The AutoCAD Foundations guide takes you step-by-step through AutoCAD basics. In our blog series, we’re moving on to AutoCAD drawing for beginners. Here are some quick tips with exercises to get you going, and you can also check out the full article here.
How to Create a New Drawing in AutoCAD
There are two easy ways to create a new drawing by either clicking “New” on the Start tab or on the Quick Access toolbar that will provide drawing template options.
Try it out: In this exercise, open and select a drawing template.
1. On the Quick Access toolbar, click New.
2. In the Select template dialog box, select one of the following drawing template files based your associated industry and click Open.
- Tutorial-mArch.dwt. Sample architectural template (metric)
- Tutorial-mMfg.dwt. Sample mechanical design template (metric)
- Tutorial-iArch.dwt. Sample architectural template (imperial)
- Tutorial-iMfg.dwt. Sample mechanical design template (imperial)
The metric template files are scaled to use millimeters as the drawing unit, and the imperial template files are scaled to use inches as the drawing unit.
How to Switch Between Model and Layout Tabs
The Model and Layout tabs provide two working environments. In Model space, you can draw a full-size model of your object. With Layout space, you can create a layout of the same object from multiple angles.
Try it out: In this exercise, navigate between model and layout spaces.
1. At the bottom left of your window, see the Model tab. This shows that your drawing is currently in Model space, where you create and modify the geometry for your model.
2. Click the Layout tab to the right of the Model tab.
Layouts are used to generate printed drawings.
3. On the layout, double-click anywhere within the rectangular viewport. This creates Model space within the layout to pan the model space view and add dimensions. To check this, see the bottom right of your window where it should say MODEL.
4. Double-click in a blank area outside the rectangular viewport. This returns you to Paper space, which you can verify at the bottom right of your window.
5. To return to Model space, click the Model tab.
How to View and Navigate Drawings
The easiest way to change the view of and navigate your drawing is to use the wheel on your mouse.
Try it out: In this exercise, you use the Navigation Bar to zoom and pan.
Using the Navigation Bar:
1. In the View tab, check that Navigation Bar is in blue. If not, click Navigation Bar to turn it on.
2. On the Navigation Bar, click the Zoom drop-down menu and choose Zoom Extents.
The drawing zooms out/in to its extents.
3. On the Navigation Bar, click Pan.
4. Click and drag to move the view to a specific area of the drawing.
Learn More: AutoCAD Drawing for Beginners
Be sure to check out the entire AutoCAD Foundations article for even more in-depth tutorials on working with drawings, including how to set units; save, close, and open drawings; view and navigate drawings; and more. And stay tuned for our entire series here on the blog (or catch up on past articles!) as we highlight even more great tips for getting started with AutoCAD.