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AutoCAD and Its Applications BASICS Reference Material Glossary of CAD Terms

1D unit block: A 1-unit, one-dimensional aligned dimensioning: A dimensioning object, such as a straight segment, system in which values align saved as a block. with dimension lines. 2D unit block: A 2D object that fits into a aligned section: Section used when 1-unit × 1-unit , saved as a block. a feature is out of alignment with the center . 3D unit block: A 3D object that fits into a 1-unit × 1-unit × 1-unit cube, saved as a alignment : A parameter that block. aligns a block with another object in the drawing. alignment paths: Temporary lines and A arcs that coincide with the of existing objects. absolute coordinates: Coordinate alternate units (dual dimensioning measured from the . units): in which in one system, such absolute path: A path to a file defined by as inches, are followed by bracketed the location of the file on the computer measurements in another system, such as system. millimeters. : In property settings, a angular dimensioning: A method of value directly instead of referenced by a dimensioning in which one corner layer or a block. An absolute value ignores of an is located with a dimension the current layer settings. and the value of the angle is provided in acquired : A point found by moving degrees. the crosshairs over a point on an existing annotation: Textual information presented object to reference the point when picking in notes, specifications, comments, and a new point. symbols. : A definition that controls how annotational format: A dimensional dynamic block behave. constraint format in which the constraints action bars: Toolbars that allow you to look like traditional dimensions, using a view, remove, and adjust actions. dimension style. Annotational dimensional constraints can still control the size or action parameter (parameter): A location of geometry. specification for block construction that controls block characteristics such as annotation scale: The scale AutoCAD positions, distances, and angles of dynamic uses to calculate the scale factor applied to block geometry. annotative objects. alert: A pop-up that indicates a required annotative object representation: Display action or potential problem. of an annotative object at an annotation scale that the object supports.

Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Glossary of CAD Terms 1 May not be reproduced or posted to a publicly accessible website. annotative objects: AutoCAD objects that B can adapt automatically to the current drawing scale. annotative text: Text scaled by AutoCAD background mask: A mask that hides a according to the specified annotation scale. portion of objects behind and around text so that the text is unobstructed. arc: Any portion of a , usually dimensioned according to the (R). balloons: that contain a number or letter to identify the assembly component archiving: Gathering and storing all and correlate the component to a parts list drawings and associated files related to a or bill of materials. Balloons connect to a project. component with a leader line. array: Multiple copies of an object base dimension: The dimension line that arranged in a pattern. remains in the same location, with which array action: An action used to array other dimension lines align or . objects within the block based on preset baseline dimensioning: A method of specifications. dimensioning in which several dimensions associated list: The ASME term describing originate from a common , tables added or related to engineering centerline, or center plane. drawings. base point: The initial reference point associative array: An adjustable array AutoCAD uses when stretching, moving, object; all items are grouped to form copying, and scaling objects. a single object, allowing you to make base point parameter: A parameter that modifications such as changing the number defines an alternate base point for a block. of items and spacing between items. basic dimension: A theoretically perfect associative dimension: A dimension dimension used to describe the exact associated with an object. The dimension size, profile, orientation, and location of a value updates automatically when the feature. object changes. big font: A supplement that provides associative hatch pattern: A hatch pattern Asian and other large-format fonts that that updates automatically when you edit have characters and symbols not present in associated objects. other font files. attachment: An xref linked with or bilateral tolerance: A tolerance style that referenced into the current drawing. permits variance in both the positive and attributes: Text-based data assigned to a negative directions from the specified specific object. Attributes a drawing dimension. into a graphical database. bind: Convert an xref to a permanently auto-fill: A table that fills selected inserted block in the host drawing. cells based on the contents of another cell. block: An object, such as a symbol, saved automatic save: A save procedure that and stored in a drawing for future use. occurs at specified intervals without block definition: Information about a your input. block stored within the drawing file. automatic windowing (implied block insertion tools: Blocks located on a windowing): A selection method that tool palette. allows you to select multiple objects at one without entering a selection option. block properties table: A table of action parameters and/or constraint parameters auxiliary view: View used to show the that allows you to create multiple block true size and of a foreshortened properties and then select them to create surface. block references.

Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Glossary of CAD Terms 2 May not be reproduced or posted to a publicly accessible website. block reference: A specific instance of a check box: A selectable box that turns block inserted into a drawing. an item on (when checked) or off (when unchecked). boundary: The filled by a hatch. child: A style override. boundary edge: The edge to which objects such as lines, arcs, and polylines extend. : The linear between two points on a circle or arc. boundary set: The part of the drawing AutoCAD evaluates to define a boundary. circle: A closed with a constant radius (R) around a center point; broken-out section: Section that shows a usually dimensioned according to the small portion of the object removed. diameter (∅). BSI: British Standards Institution. circular reference error: An error that button: A “hot spot” button on the screen occurs when a block definition references that you pick to access an application, itself. command, or option. circumscribed : A polygon drawn outside an imaginary circle so that the sides of the polygon are to the C circle. coincident: A geometric construction that callout block: A block that uses attributes specifies two points sharing the same containing fields that link the view position. number and sheet title between the sheet color-dependent plot style table: A file set and drawing (sheet) views. that contains plot style settings used to Cartesian (rectangular) coordinate assign plot values to object colors. system: A system that locates points in command: An instruction issued to the space according to distances from three computer to complete a specific task. For intersecting axes. example, use the LINE command to draw cascading menu (cascading submenu): line objects. A menu of options related to the chosen command alias: Abbreviated command menu item. name entered at the keyboard. cell styles: Styles that allow you to assign command line: Area where you can type specific formatting to data, header, and commands (command names) and type or title row cells. select command options. centroid: The mathematical center of a Commercial and Government Entity geometric figure. Code (CAGE Code): A five-digit chain action: An action that triggers numerical code identifier applicable to any another action when you modify a organization that produces items used by parameter. the federal government. chain dimensioning: A method of composition: The spacing, layout, and dimensioning in which dimensions appear appearance of text. in a line from one feature to the next. computer-aided design and drafting chamfer: In mechanical drafting, a small, (CADD): The process of using a computer angled surface used to relieve a sharp corner. with CADD software to design and produce drawings and models. chart dimensioning: A type of dimensioning in which the concentric: Describes arcs, circles, and/or dimensions are shown with letters that sharing the same center point. correlate to a chart in which the possible configured: Installed and ready to use. dimensions are given.

Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Glossary of CAD Terms 3 May not be reproduced or posted to a publicly accessible website. constant: An expression or value that stays current layer: The active layer. Whatever the same. you draw is placed on the current layer. constraint parameters: Dimensional curve fitting: Converting a polyline into a constraints available for block construction series of smooth . to control the size or location of block cutting edge: An object such as a line, geometry numerically. arc, or text that defines the point (edge) at construction lines: Lines commonly used which the object you trim will be cut. to lay out a drawing. cutting-plane line: The line that cuts context-oriented help: Help information through the object to expose internal for the active command. features. context-sensitive: Specific to the active cycle: Repeatedly select a series of command or option. stacked objects until the desired object is highlighted. continued dimensioning: The AutoCAD term for chain dimensioning. control code sequence: A key sequence D beginning with %% that defines symbols in text. control vertices: Points that are used to datum: Theoretically perfect surface, define the curve shape and change the curve plane, point, or axis from which design. Adding control points typically measurements can be taken. increases the complexity of the curve. default: A value maintained by the conventional break (break): Removal of a computer until changed. portion of a long, constant-shaped object to deferred : A calculation of make the object fit better on the sheet. the perpendicular point that is delayed conventional dimensioning: until you pick another point. Dimensioning without the use of deferred tangency: A calculation of the geometric tolerancing. point of tangency that is delayed until you coordinate dimensioning: A method of pick both points. dimensioning angles in which dimensions definition points (defpoints): The locate the corner of the angle. points used to specify the location of the coordinates: Numerical values used to dimension and the dimension text. locate a point in the drawing area. demand loading: Loading only the portion copy and paste: A Windows function that of an xref file necessary to regenerate the allows you to copy an object from one host drawing. location to the Windows Clipboard and dependent objects: Named objects in then paste it to another location. a drawing that have been inserted or counterbore: A larger-diameter hole referenced into another drawing. machined at one end of a smaller hole that destination object: When matching provides a place for the fastener head. properties, the object that receives the countersink: A -shaped recess at one properties of the source object. end of a hole that provides a mating surface destination points: Points to define the for a fastener head of the same shape. new location of objects during an ALIGN cubic curve: A very smooth curve operation. created by the PEDIT Spline option with detach: Remove an xref from a host SPLINETYPE set at 6. drawing.

Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Glossary of CAD Terms 4 May not be reproduced or posted to a publicly accessible website. deviation tolerance: The AutoCAD term drawing content: All of the objects, for an unequal bilateral tolerance. settings, and other components that make up a drawing. dialog box: A window-like item that contains various settings and information. drawing exchange file (DXF): A common file format recognized by other CADD diameter: The distance across a circle systems. measured through the center; usually represented on a drawing with the ∅ drawing files: Files you use to create and symbol. store drawings. dimension: A description of the size, drawing scale: The between the shape, or location of features on an object actual size of objects in the drawing and or structure. the size at which the objects plot on a sheet of paper. dimension style: A saved configuration of dimension appearance settings. drawing sessions: Time spent working on a drawing project, including dimension style override: A temporary analyzing design parameters and using alteration of dimension style settings that AutoCAD. does not actually modify the style. drawing standards file (DWS): A file dimension variables: System variables used to check the standards of another file that store the values of dimension style using AutoCAD standards-checking tools. settings. drawing template files (templates): Files dimensional constraint parameters: you reference to develop new drawings; Parameters that form when you insert a contain standard drawing settings and dimensional constraint. objects. dimensional constraints: Measurements drawing units: The standard linear and that numerically control the size or location angular units and precision. of geometry. drawing window (graphics window): dimensional input: An instinctive The largest area in the AutoCAD window, dynamic input point entry technique, where drawing and modeling occurs. similar to polar coordinate entry. drop-down list: A list of options that DIN: Deutsches Institut Für Normung, appears when you pick a button that established by the German Institute for contains a down arrow. Standardization. dynamic block: An adjustable block to direct dimensioning: A type of which you can assign parameters, actions, dimensioning applied to control the and geometric constraints and constraint specific size or location of one or more parameters. specific features. dynamic columns: Columns calculated direct distance entry: Entering points automatically by AutoCAD according to by positioning the crosshairs to establish the amount of text and the specified height direction and typing a number to specify and width of the columns. distance. dynamic format: A dimensional constraint : The direction and distance format used specifically for controlling the in which an object moves. size or location of geometry. dock: Describes interface items set into dynamic input: Area near the crosshairs position on an edge of the AutoCAD where you can type commands window (top, bottom, left, or right). (command names), type or select double-click: Quickly press the left mouse command options, and view context- button twice. oriented information.

Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Glossary of CAD Terms 5 May not be reproduced or posted to a publicly accessible website. fit format: The arrangement of dimension E text and arrowheads on a drawing. fit points: Points through which a spline editing: A procedure used to modify an passes that determine the shape of the existing object. spline. : An oval shape that contains two flip action: An action used to flip the entire centers of equal radius. block or selected objects within the block. escape key: Keyboard key used to cancel a flip parameter: A parameter that mirrors command or exit a dialog box. selected objects within a block. example sheet set: An existing sheet set float: Describes interface items that appear used as a template for developing a new within a frame and that you can resize sheet set. or move. exporting: Transferring electronic data floating viewport: A viewport added to from a database, such as a drawing file, a layout in paper space to display objects to a different format used by another drawn in model space. program. flyout: A set of related buttons that extension path: A dashed line or arc that appears when you pick the arrow next to extends from an acquired point to the certain command buttons. current location of the crosshairs. flythrough: A computer simulation that external reference (xref): A DWG, replicates flying through or around a raster image, DWF, DWFx, DGN, PDF, 3D model. Navisworks (NWD or NWC), or point cloud file incorporated into a drawing for font: The face design of a letter or number. reference only. foreshortened: Describes a surface at an extract: Gather content from the drawing angle to the line of sight. Foreshortened file database to display in the drawing or surfaces appear shorter than their true size in an external document. and shape. extracted: Temporarily removed from the formulas: Mathematical expressions that drawing for editing purposes. allow you to perform calculations within table cells. full section: Section that shows half the F object removed. fully constrained: Describes a drawing feature: Any physical portion of a part or in which objects have no freedom of object, such as a surface, hole, window, or movement. door. function: An expression or value that asks field: A text object that can display for user input to get values to pass to the a specific property value, setting, or expression. characteristic. function keys: The keys labeled [F1] file properties: Values used to define a through [F12] along the top of the keyboard. variety of file and design characteristics. fillet: A rounded interior corner used to G relieve stress or ease the contour of inside corners. fit curve: A curve that passes through all gap tolerance: The amount of gap allowed of its fit points. between segments of a boundary to be hatched.

Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Glossary of CAD Terms 6 May not be reproduced or posted to a publicly accessible website. GB: Chinese Guóbiāo. grouped balloons: Balloons that share the same leader, which typically connects to general notes: Notes that apply to the the most obviously displayed component. entire drawing. gutter: The space between columns of text. geographic data: Information added to a drawing to describe specific locations and directions on Earth. H geometric constraint bars: Toolbars that allow you to view and remove geometric constraints. half section: Section that shows one-quarter geometric constraints: Geometric of the object removed. characteristics applied to restrict the size or hard copy: A physical drawing produced location of geometry. by a printer or plotter. geometric dimensioning and tolerancing hatches (hatch patterns): AutoCAD (GD&T): The dimensioning and tolerancing section line symbols and graphic patterns. of individual features of a part where the : A six-sided . permissible variations relate to characteristics of form, profile, orientation, runout, or the host drawing: The drawing into which relationship between features. xrefs are incorporated. global attribute editing: Editing or hover: Pause the cursor over an item to changing all insertions, or instances, of the display information or options. same block in a single operation. hyperlinks: Links in a document that global layer settings: Layer settings applied connect it to related information in other to both model space and paper space. documents or on the Internet. global linetype scale: A linetype scale applied to every linetype in the current drawing. I GOST: Gosudarstvennyy Standart, maintained by the Euro-Asian Council icon: Small graphic representing an for Standardization, Metrology, and application, file, or command. Certification. implied intersection: The point at which grab bar: Thin bar at the edge of a docked objects would meet if they were extended. or floating interface item that you can use included angle: The angle formed between to move the item. the center, start point, and endpoint of an gradient fill: A shading transition between arc. the tones of one color or two separate colors. infer: Automatically detect and apply graphic pattern: A patterned arrangement using logic. of objects or symbols. inscribed polygon: A polygon drawn graphical user interface (GUI): On-screen inside an imaginary circle so that the features that allow you to interact with corners of the polygon touch the circle. software. insertion base point: The point on a block grid: A pattern of lines that appears that defines where the block is positioned on-screen for reference, analogous to during insertion. graph paper. interface: Items that allow you to input grips: Small boxes that appear at strategic data to and receive outputs from a points on a selected object, allowing you to computer system. edit the object directly. island: A closed area inside a boundary.

Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Glossary of CAD Terms 7 May not be reproduced or posted to a publicly accessible website. library path: The path AutoCAD searches J by default to find an xref file, including the current folder and locations set in the JIS: Japanese Industrial Standards. Options dialog box. justification point: The point from which limit dimensioning: Method in which the text is justified according to the current upper and lower limits are given, instead justification option. of the specified dimension and tolerance. justify: Align the margins or edges of text. limits: The size of the virtual drawing area For example, left-justified text aligns along in model space. an imaginary left border. line conventions: Standards related to line thickness, type, and purpose. line spacing: The vertical distance from K the bottom of one line of text to the bottom of the next line. key point: The point on a selected object linear parameter: A parameter that creates a that you use to manipulate the object. measurement reference between two points. linetype scale: The of dashes and L in linetypes. lineweight: The assigned width of lines for display and plotting. landing: The AutoCAD term for a leader list box: A framed area that contains a list shoulder. of items or options from which to select. landscape: A horizontal paper orientation. location dimensions: Dimensions that layer filters: Settings that screen out, or locate features on an object without filter, layers you do not want to display in specifying the size of the feature. the list view pane of the Layer Properties lookup action: An action used to select a Manager. preset group of parameter values to carry layer index: A list of objects ordered out actions with stored values. according to the layers to which they are lookup parameter: A parameter that assigned. allows tabular properties to be used with layer property overrides: Color, linetype, existing parameter values. lineweight, transparency, and plot style lookup table: A table that groups the properties applied to specific viewports in properties of parameters into custom- paper space. named lookup records. layer state: A saved setting, or state, of layer properties for all layers in the drawing. layers: Components of the AutoCAD M overlay system that allow you to separate objects into logical groups for formatting and display purposes. major axis: The longer of the two axes in an ellipse. layout: An arrangement in paper space of sheet elements, typically including a margin: The extent of the printable area; border, title block, general notes, and a objects drawn past the margin (dashed display of items drawn in model space. lines) do not print. leader line: A line that connects a note or markers: Visual cues that appear at the symbol to a specific feature or location on a snap point to confirm object snap mode drawing. and location.

Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Glossary of CAD Terms 8 May not be reproduced or posted to a publicly accessible website. marking up (redlining): The process wheel: A steering wheel of reviewing a drawing and marking designed for use in a specific drawing required changes. setting or with a particular type of drawing. master drawing: A host drawing created nested xrefs: Xrefs contained within by attaching several frequently used xrefs. other xrefs. minor axis: The shorter of the two axes in nesting: Creating a block that includes an ellipse. other blocks. mirror line: The line of across non-associative array: An array of copied, which objects are mirrored. or static, source objects that do not form a single adjustable array object. model: A term that usually describes a 3D model, but in AutoCAD also refers to non-associative dimension: A dimension 2D drawing geometry, typically created at linked to point locations, not an object; full size. does not update when the object changes. model space: The environment in non-associative hatch pattern: A hatch AutoCAD where the majority of drawing that is independent of objects and updates usually occurs, including the design and when the boundary changes, but not when drafting of drawing views. you make changes to objects. model view: A drawing file or named non-breaking space: A symbol that you model space view added to a layout to insert in place of a space to keep separate create a sheet view. words together on one line. model (tiled) viewport: A window or non-uniform rational spline frame within which a drawing is visible in (NURBS, B-spline): The mathematics model space. used by most surface modeling CADD systems to produce accurate curves and move action: An action used to move a surfaces. block object independently of other objects in the same block. noun/verb selection: Performing tasks in AutoCAD by selecting the objects before multileader styles: Saved configurations activating a command. for the appearance of leaders. nudging: Moving objects orthogonally by multiview drawing: A presentation selecting the objects and using the arrow of drawing views created through keys on the keyboard. orthographic projection. N O

object snap: A tool that locates an exact point, named objects: Blocks, dimension styles, such as an endpoint, , or center point, groups, layers, linetypes, materials, on or in relation to an existing object. multileader styles, plot styles, , table styles, text styles, and visual styles that object snap override: A method of have specific names. isolating a specific object snap mode while using a drawing or editing command. The named plot style table: A file that contains selected object snap temporarily overrides plot style settings used to assign plot the running object snap modes. values to objects or layers. object snap tracking: A drawing aid that named view: A specific drawing display provides horizontal and vertical alignment saved for easy recall and future use, paths for locating points after a point is analogous to taking a picture. acquired with object snap.

Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Glossary of CAD Terms 9 May not be reproduced or posted to a publicly accessible website. offset section: Section that has a staggered paragraph alignment: The alignment of cutting plane. multiline text inside the text boundary. option: A choice associated with a parallel: A geometric construction that command or an alternative function of a specifies that objects such as lines remain command. parallel and will never intersect, no matter how long they become. order: In a spline, the of the spline polynomial + 1. parallel alignment path: A dashed line parallel to an existing line that extends ordinate dimensioning: The AutoCAD from the location of the crosshairs. term for rectangular coordinate dimensioning without dimension lines. parameter filters: Settings that screen out, or filter, parameters you do not want origin: The intersection point of the X, Y, to display in the list view pane of the and Z axes. The position of the default 2D Parameters Manager. origin is 0,0, where X = 0 and Y = 0. parameter grips: Special grips that ortho: From orthogonal, which means “at allow you to change the parameters of a right angles.” dynamic block. orthographic projection: Projecting object parameter label: A label that indicates the features onto an imaginary plane. purpose of a parameter. over-constrained: Describes a drawing parameters (constraints): Geometric that contains too many constraints. characteristics and dimensions that control overlay: An xref displayed in the host the size, shape, and position of drawing drawing, but not attached to it. geometry. overlay system: A system of separating parametric drafting: A form of drafting drawing components by layer. in which parameters and constraints override: A temporary change to the drive object size and location to produce current style settings; the process of drawings with features that adapt to changing a current style temporarily. changes made to other features. parent: The dimension style from which a style override is formed. P parent xref: An xref that contains one or more other xrefs. page setup: A saved collection of settings partial auxiliary view: An auxiliary view required to create a finished plot of a that shows a specific inclined surface of an drawing. object, rather than the entire object. palette (modeless dialog box): Special partial open: Describes opening a portion type of window containing tool buttons of a file by specifying only the views and and features common to dialog boxes. layers you want to see. Palettes can remain open while other path array: A pattern of objects drawn in commands are active. reference to another object, or path. pan: Move the drawing display to view perpendicular: A geometric construction different portions of the drawing without that defines a 90° angle between objects changing the magnification. such as lines. paper (layout) space: The environment pick (click): Press the left mouse button. in AutoCAD where you create layouts for plotting and display purposes. pick box: A small box that replaces the crosshairs when the Select objects: prompt paper text height: The plotted text height. is active.

Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Glossary of CAD Terms 10 May not be reproduced or posted to a publicly accessible website. plot device: The printer, plotter, or the drawing crosshairs to “snap” to alternative plotting system to which the predefined angle increments. drawing is sent. polygon: A closed plane figure with at plot spooler: A disk drive with memory least three sides, such as a or that allows you to plot files. . plot stamp: Text added only to the hard polyline: A series of lines and arcs that copy that includes information such as the constitute a single object. drawing name or the date and time the polyline vertex: The point at which two drawing was printed. polyline segments meet. plot style table: A configuration, saved as portrait: A vertical paper orientation. a separate file, that groups plot styles and provides complete control over plot style prefix: A special note or application placed settings. before the dimension value. plot styles: Configurations of properties, preview box: An area in a dialog box including color, linetype, lineweight, line that shows the results of the options and end treatment, and fill style, that are applied settings you select. to objects for plotting purposes only. projection plane: An imaginary projection plus-minus dimensioning: A plane parallel to the surface of an object. dimensioning system in which a variance publishing: Preparing a sequential set from the dimension applies in both the of multiple drawings for hard copy or positive (+) and negative (–) directions or electronic plotting of the set. in one direction only. purge: To remove unused items, such point entry: Locating a point, such as as block definitions and layers, from the the endpoint of a line, on the AutoCAD drawing. . point of tangency: The point shared by tangent objects. Q point parameter: A parameter that defines an XY coordinate location in the drawing. quadrant: A point on the circumference pointer input: The process of entering at the horizontal or vertical quarter of a points using dynamic input. circular object, such as a circle, arc, ellipse, or polyline. polar (circular) array: A circular pattern of objects. quadratic curve: A curve created by the PEDIT Spline option with SPLINETYPE set : A coordinate at 5. The curve is tangent to the polyline system in which angular dimensions locate segments between the intermediate control features from surfaces, centerlines, or points. center planes. polar coordinates: Coordinates based on the distance from a fixed point at a given angle. R polar parameter: A parameter that includes a distance property and an angle property. radio button: A selection that activates a single item in a group of options. polar stretch action: An action used to change the size, shape, and of radius: The distance from the center of a block objects with a stretch operation. circle to its circumference; always one-half the diameter; usually represented on a polar tracking: A drawing aid that causes drawing with the R symbol.

Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Glossary of CAD Terms 11 May not be reproduced or posted to a publicly accessible website. ray: A linear AutoCAD object that is region: A closed 2D area that has physical infinite in one direction only; considered properties such as a centroid and semi-infinite. of . read-only: Describes a drawing file regular polygon: A closed geometric opened for viewing only. You can make figure with three or more equal sides and changes to the drawing, but you cannot equal angles. save changes without using the SAVEAS relative coordinates: Coordinates command. specified from, or relative to, the previous real block: A block originally drawn at a coordinate, rather than from the origin. 1:1 scale and then inserted using 1 for both relative operators: In math, functions that the X and Y scale factors. determine the relationship between data realtime panning: A panning operation in items. which you can see the drawing move on- relative path: A path to a file defined screen as you pan. according to the location of the file relative realtime zoom: A zoom that you view as it to the host drawing. occurs. reload: Update an xref in the host rectangular array: A pattern made up of drawing. columns and rows of objects. removed section: Standard section view, rectangular coordinate dimensioning but removed from direct projection from without dimension lines: A type the cutting plane. of dimensioning that includes only removed view: A view removed from extension lines and text aligned with the alignment with other views when drawing extension lines. space is unavailable. rectangular coordinate system: A system repetitive features: Multiple features for locating dimensions from surfaces, having the same shape and size. centerlines, or center planes using linear dimensions. resource drawings: Drawing files that include named model space views rectangular coordinates: A set of referenced for use as sheet views. numerical values that identify the location of a point on the X, Y, and Z axes of the revision cloud: A polyline of sequential Cartesian coordinate system. arcs used to form a cloud shape around changes in a drawing. redrawing: A process that was once useful for refreshing the screen display without revision history block: A block that regenerating the drawing. provides space for the revision letter, a description of the change, the date, and reference dimension: A dimension used approvals. for reference purposes only. Parentheses enclose reference dimensions to revolved section: Section that clarifies differentiate them from other the contour of an object that has the same dimensions. shape throughout its length. reference editing: Editing reference ribbon panels (panels): Divided in drawings from within the host file. the ribbon that group commands. reference file: An xref; a file referenced by right-click: Press the right mouse button. the host drawing. root point: The first point specified to regenerating: Recalculating and create a construction line or ray. redisplaying all objects on-screen to rotate action: An action used to rotate correspond to the information in the file objects within a block without affecting the database. other objects in the block.

Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Glossary of CAD Terms 12 May not be reproduced or posted to a publicly accessible website. rotation parameter: A parameter selection set: A group of one or more that allows objects in a block to rotate selected objects, typically created to independently of the block. perform an editing operation on the selected objects. round: A rounded exterior corner used to remove sharp edges or ease the contour of shade: A specific color mixed with black. exterior corners. sheet: A printed drawing or electronic rubberband line: A reference line that layout that displays project design extends from the crosshairs in certain requirements. drawing commands after you make the sheet list table: An AutoCAD table that first selection. references a table style and selected items running object snaps: Object snap modes in a sheet set to create a list of sheets in the that run in the background during all sheet set and related information. drawing and editing procedures. sheet selections: Groups of subsets and sheets that are often used to publish the S same group of sheets. sheet set: A collection of drawing sheets for a project; the AutoCAD tool that aids scalable fonts: Fonts that can be displayed project organization. or printed at any size while retaining sheet set placeholder: A temporary value proportional letter thickness. for a field that later references specific scale: (verb) The process of enlarging properties for values. or reducing objects to fit properly on a sheet size: The size of the paper used to sheet of paper. (noun) The ratio between lay out and plot drawings. the actual size of drawing objects and the size at which objects plot on a sheet sheet view: A layout or model view saved of paper. for use in a sheet set; allows you to add views to layouts and insert callout and scale action: An action used to scale some view label blocks. of the objects within a block independently of the other objects. shortcut key (keyboard shortcut): Single key or key combination used to issue a scale factor: The reciprocal of the command or select an option. drawing scale. shortcut menu (cursor menu, right- schematic block: A block originally drawn click menu, pop-up menu): A general at a 1:1 scale and then inserted using the or context-sensitive menu available drawing scale factor for both the X and Y by right-clicking on interface items or scale values. objects. scroll bar: A bar tipped with arrow shoulder: A short horizontal line usually buttons used to scroll through a list of added to the end of straight leader lines. options or information. single limits: Limit dimensions used section lines: Lines that show where when the specified dimension cannot be material is cut away. any more than the maximum or less than section view (sectional view, section): A the minimum given value. view that shows internal features as if a size dimensions: Dimensions that provide portion of the object is cut away. the size of physical features. selected grip: A grip that you have picked slider: A movable bar that increases or to perform an operation. decreases a value when you slide the bar.

Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Glossary of CAD Terms 13 May not be reproduced or posted to a publicly accessible website. snap grid (snap resolution, snap): An status toggle buttons: Buttons that toggle invisible grid that allows the crosshairs drawing aids and commands on and off. to move in, or snap to, specified sticky panel: A ribbon panel moved out increments during the drawing or of a tab and made to float in the drawing editing process. window. snapping: Picking a point near the stretch action: An action used to change intended position to have the crosshairs the size and shape of block objects with a “snap” exactly to the specific point. stretch operation. soft copy: The electronic data file of a subregion: The displayed portion of a drawing. clipped xref. solid model: The most complex 3D subsets: Groups of similar layouts, such model—contains information about object as those in the same discipline, sometimes edges, vertices, surfaces, and ; solid based on folder hierarchy. models enclose a volume. sub-units: Unit formats smaller than source object: When matching properties, the primary unit format. For example, the object with the properties you want to centimeters can be defined as a sub-unit copy to other objects. of meters. source points: Points to define the original suffix: A special note or application placed position of objects during an ALIGN after the dimension value. operation. surface model: A 3D model that contains spatial index: A list of objects ordered information about object edges, vertices, according to their location in 3D space. and the outer boundaries of the object, specific notes: Notes that relate to known as surfaces; surface models have individual or specific features on the zero thickness, lack mass, and may not drawing. enclose a volume. specified dimension: The part of the symbol library: A collection of related blocks, dimension from which the limits are shapes, views, symbols, or other content. calculated. symmetrical tolerance: The AutoCAD spline: A curve that uses a series of term for an equal bilateral tolerance. control points and other mathematical system variable: A named definition that principles to define the location and form stores a value and configures AutoCAD of the curve. to accomplish a specific task or exhibit a spotface: A larger-diameter hole certain behavior. machined at one end of a smaller hole that provides a smooth, recessed surface for a washer; similar to a counterbore, but not T as deep. stacked objects: Objects that overlap in a tab: A small stub at the top or side of a drawing. When you pick with the mouse, page, window, dialog box, or palette that the topmost object is selected by default. allows you to access other portions of standards: Guidelines that specify the item. drawing requirements, appearance, table: An arrangement of rows and techniques, operating procedures, and columns that organize data to make it record-keeping methods. easier to read. static columns: Columns in which you table indicator: The grid of letters and divide the text into a specified number of numbers that identify individual cells in columns. a table.

Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Glossary of CAD Terms 14 May not be reproduced or posted to a publicly accessible website. table style: A saved collection of table settings, including direction, text U appearance, and margin spacing. tabular dimensioning: A form of under-constrained: Describes a drawing rectangular coordinate dimensioning that includes constraints, but not enough to without dimension lines in which size and locate all geometry. dimensions appear in a table. unidirectional dimensioning: A tangent: A line, circle, or arc that meets dimensioning system in which all another circle or arc at only one point. dimension values are displayed horizontally on the drawing. text: Lettering on a CADD drawing. unilateral tolerance: A tolerance style that text boundary: An imaginary box that sets permits a variation in only one direction the location and width for multiline text. from the specified dimension. text box: A box in which you type a name, unit block: A 1D, 2D, or 3D unit block number, or single line of information. drawn to fit in a 1-unit, 1-unit-square, or text editor: The area of the multiline or 1-unit-cubed area so that it can be scaled single-line text system where you type text. easily. text height: The specified height of text, unload: Suppress the display of an xref which may be different from the plotting without removing the xref from the host size for text scaled manually. drawing. text style: A saved collection of settings unselected grips: Grips that you have not for text height, width, oblique angle (slant), yet picked to perform an operation. and other text effects. update: The AutoCAD procedure for tint: A specific color mixed with white. changing text in a field to reflect the current value. tolerance: The total amount by which a specific dimension is permitted to vary. user coordinate system (UCS): A user override of the WCS in which the origin tolerance buildup: Accumulation (0,0,0) is moved to a location specified by that occurs when the tolerance of each the user. individual dimension builds on the next. user parameters: Additional parameters tolerance stack: Text stacked vertically you define. without a fraction bar. toolbars: Interface items that contain tool buttons or drop-down lists. V tool buttons: Interface items used to start commands. value set: A set of allowed values for a tool palette: A palette that contains tabs to parameter. help organize commands and other features. variable: A text item that represents tooltip: A pop-up that provides information another value and is available for future about the item over which you hover. reference. tracking vectors: Temporary lines that verb/noun selection: Performing tasks in display at specific angles, 0°, 90°, 180°, and AutoCAD by activating a command before 270° by default. selecting objects. transparently: When referring to vertex: The point at which the two lines command access, describes temporarily that form an angle meet. interrupting the active command to use a view: 2D representation of an object. different command.

Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Glossary of CAD Terms 15 May not be reproduced or posted to a publicly accessible website. viewing-plane line: A thick dashed or world coordinate system (WCS): The phantom line identifying the viewing AutoCAD rectangular coordinate direction of a related view. system. In 2D drafting, the WCS contains four quadrants, separated by view label block: A block that uses the X and Y axes. attributes containing fields that link the view name, number, and scale to drawing (sheet) views. X view tools: AutoCAD display commands, options, and settings. visibility parameter: A parameter that xline: A construction line in AutoCAD that allows you to assign multiple views to is infinite in both directions; helpful for objects within a block. creating accurate geometry and multiview drawings. visibility states: Views created by selecting block objects to display or hide. XY parameter: A parameter that specifies distance properties in the X and Y directions. W Z walkthrough: A computer simulation that replicates walking through or around a 3D model. zip file: A file that contains one or more folders and/or files compressed using the wblock: A block definition saved as a ZIP file format. separate drawing file. zones: A system of letters and numbers wedges: The parts of a navigation wheel used on large drawings to help direct the that contain navigation commands. attention of the person reading the print to wireframe model: The most basic 3D a location on the drawing. model—contains only information about zoom: Make objects appear bigger (zoom object edges and the points where edges in) or smaller (zoom out) on the screen intersect, known as vertices; describes without affecting their actual size. the appearance of the model as if it were constructed from wires. zoom in: Change the display area to show a smaller part of the drawing at a higher working set: Nested objects selected for magnification. editing during a REFEDIT operation. zoom out: Change the display area to workspace: A preset environment show a larger part of the drawing at a containing specific interface items. lower magnification.

Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Glossary of CAD Terms 16 May not be reproduced or posted to a publicly accessible website.