Customizing the Grid. Autodesk AUTOSKETCH 8

Customizing the Grid

Grids help you create precise drawings. The pattern of lines, crosses, or dots which represent the grid visually is an invaluable tool. Use the reference grid as a visual aid for drawing, or increase the precision and uniformity of the points you enter by using Gridpoint snap to automatically snap points to the grid. This chapter describes the three different types of reference grids available in AutoSketch, and how you can use them to your advantage.

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In this chapter

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Changing the grid

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Using guidelines

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Using the Grid edit bar

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Using the Grid toolbar

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AutoSketch’s reference grid is an onscreen drawing aid consisting of a snap grid and a pattern of lines, crosses, or dots which represent the grid visually.

You can use the reference grid as a visual aid for drawing, or you can increase the precision and uniformity of the points you enter by using Gridpoint snap to automatically snaps points you enter to the grid. There are three types of reference grids available in AutoSketch, each suited for different purposes.

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The default grid is rectangular, with snap intervals and lines that parallel the x- and y-axes. This grid is the standard reference tool for most twodimensional drawings.

Circular grids extend radially from the grid origin. They provide an excellent reference tool for drawings that require alignment of points along an arc or circle, such as a mechanical drawing of a gear.

Isometric grids align along three major axes, instead of two. This allows you to create two-dimensional drawings of three-dimensional objects.

Because perspective is not applied, the objects can be accurately dimensioned.

AutoSketch allows you to modify the settings for each of the reference grids.

For each type of grid, controls on the Grid page of the Drawing Options dialog box allow you to change the default origin, angle, grid snap interval, and so on. Likewise, controls on the Appearance page of the View Options dialog box allow you to change the default color and appearance of the grid’s lines and dots. You can also change the grid type, angle, origin, and so on,

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Chapter 6 Customizing the Grid