Mastering AutoCAD® 2012 and AutoCAD LT® 2012

Chapter 4

Organizing Objects with Blocks and Groups

Drawing the tub, toilet, and sink in Chapter 3, “Setting Up and Using AutoCAD's Drafting Tools,” may have taken what seemed to you an inordinate amount of time. As you continue to use AutoCAD, however, you'll learn to draw objects more quickly. You'll also need to draw fewer of them because you can save drawings as symbols and then use those symbols like rubber stamps, duplicating drawings instantaneously wherever they're needed. This saves a lot of time when you're composing drawings.

To make effective use of AutoCAD, begin a symbol library of drawings you use frequently. A mechanical designer might have a library of symbols for fasteners, cams, valves, or other parts used in their application. ...