Reference Library
AutoCAD glossary from A to Z.
Look up commands, drafting language, interface labels, and production concepts without leaving the site.
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1 terms
A
5 terms
Absolute Coordinates
Point values measured directly from the drawing origin using a fixed X,Y or X,Y,Z location.
Absolute Coordinates in AutoCAD define points from the origin using exact X, Y, and optional Z values.
Annotative Objects
Text, dimensions, blocks, or hatches that automatically scale to stay readable at different annotation scales.
Annotative Objects in AutoCAD automatically adjust to different scales so text and dimensions remain readable.
Arc
A curved segment of a circle created from defined start, center, end, or angle inputs.
Arc in AutoCAD creates curved circular segments with precise geometric input for drafting and detailing.
Attribute
A text-based data field attached to a block so each inserted instance can hold editable information.
Attribute in AutoCAD is editable block data used for tags, labels, numbers, and schedules.
Audit
A file maintenance command that checks a drawing database for errors and repairs issues it can resolve.
Audit in AutoCAD checks a drawing for database errors and attempts to repair them.
B
4 terms
Block
A reusable AutoCAD object or collection of objects stored as a single named unit.
Block in AutoCAD is a reusable named object or object set used to standardize repeated content.
Block Editor
The editing environment used to create and modify block definitions, including dynamic block behavior.
The Block Editor in AutoCAD is the workspace for editing block definitions and dynamic block parameters.
ByBlock
A property setting that lets objects inherit display properties from the block instance they belong to.
ByBlock in AutoCAD lets object properties defer to the inserted block instance rather than fixed object values.
ByLayer
A property setting that tells an object to inherit its appearance from the layer it is on.
ByLayer in AutoCAD means an object inherits color, linetype, and similar properties from its layer.
C
6 terms
Chamfer
A modify command that creates a beveled corner between two objects using distance or angle input.
Chamfer in AutoCAD creates a beveled edge between objects instead of a rounded corner.
Circle
A drawing command that creates a round object from a center point and radius or diameter input.
Circle in AutoCAD creates circular geometry from center, radius, or diameter input for mechanical and architectural draf...
Command Line
The text-based interface that accepts commands and displays prompts, options, and feedback from AutoCAD.
The Command Line in AutoCAD is the core text interface for entering commands and following workflow prompts.
Copy
A command that creates one or more duplicates of selected objects without removing the original.
Copy in AutoCAD duplicates selected objects quickly for repeated geometry, symbols, and drafting patterns.
Crossing Selection
A right-to-left rectangular selection that captures objects inside the box and objects touched by it.
Crossing Selection in AutoCAD selects any object inside or touched by the right to left selection box.
CTB
A color-dependent plot style table that maps object colors to printed lineweights and other output behavior.
CTB in AutoCAD is the color dependent plot style table used to control lineweight and output by object color.
D
7 terms
Dimension
An annotation object that displays measured values such as length, radius, angle, or diameter in a drawing.
Dimension in AutoCAD is the annotation object that communicates measured values like distances, angles, radii, and diame...
Dimension Style
A saved set of dimension settings that controls arrows, text, units, tolerances, and overall dimension appearance.
Dimension Style in AutoCAD controls how dimensions look and behave across a drawing or drawing set.
DWG
The native AutoCAD drawing file format used to store geometry, annotation, settings, and other drawing data.
DWG is the native AutoCAD file format used for working drawings, models, annotation, and drawing settings.
DWS
A drawing standards file used to compare and enforce approved styles, layers, and definitions.
DWS is the AutoCAD drawing standards format used to check files against approved layer and style standards.
DWT
A drawing template file that stores starter content and standards for new AutoCAD drawings.
DWT is the AutoCAD template format used to start new drawings with preset layers, styles, and standards.
DXF
A drawing exchange format designed to make CAD data easier to transfer between different software systems.
DXF is the AutoCAD drawing exchange format used for interoperability between CAD programs and workflows.
Dynamic Block
A block enhanced with parameters and actions so one definition can stretch, flip, or change state in different ways.
Dynamic Block in AutoCAD adds smart behavior to blocks so one definition can handle multiple variations.
E
3 terms
eTransmit
A packaging tool that collects a drawing and its dependent files for easier sharing or archiving.
eTransmit in AutoCAD bundles drawings, xrefs, fonts, plot styles, and other dependencies into one deliverable package.
Extend
An editing command that lengthens an object until it meets a selected boundary.
Extend in AutoCAD lengthens lines, arcs, and similar objects until they reach another object or boundary.
Extrude
A 3D modeling command that gives a 2D profile height or depth to create a solid or surface.
Extrude in AutoCAD turns 2D profiles into 3D solids or surfaces by pushing them along a direction.
F
1 terms
G
1 terms
H
1 terms
I
1 terms
L
7 terms
Lasso Selection
A freeform selection method that lets users draw a custom boundary around objects.
Lasso Selection in AutoCAD lets you select objects with a freeform boundary instead of a rectangular box.
Layer
An organizational system that groups objects by purpose, visibility, color, linetype, or plotting behavior.
Layer in AutoCAD is the main system for organizing objects and controlling visibility, color, and plotting behavior.
Layer States
Saved snapshots of layer settings such as on/off, freeze, lock, color, and plotting configuration.
Layer States in AutoCAD save and restore groups of layer settings for different tasks and views.
Line
The basic AutoCAD command for drawing a straight segment between two points.
Line in AutoCAD is the core drawing command for creating straight segments with precise start and end points.
Linetype
A repeating line pattern such as continuous, dashed, center, or hidden that communicates a specific drafting meaning.
Linetype in AutoCAD defines repeating line patterns like dashed, center, and hidden lines.
Lineweight
The visual or plotted thickness assigned to an object, layer, or plot style.
Lineweight in AutoCAD controls how thick lines appear on screen and, more importantly, in plotted output.
Loft
A 3D modeling command that creates a solid or surface by blending between multiple cross sections.
Loft in AutoCAD builds 3D geometry by blending between two or more profiles.
M
4 terms
Mirror
A command that creates a reversed copy of selected objects across a defined mirror line.
Mirror in AutoCAD flips geometry across a reference line, making symmetrical drafting faster and cleaner.
Move
A modify command that repositions selected objects from one point to another.
Move in AutoCAD repositions selected geometry using a base point and destination point or numeric input.
Mtext
A multiline text object that supports paragraphs, formatting, and richer text editing than single-line text.
Mtext in AutoCAD is multiline text used for notes, schedules, and formatted annotation blocks.
Multileader
An annotation object that combines a note and leader line into one coordinated object.
Multileader in AutoCAD creates a note with an attached leader line for labels, callouts, and keyed references.
N
2 terms
Navigation Bar
The on-screen interface strip that provides viewing and navigation tools such as pan, zoom, and orbit.
The Navigation Bar in AutoCAD gives quick access to view controls such as pan, zoom, and orbit.
Nested Block
A block that exists inside another block definition rather than as a standalone inserted object.
Nested Block in AutoCAD refers to a block placed inside another block definition.
O
4 terms
Object Snap
A drafting aid that locks cursor picks to precise geometric points such as endpoints, midpoints, centers, and intersections.
Object Snap in AutoCAD locks the cursor to exact points on existing geometry for precise drafting.
Object Snap Tracking
A drafting aid that projects temporary alignment paths from snapped points so you can locate new points precisely.
Object Snap Tracking in AutoCAD extends temporary alignment lines from snap points to help place new geometry accurately...
Offset
A command that creates a parallel or concentric copy of an existing object at a set distance.
Offset in AutoCAD creates parallel or concentric copies at exact distances for walls, clearances, and repeated geometry.
Ortho Mode
A drafting aid that constrains cursor movement to horizontal and vertical directions.
Ortho Mode in AutoCAD locks movement to 90 degree directions for straight horizontal and vertical drafting.
P
8 terms
Page Setup
A saved plotting configuration that controls printer, paper size, plot area, plot style, and other output settings.
Page Setup in AutoCAD stores reusable plotting settings for consistent sheet output.
Paper Space
The layout environment used to arrange viewports, notes, title blocks, and plotted sheet content.
Paper Space in AutoCAD is the layout environment for sheets, viewports, title blocks, and plotted output.
Plot Scale
The ratio between model units and printed output size when a drawing is plotted.
Plot Scale in AutoCAD controls how model space geometry translates to printed sheet size.
Polar Coordinates
Point input defined by a distance and angle rather than separate X and Y values.
Polar Coordinates in AutoCAD define points using distance and direction, typically with the @distance<angle format.
Polar Tracking
A drafting aid that guides cursor movement along preset angles rather than only horizontal and vertical directions.
Polar Tracking in AutoCAD helps users draw accurately along preset angles such as 30, 45, or 90 degrees.
Polyline
A connected object made of one or more linked line or arc segments that behaves as a single entity.
Polyline in AutoCAD combines multiple connected segments into one object, making drafting and editing easier.
Properties Palette
A panel that shows and edits object properties such as layer, color, linetype, scale, and geometry-specific settings.
The Properties Palette in AutoCAD is the central panel for reviewing and editing object settings.
Purge
A maintenance command that removes unused named items such as layers, blocks, linetypes, and styles from a drawing.
Purge in AutoCAD removes unused definitions and cleanup targets to reduce file clutter and size.
Q
1 terms
R
4 terms
Recover
A command that opens a drawing while checking and repairing file problems during the loading process.
Recover in AutoCAD opens damaged drawings with repair checks to restore as much usable data as possible.
Relative Coordinates
Point values measured from the last point entered rather than from the drawing origin.
Relative Coordinates in AutoCAD define a point based on distance from the previous point instead of the origin.
Revolve
A 3D modeling command that spins a profile around an axis to create a solid or surface of revolution.
Revolve in AutoCAD creates 3D forms by rotating a profile around an axis.
Ribbon
The top interface area that organizes AutoCAD tools into tabs, panels, and command groups.
The Ribbon in AutoCAD is the main graphical toolbar system that organizes commands by tabs and panels.
S
5 terms
Selection Window
A left-to-right rectangular selection that captures only objects fully enclosed by the window.
A Selection Window in AutoCAD selects only the objects completely inside the left to right box.
Status Bar
The lower interface strip that shows drawing aids, toggles, and workspace feedback such as snap and ortho settings.
The Status Bar in AutoCAD contains quick toggles for drafting aids like Snap, Grid, Ortho, Polar Tracking, and more.
STB
A named plot style table that controls plotted appearance through style names rather than object colors.
STB in AutoCAD is the named plot style table system for controlling printed output independently of color.
Stretch
A modify command that lengthens or shifts part of selected geometry without moving the entire object.
Stretch in AutoCAD adjusts part of an object by moving selected vertices or endpoints while leaving the rest in place.
Sweep
A 3D modeling command that moves a profile along a path to create a solid or surface.
Sweep in AutoCAD creates 3D form by carrying a profile along a defined path.
T
4 terms
Table
An AutoCAD object that organizes data into rows and columns for schedules, legends, or tabular information.
Table in AutoCAD is the object used for schedules, legends, and structured tabular data inside drawings.
Text Style
A saved text formatting definition that controls font, height behavior, width factor, and related text properties.
Text Style in AutoCAD controls the default appearance and formatting behavior of text objects.
Title Block
The standardized sheet information area that identifies a drawing with project, revision, scale, and authorship details.
Title Block in AutoCAD is the standard sheet frame and information area used in plotted documentation.
Trim
An editing command that cuts selected objects back to a boundary or intersection.
Trim in AutoCAD removes unwanted portions of lines, arcs, and other objects by cutting them to boundaries.
U
1 terms
V
2 terms
ViewCube
A visual orientation control that helps users switch views and understand model direction in 3D or isometric contexts.
ViewCube in AutoCAD is an orientation widget for changing views and understanding model direction.
Viewport
A window in paper space that displays a view of model space at a controlled scale and orientation.
Viewport in AutoCAD is a paper space window that shows model space at a defined scale and view.
W
2 terms
Wblock
A tool that writes selected geometry or a block definition out to a separate drawing file.
Wblock in AutoCAD exports selected content as a new DWG file for reuse, sharing, or library creation.
Workspace
A saved interface configuration that controls which panels, tabs, toolbars, and palettes are shown in AutoCAD.
A Workspace in AutoCAD is a saved interface arrangement for different tasks such as drafting, annotation, or 3D work.
X
1 terms
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