Mastering AutoCAD® 2012 and AutoCAD LT® 2012

Chapter 6

Editing and Reusing Data to Work Efficiently

At least 5 AutoCAD commands are devoted to duplicating objects—10 if you include the grips options. Why so many? If you're an experienced drafter, you know that you frequently have to draw the same item several times in many drawings. AutoCAD offers a variety of ways to reuse existing geometry, thereby automating much of the repetitive work usually associated with manual drafting.

In this chapter, as you finish drawing the studio apartment unit, you'll explore some of the ways to exploit existing files and objects while constructing your drawing. For example, you'll use existing files as prototypes for new files, eliminating the need to set up layers, scales, and sheet sizes for similar drawings. ...