Learn key tools and functions to get you up and running with AutoCAD LT.
Most people use a mouse as their pointing device, but other devices have equivalent controls.
Tip: When you look for an option, try right-clicking. Depending on where you locate your cursor and whether a command is in progress, the menu that appears will provide relevant commands and options.
The Command window displays prompts, options, and messages. It is normally docked at the bottom of the application window, but can be undocked and moved as needed.
You can enter commands directly in the Command window instead of using the ribbon, toolbars, and menus. Many CAD professionals prefer this method.
The command line is where you will see instructions and options when using commands. Watch this video to understand the command line.
You can use function keys to quickly access common settings while drafting. Function keys can be found in the top row of most keyboards. Review the Handy Function Key Reference Table to learn how to use function keys to turn different modes on and off.
You can quickly navigate to different views by using the pan and zoom functions.
Use the wheel on your mouse to easily change your view:
You can zoom in and out within a drawing using the mouse wheel.
The Properties palette is an essential tool that displays the properties of a single selected object, or common properties shared by several objects when multiple objects are selected. When no objects are selected, it will display the default properties that are automatically assigned to new objects.
You can open the Properties palette in three different ways:
When you create objects, it is important to distinguish how the properties of the objects are assigned. Watch this video to learn more about understanding ByLayer and object property concepts.
