How to Turn the Shift in Viewport with AutoCAD

Two-dimensional monitors require multiple viewports to represent three-dimensional models.

Autodesk's AutoCAD, versions 2000 through 2012, is a three-dimensional computer-aided design application that draws and models buildings and prototypes. To navigate the three-dimensional project files on a two-dimensional monitor, AutoCAD provides viewports that represent different drawing planes, such as the "Top," "Front," and "Left" of the structure, as well as perspective views. AutoCAD defaults to only one viewport open, although you can have at most four. To change views, you must enter the name of the viewport you desire or orbit your model, rotating around the drawing file.

Instructions

1. Open AutoCAD. Click "Open" on the "File" menu, navigate to your file, select it and click the "Open" button.

2. Type "View" in the command line to change the viewport and type "Front," "Back," "Top," "Bottom," "Left" or "Right" to select the viewport to which you wish to shift.

3. Type "Orbit" to shift your viewport and move around the AutoCAD model in three dimensions by clicking and dragging your mouse.

4. Type "View" and "Top" in the command line to return to the default AutoCAD view.

Tips & Warnings

• Type "Vports" in the command line to adjust the number of viewports in the AutoCAD window. Click the "OK" button to close the "Viewports" window.

References

• Autodesk: AutoCAD 2012 Command Reference