AutoCAD® 2009 & AutoCAD LT® 2009 All-in-One Desk Reference for Dummies®

Chapter 1. Introducing the Third Dimension

This book of the AutoCAD 2009 & AutoCAD LT 2009 All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies takes you on a journey to a whole new dimension. I'm talking about not traveling through space or time, but rather giving your drawing some depth or height based on how you look at it. AutoCAD is a powerful 2D drafting tool, but it also sports a nice set of tools for 3D modeling. AutoCAD LT, unlike its older counterpart, has limited 3D drafting, visualization, and viewing capabilities. Most of what is discussed in the chapters of this minibook is geared toward only AutoCAD; but some things apply to AutoCAD LT, and I point those out to you along the way.

Most drafters think and feel most comfortable when drafting in 2D; this makes 3D modeling seem foreign and often more difficult than it really is. 3D modeling is not all that difficult — much of what was covered in previous minibooks applies to 3D drafting.

AutoCAD allows you to create three types of 3D models: wireframe, solid, and surface. AutoCAD LT is capable of creating and editing only wireframe models, but you can use it to view solid and surface models.

Throughout the chapters in this minibook, you see how to select points above the x,y coordinate plane, and how to adjust and manipulate the coordinate system to more easily use drafting commands. After you have mastered selecting points in the drawing and working with the coordinate system, I take you on a tour of some of the navigation and viewing ...