Up and Running with AutoCAD 2014

Up and Running with AutoCAD 2014

Released July 2013
Publisher(s): Academic Press
ISBN: 9780124104211

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Book description

Get "Up and Running" with AutoCAD using Gindis’s combination of step-by-step instruction, examples, and insightful explanations. The emphasis from the beginning is on core concepts and practical application of AutoCAD in architecture, engineering and design. Equally useful in instructor-led classroom training, self-study, or as a professional reference, the book is written with the user in mind by a long-time AutoCAD professional and instructor based on what works in the industry and the classroom.



  • Strips away complexities, both real and perceived, and reduces AutoCAD to easy-to-understand basic concepts
  • Teaches only what is essential to operating AutoCAD first, thereby immediately building student confidence
  • All basic commands are documented step-by-step; what the student needs to type in and how AutoCAD responds is spelled out in discrete and clear steps with screen shots added as needed

New to this edition:

  • New and improved features include better integration with the AutoCAD certification exams, new Spotlight On sections, an expanded appendix, and more content on programming
  • 3D portion of the book has been expanded and improved, with new exercises, new features and a redone section on rendering
  • All discussions and screen shots have been updated for the current release of AutoCAD

Table of contents

  1. Cover image
  2. Title page
  3. Table of Contents
  4. Copyright
  5. Acknowledgments
  6. About the Author
  7. Preface
    1. What is AutoCAD?
    2. About this Book
    3. Teaching Methods
    4. Text Organization
    5. What Your Goal Should Be
  8. Level 1: Chapters 1–10
    1. Level 1. Chapters 1–10
    2. Chapter 1. AutoCAD Fundamentals: Part I
      1. Learning Objectives
      2. 1.1 Introduction and Basic Commands
      3. 1.2 The AutoCAD Environment
      4. 1.3 Interacting with AutoCAD
      5. 1.4 Practicing the Create Objects Commands
      6. 1.5 View Objects
      7. 1.6 Practicing the Edit/Modify Objects Commands
      8. 1.7 Selection Methods
      9. 1.8 Drawing Accuracy—Part 1
      10. 1.9 Drawing Accuracy—Part 2
      11. 1.10 Osnap Drafting Settings
      12. Summary
    3. Chapter 2. AutoCAD Fundamentals: Part II
      1. Learning Objectives
      2. 2.1 Grips
      3. 2.2 Units and Scale
      4. 2.3 Snap and Grid
      5. 2.4 Cartesian Coordinate System
      6. 2.5 Geometric Data Entry
      7. 2.6 Inquiry Commands
      8. 2.7 Additional Drafting Commands
      9. Summary
    4. Spotlight On: Architecture
      1. Spotlight On: Architecture
      2. Chapter 3. Layers, Colors, Linetypes, and Properties
        1. Learning Objectives
        2. 3.1 Introduction to Layers
        3. 3.2 Introduction to Linetypes
        4. 3.3 Introduction to Properties
        5. 3.4 In-Class Drawing Project: Floor Plan Layout
        6. Summary
      3. Chapter 4. Text, Mtext, Editing, and Style
        1. Learning Objectives
        2. 4.1 Introduction to Text and Mtext
        3. 4.2 Text
        4. 4.3 Mtext
        5. 4.4 Style
        6. 4.5 Spell Check
        7. 4.6 In-Class Drawing Project: Adding Text and Furniture to Floor Plan Layout
        8. Summary
      4. Chapter 5. Hatch Patterns
        1. Learning Objectives
        2. 5.1 Introduction to Hatch
        3. 5.2 Hatch Procedures
        4. 5.3 Working with Hatch Patterns
        5. 5.4 Gradient and Solid Fill
        6. 5.5 In-Class Drawing Project: Adding Hatch to Floor Plan Layout
        7. Summary
    5. Spotlight On: Mechanical Engineering
      1. Spotlight On: Mechanical Engineering
      2. Chapter 6. Dimensions
        1. Learning Objectives
        2. 6.1 Introduction to Dimensions
        3. 6.2 Types of Dimensions
        4. 6.3 Editing Dimensions
        5. 6.4 Customizing Dimensions
        6. 6.5 In-Class Drawing Project: Adding Dimensions to Floor Plan Layout
        7. Summary
      3. Chapter 7. Blocks, Wblocks, Dynamic Blocks, Groups, and Purge
        1. Learning Objectives
        2. 7.1 Introduction to Blocks
        3. 7.2 Insert
        4. 7.3 Purge
        5. 7.4 Wblocks
        6. 7.5 Dynamic Blocks
        7. 7.6 Groups
        8. Summary
      4. Chapter 8. Polar, Rectangular, and Path Arrays
        1. Learning Objectives
        2. 8.1 Polar Array
        3. 8.2 Rectangular Array
        4. 8.3 Path Array
        5. 8.4 In-Class Drawing Project: Mechanical Device
        6. Summary
    6. Spotlight On: Electrical Engineering
      1. Spotlight On: Electrical Engineering
      2. Chapter 9. Basic Printing and Output
        1. Learning Objectives
        2. 9.1 Introduction to Printing and Plotting
        3. 9.2 The Essentials
        4. 9.3 The Plot Dialog Box
        5. 9.4 Page Setup Manager
        6. Summary
      3. Chapter 10. Advanced Output—Paper Space
        1. Learning Objectives
        2. 10.1 Introduction to Paper Space
        3. 10.2 Paper Space Concepts
        4. Summary
      4. Level 1. Answers to Review Questions
        1. Chapter 1 Review Questions
        2. Chapter 2 Review Questions
        3. Chapter 3 Review Questions
        4. Chapter 4 Review Questions
        5. Chapter 5 Review Questions
        6. Chapter 6 Review Questions
        7. Chapter 7 Review Questions
        8. Chapter 8 Review Questions
        9. Chapter 9 Review Questions
        10. Chapter 10 Review Questions
  9. Level 2: Chapters 11–20
    1. Level 2. Chapters 11–20
    2. Chapter 11. Advanced Linework
      1. Learning Objectives
      2. 11.1 Introduction to Advanced Linework
      3. 11.2 Pline (Polyline)
      4. 11.3 Xline (Construction Line)
      5. 11.4 Ray
      6. 11.5 Spline
      7. 11.6 Mline (Multiline)
      8. 11.7 Sketch
      9. 11.8 Level 2 Drawing Project (1 of 10): Architectural Floor Plan
      10. Summary
    3. Chapter 12. Advanced Layers
      1. Learning Objectives
      2. 12.1 Introduction to Advanced Layers
      3. 12.2 Script Files
      4. 12.3 Layer State Manager
      5. 12.4 Layer Filtering
      6. 12.5 Level 2 Drawing Project (2 of 10): Architectural Floor Plan
      7. Summary
    4. Spotlight On: Interior Design
      1. Spotlight On: Interior Design
      2. Chapter 13. Advanced Dimensions
        1. Learning Objectives
        2. 13.1 Introduction to Advanced Dimensions
        3. 13.2 Dimension Style Manager
        4. 13.3 Introduction to Constraints
        5. 13.4 Geometric Constraints
        6. 13.5 Dimensional Constraints
        7. 13.6 Dimension-Driven Design
        8. 13.7 Level 2 Drawing Project (3 of 10): Architectural Floor Plan
        9. Summary
      3. Chapter 14. Options, Shortcuts, CUI, Design Center, and Express Tools
        1. Learning Objectives
        2. 14.1 Options
        3. 14.2 Shortcuts
        4. 14.3 Customize User Interface
        5. 14.4 Design Center
        6. 14.5 Express Tools
        7. 14.6 Level 2 Drawing Project (4 of 10): Architectural Floor Plan
        8. Summary
      4. Chapter 15. Advanced Design and File Management Tools
        1. Learning Objectives
        2. 15.1 Introduction to Advanced Design and File Management Tools
        3. 15.2 Align
        4. 15.3 Action Recording
        5. 15.4 Audit and Recover
        6. 15.5 Blend
        7. 15.6 Break and Join
        8. 15.7 CAD Standards
        9. 15.8 Calculator
        10. 15.9 Defpoints
        11. 15.10 Divide and Point Style
        12. 15.11 Donut
        13. 15.12 Draw Order
        14. 15.13 eTransmit
        15. 15.14 Filter
        16. 15.15 Hyperlink
        17. 15.16 Lengthen
        18. 15.17 Object Tracking (Otrack)
        19. 15.18 Overkill
        20. 15.19 Point and Node
        21. 15.20 Publish
        22. 15.21 Raster
        23. 15.22 Revcloud
        24. 15.23 Sheet Sets
        25. 15.24 Selection Methods
        26. 15.25 Stretch
        27. 15.26 System Variables
        28. 15.27 Tables
        29. 15.28 Tool Palette
        30. 15.29 UCS and Crosshair Rotation
        31. 15.30 Window Tiling and Tabs
        32. 15.31 Wipeout
        33. 15.32 Level 2 Drawing Project (5 of 10): Architectural Floor Plan
        34. Summary
    5. Spotlight On: Civil Engineering
      1. Spotlight On: Civil Engineering
      2. Chapter 16. Importing and Exporting Data
        1. Learning Objectives
        2. 16.1 Introduction to Importing and Exporting Data
        3. 16.2 Importing and Exporting to and from MS Office Applications
        4. 16.3 Screen Shots
        5. 16.4 JPGs
        6. 16.5 PDFs
        7. 16.6 Other CAD Software
        8. 16.7 Exporting and the Save as Feature
        9. 16.8 Inserting and OLE
        10. 16.9 Level 2 Drawing Project (6 of 10): Architectural Floor Plan
        11. Summary
      3. Chapter 17. External References (Xrefs)
        1. Learning Objectives
        2. 17.1 Introduction to Xrefs
        3. 17.2 Using Xrefs
        4. 17.3 Layers in Xrefs
        5. 17.4 Editing and Reloading Xrefs
        6. 17.5 Multiple Xrefs
        7. 17.6 Ribbon and Xrefs
        8. 17.7 Level 2 Drawing Project (7 of 10): Architectural Floor Plan
        9. Summary
      4. Chapter 18. Attributes
        1. Learning Objectives
        2. 18.1 Introduction to Attributes
        3. 18.2 Creating the Design
        4. 18.3 Creating the Attribute Definitions
        5. 18.4 Creating the Attribute Block
        6. 18.5 Attribute Properties and Editing
        7. 18.6 Attribute Extraction
        8. 18.7 Invisible Attributes
        9. 18.8 Level 2 Drawing Project (8 of 10): Architectural Floor Plan
        10. Summary
    6. Spotlight On: Aerospace Engineering
      1. Spotlight On: Aerospace Engineering
      2. Chapter 19. Advanced Output and Pen Settings
        1. Learning Objectives
        2. 19.1 Introduction to Advanced Output and Pen Settings
        3. 19.2 Setting Standards
        4. 19.3 The CTB File
        5. 19.4 Additional CTB File Features
        6. 19.5 The LWT Option
        7. 19.6 Level 2 Drawing Project (9 of 10): Architectural Floor Plan
        8. Summary
      3. Chapter 20. Isometric Drawing
        1. Learning Objectives
        2. 20.1 Introduction to Isometric Perspective
        3. 20.2 Basic Technique
        4. 20.3 Ellipses in Isometric Drawing
        5. 20.4 Text and Dimensions in Isometric Drawing
        6. 20.5 Level 2 Drawing Project (10 of 10): Architectural Floor Plan
        7. 20.6 Summary
      4. Level 2. Answers to Review Questions
        1. Chapter 11 Review Questions
        2. Chapter 12 Review Questions
        3. Chapter 13 Review Questions
        4. Chapter 14 Review Questions
        5. Chapter 15 Review Questions
        6. Chapter 16 Review Questions
        7. Chapter 17 Review Questions
        8. Chapter 18 Review Questions
        9. Chapter 19 Review Questions
        10. Chapter 20 Review Questions
  10. Level 3: Chapters 21–30
    1. Level 3. Chapters 21–30
    2. Chapter 21. 3D Basics
      1. Learning Objectives
      2. 21.1 Axes, Planes, and Faces
      3. 21.2 3D Workspaces, Ribbon, Toolbars, and 3D Options
      4. 21.3 Entering and Exiting 3D
      5. 21.4 Projecting Into 3D
      6. 21.5 3D Dynamic Views
      7. 21.6 Extrude
      8. 21.7 Visual Styles: Hide and Shade
      9. 21.8 View Cube and Navigation Bar
      10. Summary
    3. Chapter 22. Object Manipulation
      1. Learning Objectives
      2. 22.1 Introduction to Object Manipulation
      3. Summary
    4. Spotlight On: Chemical Engineering
      1. Spotlight On: Chemical Engineering
      2. Chapter 23. Boolean Operations and Primitives
        1. Learning Objectives
        2. 23.1 Introduction to Boolean Operations
        3. 23.2 Introduction to Primitives
        4. 23.3 Applying Primitives
        5. Summary
      3. Chapter 24. Solid Modeling
        1. Learning Objectives
        2. 24.1 Introduction to Solid Modeling
        3. Summary
      4. Chapter 25. Advanced Solids, Faces, and Edges
        1. Learning Objectives
        2. 25.1 Introduction to Advanced Solids, Faces, and Edges
        3. 25.2 Working with Faces
        4. 25.3 Working with Edges
        5. Summary
    5. Spotlight On: Biomedical Engineering
      1. Spotlight On: Biomedical Engineering
      2. Chapter 26. Surfaces and Meshes
        1. Learning Objectives
        2. 26.1 Introduction to Surfaces and Meshes
        3. 26.2 Surfacing Commands
        4. 26.3 Smooth Mesh Primitives
        5. Summary
      3. Chapter 27. Slicing, Sectioning, Layouts, and Vports
        1. Learning Objectives
        2. 27.1 Introduction to Slicing, Sectioning, Layouts, and Vports
        3. 27.2 Slicing and Sectioning
        4. 27.3 Layouts and Details
        5. 27.4 Flatten and Flatshot
        6. 27.5 Vports
        7. Summary
      4. Chapter 28. Advanced UCS, Views, Text, and Dimensions in 3D
        1. Learning Objectives
        2. 28.1 Introduction to Advanced UCS, Views, Text, and Dimensions in 3D
        3. 28.2 Advanced UCS
        4. 28.3 Views and View Manager
        5. 28.4 Text and Dimensions in 3D
        6. Summary
    6. Spotlight On: Drafting, CAD Management, Teaching, and Consulting
      1. Spotlight On: Drafting, CAD Management, Teaching, and Consulting
        1. Overview
        2. AutoCAD Training Requirements
        3. Architectural Drafting
        4. Engineering Drafting
        5. CAD Management
        6. Teaching AutoCAD
        7. AutoCAD Consulting
      2. Chapter 29. Dview, Camera, Walk and Fly, and Path Animation
        1. Learning Objectives
        2. 29.1 Dynamic View
        3. 29.2 Cameras
        4. 29.3 Walk and Fly
        5. 29.4 Path Animation
        6. 29.5 Summary
      3. Chapter 30. Lighting and Rendering
        1. Learning Objectives
        2. 30.1 Introduction to Lighting and Rendering
        3. 30.2 Lighting
        4. 30.3 Materials and Rendering
        5. Summary
      4. Level 3. Answers to Review Questions
        1. Chapter 21 Review Questions
        2. Chapter 22 Review Questions
        3. Chapter 23 Review Questions
        4. Chapter 24 Review Questions
        5. Chapter 25 Review Questions
        6. Chapter 26 Review Questions
        7. Chapter 27 Review Questions
        8. Chapter 28 Review Questions
        9. Chapter 29 Review Questions
        10. Chapter 30 Review Questions
  11. Appendices
    1. Appendix A. Additional Information on AutoCAD
      1. Who Makes AutoCAD?
      2. What is AutoCAD LT?
      3. How is AutoCAD Purchased and How Much Does it Cost?
      4. Are there Significant Differences Between AutoCAD Releases?
      5. Is there an AutoCAD for the Mac?
      6. A Brief History of Autodesk and AutoCAD
      7. AutoCAD Releases
      8. Major Autodesk Products
      9. AutoCAD-Related Websites
    2. Appendix B. Other CAD Software Design and Analysis Tools and Concepts
      1. MicroStation
      2. ArchiCAD
      3. TurboCAD
      4. Other Design Software
    3. Appendix C. File Extensions
      1. AutoCAD Primary Extensions
      2. AutoCAD Secondary Extensions
      3. Miscellaneous Software Extensions
    4. Appendix D. Custom Linetypes and Hatch Patterns
      1. Linetype Definitions (Basic)
      2. Linetypes (String Complex and Shape Complex)
      3. Hatch Pattern Definitions (Basic)
    5. Appendix E. Principles of CAD Management
      1. Part 1. Know the Seven Golden Rules of AutoCAD
      2. Part 2. Know the Capabilities and Limitations of AutoCAD
      3. Part 3. Maintain an Office CAD Standard
      4. Part 4. Be an Effective Teacher and Hiring Manager
      5. Part 5. Stay Current and Competent
    6. Appendix F. AutoLISP Basics and Advanced Customization Tools
      1. Overview 1. Autolisp
      2. Overview 2. Visual Lisp
      3. Overview 3. Vba, .Net, Active X, and Objectarx
      4. Autolisp Fundamentals
      5. Variables and Comments
      6. Advanced Features and the Vlide Command
    7. Appendix G. PC Hardware, Printers/Plotters, Networks, and the Cloud
      1. PC Hardware
      2. Printers and Plotters
      3. Networks
      4. The Cloud
    8. Appendix H. What Are Kernels?
    9. Appendix I. Lighting, Rendering, Effects, and Animation
    10. Appendix J. AutoCAD Certification Exams
    11. Appendix K. AutoCAD Employment
    12. Appendix L. AutoCAD Humor, Oddities, Quirks, and Easter Eggs
      1. Real AutoCAD Users
      2. The AutoCAD Monkey Joke that Never Goes Away
      3. Oddities and Quirks
      4. Easter Eggs
  12. Index

Product information

  • Title: Up and Running with AutoCAD 2014
  • Author(s):
  • Release date: July 2013
  • Publisher(s): Academic Press
  • ISBN: 9780124104211