Autodesk 235B1-05A761-1301 User Guide - Page 38

Working with AutoCAD Commands in AutoCAD MEP Because AutoCAD MEP is built on the AutoCAD infrastructure, all of the commands in AutoCAD are available in AutoCAD MEP. However, some differences exist between the commands to modify basic AutoCAD objects, such as lines, polylines, and arcs, and the commands to modify intelligent building systems objects, such as parts, fittings, and segments of duct, pipe, or cable tray. This section provides guidance on using AutoCAD commands in an AutoCAD MEP environment. The effects of commands on building systems objects are discussed, and, where applicable, alternative or more enhanced methods of accomplishing tasks are suggested. NOTE Many of the sections that follow reference AutoCAD Help topics. The quickest way to locate an AutoCAD topic referenced in AutoCAD MEP Help is to click the Search tab in the Help window, select the Search titles only option, copy and paste or enter the AutoCAD topic name, and then click List Topics. ALIGN The ALIGN command moves, rotates, and tilts objects so they align with other objects. When you use ALIGN to align an object in AutoCAD MEP, you can snap and attach the object to another at the new location, but the command does not intelligently connect the 2 objects. This action results in an invalid connection in the overall building system. To maintain the connectivity of objects, use Alignment grips to align devices or panels, and use Location or Rotate grips, snaps, and polar tracking to align other objects. The grips enable you to move or rotate objects while optionally maintaining their connections to other objects. For more information, see the following topics: ■ Moving Duct Components on page 221 ■ Rotating Duct Components on page 228 ■ Moving Pipe Components Using Location Grips on page 320 ■ Rotating Pipe Components on page 321 ■ Moving a Device or Panel on page 431 ■ Modifying the Layout of a Cable Tray or Conduit Run on page 444 ■ Rotating Cable Tray or Conduit Fittings on page 450 ■ Moving Plumbing Lines and Fittings on page 497 ■ Rotating Plumbing Fittings on page 498 ■ "Align Objects" in the AutoCAD Help ARRAY The ARRAY command creates copies of objects in a rectangular or polar (circular) pattern called an array. In AutoCAD MEP, you can use ARRAY to create arrays of a selection set of objects (for example, a complete duct branch). If possible, the software connects a suitable object in each copy of the selection set, such as a tee or takeoff, to a segment at each destination. Unlike COPY or MOVE, ARRAY does not align or orient the copies of the selection set when it connects them to objects at their destinations. The copies maintain the alignment and orientation of the original selection set. 20 | Chapter 2 Moving from AutoCAD to AutoCAD MEP