How To Display Coordinates In AutoCAD 2018?

Understanding Coordinate Display in AutoCAD 2018

Displaying coordinates in AutoCAD is essential for precision in design and drafting. This guide provides a detailed process on how to show coordinates in AutoCAD 2018, including various methods and settings adjustments.

How to Display Coordinates

Step 1: Using ID Point Command

1. Navigate to the Home tab.
2. Click on the Utilities panel, and select ID Point.
3. Click on the desired location in your drawing area. The coordinate values for that point (X, Y, Z) will appear in the Command prompt at the bottom of the screen.
4. If you have object snaps enabled, you can select points on existing objects (e.g., endpoints, midpoints) to see their coordinates.

Activating Coordinate Display

Step 1: Use the Status Bar

1. At any point where the software prompts for a point, locate the coordinate display option on the left side of the status bar.
2. Click the coordinate display toggle to turn it on.

Step 2: Keyboard Shortcut for Dynamic Display

1. To switch between various display modes, press Ctrl + I repeatedly.
2. Adjust the display settings further by setting the COORDS system variable:
   • Type COORDS into the Command line.
   • Choose 0 for static display, 1 for dynamic display (which updates as you move your cursor), or 2 for a distance and angle display.

Inputting Specific Coordinates

Step 1: Drawing with Coordinates

1. Click on the Home tab and select the Draw panel, then choose Line.
2. To define a point using coordinates, type the X value, followed by a comma, and then the Y value (e.g., 1.65,4.25).
3. Press the Spacebar or Enter to confirm the point.
4. Continue this process for additional points as required.

Displaying Northing and Easting Values

Step 1: Creating Lines by Northing and Easting

1. On the Home tab, find the Draw panel and click on the drop-down labeled Line.
2. Select Create Line By Northing/Easting.
3. Enter a northing value followed by pressing Enter, then input the corresponding easting value.
4. Repeat as necessary to establish additional segments for your line.

Working with DWG Coordinate Files

Step 1: Linking a DWG File

1. Select the Insert tab and access the Link panel.
2. Click on the option for Link CAD.
3. In the dialog box, select DWG Files from the drop-down menu.
4. Navigate to the folder containing your DWG file, select it, and choose Auto – Center to Center for positioning.
5. Confirm any additional options that may be pertinent to your work.

Adjusting the Geographic Coordinate System

Step 1: Accessing Geographic Location

1. Click on the Geolocation tab, and then find the Location panel.
2. Choose Edit Location and select From Map.
3. In the Geographic Location dialog box, click Next.
4. From the list of GIS Coordinate Systems, choose your desired setting and click Continue.
5. Press Enter to finalize and exit the command.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the coordinate display in AutoCAD?
The coordinate display helps users accurately identify and input specific locations in their drawings. It enhances precision by showing real-time coordinate values as you navigate through the workspace.

Can I customize how the coordinates are displayed?
Yes, by modifying the COORDS system variable, you can set the display to show static or dynamic coordinates, as well as enable distance and angle displays.

How are Northing and Easting values used in AutoCAD?
Northing and Easting values are used to create precise location points based on a grid reference system, commonly utilized in surveying and geographic data representation.