book

Mastering AutoCAD 2018 and AutoCAD LT 2018

Name: Mastering AutoCAD 2018 and AutoCAD LT 2018
ISBN: 9781119386797

by George Omura, Brian C. Benton

May 2017

Beginner to intermediate

1080 pages

34h 4m

English

Sybex

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Cover
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
Contents
Contents
Introduction
Part 1 • The Basics

Chapter 1 • Exploring the Interface
Taking a Guided TourLaunching AutoCADThe AutoCAD WindowUsing the Application MenuUsing the RibbonPicking Points in the Drawing AreaUsing the UCS IconWorking in the Command WindowWorking with AutoCADOpening an Existing FileGetting a Closer LookSaving a File as You WorkMaking ChangesWorking with Multiple FilesAdding a Predrawn Symbol with the Tool PalettesThe Bottom Line
Chapter 2 • Creating Your First Drawing
Getting to Know the Home Tab’s Draw and Modify PanelsStarting Your First DrawingSpecifying Exact Distances with CoordinatesSpecifying Polar CoordinatesSpecifying Relative Cartesian CoordinatesInterpreting the Cursor Modes and Understanding PromptsUnderstanding Cursor ModesChoosing Command OptionsSelecting ObjectsSelecting Objects in AutoCADProviding Base PointsUsing Noun/Verb SelectionEditing with GripsStretching Lines by Using GripsMoving and Rotating with GripsUnderstanding Dynamic InputDisplaying Data in a Text WindowDisplaying the Properties of an ObjectGetting HelpUsing the InfoCenterFinding Additional Sources of HelpThe Bottom Line
Chapter 3 • Setting Up and Using the Drafting Tools
Setting Up a Work AreaSpecifying UnitsFine-Tuning the Measurement SystemSetting Up the Drawing LimitsLooking at an Alternative to LimitsUnderstanding Scale FactorsUsing Polar TrackingSetting the Polar Tracking AngleExploring the Drawing ProcessLocating an Object in Reference to OthersGetting a Closer LookModifying an ObjectPlanning and Laying Out a DrawingMaking a Preliminary SketchUsing the LayoutErasing the Layout LinesPutting on the Finishing TouchesAligning Objects by Using Object Snap TrackingUsing the AutoCAD Modes as Drafting ToolsUsing Grid Mode as a Background GridUsing Snap ModesThe Bottom Line
Chapter 4 • Organizing Objects with Blocks and Groups
Creating and Using a SymbolUnderstanding the Block Definition Dialog BoxInserting a SymbolScaling and Rotating BlocksUsing an Existing Drawing as a SymbolModifying a BlockUnblocking and Redefining a BlockSaving a Block as a Drawing FileReplacing Existing Files with BlocksUnderstanding the Write Block Dialog Box OptionsOther Uses for BlocksUnderstanding the Annotation ScaleGrouping ObjectsModifying Members of a GroupUngrouping, Adding, and Subtracting from a GroupWorking with the Object Grouping Dialog BoxWorking with the AutoCAD LT Group ManagerThe Bottom Line
Chapter 5 • Keeping Track of Layers and Blocks
Organizing Information with LayersCreating and Assigning LayersWorking on LayersControlling Layer VisibilityFinding the Layers You WantTaming an Unwieldy List of LayersAssigning Linetypes to LayersAdding a Linetype to a DrawingControlling LineweightsKeeping Track of Blocks and LayersGetting a Text File List of Layers or BlocksThe Bottom Line
Part 2 • Mastering Intermediate Skills
Chapter 6 • Editing and Reusing Data to Work Efficiently
Creating and Using TemplatesCreating a TemplateUsing a TemplateCopying an Object Multiple TimesMaking Circular CopiesMaking Row and Column CopiesFine-Tuning Your ViewFinishing the KitchenetteArray Along a PathMaking Changes to an Associative ArrayDeveloping Your DrawingImporting SettingsUsing Osnap Tracking to Place ObjectsFinding an Exact Distance Along a CurveChanging the Length of ObjectsCreating a New Drawing by Using Parts from Another DrawingEliminating Unused Blocks, Layers, Linetypes, Shapes, Styles, and MoreThe Bottom Line
Chapter 7 • Mastering Viewing Tools, Hatches, and External References
Assembling the PartsTaking Control of the AutoCAD DisplayUnderstanding Regeneration and RedrawingSaving ViewsUnderstanding the Frozen Layer OptionUsing Hatch Patterns in Your DrawingsPlacing a Hatch Pattern in a Specific AreaAdding Predefined Hatch PatternsPositioning Hatch Patterns AccuratelyUpdating a Block from an External FileChanging the Hatch AreaModifying a Hatch PatternUnderstanding the Boundary Hatch OptionsControlling Boundaries with the Boundaries PanelFine-Tuning the Boundary BehaviorControlling Hatch Behavior with the Options PanelControlling Hatch Default Layer, Layout Scale, and ISO Line WeightUsing Additional Hatch FeaturesUsing Gradient ShadingTips for Using HatchSpace Planning and Hatch PatternsUsing External ReferencesAttaching a Drawing as an External ReferenceOther Differences Between External References and BlocksOther External Reference OptionsClipping Xref Views and Improving PerformanceEditing Xrefs in PlaceUsing the External Reference TabAdding and Removing Objects from Blocks and XrefsUnderstanding the Reference Edit Dialog Box OptionsThe Bottom Line
Chapter 8 • Introducing Printing, Plotting, and Layouts
Plotting the PlanUnderstanding the Plotter SettingsPaper SizeDrawing OrientationPlot AreaPlot ScaleShaded Viewport OptionsPlot OffsetPlot OptionsExit OptionsPlotting Using Layout ViewsSetting Plot Scale in the Layout ViewportsAdding an Output DeviceEditing a Plotter ConfigurationStoring a Page SetupUsing Electronic PlotsExporting to PDF Through the Plot Dialog BoxExporting to PDF Through the Export To DWF/PDF Ribbon PanelExporting Autodesk DWF and DWFx FilesThe Bottom Line
Chapter 9 • Adding Text to Drawings
Preparing a Drawing for TextOrganizing Text by StylesGetting Familiar with the Text and Annotation Scale Control PanelsSetting the Annotation Scale and Adding TextInserting TextExploring Text and ScaleUnderstanding the Text Style Dialog Box OptionsStylesSet Current/New/DeleteFontSizeEffectsExploring Text Formatting in AutoCADAdjusting the Text Height and FontUnderstanding the Text Editor TabAdding Symbols and Special CharactersSetting Indents and TabsWhat Do the Fonts Look Like?Adding Simple Single-Line Text ObjectsJustifying Single-Line Text ObjectsUsing Special Characters with Single-Line Text ObjectsUsing the Check Spelling FeatureHow Check Spelling WorksChoosing a DictionarySubstituting FontsFinding and Replacing TextThe Bottom Line
Chapter 10 • Using Fields and Tables
Using Fields to Associate Text with Drawing PropertiesAdding Tables to Your DrawingCreating a TableAdding Cell TextAdjusting Table Text Orientation and LocationEditing the Table Line WorkAdding Formulas to CellsUsing Formulas Directly in CellsUsing Other Math OperationsImporting and Exporting TablesImporting a TableExporting TablesCreating Table StylesAdding or Modifying a Table StyleThe Table Style OptionsThe Bottom Line
Chapter 11 • Using Dimensions
Understanding the Components of a DimensionCreating a Dimension StyleSetting Up the Primary Unit StyleSetting the Height for Dimension TextSetting the Location and Orientation of Dimension TextChoosing an Arrow Style and Setting the Dimension ScaleSetting Up Alternate UnitsSetting the Current Dimension StyleModifying a Dimension StyleDrawing Linear DimensionsUnderstanding the Dimensions PanelPlacing Horizontal and Vertical DimensionsContinuing a DimensionDrawing Dimensions from a Common Base Extension LineAdjusting the Distance Between DimensionsEditing DimensionsAppending Data to Dimension TextUsing Grips to Make Minor Adjustments to DimensionsChanging Style Settings of Individual DimensionsEditing Dimensions and Other Objects TogetherAssociating Dimensions with ObjectsAdding a String of Dimensions with a Single OperationAdding or Removing the Alternate DimensionsDimensioning Nonorthogonal ObjectsDimensioning Nonorthogonal Linear DistancesDimensioning Radii, Diameters, and ArcsSkewing Dimension LinesUsing the Dimension ToolAdding a Note with a Leader ArrowCreating Multileader StylesEditing Multileader NotesBreaking a Dimension Line for a LeaderApplying Ordinate DimensionsAdding Tolerance NotationInserting Tolerance and Datum ValuesAdding Inspection DimensionsThe Bottom Line
Part 3 • Mastering Advanced Skills
Chapter 12 • Using Attributes
Creating AttributesAdding Attributes to BlocksCopying and Editing Attribute DefinitionsTurning the Attribute Definitions into a BlockInserting Blocks Containing AttributesEditing AttributesEditing Attribute Values One at a TimeEditing Attribute Text Formats and PropertiesMaking Global Changes to Attribute ValuesMaking Invisible Attributes VisibleMaking Global Format and Property Changes to AttributesOther Block Attribute Manager OptionsRedefining Blocks Containing AttributesExtracting and Exporting Attribute InformationPerforming the ExtractionExtracting Attribute Data to an AutoCAD TableThe Bottom Line
Chapter 13 • Copying Existing Drawings from Other Sources
Methods for Converting Paper Drawings to AutoCAD FilesImporting a Raster ImageWorking with a Raster ImageScaling a Raster ImageControlling Object Visibility and Overlap with Raster ImagesAdjusting Brightness, Contrast, and FadeClipping a Raster ImageTurning Off the Frame, Adjusting Overall Quality, and Controlling TransparencyWorking with PDF FilesImporting a PDFScaling and Osnaps with PDFsControlling the PDF DisplayImporting a PDF as an AutoCAD DrawingReconstructing Imported AutoCAD SHX FontsCoordinating Geographic LocationsMaking Adjustments to the MapFinding Measurements and DistancesThe Bottom Line
Chapter 14 • Advanced Editing and Organizing
Using External ReferencesPreparing Existing Drawings for External ReferencingAssembling Xrefs to Build a DrawingUpdating Blocks in XrefsImporting Named Elements from XrefsControlling the Xref Search PathManaging LayersSaving and Recalling Layer SettingsOther Tools for Managing LayersUsing Advanced Tools: Filter and Quick SelectFiltering SelectionsUsing Quick SelectUsing the QuickCalc CalculatorAdding Foot and Inch Lengths and Finding the Sum of AnglesConverting Units with QuickCalcUsing QuickCalc to Find PointsFinding Fractional Distances between Two PointsUsing QuickCalc While in the Middle of a CommandStoring Expressions and ValuesGuidelines for Working with QuickCalcThe Bottom Line
Chapter 15 • Laying Out Your Printer Output
Understanding Model Space and Paper SpaceSwitching from Model Space to Paper SpaceSetting the Size of a Paper Space LayoutCreating New Paper Space ViewportsReaching Inside ViewportsWorking with Paper Space ViewportsScaling Views in Paper SpaceSetting Layers in Individual ViewportsCreating and Using Multiple Paper Space LayoutsCreating Odd-Shaped ViewportsUnderstanding Lineweights, Linetypes, and Dimensions in Paper SpaceControlling and Viewing Lineweights in Paper SpaceThe Lineweight Settings Dialog BoxLinetype Scales and Paper SpaceDimensioning in Paper Space LayoutsOther Uses for Paper SpaceThe Bottom Line
Chapter 16 • Making “Smart” Drawings with Parametric Tools
Why Use Parametric Drawing Tools?Connecting Objects with Geometric ConstraintsUsing AutoConstrain to Add Constraints AutomaticallyEditing a Drawing Containing ConstraintsUsing Other Geometric ConstraintsUsing Constraints in the Drawing ProcessControlling Sizes with Dimensional ConstraintsAdding a Dimensional ConstraintEditing a Dimensional ConstraintUsing Formulas to Control and Link DimensionsAdding a Formula ParameterTesting the FormulaUsing Other FormulasEditing the Constraint OptionsPutting Constraints to UseThe Bottom Line
Chapter 17 • Using Dynamic Blocks
Exploring the Block EditorOpening the Block EditorEditing a Block and Creating New BlocksCreating a Dynamic BlockAdding a ParameterAdding an ActionAdding an Increment ValueEditing Parameters and ActionsKeeping an Object CenteredUsing Constraints in Dynamic BlocksAdding a List of Predefined OptionsCreating Multiple Shapes in One BlockRotating Objects in UnisonFilling in a Space Automatically with ObjectsIncluding Block Information with Data ExtractionThe Bottom Line
Chapter 18 • Drawing Curves
Introducing PolylinesDrawing a PolylineSetting Polyline OptionsEditing PolylinesSetting Pedit OptionsSmoothing PolylinesEditing VerticesCreating a Polyline Spline CurveUsing True Spline CurvesDrawing a True SplineUnderstanding the Spline OptionsFine-Tuning Spline CurvesMarking Divisions on CurvesDividing Objects into Segments of Equal LengthDividing Objects into Specified LengthsThe Bottom Line
Chapter 19 • Getting and Exchanging Data from Drawings
Finding the Area of Closed BoundariesFinding the Area of an ObjectUsing Hatch Patterns to Find AreasAdding and Subtracting Areas with the Area CommandGetting General InformationDetermining the Drawing’s StatusKeeping Track of TimeGetting Information from System VariablesKeeping a Log of Your ActivityCapturing and Saving Text Data from the AutoCAD Text WindowUnderstanding the Command Window Context MenuStoring Searchable Information in AutoCAD FilesSearching for AutoCAD FilesRecovering Corrupted FilesUsing the DXF File Format to Exchange CAD Data with Other ProgramsExporting DXF FilesOpening or Importing DXF FilesUsing AutoCAD Drawings in Page Layout ProgramsExporting Raster FilesExporting Vector FilesUsing OLE to Import DataEditing OLE LinksImporting Worksheets as AutoCAD TablesUnderstanding Options for Embedding DataUsing the Clipboard to Export AutoCAD DrawingsThe Bottom Line
Part 4 • 3D Modeling and Imaging
Chapter 20 • Creating 3D Drawings
Getting to Know the 3D Modeling WorkspaceDrawing in 3D Using SolidsAdjusting AppearancesCreating a 3D BoxEditing 3D Solids with GripsConstraining Motion with the GizmoRotating Objects in 3D Using Dynamic UCSDrawing on a 3D Object’s SurfacePushing and Pulling Shapes from a SolidMaking Changes to Your SolidCreating 3D Forms from 2D ShapesIsolating Coordinates with Point FiltersMoving Around Your ModelFinding Isometric and Orthogonal ViewsRotating Freely Around Your ModelChanging Your View DirectionUsing SteeringWheelsChanging Where You Are LookingFlying through Your ViewChanging from Perspective to Parallel ProjectionGetting a Visual EffectUsing Visual StylesCreating a Sketched Look with Visual StylesIn-Canvas Viewport ControlsTurning a 3D View into a 2D AutoCAD DrawingUsing the Point Cloud FeatureThe Bottom Line
Chapter 21 • Using Advanced 3D Features
Setting Up AutoCAD for this ChapterMastering the User Coordinate SystemDefining a UCSSaving a UCSWorking in a UCSBuilding 3D Parts in Separate FilesUnderstanding the UCS OptionsUCS Based on Object OrientationUCS Based on Offset OrientationUCS Rotated Around an AxisOrienting a UCS in the View PlaneManipulating the UCS IconSaving a UCS with a ViewUsing Viewports to Aid in 3D DrawingUsing the Array ToolsMaking Changes to an Associative ArrayCreating Complex 3D SurfacesLaying Out a 3D FormSpherical and Cylindrical Coordinate FormatsUsing a 3D PolylineCreating a Curved 3D SurfaceConverting the Surface into a SolidShaping the SolidFinding the Interference between Two SolidsCreating Tubes with the Sweep ToolUsing Sweep to Create Complex FormsCreating Spiral FormsCreating Surface ModelsSlicing a Solid with a SurfaceFinding the Volume of a CutUnderstanding the Loft CommandMoving Objects in 3D SpaceAligning Objects in 3D SpaceMoving an Object in 3DRotating an Object in 3DThe Bottom Line
Chapter 22 • Editing and Visualizing 3D Solids
Understanding Solid ModelingCreating Solid FormsJoining PrimitivesCutting Portions Out of a SolidCreating Complex SolidsTapering an ExtrusionSweeping a Shape on a Curved PathRevolving a PolylineEditing SolidsSplitting a Solid into Two PiecesRounding Corners with the Fillet ToolChamfering Corners with the Chamfer ToolUsing the Solid-Editing ToolsStreamlining the 2D Drawing ProcessDrawing Standard Top, Front, and Right-Side ViewsCreating 2D Drawings with the Base View CommandAdding Dimensions and Notes in a LayoutUsing Visual Styles with a ViewportVisualizing SolidsThe Bottom Line
Chapter 23 • Exploring 3D Mesh and Surface Modeling
Creating a Simple 3D MeshCreating a Mesh PrimitiveUnderstanding the Parts of a MeshSmoothing a MeshEditing Faces and EdgesStretching FacesMoving an EdgeAdding More FacesRotating an EdgeAdding a CreaseSplitting and Extruding a Mesh FaceCreating Mesh SurfacesRevolved SurfaceEdge SurfaceRuled SurfaceTabulated SurfaceConverting Meshes to SolidsUnderstanding 3D SurfacesEditing SurfacesUsing Extrude, Surface Trim, and Surface FilletUsing Surface Blend, Patch, and OffsetUnderstanding AssociativityEditing with Control VerticesEditing with the CV Edit BarMaking Holes in a Surface with the Project Geometry PanelVisualizing Curvature: Understanding the Analysis PanelThe Bottom Line
Part 5 • Customization and Integration
Chapter 24 • Customizing Toolbars, Menus, Linetypes, and Hatch Patterns
Using WorkspacesCustomizing the User InterfaceTaking a Quick Customization TourUnderstanding the Customizations In All Files PanelGetting the Overall ViewFinding Commands in the Command ListOpening Preview, Button Image, and ShortcutsGetting to the Core of Customization in the Properties GroupCreating Your Own Ribbon Panels and MenusCustomizing Ribbon Panel ToolsCreating Macros in Tools and MenusPausing for User InputOpening an Expanded Text Box for the Macro OptionEditing Keyboard ShortcutsSaving, Loading, and Unloading Your CustomizationsUnderstanding the DIESEL Macro LanguageUsing DIESEL at the Command LineUsing DIESEL in a Custom Menu MacroUsing DIESEL as a Menu Bar Option LabelUsing DIESEL and Fields to Generate TextCreating Custom LinetypesViewing Available LinetypesCreating a New LinetypeUnderstanding the Linetype CodeCreating Complex LinetypesCreating Hatch PatternsThe Bottom Line
Chapter 25 • Managing and Sharing Your Drawings
Sharing Drawings OnlineSharing Project Files with eTransmitProtecting AutoCAD Drawing FilesPublishing Your DrawingsExchanging Drawing SetsExploring Other Publish OptionsCreating a PDF or DWF File by Using the Plot Dialog BoxSharing Files with A360 DriveGetting Started with A360 DriveViewing Files and Adding CommentsSharing FilesOpening and Saving Files Directly to A360 DriveCollaborating with Others Using Design FeedAdding Hyperlinks to DrawingsCreating HyperlinksEditing and Deleting HyperlinksTaking a Closer Look at the Hyperlink OptionsManaging Your Drawings with DesignCenter and the Tool PalettesGetting Familiar with DesignCenterOpening and Inserting Files with DesignCenterFinding and Extracting the Contents of a DrawingExchanging Data between Open FilesLoading Specific Files into DesignCenterCustomizing the Tool Palettes with DesignCenterEstablishing Office StandardsEstablishing Layering and Text ConventionsChecking Office StandardsConverting Multiple Layer SettingsExploring Other Layer Translator OptionsThe Bottom Line
Part 6 • Appendixes
Appendix A • The Bottom Line
Chapter 1: Exploring the InterfaceChapter 2: Creating Your First DrawingChapter 3: Setting Up and Using the Drafting ToolsChapter 4: Organizing Objects with Blocks and GroupsChapter 5: Keeping Track of Layers and BlocksChapter 6: Editing and Reusing Data to Work EfficientlyChapter 7: Mastering Viewing Tools, Hatches, and External ReferencesChapter 8: Introducing Printing, Plotting, and LayoutsChapter 9: Adding Text to DrawingsChapter 10: Using Fields and TablesChapter 11: Using DimensionsChapter 12: Using AttributesChapter 13: Copying Existing Drawings from Other SourcesChapter 14: Advanced Editing and OrganizingChapter 15: Laying Out Your Printer OutputChapter 16: Making “Smart” Drawings with Parametric ToolsChapter 17: Using Dynamic BlocksChapter 18: Drawing CurvesChapter 19: Getting and Exchanging Data from DrawingsChapter 20: Creating 3D DrawingsChapter 21: Using Advanced 3D FeaturesChapter 22: Editing and Visualizing 3D SolidsChapter 23: Exploring 3D Mesh and Surface ModelingChapter 24: Customizing Toolbars, Menus, Linetypes, and Hatch PatternsChapter 25: Managing and Sharing Your Drawings
Appendix B • Installing and Setting Up AutoCAD
Before Installing AutoCADProceeding with the InstallationConfiguring AutoCADThe Files TabThe Display TabThe Open And Save TabThe Plot and Publish TabThe System TabThe User Preferences TabThe Drafting TabThe 3D Modeling TabThe Selection TabThe Profiles TabThe Online TabConfiguring the Tablet Menu AreaTurning On the Noun/Verb Selection MethodTurning on the Grips FeatureSetting Up the Tracking Vector FeatureAdjusting the AutoCAD 3D Graphics SystemFinding Folders That Contain AutoCAD FilesSetting Up AutoCAD with a White Background
Appendix C • The Autodesk AutoCAD 2018 Certification
Index
Eula

Overview

30th Anniversary of the bestselling AutoCAD reference - fully updated for the 2018 release

Mastering AutoCAD 2018 and AutoCAD LT 2018 is the complete tutorial and reference every design and drafting professional needs. Step-by-step instructions coupled with concise explanation walk you through everything you need to know about the latest AutoCAD tools and techniques; read through from beginning to end for complete training, or dip in as needed to for quick reference—it's all here.

Hands-on projects teach you practical skills that apply directly to real-world projects, and the companion website features the accompanying project files and other bonus content to help you master every crucial technique. This new edition has been updated to include the latest AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT capabilities, so your skills will transfer directly to real-world projects. With expert guidance and a practical focus, this complete reference is your ultimate resource for mastering this powerful software.

AutoCAD is a critical skill in the design fields; whether you're preparing for a certification exam, or just want to become more productive with the software, this book will help you:

Master the basic drafting tools that you'll use in every project
Work with hatches, fields, tables, attributes, dynamic blocks, and other intermediate tools
Turn your 2D drawing into a 3D model with advanced modeling and imaging techniques
Customize AutoCAD to fit the way you work, integrate outside data, and much more

If you're new to AutoCAD, this book will be your "bible;" if you're an experienced user, this book will introduce you to unfamiliar tools and techniques, and show you tips and tricks that streamline your workflow.

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AutoCAD 2018 and AutoCAD LT 2018 Essentials

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