book

Mastering AutoCAD® 2010 and AutoCAD LT® 2010

Name: Mastering AutoCAD® 2010 and AutoCAD LT® 2010
Author: George Omura
ISBN: 9780470466032

by George Omura

June 2009

Beginner to intermediate

1223 pages

31h 42m

English

Sybex

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Copyright
Dear Reader,
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Foreword
Introduction
How to Use This BookAutoCAD 2010 and AutoCAD LT 2010Getting Information FastThe Mastering SeriesWhat to ExpectPart 1: The BasicsPart 2: Mastering Intermediate SkillsPart 3: Mastering Advanced SkillsPart 4: 3D Modeling and ImagingPart 5: Customization and IntegrationThe AppendixesWhat's on the DVDThe Minimum System RequirementsDoing Things in StyleNew Features of AutoCAD 2010Contact the Author
1. The Basics
1. Exploring the AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT Interface
1.1. Taking a Guided Tour1.1.1. The AutoCAD Window1.1.2. Using the Application Menu1.1.3. Using the Ribbon1.1.3.1. Expanding Panels1.1.3.2. Understanding Flyouts1.1.4. Picking Points in the Drawing Area1.1.5. Using the UCS Icon1.1.6. Working in the Command Window1.2. Working with AutoCAD1.2.1. Opening an Existing File1.2.2. Getting a Closer Look1.2.3. Saving a File as You Work1.2.4. Making Changes1.2.5. Working with Multiple Files1.2.6. Adding a Predrawn Symbol with the Tool Palettes1.3. The Bottom Line
2. Creating Your First Drawing
2.1. Getting to Know the Home Tab's Draw and Modify Panels2.2. Starting Your First Drawing2.3. Specifying Exact Distances with Coordinates2.3.1. Specifying Polar Coordinates2.3.2. Specifying Relative Cartesian Coordinates2.4. Interpreting the Cursor Modes and Understanding Prompts2.4.1. Understanding Cursor Modes2.4.2. Choosing Command Options2.4.2.1. Selecting Options from a Shortcut Menu2.5. Selecting Objects2.5.1. Selecting Objects in AutoCAD2.5.1.1. Providing Base Points2.5.2. Using Noun/Verb Selection2.5.2.1. Using Autoselect2.5.2.2. Restrictions on Noun/Verb Object Selection2.6. Editing with Grips2.6.1. Stretching Lines by Using Grips2.6.2. Moving and Rotating with Grips2.7. Using Dynamic Input2.8. Getting Help2.8.1. Using the InfoCenter2.8.2. Using Context-Sensitive Help2.8.3. Finding Additional Sources of Help2.8.4. Staying Informed with the Communication Center2.9. Displaying Data in a Text Window2.10. Displaying the Properties of an Object2.11. The Bottom Line
3. Setting Up and Using AutoCAD's Drafting Tools
3.1. Setting Up a Work Area3.1.1. Specifying Units3.1.2. Fine-Tuning the Measurement System3.1.3. Setting Up the Drawing Limits3.1.4. Looking at an Alternative to Limits3.1.5. Understanding Scale Factors3.1.6. Using Polar Tracking3.1.7. Setting the Polar Tracking Angle3.2. Exploring the Drawing Process3.2.1. Locating an Object in Reference to Others3.2.2. Getting a Closer Look3.2.3. Modifying an Object3.2.3.1. Trimming an Object3.2.3.2. Exploring the Trim Options3.3. Planning and Laying Out a Drawing3.3.1. Making a Preliminary Sketch3.3.2. Using the Layout3.3.3. Erasing the Layout Lines3.3.4. Putting On the Finishing Touches3.3.5. Aligning Objects by Using Object Snap Tracking3.3.5.1. Getting Set Up3.3.5.2. Drawing the Sink3.4. Using the AutoCAD Modes as Drafting Tools3.4.1. Using Grid Mode as a Background Grid3.4.2. Using the Snap Modes3.5. The Bottom Line

4. Organizing Objects with Blocks and Groups
4.1. Creating a Symbol4.1.1. Understanding the Block Definition Dialog Box4.2. Inserting a Symbol4.2.1. Scaling and Rotating Blocks4.2.2. Using an Existing Drawing as a Symbol4.3. Modifying a Block4.3.1. Unblocking and Redefining a Block4.3.2. Saving a Block as a Drawing File4.3.3. Replacing Existing Files with Blocks4.3.3.1. Understanding the Write Block Dialog Box Options4.3.4. Other Uses for Blocks4.4. Understanding the Annotation Scale4.5. Grouping Objects4.5.1. Grouping Objects for LT Users4.5.2. Modifying Members of a Group4.5.3. Working with the Object Grouping Dialog Box4.5.4. Working with the LT Group Manager4.6. The Bottom Line
5. Keeping Track of Layers and Blocks
5.1. Organizing Information with Layers5.1.1. Creating and Assigning Layers5.1.1.1. Using Auto-Hide with the Layer Properties Manager5.1.1.2. Using True or PANTONE Colors5.1.1.3. Understanding the Layer Properties Manager Palette5.1.1.4. Controlling Layers through the Layer Command5.1.1.5. Assigning Layers to Objects5.1.2. Working on Layers5.1.3. Controlling Layer Visibility5.1.4. Finding the Layers You Want5.1.5. Taming an Unwieldy List of Layers5.1.5.1. Filtering Layers by Their Properties5.1.5.2. Creating Layer Groups5.1.5.3. Naming Layers to Stay Organized5.1.6. Assigning Linetypes to Layers5.1.7. Adding a Linetype to a Drawing5.1.7.1. Controlling Linetype Scale5.1.7.2. Adding the Final Detail5.1.8. Controlling Lineweights5.2. Keeping Track of Blocks and Layers5.2.1. Getting a Text File List of Layers or Blocks5.3. The Bottom Line
2. Mastering Intermediate Skills
6. Editing and Reusing Data to Work Efficiently
6.1. Creating and Using Templates6.1.1. Creating a Template6.1.2. Using a Template6.2. Copying an Object Multiple Times6.2.1. Making Circular Copies6.2.2. Making Row and Column Copies6.2.3. Fine-Tuning Your View6.2.4. Finishing the Kitchenette6.3. Developing Your Drawing6.3.1. Importing Settings6.3.2. Using Osnap Tracking to Place Objects6.3.2.1. Roughing In the Line Work6.3.2.2. Cleaning Up the Line Work6.3.2.3. Placing the Door Accurately6.3.2.4. Using Polar and Osnap Tracking as Construction Line Tools6.4. Finding an Exact Distance along a Curve6.5. Changing the Length of Objects6.6. Creating a New Drawing by Using Parts from Another Drawing6.6.1. Eliminating Unused Blocks, Layers, Linetypes, Shapes, Styles, and More6.6.1.1. Selectively Removing Unused Elements6.6.1.2. Removing All Unused Elements6.7. The Bottom Line
7. Mastering Viewing Tools, Hatches, and External References
7.1. Assembling the Parts7.2. Taking Control of the AutoCAD Display7.2.1. Understanding Regeneration and Redrawing7.2.1.1. Saving Views7.2.2. Understanding the Frozen Layer Option7.3. Using Hatch Patterns in Your Drawings7.3.1. Placing a Hatch Pattern in a Specific Area7.3.2. Positioning Hatch Patterns Accurately7.3.3. Updating a Block from an External File7.3.4. Changing the Hatch Area7.3.5. Modifying a Hatch Pattern7.3.5.1. Editing Hatch Patterns from the Hatch Edit Dialog Box7.3.5.2. Editing Hatch Patterns from the Properties Palette7.4. Understanding the Boundary Hatch Options7.4.1. Using Additional Hatch Features7.4.1.1. Islands7.4.1.2. Boundary Retention7.4.1.3. Boundary Set Options7.4.1.4. Gap Tolerance7.4.1.5. Inherit Options7.4.2. Using Gradient Shading7.4.2.1. Choosing a Gradient Color7.4.2.2. Using Two Colors7.4.2.3. Selecting Gradient Patterns7.4.3. Tips for Using Boundary Hatch7.4.4. Space Planning and Hatch Patterns7.4.4.1. Using Associative Hatch7.4.4.2. Overlapping Objects with Draw Order7.5. Using External References7.5.1. Attaching a Drawing as an External Reference7.5.2. Other Differences between External References and Blocks7.5.3. Other External Reference Options7.5.3.1. Options in the External References Palette7.5.3.2. The Attach External Reference Dialog Box7.5.4. Clipping Xref Views and Improving Performance7.5.4.1. Clipping Views7.5.4.2. Controlling Xref Settings in the Options Dialog Box7.6. Editing Xrefs in Place7.6.1. Using the External Reference Tab7.6.2. Adding and Removing Objects from Blocks and Xrefs7.6.3. Understanding the Reference Edit Dialog Box Options7.6.3.1. Create Unique Layer, Style, and Block Names7.6.3.2. Display Attribute Definitions For Editing7.6.3.3. Lock Objects Not in Working Set7.7. The Bottom Line
8. Introducing Printing, Plotting, and Layouts
8.1. Plotting the Plan8.2. Understanding the Plotter Settings8.2.1. Paper Size8.2.2. Drawing Orientation8.2.3. Plot Area8.2.4. Plot Scale8.2.4.1. Scale8.2.4.2. Custom Scale8.2.4.3. Adding a Custom Scale to the Scale Drop-Down List8.2.4.4. Scale Lineweights8.2.5. Shaded Viewport Options8.2.5.1. Shade Plot8.2.5.2. Quality and DPI8.2.6. Plot Offset8.2.7. Plot Options8.2.7.1. Plot in Background8.2.7.2. Plot Object Lineweights8.2.7.3. Plot with Plot Styles8.2.7.4. Plot Paperspace Last8.2.7.5. Hide Paperspace Objects8.2.7.6. Plot Stamp On8.2.7.7. Save Changes to Layout8.2.8. Exit Options8.3. WYSIWYG Plotting Using Layout Views8.3.1. Setting Plot Scale in the Layout Viewports8.4. Adding an Output Device8.4.1. Editing a Plotter Configuration8.5. Storing a Page Setup8.6. Plotter and Printer Hardware Considerations8.6.1. Understanding Your Plotter's Limits8.6.2. Knowing Your Plotter's Origins8.7. The Bottom Line
9. Understanding Plot Styles
9.1. Choosing between Color-Dependent and Named Plot Style Tables9.2. Creating a Color Plot Style Table9.3. Editing and Using Plot Style Tables9.3.1. Making Your Plot Styles Visible9.3.2. Making Changes to Multiple Plot Styles9.3.3. Setting Up Line Corner Styles9.3.4. Setting Up Screen Values for Solid Areas9.3.5. Controlling the Visibility of Overlapping Objects9.3.6. Other Options in the Plot Style Table Editor9.3.6.1. The General Tab9.3.6.2. The Table View Tab9.3.6.3. The Form View Tab9.4. Assigning Named Plot Styles Directly to Layers and Objects9.4.1. Using Named Plot Style Tables9.4.2. Assigning Plot Styles to Objects9.4.3. Assigning Plot Style Tables to Layers9.5. The Bottom Line
10. Adding Text to Drawings
10.1. Preparing a Drawing for Text10.1.1. Organizing Text by Styles10.1.2. Getting Familiar with the Text and Annotation Scale Control Panels10.2. Setting the Annotation Scale and Adding Text10.2.1. Exploring Text and Scale10.3. Understanding the Text Style Dialog Box Options10.3.1. Style10.3.1.1. New/Set Current/Delete10.3.1.2. Font10.3.1.3. Effects10.4. Exploring Text Formatting in AutoCAD10.4.1. Adjusting the Text Height and Font10.4.2. Understanding the Text Formatting Toolbar10.4.3. Adding Symbols and Special Characters10.4.3.1. Text Justification and Osnaps10.4.3.2. Changing Justification of Multiple Text Objects10.4.4. Setting Indents and Tabs10.5. What Do the Fonts Look Like?10.6. Adding Simple Single-Line Text Objects10.6.1. Justifying Single-Line Text Objects10.6.2. Using Special Characters with Single-Line Text Objects10.6.2.1. Using the Character Map Dialog Box to Add Special Characters10.7. Using the Check Spelling Feature10.7.1. Choosing a Dictionary10.8. Substituting Fonts10.9. Finding and Replacing Text10.10. The Bottom Line
11. Using Fields and Tables
11.1. Using Fields to Associate Text with Drawing Properties11.2. Adding Tables to Your Drawing11.2.1. Creating a Table11.2.2. Adding Cell Text11.2.3. Adjusting Table Text Orientation and Location11.3. Editing the Table Line Work11.4. Adding Formulas to Cells11.4.1. Using Formulas Directly in Cells11.4.2. Using Other Math Operations11.5. Importing and Exporting Tables11.5.1. Exporting Tables11.6. Creating Table Styles11.6.1. The Table Style Options11.7. The Bottom Line
12. Using Dimensions
12.1. Understanding the Components of a Dimension12.2. Creating a Dimension Style12.2.1. Setting Up the Primary Unit Style12.2.2. Setting the Height for Dimension Text12.2.3. Setting the Location and Orientation of Dimension Text12.2.4. Choosing an Arrow Style and Setting the Dimension Scale12.2.5. Setting Up Alternate Units12.2.6. Setting the Current Dimension Style12.2.7. Modifying a Dimension Style12.3. Drawing Linear Dimensions12.3.1. Understanding the Dimensions Panel12.3.2. Placing Horizontal and Vertical Dimensions12.3.3. Continuing a Dimension12.3.3.1. Continuing a Dimension from a Previous Dimension12.3.4. Drawing Dimensions from a Common Base Extension Line12.3.4.1. Continuing from an Older Dimension12.3.5. Adjusting the Distance between Dimensions12.4. Editing Dimensions12.4.1. Appending Data to Dimension Text12.4.2. Using Grips to Make Minor Adjustments to Dimensions12.4.3. Changing Style Settings of Individual Dimensions12.4.3.1. Moving Fixed Dimension Text12.4.4. Editing Dimensions and Other Objects Together12.4.5. Associating Dimensions with Objects12.4.6. Adding a String of Dimensions with a Single Operation12.4.7. Adding or Removing the Alternate Dimensions12.5. Dimensioning Non-orthogonal Objects12.5.1. Dimensioning Non-orthogonal Linear Distances12.5.2. Dimensioning Radii, Diameters, and Arcs12.5.3. Skewing Dimension Lines12.6. Adding a Note with a Leader Arrow12.6.1. Creating Multileader Styles12.6.2. Editing Multileader Notes12.6.3. Breaking a Dimension Line for a Leader12.7. Applying Ordinate Dimensions12.8. Adding Tolerance Notation12.8.1. Adding Inspection Dimensions12.9. The Bottom Line
3. Mastering Advanced Skills
13. Using Attributes
13.1. Creating Attributes13.1.1. Adding Attributes to Blocks13.1.2. Copying and Editing Attribute Definitions13.1.3. Turning the Attribute Definitions into a Block13.1.4. Inserting Blocks Containing Attributes13.2. Editing Attributes13.2.1. Editing Attribute Values One at a Time13.2.2. Editing Attribute Text Formats and Properties13.2.3. Making Global Changes to Attribute Values13.2.4. Making Invisible Attributes Visible13.2.5. Making Global Format and Property Changes to Attributes13.2.5.1. Other Block Attribute Manager Options13.2.6. Redefining Blocks Containing Attributes13.3. Extracting and Exporting Attribute Information13.3.1. Performing the Extraction13.3.1.1. Using the Data Extraction Wizard13.3.1.2. Selecting What to Extract13.3.1.3. Saving the Attribute Data to a File13.3.2. Extracting Attribute Data to an AutoCAD Table13.4. The Bottom Line
14. Copying Existing Drawings into AutoCAD
14.1. Methods for Converting Paper Drawings to AutoCAD Files14.2. Importing a Raster Image14.3. Working with a Raster Image14.3.1. Scaling a Raster Image14.3.2. Controlling Object Visibility and Overlap with Raster Images14.3.3. Clipping a Raster Image14.3.4. Adjusting Brightness, Contrast, and Fade14.3.5. Turning Off the Frame, Adjusting Overall Quality, and Controlling Transparency14.4. Working with PDF Files14.4.1. Importing a PDF14.4.2. Scaling and Osnaps with PDFs14.4.3. Controlling the PDF Display14.5. The Bottom Line
15. Advanced Editing and Organizing
15.1. Using External References (Xrefs)15.1.1. Preparing Existing Drawings for Cross-Referencing15.1.2. Assembling Xrefs to Build a Drawing15.1.2.1. Updating Blocks in Xrefs15.1.3. Importing Named Elements from Xrefs15.1.4. Controlling the Xref Search Path15.2. Managing Layers15.2.1. Saving and Recalling Layer Settings15.2.2. Other Tools for Managing Layers15.2.2.1. Using Layer Walk to Explore Layers15.2.2.2. Changing the Layer Assignment of Objects15.2.2.3. Controlling Layer Settings through Objects15.3. Using Advanced Tools: Filter and Quick Select15.3.1. Filtering Selections15.3.1.1. Working with the Object Selection Filters Dialog Box15.3.1.2. Saving Filter Criteria15.3.1.3. Filtering Objects by Location15.3.1.4. Creating Complex Selection Sets15.3.2. Using Quick Select15.4. Using the QuickCalc Calculator15.4.1. Adding Foot and Inch Lengths and Finding the Sum of Angles15.4.2. Using the Display Area and Units Conversion15.4.3. Using QuickCalc to Find Points15.4.3.1. Using Osnap Modes in QuickCalc Expressions15.4.4. Pasting to the Command Line15.4.5. Finding Fractional Distances between Two Points15.4.6. Using QuickCalc While in the Middle of a Command15.4.6.1. Finding a Point Relative to Another Point15.4.6.2. Combining Coordinates and Expressions15.4.7. Storing Expressions and Values15.4.8. Guidelines for Working with QuickCalc15.5. The Bottom Line
16. Laying Out Your Printer Output
16.1. Understanding Model Space and Paper Space16.1.1. Switching from Model Space to Paper Space16.1.2. Setting the Size of a Paper Space Layout16.1.3. Creating New Paper Space Viewports16.1.4. Reaching inside Viewports16.2. Working with Paper Space Viewports16.2.1. Scaling Views in Paper Space16.2.2. Setting Layers in Individual Viewports16.2.3. Creating and Using Multiple Paper Space Layouts16.3. Creating Odd-Shaped Viewports16.4. Understanding Lineweights, Linetypes, and Dimensions in Paper Space16.4.1. Controlling and Viewing Lineweights in Paper Space16.4.2. The Lineweight Settings Dialog Box16.4.3. Linetype Scales and Paper Space16.4.4. Dimensioning in Paper Space Layouts16.4.4.1. Using Associative Dimensioning in Paper Space16.4.4.2. Updating Associative Dimensions16.4.4.3. Paper Space Dimensioning without Associative Dimensioning16.4.5. Other Uses for Paper Space16.5. The Bottom Line
17. Making 'Smart' Drawings with Parametric Tools
17.1. Why Use Parametric Drawing Tools17.2. Connecting Objects with Geometric Constraints17.2.1. Using Autoconstrain to Automatically Add Constraints17.2.2. Editing a Drawing Containing Constraints17.2.2.1. Removing a Constraint17.2.2.2. Adding a Constraint17.2.3. Using Other Geometric Constraints17.2.4. Using Constraints in the Drawing Process17.3. Controlling Sizes with Dimensional Constraint17.3.1. Adding and Editing a Dimensional Constraint17.4. Using Formulas to Control and Link Dimensions17.4.1. Adding a Formula Parameter17.4.2. Testing the Formula17.4.3. Using Other Formulas17.5. Editing the Constraint Options17.6. Putting Constraints to Use17.7. The Bottom Line
18. Using Dynamic Blocks
18.1. Exploring the Block Editor18.1.1. Editing a Block and Creating New Blocks18.2. Creating a Dynamic Block18.2.1. Adding a Parameter18.2.2. Adding an Action18.2.3. Adding an Increment Value18.2.4. Editing Parameters and Actions18.2.5. Keeping an Object Centered18.3. Using Constraints in Dynamic Blocks18.4. Adding a List of Predefined Options18.5. Creating Multiple Shapes in One Block18.6. Rotating Objects in Unison18.7. Filling in a Space Automatically with Objects18.8. Including Block Information with Data Extraction18.9. The Bottom Line
19. Drawing Curves
19.1. Introducing Polylines19.1.1. Drawing a Polyline19.1.2. Setting Polyline Options19.2. Editing Polylines19.2.1. Setting Pedit Options19.2.2. Smoothing Polylines19.2.3. Editing Vertices19.2.3.1. Edit Vertex Suboptions19.2.3.1.1. The Next and Previous Options19.2.3.1.2. The Break Option19.2.3.1.3. The Insert Option19.2.3.1.4. The Move Option19.2.3.1.5. The Regen Option19.2.3.1.6. The Straighten Option19.2.3.1.7. The Tangent Option19.2.3.1.8. The Width Option19.3. Creating a Polyline Spline Curve19.4. Using True Spline Curves19.4.1. Drawing a True Spline19.4.2. Fine-Tuning Spline Curves19.4.2.1. Controlling the Fit Data of a Spline19.4.2.2. When Can't You Use Fit Data?19.5. Marking Divisions on Curves19.5.1. Dividing Objects into Segments of Equal Length19.5.2. Dividing Objects into Specified Lengths19.6. The Bottom Line
20. Getting and Exchanging Data from Drawings
20.1. Finding the Area of Closed Boundaries20.1.1. Finding the Area of an Object20.1.2. Using Hatch Patterns to Find Areas20.1.3. Adding and Subtracting Areas with the Area Command20.2. Getting General Information20.2.1. Determining the Drawing's Status20.2.2. Keeping Track of Time20.2.3. Getting Information from System Variables20.2.4. Keeping a Log of Your Activity20.2.5. Capturing and Saving Text Data from the AutoCAD Text Window20.2.6. Storing Searchable Information in AutoCAD Files20.2.7. Searching for AutoCAD Files20.2.8. Recovering Corrupted Files20.3. Using the DXF File Format to Exchange CAD Data with Other Programs20.3.1. Exporting DXF Files20.3.2. Opening or Importing DXF Files20.4. Using AutoCAD Drawings in Page-Layout Programs20.4.1. Exporting Raster Files20.4.2. Exporting Vector Files20.4.2.1. WMF Output20.4.2.2. PostScript Output20.5. Using OLE to Import Data20.5.1. Editing OLE Links20.5.2. Importing Worksheets as AutoCAD Tables20.5.3. Understanding Options for Embedding Data20.5.4. Using the Clipboard to Export AutoCAD Drawings20.6. The Bottom Line
4. 3D Modeling and Imaging
21. Creating 3D Drawings
21.1. Getting to Know the 3D Modeling Workspace21.2. Drawing in 3D Using Solids21.2.1. Creating a 3D Box21.2.2. Editing 3D Solids with Grips21.2.3. Constraining Motion with the Gizmo21.2.4. Rotating Objects in 3D Using Dynamic UCS21.2.5. Drawing on a 3D Object's Surface21.2.6. Pushing and Pulling Shapes from a Solid21.2.7. Making Changes to Your Solid21.3. Creating 3D Forms from 2D Shapes21.3.1. Extruding a Polyline21.4. Isolating Coordinates with Point Filters21.5. Moving around Your Model21.5.1. Finding Isometric and Orthogonal Views21.5.2. Rotating Freely around Your Model21.5.3. Changing Your View Direction21.5.4. Changing Where You Are Looking21.5.5. Flying through Your View21.5.6. Changing from Perspective to Parallel Projection21.6. Getting a Visual Effect21.6.1. Using Visual Styles21.6.2. Creating a Sketched Look with Visual Styles21.7. Turning a 3D View into a 2D AutoCAD Drawing21.8. The Bottom Line
22. Using Advanced 3D Features
22.1. Setting Up AutoCAD for This Chapter22.2. Mastering the User Coordinate System22.2.1. Defining a UCS22.2.2. Saving a UCS22.2.3. Working in a UCS22.2.4. Building 3D Parts in Separate Files22.3. Understanding the UCS Options22.3.1. UCS Based on Object Orientation22.3.2. UCS Based on Offset Orientation22.3.3. UCS Rotated around an Axis22.3.4. Orienting a UCS in the View Plane22.3.5. Saving a UCS with a View22.4. Using Viewports to Aid in 3D Drawing22.5. Creating Complex 3D Surfaces22.5.1. Laying Out a 3D Form22.5.2. Spherical and Cylindrical Coordinate Formats22.5.3. Using a 3D Polyline22.5.4. Creating a Curved 3D Surface22.5.5. Converting the Surface into a Solid22.5.6. Shaping the Solid22.5.7. Finding the Interference between Two Solids22.5.8. Creating Tubes with the Sweep Tool22.5.9. Using Sweep to Create Complex Forms22.6. Creating Spiral Forms22.7. Creating Surface Models22.7.1. Slicing a Solid with a Surface22.7.2. Finding the Volume of a Cut22.7.3. Understanding the Loft Command22.7.3.1. Ruled and Smooth Fit22.7.3.2. Normal To22.7.3.3. Draft Angles22.7.3.4. Close Surface or Solid and Preview Changes22.8. Moving Objects in 3D Space22.8.1. Aligning Objects in 3D Space22.8.2. Moving an Object in 3D22.8.3. Rotating an Object in 3D22.9. Getting around in Your Model22.10. The Bottom Line
23. Rendering 3D Drawings
23.1. Creating a Quick-Study Rendering23.2. Simulating the Sun23.2.1. Setting Up the Sun23.2.2. Setting Polar North23.2.3. Adding a Distant Light23.3. Using Materials23.3.1. Adjusting the Global Material23.3.2. Creating a New Material and Changing Its Properties23.3.3. Adding a Background23.4. Creating Effects Using Materials and Lights23.4.1. Adding a Self-Illuminated Material23.4.2. Assigning Materials by Layer23.4.3. Simulating a Night Scene with Spotlights23.4.4. Adding a Point Light23.4.5. Editing Lights23.5. Applying and Adjusting Texture Maps23.5.1. Creating a Building from a Box23.5.2. Adjusting a Material to Fit an Object23.5.3. Exploring Your Other Material-Mapping Options23.5.4. Specifying the Size of a Bitmap23.5.5. Simulating Trees and People with Opacity Maps23.6. Understanding the Rendering Options23.6.1. Checking and Saving Renderings in the Render Window23.7. Adding Cameras for Better View Control23.7.1. Making Adjustments to Your Camera23.7.2. Creating an Animated Walk-Through23.7.3. Fine-Tuning the Animation23.8. Printing Your Renderings23.9. Simulating Natural Light23.9.1. Rendering Interior Views23.9.2. Using the Sun and Sky Simulation23.10. The Bottom Line
24. Editing and Visualizing 3D Solids
24.1. Understanding Solid Modeling24.2. Creating Solid Forms24.2.1. Joining Primitives24.3. Creating Complex Solids24.3.1. Tapering an Extrusion24.3.2. Extruding on a Curved Path24.3.3. Revolving a Polyline24.4. Editing Solids24.4.1. Splitting a Solid into Two Pieces24.4.2. Rounding Corners with the Fillet Tool24.4.3. Chamfering Corners with the Chamfer Tool24.4.4. Using the Solid Editing Tools24.4.4.1. Finding Tools in the Solid Editing Panel24.4.4.2. Moving a Surface24.4.4.3. Offsetting a Surface24.4.4.4. Deleting a Surface24.4.4.5. Rotating a Surface24.4.4.6. Tapering a Surface24.4.4.7. Extruding a Surface24.4.4.8. Turning a Solid into a Shell24.4.4.9. Copying Faces and Edges24.4.4.10. Adding Surface Features24.4.4.11. Separating a Divided Solid24.5. Streamlining the 2D Drawing Process24.5.1. Drawing Standard Top, Front, and Right-Side Views24.5.2. Adding Dimensions and Notes in a Layout24.5.3. Using Visual Styles with a Viewport24.6. Visualizing Solids24.7. The Bottom Line
25. Exploring 3D Mesh Modeling
25.1. Creating a Simple 3D Mesh25.1.1. Creating a Mesh Primitive25.1.2. Understanding the Parts of a Mesh25.1.3. Smoothing a Mesh25.2. Editing Faces and Edges25.2.1. Stretching Faces25.2.2. Moving an Edge25.2.3. Adding More Faces25.2.4. Rotating an Edge25.2.5. Adding a Crease25.2.6. Splitting and Extruding a Mesh Face25.3. Creating Mesh Surfaces25.3.1. Revolved Surface25.3.2. Edge Mesh25.3.3. Ruled Mesh25.3.4. Tabulated Mesh25.4. Converting Meshes to Solids25.5. The Bottom Line
5. Customization and Integration
26. Using the Express Tools
26.1. Using Enhancements Straight from the Source26.1.1. Blocks Panel Tools26.1.2. Text Panel Tools26.1.2.1. Masking Text Backgrounds26.1.2.2. Adding Linked Text Documents26.1.2.3. Other Text Tools26.1.3. Modify Panel Tools26.1.3.1. Interacting with Blocks26.1.3.2. Using Extended Clip to Clip a Raster Image to a Curved Shape26.1.4. Layout Panel Tools26.1.4.1. Aligning Model Space Objects with Layout Objects26.1.4.2. Aligning Multiple Viewports to a Single Viewport26.1.4.3. Finding Viewport Scales and Merging Layouts26.1.5. Draw Panel Tools26.1.5.1. Creating Custom Hatch Patterns with Super Hatch26.1.6. Dimension Panel Tools26.1.6.1. Using Dimstyle Export and Dimstyle Import26.1.7. Tools Panel Tools26.1.7.1. Controlling Shortcuts with the Command Alias Editor26.1.7.2. Using Make Linetype to Create a Custom Linetype26.1.7.3. Creating Custom Shapes as an Alternative to Blocks26.1.7.4. Attaching Data to Objects26.1.8. Web Panel Tools26.1.9. Tools You Won't Find on the Ribbon26.1.9.1. Using File Management Tools26.1.9.2. Using Selection Tools26.2. Putting AutoLISP to Work26.2.1. Loading and Running an AutoLISP Program26.2.2. Managing Your AutoLISP Library26.2.3. Loading AutoLISP Programs Automatically26.2.4. Creating Keyboard Macros with AutoLISP26.2.4.1. Storing AutoLISP Macros as Files26.3. The Bottom Line
27. Exploring AutoLISP
27.1. Understanding the Interpreter27.1.1. Defining Variables with Setq27.1.2. Understanding Data Types27.2. Using Arguments and Functions27.2.1. Using Text Variables with AutoLISP27.2.2. Storing Points as Variables27.3. Creating a Simple Program27.3.1. Dissecting the Rectangle Program27.3.1.1. Getting Input from the User27.3.1.2. Taking Lists Apart27.3.1.3. Combining Elements into a List27.3.1.4. Getting Other Input from the User27.4. Selecting Objects with AutoLISP27.4.1. The Ssget Function27.4.1.1. Using Ssget in an Expression27.4.1.2. Controlling Memory Consumption with Local Variables27.5. Controlling the Flow of an AutoLISP Program27.5.1. Using the If Function27.5.2. Repeating an Expression27.5.3. Using Other Built-in Functions27.5.3.1. Geometric Operations27.5.3.2. String Operations27.6. Converting Data Types27.7. Storing Your Programs as Files27.8. Getting More Help with AutoLISP27.9. The Bottom Line
28. Customizing Toolbars, Menus, Linetypes, and Hatch Patterns
28.1. Using Workspaces28.2. Customizing the User Interface28.2.1. Taking a Quick Customization Tour28.2.2. Understanding the Customizations In All Files Panel28.2.3. Getting the Overall View28.2.4. Finding Commands in the Command List28.2.5. Opening Preview, Button Image, and Shortcuts28.2.6. Getting to the Core of Customization in the Properties Group28.2.7. Creating Your Own Ribbon Panels and Menus28.2.8. Customizing Ribbon Panel Tools28.2.8.1. Creating a Custom Tool28.2.8.2. Creating a Custom Icon28.3. Creating Macros in Tools and Menus28.4. Pausing for User Input28.5. Opening an Expanded Text Box for the Macro Option28.6. Editing Keyboard Shortcuts28.7. Saving, Loading, and Unloading Your Customizations28.8. Understanding the Diesel Macro Language28.8.1. Using Diesel at the Command Line28.8.2. Using Diesel in a Custom Menu Macro28.8.3. Using Diesel as a Menu Bar Option Label28.8.4. Using Diesel and Fields to Generate Text28.9. Creating Custom Linetypes28.9.1. Viewing Available Linetypes28.9.2. Creating a New Linetype28.9.3. Understanding the Linetype Code28.9.4. Creating Complex Linetypes28.10. Creating Hatch Patterns28.11. The Bottom Line
29. Managing and Sharing Your Drawings
29.1. Sharing Drawings over the Internet29.1.1. Sharing Project Files with eTransmit29.1.2. Protecting AutoCAD Drawing Files29.1.2.1. Adding Password Protection to Files29.1.2.2. Using a Digital Signature29.1.2.3. Adding Your Digital Signature to Multiple Files29.2. ePublishing Your Drawings29.2.1. Exchanging Drawing Sets29.2.2. Exploring Other Publish Options29.2.2.1. Shortcut Menu Options29.2.2.2. The Publish Options Dialog Box29.2.3. Creating a DWF File by Using the Plot Dialog Box29.2.4. Adding Hyperlinks to Drawings29.2.4.1. Creating Hyperlinks29.2.4.2. Editing and Deleting Hyperlinks29.2.4.3. Taking a Closer Look at the Hyperlink Options29.3. Managing Your Drawings with DesignCenter and the Tool Palettes29.3.1. Getting Familiar with DesignCenter29.3.2. Opening and Inserting Files with DesignCenter29.3.3. Finding and Extracting the Contents of a Drawing29.3.3.1. Exploring the Search Options29.3.3.2. Automatically Scaling Blocks at Insertion29.3.4. Exchanging Data between Open Files29.3.5. Loading Specific Files into DesignCenter29.3.6. Downloading Symbols from DesignCenter Online29.3.7. Customizing the Tool Palettes with DesignCenter29.3.7.1. Customizing a Tool29.3.7.2. Adding Hatch Patterns and Solid Fills29.3.7.3. Managing the Tool Palettes29.4. Establishing Office Standards29.4.1. Establishing Layering and Text Conventions29.4.2. Checking Office Standards29.4.2.1. Setting Up Standards Files29.4.2.2. Using the Standards Command to Associate Standards29.4.2.3. Checking Standards for Multiple Drawings29.4.2.4. Reviewing Previously Saved Standards Audits29.5. Converting Multiple Layer Settings29.5.1. Exploring Other Layer Translator Options29.6. The Bottom Line
30. Keeping a Project Organized with Sheet Sets
30.1. Understanding Sheet Sets30.1.1. Organizing by Reference Files and Sheet Files30.1.2. Managing Your Files with Sheet Sets30.2. Creating a Sheet Set from an Existing Project30.2.1. Using the Create Sheet Set Wizard30.2.2. Exploring the Sheet Set Manager30.2.2.1. Formatting Sheet Sets with the Import Options30.2.2.2. Previewing and Opening Drawings in the Sheet Set Manager30.2.2.3. Adding the Resource Drawings30.2.3. Adding New Sheets to Your Sheet Set30.2.3.1. Pointing to a Sheet Template30.2.3.2. Adding a New Sheet30.3. Managing Title Blocks and Cross-References30.3.1. Creating a New Sheet Set Based on an Existing One30.3.2. Building a Set of Drawings30.3.2.1. Setting Up Some Views30.3.2.2. Creating a Sheet30.3.2.3. Adding Your Views to the New Sheet30.3.2.4. Editing the View Numbers30.3.3. Adding Callout Blocks as Cross-Reference Symbols30.3.4. Editing Sheet Numbers and Title Block Information30.3.5. Closing a Sheet Set30.4. Customizing Sheet Sets30.4.1. Customizing a Title Block30.4.1.1. Setting Up Sheet Numbers and Titles30.4.1.2. Adding Custom Sheet Set Properties30.4.1.3. Saving Your New Title Block as a Template30.4.1.4. Testing the New Template30.4.2. Creating Custom View Labels and Callout Blocks30.4.2.1. Creating the Components of Your View Label30.4.2.2. Turning the Components into a Block30.4.2.3. Including Your View Label in the Sheet Set30.4.2.4. Creating a Callout Block30.4.2.5. Reviewing the Steps for Creating Custom Callout and View Label Blocks30.5. Archiving, Publishing, and eTransmitting Sheet Sets30.5.1. Archiving Your Sheet Set30.5.1.1. Modifying the Archive Setup30.5.1.2. Saving the Vital Statistics of Your Archive30.5.2. Batch-Plotting and Publishing Your Sheet Set30.5.3. Packaging Sheet Sets with eTransmit30.5.4. Preparing Your Project Files30.6. The Bottom Line
A. The Bottom Line
A.1. Exploring the AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT InterfaceA.2. Creating Your First DrawingA.3. Setting Up and Using AutoCAD's Drafting ToolsA.4. Organizing Objects with Blocks and GroupsA.5. Keeping Track of Layers and BlocksA.6. Editing and Reusing Data to Work EfficientlyA.7. Mastering Viewing Tools, Hatches, and External ReferencesA.8. Introducing Printing, Plotting, and LayoutsA.9. Understanding Plot StylesA.10. Adding Text to DrawingsA.11. Using Fields and TablesA.12. Using DimensionsA.13. Using AttributesA.14. Copying Existing Drawings into AutoCADA.15. Advanced Editing and OrganizingA.16. Laying Out Your Printer OutputA.17. Making "Smart" Drawings with Parametric ToolsA.18. Using Dynamic BlocksA.19. Drawing CurvesA.20. Getting and Exchanging Data from DrawingsA.21. Creating 3D DrawingsA.22. Using Advanced 3D FeaturesA.23. Rendering 3D DrawingsA.24. Editing and Visualizing 3D SolidsA.25. Exploring 3D Mesh ModelingA.26. Using the Express ToolsA.27. Exploring AutoLISPA.28. Customizing Toolbars, Menus, Linetypes, and Hatch PatternsA.29. Managing and Sharing Your DrawingsA.30. Keeping a Project Organized with Sheet Sets
B. Installing and Setting Up AutoCAD
B.1. Before Installing AutoCADB.2. Proceeding with the InstallationB.2.1. Installing the AutoCAD SoftwareB.3. Configuring AutoCADB.3.1. The Files TabB.3.2. The Display TabB.3.2.1. The Window Elements GroupB.3.2.2. The Display Resolution GroupB.3.2.3. The Layout Elements GroupB.3.2.4. The Display Performance GroupB.3.2.5. The Crosshair Size SliderB.3.2.6. Fade ControlB.3.3. The Open and Save TabB.3.3.1. The File Save GroupB.3.3.2. The File Safety Precautions GroupB.3.3.3. The File Open GroupB.3.3.4. The Application Menu GroupB.3.3.5. The External References (Xrefs) GroupB.3.3.6. The ObjectARX Applications GroupB.3.4. The Plot and Publish TabB.3.5. The System TabB.3.5.1. The 3D Performance GroupB.3.5.2. The Current Pointing Device GroupB.3.5.3. The Layout Regen Options GroupB.3.5.4. The dbConnect Options GroupB.3.5.5. The General Options GroupB.3.5.6. The Live Enabler Options GroupB.3.6. The User Preferences TabB.3.6.1. The Windows Standard Behavior GroupB.3.6.2. The Insertion Scale GroupB.3.6.3. The Fields GroupB.3.6.4. The Priority For Coordinate Data Entry GroupB.3.6.5. The Associative Dimensioning GroupB.3.6.6. The Hyperlink GroupB.3.6.7. The Undo/Redo GroupB.3.6.8. Block Editor SettingsB.3.6.9. Initial SetupB.3.6.10. Lineweight SettingsB.3.6.11. Edit Scale ListB.3.7. The Drafting TabB.3.7.1. The AutoSnap Settings GroupB.3.7.2. The AutoSnap Marker Size SliderB.3.7.3. The Object Snap Options GroupB.3.7.4. The AutoTrack Settings GroupB.3.7.5. The Alignment Point Acquisition GroupB.3.7.6. The Aperture Size SliderB.3.7.7. The Drafting Tooltip SettingsB.3.7.8. The Lights Glyph SettingsB.3.7.9. The Cameras Glyph SettingsB.3.8. The 3D Modeling TabB.3.8.1. 3D CrosshairsB.3.8.2. Display ViewCube or UCS IconB.3.8.3. Dynamic InputB.3.8.4. 3D ObjectsB.3.8.5. 3D NavigationB.3.9. The Selection TabB.3.9.1. The Pickbox Size SliderB.3.9.2. The Selection Preview GroupB.3.9.3. The Selection Modes GroupB.3.9.4. The Grip Size SliderB.3.9.5. The Grips GroupB.3.9.6. The Ribbon Options GroupB.3.10. The Profiles TabB.4. Configuring the Tablet Menu AreaB.5. Turning On the Noun/Verb Selection MethodB.6. Turning On the Grips FeatureB.7. Setting Up the Tracking Vector FeatureB.8. Adjusting AutoCAD's 3D Graphics SystemB.8.1. The Adaptive Degradation GroupB.8.2. The Hardware And Performance Tuning GroupB.8.3. The Manual Performance Tuning Dialog BoxB.9. Finding Hidden Folders That Contain AutoCAD Files
C. Hardware and Software Tips
C.1. The Graphics DisplayC.2. Pointing DevicesC.3. Output DevicesC.4. Fine-Tuning the Appearance of OutputC.4.1. Making Detailed Adjustments with the Printer/Plotter Configuration OptionsC.4.1.1. The Media CategoryC.4.1.2. The Physical Pen Configuration Category (Shown Only for Pen Plotters)C.4.1.3. The Graphics CategoryC.4.1.4. The Custom Properties CategoryC.4.1.5. The Initialization StringC.4.1.6. User-Defined Paper Sizes & CalibrationC.4.1.6.1. Plotter CalibrationC.4.1.6.2. Custom Paper SizesC.4.1.6.3. Modify Standard Paper SizeC.4.1.7. Import, Save As, and DefaultsC.4.2. Adding a Plot StampC.4.3. Controlling How Lines OverlapC.4.4. Filtering Paper SizesC.4.5. Filtering PrintersC.4.6. Controlling the Plot-Preview Background ColorC.4.7. Controlling the Windows Metafile Background ColorC.5. Memory and AutoCAD PerformanceC.5.1. AutoCAD and Your Hard DiskC.5.2. Keep Your Hard Disk CleanC.6. AutoCAD Tools to Improve Memory UseC.6.1. Using Partial Open to Conserve Memory and Improve SpeedC.6.2. Using Spatial and Layer Indexes to Conserve MemoryC.6.3. Using the Incremental Save Percentage to Conserve Disk SpaceC.7. Setting Up Architectural Desktop to Act Like Standard AutoCADC.8. When Things Go WrongC.8.1. Starting Up or Opening a FileC.8.2. Restoring Corrupted FilesC.8.3. Troubleshooting Other Common Problems
D. System Variables and Dimension Styles
D.1. System VariablesD.2. Taking a Closer Look at the Dimension Style Dialog BoxesD.2.1. The Dimension Style Manager Dialog BoxD.2.1.1. Preview of:D.2.1.2. The Styles List BoxD.2.1.3. The List Drop-Down ListD.2.1.4. Don't List Styles in XrefsD.2.1.5. The Set Current ButtonD.2.1.6. The New ButtonD.2.1.7. The Modify ButtonD.2.1.8. The Override ButtonD.2.1.9. The Compare ButtonD.2.2. The New/Modify/Override Dimension Style Dialog BoxD.2.2.1. The Lines TabD.2.2.1.1. The Dimension Lines GroupD.2.2.1.2. The Extension Lines GroupD.2.2.2. The Symbols And Arrows TabD.2.2.2.1. ArrowheadsD.2.2.2.2. The Center Marks GroupD.2.2.2.3. The Arc Length Symbol GroupD.2.2.2.4. The Radius Dimension Jog GroupD.2.2.3. The Text TabD.2.2.3.1. The Text Appearance GroupD.2.2.3.2. The Text Placement GroupD.2.2.3.3. The Text Alignment GroupD.2.2.4. The Fit TabD.2.2.4.1. The Fit Options GroupD.2.2.4.2. The Text Placement GroupD.2.2.4.3. The Scale for Dimension Features GroupD.2.2.4.4. The Fine Tuning GroupD.2.2.5. The Primary Units TabD.2.2.5.1. The Linear Dimensions GroupD.2.2.5.2. The Measurement Scale GroupD.2.2.5.3. The Zero Suppression GroupD.2.2.5.4. The Angular Dimensions GroupD.2.2.6. The Alternate Units TabD.2.2.6.1. The Alternate Units GroupD.2.2.6.2. The Zero Suppression GroupD.2.2.6.3. The Placement GroupD.2.2.7. The Tolerances TabD.2.2.7.1. The Tolerance Format GroupD.2.2.7.2. Tolerance Alignment GroupD.2.2.7.3. The Zero Suppression GroupsD.2.2.7.4. The Alternate Unit Tolerance GroupD.2.3. Notes on Metric DimensioningD.2.3.1. Using the AutoCAD Metric TemplateD.2.4. Drawing Blocks for Your Own Dimension Arrows and Tick Marks
E. About the Companion DVD
E.1. What You'll Find on the DVDE.1.1. PDF of the BookE.1.2. Adobe ReaderE.1.3. Tutorial FilesE.1.4. AutoCAD 2010 Video TutorialsE.1.5. AutoCAD 2010E.1.6. AutoCAD 2010 Video DemosE.1.7. Autodesk Design ReviewE.1.8. Autodesk ImpressionsE.1.9. Autodesk DWG TrueViewE.1.10. ShapeBook 2009E.1.11. HatchMakerE.2. System RequirementsE.3. Using the DVDE.4. TroubleshootingE.4.1. Customer Care

Content preview from Mastering AutoCAD® 2010 and AutoCAD LT® 2010

Chapter 28. Customizing Toolbars, Menus, Linetypes, and Hatch Patterns

AutoCAD offers a high degree of flexibility and customization, enabling you to tailor the software's look and feel to your requirements. In this chapter, you'll see how to customize AutoCAD so that it integrates more smoothly into your workgroup and office environment.

The first part of the chapter shows how to adapt AutoCAD to fit your particular needs. You'll learn how to customize AutoCAD by modifying its menus, and you'll learn how to create custom macros for commands that your workgroup uses frequently.

You'll then look at some general issues that arise when you use AutoCAD in an office. In this discussion, you may find help with problems you've encountered when using AutoCAD ...

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Mastering: AutoCAD® 2011 and AutoCAD LT® 2011

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Chapter 28. Customizing Toolbars, Menus, Linetypes, and Hatch Patterns

Become an O’Reilly member and get unlimited access to this title plus top books and audiobooks from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers, thousands of courses curated by job role, 150+ live events each month,
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