AccuDraw is controlled from a variety of sources. You can influence it through the use of one- and two-key sequences called shortcut key-ins. Drawing tools, themselves, can influence AccuDraw's operation. Finally, AccuDraw itself maintains a number of user selectable options via the AccuDraw Settings dialog.

AccuDraw supports a large number of options, all of which can be placed into one of three major AccuDraw functions:

• Previewing and constraining data points.
• Locating the AccuDraw compass.
• Orienting AccuDraw's drawing plane.

The following discussion is organized along these three basic operations. In most instances, you will use a combination of all three types of AccuDraw operations to accomplish your design goal.

AccuDraw may be employed in a variety of different situations — with standard drawing and manipulation tools, or using more advanced approaches, such as with the Place SmartLine tool and the Modify Element tool . In either case, AccuDraw employs the same general procedure:

1. Select the desired tool.
2. Enter a data point to activate dynamics and set the location of the drawing plane origin.
3. If necessary, rotate the drawing plane axes.
4. If necessary, set the type of drawing plane coordinate system.
5. Preview and constrain the next data point.
6. Enter the data point.

Typically, you will use a mix of AccuDraw options throughout the design process. The key to working with AccuDraw is understanding how it interacts with the active tool and the current data point.