Learn the basics of using Object Snap Tracking in AutoCAD, including how to create orthographic tracking lines, match the dimensions of objects, and increase the speed of your drawing with our step-by-step tutorial.
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:
Object snap tracking
Exercise Preview
Exercise Overview
This drawing is a multiview projection. The front and side views have been completed. Projection lines have been extended from the side view to a 45˚ construction line. You will use Object Tracking to draw the top view by tracking from the intersection points of the projection lines and the diagonal line. There is a centerline intersecting both the front and side views, which indicates the center point of a circle and dashed lines on either side of the centerline, indicating hidden edges. Together they indicate a circular hole bored through the object. Using Object tracking you can draw the top view without taking or entering any measurements, in the same way you would use a T-square and triangles.
Intro to Object Snap Tracking (F11 in the Status Bar)
With the Object Snap Tracking (Object Tracking) enabled, you can create orthographic (vertical and horizontal) tracking lines from multiple Object Snap points and then snap to the points where they intersect. This will allow you to match dimensions of objects, align objects as you create them, and triangulate points in relation to other points, in the same way you would with a T-square. It will allow you to use other objects to determine measurements without having to enter them and greatly increase the speed of your drawing. In order for Object Tracking to function, Object Snap must be enabled and like Object Snap, it only works while you are in a command.
Object Snap Tracking in a File
Open the file Object Track Start.dwg.
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Start the Line Command. Without clicking, snap to the endpoint at the upper-left point of the front view. Pull the cursor upward until a vertical tracking line appears aligned with the endpoint you snapped to. Stay in the Line Command.
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While still in the Line Command, move the cursor to the right and without clicking, snap to the intersection of the diagonal line and the projection line of the right edge of the side view. Pull to the left to create a horizontal tracking line, and click when it intersects with the vertical tracking line you made earlier to start the line segment.
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Without clicking, snap to the endpoint at the upper-right corner of the front view and pull upward to create a vertical tracking line. Keeping the cursor on the vertical tracking line, click when the line segment snaps to the horizontal tracking line to finish the line segment. This is the top edge of the top view. Note that the line matches the width of the front view because you used object tracking. Stay in the Line Command for the next step.
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For the next line segment, create another object tracking line by snapping (again without clicking) to the point where the projection line from the left edge of the side view intersects with the diagonal line. Pull the cursor to the left along the horizontal tracking line until it snaps to the vertical tracking line that aligns with the endpoint of the previous line segment. Click to complete the segment. Stay in the Line Command.
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Without clicking, snap to the endpoint at the upper-left corner and pull upward along the vertical tracking line until it intersects and snaps to the horizontal tracking line. Click on the intersection point to complete the segment. Press C and then Enter to close the outer perimeter of the top view and end the Line Command.
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Restart the Line Command and use Object Tracking to complete the left and right sides of the top view by following the diagrams below. Remember not to click when you’re snapping to endpoints to create tracking lines. Click only on the points where you want to start or end line segments.
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By looking at the front and side views, you can tell that there is a circular hole bored through the object. This is indicated by the center line, which always intersects the center of a circle, and the dashed lines, which indicate hidden edges. With the Circle Command, you can Object Track from the center line of the front view and the intersect point of the centerline projection from the side view and the diagonal line to determine the center point of the hole. Start the Circle Command and follow the directions on the diagrams below.
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Following the directions on the diagram below, Object Track from an endpoint on one of the hidden edges to the horizontal tracking line and click to establish the radius and complete the circle.
The top view is now complete. Object Tracking is something you will use all the time. With a little practice it will become second nature and make your drawing much easier. Now that you have completed this exercise it’s recommended that you start over again from the beginning to get the hang of Object Tracking.