How to Draw a Rectangle in AutoCAD 2018

Understanding How to Draw a Rectangle in AutoCAD 2025

Drawing a rectangle in AutoCAD is a fundamental task that’s essential for creating precise designs. Follow these step-by-step instructions to master this skill.

Step 1: Access the Rectangle Tool

1. Open your drawing workspace in AutoCAD.
2. Navigate to the Home tab located on the top ribbon.
3. Find the Draw panel and click on the Rectangle option. This will activate the rectangle command.

Step 2: Specify the First Corner

1. Click anywhere in the drawing area to set the first corner point of your rectangle. This determines where the rectangle will begin.

Step 3: Define the Area of the Rectangle

1. After selecting the first corner, you’ll need to determine the area. Enter the letter A to activate the Area option.
2. Input the desired area value using your keyboard.

Step 4: Enter Dimensions

1. You can now specify the dimensions of the rectangle. To do this, choose between entering a length or a width.
   • Type L to enter a specific length. The width will be calculated automatically based on the area and the length you specified.
   • Alternatively, type W to enter a specific width, allowing AutoCAD to calculate the length based on the area you’ve provided.
2. Input your chosen measurement and press Enter.

Drawing a Rectangle with Specific Dimensions

If you need to create a rectangle with exact dimensions rather than calculating based on area, follow these steps:

1. Input the command RECTANGLE or simply type REC in the command line and hit Enter.
2. Click to specify the first corner in the drawing area.
3. Next, type D to activate the Dimensions option.
4. You’ll then be prompted to enter the width and the height. Follow the prompts to complete the rectangle with specific measurements.

Using Shortcut Commands

For quick access, utilize the shortcut command for rectangles:

1. Simply type REC or RECTANGLE into the command line and press Enter to activate the tool instantly.

Creating a Box in AutoCAD

If you’re looking to create a three-dimensional box instead of a rectangle:

1. Type BOX in the command line and press Enter.
2. Click anywhere in the drawing area once to set the base point.
3. Type L and press Enter to start defining dimensions.
4. Enter values for the length, width, and then height, confirming each with Enter.

FAQs

1. How can I draw a rectangle by using the mouse?
You can use your mouse to click and drag from the first corner point to the opposite corner, creating a rectangle quickly. Just ensure to hold the Shift key if you want to maintain the rectangular shape.

2. What should I do if I make an error while specifying dimensions?
You can press the Esc key to cancel the command and start over. Alternatively, you can simply enter new values, and AutoCAD will adjust the rectangle.

3. Can I customize rectangle creation settings?
Yes, AutoCAD allows customization of rectangle creation through the command settings. Modify settings such as line weight, color, and layer to suit your drawing requirements.