book

Mastering AutoCAD

by Shaun Bryant

February 2025

Intermediate to advanced

458 pages

10h 45m

English

Packt Publishing

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Who this book is forWhat this book coversTo get the most out of this bookDownload the exercise (DWG) filesConventions usedGet in touchShare Your ThoughtsFree Benefits with Your Book
Technical requirementsIntroducing the default AutoCAD interface settingsUnderstanding the AutoCAD ribbon settingsUsing sticky panelsUsing the QAT effectivelyCustomizing the QATOther QAT settingsIntroducing the CUI commandSummaryExercise
Technical requirementsExercise filesUsing workspaces effectivelyChoosing the right default workspaceCreating your own AutoCAD workspaceSaving AutoCAD interface changes to a custom workspaceRemoving a redundant workspace from the AutoCAD CUISummary
Exercise filesWorking with file tabsWorking with the Model and Layout tabsUtilizing the drafting settings on the status barThe AutoCAD ViewCubeThe AutoCAD navigation barNavigation WheelsReal-time PanZoomOrbit (flyout)3DconnexionShowMotionSummary
Exercise filesSelecting objects using selection cyclingUtilizing 3D object snaps when 3D modelingWorking with ISODRAFT settings to create isometric viewsChanging units via the status barWorking with annotation scale to improve drawing legibilitySummary

Technical requirementsExercise filesMeasuring angles accurately with Polar Tracking (POLAR)Locking the cursor orthogonally with ORTHOMODEUsing Object Snap Tracking (AUTOSNAP) to draw efficiently with multiple OsnapsDrawing accurately and effectively with Object Snaps (OSNAP) and snap overridesFinding the Geometric CenterWorking with Snap OverridesSummary
Exercise filesUsing Noun/verb selection for quick and easy object selectionCalculating lengths and angles with Quick Measure and DistanceAdding and subtracting areas using the Area toolMeasuring precise angles with the Angle toolRefining drawings using the Modify panelSummary
Exercise fileCreating text styles to manage text sizes and fontsManaging dimension annotation with dimension stylesSetting up specific leader stylesWorking with accurate table stylesSummary
Exercise filesSetting up viewports and varying viewport scalesWorking with annotation scales in the Model tabAdding and deleting object annotation scalesSummary
Exercise fileBringing blocks and dynamic blocks into drawingsAdding a regular door blockAdding a dynamic Door blockUsing the Clipboard to create a new block library drawingAdding the block library to the Blocks paletteCreating a new block library tool paletteSummary
Exercise fileDefining attributes within a blockEditing attributes in a block using Enhanced Attribute EditorUsing Block Attribute Manager (BATTMAN)Summary
Exercise fileCreating the regular door blockAdding a vertical flip to the doorAdding a horizontal flip to the doorTesting the new dynamic block in the drawingSummary
Exercise fileCreating the washbasin block drawingAdding the front blockAdding the top and side blocksAdding the necessary blocks for each viewAdding visibility states in a dynamic blockSetting up the first visibility stateAdding two more visibility statesUsing the new dynamic block with visibility statesSummary
Exercise file and requirementsUsing the Share Drawing toolWorking with shared drawings in AutoCAD WebUsing the Shared Views paletteWorking with shared views in the Autodesk ViewerSummary
Exercise filesComparing drawings with DWG CompareWorking with drawing comparisons generated with DWG CompareComparing drawings with Xref CompareWorking with reference file comparisons generated with Xref CompareSummary
Exercise fileSaving DWG files to the cloud from the AutoCAD desktopUsing the Drawing History toolOpening and working with drawings in the AutoCAD web applicationOpening and working with drawings in the AutoCAD mobile applicationUsing drawings updated in AutoCAD Web or the AutoCAD mobile applicationSummary
Exercise filesUsing traces with AutoCAD desktopUsing traces in the AutoCAD mobile applicationUsing traces in AutoCAD WebReviewing traces in the AutoCAD desktop appSummary
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Overview

Mastering AutoCAD focuses on advanced methods and tools available to AutoCAD users, including an introduction to AutoCAD Web and Trace. This book offers practical solutions for improving your AutoCAD proficiency and explores efficient workflows to optimize your design work.

What this Book will help me do

Advanced knowledge of AutoCAD, including workflows and hidden features.
Competency in customizing AutoCAD workspaces and user interfaces.
In-depth understanding of AutoCAD commands and creating dynamic blocks.
Skills to integrate AutoCAD Web for collaborative workflows.
Confidence in preparing for and achieving Autodesk AutoCAD certification.

Author(s)

Shaun Bryant is a Platinum-level Autodesk Certified Instructor with over 30 years of experience in the industry. He has an approachable way of teaching AutoCAD by utilizing both advanced methodologies and practical techniques. Shaun's wealth of experience comes from years of hands-on work in design and AutoCAD consultancy.

Who is it for?

This book is perfect for AutoCAD users who wish to advance their skills to the next level. Ideally, readers already have foundational knowledge of AutoCAD workflows. Users aiming for Autodesk AutoCAD certification would find this guide invaluable. Engineers, architects, and designers can all benefit greatly.