Accessing Plan View in AutoCAD
To initiate the Plan view in AutoCAD, start by navigating to the View menu and selecting the 3D Views option. From there, click on Plan View to access this view setting. If the menu bar isn’t visible, you can alternatively type PLAN directly into the Command prompt and hit Enter.
The next step involves choosing between different options to set your view. You can select:
- Current: This utilizes the current User Coordinate System (UCS).
- World: This option reverts to the World Coordinate System (WCS).
- Named: Use this to access a previously saved UCS configuration.
Modifying the Plan View
Changing your view to an alternate Plan view utilizes the same method as accessing it initially. Go to the View menu once again, then select 3D Views followed by Plan View.
Similar to accessing the view, you will also need to select among the same options:
- Current: Keeps the current UCS.
- World: Switches to the fixed WCS.
- Named: Allows selection of a saved UCS.
It’s important to note that using the PLAN command only alters the viewing angle, not the UCS settings themselves.
Understanding the Plan Command
The Plan command is designed to create a top-down view of your project based on the World Coordinate System. The WCS serves as a foundational coordinate system for your drawings. Typically, the UCS aligns with the WCS by default, allowing for straightforward navigation and modifications.
Viewing 3D CAD in Plan
To create a 3D base view in a plan format, begin with the Drawing View Creation tab. From the Select panel, click on Model Space Selection. This interaction allows you to specify which 3D objects will appear in your plan view.
To exclude certain objects, hold down the Shift key while clicking on them. If you inadvertently select an object you wish to keep, simply click on it to add it back to the selection. Conclude this process by pressing the Enter key, which will redirect you back to the layout view.
Displaying the WCS in AutoCAD
If you need to make the World Coordinate System (WCS) icon visible, navigate to the Visualize tab. In the Coordinates panel, select the option for Show UCS Icon at Origin. Should this tab be hidden, right-click on any ribbon tab, choose Show Tabs, and find the Visualize option.
Alternatively, you can enter UCSICON at the Command prompt and then type Origin to make the WCS icon appear at its default location.
Adjusting the UCS
To change the orientation of the XYZ axes within AutoCAD, right-click on the UCS icon and select the Z Axis option. You will then be prompted to specify a new origin point and a point on the positive Z axis to define the new orientation.
For rotating the UCS, right-click on the UCS icon again and select Rotate Axis. You can choose to rotate around the X, Y, or Z axes. Dragging the cursor will define the angle of rotation in the positive direction around the chosen axis.
Transitioning Views in Autodesk
Creating or modifying views in Autodesk can be accomplished by accessing the Place Views tab. Within the Create panel, click on Base and select your desired model from the Drawing View dialog box. To change the orientation of an existing view, simply double-click on the view to access its properties and modify it as needed.
Defining the UCS in AutoCAD
The User Coordinate System (UCS) is a flexible Cartesian coordinate system that establishes the XY work plane and the axes for measurement and rotation. In 3D environments, the Coordinates panel is available on the Home tab.
Defining Elevation in AutoCAD
An elevation in AutoCAD represents a view as you would see it upon standing and looking at a wall, whether interior or exterior. Elevation views are essential for conveying the necessary dimensions and details in architectural drawings.
Converting from 3D to 2D CAD
The transition from a 3D design to a 2D representation in AutoCAD is facilitated through specific commands or by utilizing the Workspace Switching button located on the status bar, allowing you to switch to a 2D workspace as needed.
Creating a 2D from a 3D Model
To transform a 3D model into a 2D representation, first switch your workspace to 3D Modeling. Set up your model carefully in 3D before switching to paper space. If there’s an existing viewport, select it and press Delete to remove it.
Flattening a 3D Drawing
Before flattening, ensure all hatch layers that contain patterns are turned off or frozen. Then, enter the command FLATTEN in the command line. Select all desired objects and press Enter. When prompted to remove hidden lines, respond with N for No if you wish to keep them in your drawing.
FAQ
What is the difference between UCS and WCS in AutoCAD?
The UCS is a movable coordinate system that can be adjusted to suit your needs while the WCS is a fixed coordinate system that remains the same for all drawings. The UCS allows for custom orientations and serves as the working plane for designing.
Can I save a UCS setup for future use?
Yes, in AutoCAD, you can save a custom UCS for later use by defining it with a specific name, which you can later retrieve using the Named option in the Plan command.
How do I quickly switch between different views in AutoCAD?
Utilizing keyboard shortcuts or the View menu can greatly enhance your efficiency. The PLAN command allows for quick access to the plan view, while the RESTORE command can bring you back to a previously saved view.
