Introducing AutoCAD® 2010 and AutoCAD LT® 2010

Book description

Bestselling AutoCAD author George Omura presents a fast, focused course in AutoCAD essentials

George Omura is an AutoCAD expert whose clear, focused instructions have taught hundreds of thousands how to use AutoCAD. This task-based, reference approach is perfect for newcomers to AutoCAD and those who manage AutoCAD drawings.

You'll learn AutoCAD basics quickly and easily with the straightforward explanations and realistic exercises that focus squarely on accomplishing vital tasks. You'll get acquainted with the drafting tools of AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT and learn such essentials as how to draw accurately and quickly, edit your drawings, create 3D models, and much more.

  • Fully updated for all the new features of both AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT, including parametric design, free-form 3D mesh modeling, and enhanced PDF support

  • Provides focused explanations and realistic exercises to quickly teach crucial tasks

  • Shows how to draw accurately and quickly and how to effectively edit AutoCAD drawings

  • Learn how to create 3D models and get organized with layers, blocks, groups, and external references

  • Discover how to quickly add and edit notes and dimensions, find areas and distances quickly, and extract hidden data

  • Work with the DesignCenter, create text, and learn to lay out and print your drawings

If you want to quickly get up to speed on the newest version of AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT, Introducing AutoCAD 2010 and AutoCAD LT 2010 is a fast, no-nonsense way to learn the software.

Table of contents

  1. Copyright
  2. Dear Reader,
  3. Acknowledgments
  4. About the Author
  5. Introduction
    1. How to Use This Book
    2. What You'll Find
    3. How to Contact the Author
  6. 1. Getting Familiar with AutoCAD
    1. 1.1. Understanding the AutoCAD Window
      1. 1.1.1. Getting to Know the Window Components
      2. 1.1.2. Using the Ribbon
        1. 1.1.2.1. Finding Hidden Panels and Tools
        2. 1.1.2.2. Switching to Floating Ribbon Panels
      3. 1.1.3. Using the Application Menu
      4. 1.1.4. Getting Familiar with the Drawing Area
      5. 1.1.5. Checking the UCS Icon
      6. 1.1.6. Using the Command Line
    2. 1.2. Starting Commands
    3. 1.3. Starting a Drawing
    4. 1.4. Panning and Zooming to Adjust Your View
    5. 1.5. Understanding the Layout View
    6. 1.6. Understanding How Command Options Work
    7. 1.7. Getting Help
      1. 1.7.1. Using the Search Tab
      2. 1.7.2. Using Context-Sensitive Help
      3. 1.7.3. Staying Informed with the InfoCenter
      4. 1.7.4. Finding Additional Sources of Help
    8. 1.8. Summary
  7. 2. Understanding the Drafting Tools
    1. 2.1. Understanding the AutoCAD Coordinate System
      1. 2.1.1. Experimenting with Coordinates Using Lines
      2. 2.1.2. Specifying Exact Distances
        1. 2.1.2.1. Specifying Polar Coordinates
        2. 2.1.2.2. Specifying Relative Cartesian Coordinates
        3. 2.1.2.3. Using the Direct Distance Method for Quick Relative Coordinates
        4. 2.1.2.4. Using the Dynamic Input Option
    2. 2.2. Setting Up a Drawing
      1. 2.2.1. Selecting the Drawing Units
      2. 2.2.2. Using Other Drawing Unit Options
      3. 2.2.3. Determining the Drawing Area
        1. 2.2.3.1. Drawing a Reference Rectangle
        2. 2.2.3.2. Using Limits to Set Up the Drawing Area
    3. 2.3. Using a Digital T Square and Triangle
      1. 2.3.1. Using a Quick T Square Function with Ortho
      2. 2.3.2. Using an Adjustable Triangle with Polar Tracking
      3. 2.3.3. Modifying Polar Tracking's Behavior
    4. 2.4. Getting a Visual Reference with the Grid Mode
    5. 2.5. Snapping to the Grid or Other Regular Intervals
    6. 2.6. Changing the Grid and Snap Settings
      1. 2.6.1. Adjusting the X and Y Spacing
      2. 2.6.2. Setting Up for Isometric 2D Drawing
      3. 2.6.3. Rotating the Grid, Snap, and Cursor
      4. 2.6.4. Aligning the Grid to an Object
    7. 2.7. Selecting Exact Locations on Objects
      1. 2.7.1. Setting Up Osnap Locations
      2. 2.7.2. Automatically Snapping to Locations
      3. 2.7.3. Selecting Osnaps on the Fly
      4. 2.7.4. Understanding the Osnap Options
      5. 2.7.5. Fine-Tuning the AutoSnap Feature
    8. 2.8. Aligning Objects Using Object Snap Tracking and Tracking Points
    9. 2.9. Using the Temporary Tracking Point Feature
    10. 2.10. Summary
  8. 3. Drawing 2D Objects
    1. 3.1. Working with the Draw Panel
    2. 3.2. Drawing Straight Lines
    3. 3.3. Drawing Circles and Arcs
      1. 3.3.1. Using the Circle Options
        1. 3.3.1.1. Using the 2P Option to Indicate Diameter
        2. 3.3.1.2. Using the 3P Option to Specify Three Points on the Circle
        3. 3.3.1.3. Using the Tan Tan Radius Option to Select Tangent Objects and a Radius
      2. 3.3.2. Using the Arc Options
    4. 3.4. Drawing Curves
      1. 3.4.1. Drawing Ellipses
      2. 3.4.2. Drawing Elliptical Arcs
      3. 3.4.3. Drawing Smooth Curves
      4. 3.4.4. Drawing Curves with Polylines
    5. 3.5. Drawing Parallel Lines
    6. 3.6. Drawing Revision Clouds
      1. 3.6.1. Drawing Freehand Revision Clouds
      2. 3.6.2. Drawing Revision Clouds Based on the Shape of an Object
    7. 3.7. Working with Hatch Patterns and Solid Fills
      1. 3.7.1. Placing Hatch Patterns: The Basics
      2. 3.7.2. Using Predefined Patterns
      3. 3.7.3. Adding Solid Fills
      4. 3.7.4. Positioning Hatch Patterns Accurately
      5. 3.7.5. Editing the Hatch Area
      6. 3.7.6. Modifying a Hatch Pattern
      7. 3.7.7. Understanding the Boundary Hatch Options
        1. 3.7.7.1. Controlling the Behavior of Hatch Patterns and Fills
          1. 3.7.7.1.1. ISLANDS
          2. 3.7.7.1.2. BOUNDARY RETENTION
          3. 3.7.7.1.3. BOUNDARY SET
          4. 3.7.7.1.4. GAP TOLERANCE
          5. 3.7.7.1.5. INHERIT OPTIONS
        2. 3.7.7.2. Choosing Colors and Patterns for Gradient Fill Shading
    8. 3.8. Drawing Regular Polygons
    9. 3.9. Using Objects to Lay Out Your Drawing
      1. 3.9.1. Marking Points in a Drawing
      2. 3.9.2. Marking Off Equal Divisions
      3. 3.9.3. Dividing Objects into Specified Lengths
      4. 3.9.4. Using Construction Lines
        1. 3.9.4.1. Drawing Multiple Construction Lines through a Point
        2. 3.9.4.2. Drawing Multiple Horizontal, Vertical, or Angled Construction Lines
        3. 3.9.4.3. Drawing Bisecting Construction Lines
        4. 3.9.4.4. Creating Construction Lines Parallel to Existing Lines
        5. 3.9.4.5. Placing Ray Construction Lines
    10. 3.10. Summary
  9. 4. Editing AutoCAD Objects
    1. 4.1. Selecting Objects
      1. 4.1.1. Using the Standard AutoCAD Selection Method
      2. 4.1.2. Practicing Using Selection Options
      3. 4.1.3. Selecting Objects with Windows
    2. 4.2. Editing the Windows Way
      1. 4.2.1. Stretching Lines Using Grips
      2. 4.2.2. Copying, Mirroring, Rotating, Scaling, and Stretching with Grips
      3. 4.2.3. Using Other Grips Features
    3. 4.3. Changing Objects with Grips and Dynamic Input
    4. 4.4. Controlling Objects Using the Properties Palette
    5. 4.5. Using Parametric Tools to Create "Smart Drawings"
      1. 4.5.1. Adding and Removing a Constraint
      2. 4.5.2. Using Other Geometric Constraints
      3. 4.5.3. Using Auto Constrain to Automatically Add Constraints
      4. 4.5.4. Building Linkages with Coincident Constraints
    6. 4.6. Controlling Sizes with Dimensional Constraint
      1. 4.6.1. Adding and Editing a Dimensional Constraint
      2. 4.6.2. Linking Dimensions with the Parameter Manager
    7. 4.7. Summary
  10. 5. Editing with the Modify Panel Tools
    1. 5.1. Selecting Objects
    2. 5.2. Erasing Objects
    3. 5.3. Joining Objects
      1. 5.3.1. Joining End to End with Intermediate Arcs
        1. 5.3.1.1. Rounding Corners
        2. 5.3.1.2. Rounding Without Trimming
        3. 5.3.1.3. Controlling Fillet's Behavior
      2. 5.3.2. Joining with a Chamfer
      3. 5.3.3. Trimming Lines or Extending Them to Other Objects
        1. 5.3.3.1. Trimming Objects
        2. 5.3.3.2. Extending Objects
        3. 5.3.3.3. Using Trim and Extend Options
    4. 5.4. Moving and Copying
      1. 5.4.1. Moving with Accuracy
        1. 5.4.1.1. Using Some Tips for New Users
        2. 5.4.1.2. Aligning Objects with Osnaps
      2. 5.4.2. Copying Objects with the Copy Command
      3. 5.4.3. Making Circular Copies
      4. 5.4.4. Copying Rows and Columns
    5. 5.5. Scaling, Stretching, and Rotating
      1. 5.5.1. Scaling to a Specific Scale Factor
      2. 5.5.2. Scaling an Object to Fit Another
      3. 5.5.3. Stretching Objects
      4. 5.5.4. Rotating Objects
      5. 5.5.5. Aligning the Rotation Cursor with an Object
    6. 5.6. Breaking an Object into Two
    7. 5.7. Editing Xrefs and Blocks
    8. 5.8. Editing Polylines
    9. 5.9. Summary
  11. 6. Creating 3D Drawings
    1. 6.1. Getting to Know the 3D Modeling Workspace
    2. 6.2. Drawing in 3D Using Solids and Surfaces
      1. 6.2.1. Creating a 3D Solid
      2. 6.2.2. Editing 3D Solids with Grips
      3. 6.2.3. Constraining Motion with the Gizmo
      4. 6.2.4. Rotating Objects in 3D Using Dynamic UCS
      5. 6.2.5. Drawing on a 3D Object's Surface
      6. 6.2.6. Sculpting Objects with Union and Subtraction
      7. 6.2.7. Making Changes to Your Solid
    3. 6.3. Changing Your Point of View
      1. 6.3.1. Moving Around Your Model
      2. 6.3.2. Changing Where You Are Looking
      3. 6.3.3. Flying Through Your View
      4. 6.3.4. Recording a Fly-Through with ShowMotion
      5. 6.3.5. Saving a View
      6. 6.3.6. Creating a Camera
      7. 6.3.7. Changing a Camera's Properties
      8. 6.3.8. Changing from Perspective to Parallel Projection
    4. 6.4. Creating 3D Forms from 2D Shapes
      1. 6.4.1. Extruding a Polyline
      2. 6.4.2. Checking Interference and Finding the Intersection of 3D Shapes
      3. 6.4.3. Filleting a Corner
      4. 6.4.4. Extruding Along a Path
      5. 6.4.5. Creating a Helix
      6. 6.4.6. Lofting Through Different Shapes
      7. 6.4.7. Revolving a Polyline
    5. 6.5. Creating Smooth 3D Forms with the Mesh Modeling
      1. 6.5.1. Understanding the Parts of a Mesh
      2. 6.5.2. Dividing Faces and Adding a Crease
    6. 6.6. Specifying Exact Distances in 3D Space
    7. 6.7. Controlling the Appearance of Your Model
      1. 6.7.1. Adding Materials
      2. 6.7.2. Adding Lights
        1. 6.7.2.1. Placing Lights in a Model
        2. 6.7.2.2. Using Sunlight
      3. 6.7.3. Getting a Rendered View
        1. 6.7.3.1. Saving Rendered Images
        2. 6.7.3.2. Controlling Resolution
        3. 6.7.3.3. Adding a Background
      4. 6.7.4. Getting a Wireframe or Shaded View
    8. 6.8. Summary
  12. 7. Getting Organized with Layers
    1. 7.1. Creating and Assigning Layers
      1. 7.1.1. Understanding the Layer Properties Manager
      2. 7.1.2. Assigning Layers to Objects
    2. 7.2. Setting the Current Layer
    3. 7.3. Controlling Layer Visibility
      1. 7.3.1. Controlling Layer Visibility Using the On/Off Option
      2. 7.3.2. Controlling Layer Visibility with Freeze and Thaw
      3. 7.3.3. Controlling Layer Visibility in Individual Viewports of a Layout
    4. 7.4. Locking Layers from Printing and Editing
    5. 7.5. Finding the Layers You Want
    6. 7.6. Taming an Unwieldy List of Layers
      1. 7.6.1. Filtering Layers by Their Properties
      2. 7.6.2. Creating Layer Groups by Selection
      3. 7.6.3. Applying Filters to the Properties Toolbar Layer List and Other Options
    7. 7.7. Saving and Recalling Layer Settings
    8. 7.8. Using the Layers Panel to Manage Layers
      1. 7.8.1. Exploring Layers with Layer Walk
      2. 7.8.2. Changing the Layer Assignment of Objects
      3. 7.8.3. Controlling Layer Settings Through Objects
    9. 7.9. Organizing Visual Content by Using Properties
      1. 7.9.1. Assigning Linetypes to Layers
      2. 7.9.2. Controlling Linetype Scale
      3. 7.9.3. Setting Lineweights
        1. 7.9.3.1. Turning on Lineweight Visibility
        2. 7.9.3.2. Setting Lineweights by Using the Layer Properties Manager
        3. 7.9.3.3. Setting Lineweights Directly to Objects
      4. 7.9.4. Setting Colors, Linetypes, Linetype Scales, and Lineweights for Individual Objects
    10. 7.10. Summary
  13. 8. Using Blocks, Groups, Xrefs, and Designcenter
    1. 8.1. Using Blocks to Organize Objects
      1. 8.1.1. Creating a Block
      2. 8.1.2. Understanding the Block Definition Dialog Box
      3. 8.1.3. Inserting a Block
      4. 8.1.4. Scaling and Rotating Blocks
      5. 8.1.5. Understanding the Annotation Scale
      6. 8.1.6. Importing an Existing Drawing as a Block
      7. 8.1.7. Saving Blocks as AutoCAD Drawing Files
    2. 8.2. Organizing Objects by Using Groups
      1. 8.2.1. Toggling Groups On and Off
      2. 8.2.2. Working with the Object Grouping Dialog Box
      3. 8.2.3. Working with the LT Group Manager
      4. 8.2.4. Finding Files on Your Hard Disk
    3. 8.3. Getting Multiple Uses from Drawings Using External References
      1. 8.3.1. Attaching a Drawing as an Xref
      2. 8.3.2. Updating an Xref While You Draw
      3. 8.3.3. Differences Between Xrefs and Blocks
    4. 8.4. Keeping Track of Drawing Components with DesignCenter
      1. 8.4.1. Getting Familiar with DesignCenter
        1. 8.4.1.1. Navigating DesignCenter
        2. 8.4.1.2. Viewing a DWG File's Contents
      2. 8.4.2. Opening and Inserting Files with DesignCenter
      3. 8.4.3. Finding and Extracting the Contents of a Drawing
        1. 8.4.3.1. Exploring the Search Options
        2. 8.4.3.2. Finding Additional Hidden Options
      4. 8.4.4. Exchanging Data Between Open Files
      5. 8.4.5. Loading Specific Files into DesignCenter
      6. 8.4.6. Downloading Symbols from Autodesk Seek
    5. 8.5. Keeping Tools on Hand with the Tool Palettes Window
      1. 8.5.1. Deleting Tools and Palettes
      2. 8.5.2. Customizing a Tool
    6. 8.6. Summary
  14. 9. Creating Text
    1. 9.1. Adding and Formatting Text
      1. 9.1.1. Adjusting the Text Height and Font
      2. 9.1.2. Using Color, Columns, Alignment, Lists, and Special Symbols
      3. 9.1.3. Adjusting the Text Boundary
      4. 9.1.4. Setting Indents and Tabs
      5. 9.1.5. Adding a Background Mask to Text
      6. 9.1.6. Making Changes to Multiple Text Objects
        1. 9.1.6.1. Scaling Multiple Text Objects
        2. 9.1.6.2. Changing Justification of Multiple Text Objects
      7. 9.1.7. Using AutoCAD's Spelling Checker
      8. 9.1.8. Using AutoCAD's Find-and-Replace Text Feature
      9. 9.1.9. Importing Text Files from Other Programs
    2. 9.2. Understanding Text and Scale
      1. 9.2.1. Using Annotative Scale
      2. 9.2.2. Adding Scales to Your Text
    3. 9.3. Using Styles to Organize Your Fonts
      1. 9.3.1. Creating and Setting a Style
      2. 9.3.2. Using a Text Style
    4. 9.4. Adding Single Words with the Single-Line Text Object
    5. 9.5. Adding Tables to Your Drawing
      1. 9.5.1. Creating a Table
      2. 9.5.2. Adding Cell Text
      3. 9.5.3. Combining Cells
      4. 9.5.4. Adjusting Table Cell Text Orientation
      5. 9.5.5. Adjusting Table Cell Text Justification
      6. 9.5.6. Adding or Deleting Rows and Columns of Cells
      7. 9.5.7. Adding Formulas to Cells
        1. 9.5.7.1. Using Other Math Operations
        2. 9.5.7.2. Adding Formulas Directly to Cells
        3. 9.5.7.3. Editing Formulas
      8. 9.5.8. Exporting Tables
      9. 9.5.9. Importing Tables
      10. 9.5.10. Editing Table Lineweights
      11. 9.5.11. Changing Cell Background Colors
      12. 9.5.12. Adding Graphics to Table Cells
      13. 9.5.13. Creating Table Styles
    6. 9.6. Summary
  15. 10. Using Dimensions
    1. 10.1. Understanding the Parts of an AutoCAD Dimension
    2. 10.2. Dimensioning in the Model or Layout View
    3. 10.3. Drawing Linear Dimensions
      1. 10.3.1. Placing Horizontal and Vertical Dimensions
      2. 10.3.2. Continuing a Dimension
      3. 10.3.3. Drawing Dimensions from a Common Base Extension Line
      4. 10.3.4. Adding a String of Dimensions with a Single Operation
    4. 10.4. Dimensioning Nonorthogonal Objects
      1. 10.4.1. Adding Nonorthogonal Linear Dimensions
      2. 10.4.2. Dimensioning Arcs and Circles
      3. 10.4.3. Dimensioning Angles and Arc Lengths
    5. 10.5. Adding a Note with an Arrow Using the Leader Tool
      1. 10.5.1. Creating Multileader Styles
      2. 10.5.2. Editing Multileader Notes
    6. 10.6. Using Ordinate Dimensions
    7. 10.7. Adding Tolerance Notation
    8. 10.8. Editing Dimensions
      1. 10.8.1. Appending Data to Dimension Text
      2. 10.8.2. Making Changes to Multiple Dimensions
      3. 10.8.3. Detaching Dimension Text from the Dimension Line
      4. 10.8.4. Rotating Dimension Text
      5. 10.8.5. Skewing Dimension Lines
    9. 10.9. Setting Up the Dimension's Appearance
      1. 10.9.1. Creating a Dimension Style
        1. 10.9.1.1. Setting Up the Dimension Graphics
        2. 10.9.1.2. Setting the Appearance of the Dimension Text
        3. 10.9.1.3. Specifying Text and Arrow Placement in Tight Spaces
        4. 10.9.1.4. Specifying the Unit Style Settings for Dimensions
        5. 10.9.1.5. Using the Alternate Units Tab
        6. 10.9.1.6. Using the Tolerances Tab
      2. 10.9.2. Setting the Current Dimension Style
      3. 10.9.3. Editing a Dimension Style
    10. 10.10. Summary
  16. 11. Gathering Information
    1. 11.1. Measuring Areas
      1. 11.1.1. Measuring the Area of a Polygonal Shape
      2. 11.1.2. Measuring the Area of Complex or Curved Shapes
        1. 11.1.2.1. Using the Hatch Command to Create a Polyline Outline
        2. 11.1.2.2. Measuring Areas That Contain Islands
        3. 11.1.2.3. Finding Cumulative Area Values
    2. 11.2. Finding the Coordinate of a Point
    3. 11.3. Measuring Distances
    4. 11.4. Measuring Angles
    5. 11.5. Getting the General Status of the Drawing
    6. 11.6. Finding the Time Spent on a Drawing
    7. 11.7. Adding Nondrawing Data to Store with Your Drawing
    8. 11.8. Finding Text in a Drawing
    9. 11.9. Locating and Selecting Named Components
      1. 11.9.1. Searching Using Quick Select
      2. 11.9.2. Viewing a List of Named Components
    10. 11.10. Finding Missing Support Files
      1. 11.10.1. Locating Xrefs
      2. 11.10.2. Locating Fonts, Linetypes, and Hatch Patterns
    11. 11.11. Summary
  17. 12. Laying Out and Printing Your Drawings
    1. 12.1. Setting Up a Drawing for Printing
      1. 12.1.1. Exploring the Layout Views
        1. 12.1.1.1. Exploring the Viewport
        2. 12.1.1.2. Selecting a Paper Size and Orientation
      2. 12.1.2. Using Layout Views to Scale Down Your Drawing
      3. 12.1.3. Creating Additional Viewports
        1. 12.1.3.1. Adding a Single Viewport
        2. 12.1.3.2. Adding Multiple Viewports at Once
        3. 12.1.3.3. Exploring Other Multiple Viewport Options
      4. 12.1.4. Controlling How Viewports Display and Print
        1. 12.1.4.1. Locking the Viewport View from Pans and Zooms
        2. 12.1.4.2. Turning the Viewport Display On or Off
        3. 12.1.4.3. Printing a 3D Model with Hidden Lines or Shaded
      5. 12.1.5. Setting Layers for Individual Viewports
      6. 12.1.6. Adding Layouts Using the Quick View Layouts Tool
      7. 12.1.7. Switching Between Layouts
    2. 12.2. Printing Your Drawing
      1. 12.2.1. Selecting and Storing Printer Settings
      2. 12.2.2. Exploring the Printer Configuration Options
        1. 12.2.2.1. Media
        2. 12.2.2.2. Graphics
        3. 12.2.2.3. Custom Properties
        4. 12.2.2.4. User-Defined Paper Sizes & Calibration
      3. 12.2.3. Selecting a Paper Size and Number of Copies
      4. 12.2.4. Determining What View Will Print
      5. 12.2.5. Adjusting the Location of Your Printed Image
      6. 12.2.6. Setting the Print Scale
        1. 12.2.6.1. Selecting a Scale
        2. 12.2.6.2. Adjusting Lineweights to Your Scale
      7. 12.2.7. Options for Printing 3D Views
      8. 12.2.8. Plot Options
      9. 12.2.9. Drawing Orientation
    3. 12.3. Storing Your Printer Settings
    4. 12.4. Controlling Color, Lines, and Fills Through Plot Styles
      1. 12.4.1. Using AutoCAD's Predefined Plot Styles
      2. 12.4.2. Choosing Between Color and Named Plot-Style Tables
      3. 12.4.3. Creating a Plot-Style Table
      4. 12.4.4. Editing and Using Plot Style Tables
      5. 12.4.5. Understanding the Options in the Plot Style Table Editor
        1. 12.4.5.1. The General Tab
        2. 12.4.5.2. The Table View Tab
        3. 12.4.5.3. The Form View Tab
    5. 12.5. Assigning Named Plot Styles Directly to Layers and Objects
      1. 12.5.1. Assigning Plot Styles to Objects
      2. 12.5.2. Assigning Named Plot Style Tables to Layers
    6. 12.6. Converting a Drawing from Color Plot Styles to Named Plot Styles
    7. 12.7. Summary

Product information

  • Title: Introducing AutoCAD® 2010 and AutoCAD LT® 2010
  • Author(s):
  • Release date: August 2009
  • Publisher(s): Sybex
  • ISBN: 9780470438671