AutoCAD^® and AutoCAD LT^® All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies^®

by David Byrnes; Lee Ambrosius

• ISBN13: 9780470083932
• ISBN10: 047008393X
• Format: eBook
• Copyright: 2006-10-01
• Publisher: For Dummies

Summary

AutoCAD is the leading software tool for creating technical and architectural drawings, but it definitely doesn't lead in the "easy to master" category. That's why there's AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies-the perfect way to break a complex topic into bite-size, easy-to-understand pieces. Once you get the hang of using AutoCAD and its slightly less feature-rich cousin, AutoCAD LT, you discover that it offers wonderful advantages. AutoCAD allows you to Create precision to 14 significant digits Re-use portions of your drawings by copying and pasting Draw things full size and print your drawings in any scale Produce drawings that are easier to read when reduced Electronically share and distribute drawings Design in 2D or 3D So obviously, the trick is to speed up that "getting the hang of it" process. That's where AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies comes in especially handy. Ten easy-to-follow minibooks cover every aspect of AutoCAD, including the latest features of AutoCAD 2007, so you can find just what you need to know quickly and easily. You'll get the scoop on AutoCAD basics, such as setting up drawings, finding your way around the interface, and using all the tools Drawing and modifying objects in 2D and annotating your drawings 3D modeling and viewing, working with solids and surfaces, and rendering Understanding how AutoCAD LT differs from AutoCAD and deciding which program you need Advanced drafting skills, including organizing drawings, working with blocks, and using AutoCAD utilities Setting up your drawings for plotting to paper and publishing Sharing your drawings online for collaboration Customizing and programming AutoCAD to make it work the way you want it to In the familiar, friendly For Dummies fashion, AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies gives you plain-English explanations and step-by-step directions. Written by a pair of AutoDesk Authorized Authors, this handy guide will help make your relationship with AutoCAD a happy and productive one.

Table of Contents

Introduction

AutoCAD Basics

Drawing on (and in) AutoCAD

Navigating the AutoCAD Interface

All about Files

Basic Tools

Setting Up Drawings

Precision Tools

2D Drafting

Drawing Objects

Modifying Objects

Managing Views

Annotating Drawings

Text : When Pictures Just Won't Do

Dimensioning

Hatching Your Drawings

LT Differences

The LT Difference

Extending AutoCAD LT

Mixed Environments

3D Modeling

Introducing the Third Dimension

Using the 3D Environment

Viewing in 3D

Moving from 2D to 3D

Working with Solids

Working with Surfaces

Rendering : Lights, Cameras, AutoCAD!

Advanced Drafting

Playing with Blocks

Dynamic Blocks

External References

Organizing Your Drawings

AutoCAD Utilities

Publishing Drawings

Page Setup

Sheet Sets without Regret

Print , Plot, Publish

Collaboration

CAD Management: The Necessary Evil

CAD Standards

Working with Drawing Files

Sharing Electronic Files

Customizing AutoCAD

The Basics of Customizing AutoCAD

Customizing the Interface

Customizing the Tools

Delving Deeper into Customization

Programming AutoCAD

The AutoCAD Programming Interfaces

Using Custom Programs

Introducing AutoLISP

Visual Basic for AutoCAD

Index

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