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AutoCAD offers ten powerful methods to draw arcs. Each method serves a unique purpose and gives you precise control over geometry. Below are the key methods explained in detail, with step-by-step instructions and practical examples.

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1. Three-Point Arc

Description: Creates an arc by specifying three distinct points: the start, a point the arc will pass through, and the end.

How to do it:

• Type ARC or A and press Enter.
• Click the start point.
• Click a point along the arc.
• Click the endpoint.

Example: Click points (0,0), (5,5), and (10,0) → Creates a semicircular arc that arches upward.

Tip: This is ideal when the arc must pass through a known location or reference point.

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2. Start, Center, End Arc

Description: Defines an arc using the start point, the center of the circle it belongs to, and the end point.

How to do it:

• Type ARC and press Enter.
• Type C (Center) and press Enter.
• Click the start point.
• Click the center point.
• Click the end point.

Example: Start at (10,10), center at (10,20), end at (20,20) → Arc curves clockwise from start to end.

Tip: Use this when you already know the exact center of the arc or are referencing a circular object.

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3. Start, Center, Angle Arc

Description: Specify the start point, the center, and the angle of sweep of the arc.

How to do it:

• Start the ARC command.
• Type C and press Enter.
• Click the start point.
• Click the center point.
• Type A (Angle) and press Enter, then enter the angle value (e.g., 120).

Example: Start = (0,0), Center = (0,10), Angle = 120 → Draws an arc sweeping 120° around the center.

Tip: A positive angle draws counterclockwise; negative draws clockwise.

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4. Start, End, Angle Arc

Description: Draw an arc between two points by specifying the included angle.

How to do it:

• Start the ARC command.
• Click the start point.
• Click the end point.
• Type A and press Enter.
• Type the angle value (e.g., 90).

Example: Start = (5,5), End = (15,5), Angle = 90 → Draws an arc curving upward with a 90° sweep.

Tip: Angle direction and arc bulge depend on angle sign (+ or -). Preview before confirming.

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5. Start, End, Direction Arc

Description: Define the start and end points, then control the tangent direction at the start.

How to do it:

• Start the ARC command.
• Click the start point.
• Click the end point.
• Type D and press Enter.
• Move your cursor or enter an angle value (e.g., 90).

Example: Start at (0,0), End at (10,0), Direction = 90° → Arc curves upward from the start point.

Tip: Use this when matching curves to an object’s slope or tangent path.

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6. Start, End, Radius Arc

Description: Specify the start and end points, then set the arc’s radius.

How to do it:

• Start the ARC command.
• Click the start point.
• Click the end point.
• Type R and press Enter.
• Enter the desired radius (e.g., 20).

Example: Start = (0,0), End = (10,0), Radius = 20 → Arc bulges above or below the chord, depending on geometry.

Tip: If the input radius is too small or too large relative to the chord, AutoCAD may not generate an arc.

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7. Center, Start, End Arc

Description: You first define the center of the arc, then the start point, and finally the endpoint.

How to do it:

• Start the ARC command.
• Type C and press Enter.
• Click the center point.
• Click the start point.
• Click the end point.

Example: Center = (5,5), Start = (5,10), End = (10,5) → Quarter-circle arc sweeping clockwise.

Tip: Order matters — the arc goes from the start to end in the shortest direction unless reversed.

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8. Center, Start, Angle Arc

Description: Define an arc with a known center and start point, then sweep a given angle.

How to do it:

• Start the ARC command.
• Type C and press Enter.
• Click the center.
• Click the start point.
• Type A and press Enter, then enter the angle value (e.g., 90).

Example: Center = (0,0), Start = (0,5), Angle = 90 → Arc sweeps counterclockwise from 12 o’clock to 3 o’clock.

Tip: This method is great for circular components with consistent segment angles.

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9. Arc Between Two Lines (Tangent Arc)

Description: Draw an arc tangent to two lines or curves, forming a smooth transition.

How to do it:

• Go to Home > Draw panel > Curves > select Tangent Arc.
• Click the first line or arc.
• Click the second line or arc.
• AutoCAD creates an arc that is tangent to both.

Example: You have two road segments (lines). Select both — AutoCAD draws a curved corner (similar to fillet).

Tip: This is especially useful in piping, roads, and mechanical linkages.

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10. Drawing Clockwise or Counterclockwise Arcs

Description: AutoCAD draws arcs counterclockwise by default. You can reverse the direction during input.

How to do it:

• Start any arc method.
• Hold Ctrl when specifying points to flip the arc direction.

Example: In a center-start-end arc, holding Ctrl before clicking the endpoint reverses sweep direction.

Tip: This shortcut allows directional control without changing angles or geometry manually.

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Additional Tips for Drawing Arcs

• Use OSNAP (F3) to accurately snap to endpoints, midpoints, and intersections.
• Preview before clicking: Arc preview dynamically updates based on cursor position.
• To trim or split a full circle into arcs, use TRIM, BREAK, or EXPLODE commands.
• Combine ARC with FILLET or POLYLINE for continuous curves and tangent segments.
• Use PROPERTIES (Ctrl + 1) to edit arc parameters like radius, angle, and length after drawing.

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Summary Table of Arc Drawing Methods

Method	How to Use / Example
Three-Point Arc	Click start, through point, then end
Start, Center, End	Click start → center → end
Start, Center, Angle	Click start → center → type angle
Start, End, Angle	Click start → end → type angle
Start, End, Direction	Click start → end → specify direction
Start, End, Radius	Click start → end → type radius
Center, Start, End	Click center → start → end
Center, Start, Angle	Click center → start → type angle
Tangent Arc Between Lines	Click two lines/curves → AutoCAD draws tangent arc
Reverse Arc Direction	Hold Ctrl while clicking to reverse arc direction

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Conclusion

By mastering these arc creation methods in AutoCAD, you’ll gain maximum control over curves in your designs — from simple corner rounding to complex mechanical sweeps. Each method serves a specific use case, whether you need to define arcs by points, angles, radii, or tangents.

Experiment and combine methods — like drawing with a center-angle arc and trimming it — to handle any drawing situation with confidence and precision.

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AutoCAD provides several powerful and flexible methods to draw rectangles. Whether you need basic geometry or advanced settings like chamfers, fillets, or rotations, this guide covers every rectangle method with clear steps and examples.

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1. Rectangle Command: Two-Point Method

Description: The default method that creates a rectangle by specifying two diagonally opposite corners.

How to do it:

• Type REC or RECTANGLE in the command line and press Enter.
• Click to specify the first corner.
• Click again to define the opposite corner.
• Alternatively, type coordinates like 2,2 and 6,8.

Example: From (2,2) to (6,8) → Creates a rectangle 4 units wide and 6 units high.

Tip: You can use Object Snap (OSNAP) to snap to existing geometry.

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2. Rectangle with Dimensions

Description: Lets you enter the exact width and height right after selecting the starting point.

How to do it:

• Start the RECTANGLE command.
• Click the first corner.
• Type the dimensions in the format width,height (e.g., 50,30) and press Enter.

Example: Click anywhere, then type 100,80 → Rectangle is drawn 100 units wide, 80 units high, starting from the first point.

Tip: The rectangle extends rightward and upward from the starting point by default.

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3. Rectangle Using Coordinates (Manual Corner Selection)

Description: Define both corners manually using absolute or relative coordinates.

How to do it:

• Start the Rectangle command.
• Type first corner as absolute coordinates (e.g., 10,10).
• Type second corner (e.g., 30,25) and press Enter.

Example: From (10,10) to (30,25) → Width = 20, Height = 15.

Tip: You can also use relative coordinates by typing @width,height.

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4. Rectangle with Negative Direction

Description: Use negative values to draw rectangles to the left and/or downward from the starting point.

How to do it:

• Start the Rectangle command.
• Click the first point.
• Type values like -40,-20 and press Enter.

Example: Click anywhere, type -40,-20 → Rectangle goes 40 units left, 20 units down.

Tip: Helpful when you want to construct shapes below or behind a reference point.

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5. Rectangle with Dimensions Option (D)

Description: The Dimensions (D) option allows setting length and width before placing the rectangle.

How to do it:

• Type REC, press Enter.
• Type D and press Enter.
• Enter Length (e.g., 1600) and Width (e.g., 1000).
• Move your mouse to orient the rectangle.
• Click to place it.

Example: Length = 1600, Width = 1000 → Then orient and click.

Tip: The rectangle follows your cursor angle until placed, giving control over direction and alignment.

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6. Rectangle with Area Option (A)

Description: You specify the total area and one side (length or width); AutoCAD calculates the other side automatically.

How to do it:

• Start the Rectangle command.
• Type A and press Enter.
• Enter the area (e.g., 2000).
• Type L or W to define either length or width.
• Enter value (e.g., Length = 50).
• AutoCAD computes the missing side and places the rectangle.

Example: Area = 2000, Length = 50 → AutoCAD sets Width = 40 (since 50×40 = 2000).

Tip: Useful for space planning or layout when area is a constraint.

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7. Rectangle with Rotation Option (R)

Description: Rotates the rectangle around its first corner by a specific angle.

How to do it:

• Start the Rectangle command.
• Click the first corner.
• Type R, press Enter.
• Type the angle (e.g., 45) and press Enter.
• Specify the second point or enter width and height.

Example: First corner at origin, rotation angle = 30° → Rectangle is tilted relative to horizontal.

Tip: Great for creating slanted shapes, such as ramps or rotated details in floor plans.

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8. Rectangle with Chamfered or Filleted Corners

Description: Add beveled (chamfer) or rounded (fillet) corners to your rectangle.

How to do it:

• Start the Rectangle command.
• Type C for Chamfer or F for Fillet and press Enter.
• Enter chamfer distances (e.g., 5,10) or fillet radius (e.g., 8).
• Draw the rectangle as usual.

Example:

• Chamfer: C, then 5,10 → Each corner is cut with offsets of 5 and 10 units.
• Fillet: F, then 8 → Each corner is rounded with a radius of 8 units.

Tip: Helps you avoid using the FILLET or CHAMFER command afterward — saves time during layout.

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9. Rectangle with Thickness, Elevation, or Width

Description: Adds 3D-like or polyline properties to the rectangle.

How to do it:

• Start the Rectangle command.
• Type T for Thickness, E for Elevation, or W for Width and press Enter.
• Enter the value, then draw the rectangle.

Example:

• T = 10 → The lines will have a 3D thickness of 10 units.
• E = 500 → Rectangle is placed 500 units above the XY plane.
• W = 2 → Each rectangle edge is drawn as a 2-unit-wide polyline.

Tip: Useful in 3D modeling or when preparing layouts for extrusion or rendering.

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Summary Table

Method	How to Use / Example
Two-Point (default)	Click two corners or type two sets of coordinates
With Dimensions	Click first point → Type width,height (e.g., 50,30)
Coordinates	Type both corner coordinates manually (e.g., 10,10 to 30,25)
Negative Direction	Click first corner → Type negative dimensions (e.g., -40,-20)
Dimensions Option (D)	Type D, input length & width, then click to place
Area Option (A)	Type A, specify area & one side, AutoCAD calculates the other
Rotation Option (R)	Type R, enter rotation angle, then draw
Chamfer/Fillet	Type C (chamfer) or F (fillet), enter value, then draw
Thickness/Elevation/Width	Type T, E, or W, input value, then draw

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Conclusion

Mastering these rectangle methods allows you to draw with precision, control, and creativity. From simple 2D shapes to advanced layout designs with rotated or chamfered edges, rectangles in AutoCAD are more versatile than they seem.

Try combining methods — like adding fillets to rotated rectangles or setting elevation with dimensions — to boost your productivity and unlock advanced CAD drawing skills.

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AutoCAD offers multiple methods to draw circles, each tailored to different scenarios and precision needs. Below are the 6 main methods, explained clearly with step-by-step instructions and concrete examples to help you master circular geometry in AutoCAD.

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1. Center, Radius Method

Description: This is the default and most used method. You select a center point and specify the radius of the circle.

How to do it:

• Type CIRCLE or simply C, then press Enter.
• Click a point in the drawing area, or type precise coordinates like 145,128.
• When prompted, type the radius (e.g., 3) and press Enter.

Example: Draw a circle centered at (145,128) with a radius of 3 units. Used for drawing holes, circles for fasteners, or location markers.

Tip: You can use Object Snap (OSNAP) to snap the center to a midpoint or intersection.

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2. Center, Diameter Method

Description: Instead of radius, this method lets you specify the entire diameter directly.

How to do it:

• Type C and press Enter.
• Choose the center point.
• When prompted for the radius, type D and press Enter to switch to diameter mode.
• Enter the diameter value (e.g., 10) and press Enter.

Example: Draw a circle centered at (50,50) with a diameter of 10 units. Perfect for when you know the full width rather than the radius.

Tip: Good for specifying standard pipe or hole sizes directly in diameter.

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3. Two-Point Circle Method (2P)

Description: Defines a circle using two points on its circumference. The distance between them becomes the diameter.

How to do it:

• Type CIRCLE and press Enter.
• Type 2P (or click the Two-Point option) and press Enter.
• Click the first point.
• Click the second point.

Example: Imagine a line 8 units long. Use its two endpoints as your two points to draw a circle that exactly fits across. Useful for drawing circles that match existing geometry.

Tip: Use this to match the width of a slot, or draw around a rectangle’s diagonal.

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4. Three-Point Circle Method (3P)

Description: This method defines a circle passing exactly through three points. AutoCAD calculates the center and radius for you.

How to do it:

• Type CIRCLE, press Enter.
• Type 3P (or click the Three-Point option) and press Enter.
• Click the first, second, and third points on the drawing.

Example: You want to draw a circle passing through the three corners of a triangle. Click each vertex, and AutoCAD generates a circle that fits perfectly.

Tip: Useful in architectural layouts or mechanical detailing when fitting through three known coordinates.

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5. Tangent, Tangent, Radius (TTR) Method

Description: Draw a circle that is tangent to two objects (lines, arcs, or circles) and has a specified radius.

How to do it:

• Type CIRCLE and press Enter.
• Type TTR or click the Tan, Tan, Radius option and press Enter.
• Select the first tangent object.
• Select the second tangent object.
• Type the desired radius and press Enter.

Example: Imagine two lines forming an L-shape. You want a fillet-like circle that touches both — choose each line and type 2 for radius. The circle is tangent to both lines and fits exactly between them.

Tip: Great for creating mechanical clearances or soft transitions between edges.

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6. Tangent, Tangent, Tangent (TTT) Method

Description: Draw a circle that is tangent to three existing objects. AutoCAD computes the exact solution.

How to do it:

• Type CIRCLE and press Enter.
• Type 3T or select the Tan, Tan, Tan option.
• Select the first, second, and third objects (lines, arcs, or circles).

Example: You want a circle that just touches three existing arcs or lines — click each one, and the result is a perfectly fitted circle. Useful in complex gear designs or architectural curvatures.

Tip: There may be multiple solutions; AutoCAD typically selects the smallest fitting circle.

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Additional Tips for Drawing Circles in AutoCAD

• Repeat quickly: Press Enter after drawing a circle to repeat the same command.
• Use OSNAP: Activate Object Snap (F3) to click precise points like midpoints, endpoints, intersections.
• Switch methods mid-command: You can type 2P, 3P, TTR, or D while inside the CIRCLE command to switch method instantly.
• Draw with accuracy: Use Dynamic Input (F12) or Polar Tracking (F10) to control angles and distances visually.

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Summary Table of Circle Drawing Methods with Examples

Method	How to Use	Example Use Case
Center, Radius	Set center → type radius	Circle centered at (145,128), radius = 3 units
Center, Diameter	Set center → type D → enter diameter	Circle at (50,50) with diameter 10 units
Two-Point Circle (2P)	Click two points on circumference	Circle matching a slot or line segment width
Three-Point Circle (3P)	Click three non-linear points	Circle passing through triangle corners
Tangent, Tangent, Radius	Select 2 objects → enter radius	Circle touching two lines, radius = 2 units
Tangent, Tangent, Tangent	Select 3 objects to be tangent	Circle tangent to three existing curves

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Conclusion

Each circle-drawing method in AutoCAD serves a specific purpose, from simple hole creation to complex geometries involving tangents and intersections. Whether you’re designing mechanical parts, architectural details, or landscapes, mastering these options will give you greater flexibility and control.

Practice each method with different object types and constraints — over time, your speed and accuracy will dramatically improve.

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Basic LINE Command

• To start drawing a line, type LINE or L in the command line and press Enter.
• Example: Click anywhere in the drawing area for the first point, then click another spot for the second point. This draws a straight line between the two points.

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Absolute Coordinate Entry

• Use absolute coordinates to specify exact points from the origin (0,0).
• Example: After starting the LINE command, type 5,3 and press Enter for the first point, then type 10,8 and press Enter for the second point. This draws a line from (5,3) to (10,8), no matter where you clicked before.

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Relative Coordinate Entry

• Use relative coordinates to draw lines based on the last point entered.
• Example: Start the LINE command, click your first point, then type @4,0 and press Enter. This draws a line 4 units to the right of your first point. Next, type @0,6 and press Enter to draw a line 6 units up from the last point.

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Polar Coordinate Entry

• Use polar coordinates to draw lines at specific angles and lengths.
• Example: Start the LINE command, click your first point, then type @10<30 and press Enter. This draws a line 10 units long at a 30-degree angle from the starting point. Next, type @5<90 and press Enter to draw a 5-unit line straight up from the last point.

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Ortho Mode (F8)

• Ortho mode restricts your lines to horizontal or vertical.
• Example: Enable Ortho mode (press F8), start the LINE command, click your start point, then move your cursor directly to the right and type 8 and press Enter. The line will be exactly 8 units horizontally, perfectly straight.

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Polar Tracking

• Polar tracking helps you draw lines at set angles, like 45° or 90°.
• Example: Activate Polar Tracking (F10), start the LINE command, click your first point, then move your cursor so the green tracking line appears at 45°. Type 5 and press Enter. This draws a 5-unit line at exactly 45°.

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Dynamic Input

• Dynamic input shows distance and angle values next to your cursor.
• Example: With Dynamic Input active, start the LINE command and click your first point. Move your cursor in the desired direction, type 12 for length, press Tab, type 60 for angle, and press Enter. The line appears 12 units long at a 60-degree angle.

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Direct Distance Entry

• Direct distance entry lets you specify line length by moving the cursor and typing a value.
• Example: Start the LINE command, click your first point, move the cursor in the direction you want, type 7 and press Enter. The line will be exactly 7 units in that direction.

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Freehand Line Creation

• Freehand drawing allows sketching lines as if using a pencil.
• Example: Use the SKETCH command or similar tool, click and hold the mouse, and drag to draw a wavy or curved line. Release the mouse to finish the freehand segment.

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Precision and Verification

• While drawing, always check the command line or dynamic input for coordinates and angles.
• Example: If you want to verify a line’s length after drawing, use the LIST or PROPERTIES command, select the line, and AutoCAD will display its exact length and angle.

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By practicing these methods with the examples above, you’ll gain confidence in drawing lines in AutoCAD with both speed and precision, whether you’re working on technical blueprints or creative sketches.

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