how do i make rectangles by dimensions?

[gregkhunter]

For over ten years I have made rectangles in AutoCAD by clicking the rectangle tool, then clicking a point in model space.  Then a dialogue box opens that allows me to input the size rectangle I want, and it makes a perfect rectangle the size I commanded.  Now, for no reason I can understand the dialogue box does not appear so I can no longer make a specific size rectangle like I have for years.  I can not figure out how to reset my CAD wo work like it always has.  What do I need to do to be able to type in the rectangle size like I used to?

[Ed__Jobe]

AutoCAD default RECTANG command has never had a dialog interface. You just pick two points. Perhaps you were using a lisp routine??

[pendean]

Does your DYNMODE variable need to be set to 3 by chance?

[cadffm]

Hi,

>>" Then a dialogue box opens that allows me to input the size rectangle I want, "

If so, you worked for years not with AutoCAD, or not with plain AutoDAD.

Rectangle command offers one option for Dimension, no dialog windows.

after you set the first point:

Specify other corner point or [Area/Dimensions/Rotation]:

Try to remember: Was it really plain AutoCAD?, No application on top?

Remember how the dialog looks and search for it in www image search.

For example, the MECHANICAL AMRECTANG dialog window

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad-mechanical/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/201...

[gregkhunter]

I don't know what I'm doing.  I just always input the length and height of the rectangle and it made that size and shape I wanted.  Now it only makes a rectangle based on where I click the opposite corner with the mouse.  That's too random.  I need to make perfect size rectangles over and over.  I used to be able to do that, but something changed today and now I can't work.

[Ed__Jobe]

What did you used to type to start the command? Or were you using a toolbar/palette icon?

[gregkhunter]

I used to click on the rectangle icon up on the tool bar.  Then I would click any point in model space and move the mouse a bit.  Then there would be a dialogue box that lets me input the length first (X axis) then the height (Y axis) and the rectangle becomes that size.  Now the dialogue box does not appear like it has for years.  I use AutoCAD 2022 for most drafting.  The odd thing is that when I open the same file in AutoCAD Mechanical 2022, the rectangle tool works just like I describe it should.  I click in model space, the dialogue box opens, I input X and Y dimensions, and the rectangle is there.

I don't understand why a rectangle tool that I have used for years has changed overnight and won't seem to change back.

[Ed__Jobe · Accepted solution]

OK, you are using the wrong terminology. Those are not dialog boxes, but input boxes, dynamic input. There is an icon in the dwg status bar that you can click on for the settings. Also, you can just type the relative coordinates using direct distance entry. This is what you are doing with dynamic input. Its just a matter of whether it shows on the screen or command line.

[pendean]

... aka like reply #2 above https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/autocad-forum/how-do-i-make-rectangles-by-dimensions/m-p/11669435#M10...

[gregkhunter · Accepted solution]

Thank You!

That button for the dynamic input was not showing.  I had to go to the customization button to find it.  It works again now.  Thanks again.

[cadffm · Accepted solution]

@gregkhunter 

Post3

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pendean  schrieb:
Does your DYNMODE variable need to be set to 3 by chance?

---

pointed also to dynamic input

and Function Key [12] toggle between on/off

(that's often the reason why somehin disable this feature by mistake)

[gregkhunter]

I think I did hit the F12 key yesterday by accident.  That could explain the change. 

Thank you all for helping me.

[Ed__Jobe]

Please don't forget to mark one or more posts as the solution, to help us keep track.