., a connection to another Web address/page and/or HTML document.

Uses for hyperlinks. In Vdraft, Internet hyperlinks can serve a variety of uses—from simple text annotations linked to drawing objects to navigational links within one Web site or to sites all over the Web. For example, a Vdraft drawing of the solar system could include hyperlinks from planets in the drawing to NASA photographs of the planets.

Types of hyperlinks. A hyperlink to a textual annotation alone is called an inactive link. A hyperlink to a URL is known as an active link (active links may display text annotations in addition to the actual URL).

Adding Net Hyperlinks to Vdraft Drawings

In Vdraft, you use the Net Hyperlinks commands (Net Hyperlinks toolbar/Settings menu) to implement net hyperlinks in a drawing. Then you output the drawing as an SVF file from Vdraft.


New Drawing Wizard—a special dialog box that organizes options for setting up a drawing (choosing units, linetypes, scaling, etc.) and then creates the new drawing accordingly; available via the NEW command (click [image] on the Standard toolbar or New on the File menu).

The New Drawing Wizard is an example of a custom Vdraft application created with ActiveX Automation.

See also script.


noun-verb selection—a sequence of selecting objects in which you select the object(s) first (via direct selection or a selection window); then choose the command or tool.

See also verb-noun selection.


object—a graphical or text entity that is stored in the object database as a single object and also manipulated as such. For example, a line, circle, polyline, and dimension (unless exploded) are all stored and manipulated as individual objects.


object linking and embedding—see ActiveX.


object pick method—a technique for selecting objects by clicking directly on them; useful for selecting a few simple objects or for selecting discrete parts of a complex object comprised of many individual components.

See also selection window.


object snap—a technique for accurately locating and picking key geometric points on drawing objects or in relation to drawing objects—for example, endpoints and midpoints of lines, center points or tangents of circles.


OLE—see ActiveX.


OLE Automation—see ActiveX Automation.


ordinate dimension—a measurement of a distance in the horizontal (X-ordinate dimension) or vertical plane (Y-ordinate dimension) relative to an established reference point on an object—often a corner of the object. Ordinate dimensions are frequently used for parts manufacturing in the machining industries.


origin—the intersection point of the axes in a coordinate system (for example, point 0, 0 in a 2-D Cartesian/rectangular coordinates system or point 0, 0, 0 in a 3-D coordinate system).


ortho mode—A drawing aid you use to snap the cursor and restrict line-drawing to 90-degree angles (i.e., draw only horizontal or vertical perpendicular lines relative to the snap angle).

To toggle ortho mode on/off, click [image] on the Snap/Grid toolbar.

See also snap angle.


output units—the measurement units (in either inches or millimeters) you set up for distances/sizes as printed/plotted (contrast with drawing units, the distances/sizes as drawn in modelspace).

Note:	Unless you are drawing in modelspace to scale (i.e., at 1:1 real-world units) and also plotting/printing with a plot scale of 1:1, your drawing units will differ from your output units.


pan—to shift or slide the area of the drawing displayed—moving it horizontally, vertically, or diagonally—by picking displacement points for distance and direction.

Note:	You can also use the horizontal and vertical scrollbars in a drawing window to navigate around the drawing.

See also zoom.


paperspace—a special 2-D drawing space that is like a sheet of paper for composing your finished paper layout for printing/plotting. You can add title blocks and borders and create viewports to arrange different views of your model.

See also modelspace; paperspace ports.


paperspace ports—a special drawing space that acts as a kind of bridge or porthole between 2-D paperspace and 2-D/3-D modelspace. If you’ve created one or more viewports in paperspace, working in paperspace ports allows you to access modelspace within each viewport.


path—describes the exact location of a program or a document on a local drive on your computer or on the network. To specify the full path for a file, type the drive letter, followed by a colon (:) and backslash. Then list the folders in the order you open them to get to the specific file.

Note:	Microsoft Windows 95 supports long filenames of a maximum of 250 characters. If you use a long filename in a path, enclose the path in quotation marks.

The following table shows examples of paths:

Path	Explanation
c:\Vdraft\vdraft.exe	Describes the path on local drive (c:) to a folder (Vdraft) where the program file (vdraft.exe) is stored
f:\dwgs\nozzle.dwg	Describes the path on network drive (f:) to a folder (dwgs) where the drawing file (nozzle.dwg) is stored
c:\guest cottage\stairwell.dwg”	Describes a path using long filenames


plan view—displays the drawing extents in 2-D from a top view  (i.e., a viewpoint of 0, 0, 1).


plot scale—the ratio between distances/sizes as printed/plotted (in either inches or millimeters) on paper to what is drawn in modelspace (i.e., per your drawing units as set with the Units command). For example, common plot scales are 1/4” = 1”0 and 3/8” = 1’0.

See also drawing unit; output unit; scale; scale factor.


plug-in—a utility program that provides additional capabilities for Web browsers such as Netscape Navigator 2.0 (and later releases) and Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0 (and later releases). SoftSource’s Vdraft Internet Tools include two such utilities:

DWG/DXF Plug-in.

SVF Plug-in.

These plug-ins provide dynamic CAD viewing capabilities (e.g., zoom, pan, layer visibility control) and net hyperlinks capabilities (SVF Plug-in only).


point filter (also known as a coordinate filter and an XYZ filter)—a function that extracts individual X, Y, and Z coordinate values from different points to construct a new, composite point using these coordinates.


point—1. a location in 2-D or 3-D space defined by X,Y,Z coordinates (for rectangular coordinates) or distance/angle (for polar or spherical coordinates). 2. also, a Vdraft point object—i.e., an entity consisting of a single XYZ coordinate location, created with the POINT command on the Draw toolbar/menu.


point object—an entity consisting of a single XYZ coordinate location. In Vdraft, you create a point object with the Point tool [image] on the Draw toolbar/menu.

Point objects are useful for marking incremental measurements on objects, for indicating intersections between elements in drawings, and for specifying a central point or offset of movement among mechanical parts.

Note:	A point object is different from a “pick point” you specify when drawing other types of objects. For example, when you pick a point for the end of a line, you specify coordinates for an endpoint of the line. However, when you specify a coordinate/pick point with the Point tool, you actually create a point object that is stored in the drawing as an entity in and of itself.

See also point.


polar array—an editing procedure that arranges multiple copies of the selected object(s) in a polar or circular pattern around an axis point.

See also rectangular array.


polyline—an object comprised of one or more connected line or arc segments that is stored in the drawing database as a single object.


pop-up menu—any of numerous context-sensitive menus you can display by right-clicking (clicking the right mouse button) as you work to access additional options for the current command or task. The pop-ups minimize the need to memorize commands and facilitate dynamic drawing by placing additional tools and options close to where you are working. In addition, you can use power techniques like flicks.


property—1. a named characteristic of an object such as color, layer, linetype, coordinate positions, and so forth; also a behavior associated with an object (for example, enabled, disabled, grayed out, etc.). Vdraft stores the information about each object in an object database and displays it in a Properties box associated with the object. Any net hyperlinksdefNetLink or extended entity data related to an object is also stored as properties of that object. 2. In the context of ActiveX Automation, a Vdraft object property can also function as an ActiveX Automation object. Using ActiveX Automation from a Windows-compliant programming language (such as Microsoft Visual Basic), you can write code to manipulate Vdraft Automation object properties.

See also event; method.


Properties box—an information box that displays and controls the properties of the selected object(s). Includes a General tab for properties common to all objects, plus one or more tabs for specific characteristics related to each type of object. The following optional tabs are included only if such data is associated with an object: Hyperlinks tab and Extended Entity Data tab.

You can use the Properties box for an individual object to view and edit object properties. If multiple objects are selected, Vdraft displays a Group Properties box that allows you to control properties globally for the entire group as a whole, regardless of settings for individual objects.


prototype drawing—a drawing with pre-sets that you can use as the basis for new drawings. Typically, a prototype drawing might contain default layouts (for title blocks, etc.), settings (layers, layer names, drawing units, etc.), styles (text, dimensions, etc.) , and other formatting that you regularly use—for example, as a standard for your firm or industry.

Note:	A Vdraft prototype drawing is similar to a template, the main difference being that a template can run under a script, interactively prompting the user for information and automating the entire drawing setup.

See also New Drawing Wizard.


pushpin—a special icon displayed in many Vdraft dialog boxes: . A dialog box that has a pushpin has either an OK or an Apply button, depending on the position of the pushpin.

Pushpin “out” [image]: The dialog box has an OK button. Clicking OK saves any changes you’ve made in the dialog box and automatically closes it. This is the default setting.

Pushpin “in” [image]: The dialog box has an Apply button. Clicking Apply applies any changes you’ve made thus far without closing the dialog box. This is useful if you want to experiment with different settings for an object or work with the dialog box open in the drawing space.

To toggle the pushpin in/out, simply click the pin.


quick dimension—a Vdraft technique you can use to quickly and easily dimension objects, with an option to fine-tune later, if desired.

To create a quick dimension, select the object you want to dimension, and click the type of dimension you want (Dimensions toolbar or DIMENSION command on the Draw menu). Vdraft automatically calculates the pick points for the extension lines of the dimension. Drag the extension lines to where you want them in relation to the object (the whole dimension appears as a ghosted, rubber-banding image), and then click Done Dimension on the pop-up menu.

Note:	This technique works best for individual objects such as lines and circles. If the selected object is a complex entity like a polyline, Vdraft prompts you to pick points.


radius dimension—a measurement of the radius of a circle.

See also quick dimension.


rectangular array—an editing procedure that arranges multiple copies of the selected object(s) in a grid pattern (in a specified number of rows and/or columns).

See also polar array.


redraw—a quick update or refresh of the screen display, based on recalculating screen coordinates Vdraft maintains for the display (these are stored as integers that Vdraft converts from the precise floating point values in the drawing database). The ZOOM WINDOW, ZOOM IN, ZOOM OUT, PAN, and EXTENTS commands automatically trigger a redraw.

A redraw is generally faster than a regen operation (which recalculates the actual floating point values in the drawing database to update the display). See also regen.


refresh icon—a special device [image] displayed in some Vdraft dialog boxes (for example, object Properties boxes and the Drawing Info box. You can use the refresh icon .to manually update settings in a dialog box. This is useful if you are working with a dialog box open in the drawing space, but change settings in the dialog box manually.

For example, if you reposition an object manually with the MOVE command while the object’s Properties box is open, clicking the refresh button immediately updates the object’s coordinate locations in the Properties box. Otherwise, the change is reflected in the listings when you next open the dialog box.

To manually update a dialog box, click [image].


regen (also referred to as a screen regeneration)—an update or refresh of the screen display, based on a complete recalculation of the floating point values in the drawing database. In general, changes in the vector graphics stored in the drawing database (for example, as a result of rotating from a 2-D to a 3-D view) automatically cause a regen.

A regen is typically slower than a redraw operation (which updates the display by recalculating integer values Vdraft stores to maintain the screen display; the integer values are based on—but usually faster to compute than—the floating point values in the drawing database). See also redraw.


relative coordinates—coordinate locations that use the last point specified as the origin or point-of-reference. See also absolute coordinates.


reload—to update an Xref (external reference) during a drawing session (for example, if the referenced drawing has recently been modified).


rotated dimension—a measurement of a linear distance along a specified angle. The dimension line is rotated to determine the linear distance, which means that the extension lines are parallel but typically not equal in length.

See also quick dimension.


rubber-band—a ghosted image that stretches dynamically between a fixed point in the drawing and the moving cursor/mouse pointer. The rubber-banded image gives you dynamic feedback on the current operation—for example, when you move or rotate an object, dock and undock a toolbar, and so forth.


sagitta—on an arc or polyline arc, the distance or altitude from the midpoint of the chord to the nearest point on the arc.


Same as Block—a special property designating that an object inherits the color or linetype of any block containing it.

See also layer 0; Same as Layer.


Same as Layer—a special property designating that an object inherits the color or linetype associated with its layer.

See also layer 0; Same as Block.


scale—1. To resize an object.

2. to scale [used as an adjective]—drawn according to the proportions of the original or the actual object (i.e., on a 1:1 scale). In Vdraft, you can draw objects to scale in modelspace, using real-world drawing units. If you are drafting a huge piece of equipment or an entire building, the question becomes one of representing your real-world units on a sheet of paper that is perhaps a tiny fraction of the size of the model. To accomplish this, you can use a plot scale (for example 1/4” = 1’ 0”) to set the relationship between distances/sizes as printed/plotted out and as drawn in modelspace.

See also output units; scale factor.


scale factor—a value that represents the inverse your plot scale. For example, if your plot scale is ¼” = 1’0” (i.e., 12”), that converts to 1 = 12 x 4. The ratio is 1:48 (1” plotted = 48” actual size). The scale factor is 48 (i.e., the inverse of the plot scale).

In Vdraft, if you are plotting at any scale other than 1:1, you use scale factors to adjust text height, line width scale, and dimension arrows so that they plot correctly in relation to the rest of the drawing. The scale factor is also useful for calculating paper size when you also know object size.

See also scale.


screen tip—a pop-up window that displays information about a dialog box item or screen region.

For help on a dialog box item, click [image] at the top of the dialog box, and then click the item.

For help on a screen region, click [image] in the Standard toolbar), and then click the item.


script—a programming technique you can use to customize Vdraft. A script consists of a series of Vdraft commands executed via a single command that calls the script.

Vdraft scripts are useful for a wide array of customizing tasks—for example, start-up routines, special command sequences, customized keyboard commands, user-defined pop-up menus, and templates (such as Vdraft’s built-in ANSI drawing templates, each of which interactively prompts you to fill in a title block). You can also use a script to activate another application, as in the case of Vdraft’s New Drawing Wizard.

See also ActiveX Automation; macro.


scrollbars—the shaded bars along the right side and bottom of a document (individual drawing) window.

To scroll to another part of the drawing, drag the box or click the arrows in a scroll bar.

You can also use the PAN command to shift or slide the area of the drawing displayed—moving it horizontally, vertically, or diagonally—by picking displacement points for distance and direction.


selection set—one or more Vdraft objects that are selected for operating on as a unit.

See also object pick method; selection window.


selection window—one of two types of  windows you can draw to select groups of objects or to select objects composed of many individual elements. You define a selection window by clicking two opposite corner points of the window. The direction in which you pick the points (left-to-right or right-to-left) determines the type of selection window (containing window or crossing window), as shown in the following illustrations:

Note:	Many right-click pop-up menus also have commands for starting a containing or crossing window (under Options).

See also object pick method.


server application—in ActiveX Automation, a Windows application that provides data and/or services (by exposing a hierarchy of Automation objects it has defined) for another Windows application (called a client, or controlling, application). For a transaction to occur, the client application first connects to the exposed Automation objects. Then the client application can set properties of the objects exposed by the server application, execute the methods of those objects, or trigger events to manipulate the objects.

You drive a transaction between Vdraft and another application by writing code in a Windows-compliant programming language (such as Microsoft Visual Basic or Visual C++) in tandem with the ActiveX Automation programming protocol.

Note:	Vdraft functions solely as a server application.


snap angle—the angle around which the grid snap is rotated. You can change the default snap angle and/or rotate the base of the snap angle via the SNAP/GRID command.


snap settings—any of a variety of settings that help you pick points accurately by snapping the cursor or object to key geometric points on other objects (object snaps), snapping to the nearest grid points (grid snap), or snapping to an angle (snap angle).


spline—see b-spline.


status bar—the bar at the bottom of the Vdraft window that displays brief descriptions of the highlighted command or prompts on the next action to take; the right side of the status bar includes a coordinate readout area that indicates the cursor crosshairs’ current coordinate location.


sticky tool—a tool/command that continues to draw a series of the same object until you terminate the command. For example, the LINE command is a sticky tool: it draws a series of connected lines until you terminate the command.


sub-menu—an additional pull-down menu displayed by some menu commands; a small triangle [image] to the right of a command name indicates that the command displays a sub-menu. The sub-menu usually cascades out to the side of the command displaying it.


SVF—an acronym for Simple Vector Format, a graphics file format jointed developed by SoftSource and the NCSA (National Center for Super-Computing Applications and also the original developers of the Mosaic browser for the World Wide Web). SVF is optimized for viewing and publishing CAD drawings and other complex graphics over the World Wide Web.

Using Vdraft’s Net Hyperlinks commands (Settings menu), you can define a navigational link between a Vdraft object and a URL for other users viewing the Vdraft drawing through a Web browser and a plug-in such as SoftSource’s SVF plug-in. After you set up net hyperlinks in Vdraft, you can then output the drawing as an SVF file.


SVF Plug-in—part of the SoftSource Vdraft Internet Tools. SVF Plug-in is a utility program that provides additional capabilities for Web browsers such as Netscape Navigator 2.0 (and later releases) and Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0 (and later releases). The plug-in brings dynamic CAD viewing capabilities (for example, zoom, pan, layer visibility control) to anyone with a compatible Web browser. Users need not have a compatible CAD system installed to view the drawings.

The SVF plug-in also makes net hyperlinked information available. For example, using Vdraft’s Net Hyperlinks commands (Settings menu), you can define a navigational link between a Vdraft object and a URL for other users viewing the Vdraft drawing using the plug-in. After you set up net hyperlinks in Vdraft, you can then output the drawing as an SVF file (OUTPUT SVF command on the File menu).

See also DWG/DXF Plug-in.


system variable—a setting or value that stores operating environment and command information (for example, LTSCALE for global linetype scale factor and FILLMODE). Because Vdraft reads and writes AutoCAD DWG/DXF file formats directly without translation, you can access all AutoCAD system variables (for release 12 and earlier file DWG/DXF) via ActiveX Automation.


template—1. a drawing with pre-sets that you can use as the basis for new drawings. Typically, a template might contain default layouts (for title blocks, etc.), settings (layers, layer names, drawing units, etc.), styles (text, dimensions, etc.) , and other formatting that you regularly use—for example, as a standard for your firm or industry. For instance, Vdraft comes with a number of built-in drawing templates—for example, ansiavc.vs, ansib.vs, and ansic.vs—that start a new drawing with an ANSI title block in a variety of sheet sizes for both vertical and horizontal layouts.

2. Also, a general term for a script file that can give Vdraft a variety of possible instructions—for instance, setting up special command sequences, prompting you to fill in fields for a title block (as with the above-mentioned ANSI drawing templates), or activating another application (Vdraft’s New Drawing Wizard is an example of this approach).

Note:	A Vdraft template is similar to a prototype drawing, the main difference being that a template can run under a script, interactively prompting the user for information and automating the entire drawing setup.


text style—a named, saved collection of format settings that automatically determines the appearance of a text object—for example, font name, font size, alignment (left, centered, justified, etc.), vertical/horizontal, and so on. Any text you apply a style to automatically inherits the settings. If you later decide to change settings in the text style definition, all text objects formatted in that style are updated to reflect the changes.


thaw—to redisplay a layer you have previously frozen. This makes the layer and its contents again visible.

See also freeze.


thickness (of an object)—an object’s length as measured along the Z-axis when viewed in 3-D—i.e.,the distance that the object is extruded (extended) above or below its elevation (the Z value of the XY plane on which the object’s base is drawn). Changing the thickness property of a two-dimensional object from zero (0, the default, extrudes the object along the Z axis, making the 2-D object a three-dimensional object.

The illustration below shows how negative and positive values for thickness define an object’s height and extrusion direction along the Z axis:

A positive number (positive Z value) for thickness extrudes the 3-D image upward from the XY plane of the original object (i.e., the original 2-D object becomes the bottom of the 3-D object).

A negative number (negative Z value) extrudes the 3-D image downward from the XY plane of the original object (i.e., the original 2-D object becomes the top of the 3-D object).

By default, Vdraft assigns a thickness of zero (0) to new objects. To change this setting, enter the value you want in the Thickness combo box in an object Properties box.

Note:	The effects of any setting other than 0 (zero) for the thickness property are not apparent until the object is viewed in 3-D.

See also elevation; extrusion.


tile (windows or viewports)—to arrange document windows or viewports in the drawing space so that they don’t overlap.


tolerance—used in any context where a design component must meet a certain dimensional precision. The tolerance value indicates how much larger or smaller the component may be and still be valid within the confines of the design. See also limits tolerance; variance tolerance.


trace—

Vdraft reads in trace objects from drawings created with other CAD systems. You can edit and plot trace objects in Vdraft. Vdraft does not create trace objects.

Usage/traces versus polylines. As with polylines, Vdraft stores all line segments of a trace object as a single entity. However, traces are more difficult than polylines to manipulate in the DWG format and by comparison, offer limited manipulation/editing capabilities.


variance tolerance—a type of dimension that displays the measured dimension, along with plus or minus values for the maximum and minimum dimension values that are valid within the confines of the design. The upper tolerance value is displayed as a plus value, along with the original dimension; the lower tolerance value is displayed as a minus value, along with the original dimension.

In Vdraft you can set up a dimension style to include a variance tolerance.

See also limits tolerance.


Vdraft Internet Tools—


vector graphic—a mathematical representation of an object; key geometric points are stored mathematically as vectors (for example, the start, mid-, and endpoints of lines; center points and radii of circles; and so forth). Because of this, vector graphics scale with total accuracy—in contrast with bitmap graphics, which lose graphical information when scaled.

To ensure precision, Vdraft stores all objects in the drawing database both as vector graphics and also as floating point values.


verb-noun selection—a method of selecting objects in which you choose the command or tool first, and then select the object(s) via direct selection or selection window. Then you right-click for the pop-up menu, and click the Start [command] option. See also noun-verb selection.


vertex (plural, vertices)—1. the point of intersection between the sides of an angle. 2. also refers to a start point of a line or arc segment in a polyline. A vertex controls the line or arc segment that follows it. You can edit properties associated with a vertex in a polyline to control such characteristics of the line/arc segment such as start- and end-width, direction, etc.


vertical dimension—measures a linear, vertical distance.

See also quick dimension.


view—a representation of a drawing or portion of a drawing from a specific viewpoint, zoom level of magnification, or rotation. See also named view.


viewport—a rectangular area that displays all or a portion of your drawing in a single view.

By default, Vdraft opens a new drawing with a single viewport. You can create additional viewports to display different parts of the drawing and then zoom and pan the display in each viewport independently of the others. Using multiple viewports allows you to easily check the accuracy of a design and edit, and lay out large drawings. Edits made one in viewport are automatically displayed in the other viewports as well.

Viewports are available in both paperspace and modelspace, but have different purposes, characteristics, and capabilities in each environment.


virtual screen—see display list.


Windows Metafile (abbreviated WMF)—a digital image that.

A .WMF file refers to a graphics file that is in Windows Metafile format.


World Wide Web—


X-coordinate—see coordinate system.


X-ordinate dimension—a measurement of a distance in the horizontal plane relative to an established reference point on an object—often a corner of the object. Ordinate dimensions are frequently used for parts manufacturing in the machining industries.


Xref—see external referencedefXref.


XYZ filters—see point filters.


Y-coordinate—see coordinate system.


Y-ordinate dimension—a measurement of a distance in the vertical plane relative to an established reference point on an object—often a corner of the object. Ordinate dimensions are frequently used for parts manufacturing in the machining industries.


Z-coordinate—see coordinate system.

2. Z coordinate (no hypen)—another term for the elevation property of an object.


zoom—to magnify or demagnify the detail of the display. ZOOM operations magnify or demagnify by a factor of two.


LineProperties
	LINE PROPERTIES command
Use to: View, set, edit properties for the selected line object.

Command Access (w/ object selected):
Modify toolbar PROPERTIES command (Settings menu and context-sensitive pop-up)
Note:	The properties for new objects are determined by the default settings for the Object Creation command.

Dialog Box Description

Notes

Use the pushpin if you want to keep the dialog box open in the drawing space as you work.

Use the refresh button to update settings in the dialog box.

General tab: View or change general settings such as color, layer, linetype, and thickness for an object. To read about the properties on the General tab, click [image].

Line tab: View or change settings for properties specific to this type of object.

Hyperlink tab: View or change settings for net hyperlinks (if any) related to the object (tab included only if hyperlink is present). To read about the properties on the Hyperlink tab, click [image].

Extended Entity tab: View extended entity data (if any) related to the object (tab included only if extended entity data is present).

OK/Apply button

Cancel button

See Also

Line command


View or change general settings such as color, layer, linetype, and thickness for the selected object(s).

Note:	When more than one object is selected, some property combo boxes may display the setting, *varies. This indicates that the selection set includes one or more objects with different settings for a given property.


Displays the color of the selected object(s).

Note:	The combo box setting, *varies, indicates that the selection set includes multiple objects of different colors that may also reside on different layers. You can use the combo box to apply the same setting to the selected objects.

To change this setting, click the down arrow in the Colors combo box. Follow these guidelines when changing the color property of objects:

Assigning color by layer. To assign color based on the layer the object is drawn on, click Same as Layer.

Assigning color by block. To assign color based on a block that you will eventually use to group objects, click Same as Block. With this setting, until you actually create the block, Vdraft displays objects in the color assigned to the layer on which they are first drawn. When you insert the block, the objects comprising the block inherit the current color setting (Same as Layer or a specific color 1-255), as indicated in the Colors toolbar.  . These rules also apply to attributes associated with blocks.

Explicit color settings. To assign any of the standard colors 1-255, click the color you want in the Colors combo box.

Notes:

Depending on the background color you specify via the Preferences command.   (Settings menu), colors 7 and 255 in the color palette may adjust to contrast with that background color. For example, if you specify a black background, colors 7 and 255 change to white.

Sixteen-color displays may show color 8 as either black or gray, and colors 9-15 as deeper shades of colors 1-7.


Displays the layer on which the selected object(s) resides/reside.

Note:	The combo box setting, *varies, indicates that the selection set includes multiple objects residing on different layers. You can use the combo box to apply the same setting to the selected objects.

To change this setting, click the down arrow in the Layers combo box. Follow these guidelines for setting the layer property of objects:

General guideline. It’s important to standardize layer names, structure, and content, along with a color and linetype preset for each layer. Many firms typically define their own drafting standards or follow the ANSII Y-14 standards for CAD layer naming and content. This greatly facilitates managing a complex drawing that may have hundreds of layers, and often with numerous people working on the same drawing.

Layer 0. Layer 0 is a special layer that is useful if you are creating blocks or attributes. Any objects comprising a block or attribute drawn on Layer 0 will be generated on the layer that is current when the block is actually inserted. Objects in the block or attribute then inherit the properties assigned to that layer. To ensure the most consistent results with colors and linetypes in blocks, use this option.

Changing the layer property on-the-fly. You can specify any layer in the drawing as the layer for an existing object. Generally, this presents few problems unless you are dealing with blocks and attributes: If you insert a block consisting of objects originally drawn on several layers, upon insertion of the block, each object in the block is drawn on its original layer. For this reason, it’s a good idea to use Layer 0 for objects that will be part of a block.


Displays the linetype of the selected object(s).

Note:	The combo box setting, *varies, indicates that the selection set includes multiple objects of different linetypes that may also reside on different layers. You can use the combo box to apply the same setting to the selected objects.

To change this setting, click the down arrow in the Linetypes combo box, and then follow these guidelines choose a linetype:

Assigning linetype by layer. To assign a linetype based on the layer the new object is drawn on, click Same as Layer.

Assigning linetype by block. To assign linetype based on a block that you will eventually use to group the objects, click Same as Block. Until you actually create the block, Vdraft displays new objects in the linetype assigned to the layer on which they are first drawn. When you insert the block, the objects comprising the block inherit the current linetype setting (Same as Layer or a specific linetype), as indicated in the Linetype toolbar.

Explicit linetype settings. To assign any other available linetypes, click the linetype you want in the Linetypes combo box.


An object’s thickness is its length as measured along the Z-axis when viewed in 3-D—i.e., the distance that the object is extruded above or below its elevation (the Z value of the XY plane on which the object’s base is drawn) when the object is viewed in 3-D. Changing the thickness property of a two-dimensional object from zero (0), the default, extrudes the object along the Z axis, making the 2-D object a three-dimensional object.

The illustration below shows how negative and positive values for thickness define an object’s height and extrusion direction along the Z axis:

A positive number (positive Z value) for thickness extrudes the 3-D image upward from the XY plane of the original object (i.e., the original 2-D object becomes the bottom of the 3-D object).

A negative number (negative Z value) extrudes the 3-D image downward from the XY plane of the original object (i.e., the original 2-D object becomes the top of the 3-D object).

By default, Vdraft assigns a thickness of 0 to new objects.

Note:	The combo box setting, *varies, indicates that the selection set includes multiple objects of different thicknesses .

To change this setting, enter the value you want in the Thickness combo box. The effects of any setting other than 0 are not apparent until the object is viewed in 3-D.


Indicates the drawing space in which the object(s) reside(s)—either modelspace or paperspace. This property is read-only in this dialog box.

More Help:

To review key concepts about modelspace, paperspace, and paperspace ports (including a table that compares the three), click [image].


 An object’s handle is the unique identifier Vdraft permanently assigns to each object you draw. The handle is saved with the drawing file and deleted only if you delete the object from the drawing. In this case, Vdraft does not use that particular handle again in the drawing. A handle is read-only and is available in DXF for use by other applications.


The normal property indicates which coordinate lies in the perpendicular to the plane on which the object resides. For example, the default, 0, 0, 1, indicates that the perpendicular lies in the Z coordinate, and thus the object resides on the X-Y plane (also known as plan view).

Note:	The setting, *varies, indicates that the selection set includes multiple objects, each with its own setting for this property.


The elevation property (also referred to as a Z coordinate) indicates the position of an object as measured along the Z axis from the XY plane that has a Z value of 0 (zero)—i.e., from the XY plane on which the object is drawn. By default, this property is 0 (zero).

A negative Z value defines the elevation below the XY plane.

A positive Z value defines the elevation above the XY plane.

The illustration below shows how a positive value for elevation defines the position of an object along the Z axis:

Note:	The effects of any setting other than 0 (zero) for the elevation property are not apparent until the object is viewed in 3-D.


View or change specific settings such as text or dimension styles for the selected object(s).

Note:	When more than one object is selected, some combo boxes may display the setting, *varies. This indicates that the selection set includes multiple objects with different settings for a given property. You can use the combo boxes to apply the same setting to the selected objects.


Properties command/dialog box options for the Specific tab:

Notes:

When more than one object is selected, some property combo boxes may display the setting, *varies. This indicates that the selection set includes one or more objects with different settings for a given property.

Use the pushpin [image] if you want to keep the dialog box open in the drawing space as you work.

TextStyle combo box

Dimension Style combo box

OK/Apply button

Cancel button


Displays the text style assigned to the selected object(s).

Note:	The combo box setting, *varies, indicates that the selection set includes multiple objects with different settings for this property. You can use the combo box to apply the same setting to the selected objects.

To change this setting, click the down arrow in the Text Styles combo box, and then click the text style you want:


Displays the dimension style assigned to the selected object(s).

Note:	The combo box setting, *varies, indicates that the selection set includes multiple objects with different settings for this property. You can use the combo box to apply the same setting to the selected objects.

To change this setting, click the down arrow in the Dimension Styles combo box, and then click the dimension style you want.


Convert objects to Net hyperlinks, edit hyperlinks, and disable hyperlinks.


Define Attribute command/dialog box options for the Hyperlinks tab:
Properties—Hyperlinks tab:

Notes:

When more than one object is selected, some property combo boxes may display the setting, *varies. This indicates that the selection set includes one or more objects with different settings for a given property.

Use the pushpin [image] if you want to keep the dialog box open in the drawing space as you work.

Enable This Hyperlink check box

URL combo box (history list)

Text combo box (history list)

1D Objects option button

2D Objects option button

Visible check box

OK/Apply button

Cancel button


Use the Enable This Hyperlink setting to control access to a hyperlink. [This is a link you define between a Vdraft object and a simple text annotation and/or a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) on the World Wide Web. A URL is navigational link to another Web site and/or document for other users viewing the Vdraft drawing through a Web browser and a plug-in such as SoftSource’s SVF plug-in.]

This check box is automatically turned on after you start the Hyperlink/Create Link command for a selected object. You can turn it off if you want to store the hyperlink information without making it available to other users.

To make a hyperlink available, turn on the Enable This Hyperlink check box.

To store the hyperlink information without making it available, turn off the Enable This Hyperlink check box.

More Help. . .

For background about net hyperlinks, SVF (the Vdraft file format that works in conjunction with hyperlinks and is optimized for publishing and viewing CAD files on the Web and Internet), and SoftSource’s CAD-viewing plug-ins, click [image].

For step-by-step help on working with hyperlinks, click the Step-by-Step button, and then click the task you want to read more about.


(Available only if the Enable This Hyperlink check box is turned on.)

A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the unique identifier for a World Wide Web address/site and/or HTML document. For example, the URL for SoftSource’s home page is http: //www.softsource.com

You can define a navigational link between a Vdraft object and a URL for other users viewing the Vdraft drawing through a Web browser and a plug-in such as SoftSource’s SVF plug-in.

To specify a hyperlink between the selected object and a Web site or HTML document, URL, enter (or edit) the URL in the URL combo box. Or, click the down arrow, and choose a previously entered URL from the history list.

Note:	To specify that a text annotation be displayed in place of the URL for users viewing the drawing with a Web browser, enter a text annotation in the Text combo box in this dialog box, in addition to the URL.

More Help. . .

For background about Net hyperlinks, SVF (the Vdraft file format that works in conjunction with hyperlinks and is optimized for publishing and viewing CAD files on the Web and Internet), and SoftSource’s CAD-viewing plug-ins, click [image].  .

For step-by-step help on working with hyperlinks, click the Step-by-Step button, and then click the task you want to read more about.


(Available only if the Enable This Hyperlink check box is turned on.)

You can define a link between a Vdraft object and a simple text annotation for other users viewing the Vdraft drawing through a Web browser and a plug-in such as SoftSource’s SVF plug-in.

To specify a text annotation for the hyperlink, enter a text string in the Text combo box. Or, click the down arrow, and choose a previously entered text string from the history list.

Note:	If you have also specified a Uniform Resource Locator to a World Wide Web address/site and/or HTML document in the URL combo box, the text annotation will be displayed in place of the URL for users viewing the drawing with a Web browser.

More Help. . .

For background about Net hyperlinks, SVF (the Vdraft file format that works in conjunction with hyperlinks and is optimized for publishing and viewing CAD files on the Web and Internet), and SoftSource’s CAD-viewing plug-ins, click [image].   .

For step-by-step help on working with hyperlinks, click the Step-by-Step button, and then click the task you want to read more about.


You can specify lines or curves in a Vdraft drawing as one-dimensional hyperlinks.

 	To specify the selected line or curve as a one-dimensional link, click the 1D Region option button.


You can specify circles and polygons in a Vdraft drawing as two-dimensional hyperlinks.

To specify the selected circle or polygon as a two-dimensional link, click the 2D Region option button.


To make the hyperlink visible in the drawing, turn on the Visible check box.

Note:	A hidden hyperlink remains unavailable.


View or change external data (often also referred to as extended entity data) that may be associated with the selected object(s). External data may be any of a variety of additional information that can be attached to drawing objects or to drawings. For example, Vdraft stores hyperlink information as external data.

External data may be in the form of alphanumeric strings, values, coordinates, etc. This data is often used by custom, third-party applications.


Displays any external data (often also referred to as extended entity data) that may be associated with the selected object(s). External data may be any of a variety of additional information that can be attached to drawing objects or to drawings. For example, Vdraft stores hyperlink information as external data.

External data may be in the form of alphanumeric strings, values, coordinates, etc. This data is often used by custom, third-party applications.


Define Attributes command/dialog box options for the text tab:
Define Attribute command/dialog box options for the Text tab:

Notes:

When more than one object is selected, some property combo boxes may display the setting, *varies. This indicates that the selection set includes one or more objects with different settings for a given property.

Use the pushpin [image] if you want to keep the dialog box open in the drawing space as you work.

Insert Point combo box (with history list)

Rotation Angle combo box (with history list)

Height combo box (with history list)

Text Style combo box

Oblique combo box (with history list)

X-Scale combo box (with history list)

OK/Apply button

Cancel button


The string property of a text object is the specific content of the text itself.

To change a text string, enter the coordinates you want in the String combo box (or choose from the history list).


The insert point is the current coordinate at which the attribute will be inserted in the drawing.

To change the insert point, enter the coordinates you want in the Insert Point combo box(or choose from the history list).

Note:	Because an attribute is usually inserted as part of a block, this value is stored as relative to other objects in the block.


The base point of a text object is the coordinate location of the lower, left point of the object.

To change the base point, enter the coordinates you want in the Base Point combo box (or choose from the history list).


The rotation angle property indicates the angle at which the text is rotated around its base point relative to its current location. The default is 0.

To change the rotation angle of the text, enter the angle you want in the Rotation Angle combo box(or choose from the history list).


The Height property indicates the drawn height of the text, as set by the Text Styles command.  Note that in all cases except a 1:1 plot scale, the drawn height is different from the plotted text height.

To change text height, enter the measurement you want in the Height combo box. Or, click the down arrow, and choose a previously entered height from the history list.

Important:	Setting an explicit height here overrides the defaults for the current Text Style. To correctly display attribute text and symbols, keep your plot scale in mind when setting the text height.

More Help:

To see a table with examples and correct settings for text height, using common plotting scales, click {bmct F.bmp). .


The following table shows the correct settings for text height, using common plotting scales:

To plot attribute text at this height	With this plot scale set for the drawing (plot scale factor shown in bold red)	Enter this value for Height (Attdef dialog box)
.25” high	1”=2” (i.e., a ratio of 1:2)	.5” (or, 2/4)
¼” high	¼”=1’ (12”) (i.e., 1”=48” or, a ratio of 1:48)	12” (or, 48/4)
1/8” high	¼”=1’0” (12”) (i.e., 1”=48” or, a ratio of 1:48)	6” (or, 48/8)
¼” high	3/8”=1’ (12”) (i.e., 1”=32” or, a ratio of 1:32)	8” (or, 32/4)


The Text Style combo box indicates the currently active text style.

To change the currently active text style, click the down arrow of the combo box, and then click the desired text style.


The obliquing angle indicates the left or right slant of the text (referenced relative to the face of the clock—for example, 0=12 o’clock; 90=3 o’clock). The default is 0.

To change the obliquing angle of the text, enter the angle you want in the Oblique Angle combo box. Or, click the down arrow and choose a previously entered angle from the history list.

Examples:

To specify text to lean in this direction	Enter this value in the Oblique Angle combo box
no slant/oblique	0
left slant	negative value (e.g. -30)
right slant	positive value (e.g., 35)


The X-Scale setting affects the overall width of text. You can use this setting to compress text that must fit into tight spaces or stretch text to fill out space in the drawing.

To change the text width, enter a value in the X-Scale combo box. Or, click the down arrow, and choose a previously entered width from the history list.

For example, to compress the text, enter a value less than 1.0. To stretch the text, enter a value greater than 1.0.


Define Attribute command/dialog box options for the Jusfity tab:
Define Attribute command/dialog box options for the Justify tab:

Notes:

When more than one object is selected, some property combo boxes may display the setting, *varies. This indicates that the selection set includes one or more objects with different settings for a given property.

Use the pushpin [image] if you want to keep the dialog box open in the drawing space as you work.

Vertically/Top option button

Vertically/Middle option button

Vertically/Baseline option button

Vertically/Bottom option button

Horizontally/Left option button

Horizontally/Center option button

Horizontally/Right option button

Horizontally/Aligned option button

Horizontally/Fit option button

Horizontally/True Middle option button

Upside Down check box

Backwards check box

Vertical check box

OK/Apply button

Cancel button


The Vertical option button group specifies the vertical text alignment options.

To align text at a specified point along the top of the text, click Top. Then click an option in the Horizontal button group to define the horizontal alignment.


The Vertical option button group specifies the vertical text alignment options.

To align text at a specified point along the middle of the text, click Middle. Then click an option in the Horizontal button group to define the horizontal alignment.


The Vertical option button group specifies the vertical text alignment options.

To align text at a specified point along the baseline of the text, click Baseline. Then click an option in the Horizontal button group to define the horizontal alignment.


The Vertical option button group specifies the vertical text alignment options.

To align text at a specified point along the bottom of the text, click Bottom. Then click an option in the Horizontal button group to define the horizontal alignment.


The Horizontal option button group specifies the horizontal text alignment options.

To align text using the text’s left corner as the insertion point, click Left. If necessary, click an option from the Vertical button group to define the vertical alignment you want.


The Horizontal option button group specifies the horizontal text alignment options

To align text using the text’s horizontal center point as the insertion point, click Center. If necessary, click an option from the Vertical button group to define the vertical alignment you want.


The Horizontal option button group specifies the horizontal text alignment options

To align text using the text’s right point as the insertion point, click Right. If necessary, click an option from the Vertical button group to define the vertical alignment you want.


The Horizontal option button group specifies the horizontal text alignment options

To have Vdraft adjust text height and length proportionally, click Aligned. This option adjusts overall character size in proportion to the text height. If necessary, click an option from the Vertical button group to define the vertical alignment you want.


The Horizontal option button group specifies the horizontal text alignment options

To have Vdraft stretch or compress text to fit while maintaining a constant height, click Fit. This option works with horizontally oriented text only. If necessary, click an option from the Vertical button group to define the vertical alignment you want.


The Horizontal option button group specifies the horizontal text alignment options

To align text using the text’s exact mid-point as the insertion point, click True Middle. If necessary, click an option from the Vertical button group to define the vertical alignment you want.


To display text printed in reverse/mirror style, turn on the Backward check box.


To display text printed upside down, turn on the Upside Down check box.


To display text printed vertically, turn on the Vertical check box.


2D Polyline Properties command
	POLYLINE/2D PROPERTIES command
Use to: View, set, edit properties for the selected two-dimensional polyline object.

Note:	2-D polyline properties also apply to the following special types of polylines: polygons, rectangles, donuts, 2-D splines.

Command Access (w/ object selected):	More Help:
(Modify toolbar) PROPERTIES command (Settings menu and context-sensitive pop-up)
Note:	The properties for new objects are determined by the default settings for the Object Creation command.

Dialog Box Description

Notes:

Use the pushpin if you want to keep the dialog box open in the drawing space as you work.

Use the refresh button to update settings in the dialog box.

General tab: View or change general settings such as color, layer, linetype, and thickness for an object. To read about the properties on the General tab, click [image].

Hyperlink tab: View or change settings for net hyperlinks (if any) related to the object (tab included only if hyperlink is present). To read about the properties on the Hyperlink tab, click [image].

Extended Entity tab: View extended entity data (if any) related to the object (tab included only if extended entity data is present).


3D Polyline Properties command
	POLYLINE/3D PROPERTIES command
Use to: View, set, edit properties for the selected three--dimensional polyline object.

Command Access (w/ object selected):
(Modify toolbar) PROPERTIES command (Settings menu and context-sensitive pop-up)
Note:	The properties for new objects are determined by the default settings for the Object Creation command.

Dialog Box Description

Notes

Use the pushpin if you want to keep the dialog box open in the drawing space as you work.

Use the refresh button to update settings in the dialog box.

General tab: View or change general settings such as color, layer, linetype, and thickness for an object. To read about the properties on the General tab, click [image].

Hyperlink tab: View or change settings for net hyperlinks (if any) related to the object (tab included only if hyperlink is present). To read about the properties on the Hyperlink tab, click [image].

Extended Entity tab: View extended entity data (if any) related to the object (tab included only if extended entity data is present).


	ARC PROPERTIES command
Use to: View, set, edit properties for the selected arc.

Command Access (w/ object selected):
(Modify toolbar) PROPERTIES command (Settings menu and context-sensitive pop-up)
Note:	The properties for new objects are determined by the default settings for the Object Creation command.

Dialog Box Description

Notes

Use the pushpin if you want to keep the dialog box open in the drawing space as you work.

Use the refresh button to update settings in the dialog box.

General tab: View or change general settings such as color, layer, linetype, and thickness for an object. To read about the properties on the General tab, click [image].

Hyperlink tab: View or change settings for net hyperlinks (if any) related to the object (tab included only if hyperlink is present). To read about the properties on the Hyperlink tab, click [image].

Extended Entity tab: View extended entity data (if any) related to the object (tab included only if extended entity data is present).


	CIRCLE PROPERTIES command
Use to: View, set, edit properties for the selected circle.

Command Access (w/ object selected):
(Modify toolbar) PROPERTIES command (Settings menu and context-sensitive pop-up)
Note:	The properties for new objects are determined by the default settings for the Object Creation command.

Dialog Box Description

Notes

Use the pushpin if you want to keep the dialog box open in the drawing space as you work.

Use the refresh button to update settings in the dialog box.

General tab: View or change general settings such as color, layer, linetype, and thickness for an object. To read about the properties on the General tab, click [image].

Hyperlink tab: View or change settings for net hyperlinks (if any) related to the object (tab included only if hyperlink is present). To read about the properties on the Hyperlink tab, click [image].

Extended Entity tab: View extended entity data (if any) related to the object (tab included only if extended entity data is present).


	2D SOLID PROPERTIES command
Use to: View, set, edit properties for the selected two--dimensional solid.

Command Access (w/ object selected):
(Modify toolbar) PROPERTIES command (Settings menu and context-sensitive pop-up)
Note:	The properties for new objects are determined by the default settings for the Object Creation command.

Dialog Box Description

Notes

Use the pushpin if you want to keep the dialog box open in the drawing space as you work.

Use the refresh button to update settings in the dialog box.

General tab: View or change general settings such as color, layer, linetype, and thickness for an object. To read about the properties on the General tab, click [image].

Hyperlink tab: View or change settings for net hyperlinks (if any) related to the object (tab included only if hyperlink is present). To read about the properties on the Hyperlink tab, click [image].

Extended Entity tab: View extended entity data (if any) related to the object (tab included only if extended entity data is present).


	3D FACE PROPERTIES command
Use to: View, set, edit properties for the selected three--dimensional face.

Command Access (w/ object selected):
(Modify toolbar) PROPERTIES command (Settings menu and context-sensitive pop-up)
Note:	The properties for new objects are determined by the default settings for the Object Creation command.

Dialog Box Description

Notes

Use the pushpin if you want to keep the dialog box open in the drawing space as you work.

Use the refresh button to update settings in the dialog box.

General tab: View or change general settings such as color, layer, linetype, and thickness for an object. To read about the properties on the General tab, click [image].

Hyperlink tab: View or change settings for net hyperlinks (if any) related to the object (tab included only if hyperlink is present). To read about the properties on the Hyperlink tab, click [image].

Extended Entity tab: View extended entity data (if any) related to the object (tab included only if extended entity data is present).


	POINT PROPERTIES command
Use to: View, set, edit properties for the selected point object.

Command Access (w/ object selected):
(Modify toolbar) PROPERTIES command (Settings menu and context-sensitive pop-up)
Note:	The properties for new objects are determined by the default settings for the Object Creation command.

Dialog Box Description

Notes

Use the pushpin if you want to keep the dialog box open in the drawing space as you work.

Use the refresh button to update settings in the dialog box.

General tab: View or change general settings such as color, layer, linetype, and thickness for an object. To read about the properties on the General tab, click [image].

First combo box

Rotation Angle combo box

Hyperlink tab: View or change settings for net hyperlinks (if any) related to the object (tab included only if hyperlink is present). To read about the properties on the Hyperlink tab, click [image].

Extended Entity tab: View extended entity data (if any) related to the object (tab included only if extended entity data is present).


	SPLINE PROPERTIES command
Use to: View, set, edit properties for the selected two-dimensional spline.

Command Access (w/ object selected):
(Modify toolbar) PROPERTIES command (Settings menu and context-sensitive pop-up)
Note:	The properties for new objects are determined by the default settings for the Object Creation command.

Dialog Box Description

Notes

Use the pushpin if you want to keep the dialog box open in the drawing space as you work.

Use the refresh button to update settings in the dialog box.

General tab: View or change general settings such as color, layer, linetype, and thickness for an object. To read about the properties on the General tab, click [image].

Hyperlink tab: View or change settings for net hyperlinks (if any) related to the object (tab included only if hyperlink is present). To read about the properties on the Hyperlink tab, click [image].

Extended Entity tab: View extended entity data (if any) related to the object (tab included only if extended entity data is present).


	TEXT PROPERTIES command
Use to: View, set, edit properties for the selected text object.

Command Access (w/ object selected):
(Modify toolbar) PROPERTIES command (Settings menu and context-sensitive pop-up)
Note:	The properties for new objects are determined by the default settings for the Object Creation command.

Dialog Box Description

Notes

Use the pushpin if you want to keep the dialog box open in the drawing space as you work.

Use the refresh button to update settings in the dialog box.

General tab: View or change general settings such as color, layer, linetype, and thickness for an object. To read about the properties on the General tab, click [image].

Text tab: View or change content and display format properties of text such as base point, rotation angle, and scale.

String combo box

Base Point combo box

Rotation Angle combo box (with history list)

Height

Text Style combo box

Oblique combo box (with history list)

XScale combo box (with history list)

Justification tab: View or change related text properties such as alignment and position of attribute text.

Vertically/Top option button

Vertically/Middle option button

Vertically/Baseline option button

Vertically/Bottom option button

Horizontally/Left option button

Horizontally/Center option button

Horizontally/Right option button

Horizontally/Aligned option button

Horizontally/Fit option button

Horizontally/True Middle option button

Upside Down check box

Backwards check box

Vertical check box

Hyperlink tab: View or change settings for net hyperlinks (if any) related to the object (tab included only if hyperlink is present). To read about the properties on the Hyperlink tab, click [image].

Extended Entity tab: View extended entity data (if any) related to the object (tab included only if extended entity data is present).


	LINEAR DIMENSION PROPERTIES command
Use to: View, set, edit properties for the selected linear dimension (horizontal, vertical, rotated, aligned, or a single dimension within a baseline or continued dimension).

Command Access (w/ object selected):
(Modify toolbar) PROPERTIES command (Settings menu and context-sensitive pop-up)
Note:	The properties for new objects are determined by the default settings for the Object Creation command.

Dialog Box Description

Notes

Use the pushpin if you want to keep the dialog box open in the drawing space as you work.

Use the refresh button to update settings in the dialog box.

General tab: View or change general settings such as color, layer, linetype, and thickness for an object. To read about the properties on the General tab, click [image].

Hyperlink tab: View or change settings for net hyperlinks (if any) related to the object (tab included only if hyperlink is present). To read about the properties on the Hyperlink tab, click [image].

Extended Entity tab: View extended entity data (if any) related to the object (tab included only if extended entity data is present).


	ANGULAR DIMENSION PROPERTIES command
Use to: View, set, edit properties for the selected angular dimension.

Command Access (w/ object selected):
(Modify toolbar) PROPERTIES command (Settings menu and context-sensitive pop-up)
Note:	The properties for new objects are determined by the default settings for the Object Creation command.

Dialog Box Description

Notes

Use the pushpin if you want to keep the dialog box open in the drawing space as you work.

Use the refresh button to update settings in the dialog box.

General tab: View or change general settings such as color, layer, linetype, and thickness for an object. To read about the properties on the General tab, click [image].

Hyperlink tab: View or change settings for net hyperlinks (if any) related to the object (tab included only if hyperlink is present). To read about the properties on the Hyperlink tab, click [image].

Extended Entity tab: View extended entity data (if any) related to the object (tab included only if extended entity data is present).


	DIAMETER DIMENSION PROPERTIES command
Use to: View, set, edit properties for the selected diameter dimension.

Command Access (w/ object selected):
(Modify toolbar) PROPERTIES command (Settings menu and context-sensitive pop-up)
Note:	The properties for new objects are determined by the default settings for the Object Creation command.

Dialog Box Description

Notes

Use the pushpin if you want to keep the dialog box open in the drawing space as you work.

Use the refresh button to update settings in the dialog box.

General tab: View or change general settings such as color, layer, linetype, and thickness for an object. To read about the properties on the General tab, click [image].

Hyperlink tab: View or change settings for net hyperlinks (if any) related to the object (tab included only if hyperlink is present). To read about the properties on the Hyperlink tab, click [image].

Extended Entity tab: View extended entity data (if any) related to the object (tab included only if extended entity data is present).


	RADIUS DIMENSION PROPERTIES command
Use to: View, set, edit properties for the selected radius dimension.

Command Access (w/ object selected):
(Modify toolbar) PROPERTIES command (Settings menu and context-sensitive pop-up)
Note:	The properties for new objects are determined by the default settings for the Object Creation command.

Dialog Box Description

Notes

Use the pushpin if you want to keep the dialog box open in the drawing space as you work.

Use the refresh button to update settings in the dialog box.

General tab: View or change general settings such as color, layer, linetype, and thickness for an object. To read about the properties on the General tab, click [image].

Hyperlink tab: View or change settings for net hyperlinks (if any) related to the object (tab included only if hyperlink is present). To read about the properties on the Hyperlink tab, click [image].

Extended Entity tab: View extended entity data (if any) related to the object (tab included only if extended entity data is present).


	ORDINATE DIMENSION PROPERTIES command
Use to: View, set, edit properties for the selected ordinate dimension object.

Command Access (w/ object selected):
(Modify toolbar) PROPERTIES command (Settings menu and context-sensitive pop-up)
Note:	The properties for new objects are determined by the default settings for the Object Creation command.

Dialog Box Description

Notes

Use the pushpin if you want to keep the dialog box open in the drawing space as you work.

Use the refresh button to update settings in the dialog box.

General tab: View or change general settings such as color, layer, linetype, and thickness for an object. To read about the properties on the General tab, click [image].

Hyperlink tab: View or change settings for net hyperlinks (if any) related to the object (tab included only if hyperlink is present). To read about the properties on the Hyperlink tab, click [image].

Extended Entity tab: View extended entity data (if any) related to the object (tab included only if extended entity data is present).


	INSERT [Block] PROPERTIES command
Use to:	View, set, edit properties for the selected block insert.

Command Access (w/ object selected):
(Modify toolbar) PROPERTIES command (Settings menu and context-sensitive pop-up)
Note:	The properties for new objects are determined by the default settings for the Object Creation command.

Dialog Box Description

Notes

Use the pushpin if you want to keep the dialog box open in the drawing space as you work.

Use the refresh button to update settings in the dialog box.

General tab: View or change general settings such as color, layer, linetype, and thickness for an object. To read about the properties on the General tab, click [image].

Text tab: View or change display format properties of attribute text such as insert point, rotation angle, and scale.

Hyperlink tab: View or change settings for net hyperlinks (if any) related to the object (tab included only if hyperlink is present). To read about the properties on the Hyperlink tab, click [image].

Extended Entity tab: View extended entity data (if any) related to the object (tab included only if extended entity data is present).


	ATTRIBUTE DEFINITION PROPERTIES command
Use to:	View, set, edit properties for the selected attribute definition.

Command Access (w/ object selected):
(Modify toolbar) PROPERTIES command (Settings menu and context-sensitive pop-up)
Note:	The properties for new objects are determined by the default settings for the Object Creation command.

Dialog Box Description

Notes

Use the pushpin if you want to keep the dialog box open in the drawing space as you work.

Use the refresh button to update settings in the dialog box.

General tab: View or change general settings such as color, layer, linetype, and thickness for an object. To read about the properties on the General tab, click [image].

Text tab: View or change display format properties of attribute text such as insert point, rotation angle, and scale.

Insert Point combo box (with history list)

Rotation Angle combo box (with history list)

Height combo box (with history list)

Text Style combo box

Oblique combo box (with history list)

X-Scale combo box (with history list)

OK/Apply button

Cancel button

Justify tab: View or change related text properties such as alignment and position of attribute text.

Vertically/Top option button

Vertically/Middle option button

Vertically/Baseline option button

Vertically/Bottom option button

Horizontally/Left option button

Horizontally/Center option button

Horizontally/Right option button

Horizontally/Aligned option button

Horizontally/Fit option button

Horizontally/True Middle option button

Upside Down check box

Backwards check box

Vertical check box

AttDef tab: View or change key attribute definition properties such as attribute tags, prompts, and default behavior on insertion into the drawing.

Hyperlink tab: View or change settings for net hyperlinks (if any) related to the object (tab included only if hyperlink is present). To read about the properties on the Hyperlink tab, click [image].

Extended Entity tab: View extended entity data (if any) related to the object (tab included only if extended entity data is present).


	NET HYPERLINKS PROPERTIES tab
Use to:	View, set, edit properties for the selected net hyperlink.

Note:	This tab only appears in an object Properties box if the object has been defined as a net hyperlink.

Command Access (w/ object selected):
(Modify toolbar) PROPERTIES command (Settings menu and context-sensitive pop-up)
Hyperlink Tab Description

Notes

The Properties box for an object contains other tabs in addition to this one. Available options in a Properties box vary, depending on the type of object(s) selected. The options listed under General (settings such as color, layer, linetype, and thickness for an object) apply to all or most drawing objects. To read about the properties on the General tab, click [image].

Use the pushpin if you want to keep the dialog box open in the drawing space as you work.

Use the refresh button to update settings in the dialog box.

When more than one object is selected, Vdraft displays the Group Properties box. Some property combo boxes may display the setting, *varies, indicating that the selection set includes multiple objects with different settings for a given property.

Enable This Hyperlink check box

URL combo box (history list)

Text combo box (history list)

1D Objects option button

2D Objects option button

Visible check box


To review key concepts about object properties in general, click [image].

To review key concepts about this object, click [image].


Toggles whether mouse movements are snapped to an angle (a shortcut to the Angle Snap command).


Toggles whether mouse movements are snapped to objects (a shortcut to the Object Snaps command).


Provides a shortcut to the Snap/Grid command so you can choose settings for snaps and grids.


Toggles whether mouse movements are snapped to a grid (a shortcut to the Grid Snap command).


Completes the current action.


Cancels the current action.


Opens the Properties dialog box  so you can set or change properties for the current object (a shortcut to the Properties command).


Undoes the last pick point.


Undoes the last object.


Specifies the number of sides for a polygon.

To specify the number of sides, start the Polygon command and immediately right-click. On the pop-up menu, click Options and then click Number of Sides. In the Polygon dialog box, enter the number of sides (minimum = 3; maximum = 1,024).

Note:	You can change this property on-the-fly as you draw until you click to complete the command.


Draws an inscribed polygon. This inscribes the polygon in an invisible circle. In this method of drawing a polygon, you drag a vertex of the polygon. All the vertices of the polygon lie along the circle.


Draws an circumscribed polygon. This circumscribes the polygon around an invisible circle. In this method of drawing a polygon, you drag a midpoint of a side of the polygon. The radius of the circle equals the distance from the center of the polygon to the midpoints of the edges.


Displays context-sensitive Help for the current object or action.


Rotates the currently selected object(s) (a shortcut to the Rotate command).


Moves the currently selected object(s) (a shortcut to the Move command).


Scales the currently selected object(s) (a shortcut to the Scale command).


Switches to “de-select mode” for removing objects from the selection set. Clicking on selected objects de-selects them.


Restarts the previous command or action.


Deselects all of the currently selected object(s).


Makes additional commands available as you progress through a task—for example, after you specify the first pick point when drawing an object, and so forth.


Deletes (erases) the currently selected object(s) (a shortcut to the Delete command).


Copies objects in the current drawing and prompts you to specify an offset for placement (a shortcut to the Copy command).


Creates a new block from the currently selected object(s) (a shortcut to the Create Block command).


Writes the currently selected object(s) to disk as a block (a shortcut to the Save Objects As command).

.


Selects the previous selected object(s).

.


Allows you to select a single object.


Starts a crossing window selection.


Starts a containing window selection.


Draws arc or line segments in a polyline.


Changes the initial direction of an arc in a polyline. (Available when you have the Arc option selected.)


Toggles whether or not the polyline is closed. (Available after you click the first pick point to define the polyline.)


Changes the starting width of a polyline segment. (Available after you click the first pick point to define the polyline.)


Changes the width of a polyline segment. (Available after you click the first pick point to define the polyline.)


Changes the ending width of a polyline segment. (Available after you click the first pick point to define the polyline.)


Changes the width of an entire polyline.


Specifies a non-curved polyline.


Specifies a curved polyline.


Specifies a cubic spline.


Specifies a quadratic spline.


Selects and changes the position of text.


Changes text height.


Changes the obliquing angle, or slant, of text. [x ref note]


Selects and changes the text alignment point.


Toggles text underlining.


Toggles text overlining.


Draws a degree symbol.


Draws a plus-minus symbol.


Draws a circle diameter symbol.


Draws a percent symbol.

Note:	Some engineering standards also use the % symbol to indicate special characters.


Changes the base of the first extension line.


Changes the base of the second extension line.


Changes the position of the dimension line.


Opens the Dimension Styles dialog box (a shortcut to the Dimension Styles command).


Changes the obliquing angle, or slant, of a linear dimension.


Changes the rotation of dimension text.


Changes the position of dimension text.


Automatically positions dimension text.


Automatically rotates dimension text.


Changes the radius of a radial dimension.


Changes the center of a radius dimension.


Rotates a radial dimension around the center point of a circle.


Changes the feature point of an ordinate dimension.


Changes the leader endpoint of an ordinate dimension.


Changes the basepoint of an ordinate dimension.


Changes the angle of a rotated linear dimension.


Changes the first point in a diameter dimension.


Changes the second point in a diameter dimension.


Rotates a diameter dimension around the center point.


Associated Context-Sensitive Pop-up Menus—Line Command

To display this pop-up menu, click the right mouse button as you’re drawing lines.

For more about each option, click on menu items here. (Vdraft also displays a brief message about each item in the status bar as you move the mouse pointer over the actual menu in the program.)

Note:	Additional pop-up menus may be available as the result of choosing some of these options, depending on the drawing context.


Associated Context-Sensitive Pop-up Menus—Line Command

To display this pop-up menu, click the right mouse button right after you’ve completed a line.

Click on the menu items here for more about each option. (Vdraft also displays a brief message about each item in the status bar as you move the mouse pointer over the actual menu in the program.)

Note:	Additional pop-up menus may be available as the result of choosing some of these options, depending on the drawing context.


To display this pop-up menu, click the right mouse button as you’re drawing text.

Vdraft displays a brief message about each item in the status bar as you move the mouse pointer over the actual menu in the program.

Note:	Additional pop-up menus may be available as the result of choosing some of these options, depending on the drawing context.


Opening the Properties Box for an Object

1	Select the object.

2	Right-click to display the context-sensitive pop-up menu.

3	Click Properties on the pop-up menu.

Note:	If you want to keep the Properties dialog box open to experiment with or apply several different settings, click the pushpin from the “out” [image] position to the “in” position: . This changes the OK button to Apply. Clicking Apply applies any changes you’ve made thus far without closing the dialog box.

Clicking the pushpin back to the out” position [image] changes the Apply button back to OK. Clicking OK applies any changes and automatically closes the dialog box.


To review key concepts about line objects, click [image].


To get Help on a dialog box item related to this procedure:

Click [image] at the top of the dialog box, and then click the item.


Getting Help on a Dialog Box Item Related to This Procedure

Microsoft Windows 95 and NT 4.0: Click [image] at the top of the dialog box, and then click the item.

Microsoft Windows NT 3.51: This dialog box does not have the above “screen tips” capability. To see the screen tip for each dialog box item, click the jump to the Vdraft command topic in the below procedure, and read the material under Dialog Box Description in that topic.


No Help topic is associated with this item.


Virtual Drafter"s Journal of Interesting and Possibly Obscure CAD Quotes and Tidbits
 Virtual Drafter’s Journal of Interesting

and Possibly Obscure CAD Quotes, Lore, and Tidbits

 SoftSource Vdraft

. . .A Better AutoCAD Drawing Editor!

[nifty tidbit to come]


Virtual Drafter"s Journal of Interesting and Possibly Obscure CAD Quotes and Tidbits
 Virtual Drafter’s Journal of Interesting

and Possibly Obscure CAD Quotes, Lore, and Tidbits

	Geometry existed before the creation. —Johannes Kepler


 $Virtual Drafter’s Journal of Interesting

and Possibly Obscure CAD Quotes, Lore, and Tidbits

	“Right-y--tight-y,   Left-y--loose-y.” —Traditional Engineering Mnemonic for Remembering the Directions for Turning Screws


 $Virtual Drafter’s Journal of Interesting

and Possibly Obscure CAD Quotes, Lore, and Tidbits

	We’ve inherited our “English system of measure” from the ancient twelvefold canon. Although the modern metric system derives from the aftermath of the French Revolution as a measure of the earth (the meter is 1/10-millionth the distance from the North Pole to the equator through Paris), it is not part of a comprehensive system integrating celestial dimensions and cycles with human life. —Michael S. Schneider,  A Beginner’s Guide to Constructing the Universe: The Mathematical Archetypes of Nature, Art, and Science


 $Virtual Drafter’s Journal of Interesting

and Possibly Obscure CAD Quotes, Lore, and Tidbits

	There being, then, three figures which of themselves can fill up space around a point, viz. . .the triangle, square, and the hexagon, the bees have wisely selected for their structure that which contains the most angles, suspecting indeed that it could hold more honey than the other two. —Pappus (c. 300 A.D., Greek mathematician in Alexandrai, Egypt, whose writings stimulated seventh-century geometric studies)


Virtual Drafter"s Journal of Interesting and Possibly Obscure CAD Quotes and Tidbits
 Virtual Drafter’s Journal of Interesting

and Possibly Obscure CAD Quotes, Lore, and Tidbits

	The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new lands, but seeing with new eyes. —Marcel Proust


Virtual Drafter"s Journal of Interesting and Possibly Obscure CAD Quotes and Tidbits
 Virtual Drafter’s Journal of Interesting

and Possibly Obscure CAD Quotes, Lore, and Tidbits

	There is geometry in the humming of the strings. attributed to Pythagoras


Virtual Drafter"s Journal of Interesting and Possibly Obscure CAD Quotes and Tidbits
 Virtual Drafter’s Journal of Interesting

and Possibly Obscure CAD Quotes, Lore, and Tidbits

	Music is a secret arithmetical exercise, and the person who indulges in it does not realize that he is manipulating numbers. —G.W. von Leibnitz


 $Virtual Drafter’s Journal of Interesting

and Possibly Obscure CAD Quotes, Lore, and Tidbits

	A 7-sided figure is impossible to draw With perfect mathematical precision; And if you try to do it you are absolutely sure To find your efforts treated with derision. And yet there are philosophers who readily declare That nothing in this world is really true, And so I’ve drawn a heptagon by triangle and square. For any human purpose, it will do. —John Mitchell


New—Create a new drawing.


Open—Find, preview, and open an existing drawing.


Close—Close the current drawing window; Vdraft prompts you to save changes to the document, if you have not already done so.


Close All—Close all open drawings; Vdraft prompts you to name and/or save documents if you have not already done so.


Save—Save changes to the current drawing; Vdraft prompts you to name the document if you have not already done so.


Save As—Save the current drawing to a new name.


Save As Release—Save the current drawing in a different AutoCAD release/file format. File format options on the sub-menu include release 2.5, 2.6, 9, 10, 11/12.


Projects—Create and delete named projects; open and work with all drawings associated with a named project.


Projects drop-down list box—lists the named projects available to your computer.

To open all drawings associated with a project, click the down arrow in the drop-down list box to display the list of available projects. Then click the project you want.


Print—Print or plot the current drawing; includes options for previewing the drawing and setting up printers or plotters.


Context-sensitive Help—Displays context-sensitive Help for a command, toolbar button/control, or other screen item you specify.

To use the context-sensitive Help button:

1	Click [image].

2	Click the question mark (?) cursor over the command, toolbar item, or screen item you want Help on.

Related technique: You can also press F1 in the middle of any command or task to bring up the related context-sensitive Help.


Plot HPGL File—Output the current drawing as an HPGL/2 or HPGL plot file; includes options for setting up printers/plotters, rotating the plot, adjusting the plot origin, and so forth.


Output SVF—Output the current drawing as an SVF file. This file format is optimized for publishing and viewing CAD drawings and other graphics on the World Wide Web.


Applications—Run other Vdraft or third-party applications.


Send—Send the current drawing through electronic mail to specified recipients (available only on networked computers).


Lists the most recently open documents in Vdraft.

To open a drawing from the list, click the filename.


Exit—Quit Vdraft (Vdraft prompts you to save changes to the drawing if you have not done so).


Undo—Reverse or cancel the previous command or action.


Redo—Re-execute the previous “undo” action or command. The Redo command is available only if the previous command issued was the Undo command (Edit menu).


Undo/Redo List—Display a list of previous commands/actions executed in the current drawing; includes options for undoing/redoing one or more previous, consecutive operations.


Cut to Clipboard—Delete the selected object(s) from the current drawing and place them into the Windows Clipboard for pasting into another drawing or into a document created with another application.


Copy to Clipboard—Duplicate the selected object(s) from the current drawing to the Windows Clipboard for pasting into another drawing or into a document created with another application.


Paste from Clipboard—Paste one or more objects from the Windows Clipboard (placed by the Copy to Clipboard or Cut to Clipboard commands) into the current drawing or into another drawing or document created with another application.


Window to Clipboard—Copy the contents displayed in the current window as a metafile and bitmap to the Windows Clipboard. For example, this is useful for transferring a quick, high-quality copy of a drawing to a word processing program for inclusion in a report or other type of document.


Text to Clipboard—Copy the currently selected object(s) as text to the Windows Clipboard. This is useful for transferring text you’ve created in Vfdraft to another application such as a word processing program. For example, you can extract information from attributes for a bill of materials or insert technical specifications from your drawings into reports.


Delete—Erase/delete the selected object(s) from the current drawing.


Copy—Displays options for copying the selected object(s) or making multiple copies of the selected objects


Copy—Copy the selected object(s).


Copy Multiple—Make multiple copies of the selected object(s) in the current drawing and paste the copies into the drawing at offset points for distance and direction.


Offset—Create a new object offset from the selected object (line, circle, arc, or polyline); includes options for offsetting an object through a point or at a given distance/direction.


Array—Displays a submenu with options for creating a rectangular array or polar array with the selected object(s).


Array/Rectangular—Make multiple copies of the selected object(s) in the current drawing and paste the copies into the drawing in a rectangular array configuration you specify.


Array/Polar—Make multiple copies of the selected object(s) in the current drawing and paste the copies into the drawing in a polar array configuration you specify.


Move—Move the selected object(s) within the current drawing, relocating them per offset points you specify for distance and direction.


Rotate—Change the angle or orientation of the selected object(s) by rotating them around the specified base point.


Scale—Shrink or enlarge the selected object(s) proportionately, using a specified base point and displacement point.


Mirror—Create a mirror (reverse) the image of the currently selected object(s).


Mirror Copy—Make a mirror (reverse) copy of the currently selected object(s).


Grips—Displays a submenu with these options for working with grips: Display Grips, Erase Grips, and toggling on/off Auto Grips.


Grips/Display—Display grips on objects you select; you can then move or manipulate portions of the objects.


Grips/Erase—Clear grips for the selected object(s) from the screen display.


Grips/Auto Grips—Automatically display individual grips on an object as you move over the object; toggles on/off the display of Auto Grips.


Stretch—Stretch portions of the selected object(s); use a crossing window for all selection operations with this command.


Extend to Objects—Extend an object to a boundary created by other selected objects.


Trim to Objects—Trim an object to a boundary or cutting edge created by other selected objects.


Break—Erase a portion of an object or split the object in two.


Fillet—Apply an arc’ed or rounded edge to objects (lines, circles, arcs, and polylines only).


Chamfer—Apply a sharp, beveled edge to objects (lines, circles, arcs, and polylines only).


Explode—Displays a submenu with options for exploding Blocks, Dimensions, and Polylines.


Explode/Blocks—Convert a block insert into its component objects; this restores the original property settings of all block objects.


Explode/Dimensions—Convert a dimension into its component objects (extension lines, dimension lines, text, etc.).


Explode/Polylines—Convert a polyline into its component objects (line and/or arc objects representing vertices).


Zoom Window—Zoom in on a specific area of the drawing you define via a magnifying window.


Zoom In—Zoom in to the center of the current view, magnifying by a factor of two.


Zoom Out—Zoom out from the center of the current view, demagnifying by a factor of two.


Zoom Scale—Scale the view relative to the current view or to paperspace. This command is useful for scaling a view to a precise scale factor in a multi-view layout.


Zoom—Displays options for magnifying and demagnifying the view, including the Zoom In, Zoom Out, Zoom Window, and Zoom Scale commands.


Command Cursor Tips—toggle on/off “command cursor tip” mode; with this command in effect, Vdraft displays the command or action currently in progress in a cursor tip.


Info Cursor Tips—toggle on/off “info cursor tip” mode; with this command in effect, Vdraft displays length and angle information in a cursor tip about the object being drawn or edited.


Object Cursor Tips—toggle on/off “object cursor tip” mode; with this command in effect, Vdraft displays information in a cursor tip about the object the mouse cursor is currently over (for example, length and angle data for a line, radius and area for a circle, length for an arc, etc.).


Pan—Shift or slide the area of the drawing displayed, moving it horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, per displacement points for distance and direction.


Extents—Zoom out to display the extents (all objects contained in the current drawing), displaying the image as large and as tightly as possible within the drawing space.


Plan—Display the drawing extents (all objects contained in the current drawing) in “plan view”—i.e., in the style of an architectural floor plan (in 2-D, with the UCS parallel to the construction plane and from the position of 0, 0, 1 directly over the construction plane).


Last View—Restore the previous view.


Named Views—Create and choose named views and specify settings for views.


Named Views drop-down list box—contains the named views in the current drawing.

To switch to a named view, click the down arrow in the drop-down list box to display the list of available views. Then click the view you want.


3D Rotate—Rotate the view at various angles in 3-D space at specified degree increments around a central point.


Viewpoint—Specify XYZ coordinates to define the viewpoint from which to view the model.


Redraw—Quickly redisplay the current viewport; this refreshes the display and clears away marks or other elements sometimes left over after erasing or modifying objects.


Redraw All—Quickly redisplay the entire drawing; this refreshes the display and clears away marks or other elements sometimes left over after erasing or modifying objects.


Regen—Regenerate the display list for the current viewport. This includes recalculating screen coordinates for all objects in the current viewport, updating the virtual screen, and optimizing the object database for display and object manipulation performance.


Regen All—Regenerate the display list for the entire drawing. This includes recalculating screen coordinates for all objects in the drawing, updating the virtual screen, and optimizing the object database for display and object manipulation performance.


Drawing Space—Displays a submenu with these commands: Paperspace, Paperspace Ports, Modelspace, New Viewport and Delete Viewport.


Paperspace—Switch to paper space to lay out viewports of your drawing to create your finished paper layout for printing/plotting; add annotations, borders, title blocks, and any other elements that don’t need to be part of the actual drawing in modelspace.


Paperspace Ports—paperspace viewports to view and edit modelspace while working from your paperspace view and layout.


Modelspace—Switch to model space; use to do your main drafting and design work (you can work at 1:1 scale or any other scale), set up different views to display the drawing from various angles and zoom factors.


New Viewport—Open a new viewport to model space from paperspace.


Delete Viewport—Delete the current viewport.


Drawing Info—Display information about the current drawing—for example, file size, number of objects, blocks, layers, linetypes, text styles, dimension styles, views, attributes, external references, and extended entities.


Distance/Area—Measure distance and area of any object. As you measure, Vdraft displays the cumulative measurements (including length, angle, total length, and area) as a cursor tip and then displays the final length and area measurements in a message box.


Line—Draw one or a series of connected, straight line segments with endpoints specified by two-dimensional or three-dimensional coordinates.


Polyline/Double—Draw one or a series of straight, parallel line segments with endpoints specified by two-dimensional or three-dimensional coordinates.


Polyline—Displays options for these polyline-drawing methods: 2D, 3D, and Double.


Polyline/2D—Draw a two-dimensional polyline, consisting of one or more straight line segments or arc segments connected at vertices; create open or closed areas/polygons.


Polyline/3D—Draw a three-dimensional polyline, consisting of one or more straight, zero-width line segments connected at vertices.

Note:	In contrast to 2D polylines, 3D polylines cannot contain arc segments or varied line widths.


Arc—Displays options for these arc-drawing methods: Continous 3-Point, Center, Start, End, Start, Center, End, and Start, Direction, End.


Arc/Continuous 3-Point—Draw one arc or a series of continuous arcs, each defined by three points on the arc’s circumference: starting point, one point along the circumference, and the endpoint of the arc.


Arc/Center Start End—Draw an arc, defined by the center, start, and endpoints of the arc.


Arc/Start Center End—Draw an arc arc, defined by the start, center, and end points.


Arc/Start End Center—Draw an arc arc, defined by the start, end, and center points.


Arc/Start Direction End—Draw an arc by specifying start point, direction, and end point.


Circle—Displays options for these circle-drawing methods: Center, Radius, 2-Point, and 3-Point.


Circle/Center Radius—Draw a circle or arc, defined by the center point and radius.


Circle/2-Point—Draw a circle defined by two points on opposite sides of the circle’s circumference (the endpoints of the diameter).


Circle/3-Point—Draw a circle defined by three points along the circumference.


2D Solid—Draw a two-dimensional, triangular or quadrilateral, filled (opaque) irregular polygon area.


3D Face—Draw a three-dimensional, three- or four-sided surface. Each corner can be defined by a different Z-coordinate.


Point—Draw a point object.


Rectangle—Displays a submenu with options for these rectangle-drawing methods: 2-Point, 3-Point.


Rectangle/2-Point—Draw a rectangle defined by two opposite corners.


Rectangle/3-Point—Draw a rectangle defined by two adjacent corners and the height.


Polygon—Displays a submenu with options for these polygon-drawing methods: Center, Vertex, Center, Midpoint, and Edge.


Polygon/Center, Vertex—Draw an equilateral (regular) polygon with a specified number of sides (from 3 to a maximum of 1,024), defined by center point and vertex (also referred to as an inscribed polygon—i.e., a polygon inscribed within a circle).


Polygon/Center, Midpoint—Draw a equilateral (regular) polygon with a specified number of sides (from 3 to a maximum of 1,024),defined by center point and an edge’s midpoint (also referred to as a circumscribed polygon—i.e., a polygon circumscribed about a circle).


Polygon/Edge—Draw an equilateral (regular) polygon with a specified number of sides (from 3 to a maximum of 1,024), defined by an edge and a direction.


Spline—Displays a submenu with an option for this spline-drawing method: 2D.


Spline/2D—Draw a two-dimensional b-Spline; can consist of line and/or arc segments of the same or varied line widths.


Spline/3D—Draw a three-dimensional b-spline.


Donut—Draw a filled circle or ring.


Text—Draw a text object (add a single line or multiple lines of text to the current drawing), using the current text style.


Block/Xref Manager—Manage tasks related to blocks and Xrefs (for example, insert options; outputting blocks as files; reloading, binding, detaching Xrefs, etc.).


Blocks/Xrefs toolbar drop-down list box—displays named blocks that you have previously created or loaded into the current drawing.

To insert a block into the current drawing, click the down arrow in the drop-down list box to display the list of available blocks. Then click the block you want insert. Vdraft prompts you to pick an insertion point for the block insertion.


Dimension—Displays a submenu with options for drawing these dimension types: Horizontal, Vertical, Rotated, Aligned, Angular,Diameter, Radius, X-Ordinate, Y-Ordinate, Baseline, Continuous, and Leader.


Dimensions—Start a dimension for the selected object.


Horizontal Dimension—Dimension a linear, horizontal distance.


Vertical Dimension command—Dimension a linear, vertical distance.


Rotated Dimension—Dimension a linear distance along a specified angle.


Aligned Dimension—Dimension a linear distance rotation aligned with two base points.


Angular—Dimension an angle.


Radius Dimension—Dimension the radius of a circle.


Diameter Dimension—Dimension the diameter of a circle.


X-Ordinate Dimension—Create an x-axis ordinate dimension for the selected object.


Y-Ordinate Dimension—Create a Y-axis ordinate dimension for the selected object.


Baseline Dimension—Create a baseline dimension for the selected object.


Continuous Dimension—Create a continuous dimension for the selected object.


Leader—Draw a leader line for a free-floating dimension or annotation.


Block/Xref Manager—Manage tasks related to blocks and Xrefs (for example, insert options; outputting blocks as files; reloading, binding, detaching Xrefs, etc.).


Create Block—Create a new block from a selection set.


Define Attribute—Create an attribute definition.


Save Objects As—Write a selection set to disk as a block.


Save Blocks As—Output existing blocks to disk.


Properties—Display the properties dialog box for the selected object(s).


Net Hyperlinks—Displays a submenu with options for these net hyperlink tasks: Create LinkNet, Edit Link, Unmake Link, Hyper Tip and Select Links.


Net Hyperlinks/Create Link—Convert objects into net hyperlinks.


Net Hyperlinks/Edit Link—Change actions associated with net hyperlinks.


Net Hyperlinks/Unmake Link—Remove object Internet hyperlink information.


Net Hyperlinks/Hyper Tip—Display Internet hyperlink information in a cursor tip.


Net Hyperlinks/Select Links—Select all objects that are Internet hyperlinks.


Coordinates—Choose coordinate system for drawing and specifying points or entering coordinates.


Coordinate Entry toolbar entry type indicator (context-sensitive)—automatically updates to display the type of information currently being entered into the drop-down combo box/data-entry area of the Coordinate Entry toolbar—for example, coordinates, angle, radius, length/width measurement, offset, and so forth.


Coordinate Entry toolbar data entry area (drop-down combo box)—use for data entry/precision drafting (drawing by coordinates and entering any kind of mathematical drawing data such as angle, radius, length/width measurement, and so forth). The drop-down list also functions as a history list for viewing or choosing previously entered data during the current drawing session.

You can use a variety of techniques to enter data in the Coordinate Entry toolbar:

Type data directly. Click in the text edit portion of the combo box, and enter numerical data or coordinates. Then press Enter. For step-by-step help on this technique, click [image].

Auto-enter coordinates for the current cross-hair location. While drawing, click the right mouse button, and on the context-sensitive pop-up menu, click Type Coordinates. This activates the Coordinate Entry toolbar, and enters the coordinates for the current cross-hair location. You can edit the entry, if desired. For step-by-step help on this technique, click [image].

Auto-enter data from cursor tips. While drawing, click the right mouse button, and on the context-sensitive pop-up menu, click Options. Then click Type [context-sensitive for object being drawn—e.g., Length, Width, Radius, etc.]. This automatically enters the data in the cursor tip into the Coordinate Entry toolbar. You can edit the entry, if desired. For step-by-step help on this technique, click [image].


Snap/Grid—Choose settings and conditions for grid, angle, and object snaps.


Grid Snap—Toggle current grid settings on/off (including grid grid origin, grid spacing, grid snap (shortcut to grid settings on the Grid tab of the Snap/Grid command dialog box).


Grid Display—Toggle the display of the grid on/off (shortcut to grid settings on the Grid tab of the Snap/Grid command dialog box).


Ortho Snap—Toggle ortho mode snap setting on/off (shortcut to the Ortho Snap setting in the Snap/Grid command dialog box).


Angle Snap—Toggle the current angle snap settings on/off (shortcut to the Snap to Nearest Angle settings in the Snap/Grid command dialog box).


Object Snaps—Toggle the current object snap settings on/off (shortcut to manually toggling on/off individual snaps on the Object Snaps toolbar or via the Snap to Object settings in the Snap/Grid command dialog box).


Key Point Snap— Toggle the key object snap settings on or off. The key object snaps are pre-set and include the main geometric locations on an entity such as the endpoints and midpoint of a line, center of a circle, and so forth. (Shortcut to manually toggling on/off individual snaps on the Object Snaps toolbar or via the Snap to Object settings in the Snap/Grid command dialog box).


Endpoint Snap—Snaps the cursor to the endpoint of an existing line or arc.


Midpoint Snap—Snaps the cursor to the midpoint of an existing line or arc.


Centerpoint Snap—Snaps the cursor to the center point of an arc, circle, or donut.


Nearest Snap—Snaps the cursor to a point on a line, circle, arc, or other object that is nearest to the cursor.


Point Snap—Snaps the cursor to a point object.


Quadrant Snap—Snaps the cursor to a quadrant (quarter section) of a circle, donut, or arc.


Insertion Snap—Snaps the cursor to the insertion point of a text object, block, or attribute.


Perpendicular Snap—Snaps the cursor from the current point on a line, arc, or circle that forms a perpendicular to a selected object.


Intersection Snap—Snaps the cursor to the point where two objects cross each other.


Units—Choose units used for drawing and displaying coordinates and angles.


Toggle on/off rectangular coordinates; shortcut to a dialog box option for the Coordinates command (Settings menu).


Toggle on/off relative rectangular coordinates; shortcut to a dialog box option for the Coordinates command (Settings menu).


Toggle on/off absolute distance/angle coordinates (sometimes referred to as 2-D polar coordinates); shortcut to a dialog box option for the Coordinates command (Settings menu).


Toggle on/off relative distance/angle coordinates (sometimes referred to as 2-D polar coordinates); shortcut to a dialog box option for the Coordinates command (Settings menu).


Toggle on/off absolute spherical coordinates (sometimes referred to as 3-D polar coordinates); shortcut to a dialog box option for the Coordinates command (Settings menu).


Toggle on/off relative spherical coordinates (sometimes referred to as 3-D polar coordinates); shortcut to a dialog box option for the Coordinates command (Settings menu).


Object Creation—Establish property settings and other defaults for creating new objects.


Layers—Change layer settings.


Layers toolbar drop-down list box—automatically updates to indicate one of the following:

With no objects selected—indicates the current layer. Any new objects you draw are added to this layer.

To change the current layer, click the down arrow in the drop-down list box to display the available layers. Then click the layer you want to switch to.

With one or more objects selected—indicates the layer of the selected object(s).

Note:	The setting, ‘varies, indicates that the selection set includes multiple objects that reside on different layers.

To change layer property for one or more objects, select the object(s), and click the down arrow in the drop-down list box to display the available layers. Then click the layer you want.


Colors—Choose drawing colors.


Colors toolbar drop-down list box—automatically updates to indicate one of the following:

With no objects selected—indicates the current drawing color. Any new objects you draw inherit this color, regardless of the layer (and the layer’s assigned color) on which the new objects are drawn.

To change the current color, click the down arrow in the drop-down list box to display the list of available colors. Then click the color you want.

With one or more objects selected—indicates the color property assigned to the selected object(s).

Note:	The setting, ‘varies, indicates that a) the selection set includes multiple objects of different colors, and b) objects may reside on different layers.

To change the color of one or more objects, select the object(s), and click the down arrow in the drop-down list box to display the available colors. Then click the color you want.


Linetypes—Choose and define linetypes.


Linetypes toolbar drop-down list box—automatically updates to indicate one of the following:

With no objects selected—indicates the current linetype. Any new objects you draw inherit this linetype, regardless of the layer (and the layer’s assigned linetype) on which the new objects are drawn.

To change the current linetype, click the down arrow in the drop-down list box to display the list of available linetypes. Then click the linetype you want.

With one or more objects selected—indicates the linetype assigned to the selected object(s).

Note:	The setting, ‘varies, indicates that a) the selection set includes multiple objects with different linetypes, and b) objects may reside on different layers.

To change the linetype for one or more objects, select the object(s), and click down arrow in the drop-down list box to display the available linetypes. Then click the linetype you want.


Text Styles—Choose and define text styles.


Text Styles toolbox drop-down list box—automatically updates to indicate one of the following:

With no objects selected—indicates the current text style. Any new text objects or attributes you draw inherit this text style.

To change the current text style, click the down arrow in the drop-down list box to display the list of available styles. Then click the text style you want.

With one or more objects selected—indicates the text style assigned to the selected object(s).

Note:	The setting, ‘varies, indicates that a) the selection set includes multiple objects with different text styles, and b) objects may reside on different layers.

To change the text style for one or more objects, select the object(s), and click the down arrow in the drop-down list box to display the available styles. Then click the text style you want.


Dimension Styles—Choose and define dimension styles.


Dimension Styles toolbox drop-down list box—automatically updates to indicate one of the following:

With no objects selected—indicates the current dimension style. Any new dimensions you draw inherit this dimension style.

To change the current dimension style, click the down arrow in the drop-down list box to display the list of available styles. Then click the dimension style you want.

With one or more objects selected—indicates the dimension style assigned to the selected object(s).

Note:	The setting, ‘varies, indicates that a) the selection set includes multiple objects with different dimension styles, and b) objects may reside on different layers.

To change the dimension style for one or more objects, select the object(s), and click the down arrow in the drop-down list box to display the available styles. Then click the dimension style you want.


Point Display—Change the Change the display format/style and size of point objects. This is useful for making point objects more easily visible or for differentiating them from grid dots.


Drawing Dependencies—View all dependencies related to the current drawing (for example, fonts and Xrefs), to make any desired changes or substitutions, or to resolve dependency problems (for example, if Vdraft cannot find a font associated with an Xref or if the Xref itself cannot be found).


Preferences—Change program settings and preferences for the drawing environment.


Applications—Displays a dialog box with other custom Vdraft or third-party applications are available to your system. For example, these applications are included with Vdraft:

Attribute extraction program. Linetypes creation program.	Program for listing selected objects. Drawing Setup Wizard
Note:	Available applications in the dialog box may vary, depending on the version of Windows and the specific applications Vdraft finds.


Dimension 2 Lines (sample custom program)—Draw an angular dimension using two lines.


Curved Leader (sample custom program)—Draw an arc with an arrow and text.


HPGL/2 Import (sample custom program)—Import an HP-GL or HP-GL/2 program into Vdraft.


About Tailor Made Tools—Displays information about Tailor Made Tools (third-party developer with several high-productivity tools included on the Vdraft Extensions menu as sample custom programs).


Text Properties (sample custom program from Tailor Made Tools)—Displays a toolbar with these tools for changing text properties of selection set:

Left Justify, Center Justify, Right Justify, Baseline Justify, Bottom Justify, Middle Justify, and Top Justify Mirror Horizontal and Mirror Vertical Cycle Horizontal Justifications and Cycle Vertical Justifications Text Rotation	Text Slant Grow Text and Shrink Text Create Multiline Text Set Upper Case and Set Lower Case, and Set Mixed Case


Layer Manager (sample custom program from Tailor Made Tools)—Displays a toolbar with tools for these layer tasks:

Save Layers Read and Set Layers Read and Add Layers Set Current	Freeze Layer Thaw Layer Layer On Layer Off


Modify Entities (sample custom program from Tailor Made Tools)—Displays a toolbar with productivity tools to modify existing objects:

Property Painter Join Arcs Break Circle	Change Radius Align Dimensions


Create Entities (sample custom program from Tailor Made Tools)—Displays a toolbar with tools to create objects:

Copy Lines Slot Curved Slot Rectangle Foreshortened Dimension Date/Time Stamp	Concentric Arc/Circle Multiple Circles Add Centerlines Circular Pattern Ellipse Ellipse (CMM)


Measurements (sample custom program from Tailor Made Tools)—Displays a dialog box with options for measuring Line Angle(s) and Arc Length.


Configure (sample custom program from Tailor Made Tools)—Displays a dialog box for setting up and configuring the sample Tailor Made Tools included with Vdraft.


Cascade—Arrange windows so they overlap.


Tile Horizontally—Arrange document windows horizontally as non-overlapping tiles in the application window.


Tile Vertically—Arrange document windows vertically as non-overlapping tiles in the application window.


Arrange Icons—Arrange icons at the bottom of the window.


[List of recently opened drawing files; click to activate the window for the selected file.]


Vdraft Help—Display Help topics for Vdraft commands, tools, and tasks.


Customization Help—Display Help topics for programming and customizing Vdraft.


Quick Tour—Start the Vdraft Quick Tour, ten screens that provide an overview of Vdraft.


Tip of the Day—Display tips related to Vdraft commands, tools, and tasks or tips related to programming and customizing Vdraft.


AutoCAD Help—Display a quick reference with the Vdraft equivalents for AutoCAD commands.


About—Display program information, including version number and copyright.


Restore—Restore the active window to normal size.

Alternate method: Click the [image] icon.


Move—Move the active window.

Alternate method: Drag the window’s title bar.


Size—Resize the active window.

Alternate method: Drag corners or sides of the window.


Minimize—Reduce the active window to an icon

Alternate method: Click the [image] icon.


Maximize—Enlarge the active window to full size.

Alternate method: Click the [image] icon.


Close—Close the active window (if necessary, prompts to save documents).

Alternate method: Click the [image] icon to close the window.


Next—Switch to next document window.

Alternate method: Click anywhere on the window you want to activate it.


Closes the toolbar.


Previous Set—Choose the previous selection set.


Last Object—Select the last object drawn.


Select All—Select all objects in the drawing.


Deselect All—Remove all objects from the selection set.


Deselect—Remove one or more objects from the selection set.


Single—Add a single object to the current selection set.


Crossing Window—Do a crossing window select.


Containing Window—Do a containing window select.


	A good, general dimensioning strategy to follow is to a) in the Dimension Styles dialog box, set the individual dimension component sizes and measurements to the size you want when plotted, and then b) let the Dimension Scaling setting globally scale them correctly in the plotted drawing.


	a) Create text styles especially for dimensions. When creating each style, set the X-Scale and Height options to 0 in the Text Styles dialog box. b) Then, in the Dimension Styles dialog box, set Text Height and Length Scaling to the size you want when plotted. Use the global Dimension Scaling setting to correctly scale text in the plotted drawing.


	Use the Nearest Snap [image] command to simplify dimensioning an object with a dimension style for which you have specified hidden extension lines.


	To quickly scan a list of all previous views in the current drawing/work session, use the Undo/Redo List command (Edit menu). With the Undo/Redo List, you can also undo all steps back to the previous view you want.


	If you need to publish or access CAD drawings for viewing over the World Wide Web, check out Vdraft’s powerful Output SVF option, a file format uniquely optimized for the Web and Internet!


	Vdraft’s nifty toolbar customizing feature is also the fastest way to control toolbar display. To use this feature, first make sure you have at least one toolbar docked along the top, bottom, or sides of the Vdraft window. This creates a band called a docking area. Now click the right mouse button anywhere in a docking area without touching a toolbar. You should see the master toolbar customizing menu. (If you can’t find it at first, click this [image] to see what it looks like.) As you move the mouse down the menu, notice the submenu for each toolbar and its buttons. Only items with a check mark are currently displayed. To display or hide a toolbar, move the mouse to the top of the desired toolbar menu and click, as appropriate. Bonus: Notice that you can also customize each toolbar at the same time, clicking on/off the display of individual buttons—a great way to customize your environment just the way you want it!


	Be a Vdraft power-user—fast! (And, without memorizing commands. . .) Get the right mouse-button-click habit. At any time, you can click the right mouse button to display a context-sensitive pop-up menu with appropriate options for the task at hand. The pop-up menu provides instant access to handy tools that simplify drawing. For example, you can toggle—and even set up—grid and object snaps while you’re in the middle of drawing an object. The status bar is your buddy! After you start a command by any of the methods described in this topic, watch the status bar prompts at the bottom of the Vdraft window. Vdraft guides you through each process. And, in the spirit of the “buddy system,” the status bar always displays a brief description of each pop-up menu option as the mouse pointer moves over it. Keep the right-click habit. As you complete each drawing step, additional pop-up options may become available.
For more about the pop-up menus, see Associated Context-Sensitive Pop-up Menus, later in this topic.


	Use Screen Tips as a Shortcut to Info in the Dialog Box Description sections of Help! As you  work in a dialog box, you can access Help’s pop-up notes for Dialog Box Descriptions without even opening Help. To use screen tips in a dialog box: 1 Click the [image] in the upper-right-hand corner of the dialog box. 2 Then click the ? cursor over the dialog box item you want to know more about. Voilà!


Getting Macro Syntax When Writing Scripts

You can view the macro syntax for most script commands in the UNDO/REDO LIST dialog box in Vdraft. If there is some action you want a script to do for you but you don’t know the command for it, then just do that same action manually in Vdraft and look at the Actions Performed box in the UNDO/REDO LIST dialog box.


Shortcuts for Viewing/Changing Properties

Use the Colors, Layers, Linetypes, Text Styles, and Dimension Styles toolbars for fast access to the corresponding properties. Depending on the current context, the drop-down boxes in these property toolbars auto-update to indicate either:

(With no objects selected) the current default properties for creating new objects (as designated by the OBJECT CREATION command).

Or, the properties assigned to selected object(s), as shown below.

For example, here’s how the Colors toolbar works and how to quickly change an object’s color property:

Note:	The setting *varies indicates that the selection set includes multiple objects that may also reside on different layers.


Entering AutoCAD Commands While in Vdraft

If you know the AutoCAD command set, you can use that knowledge to hit the ground running at warp speed with Vdraft: Just type the same commands as you would in AutoCAD while working in Vdraft, and Vdraft will carry out the equivalent command or action. Here’s how.

To enter AutoCAD commands in Vdraft:

1	Make sure that the AutoCAD commands preference (this is the default) is in effect. To check this:

On the Settings menu, click PREFERENCES, and then click the Settings tab on the Preferences dialog box. If necessary, click AutoCAD Commands (under the Keyboard Commands setting).

2	Then, in Vdraft, just start typing an AutoCAD command. The status bar at the bottom of the screen displays the command input as you type, and Vdraft performs the equivalent command or action.


For this method, you can also use a precision drafting method such as auto-entering coordinates or cursor tip data into the Coordinate Entry toolbar . For more about those techniques, click Drafting in the QRefs bar at the top of the Help window.