HOUSE DESIGN

HOUSE DESIGN
Questions

Art 316, Fall Semester, 1999
Marvin Bartel, instructor

On this page I will address questions from students.

September 10, 1999 (from 9-9-99 class) to top of page
"How do you add dimensions to the objects we draw?"

Go to View, Toolbars, and check Dimension and Close. Place the Dim Toolbar where you wish.
Go Tools, Object Snap Settings and check Endpoint (and others if needed) and OK
In the Dimension tool bar, click the first button
Watch the instructions at the bottom of screen and give it a try.
If you are working on a 12 inch by 9 inch drawing, you will see reasonable dimensions.

"How do I set it so I can see the arrows and numbers?"

If you are drawing a house you would typically be planning to print the drawing at a scale of 1 = 48 which is the same as (1/4" = 1'). There are 48 quarter inches in one foot.

Go to Format, Dimension Style. Pick the Geometry button.
At the bottom in Overall Scale change it from 1.0000 to 48.0000 and OK
Pick the Annotation button.
Pick Units at top left.
In Units pick the small down arrow to select Architectural

"What if I entered some dimensions and then changed the scale, units, or something else? Do I have to erase them all and start over"

No, you can update previously drawn dimensions. To update a previously entered dimension do this:

Pick Dimension from the top menu. Pick Update.
Pick all the dimensions in you drawing that need fixing and Enter. to top of page

NOTES:

The AutoCAD default text style is very efficient for old computers with low memory capacity. We will learn to use a nicer looking text font. Until then the default style is okay.

We will also learn to put dimensions on their own drawing layer with a different color than the object lines. This allows us to print the dimension lines thinner than the object lines. It also allows us to freeze them from view to unclutter the drawing when dimensions are not needed.

Also, remember these fundamentals:

whenever you get stuck, try the F1 key, the Help button, your book, a classmate, an assistant, the instructor.
F9 is Snap - F8 is Ortho - F7 is Grid
Set up NEW drawing using Saveas, Units, Limits - These can all be typed in the command line at the bottom.
Use either Enter, Return, Space, or Right mouse button to evoke a command.
Use Esc key to get out of a command.

September 12, 1999 (from e-mail) to top of page
"I was wondering if you could explain a little bit more of what kind of
thing you are looking for in our responses to the houses we have seen."

For an explanation, I have entered a new page called Jounal Keeping. Let me know if it helps or confuses you more.

end 9-12-99
more later .
to top of page

Goshen College students may print a copy for their own use.