• AutoCAD

Dynamic input in AutoCAD

Dynamic Input puts info right where you need it so you can see your next steps without wasting time looking at the command line.


00:03

AutoCAD’s dynamic input provides a command interface near the cursor in the drawing area.

00:09

It provides an alternative way to enter commands, while keeping your focus on your design, rather than the program interface.

00:17

When dynamic input is turned on, a tooltip displays updated information near the cursor that is relevant to the task you are performing.

00:25

When a command is in progress, you can specify options and values in the tooltip text box.

00:31

The actions required to complete a command or to use grips are similar to those for the Command prompt.

00:37

If the AutoComplete and AutoCorrect features are turned on,

00:40

the program automatically completes the command and offers correct spelling suggestions,

00:45

just as it does on the Command line.

00:48

The difference is that your attention can stay near the cursor.

00:51

From the ribbon, Home tab, Draw panel, select Line.

00:56

Notice in the Command line, that, not only does the command name

01:01

display,but it also prompts you with the actions needed to finish the command.

01:05

This prompt also displays next to the cursor.

01:09

Pick a point in the drawing area.

01:12

The prompt changes to the next step in the command.

01:15

In this example, it is to specify the next point in the line.

01:20

Create two connected line segments.

01:25

Now, in the command line, you have the options appearing in brackets.

01:29

Also notice the dynamic input tooltip.

01:32

The prompt ends with the word “or” and a small down arrow.

01:36

This means you can enter a response in the tooltip, instead of on the Command line.

01:41

On your keyboard, press the Down Arrow key to view and select options.

01:46

Once an option, such as Close, is selected, press ENTER.

01:51

In this example, a line is automatically drawn, creating a closed polygon, and the command ends.

01:59

You can turn off dynamic input at anytime.

02:03

From the status bar, select Customization.

02:06

Then, select Dynamic Input.

02:10

Now, Dynamic Input displays on the status bar.

02:14

Select Dynamic Input to toggle the tool off and on.

02:19

With Dynamic Input toggled OFF, start the Line command again.

02:23

Notice that now, there is no dynamic input tooltip next to the cursor.

02:29

Draw a couple of line segments and, on your keyboard, press ENTER to end the command.

02:35

Toggle Dynamic Input back ON.

02:38

Because dynamic input is so useful, it’s recommended to keep it toggled on.

02:43

To remove the Dynamic Input option from the Status bar, open the Customization menu again and deselect Dynamic Input.

02:52

While dynamic input is not designed to replace the Command window, it is a highly useful tool in expediting drawing tasks.

Video transcript

00:03

AutoCAD’s dynamic input provides a command interface near the cursor in the drawing area.

00:09

It provides an alternative way to enter commands, while keeping your focus on your design, rather than the program interface.

00:17

When dynamic input is turned on, a tooltip displays updated information near the cursor that is relevant to the task you are performing.

00:25

When a command is in progress, you can specify options and values in the tooltip text box.

00:31

The actions required to complete a command or to use grips are similar to those for the Command prompt.

00:37

If the AutoComplete and AutoCorrect features are turned on,

00:40

the program automatically completes the command and offers correct spelling suggestions,

00:45

just as it does on the Command line.

00:48

The difference is that your attention can stay near the cursor.

00:51

From the ribbon, Home tab, Draw panel, select Line.

00:56

Notice in the Command line, that, not only does the command name

01:01

display,but it also prompts you with the actions needed to finish the command.

01:05

This prompt also displays next to the cursor.

01:09

Pick a point in the drawing area.

01:12

The prompt changes to the next step in the command.

01:15

In this example, it is to specify the next point in the line.

01:20

Create two connected line segments.

01:25

Now, in the command line, you have the options appearing in brackets.

01:29

Also notice the dynamic input tooltip.

01:32

The prompt ends with the word “or” and a small down arrow.

01:36

This means you can enter a response in the tooltip, instead of on the Command line.

01:41

On your keyboard, press the Down Arrow key to view and select options.

01:46

Once an option, such as Close, is selected, press ENTER.

01:51

In this example, a line is automatically drawn, creating a closed polygon, and the command ends.

01:59

You can turn off dynamic input at anytime.

02:03

From the status bar, select Customization.

02:06

Then, select Dynamic Input.

02:10

Now, Dynamic Input displays on the status bar.

02:14

Select Dynamic Input to toggle the tool off and on.

02:19

With Dynamic Input toggled OFF, start the Line command again.

02:23

Notice that now, there is no dynamic input tooltip next to the cursor.

02:29

Draw a couple of line segments and, on your keyboard, press ENTER to end the command.

02:35

Toggle Dynamic Input back ON.

02:38

Because dynamic input is so useful, it’s recommended to keep it toggled on.

02:43

To remove the Dynamic Input option from the Status bar, open the Customization menu again and deselect Dynamic Input.

02:52

While dynamic input is not designed to replace the Command window, it is a highly useful tool in expediting drawing tasks.

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