How to Use Temporary Tracking in AutoCAD?

Understanding Temporary Tracking in AutoCAD

Temporary tracking in AutoCAD refers to a functionality that allows you to create alignment paths temporarily while drawing, enabling precision and accuracy in design work. This feature is especially useful for creating complex geometries or aligning objects without the need for permanent reference marks.

How Temporary Tracking Works

Temporary tracking enables you to string together multiple reference points as you work. When you activate this feature, AutoCAD prompts you to specify a temporary OTRACK point. Position the cursor near the desired point on the screen until you see the AutoSnap marker and tooltip indicating that it is ready for tracking.

Enabling Temporary Tracking

1. Activate Polar Tracking: Ensure Polar Tracking is turned on. You can do this by right-clicking on the POLAR option in the Status Bar.
2. Toggle Tracking: To turn Polar Tracking on or off temporarily, press the F10 key while drawing. This allows you to use this feature without modifying the permanent settings.
3. Start Drawing: Once Polar Tracking is enabled, begin drawing lines or shapes. Move your cursor toward the desired reference point without clicking.

Utilizing Object Snap Tracking

Object Snap Tracking works in conjunction with temporary tracking by offering additional precision with vertical and horizontal alignment from designated snap points. Here’s how to use it:

1. Enable Object Snap Tracking: Make sure the Object Snap Tracking option is highlighted in the Status Bar.
2. Identify Snap Points: As you draw, hover your cursor over an object snap point (e.g., endpoints, midpoints of lines).
3. Create Tracking Lines: An alignment path will appear, helping you to align other elements relative to this snap point.

Disabling Temporary Tracking

If you want to discontinue using temporary tracking during your workflow, follow these steps:

1. Right-Click: In the drawing area, right-click to bring up the Options menu.
2. Access Settings: Navigate to the Drafting tab and check the AutoTrack Settings.
3. Adjust Visibility: Uncheck the options for displaying Polar Tracking vectors to remove any temporary tracking visibility on your workspace.

Checking Settings and Modifications

To confirm that tracking features are activated:

• Check Indicators: Observe the status bar where POLAR and OTRACK buttons indicate the current status (active or not).
• Monitor Cursor Behavior: When activated, the cursor should move along defined alignment paths as you manipulate objects.

FAQs

1. How can I temporarily disable object snap tracking while drawing?
You can temporarily toggle the object snap tracking by pressing the Shift key while drawing, which will disable any object snap operations until the key is released.

2. What should I do if my tracking lines are not appearing?
Ensure that both Polar Tracking and Object Snap Tracking are enabled in the status bar. If they are, you might need to revisit the AutoTrack settings in the Drafting dialog to confirm that the appropriate display settings are enabled.

3. Is it possible to customize the angles used in Polar Tracking?
Yes, you can customize the angles for Polar Tracking by right-clicking the POLAR option in the Status Bar and selecting Settings. In the Drafting Settings dialog, navigate to the Polar Tracking tab to specify your desired angle increments.