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

Chapter 2. Using the 3D Environment

Chapter 1 of this minibook covers the three types of 3D models you can create with AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT, as well as how to enter coordinates above the xy (or working) plane in the z direction. This chapter helps you get a grasp of the 3D environment in AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT. I take a look at some of the key settings and features that help you work efficiently with 3D models. Some of these settings are for getting the most out of your computer investment by enabling hardware acceleration if it is available. You can also change other settings to control the appearance of the grid, the background color, and more in the drawing window.

One of the keys to becoming an efficient drafter with AutoCAD is to understand what the UCS icon is indicating, and in 3D drafting that is no different. The UCS icon provides you with information on which way is up or down in your model, and the direction of the x, y, and z axes. You can also modify the coordinate system to draw 2D objects on a different plane. 2D objects are always drawn on the xy (or working) plane, so by changing the direction or elevation of the plane you can draw 2D objects on a new plane.

Setting Up AutoCAD for 3D

AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT offer various display, hardware, and drafting options that all play different roles when working with 3D. Properly configuring and understanding all these options can make modeling easier. Because AutoCAD LT doesn't support the creation of surface and solid models, ...