Pattern Exercise 1

AutoCAD is ideal for constructing repeating patterns. By generating one unit, it is possible to generate a pattern using the array functions. For this exercise you will be working with a series of compositions made by taking base units and repeating them into arrays of patterns. 

Objectives/Outcomes and Assessment Criteria

Students will acquire and demonstrate: 1.) technical competency in working with basic drawing tools and arrays, 2.) sense of craft through precision and care in the presentation of the work, and 3.) design aptitude in the ability to solve an organization problem and explore possible solutions.

P.1.1. Make a new file by making a copy of your titleblock. Name the file with your last name followed by your first name followed by PatternExercise1.  Nate Chester would name his file NateChester_PatternExercise1. 

P.1.2. Create a new layer named Non-print. The color can be any color. Click on the printer icon so the layer does not print. Create another layer named Pattern-1. Make sure the Print icon for this layer is not selected. This layer will print. Assign the color blue. This layer will print black when you print with ccc.ctb.

P.1.3. Set your layer to Non-print. Draw a 1" x 1" square with lines forming an X across it. The square may be very small on your screen. Zoom in as necessary. 

P.1.4. Change your layer to Pattern 1. Make a circle centered on the X. The radius should be 0.5. 

P.1.5. Use the Rectangular Array tool to make 7 rows and 7 columns with 1" spacing. 

P.1.6. Go to Layout view. Double-click in the viewport and zoom to your pattern.

P.1.7. While you are in the viewport, turn off the grid in the background by typing Grid at the command line and choosing Off.

P.1.8. If your pattern is not exactly centered in the viewport, use the Zoom command and select the Center option. 

P.1.9. You will be asked for the center, but your object snaps may not work. Type 'int' when you are asked for the center. Move your cursor to the center circle and X. You will see a green X which indicates the Intersection object snap. 

P.1.10. Change the scale of the viewport to 1:1. While you are still in the viewport select the Scale options along the status bar.

P.1.11. The pattern should precisely fit the viewport. 

P.1.12. Change the tile on your sheet to Pattern 1. Rename your layout tab to Pattern 1. 

P.1.15. Make a pdf of the layout using ccc.ctb. Name your pdf with your name followed by Pattern 1.

P.1.16. Save and close your Autocad file. Upload the Autocad file and the pdf to your Google Drive folder.

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