AutoCAD

How to Get Ellipse in AutoCAD Mac?

Introduction to Drawing Ellipses in AutoCAD for Mac

Creating an ellipse in AutoCAD for Mac is a straightforward process that can enhance your design’s precision and aesthetics. Below, you will find detailed steps to guide you through drawing different types of ellipses, including standard and isometric ellipses.

Drawing an Ellipse in AutoCAD for Mac

  1. Access the Ellipse Tool
    Navigate to the Home tab on the ribbon. Locate the Draw panel and click on the Ellipse drop-down menu. From the options provided, select Elliptical Arc to begin drawing your ellipse.

  2. Define the Major Axis
    You will be prompted to specify two endpoints that will define the major axis of the ellipse. Click on your desired locations in the drawing area to set these points.

  3. Determine the Minor Axis Length
    Next, specify the distance that will determine half the length of the minor axis. Click again in the drawing area or enter a value using your keyboard.

  4. Set the Start Angle
    After setting the axis lengths, you’ll need to define the starting angle of the ellipse. Move your cursor to the desired angle and click, or input a specific angle value.

  5. Finish with the End Angle
    Complete the ellipse by specifying the endpoint for the angle. Once again, you can either click in the drawing area to finalize the end angle or type in the specific angle on your keyboard.

Creating an Isometric Ellipse in AutoCAD for Mac

  1. Activate Drafting Settings
    Open the Tools menu and select Drafting Settings. In the dialog box that appears, navigate to the Snap and Grid tab.

  2. Enable Isometric Snap
    Under the Snap Type and Style, check the option for Isometric Snap. This will set your cursor to align with isometric angles, allowing for accurate isometric drawings.

  3. Select the Ellipse Option
    Return to the Home tab, and once again click the Draw panel. Access the Ellipse drop-down menu, and choose the Axis, End option.

  4. Input Isocircle Command
    When prompted, type i for Isocircle to indicate that you want to create an isometric ellipse.

  5. Specify the Center Point
    Now, click to choose the center point where your isocircle will be located in the drawing.

  6. Define the Radius or Diameter
    Finally, enter the radius or diameter for the circle based on your design requirements. Click or type in the value to complete the drawing of the isometric ellipse.

Understanding the Ellipse Command

The Ellipse command in AutoCAD allows you to easily create ellipses by defining endpoints along the major and minor axes. You can either set the exact lengths of the axes or adjust the orientation by rotating around the major axis. This flexibility enables precise design options tailored to your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How can I change the linetype for an ellipse in AutoCAD for Mac?
To change the linetype, select the ellipse, right-click to open the context menu, and choose Properties. In the Properties Inspector, find the Linetype option and select your desired linetype from the dropdown menu.

2. Are there shortcuts for drawing an ellipse in AutoCAD?
Yes, you can use specific keyboard shortcuts to streamline the process. For example, activating the ellipse command immediately can save time. Familiarize yourself with command line inputs for efficiency.

3. What if my ellipse doesn’t appear as expected?
If your ellipse appears distorted or not at the proper scale, check the Ltscale variable settings to ensure they match your drawing scale. Adjusting this parameter often resolves visibility issues with different linetypes.

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.