Michael’s Corner

Michael's Corner is a monthly publication written by Michael E. Beall, Autodesk Authorized Author and peripatetic AutoCAD trainer. Michael travels all over the USA, bringing his fantastic experience and great understanding of AutoCAD to his clients. Michael's Corner brings together many of the tips, tricks and methods developed during these training sessions for the benefit of all users.

Michael's Corner provides something for every AutoCAD user. Every month, a number of articles cover a wide range of topics, suitable for users at all levels, including "The Basics" for those just starting out. Essentially, the aim of Michael's Corner is to help all AutoCAD users work smarter and faster.

This month…

From the Vault

Originally published April 2010

Diameter-specified Circle with DYN

Occasionally I'll be a couple steps in to an exercise in a training class and think to myself, "is this the best way to do this&h and is this what I remember doing?"

That's exactly where I found myself while training in Guam last month, when I was answering a question regarding creating a 2Point circle. In the upper illustration, after picking the first point at the end of the line - and turning on Ortho - the position of the second point was not held at an orthogonal angle.

How to Specify the Diameter of a Circle Using 2Point

1. Confirm the Dynamic Input feature is on at the Status bar, then launch the Circle command.

2. Enter 2P for the 2Point option (or select if from the options list).

3. Pick the first point, then confirm that Ortho is on and move your cursor away from the first point to confirm that the diameter line is being held to an orthogonal angle.

4. Complete the creation of the circle as desired by clicking or entering a value for the dimension.

Note: Curiously, after you have moved the cursor away from the first point, you can toggle Off the dynamic input feature… and the orthogonal placement of the diameter line will hold steady.

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