Get up and running with AutoCAD using Gindis’ 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 engineering, architecture, 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.
Key Features
- Strips away complexities and reduces AutoCAD to easy-to-understand basic concepts.
- Fully covers the essentials of both 2D and 3D in one affordable easy to read volume
- All basic commands are documented step-by-step: what the student needs to type in and how AutoCAD responds is all spelled out in discrete and clear steps with screen shots added as needed.
- Companion website with full series of video lectures that follow all 30 chapters
- New end-of-chapter exercises, with a special focus on Level II and III (3D) sections
- Addition of several new civil engineering drawing examples to address that special interest of users
- An expanded and clarified treatment of Materials and Rendering (Chapter 30)
- New Appendix titled "3D Printing Technologies" to address this growing technology field
Acknowledgments
About the Author
- Previous Textbooks By Elliot Gindis
Preface
- What is AutoCAD?
- About This Book
- Teaching Methods
- Text Organization
- What Your Goal Should Be
Level 1: Chapters 1–10
- Level 1. Chapters 1–10
- Chapter 1. AutoCAD Fundamentals—Part I
- Learning Objectives
- 1.1 Introduction and Basic Commands
- 1.2 The Autocad Environment
- 1.3 Interacting with Autocad
- 1.4 Practicing the Create Objects Commands
- 1.5 VIEW OBJECTS
- 1.6 Practicing the Edit/Modify Objects Commands
- 1.7 Selection Methods
- 1.8 Drawing Accuracy—Part 1
- 1.9 Drawing Accuracy—Part 2
- 1.10 OSNAP Drafting Settings
- 1.11 Summary
- Chapter 2. AutoCAD Fundamentals—Part II
- Learning Objectives
- 2.1 Grips
- 2.2 Units and Scale
- 2.3 Snap and Grid
- 2.4 Cartesian Coordinate System
- 2.5 Geometric Data Entry
- 2.6 Inquiry Commands
- 2.7 Additional Drafting Commands
- 2.8 Summary
- Chapter 3. Layers, Colors, Linetypes, and Properties
- Learning Objectives
- 3.1 Introduction to Layers
- 3.2 Introduction to Linetypes
- 3.3 Introduction to Properties
- 3.4 In-Class Drawing Project: Floor Plan Layout
- 3.5 Summary
- Chapter 4. Text, Mtext, Editing, and Style
- Learning Objectives
- 4.1 Introduction to Text and Mtext
- 4.2 Text
- 4.3 Mtext
- 4.4 Style
- 4.5 Spell Check
- 4.6 In-Class Drawing Project: Adding Text and Furniture to Floor Plan Layout
- 4.7 Summary
- Chapter 5. Hatch Patterns
- Learning Objectives
- 5.1 Introduction to Hatch
- 5.2 Hatch Procedures
- 5.3 Working with Hatch Patterns
- 5.4 Gradient and Solid Fill
- 5.5 Hatching Using the Ribbon
- 5.6 In-Class Drawing Project: Adding Hatch to Floor Plan Layout
- 5.7 Summary
- Chapter 6. Dimensions
- Learning Objectives
- 6.1 Introduction to Dimensions
- 6.2 Types of Dimensions
- 6.3 Editing Dimensions
- 6.4 Customizing Dimensions
- 6.5 In-Class Drawing Project: Adding Dimensions to Floor Plan Layout
- 6.6 Summary
- Chapter 7. Blocks, Wblocks, Dynamic Blocks, Groups, and Purge
- Learning Objectives
- 7.1 Introduction to Blocks
- 7.2 Insert
- 7.3 Purge
- 7.4 Wblocks
- 7.5 Dynamic Blocks
- 7.6 Groups
- 7.7 Summary
- Chapter 8. Polar, Rectangular, and Path Arrays
- Learning Objectives
- 8.1 Polar Array
- 8.2 Rectangular Array
- 8.3 Path Array
- 8.4 In-Class Drawing Project: Mechanical Device
- 8.5 Summary
- Chapter 9. Basic Printing and Output
- Learning Objectives
- 9.1 Introduction to Printing and Plotting
- 9.2 The Essentials
- 9.3 The Plot Dialog Box
- 9.4 Page Setup Manager
- 9.5 Summary
- Chapter 10. Advanced Output—Paper Space
- Learning Objectives
- 10.1 Introduction to Paper Space
- 10.2 Paper Space Concepts
- 10.3 Summary
- Level 1: Answers to Review Questions
- Level 1. Answers to Review Questions
- Chapter 1 Review Questions
- Chapter 2 Review Questions
- Chapter 3 Review Questions
- Chapter 4 Review Questions
- Chapter 5 Review Questions
- Chapter 6 Review Questions
- Chapter 7 Review Questions
- Chapter 8 Review Questions
- Chapter 9 Review Questions
- Chapter 10 Review Questions
- Level 1. Answers to Review Questions
Level 2: Chapters 11–20
- Level 2. Chapters 11–20
- Chapter 11. Advanced Linework
- Learning Objectives
- 11.1 Introduction to Advanced Linework
- 11.2 Pline (Polyline)
- 11.3 Xline (Construction Line)
- 11.4 Ray
- 11.5 Spline
- 11.6 Mline (Multiline)
- 11.7 Sketch
- 11.8 Level 2 Drawing Project (1 of 10): Architectural Floor Plan
- 11.9 Summary
- Chapter 12. Advanced Layers
- Learning Objectives
- 12.1 Introduction to Advanced Layers
- 12.2 Script Files
- 12.3 Layer State Manager
- 12.4 Layer Filtering
- 12.5 Level 2 Drawing Project (2 of 10): Architectural Floor Plan
- 12.6 Summary
- Chapter 13. Advanced Dimensions
- Learning Objectives
- 13.1 Introduction to Advanced Dimensions
- 13.2 Dimension Style Manager
- 13.3 Introduction to Constraints
- 13.4 Geometric Constraints
- 13.5 Dimensional Constraints
- 13.6 Dimension-Driven Design
- 13.7 Level 2 Drawing Project (3 of 10): Architectural Floor Plan
- 13.8 Summary
- Chapter 14. Options, Shortcuts, CUI, Design Center, and Express Tools
- Learning Objectives
- 14.1 Options
- 14.2 Shortcuts
- 14.3 Customize User Interface
- 14.4 Design Center
- 14.5 Express Tools
- 14.6 Level 2 Drawing Project (4 of 10): Architectural Floor Plan
- 14.7 Summary
- Chapter 15. Advanced Design and File Management Tools
- Learning Objectives
- 15.1 Introduction to Advanced Design and File Management Tools
- 15.2 Align
- 15.3 Action Recording
- 15.4 Audit and Recover
- 15.5 Blend
- 15.6 Break and Join
- 15.7 CAD Standards
- 15.8 Calculator
- 15.9 Defpoints
- 15.10 Divide and Point Style
- 15.11 Donut
- 15.12 Draw Order
- 15.13 eTransmit
- 15.14 Filter
- 15.15 Hyperlink
- 15.16 Lengthen
- 15.17 Object Snap Tracking (Otrack)
- 15.18 Overkill
- 15.19 Point and Node
- 15.20 Publish
- 15.21 Raster
- 15.22 Revcloud
- 15.23 Sheet Sets
- 15.24 Selection Methods
- 15.25 Stretch
- 15.26 System Variables
- 15.27 Tables
- 15.28 Tool Palette
- 15.29 UCS and Crosshair Rotation
- 15.30 Window Tiling
- 15.31 Wipeout
- 15.32 Level 2 Drawing Project (5 of 10): Architectural Floor Plan
- 15.33 Summary
- Chapter 16. Importing and Exporting Data
- Learning Objectives
- 16.1 Introduction to Importing and Exporting Data
- 16.2 Importing and Exporting to and from Ms Office Applications
- 16.3 Screen Shots
- 16.4 JPGs
- 16.5 PDFs
- 16.6 Other CAD Software
- 16.7 Exporting and the Save as Feature
- 16.8 Inserting and OLE
- 16.9 Level 2 Drawing Project (6 of 10): Architectural Floor Plan
- 16.10 Summary
- Chapter 17. External References (Xrefs)
- Learning Objectives
- 17.1 Introduction to Xrefs
- 17.2 Using Xrefs
- 17.3 Layers in Xrefs
- 17.4 Editing and Reloading Xrefs
- 17.5 Multiple Xrefs
- 17.6 Ribbon and Xrefs
- 17.7 Level 2 Drawing Project (7 of 10): Architectural Floor Plan
- 17.8 Summary
- Chapter 18. Attributes
- Learning Objectives
- 18.1 Introduction to Attributes
- 18.2 Creating the Design
- 18.3 Creating the Attribute Definitions
- 18.4 Creating the Attribute Block
- 18.5 Attribute Properties and Editing
- 18.6 Attribute Extraction
- 18.7 Invisible Attributes
- 18.8 Level 2 Drawing Project (8 of 10): Architectural Floor Plan
- 18.9 Summary
- Chapter 19. Advanced Output and Pen Settings
- Learning Objectives
- 19.1 Introduction to Advanced Output and Pen Settings
- 19.2 Setting Standards
- 19.3 The CTB File
- 19.4 Additional CTB File Features
- 19.5 Lineweight Settings
- 19.6 Level 2 Drawing Project (9 of 10): Architectural Floor Plan
- 19.7 Summary
- Chapter 20. Isometric Drawing
- Learning Objectives
- 20.1 Introduction to Isometric Perspective
- 20.2 Basic Technique
- 20.3 Ellipses in Isometric Drawing
- 20.4 Text and Dimensions in Isometric Drawing
- 20.5 Level 2 Drawing Project (10 of 10): Architectural Floor Plan
- 20.6 Summary
- Level 2: Answers to Review Questions
- Level 2. Answers to Review Questions
- Chapter 11 Review Questions
- Chapter 12 Review Questions
- Chapter 13 Review Questions
- Chapter 14 Review Questions
- Chapter 15 Review Questions
- Chapter 16 Review Questions
- Chapter 17 Review Questions
- Chapter 18 Review Questions
- Chapter 19 Review Questions
- Chapter 20 Review Questions
- Level 2. Answers to Review Questions
Level 3: Chapters 21–30
- Level 3. Chapters 21–30
- Chapter 21. 3D Basics
- Learning Objectives
- 21.1 Axes, Planes, and Faces
- 21.2 3D Workspaces, Ribbon, Toolbars, and 3D Options
- 21.3 Entering and Exiting 3D
- 21.4 Projecting Into 3D
- 21.5 3D Dynamic Views
- 21.6 Extrude
- 21.7 Visual Styles: Hide and Shade
- 21.8 Viewcube and Navigation Bar
- 21.9 Summary
- Chapter 22. Object Manipulation
- Learning Objectives
- 22.1 Introduction to Object Manipulation
- 22.2 Summary
- Chapter 23. Boolean Operations and Primitives
- Learning Objectives
- 23.1 Introduction to Boolean Operations
- 23.2 Introduction to Primitives
- 23.3 Applying Primitives
- 23.4 Summary
- Chapter 24. Solid Modeling
- Learning Objectives
- 24.1 Introduction to Solid Modeling
- 24.2 Summary
- Chapter 25. Advanced Solids, Faces, and Edges
- Learning Objectives
- 25.1 Introduction to Advanced Solids, Faces, and Edges
- 25.2 Working with Faces
- 25.3 Working with Edges
- 25.4 Summary
- Chapter 26. Surfaces and Meshes
- Learning Objectives
- 26.1 Introduction to Surfaces and Meshes
- 26.2 Surfacing Commands
- 26.3 Smooth Mesh Primitives
- 26.4 Summary
- Chapter 27. Slicing, Sectioning, Layouts, and Vports
- Learning Objectives
- 27.1 Introduction to Slicing, Sectioning, Layouts, and Vports
- 27.2 Slicing and Sectioning
- 27.3 Layouts and Details
- 27.4 Flatten and Flatshot
- 27.5 Vports
- 27.6 Summary
- Chapter 28. Advanced UCS, Views, Text, and Dimensions in 3D
- Learning Objectives
- 28.1 Introduction to Advanced UCS, Views, Text, and Dimensions in 3D
- 28.2 Advanced UCS
- 28.3 Views and View Manager
- 28.4 Text and Dimensions in 3D
- 28.5 Summary
- Chapter 29. Dview, Camera, Walk and Fly, Path Animation
- Learning Objectives
- 29.1 Dynamic View
- 29.2 Cameras
- 29.3 Walk and Fly
- 29.4 Path Animation
- 29.5 Summary
- Chapter 30. Lighting and Rendering
- Learning Objectives
- 30.1 Introduction to Lighting and Rendering
- 30.2 Lighting
- 30.3 Materials and Rendering
- 30.4 Summary
- Level 3: Answers to Review Questions
- Level 3. Answers to Review Questions
- Chapter 21 Review Questions
- Chapter 22 Review Questions
- Chapter 23 Review Questions
- Chapter 24 Review Questions
- Chapter 25 Review Questions
- Chapter 26 Review Questions
- Chapter 27 Review Questions
- Chapter 28 Review Questions
- Chapter 29 Review Questions
- Chapter 30 Review Questions
- Level 3. Answers to Review Questions
Appendix A. Additional Information on AutoCAD
- A.1 Who Makes AutoCAD?
- A.2 What is AutoCAD LT?
- A.3 How is AutoCAD Purchased and How Much Does it Cost?
- A.4 Are There Significant Differences Between AutoCAD Releases?
- A.5 Is There an AutoCAD for the MAC?
- A.6 A Brief History of Autodesk and AutoCAD
- A.7 AutoCAD Releases
- A.8 Major Autodesk Products
- A.9 Autocad-Related Websites
Appendix B. Other CAD Software, Design and Analysis Tools, and Concepts
- B.1 MicroStation
- B.2 ArchiCAD
- B.3 TurboCAD
- B.4 Other Design Software
Appendix C. File Extensions
- C.1 AutoCAD Primary Extensions
- C.2 AutoCAD Secondary Extensions
- C.3 Miscellaneous Software Extensions
Appendix D. Custom Linetypes and Hatch Patterns
- D.1 Linetype Definitions (Basic)
- D.2 Linetypes (String Complex and Shape Complex)
- D.3 Hatch Pattern Definitions (Basic)
Appendix E. Principles of CAD Management
- E.1 Part 1. Know the Seven Golden Rules of AutoCAD
- E.2 Part 2. Know the Capabilities and Limitations of AutoCAD
- E.3 Part 3. Maintain an Office CAD Standard
- E.4 Part 4. Be an Effective Teacher and Hiring Manager
- E.5 Part 5. Stay Current and Competent
Appendix F. AutoLISP Basics and Advanced Customization Tools
- F.1 Overview 1. AutoLISP
- F.2 Overview 2. Visual LISP
- F.3 Overview 3. VBA, .NET, Active X, and ObjectARX
- F.4 AutoLISP Fundamentals
- F.5 Variables and Comments
- F.6 Advanced Features and the Vlide Command
Appendix G. PC Hardware, Printers/Plotters, Networks, and the Cloud
- G.1 PC Hardware
- G.2 Printers and Plotters
- G.3 Networks
- G.4 The Cloud
Appendix H. What Are Kernels?
Appendix I. Lighting, Rendering, Effects, and Animation
Appendix J. 3D Printing
- J.1 Overview and History
- J.2 Printing Process – Part 1 (Creating the Model)
- J.3 Printing Process – Part 2 (Exporting and Preparing the Model)
- J.4 Printing Process – Part 3 (Printing the Model)
- J.5 Printing Process – Part 4 (Finishing Model)
- J.6 Applications, Related Issues, and the Future of 3D Printing
Appendix K. AutoCAD Certification Exams
Appendix L. AutoCAD Employment
Appendix M. AutoCAD Humor, Oddities, Quirks, and Easter Eggs
- M.1 Oddities and Quirks
- M.2 Easter Eggs
Appendix N. The Future of AutoCAD
- N.1 2D Design, AutoCAD, and Verticals
- N.2 3D Design and Solid Modeling
- N.3 Merging of Industries
- N.4 Revit and BIM
- N.5 The Future of AutoCAD
Index
- Gindi, Up and Running with AutoCAD 2015: 2D and 3D Drawing and Modeling, 9780128009543, Academic Press, Jul 2014, $89.95
- Chang, Design Theory and Methods Using CAD/CAE, 9780123985125, Academic Press, Oct 2014, $89.95
- Younis, Up and Running with Autodesk Inventor Simulation 2011, 2/e, 9780123821027, Butterworth-Heinemann, Apr 2010, $97.95
Beginner through advanced users of AutoCAD. Architectural drafting, civil/construction and mechanical engineers. Students taking drafting/engineering drawing courses in engineering and engineering technology programs