How to Make Rectangle in AutoCAD 2017?

Drawing a Rectangle in AutoCAD 2017: A Comprehensive Guide

Creating a rectangle in AutoCAD can be essential for many design projects. Below is a detailed step-by-step guide to help you draw a rectangle effectively, particularly with AutoCAD 2017.

Step 1: Accessing the Rectangle Tool

To begin, power on your AutoCAD application and open the drawing where you want to create the rectangle. On the top toolbar, locate the Draw panel. Here, you will find the option for Rectangle.

Step 2: Activating the Rectangle Command

You can activate the rectangle tool in two ways:

• Click on the Rectangle icon in the Draw panel.
• Alternatively, you can use the command line. Type REC or RECTANGLE and press Enter.

Step 3: Selecting the First Corner

Once you’ve activated the tool, you’ll be prompted to specify the first corner of your rectangle. Click anywhere in the drawing area where you want to set this corner.

Step 4: Defining the Opposite Corner

After clicking the first corner, you can define the opposite corner of the rectangle in multiple ways:

• By dragging the cursor: Move your mouse diagonally to create the rectangle and click again to set the other corner.
• By inputting dimensions: If you know the exact dimensions of the rectangle, you can specify them. Type @ followed by the length, comma, and width (e.g., @500,300) and press Enter. This method will create a rectangle precisely according to your dimensions.

Step 5: Adjusting Properties (Optional)

After creating the rectangle, you may want to adjust some properties such as color, line type, or thickness. To do this:

• Select the rectangle by clicking on it.
• Open the Properties panel. Here, you can change various attributes to fit your design requirements.

Additional Methods: Using Area and Dimensions

In advanced scenarios, you can also create a rectangle based on its area:

1. Activate the rectangle tool again (as detailed above).
2. After clicking the first corner, type A for Area and press Enter.
3. Specify the desired area. You can then choose to enter either the length or width, allowing AutoCAD to calculate the other dimension accordingly.

Tips for Precision

For a more accurate drawing:

• Use the grid and snap features built into AutoCAD. This allows precise placement of corners and lines.
• You can also utilize the Object Snaps (OSNAP) to align your rectangle with other existing objects in your drawing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I create other shapes using similar methods in AutoCAD?
Absolutely! Similar command methods apply to other shapes like circles and polygons. You can find relevant tools in the Draw panel and follow the prompts.

2. How do I modify the size of an existing rectangle?
Select the rectangle and use the grips that appear at the corners and midpoints to drag and adjust its size. You can also modify specific dimensions via the Properties panel.

3. Is there a way to create a rectangle in 3D using AutoCAD?
Yes, creating a rectangle in a 3D space follows similar methods, but you may need to switch to a 3D workspace and be mindful of the height parameter if you’re creating a rectangular box.