Topics in this section

• Use Coordinates and Coordinate Systems (UCS)

  For precise coordinate input, you can use several coordinate system entry methods. You can also use a movable coordinate system, the user coordinate system (UCS), for convenient coordinate entry and to establish workplanes.

• Use Dynamic Input

  Dynamic Input provides a command interface near the cursor to help you keep your focus in the drafting area.

• Snap to Locations on Objects (Object Snaps)

  Instead of entering coordinates, you can specify points relative to existing objects such as endpoints of lines or center points of circles.

• Restrict Cursor Movement

  Several tools are available that you can use to restrict or lock the movement of your cursor.

• Combine or Offset Points and Coordinates

  To specify a new point location, you can combine coordinate values from several points or you can specify offsets from existing objects.

• Specify Distances

  When specifying a point, you can enter distances, offsets, and measured intervals.

• Design with Parametric Constraints

  With parametric drawing, you can add constraints to geometry to ensure that the design conforms to specified requirements.

• Extract Geometric Information from Objects

  The inquiry and calculation commands can provide information about objects in your drawing and do useful calculations.

• Use a Calculator

  You can access a calculator function as you work with the program. You can use either the QuickCalc calculator interface or the command prompt calculator.