Mastering AutoCAD® 2012 and AutoCAD LT® 2012

Mastering AutoCAD® 2012 and AutoCAD LT® 2012

Released June 2011
Publisher(s): Sybex
ISBN: 9780470952887

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Book description

Learn to master the AutoCAD software

This Autodesk Official Training guide is a comprehensive reference and tutorial that will help you quickly master AutoCAD software. Featuring concise explanations, step-by-step instructions, and hands-on projects based on real-world designs, this Autodesk Official Training Guide covers everything from interface best practices to hatches, fields, dynamic blocks, attributes, linking drawings to databases, rendering realistic views, and presenting designs. This Mastering book is recommended as a Certification Preparation study guide resource for the AutoCAD Associate and Professional exams.

  • Serves as an in-depth resource on the fundamentals, functions, and features of AutoCAD, the popular 2D and 3D drawing software, and its less expensive version AutoCAD LT

  • Describes how to effectively use hatches, fields, and tables; execute 3D modeling, imaging, and customizing; work with dynamic blocks, drawing curves, and solid fills; and more

  • Shares helpful examples, step-by-step instructions, and hands-on projects from award-winning author and CAD specialist George Omura

This ebook does not include access to the companion materials.

Table of contents

  1. Cover Page
  2. Title Page
  3. Copyright
  4. Dear Reader,
  5. Dedication
  6. Acknowledgments
  7. About the Authors
  8. Contents at a Glance
  9. Contents
  10. Foreword
  11. Introduction
    1. How to Use This Book
    2. AutoCAD 2012 and AutoCAD LT 2012
    3. Getting Information Fast
    4. What to Expect
    5. The Minimum System Requirements
    6. Doing Things in Style
    7. New Features of AutoCAD 2012
    8. Contact the Authors
  12. Part 1: The Basics
    1. Chapter 1: Exploring the AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT Interface
      1. Taking a Guided Tour
      2. Working with AutoCAD
      3. The Bottom Line
    2. Chapter 2: Creating Your First Drawing
      1. Getting to Know the Home Tab's Draw and Modify Panels
      2. Starting Your First Drawing
      3. Specifying Exact Distances with Coordinates
      4. Interpreting the Cursor Modes and Understanding Prompts
      5. Selecting Objects
      6. Editing with Grips
      7. Using Dynamic Input
      8. Getting Help
      9. Displaying Data in a Text Window
      10. Displaying the Properties of an Object
      11. The Bottom Line
    3. Chapter 3: Setting Up and Using AutoCAD's Drafting Tools
      1. Setting Up a Work Area
      2. Exploring the Drawing Process
      3. Planning and Laying Out a Drawing
      4. Using the AutoCAD Modes as Drafting Tools
      5. The Bottom Line
    4. Chapter 4: Organizing Objects with Blocks and Groups
      1. Creating a Symbol
      2. Inserting a Symbol
      3. Modifying a Block
      4. Understanding the Annotation Scale
      5. Grouping Objects
      6. The Bottom Line
    5. Chapter 5: Keeping Track of Layers and Blocks
      1. Organizing Information with Layers
      2. Keeping Track of Blocks and Layers
      3. The Bottom Line
  13. Part 2: Mastering Intermediate Skills
    1. Chapter 6: Editing and Reusing Data to Work Efficiently
      1. Creating and Using Templates
      2. Copying an Object Multiple Times
      3. Developing Your Drawing
      4. Finding an Exact Distance along a Curve
      5. Changing the Length of Objects
      6. Creating a New Drawing by Using Parts from Another Drawing
      7. The Bottom Line
    2. Chapter 7: Mastering Viewing Tools, Hatches, and External References
      1. Assembling the Parts
      2. Taking Control of the AutoCAD Display
      3. Using Hatch Patterns in Your Drawings
      4. Understanding the Boundary Hatch Options
      5. Using External References
      6. Editing Xrefs in Place
      7. The Bottom Line
    3. Chapter 8: Introducing Printing, Plotting, and Layouts
      1. Plotting the Plan
      2. Understanding the Plotter Settings
      3. WYSIWYG Plotting Using Layout Views
      4. Adding an Output Device
      5. Storing a Page Setup
      6. Plotter and Printer Hardware Considerations
      7. The Bottom Line
    4. Chapter 9: Understanding Plot Styles
      1. Choosing Between Color-Dependent and Named Plot Style Tables
      2. Creating a Color Plot Style Table
      3. Editing and Using Plot Style Tables
      4. Assigning Named Plot Styles Directly to Layers and Objects
      5. The Bottom Line
    5. Chapter 10: Adding Text to Drawings
      1. Preparing a Drawing for Text
      2. Setting the Annotation Scale and Adding Text
      3. Understanding the Text Style Dialog Box Options
      4. Exploring Text Formatting in AutoCAD
      5. What Do the Fonts Look Like?
      6. Adding Simple Single-Line Text Objects
      7. Using the Check Spelling Feature
      8. Substituting Fonts
      9. Finding and Replacing Text
      10. The Bottom Line
    6. Chapter 11: Using Fields and Tables
      1. Using Fields to Associate Text with Drawing Properties
      2. Adding Tables to Your Drawing
      3. Editing the Table Line Work
      4. Adding Formulas to Cells
      5. Importing and Exporting Tables
      6. Creating Table Styles
      7. The Bottom Line
    7. Chapter 12: Using Dimensions
      1. Understanding the Components of a Dimension
      2. Creating a Dimension Style
      3. Drawing Linear Dimensions
      4. Editing Dimensions
      5. Dimensioning Nonorthogonal Objects
      6. Adding a Note with a Leader Arrow
      7. Applying Ordinate Dimensions
      8. Adding Tolerance Notation
      9. The Bottom Line
  14. Part 3: Mastering Advanced Skills
    1. Chapter 13: Using Attributes
      1. Creating Attributes
      2. Editing Attributes
      3. Extracting and Exporting Attribute Information
      4. The Bottom Line
    2. Chapter 14: Copying Existing Drawings into AutoCAD
      1. Methods for Converting Paper Drawings to AutoCAD Files
      2. Importing a Raster Image
      3. Working with a Raster Image
      4. Working with PDF Files
      5. The Bottom Line
    3. Chapter 15: Advanced Editing and Organizing
      1. Using External References
      2. Managing Layers
      3. Using Advanced Tools: Filter and Quick Select
      4. Using the QuickCalc Calculator
      5. The Bottom Line
    4. Chapter 16: Laying Out Your Printer Output
      1. Understanding Model Space and Paper Space
      2. Working with Paper Space Viewports
      3. Creating Odd-Shaped Viewports
      4. Understanding Lineweights, Linetypes, and Dimensions in Paper Space
      5. The Bottom Line
    5. Chapter 17: Making “Smart” Drawings with Parametric Tools
      1. Why Use Parametric Drawing Tools
      2. Connecting Objects with Geometric Constraints
      3. Controlling Sizes with Dimensional Constraints
      4. Using Formulas to Control and Link Dimensions
      5. Editing the Constraint Options
      6. Putting Constraints to Use
      7. The Bottom Line
    6. Chapter 18: Using Dynamic Blocks
      1. Exploring the Block Editor
      2. Creating a Dynamic Block
      3. Using Constraints in Dynamic Blocks
      4. Adding a List of Predefined Options
      5. Creating Multiple Shapes in One Block
      6. Rotating Objects in Unison
      7. Filling in a Space Automatically with Objects
      8. Including Block Information with Data Extraction
      9. The Bottom Line
    7. Chapter 19: Drawing Curves
      1. Introducing Polylines
      2. Editing Polylines
      3. Creating a Polyline Spline Curve
      4. Using True Spline Curves
      5. Marking Divisions on Curves
      6. The Bottom Line
    8. Chapter 20: Getting and Exchanging Data from Drawings
      1. Finding the Area of Closed Boundaries
      2. Getting General Information
      3. Using the DXF File Format to Exchange CAD Data with Other Programs
      4. Using AutoCAD Drawings in Page Layout Programs
      5. Using OLE to Import Data
      6. The Bottom Line
  15. Part 4: 3D Modeling and Imaging
    1. Chapter 21: Creating 3D Drawings
      1. Getting to Know the 3D Modeling Workspace
      2. Drawing in 3D Using Solids
      3. Creating 3D Forms from 2D Shapes
      4. Extruding a Polyline
      5. Isolating Coordinates with Point Filters
      6. Moving Around Your Model
      7. Getting a Visual Effect
      8. Turning a 3D View into a 2D AutoCAD Drawing
      9. Using the Point Cloud Feature
      10. The Bottom Line
    2. Chapter 22: Using Advanced 3D Features
      1. Setting Up AutoCAD for This Chapter
      2. Mastering the User Coordinate System
      3. Understanding the UCS Options
      4. Using Viewports to Aid in 3D Drawing
      5. Using the Array Tools
      6. Creating Complex 3D Surfaces
      7. Creating Spiral Forms
      8. Creating Surface Models
      9. Moving Objects in 3D Space
      10. The Bottom Line
    3. Chapter 23: Rendering 3D Drawings
      1. Testing the Waters
      2. Creating a Quick Study Rendering
      3. Simulating the Sun
      4. Using Materials
      5. Creating Effects Using Materials and Lights
      6. Applying and Adjusting Texture Maps
      7. Understanding the Rendering Options
      8. Adding Cameras for Better View Control
      9. Printing Your Renderings
      10. Simulating Natural Light
      11. The Bottom Line
    4. Chapter 24: Editing and Visualizing 3D Solids
      1. Understanding Solid Modeling
      2. Creating Solid Forms
      3. Creating Complex Solids
      4. Editing Solids
      5. Streamlining the 2D Drawing Process
      6. Visualizing Solids
      7. The Bottom Line
    5. Chapter 25: Exploring 3D Mesh and Surface Modeling
      1. Creating a Simple 3D Mesh
      2. Editing Faces and Edges
      3. Creating Mesh Surfaces
      4. Converting Meshes to Solids
      5. Understanding 3D Surfaces
      6. Editing Surfaces
      7. The Bottom Line
  16. Part 5: Customization and Integration
    1. Chapter 26: Customizing Toolbars, Menus, Linetypes, and Hatch Patterns
      1. Using Workspaces
      2. Customizing the User Interface
      3. Creating Macros in Tools and Menus
      4. Pausing for User Input
      5. Opening an Expanded Text Box for the Macro Option
      6. Editing Keyboard Shortcuts
      7. Saving, Loading, and Unloading Your Customizations
      8. Understanding the Diesel Macro Language
      9. Creating Custom Linetypes
      10. Creating Hatch Patterns
      11. The Bottom Line
    2. Chapter 27: Managing and Sharing Your Drawings
      1. Sharing Drawings over the Internet
      2. ePublishing Your Drawings
      3. Managing Your Drawings with DesignCenter and the Tool Palettes
      4. Searching Your Drawing Library With Content Explorer
      5. Establishing Office Standards
      6. Converting Multiple Layer Settings
      7. The Bottom Line
  17. Appendices
    1. Appendix A: The Bottom Line
      1. Chapter 1 : Exploring the AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT Interface
      2. Chapter 2 : Creating Your First Drawing
      3. Chapter 3 : Setting Up and Using AutoCAD's Drafting Tools
      4. Chapter 4 : Organizing Objects with Blocks and Groups
      5. Chapter 5 : Keeping Track of Layers and Blocks
      6. Chapter 6 : Editing and Reusing Data to Work Efficiently
      7. Chapter 7 : Mastering Viewing Tools, Hatches, and External References
      8. Chapter 8 : Introducing Printing, Plotting, and Layouts
      9. Chapter 9 : Understanding Plot Styles
      10. Chapter 10 : Adding Text to Drawings
      11. Chapter 11 : Using Fields and Tables
      12. Chapter 12 : Using Dimensions
      13. Chapter 13 : Using Attributes
      14. Chapter 14 : Copying Existing Drawings into AutoCAD
      15. Chapter 15 : Advanced Editing and Organizing
      16. Chapter 16 : Laying Out Your Printer Output
      17. Chapter 17 : Making “Smart” Drawings with Parametric Tools
      18. Chapter 18 : Using Dynamic Blocks
      19. Chapter 19 : Drawing Curves
      20. Chapter 20 : Getting and Exchanging Data from Drawings
      21. Chapter 21 : Creating 3D Drawings
      22. Chapter 22 : Using Advanced 3D Features
      23. Chapter 23 : Rendering 3D Drawings
      24. Chapter 24 : Editing and Visualizing 3D Solids
      25. Chapter 25 : Exploring 3D Mesh and Surface Modeling
      26. Chapter 26 : Customizing Toolbars, Menus, Linetypes, and Hatch Patterns
      27. Chapter 27 : Managing and Sharing Your Drawings
    2. Appendix B: Installing and Setting Up AutoCAD
      1. Before Installing AutoCAD
      2. Proceeding with the Installation
      3. Configuring AutoCAD
      4. Configuring the Tablet Menu Area
      5. Turning On the Noun/Verb Selection Method
      6. Turning On the Grips Feature
      7. Setting Up the Tracking Vector Feature
      8. Adjusting AutoCAD's 3D Graphics System
      9. Finding Hidden Folders That Contain AutoCAD Files
    3. Appendix C: About the Companion DVD
      1. What You'll Find on the DVD
      2. System Requirements
      3. Using the DVD
      4. Troubleshooting
    4. Appendix D: AutoCAD Certification
  18. Bonus Chapter 1: Using the Express Tools
    1. Using Enhancements Straight from the Source
    2. Putting AutoLISP to Work
  19. Bonus Chapter 2: Exploring AutoLISP
    1. Understanding the Interpreter
    2. Using Arguments and Functions
    3. Creating a Simple Program
    4. Selecting Objects with AutoLISP
    5. Controlling the Flow of an AutoLISP Program
    6. Converting Data Types
    7. Storing Your Programs as Files
    8. Getting More Help with AutoLISP
  20. Bonus Chapter 3: Keeping a Project Organized with Sheet Sets
    1. Understanding Sheet Sets
    2. Creating a Sheet Set from an Existing Project
    3. Managing Title Blocks and Cross-References
    4. Customizing Sheet Sets
    5. Archiving, Publishing, and eTransmitting Sheet Sets
  21. Bonus Chapter 4: Hardware and Software Tips
    1. The Graphics Display
    2. Pointing Devices
    3. Output Devices
    4. Fine-Tuning the Appearance of Output
    5. Memory and AutoCAD Performance
    6. AutoCAD Tools to Improve Memory Use
    7. Setting Up AutoCAD Architecture to Act Like Standard AutoCAD
    8. When Things Go Wrong
  22. Bonus Chapter 5: System Variables and Dimension Styles
    1. System Variables
    2. Taking a Closer Look at the Dimension Style Dialog Boxes
  23. Index

Product information

  • Title: Mastering AutoCAD® 2012 and AutoCAD LT® 2012
  • Author(s):
  • Release date: June 2011
  • Publisher(s): Sybex
  • ISBN: 9780470952887