AutoCAD

How to Insert North Arrow in AutoCAD 2019?

Overview of Adding a North Arrow in AutoCAD 2019

Inserting a north arrow in AutoCAD is fundamental for ensuring orientation in your designs. This functionality can be particularly helpful for layouts, maps, and architectural drawings. The following steps will guide you through the process of adding a north arrow in AutoCAD 2019.

Step-by-Step Guide to Insert a North Arrow

Step 1: Accessing the Insert Menu

  • Start by opening your AutoCAD software and navigating to the main menu.
  • Locate the Insert menu on the toolbar located at the top of the screen.

Step 2: Selecting the North Arrow Option

  • Within the Insert dropdown, select North Arrow. This will initiate the process to add a north arrow to your drawing.

Step 3: Choosing Your Desired North Arrow

  • A North Arrow Selector will appear. This interface displays various north arrow styles available in your AutoCAD.
  • Browse through the selections and choose the north arrow design that best fits your project requirements.

Step 4: Configuring Properties

  • After selecting your preferred north arrow, click on the Properties button. A dialog box will appear where you can customize certain attributes.
  • Look for the North Arrow tab. Under this tab, find the Align To option. Ensure it is set to True North to maintain accurate directional orientation.

Step 5: Placing the North Arrow in Your Drawing

  • After configuring the properties, click OK to exit the dialog box.
  • Click on your drawing area to specify the insertion point for the north arrow.
  • You can drag and drop it to adjust the placement as necessary.

Additional Adjustments

  • If you need to rotate the north arrow to fit with your layout, select the arrow, then right-click and choose the option to rotate.
  • You can also manually enter the rotation angle if you have a specific orientation in mind.

FAQ

1. Can I change the north arrow style after it’s inserted?
Yes, you can select the north arrow, access its properties, and change its style or alignment to better suit your design.

2. Is it possible to create a custom north arrow in AutoCAD?
Absolutely. You can design your custom north arrow using drawing tools and then save it as a block for future use.

3. How can I ensure the north arrow is accurately aligned with my layout?
To ensure accuracy, align the north arrow with a reference point in your layout that specifies true north. Use grid lines or other alignment tools available in AutoCAD for precision.

About the author

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang

Wei Zhang is a renowned figure in the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) industry in Canada, with over 30 years of experience spanning his native China and Canada. As the founder of a CAD training center, Wei has been instrumental in shaping the skills of hundreds of technicians and engineers in technical drawing and CAD software applications. He is a certified developer with Autodesk, demonstrating his deep expertise and commitment to staying at the forefront of CAD technology. Wei’s passion for education and technology has not only made him a respected educator but also a key player in advancing CAD methodologies in various engineering sectors. His contributions have significantly impacted the way CAD is taught and applied in the professional world, bridging the gap between traditional drafting techniques and modern digital solutions.