Learn how to use the Rectangle Command to make rectangular polylines. Polylines are lines that are single objects, even if they are made of multiple line segments. For example. if you draw a rectangle with the Line Command, each side will be a separate object, whereas the Rectangle Command makes a single continuous line.
This exercise is excerpted from Noble Desktop’s past AutoCAD training materials and is compatible with Photoshop updates through 2020. To learn current skills in AutoCAD, check out AutoCAD Bootcamp and AutoCAD classes in NYC and live online.
Note: These materials are provided to give prospective students a sense of how we structure our class exercises and supplementary materials. During the course, you will get access to the accompanying class files, live instructor demonstrations, and hands-on instruction.
Topics covered in this AutoCAD tutorial:
Using the Rectangle Command
Exercise Preview
Exercise Overview
In this exercise, you’ll learn how to use the Rectangle Command to make rectangular polylines. Polylines are lines that are single objects, even if they are made of multiple line segments. For example. if you draw a rectangle with the Line Command, each side will be a separate object, whereas the Rectangle Command makes a single continuous line.
Using the Rectangle Command
To draw a rectangle, in the top Ribbon panel click on the Rectangle tool
.You’ll see that the Rectangle Command has been started.
Similar to the Line Command, once you start the Rectangle Command you need to establish a starting corner point by either clicking with your mouse or typing in an X,Y coordinate.
Type in a first corner point of 2,2 then press Enter.
To complete the rectangle we need to specify the coordinates for the opposite corner to the starting point.
Type in 4,6 then press Enter. Notice that this second X,Y coordinate established the width (4 units wide) and height (6 units high) of the rectangle and completed the command.
NOTE: You can also enter negative X,Y values to specify the opposite corner to the left and/or below the starting corner point.
Press Enter to repeat the Rectangle Command to draw the second rectangle.
Type in the X,Y coordinate of 8,11 and press Enter for the first corner point.
Type 10,4 and press Enter to place the opposite corner of the second rectangle.
Save the file by going to File > Save As and navigating into Class Files > AutoCAD Class.
Name the file rectangle line drawing.dwg and click Save.
Dynamic Input
EDIT THIS If you disable the Dynamic Input button
in the Status Bar, AutoCAD will revert to the Absolute Coordinate format. This will have a major effect on how the Rectangle Command works. If coordinates are set to absolute, entering an XY value for the Rectangle Command will place the opposite corner at that XY coordinate instead of setting the width and height. So if you enter an X and Y of 5,3, the opposite corner of the rectangle will be placed at 5X, 3Y on the XY grid, rather than having a width of 5 and a height of 3. If you are getting unexpected and undesirable results from the Rectangle Command, check to see if the Dynamic Input is turned on.