book

AutoCAD® 2011 & AutoCAD LT® 2011 Bible

Name: AutoCAD® 2011 & AutoCAD LT® 2011 Bible
Author: Ellen Finkelstein
ISBN: 9780470608234

by Ellen Finkelstein

June 2010

Intermediate to advanced

1332 pages

33h 58m

English

Wiley

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Copyright
About the Author
Credits
Foreword
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Is This Book for You?If you are a new AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT userIf you are upgrading to AutoCAD 2011 or AutoCAD LT 2011If you are switching from another CAD programHow This Book Is OrganizedPart I: AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT BasicsPart II: Drawing in Two DimensionsPart III: Working with DataPart IV: Drawing in Three DimensionsPart V: Organizing and Managing DrawingsPart VI: Customizing AutoCAD and AutoCAD LTPart VII: Programming AutoCADPart VIII: AppendixesHow to Use This BookAs a tutorialAs a referenceUsing the Kindle versionDoing the ExercisesConventions Used in This BookUsing commandsFiguresPrompts, your input, and instructionsMouse and keyboard termsWhat the Icons MeanAbout the DVDOther InformationContacting the Author
I. AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT Basics
QS. Drawing a Window
QS.1. Summary
1. Starting to Draw
1.1. AutoCAD's Advantages1.2. Comparing AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT1.3. Starting AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT1.4. Creating a New Drawing1.5. Using the AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT Interface1.5.1. The drawing area1.5.1.1. The UCS icon1.5.1.2. The crosshairs1.5.2. The Ribbon and Quick Access Toolbar1.5.3. Using the Application menu1.5.4. The command line and dynamic input tooltip1.5.5. The status bar1.6. Creating a New Folder1.7. Using the Interface1.8. Saving a Drawing1.9. Closing a Drawing and Exiting from AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT1.10. Summary
2. Opening a Drawing
2.1. Creating a New Drawing from a Template2.2. Working with Templates2.2.1. Customizing the default template2.2.2. Creating your own templates2.3. Creating a Drawing with Default Settings2.4. Opening an Existing Drawing2.4.1. Using other ways to open drawings2.4.2. Switching among open drawings2.5. Saving a Drawing under a New Name2.6. Summary

3. Using Commands
3.1. The AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT Interface3.1.1. Using the Ribbon3.1.2. Using menus3.1.3. Using shortcut menus3.1.4. Using dialog boxes3.1.5. Using the Quick Access Toolbar3.1.6. Using palettes3.1.7. Tool palettes3.2. The Command Line and Dynamic Input3.2.1. Using Dynamic Input3.2.2. Understanding command names3.2.3. Responding to commands3.3. Command Techniques3.3.1. Repeating commands3.3.2. Using recent input3.3.3. Canceling commands3.3.4. Undoing a command3.3.5. Redoing a command3.3.6. Using one command within another command3.4. Of Mice and Pucks3.5. Getting Help3.5.1. Getting help on a command3.5.2. Finding help with Quick start links3.5.3. Using the main Help system3.5.3.1. The Help content3.5.3.2. The Index3.5.3.3. The Search feature3.5.4. Working with Help pages3.5.5. Using the InfoCenter3.5.5.1. Search Help3.5.5.2. The Subscription Center3.5.5.3. The Communication Center3.5.5.4. Favorites3.6. Summary
4. Specifying Coordinates
4.1. Understanding the X,Y Coordinate System4.1.1. Drawing units4.1.2. Typing Coordinates4.1.3. Using the Dynamic Input tooltip to enter coordinates4.1.3.1. Typing coordinates in the Dynamic Input tooltip4.1.3.2. Specifying Dynamic Input settings4.1.3.2.1. Pointer Input section4.1.3.2.2. Dimension Input section4.1.3.2.3. Dynamic prompts section4.1.3.3. Overriding Dynamic Input settings4.1.4. Absolute Cartesian coordinates4.1.5. Relative Cartesian coordinates4.1.6. Polar coordinates4.1.7. Direct distance entry4.1.8. Orthogonal mode4.1.9. Polar tracking4.1.9.1. Setting polar tracking angles4.1.9.2. Using polar tracking4.2. Displaying Coordinates4.3. Picking Coordinates on the Screen4.3.1. Using Snap settings4.3.1.1. Snapping to a grid4.3.1.2. Snapping at polar angles4.3.1.3. Viewing with the grid4.3.2. Using Object snaps4.3.3. Running object snaps and Object Snap mode4.4. Overriding Coordinate Settings4.5. Locating Points4.5.1. Object snap tracking4.5.2. Using the temporary tracking feature4.5.3. Point filters4.5.4. From feature4.6. Summary
5. Setting Up a Drawing
5.1. Choosing Unit Types5.1.1. Setting the drawing units5.1.2. Setting the angle type5.1.3. Setting the angle measure and direction5.2. Drawing Limits5.3. Understanding Scales5.3.1. Working with scale formats5.3.2. Using annotative scales5.3.3. Customizing the scale list5.3.4. Deciding on a scale and sheet size5.4. Creating a Titleblock5.5. Specifying Common Setup Options5.6. Customizing with the MVSETUP Command and Setup Wizards5.7. Summary
II. Drawing in Two Dimensions
6. Drawing Simple Lines
6.1. Using the LINE Command6.2. Drawing Rectangles6.3. Drawing Polygons6.4. Creating Construction Lines6.5. Creating Rays6.6. Summary
7. Drawing Curves and Points
7.1. Drawing Circles7.1.1. Understanding the circle options7.1.2. Drawing circles7.2. Drawing Arcs7.2.1. Understanding arc options7.2.2. Drawing arcs7.3. Creating Ellipses and Elliptical Arcs7.3.1. Understanding ellipse options7.3.1.1. Creating ellipses7.3.1.2. Creating elliptical arcs7.3.2. Drawing ellipses7.4. Making Donuts7.4.1. Understanding DONUT options7.4.2. Drawing donuts7.5. Placing Points7.5.1. Changing the point style7.5.2. Creating points7.6. Summary
8. Viewing Your Drawing
8.1. Regenerating and Redrawing the Display8.2. Panning8.2.1. Using the PAN command8.2.2. Using the scroll bars8.3. Using the ZOOM Command8.3.1. Understanding ZOOM options8.3.2. Using ZOOM Dynamic8.4. Using the SteeringWheel8.5. Creating Named Views8.5.1. Saving a view8.5.2. Displaying a view8.5.3. Managing named views8.5.4. Creating animated presentations from named views8.5.5. Using named views to manage a drawing8.5.5.1. A drawing with a view8.5.5.2. Partially opening a drawing8.5.5.3. Using named views with sheet sets8.6. Working with Tiled Viewports8.6.1. Configuring tiled viewports8.6.1.1. Creating tiled viewports8.6.1.2. Removing tiled viewports8.6.2. Using tiled viewports8.6.3. Saving and restoring viewport configurations8.7. Using Snap Rotation8.8. Understanding User Coordinate Systems8.8.1. Understanding UCS options8.8.2. Saving and restoring a custom UCS8.8.3. Controlling the UCS icon8.8.4. Using a custom UCS8.9. Creating Isometric Drawings8.9.1. Understanding isometric planes8.9.2. Drawing in Isometric mode8.10. Summary
9. Editing Your Drawing with Basic Tools
9.1. Editing a Drawing9.1.1. Understanding object-selection basics9.1.2. Erasing objects9.1.3. Moving objects9.1.4. Copying objects9.1.5. Copying and moving objects from one drawing to another9.1.6. Rotating objects9.1.7. Scaling objects9.1.8. Using the CHANGE command9.1.8.1. Changing lines9.1.8.2. Changing circles9.2. Selecting Objects9.2.1. Selecting objects after choosing a command9.2.2. Cycling through objects9.2.3. Selecting objects before choosing a command9.2.4. Implied windowing9.2.5. Customizing the selection process9.2.5.1. Pickbox Size9.2.5.2. Selection Preview9.2.5.3. Noun/verb selection9.2.5.4. Use Shift to Add to Selection9.2.5.5. Press and Drag9.2.5.6. Implied windowing9.2.5.7. Object grouping9.2.5.8. Associative Hatch9.3. Summary
10. Editing Your Drawing with Advanced Tools
10.1. Copying and Moving Objects10.1.1. Mirroring objects10.1.2. Using the ARRAY command10.1.2.1. Rectangular arrays10.1.2.2. Polar (circular) arrays10.1.3. Offsetting objects10.1.4. Aligning objects10.1.4.1. Using the ALIGN command10.1.4.2. Using the 3DALIGN command10.2. Resizing commands10.2.1. Trimming objects10.2.2. Extending objects10.2.3. Lengthening objects10.2.4. Stretching objects10.3. Using Construction Commands10.3.1. Breaking objects10.3.2. Joining objects10.3.3. Creating chamfered corners10.3.4. Creating rounded corners10.4. Creating a Revision Cloud10.5. Hiding Objects with a Wipeout10.6. Constraining Objects with Parameters10.6.1. Using geometric constraints10.6.2. Auto-constraining objects10.6.3. Using dimensional constraints10.6.4. Working with the Parameters Manager10.7. Double-Clicking to Edit Objects10.8. Grips10.8.1. Stretching with grips10.8.1.1. Stretching one line10.8.1.2. Stretching multiple lines10.8.2. Moving with grips10.8.3. Rotating with grips10.8.4. Scaling with grips10.8.5. Mirroring with grips10.8.6. Customizing grips10.9. Editing with the Quick Properties Palette and the Properties Palette10.9.1. Using the Quick Properties palette10.9.2. Using the Properties palette10.10. Selection Filters10.10.1. Using Quick Select to select objects10.10.2. Using the FILTER command10.10.2.1. Creating a single filter10.10.2.2. Adding a second filter10.10.3. Naming and editing filters10.10.4. Using filters10.11. Groups10.11.1. Creating and modifying groups in AutoCAD10.11.1.1. Creating a new group10.11.1.2. Changing a group10.11.2. Creating and modifying groups in AutoCAD LT10.11.2.1. Creating a new group10.11.2.2. Changing a group in AutoCAD LT10.11.3. Using groups10.12. Summary
11. Organizing Drawings with Layers and Object Properties
11.1. Working with Layers11.1.1. Understanding layers11.1.2. Creating new layers11.1.2.1. Naming the layer11.1.2.2. Assigning a color11.1.2.3. Assigning a linetype11.1.2.4. Assigning a lineweight11.1.2.5. Assigning a transparency value11.1.3. Using layers11.1.3.1. Switching the current layer11.1.3.2. Changing a layer's state11.1.3.3. Saving layer states11.1.3.4. Changing an existing object's layer11.1.3.5. Making an object's layer current11.1.4. Using special layer tools11.1.5. Modifying layers11.1.5.1. Managing columns11.1.5.2. Filtering the layer list11.1.5.3. Changing a layer's color, linetype, lineweight, and transparency11.1.5.4. Renaming layers11.1.5.5. Deleting layers11.1.5.6. Purging layers and linetypes11.2. Changing Object Color, Linetype, Lineweight, and Transparency11.2.1. Changing an object's color11.2.2. Changing the current color11.2.3. Changing an object's linetype11.2.4. Changing the current linetype11.2.5. Changing an object's lineweight11.2.6. Changing the current lineweight11.2.7. Changing an object's transparency11.2.8. Changing the current transparency11.3. Working with Linetype Scales11.3.1. Changing linetype spacing by using a different linetype11.3.2. Changing linetype spacing by changing the global linetype scale11.3.3. Changing linetype spacing by changing the object linetype scale11.3.3.1. Changing the current object linetype scale11.3.3.2. Changing an existing object's linetype scale11.4. Importing Layers and Linetypes from Other Drawings11.5. Matching Properties11.6. Summary
12. Obtaining Information from Your Drawing
12.1. Drawing-Level Information12.1.1. Listing the status of your drawing12.1.2. Listing system variables12.1.3. Tracking drawing time12.2. Object-Level Information12.2.1. Listing objects12.2.2. Finding coordinates12.2.3. Measuring objects12.2.4. Getting information from the Properties palette12.2.5. Getting information from the Quick Properties panel12.3. Dividing and Spacing Commands12.3.1. Dividing objects12.3.2. Measuring objects12.4. AutoCAD's Calculator12.4.1. Calculating numbers12.4.2. Using coordinates12.4.3. Using object snaps12.4.4. Using the scientific calculator12.4.5. Converting units12.4.6. Working with QuickCalc variables12.4.7. Using QuickCalc in the Properties palette12.5. Summary
13. Creating Text
13.1. Creating Single-Line Text13.1.1. Justifying single-line text13.1.2. Setting the height13.1.3. Setting the rotation angle13.1.4. Adding special characters and formatting13.1.5. Editing single-line text13.1.5.1. Scaling text13.1.5.2. Justifying text13.2. Understanding Text Styles13.2.1. Creating a new text style13.2.1.1. Font13.2.1.2. Size13.2.1.3. Effects13.2.2. Renaming and deleting text styles13.2.3. Modifying a text style13.2.4. Making a style current or changing a text object's style13.2.5. Importing a text style13.3. Creating Multiline Text13.3.1. Using the In-Place Text Editor13.3.1.1. Specifying and changing line spacing13.3.1.2. Specifying width and rotation13.3.2. Creating text for different scales13.3.3. Editing paragraph text13.3.4. Importing text13.4. Creating Tables13.4.1. Inserting a table13.4.2. Specifying a table style13.4.2.1. General properties13.4.2.2. Text properties13.4.2.3. Border properties13.4.2.4. Completing the table style13.4.3. Adding data to a table13.4.3.1. Entering data into a table13.4.3.2. Linking to external data13.4.3.3. Extracting data from drawing objects13.4.4. Modifying a table13.4.4.1. Changing the text13.4.4.2. Changing table properties13.4.4.3. Changing cell properties13.4.4.4. Breaking a table into sections13.5. Inserting Fields13.5.1. Creating fields13.5.2. Editing and updating fields13.6. Managing Text13.6.1. Using Quicktext13.6.2. Using AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT fonts13.6.3. Turning off text layers13.6.4. Using MIRRTEXT13.7. Finding Text in Your Drawing13.8. Checking Your Spelling13.9. Summary
14. Drawing Dimensions
14.1. Working with Dimensions14.1.1. The elements of a dimension14.1.2. Preparing to dimension14.2. Drawing Linear Dimensions14.2.1. Specifying the dimensioned object14.2.2. Using dimension options14.2.2.1. MText14.2.2.2. Text14.2.2.3. Angle14.2.2.4. Horizontal/Vertical14.2.2.5. Rotated14.2.3. Creating jogged dimension lines14.3. Drawing Aligned Dimensions14.3.1. Specifying the dimensioned object14.3.2. Using the options14.4. Creating Baseline and Continued Dimensions14.4.1. Drawing baseline dimensions14.4.2. Drawing continued dimensions14.5. Dimensioning Arcs and Circles14.5.1. Marking arc and circle centers14.5.2. Dimensioning arc lengths14.5.3. Creating radial dimensions14.5.4. Creating diameter dimensions14.6. Dimensioning Angles14.7. Creating Ordinate Dimensions14.8. Drawing Leaders14.8.1. Creating a multileader14.8.2. Editing multileaders14.8.3. Creating a multileader style14.8.4. Aligning and combining leaders14.9. Using Quick Dimension14.10. Creating Inspection Dimensions14.11. Creating Geometric Tolerances14.11.1. Starting the tolerance frame14.11.2. Inserting the tolerance frame14.11.3. Editing a tolerance frame14.12. Editing Dimensions14.12.1. Editing associativity14.12.1.1. DIMREASSOCIATE14.12.1.2. DIMDISASSOCIATE14.12.1.3. DIMREGEN14.12.2. Using the DIMEDIT command14.12.3. Using the DIMTEDIT command14.12.4. Flipping dimension arrows14.12.5. Editing dimension text14.12.6. Using the Properties palette to edit dimensions14.12.7. Changing annotative scales14.12.8. Spacing dimensions equally apart14.12.9. Breaking dimensions14.12.10. Using Quick Dimension to edit dimensions14.12.11. Using grips to edit dimensions14.12.12. Editing objects and dimensions together14.13. Summary
15. Creating Dimension Styles
15.1. Understanding Dimension Styles15.2. Defining a New Dimension Style15.2.1. Managing dimension lines15.2.1.1. Dimension lines15.2.1.2. Extension lines15.2.2. Defining symbols and arrows15.2.2.1. Defining arrowheads15.2.2.2. Defining symbols15.2.3. Managing dimension text15.2.3.1. Text appearance15.2.3.2. Text placement15.2.3.3. Text alignment15.2.4. Fitting dimensions into tight spaces15.2.4.1. Fit Options15.2.4.2. Text Placement15.2.4.3. Scale for Dimension Features15.2.5. Defining primary units15.2.5.1. Linear Dimensions15.2.5.2. Angular Dimensions15.2.6. Defining alternate units15.2.7. Formatting tolerances15.3. Changing Dimension Styles15.3.1. Choosing a new current dimension style15.3.2. Creating a variant of a dimension style15.3.3. Modifying a dimension to use a new dimension style15.3.4. Modifying dimension styles15.3.5. Overriding a dimension style15.3.6. Updating dimensions15.3.7. Comparing dimension styles15.3.8. Copying dimension styles from other drawings15.4. Summary
16. Drawing Complex Objects
16.1. Creating and Editing Polylines16.1.1. Using the PLINE command16.1.2. Editing polylines with the PEDIT command16.1.3. Grip editing polylines16.1.4. Editing polylines with the Properties palette or Quick Properties palette16.2. Drawing and Editing Splines16.2.1. Understanding splines16.2.2. Creating splines16.2.2.1. Drawing a spline with the Fit method16.2.2.2. Drawing a spline with the Control Vertices method16.2.3. Editing splines16.3. Creating Regions16.4. Creating Boundaries16.5. Creating Hatches16.5.1. Understanding hatch patterns16.5.2. Defining a hatch16.5.2.1. Specifying the hatch type and pattern16.5.2.2. Setting the hatch angle and scale16.5.2.3. Setting hatch properties16.5.2.4. Setting the hatch origin16.5.3. Determining the hatch boundary16.5.4. Managing Islands16.5.5. Dragging and dropping hatch patterns16.5.6. Creating gradient fills16.5.7. Editing hatches16.5.8. Using the SOLID command16.6. Creating and Editing Multilines16.6.1. Creating a multiline style16.6.1.1. Defining multiline style properties16.6.1.2. Saving a new multiline style16.6.1.3. Loading a multiline style16.6.2. Drawing multilines16.6.3. Editing multilines16.7. Creating Dlines in AutoCAD LT16.8. Using the SKETCH Command16.9. Digitizing Drawings with the TABLET Command16.10. Summary
17. Plotting and Printing Your Drawing
17.1. Preparing a Drawing for Plotting or Printing17.1.1. Doing a draft plot17.1.2. Plotting a drawing from model space17.2. Creating a Layout in Paper Space17.2.1. Entering paper space17.2.2. Using the Layout Wizard17.2.3. Laying out a drawing in paper space on your own17.2.3.1. Managing layouts17.2.3.2. Using the Page Setup Manager17.2.3.3. Preparing layers17.2.3.4. Inserting a titleblock17.2.3.5. Creating floating viewports17.2.3.6. Returning to model space while on a layout17.2.3.7. Setting viewport scale17.2.3.8. Locking the viewport17.2.3.9. Setting viewport size, placement, and display17.2.3.10. Controlling scale for noncontinuous linetypes17.2.3.11. Setting layer visibility and properties within a viewport17.2.3.12. Setting hidden and shaded views for viewports17.2.4. Annotating a layout17.2.4.1. Using annotation objects on a layout17.2.4.2. Adding text and dimensions in paper space17.2.4.3. Export a layout to model space of a new drawing17.2.5. Saving a layout template17.3. Working with Plot Styles17.3.1. Setting the plot-style mode17.3.2. Creating a plot-style table17.3.2.1. Creating a named plot-style table17.3.2.2. Editing a plot-style table17.3.3. Attaching a plot-style table to a layout17.3.4. Setting the plot-style property for a layer or object17.4. Plotting a Drawing17.4.1. Specifying plot settings17.4.2. Previewing your plot17.4.3. Creating a plot stamp17.4.4. Creating the plot17.5. Summary
III. Working with Data
18. Working with Blocks and Attributes
18.1. Combining Objects into Blocks18.1.1. Understanding base points and insertion points18.1.2. Creating a block18.1.3. Saving blocks as files18.1.4. Replacing an existing file18.2. Inserting Blocks and Files into Drawings18.2.1. Using the Insert dialog box18.2.2. Using the DesignCenter18.3. Managing Blocks18.3.1. Working with layers18.3.2. Exploding blocks18.3.3. Using the XPLODE command18.3.4. Redefining a block18.3.5. Editing blocks18.3.5.1. Using the Block Editor to edit blocks18.3.5.2. Editing blocks with grips18.3.5.3. Updating blocks18.3.5.4. Substituting blocks18.4. Creating and Using Dynamic Blocks18.4.1. Understanding action-based parameters18.4.2. Understanding the work flow of dynamic blocks18.4.3. Defining a dynamic block with action-based parameters18.4.3.1. Adding a parameter18.4.3.2. Adding an action18.4.3.3. Adding visibility parameters18.4.3.4. Adding lookup parameters and actions18.4.3.5. Using parameter sets18.4.4. Using parametric constraints18.4.4.1. Creating a Block Table18.4.4.2. Saving and testing dynamic blocks18.4.5. Inserting and using dynamic blocks18.5. Using Windows Features to Copy Data18.5.1. Manipulating objects with the Windows Clipboard18.5.2. Using drag-and-drop18.6. Working with Attributes18.6.1. Creating attribute definitions18.6.1.1. Mode section18.6.1.2. Attribute section18.6.1.3. Text Settings section18.6.1.4. Insertion Point section18.6.1.5. Creating the block18.6.2. Inserting blocks with attributes18.6.3. Editing attributes18.6.3.1. Editing attribute properties with the BATTMAN command18.6.3.2. Editing attribute properties with the ATTEDIT command18.6.3.3. Making global changes in attributes18.6.3.4. Redefining attributes18.6.4. Extracting a database from attributes18.7. Summary
19. Referencing Other Drawings
19.1. Understanding External References19.1.1. Attaching an external reference19.1.2. Opening an xref19.1.3. Using the External References palette19.2. Editing an Xref within Your Drawing19.2.1. Choosing the xref or block to edit19.2.2. Editing the xref19.3. Controlling Xref Display19.3.1. Xrefs and dependent symbols19.3.1.1. Xrefs and layers19.3.1.2. The XBIND command19.3.2. Circular references19.3.3. Clipping xrefs19.3.4. Speeding up the display of large xrefs19.3.4.1. Demand loading19.3.4.2. Spatial indexes19.3.4.3. Layer indexes19.4. Managing Xrefs19.4.1. Xref notification19.4.2. DesignCenter19.4.3. The xref log file19.5. Working with DWF, DGN, and PDF Underlays19.5.1. Attaching a DWF underlay19.5.2. Attaching a DGN underlay19.5.3. Attaching a PDF underlay19.5.4. Modifying an underlay19.5.4.1. Adjusting the appearance of an underlay19.5.4.2. Clipping an underlay19.5.4.3. Displaying the frame of an underlay19.5.4.4. Using object snaps with underlays19.5.4.5. Control the layers of an underlay19.6. Summary
20. Working with External Databases
20.1. Understanding External Database Access20.2. Preparing for Database Connectivity20.2.1. Organizing the database structure20.2.2. Configuring a data source20.3. Connecting to Your Database20.3.1. Connecting a database to a drawing20.3.2. Opening a data table20.3.3. Editing data in the Data View window20.4. Linking Data to Drawing Objects20.4.1. Creating a link template20.4.2. Creating a link20.4.2.1. Viewing linked objects and rows20.4.2.2. Editing links20.4.2.3. Exporting link information20.5. Creating Labels20.5.1. Creating label templates20.5.2. Creating attached labels20.5.3. Creating freestanding labels20.6. Querying with the Query Editor20.6.1. Using the Quick Query tab20.6.2. Using the Range Query tab20.6.3. Using the Query Builder tab20.6.3.1. Building a query with multiple criteria20.6.3.2. Specifying fields and sorting20.6.4. Using the SQL Query tab20.6.5. Creating selection sets with Link Select20.7. Working with Query Files20.7.1. Storing queries20.7.2. Importing and exporting queries20.8. Summary
IV. Drawing in Three Dimensions
21. Specifying 3D Coordinates
21.1. Working in a 3D Environment21.2. Using 3D Coordinates21.2.1. Absolute and relative Cartesian coordinates in 3D21.2.2. Cylindrical and spherical coordinates21.2.3. Using editing commands with 3D wireframes21.2.4. Using point filters, object snaps, object tracking, and grips in 3D21.2.4.1. Point filters21.2.4.2. Object snaps21.2.4.3. Object tracking21.2.4.4. Grips21.2.5. Creating 3D polylines21.2.6. Creating helixes21.2.7. Using point clouds21.3. Using Elevation and Thickness21.3.1. Creating surfaces with thickness21.3.2. Using the HIDE command21.3.3. Controlling the display of hidden lines and objects21.3.4. Adding elevation to objects21.4. Working with the User Coordinate System21.4.1. Using the UCS icon21.4.1.1. UCSs and viewpoints21.4.2. Using UCS options to change the UCS21.4.3. Changing the UCS dynamically21.5. Summary
22. Viewing 3D Drawings
22.1. Working with the Standard Viewpoints22.1.1. Using the VPOINT command22.1.2. Looking at a drawing from the standard viewpoints22.1.3. Using DDVPOINT22.2. Using the ViewCube to View Your Drawing22.3. Creating a Named View with a Camera22.3.1. Creating a camera22.3.2. Editing a camera22.3.3. Adding a Background to a Named View22.3.4. Working with the Tripod and Compass22.3.5. Displaying a Quick Plan View22.4. Displaying Parallel and Perspective Projections22.5. Using 3D Orbit22.5.1. Starting 3D Orbit22.5.2. Navigating with 3D Orbit22.5.2.1. Using the 3D Orbit visual aids22.5.2.2. Creating a continuous orbit22.5.2.3. Resetting the view22.5.3. Refining your 3D Orbit view22.5.3.1. Panning in 3D Orbit22.5.3.2. Zooming in 3D Orbit22.5.3.3. Using Zoom options in 3D Orbit22.5.3.4. Adjusting the camera distance22.5.3.5. Controlling view properties22.5.3.6. Creating parallel and perspective views22.5.3.7. Using a preset view22.6. Using ShowMotion to Cycle Through Views22.6.1. Creating shots22.6.2. Displaying shots22.7. Walking through a Model22.7.1. Navigating in Walk mode22.7.2. Specifying Walk mode settings22.7.3. Flying through a model22.7.4. Saving the walk as a movie file22.7.5. Using a motion path to save a movie file22.8. Navigating with the Wheel22.9. Using DVIEW to Create a Perspective View22.9.1. Using DVIEW22.9.2. Understanding the DVIEW options22.10. Working with Visual Styles22.10.1. Displaying visual styles in AutoCAD22.10.2. Creating custom visual styles22.10.3. Using the shading options in AutoCAD LT22.10.4. Display materials, textures, and lights as you work22.11. Laying Out 3D Drawings22.11.1. Using SOLVIEW to lay out paper space viewports22.11.2. Using SOLDRAW to create hidden lines and hatching22.11.3. Using SOLPROF to create profiles22.11.4. Flattening 3D drawings22.12. Printing in 3D22.13. Summary
23. Creating 3D Surfaces
23.1. Drawing Surfaces with 3DFACE23.1.1. Using the 3DFACE command23.1.2. Making 3D face edges invisible23.1.2.1. Controlling visibility during 3D face creation23.1.2.2. Using the EDGE command23.1.2.3. Using the SPLFRAME system variable23.2. Drawing Surfaces with PFACE23.3. Creating Polygon Meshes with 3DMESH23.3.1. Using the 3DMESH command23.3.2. Using the 3D command23.4. Drawing Procedural and NURBS Surfaces23.5. Creating Plane Surfaces23.5.1. Revolved Surfaces23.5.2. Using the REVSURF command23.5.3. Using the REVOLVE command23.6. Drawing an Extruded Surface23.6.1. Working with the TABSURF command23.6.2. Working with the EXTRUDE command23.6.3. Sweeping objects along a path23.7. Drawing Surfaces Between Objects23.7.1. Creating ruled surfaces23.7.2. Lofting objects23.7.3. Using the EDGESURF command23.7.4. Using the SURFNETWORK command23.7.5. Connecting surfaces with the SURFBLEND command23.7.6. Patching holes with the SURFPATCH command23.8. Editing and Analyzing Surfaces23.8.1. Creating surfaces with the SURFOFFSET command23.8.2. Trimming and extending surfaces23.8.3. Filleting surfaces with the SURFFILLET command23.8.4. Projecting objects onto surfaces23.8.5. Analyzing surfaces23.9. Working with Multiple Types of Objects23.9.1. Converting 2D objects to surfaces23.9.2. Converting meshes to smooth surfaces23.9.3. Thickening a surface into a solid23.9.4. Sculpting surfaces to create a solid23.9.5. Extracting edges from a surface or a region23.10. Summary
24. Creating Solids and Editing in 3D
24.1. Drawing Basic Smooth Solids24.1.1. Drawing a box24.1.2. Drawing a wedge24.1.3. Drawing a cone24.1.4. Drawing a sphere24.1.5. Drawing a cylinder24.1.6. Drawing a torus24.1.7. Drawing a pyramid24.2. Creating Extruded Solids24.2.1. Managing objects used to make other objects24.2.2. Using the EXTRUDE command24.3. Drawing Swept Solids24.4. Drawing Revolved Solids24.5. Drawing Lofted Solids24.6. Drawing Polyline-Like Solids24.7. Manipulating Solids24.7.1. Grip-editing solids24.7.2. Selecting sub-objects24.7.3. Moving, rotating, and scaling with the gizmos24.7.3.1. Using the Move gizmo and the 3DMOVE command24.7.3.2. Using the Rotate gizmo and the 3DROTATE command24.7.3.3. Using the Scale gizmo and the 3DSCALE command24.8. Working with Mesh Shapes24.8.1. Creating meshes24.8.2. Editing meshes24.8.2.1. Using grips and gizmos to edit meshes24.8.2.2. Adjusting mesh smoothness24.8.2.3. Refining a mesh24.8.2.4. Extruding a face24.8.2.5. Splitting a face24.8.2.6. Creasing a mesh24.8.3. Converting solids and meshes24.8.3.1. Converting smooth solids and surfaces to meshes24.8.3.2. Converting meshes to smooth solids24.9. Creating Complex Solids24.9.1. Combining solids24.9.2. Subtracting solids24.9.3. Creating a solid from the intersection of two solids24.9.4. Creating a solid from surfaces that enclose a volume24.9.5. Creating a new solid by using INTERFERE24.9.6. Pressing or pulling a region24.9.7. Using solid history24.10. Sectioning and Slicing Solids24.10.1. Using the SECTION command24.10.2. Creating an interactive section object24.10.3. Using the SLICE command24.11. Using Editing Commands in 3D24.11.1. Mirroring in 3D24.11.2. Arraying in 3D24.11.2.1. Creating 3D rectangular arrays24.11.2.2. Creating 3D polar arrays24.11.3. Rotating in 3D24.11.4. Aligning in 3D24.11.5. Trimming and extending in 3D24.11.6. Filleting in 3D24.11.7. Chamfering in 3D24.11.8. Exploding and converting 3D objects24.12. Using the SOLIDEDIT Command24.12.1. Editing faces24.12.1.1. Extruding faces24.12.1.2. Moving faces24.12.1.3. Offsetting faces24.12.1.4. Deleting faces24.12.1.5. Rotating faces24.12.1.6. Tapering faces24.12.1.7. Copying faces24.12.1.8. Coloring faces24.12.1.9. Attaching a material to a face24.12.2. Editing edges24.12.3. Editing bodies24.12.3.1. Imprinting solids24.12.3.2. Cleaning solids24.12.3.3. Separating solids24.12.3.4. Shelling solids24.12.3.5. Checking solids24.13. Listing Solid Properties24.14. Summary
25. Rendering in 3D
25.1. Understanding Rendering25.1.1. Learning the steps25.1.2. Doing a default rendering25.2. Creating Lights25.2.1. Setting the default light25.2.2. Creating a point light25.2.2.1. Name25.2.2.2. Intensity/Intensity factor25.2.2.3. Status25.2.2.4. Photometry25.2.2.5. Shadow25.2.2.6. Attenuation25.2.2.7. Color/Filter Color25.2.3. Creating a target point light25.2.4. Creating a spotlight25.2.5. Creating a Free spotlight25.2.6. Creating a distant light25.2.7. Simulating the sun25.2.7.1. Set the geographic location25.2.7.2. Set sun properties25.2.8. Managing lights25.3. Working with Materials25.3.1. Attaching a material from the Materials Browser25.3.2. Using the Materials Editor palette25.3.3. Creating your own materials25.3.3.1. Choose a material type25.3.3.2. Choose a material color25.3.3.3. Choose an image or procedural-based texture25.3.3.4. Choosing properties specific to the material template25.3.3.5. Adding other characteristics to a material25.3.3.6. Adjusting the mapping25.3.4. Attaching and removing materials25.3.5. Using backgrounds25.4. Doing the Final Render25.4.1. Statistics25.4.2. Saving rendered images25.5. Summary
V. Organizing and Managing Drawings
26. Keeping Control of Your Drawings
26.1. Accessing Drawing Components with the DesignCenter26.1.1. Navigating with the DesignCenter26.1.1.1. Finding named components and drawings26.1.1.2. Using the Favorites folder26.1.2. Accessing named drawing components26.1.2.1. Inserting drawings26.1.2.2. Opening drawings26.1.2.3. Inserting blocks26.1.2.4. Inserting raster images26.1.2.5. Attaching an xref26.1.2.6. Inserting layers and styles26.1.3. Controlling the DesignCenter display26.2. Accessing Drawing Content with Tool Palettes26.2.1. Creating a new tool palette26.2.2. Adding content tools26.2.3. Adding command tools26.2.3.1. Dragging objects from your drawing26.2.3.2. Adding commands26.2.4. Copying a tool26.2.5. Setting tool properties26.2.5.1. Adjusting the scale of inserted content26.2.5.2. Moving, deleting, and renaming tools and tool palettes26.2.5.3. Updating tools26.2.5.4. Setting tool palette options26.2.6. Organizing tool palettes26.2.7. Using a tool palette26.3. Setting Standards for Drawings26.3.1. Using the CAD Standards tools26.3.1.1. Creating a standards file26.3.1.2. Associating a standards file with a drawing26.3.1.3. Checking a drawing against standards26.3.1.4. Specifying CAD standards settings26.3.2. Using layer notification26.3.3. Translating layers26.3.3.1. Setting up the layer mapping26.3.3.2. Managing layer translations26.3.4. The Communication Center26.3.5. Renaming named objects26.4. Working with Sheet Sets26.4.1. Understanding sheet sets26.4.2. Creating a sheet set26.4.2.1. Setting properties26.4.2.2. Creating subsets26.4.3. Setting up sheet set references26.4.3.1. Configuring titleblock text26.4.3.2. Configuring label and callout blocks26.4.3.3. Adding and managing sheets26.4.4. Using a sheet set26.4.4.1. Creating viewports from named views26.4.4.2. Inserting callout blocks26.4.4.3. Plotting and publishing26.4.4.4. Archiving and eTransmitting sheet sets26.4.4.5. Creating a list of sheets26.5. Organizing Your Drawings26.5.1. Archiving drawings26.5.2. Finding drawings26.5.3. Specifying drawing properties26.6. Maintaining Security26.6.1. Password protection26.6.2. Digital signatures26.7. Keeping Track of Referenced Files26.8. Handling Errors and Crashes26.8.1. Taking care of temporary files26.8.2. Repairing corrupted drawing files26.8.3. Using backup drawings26.8.4. Recovering from a crash26.9. Managing Drawings from Prior Releases26.10. Summary
27. Working with Other Applications
27.1. Importing and Exporting Other File Formats27.1.1. Exporting drawings27.1.1.1. Exporting to DXF format27.1.1.2. Exporting to DGN format27.1.1.3. Exporting to PDF format27.1.1.4. Exporting to other file formats27.1.1.5. Controlling the display of exported WMF files27.1.2. Importing files27.1.2.1. Importing a DGN file27.1.2.2. Inserting a DXF file27.2. Working with Raster Images27.2.1. Attaching images27.2.2. Managing images27.2.3. Clipping images27.2.4. Controlling image display27.2.4.1. Image display27.2.4.2. Image quality27.2.4.3. Image transparency27.2.4.4. Image frame27.2.4.5. Draw order27.3. Pasting, Linking, and Embedding Objects27.3.1. Embedding objects into a drawing27.3.2. Using Paste Special27.3.2.1. Pasting data into your drawing27.3.2.2. Pasting drawing objects into another application27.3.3. Linking data27.4. Summary
28. Creating Electronic Output
28.1. Sending Drawings28.1.1. Using eTransmit28.1.2. Specifying transmittal settings28.2. Opening Drawings from the Web28.2.1. Using the Browse the Web – Open dialog box28.2.2. Using i-drop to drag objects into a drawing28.3. Creating Object Hyperlinks28.3.1. Creating a hyperlink28.3.2. Using a hyperlink28.3.3. Editing a hyperlink28.4. Publishing Drawings28.4.1. Understanding DWF and DWFx files28.4.2. Creating 2D DWF and DWFx files28.4.2.1. Starting the PUBLISH command28.4.2.2. Adding drawings to the drawing list28.4.2.3. Removing model space or layout tabs from the drawing list28.4.2.4. Editing the drawing list28.4.2.5. Defining the output28.4.2.6. Setting publish options28.4.2.7. Publishing28.4.2.8. Creating DWF files from other applications28.4.2.9. Auto-publishing28.4.3. Creating 3D DWF and DWFx files28.4.4. Using the Publish to Web Wizard28.4.5. Posting DWF and DWFx files directly28.4.6. Editing Web pages28.4.7. Viewing DWF and DWFx drawings28.4.7.1. Using view options28.4.7.2. Printing and plotting28.5. Summary
VI. Customizing AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT
29. Customizing Commands, Toolbars, and Tool Palettes
29.1. Working with Customizable Files29.1.1. Editing customizable files29.1.2. Backing up customizable files29.1.3. Using the command-line form of commands29.1.4. Documenting your files29.2. Creating Shortcuts for Commands29.2.1. Creating shortcuts to Windows programs29.2.2. Creating keyboard shortcuts to commands29.3. Customizing Toolbars29.3.1. Customizing classic toolbars29.3.2. Removing buttons from an existing toolbar29.3.3. Creating a new toolbar29.3.3.1. Adding buttons29.3.3.2. Creating a custom command29.3.3.3. Using the Button Editor29.3.3.4. Creating flyouts29.3.4. Removing custom commands29.4. Customizing the Quick Access Toolbar29.4.1. Creating and displaying a Quick Access Toolbar29.4.2. Adding a drop-down list29.5. Customizing Tool Palettes29.6. Summary
30. Creating Macros and Slide Shows
30.1. Creating Macros with Script Files30.1.1. Creating the script file30.1.2. Running a script file30.1.2.1. Running a script file from within a drawing30.1.2.2. Running a script when starting AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT30.2. Recording Actions30.2.1. Creating an action macro30.2.2. Editing an action macro30.2.3. Managing a macro file30.2.4. Playing back a macro30.3. Creating Slide Shows30.3.1. Creating slides30.3.2. Viewing slides30.3.3. Using scripts to create slide shows30.4. Creating Slide Libraries30.5. Summary
31. Creating Your Own Linetypes and Hatch Patterns
31.1. Creating Linetypes31.1.1. Creating simple linetypes31.1.2. Creating complex linetypes31.2. Creating Hatch Patterns31.3. Summary
32. Creating Shapes and Fonts
32.1. Creating Shapes32.1.1. Using shape files32.1.2. Creating shape files32.1.2.1. Using length and direction codes32.1.2.2. Using supplemental shape codes32.1.3. Editing shape files32.2. Creating Fonts32.3. Summary
33. Customizing the Ribbon and Menus
33.1. Working with the Customization File33.1.1. Understanding the Customization file33.1.2. Loading and unloading customization files33.1.2.1. Loading and unloading a customization file33.1.2.2. Loading and unloading partial customization files33.1.2.3. Transferring customization between files33.2. Customizing the Interface33.2.1. Looking at a ribbon panel33.2.2. Writing macros33.2.3. Customizing the ribbon33.2.3.1. Understanding ribbon panels33.2.3.2. Adding a command to a ribbon panel33.2.3.3. Adding a ribbon panel to a tab33.2.3.4. Adding a tab to the ribbon33.2.3.5. Adding a tab to a contextual tab state33.2.4. Customizing the Menu bar and shortcuts menus33.2.4.1. Creating sub-menus33.2.4.2. Customizing shortcut menus33.2.4.2.1. Object menus33.2.4.2.2. Command menus33.2.5. Customizing mouse buttons and tablet buttons33.2.6. Customizing image-tile menus33.2.7. Customizing tablet menus33.2.8. Working with the Screen menu33.2.9. Creating keyboard shortcuts33.2.9.1. Working with shortcut keys33.2.9.2. Working with temporary override keys33.2.10. Customizing the double-click behavior33.2.11. Customizing the Quick Properties palette and rollover tooltips33.3. Summary
VII. Programming AutoCAD
34. Understanding AutoLISP and Visual LISP Basics
34.1. Introducing Visual LISP34.1.1. Opening Visual LISP34.1.2. Opening and loading an AutoLISP file with Visual LISP34.1.3. Loading an AutoLISP file34.1.4. Using an AutoLISP routine in AutoCAD34.1.4.1. STEPS: Loading and Using an AutoLISP Routine34.1.5. Looking at an AutoLISP routine34.1.6. Using the Visual LISP editor34.1.7. Closing a file and Visual LISP34.1.7.1. STEPS: Using the Visual LISP Editor34.2. Getting Help in Visual LISP34.3. Working with AutoLISP Expressions34.3.1. Understanding AutoLISP syntax34.3.2. Working with numbers and text34.4. Using AutoLISP on the Command Line34.4.1.34.4.1.1. STEPS: Working with Numbers and Text on the Command Line34.5. Creating AutoLISP Files34.5.1.34.5.1.1. STEPS: Creating a New Visual LISP File34.6. Summary
35. Exploring AutoLISP Further
35.1. Creating Variables35.1.1.35.1.1.1. STEPS: Using AutoLISP Variables from within AutoCAD35.2. Working with AutoCAD Commands35.2.1. Accessing AutoCAD commands35.2.2. Creating functions35.2.3. Creating functions with arguments35.2.3.1. STEPS: Using AutoLISP Functions and Commands35.2.4. Working with system variables35.2.4.1. STEPS: Using AutoLISP to Work with System Variables35.3. Working with Lists35.3.1. Using lists for coordinates35.3.2. Creating dotted pairs35.3.2.1. STEPS: Working with AutoLISP Lists35.4. Setting Conditions35.4.1. Conditional statements35.4.1.1. STEPS: Using the if Statement35.4.2. Loop statements35.4.2.1. STEPS: Using while, if, progn, and a Counter35.5. Managing Drawing Objects35.5.1. Getting information about an object35.5.2. Modifying objects35.5.3. Creating selection sets35.5.3.1. STEPS: Creating Selection Sets35.6. Getting Input from the User35.6.1.35.6.1.1. STEPS: Getting User Input35.7. Putting on the Finishing Touches35.7.1.35.7.1.1. STEPS: Putting on the Finishing Touches35.8. Summary
36. Exploring Advanced AutoLISP Topics
36.1. Understanding Global and Local Variables36.2. Working with Visual LISP ActiveX Functions36.2.1. Reviewing AutoLISP retrieval and modification36.2.2. Using ActiveX with Visual LISP36.2.2.1. Retrieving and modifying object information with ActiveX36.2.2.2. Creating objects with ActiveX36.3. Debugging Code36.3.1. Using the Error Trace window36.3.2. Working with breakpoints36.3.3. Using the Watch window36.4. Summary
37. Programming with .NET
37.1. Starting to Work with VB.NET37.1.1. Opening the VB.NET environment37.1.2. Getting acquainted with VB.NET37.1.2.1. Namespaces and objects37.1.2.2. Methods and properties37.1.3. Investigating the hierarchy model37.1.4. Accessing help37.2. Writing VB.NET Code37.2.1. Looking at VB.NET syntax37.2.2. Saving and opening a VB.NET project37.2.3. Compiling, loading, and using a VB.NET project37.2.4. Using the VB.NET Editor37.2.5. Understanding variables37.2.6. Creating VB.NET statements37.3. Getting User Input37.4. Creating Dialog Boxes37.4.1. Understanding the Toolbox window37.4.2. Changing dialog box properties37.4.3. Adding dialog box controls37.4.3.1. Add a command button37.4.3.2. Write the VB.NET code for a command button37.4.3.3. Add a label37.4.3.4. Add other dialog box controls37.5. Modifying Objects37.5.1. Using constants37.5.2. Using functions37.6. Trapping Errors37.7. Moving to Advanced Programming37.8. Summary37.9. A Final Word
VIII. Appendixes
A. Installing and Configuring AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT
A.1. Installing AutoCAD and AutoCAD LTA.1.1. Preparing to installA.1.2. Starting installationA.1.3. Installing the VBA enablerA.1.4. Installing network licenses and CAD Manager toolsA.1.5. Changing an installationA.1.6. Authorizing AutoCAD and AutoCAD LTA.2. Configuring and Using WorkspacesA.2.1. Creating and modifying a workspaceA.2.2. Switching between workspacesA.3. Using Initial SetupA.4. Configuring AutoCAD and AutoCAD LTA.4.1. Customizing the status barA.4.2. Configuring optionsA.4.2.1. The Files tabA.4.2.2. The Display tabA.4.2.3. The Open and Save tabA.4.2.4. The Plot and Publish tabA.4.2.5. The System tabA.4.2.6. The User Preferences tabA.4.2.7. The Drafting tabA.4.2.8. The 3D Modeling tabA.4.2.9. The Selection tabA.4.2.10. The Profiles tabA.5. Starting AutoCAD Your WayA.5.1. Using command-line switchesA.5.2. Understanding configuration filesA.5.3. Creating multiple configurationsA.6. Configuring a PlotterA.6.1. Using the Plotter ManagerA.6.2. Editing a plotter configuration
B. AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT Resources
B.1. Discovering AutoCAD and AutoCAD LTB.1.1. Using AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT Help resourcesB.1.2. Learning from your resellerB.1.3. Taking a courseB.1.4. Learning from other usersB.1.5. Reading magazines and newslettersB.2. Accessing Technical SupportB.3. Autodesk User GroupsB.4. Internet Resources
C. What's on the DVD
C.1. System RequirementsC.2. Using the DVD with Microsoft WindowsC.3. What's on the DVDC.3.1. Using the Drawings folderC.3.2. Using the Results folderC.3.3. Using the Links folderC.3.4. Using the Videos folderC.3.5. Using the Bonus Exercise and Bonus Chapter 37 foldersC.3.6. Using the Software folderC.3.6.1. Using Adobe ReaderC.3.6.2. Using AutoLISP routinesC.3.6.3. Using VBA programsC.3.6.4. Using .NET programsC.3.6.5. Using a setup or install fileC.3.7. ApplicationsC.4. TroubleshootingC.5. Customer Care
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Content preview from AutoCAD® 2011 & AutoCAD LT® 2011 Bible

Chapter 1. Starting to Draw

IN THIS CHAPTER

Getting acquainted with AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT
Starting AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT
Creating a new drawing
Using the AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT interface
Saving your drawing
Closing a drawing and exiting AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT

In this chapter, I explain the essentials that you need to start drawings. After a little background, I discuss the basics of the screen that you see when you open AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT, and how to use it. If you've never used AutoCAD before, do the "Quick Start: Drawing a Window" chapter first.

AutoCAD and its younger sister, AutoCAD LT, are both created by Autodesk. Together they are the most widely used technical drawing programs anywhere. AutoCAD alone has more than 6,000,000 registered users. According to Autodesk, CAD stands for computer-aided design, but it can also stand for computer-aided drafting or drawing.

The first version of AutoCAD, running under DOS, came out in 1982. AutoCAD was the first significant CAD program to run on a desktop computer. At the time, most other technical drawing programs ran on high-end workstations or even mainframes. AutoCAD LT was introduced in 1993, as a less expensive alternative to AutoCAD, for people who don't need all of AutoCAD's advanced features.

AutoCAD's Advantages

AutoCAD's success has been attributed to its famous open architecture — the flexibility that the end user has to customize the program by using source code files in plain text (ASCII) format — and programming languages (such ...

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Chapter 1. Starting to Draw

AutoCAD's Advantages

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