| Absolute co-ordinates | A way of inputting points based on AutoCAD's origin. |
| Acad.dwt | This is the default template that automatically loads whenever you start a drawing session. It can be customized to suit your needs. |
| Associated Dimensioning | Dimensions that are associated with specific points will update as that point is moved. |
| Backup file | AutoCAD can be set to automatically backup your drawing and save it. This is a safeguard in case your file gets corrupted. It is saved with a .BAK extension |
| Block | A pre-drawn image you can insert in your drawing to save time and make your file size smaller. |
| Crosshairs | This is your cursor when it is in the drawing space. |
| Cursor | Your cursor will change depending on where it is in the program. |
| Database | An AutoCAD drawing file is actually one large database containing all the information needed to reproduce the objects when the file is opened. Info for layers and linetypes, etc are stored in this manner. |
| Dialog box | AutoCAD uses a large number of dialog boxes to get information from you. You must know how input the information that it asks for. |
| Drawing template file | This is a file that contains preset values for frequently used settings. AKA a prototype drawing. The file extension is DWT. |
| Extents | The outer boundaries of the objects you have drawn. |
| Grid | This is pattern of dots displayed on the screen to guide you. It can be toggled on and off by pressing the F7 key. |
| Grips | Small 'handles' on objects that allow for quick editing. |
| Layer | All objects are drawn on a layer. You can group objects (such as electrical) on a single layer and organize your drawing. |
| Layout Tabs | A space used for plotting your drawings (formerly called Paper Space). |
| Limits (Grid) | A setting to impose an 'artificial' boundary on your drawing that sets the area of the grid, and when turned on, limits you to drawing in the grid area. |
| Linetype | All objects are drawn with a particular linetype. Examples would be solid, center, dashed, etc. |
| Model space | The drawing space where you 'model' the objects. |
| Modify | A generic term used for changing your objects |
| Object | Any item that is in the AutoCAD database. Also known as an entity. |
| Origin | The (0,0) point of your current co-ordinate system. |
| Ortho mode | This is a drawing mode that allows you to draw only perpendicular lines. It is toggled on and off by pressing the F8 key. |
| Osnap - Object Snap | This is a method of 'snapping' to certain, precise points on an object. |
| Path | The specific folder where AutoCAD looks for, or saves files. |
| Pick | To select an object by 'left-clicking' on it. |
| Plot | Also known as print. To make a hard copy of your drawing. |
| Polar co-ordinates | A way of inputting points based on distance and angle. |
| Property | Any specific characteristic of an object such as layer, scale, linetype, start point, etc. |
| Relative co-ordinates | A way of inputting points based on a starting point. |
| Selection set | The current group of objects selected for modifying. |
| Snap | This is a drawing mode that allows you to snap your cursor to precise points laid out in a grid pattern. Toggle with the F9 key. |
| Styles | Formatting that defines the look of text, dimensions, etc. |
| Units | The basic drawing unit set for you drawing. For example, you can use inches or millimeters depending on your needs. You can also set the precision you want displayed, such nearest 1/4", 1/2" 1/64", etc. |
| User co-ordinate system (UCS) | Modifications made to the World Co-ordinate System (WCS) results in a User Co-ordinate System (UCS) |
| View | A particular area of your drawing. |
| Viewport | A separate 'window' on your drawing. You may have more than one viewport visible to see different areas of your drawing at the same time. |
| Wizard | An easy step-by-step instruction set to help you set-up certain aspects of your drawing. |
| World Co-ordinate System (WCS) | This is the common X-Y co-ordinate system that is the default. If it is modified, it becomes a User co-ordinate System (UCS) |
| Zoom | To view either a smaller section of your drawing (zoom in) or a larger section (zoom out) |
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