Discovering AutoCAD® 2015

Book description

This book presents a hands-on, activity-based approach to the use of AutoCAD as a drafting tool—complete with techniques, tips, shortcuts, and insights that improve efficiency. Topics and tasks are carefully grouped to lead students logically through the AutoCAD command set, with the level of difficulty increasing steadily as skills are acquired through experience and practice. Straightforward explanations focus on what is relevant to actual drawing procedures, and illustrations show exactly what to expect on the computer screen. This edition features updates for the latest release of AutoCAD, projects, and test questions for each chapter.

  • Lessons are broken down into tasks listed at the beginning of each section, introducing students to the AutoCAD commands using a structured, intuitive approach and helping students anticipate what information will be needed at each new phase of the learning process.

  • General Procedure boxes appear as new commands are introduced, providing a simple overview of basic command procedures in a step-by-step format.

  • Detailed graphics appear throughout the text, demonstrating what students should expect to see on their screens and encouraging self-paced study.

  • Drawing problems appear at the end of the chapter, helping students apply newly learned techniques immediately to realistic drawing situations. This includes drawing suggestions, timesaving tips, and explanations of how to use techniques in actual situations.

  • High-quality working drawings accompany end-of-chapter drawing problems, appearing in a large, clearly dimensioned format on each right-hand page. This includes mechanical, architectural, civil, and electrical drawings.

  • Bonus drawing projects appear in Appendix A, giving students additional review and practice.

  • Table of contents

    1. About This eBook
    2. Title Page
    3. Copyright Page
    4. Preface
      1. Get Active with Discovering AutoCAD® 2015
        1. Features
      2. Acknowledgments
      3. Features New to This Edition
        1. Style Conventions in Discovering AutoCAD® 2015
      4. Download Instructor Resources from the Instructor Resource Center
    5. Contents
    6. New to AutoCAD 2015
    7. New to AutoCAD 2014
    8. Part One: Basic Two-Dimensional Entities
      1. Chapter 1. Lines and Essential Tools
        1. Introduction
        2. Creating a New Drawing
          1. Workspaces
          2. Selecting a Template
        3. Exploring the Drawing Window
        4. Interacting with the Drawing Window
          1. The Mouse
          2. Crosshairs
          3. The Coordinate Display and Dynamic Input
          4. The Grid
          5. Zooming to Center the Grid
          6. Model Space
          7. Other Buttons on the Status Bar
        5. Exploring Command Entry Methods
          1. Heads-Up Design
          2. Keyboard and Command Line
          3. Command Line
          4. AutoComplete and AutoCorrect
          5. The Application Menu
          6. The Ribbon
          7. Tooltips
        6. Drawing, Undoing, and Erasing Lines
          1. Snap
          2. Rubber Band
          3. Polar Coordinates
          4. Working with Absolute and Polar Coordinates
          5. Spacebar and <Enter> Key
          6. Right-Click Button and Shortcut Menus
          7. Relative Coordinates and @
          8. Direct Distance Entry
          9. Absolute Coordinates and #
          10. Undoing Commands with U
          11. Erasing Lines
          12. Ortho Mode
          13. Polar Tracking
          14. The <Esc> Key
        7. Saving and Opening Your Drawings
          1. The SAVE and SAVEAS Commands
          2. Opening Saved Drawings
          3. Exiting the Drawing Window
        8. Getting Started
          1. Plotting or Printing Your Drawing
        9. Chapter Summary
        10. Chapter Test Questions
          1. Multiple Choice
          2. Matching
          3. True or False
          4. Questions
          5. Drawing Problems
          6. WWW Exercise (Optional)
        11. Chapter Drawing Projects
          1. Drawing 1-1: Guide [BASIC]
          2. Drawing 1-2: Design #1 [BASIC]
          3. Drawing 1-3: Shim [INTERMEDIATE]
          4. Drawing 1-4: Stamp [INTERMEDIATE]
          5. Drawing 1-5: Tiles [ADVANCED]
          6. Drawing 1-6: Multi Wrench [ADVANCED]
      2. Chapter 2. Circles and Drawing Aids
        1. Introduction
        2. Changing the Grid Setting
          1. Picking Options from the Command Line
        3. Changing the Snap Setting
          1. Using the Drafting Settings Dialog Box
        4. Changing Units
          1. The Drawing Units Dialog Box
        5. Drawing Circles by Specifying a Center Point and a Radius
        6. Drawing Circles by Specifying a Center Point and a Diameter
        7. Accessing AutoCAD Online Help Features
        8. Using the ERASE Command
          1. Verb/Noun Editing
          2. Noun/Verb Editing
          3. OOPS
          4. Other Object Selection Methods
          5. Selection by Window
          6. Selection by Crossing Window
          7. Selecting the “Last” Entity
          8. Selecting the “Previous” Selection Set
          9. Window and Crossing Lassos
          10. Remove and Add
          11. Undoing a Selection
          12. Select Similar
          13. Other Options
        9. Using Single-Point Object Snap
        10. Using the RECTANG Command
        11. Customizing Your Workspace
        12. Plotting or Printing a Drawing
          1. Specifying a Printer
          2. Plot Area
          3. Plot Preview
        13. Chapter Summary
        14. Chapter Test Questions
          1. Multiple Choice
          2. Matching
          3. True or False
          4. Questions
          5. Drawing Problems
          6. WWW Exercise (Optional)
        15. Chapter Drawing Projects
          1. Drawing 2-1: Aperture Wheel [BASIC]
          2. Drawing 2-2: Center Wheel [BASIC]
          3. Drawing 2-3: Fan Bezel [INTERMEDIATE]
          4. Drawing 2-4: Switch Plate [INTERMEDIATE]
          5. Drawing 2-5: Gasket [ADVANCED]
          6. Drawing 2-6: Sheet Metal Stamping [ADVANCED]
      3. Chapter 3. Layers, Colors, and Linetypes
        1. Introduction
        2. Creating New Layers
          1. The Layer Properties Manager Palette
        3. Assigning Colors to Layers
        4. Assigning Linetypes
        5. Assigning Lineweights
        6. Changing the Current Layer
          1. Making an Object’s Layer Current
          2. Other Properties of Layers
        7. Changing Linetype Scale
        8. Editing Corners Using FILLET
          1. The Multiple Option
          2. Trim Mode
        9. Editing Corners Using CHAMFER
        10. Zooming and Panning with the Scroll Wheel
          1. Panning with the Scroll Wheel
        11. Using the ZOOM Command
          1. Zoom Extents
          2. Zoom Window
          3. Zoom Previous
          4. Zoom All
        12. Entering Single-Line Text
        13. Chapter Summary
        14. Chapter Test Questions
          1. Multiple Choice
          2. Matching
          3. True or False
          4. Questions
          5. Drawing Problems
          6. WWW Exercise (Optional)
        15. Chapter Drawing Projects
          1. Drawing 3-1: Mounting Plate [BASIC]
          2. Drawing 3-2: Stepped Shaft [INTERMEDIATE]
          3. Drawing 3-3: Base Plate [INTERMEDIATE]
          4. Drawing 3-4: Template [ADVANCED]
          5. Drawing 3-5: Half Block [INTERMEDIATE]
          6. Drawing 3-6: Packing Flange [ADVANCED]
      4. Chapter 4. Templates, Copies, and Arrays
        1. Introduction
        2. Setting Limits
          1. Model Space and Paper Space
          2. Setting New Limits
        3. Creating a Template
        4. Saving a Template Drawing
        5. Using the MOVE Command
          1. Moving with Grips
          2. Moving by Typing a Displacement
        6. Using the COPY Command
          1. Copying with Grips
        7. Using the ARRAY Command—Rectangular Arrays
          1. The Array Contextual Tab
          2. Using Multifunctional Grips
          3. Array Associativity
        8. Creating Center Marks
        9. Creating Macros with the Action Recorder
        10. Changing Plot Settings
          1. The Printer/Plotter Panel
          2. The Add-a-Plotter Wizard
          3. Paper Size
          4. Drawing Orientation
          5. Plot Area
          6. Plot Offset
        11. Chapter Summary
        12. Chapter Test Questions
          1. Multiple Choice
          2. Matching
          3. True or False
          4. Questions
          5. Drawing Problems
          6. WWW Exercise (Optional)
          7. Uploading to an Autodesk 360 Account (Optional)
        13. Chapter Drawing Projects
          1. Drawing 4-1: 7-Pin Trailer Wiring Diagram [BASIC]
          2. Drawing 4-2: Grill [BASIC]
          3. Drawing 4-3: Weave [INTERMEDIATE]
          4. Drawing 4-4: Test Bracket [INTERMEDIATE]
          5. Drawing 4-5: Floor Framing [ADVANCED]
          6. Drawing 4-6: Wall Framing [ADVANCED]
          7. Drawing 4-7: Classroom—Floor Plan [ADVANCED]
      5. Chapter 5. Arcs and Polar Arrays
        1. Introduction
        2. Creating Polar Arrays
        3. Drawing Arcs
          1. The 3P Option
          2. Start, Center, End
          3. Start, Center, Angle
        4. Using the ROTATE Command
          1. Rotating with Grips
        5. Using Polar Tracking at Any Angle
        6. Creating Mirror Images of Objects on the Screen
          1. Mirroring with Grips
        7. Creating Page Setups
          1. The Page Setup Dialog Box
          2. Importing Page Setups
        8. Chapter Summary
        9. Chapter Test Questions
          1. Multiple Choice
          2. Matching
          3. True or False
          4. Questions
          5. Drawing Problems
          6. WWW Exercise (Optional)
        10. Chapter Drawing Projects
          1. Drawing 5-1: Hearth [BASIC]
          2. Drawing 5-2: Flanged Bushing [INTERMEDIATE]
          3. Drawing 5-3: Dials [INTERMEDIATE]
          4. Drawing 5-4: Alignment Wheel [INTERMEDIATE]
          5. Drawing 5-5: Mallet [ADVANCED]
          6. Drawing 5-6: Index Guide [ADVANCED]
      6. Chapter 6. Object Snap
        1. Introduction
        2. Selecting Points with Object Snap (Single-Point Override)
        3. Selecting Points with Running Object Snap
        4. Object Snap Tracking
          1. Point Acquisition
        5. Using the OFFSET Command (Creating Parallel Objects with OFFSET)
        6. Shortening Objects with the TRIM Command
        7. Extending Objects with the EXTEND Command
        8. Using STRETCH to Alter Objects Connected to Other Objects
          1. Stretching with Grips
          2. Lengthen and Break
        9. Creating Plot Layouts
          1. Opening Layout
          2. Switching Between Paper Space and Model Space
          3. Modifying a Layout
          4. Creating Viewports
          5. Zooming XP
          6. Maximize Viewport Button
          7. Plotting the Multiple-View Drawing
        10. Chapter Summary
        11. Chapter Test Questions
          1. Multiple Choice
          2. Matching
          3. True or False
          4. Questions
          5. Drawing Problems
          6. WWW Exercise (Optional)
        12. Chapter Drawing Projects
          1. Drawing 6-1: Sprocket [INTERMEDIATE]
          2. Drawing 6-2: Archimedes Spiral [INTERMEDIATE]
          3. Drawing 6-3: Link Design [INTERMEDIATE]
          4. Drawing 6-4: Grooved Hub [INTERMEDIATE]
          5. Drawing 6-5: Slotted Flange [ADVANCED]
          6. Drawing 6-6: Deck Framing [INTERMEDIATE]
          7. Drawing 6-7: Tool Block [ADVANCED]
    9. Part Two: Text, Dimensions, and Other Complex Entities
      1. Chapter 7. Text
        1. Introduction
        2. Entering Single-Line Text with Justification Options
          1. Right-Justified Text
          2. Centered Text
          3. Middle Text
          4. Aligned Text
          5. Text Drawn to Fit Between Two Points
          6. Other Justification Options
        3. Entering Text on an Angle and Text Using Character Codes
          1. The Degree Symbol and Other Special Characters
        4. Entering Multiline Text Using MTEXT
        5. Editing Text in Place with TEXTEDIT
        6. Modifying Text with the Quick Properties Palette
        7. Using the SPELL Command
        8. Changing Fonts and Styles
          1. Panel Extensions
          2. Switching the Current Style
        9. Changing Properties with MATCHPROP
        10. Scaling Previously Drawn Entities
          1. Scaling by Reference
          2. Scaling with Grips
        11. Creating Tables and Fields
          1. Inserting Fields
          2. Updating Fields
        12. Using AutoCAD Templates, Borders, and Title Blocks
        13. Chapter Summary
        14. Chapter Test Questions
          1. Multiple Choice
          2. Matching
          3. True or False
          4. Questions
          5. Drawing Problems
          6. WWW Exercise (Optional)
        15. Chapter Drawing Projects
          1. Drawing 7-1: Title Block [INTERMEDIATE]
          2. Drawing 7-2: Gauges [INTERMEDIATE]
          3. Drawing 7-3: Stamping [INTERMEDIATE]
          4. Drawing 7-4: Control Panel [INTERMEDIATE]
          5. Drawing 7-5: Angle Bracket [ADVANCED]
          6. Drawing 7-6: Koch Snowflake [ADVANCED]
      2. Chapter 8. Dimensions
        1. Introduction
        2. Creating and Saving a Dimension Style
        3. Drawing Linear Dimensions
        4. Drawing Multiple Linear Dimensions Using QDIM
          1. Dimbaseline and Dimcontinue
        5. Drawing Ordinate Dimensions
          1. QDIM and the Datum Point Option
          2. DIMORDINATE and the UCS Command
        6. Drawing Angular Dimensions
          1. Angular Dimensions on Arcs and Circles
        7. Dimensioning Arcs and Circles
          1. Radius Dimensions
        8. Dimensioning with Multileaders
          1. The Leaders Tool Palette
        9. Changing Dimension Text
          1. The DIMEDIT Command
          2. The Quick Properties Palette
        10. Using Associative Dimensions
          1. Changing Associativity of Dimensions
        11. Using the HATCH Command
          1. Other Predefined Patterns
          2. Gradient Fill
        12. Scaling Dimensions Between Paper Space and Model Space
          1. Text in Paper Space and Model Space
          2. The Annotative Property
          3. Controlling Annotation Scale Visibility
          4. Annotative Objects with Multiple Scales
          5. Turning Viewport Borders Off
        13. Chapter Summary
        14. Chapter Test Questions
          1. Multiple Choice
          2. Matching
          3. True or False
          4. Questions
          5. Drawing Problems
          6. WWW Exercise (Optional)
        15. Chapter Drawing Projects
          1. Drawing 8-1: Tool Block [INTERMEDIATE]
          2. Drawing 8-2: Flanged Wheel [INTERMEDIATE]
          3. Drawing 8-3: Knob [INTERMEDIATE]
          4. Drawing 8-4: Nose Adapter [INTERMEDIATE]
          5. Drawing 8-5: Plot Plan [INTERMEDIATE]
          6. Drawing 8-6: Panel [ADVANCED]
          7. Drawing 8-7: Angle Support [ADVANCED]
          8. Drawing 8-8: Mirror Mounting Plate [ADVANCED]
      3. Chapter 9. Polylines
        1. Introduction
        2. Drawing Polygons
        3. Drawing Donuts
        4. Using the FILL Command
        5. Drawing Straight Polyline Segments
        6. Drawing Polyline Arc Segments
        7. Editing Polylines with PEDIT
        8. Drawing Splines
          1. Editing Splines
        9. Creating Path Arrays
        10. Drawing Revision Clouds
          1. Creating Revision Clouds from Drawn Objects
        11. Drawing Points
        12. Using Constraint Parameters
          1. Geometric Constraints
          2. Dimensional Constraints
          3. The Parameters Manager
        13. Using AutoConstrain and Inferred Constraints
          1. Using AutoConstrain
        14. Chapter Summary
        15. Chapter Test Questions
          1. Multiple Choice
          2. Matching
          3. True or False
          4. Questions
          5. Drawing Problems
          6. WWW Exercise (Optional)
        16. Chapter Drawing Projects
          1. Drawing 9-1: Backgammon Board [INTERMEDIATE]
          2. Drawing 9-2: Dartboard [INTERMEDIATE]
          3. Drawing 9-3: Printed Circuit Board [ADVANCED]
          4. Drawing 9-4: Race Car [ADVANCED]
          5. Drawing 9-5: Gazebo [INTERMEDIATE]
          6. Drawing 9-6: Office Building [ADVANCED]
          7. Drawing 9-7: Clock Face [ADVANCED]
      4. Chapter 10. Blocks, Attributes, and External References
        1. Introduction
        2. Creating Groups
        3. Creating Blocks
        4. Inserting Blocks into the Current Drawing
          1. The Insert Tab
        5. Creating Dynamic Blocks
          1. The Test Block Window
        6. Adding Constraints to Dynamic Blocks
        7. Accessing Data in a Block Table
        8. Using the Windows Clipboard
        9. Inserting Blocks and External References into Other Drawings
          1. External References
        10. Using the AutoCAD DesignCenter
          1. Auto-hide
          2. Other Features of the DesignCenter
        11. Defining Attributes
          1. Inserting Blocks with Attributes
          2. Editing Attribute Values and Definitions
        12. Working with External References
          1. Reloading Attached References
          2. Editing External References in Place
          3. Clipping External References
        13. Extracting Data from Attributes
        14. Creating Tool Palettes
        15. Exploding Blocks
        16. Chapter Summary
        17. Chapter Test Questions
          1. Multiple Choice
          2. Matching
          3. True or False
          4. Questions
          5. Drawing Problems
          6. WWW Exercise (Optional)
        18. Chapter Drawing Projects
          1. Drawing 10-1: CAD Room [INTERMEDIATE]
          2. Drawing 10-2: Office Plan [INTERMEDIATE]
          3. Drawing 10-3: Base Assembly [INTERMEDIATE]
          4. Drawing 10-4: Double Bearing Assembly [ADVANCED]
          5. Drawing 10-5: Scooter Assembly [ADVANCED]
    10. Part Three: Isometric Drawing and Three-Dimensional Modeling
      1. Chapter 11. Isometric Drawing
        1. Introduction
        2. Using Isometric Snap
        3. Switching Isometric Planes
        4. Using COPY and Other Edit Commands
          1. Creating Chamfers in an Isometric View
        5. Drawing Isometric Circles with ELLIPSE
        6. Drawing Text Aligned with Isometric Planes
        7. Drawing Ellipses in Orthographic Views
          1. Drawing Elliptical Arcs
        8. Saving and Restoring Displays with VIEW
        9. Chapter Summary
        10. Chapter Test Questions
          1. Multiple Choice
          2. Matching
          3. True or False
          4. Questions
          5. Drawing Problems
          6. WWW Exercise (Optional)
        11. Chapter Drawing Projects
          1. Drawing 11-1: Isometric Projects [INTERMEDIATE]
          2. Drawing 11-2: MP3 Player [ADVANCED]
          3. Drawing 11-3: Fixture Assembly [ADVANCED]
          4. Drawing 11-4: Flanged Coupling [ADVANCED]
          5. Drawing 11-5: Garage Framing [ADVANCED]
          6. Drawing 11-6: Cast Iron Tee [ADVANCED]
          7. Drawing 11-7: Valve [ADVANCED]
      2. Chapter 12. 3D Modeling
        1. Introduction
        2. Creating and Viewing a 3D Wireframe Box
          1. Changing Viewpoints
          2. Entering 3D Coordinates
          3. X/Y/Z Point Filters
          4. Using Object Snap
        3. Defining User Coordinate Systems
        4. Exploring the 3D Basics Workspace
        5. Creating Solid Boxes and Wedges
          1. The BOX Command
          2. The WEDGE Command
        6. Accessing Different Visual Styles
        7. Creating the Union of Two Solids
        8. Working with DUCS
        9. Creating Composite Solids with SUBTRACT
          1. Subtraction
        10. Creating Chamfers and Fillets on Solid Objects
          1. Creating Fillets
        11. Practicing 3D Gizmo Editing
        12. Rendering Solid Models
          1. The Render Window and Render Presets
          2. Changing the Background and Naming Views
          3. Spotlight
          4. The Lights in Model Palette
          5. Point Light
          6. Sunlight Editing
          7. Geographic Location
          8. Attaching Materials
        13. Changing Viewpoints with the ViewCube
        14. Creating Layouts with Multiple Views
          1. View Details
        15. Chapter Summary
        16. Chapter Test Questions
          1. Multiple Choice
          2. Matching
          3. True or False
          4. Questions
          5. Drawing Problems
          6. WWW Exercise (Optional)
        17. Chapter Drawing Projects
          1. Drawing 12-1: Flange [INTERMEDIATE]
          2. Drawing 12-2: Link Mount [ADVANCED]
          3. Drawing 12-3: Bushing Mount [ADVANCED]
          4. Drawing 12-4: Picnic Table [ADVANCED]
      3. Chapter 13. More Modeling Techniques and Commands
        1. Introduction
        2. Drawing Polysolids
          1. Drawing in Multiple Tiled Viewports
        3. Drawing Cones
          1. Solid Cone Primitives
          2. Frustum Cones
        4. Drawing Pyramids
        5. Drawing Torus
          1. Switching to Parallel Projection
        6. Slicing and Sectioning Solids
          1. Slice
          2. Section
        7. Mesh Modeling
          1. Subobject Filters
          2. Smoothing Meshes
          3. Converting Meshes to Solids
        8. Adjusting Viewpoints with 3DORBIT
          1. Orbit
          2. Free Orbit
          3. The Arcball and Rotation Cursors
          4. Other 3DORBIT Features
          5. Preset and Reset Views
          6. Visual Aids and Visual Styles
          7. Continuous Orbit
        9. Creating 3D Solids from 2D Outlines
          1. Extrude
          2. Presspull
          3. Revolve
          4. Helix
          5. The SWEEP Command
        10. Walking Through a 3D Landscape
          1. Camera and Target
          2. The 3DWALK and 3DFLY Commands
        11. Creating an Animated Walk-Through
        12. Chapter Summary
        13. Chapter Test Questions
          1. Multiple Choice
          2. Matching
          3. True or False
          4. Questions
          5. Drawing Problems
          6. WWW Exercise (Optional)
        14. Chapter Drawing Projects
          1. Drawing 13-1: Revolve Designs [ADVANCED]
          2. Drawing 13-2: Tapered Bushing [ADVANCED]
          3. Drawing 13-3: Globe [ADVANCED]
          4. Drawing 13-4: Pivot Mount [ADVANCED]
          5. Drawings 13-5 [ADVANCED]
    11. Appendix A. Drawing Projects
    12. Appendix B. Creating Customized Panels
      1. Creating a Customized Panel
      2. Creating Customized Tools
    13. Appendix C. Menus, Macros, and the CUI Dialog Box
      1. The CUI Dialog Box
        1. Workspaces
        2. Quick Access Toolbars
        3. Ribbon
        4. Toolbars
        5. Menus
        6. Shortcut Menus
        7. Keyboard Shortcuts
        8. Double-Click Actions
        9. Mouse Buttons
        10. LISP Files
        11. Legacy
        12. Partial Customization Files
      2. Characters Used in AutoCAD Macros
    14. Index
    15. Appendix D. Additional Tools for Collaboration
      1. CAD Standards
      2. Layer Translation
      3. Management of Named Objects
      4. Sheet Set Management
    16. Glossary

    Product information

    • Title: Discovering AutoCAD® 2015
    • Author(s):
    • Release date: October 2014
    • Publisher(s): Peachpit Press
    • ISBN: 9780134271002