AutoCAD 2014 For Dummies

3

A Lap around the CAD Track

In This Chapter

Setting up a simple drawing

Drawing some objects

Zooming and panning in a drawing

Editing some objects

Plotting a drawing

Chapters 1 and 2 introduce you to the AutoCAD world and to the AutoCAD 2014 interface. Other chapters in this book present the techniques that underlie good drafting practice. By now, you’re probably eager to start moving the cursor around and drawing something. This chapter leads you on a gentle tour of the most common CAD drafting functions, including setting up a new drawing, drawing and editing objects, zooming and panning the view, and plotting (or printing) a drawing. We don’t go into full detail about every option of every command, but we give you a feel for what it can do. Go ahead and slam the tires, and don’t worry about putting a dent in the doors!

In this chapter, you create a drawing of an architectural detail of a base plate and column. Even if you don’t work in architecture or building construction, this ...