AutoCAD terminology — naming of circular features in isometric views In AutoCAD, when placing a circular feature on an isometric drawing using the Ellipse command, that feature is referred to as what?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: isocircles

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
In an isometric projection, true circles do not appear as circles; they appear as ellipses because of the viewing angle. AutoCAD provides a specific workflow for placing these correctly proportioned shapes on a chosen isoplane so that holes, cylinders, and rounds look correct in an isometric view.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The drawing mode is isometric (isoplanes set to top/left/right as needed).
  • The Ellipse command is used with the Isocircle option.
  • The goal is to represent a circular feature in 3D isometric correctly.


Concept / Approach:
AutoCAD’s Ellipse command includes an Isocircle option that constructs an ellipse with the correct proportions for the active isoplane, visually matching a circle oriented in 3D. AutoCAD commonly refers to the resulting shape as an isocircle. This approach maintains visual fidelity without complex projections by the user.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Activate the appropriate isoplane (e.g., with F5).Start the Ellipse command and choose the Isocircle option.Specify center and radius/diameter to place the isocircle that represents the 3D circle.


Verification / Alternative check:
Compare an isocircle generated via Ellipse–Isocircle with a freehand ellipse; the isocircle matches the isometric scaling rules, ensuring consistency across drawings and preventing distorted “circles.”


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Ellipses/isoellipses: generic or informal; the correct AutoCAD term is “Isocircle.”
  • Circles: not geometrically correct in isometric unless drawn as isocircles.
  • Elliptic rings: not an AutoCAD command option and implies annuli.


Common Pitfalls:

  • Forgetting to set the correct isoplane before drawing, leading to misoriented ellipses.
  • Using Offset on isocircles to create concentric features can be problematic; use Ellipse again with correct sizes.


Final Answer:
isocircles

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