31,99 €
10th anniversary edition of the bestselling AutoCAD Bible Even AutoCAD developers turn to this book for answers! Find out what fans of all the previous bestselling editions of this book already know: this is the top all-in-one guide to everything you need to master AutoCAD. Whether you're a novice looking to start with the basics and progress to programming, or an AutoCAD veteran exploring what's new or seeking a quick refresher, every feature is covered. Start drawing today in AutoCAD 2010 with the one book you need to succeed. * Start drawing right away with a Quick Start project * Draw, view, and edit in 2D, then add text and dimensions * Reference other drawings and link data to objects * Build, view, and present complex 3D drawings * Customize commands, create shortcuts, and use scripts and macros * Program AutoCAD using AutoLISP® and VBA What's on the DVD? * Trial versions of both AutoCAD 2010 and AutoCAD LT 2010 * Over 300 before-and-after drawings from working AutoCAD professionals * A selection of helpful add-on programs * The entire book in searchable PDF * Videos on the two big new features of AutoCAD 2010-- Parametric Constraints and Mesh Solids System Requirements: Please see the DVD appendix for details and system requirements. Control your drawings with the new parametric constraints Draw and display sophisticated 2D and 3D models Create organic, molded solids with 3D meshes Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.
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Seitenzahl: 2192
Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2009
Table of Contents
Part I: AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT Basics
Quick Start: Drawing a Window
Summary
Chapter 1: Starting to Draw
AutoCAD's Advantages
Comparing AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT
Starting AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT
Creating a New Drawing
Using the AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT Interface
The drawing area
The ribbon and Quick Access toolbar
Using the Application menu
The command line and dynamic input tooltip
The status bar
Creating a New Folder
Using the Interface
Saving a Drawing
Closing a Drawing and Exiting from AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT
Summary
Chapter 2: Opening a Drawing
Creating a New Drawing from a Template
Working with Templates
Customizing the default template
Creating your own templates
Creating a Drawing with Default Settings
Opening an Existing Drawing
Using other ways to open drawings
Switching among open drawings
Saving a Drawing under a New Name
Summary
Chapter 3: Using Commands
The AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT Interface
Using the ribbon
Using menus
Using shortcut menus
Using dialog boxes
Using toolbars
Using palettes
Tool palettes
The Command Line and Dynamic Input
Using Dynamic Input
Understanding command names
Responding to commands
Command Techniques
Repeating commands
Using recent input
Canceling commands
Undoing a command
Redoing a command
Using one command within another command
Of Mice and Pucks
Getting Help
Getting help on a command
Finding help with Quickstart links
Using the main Help system
Working with Help screens
Using the InfoCenter
Summary
Chapter 4: Specifying Coordinates
Understanding the X,Y Coordinate System
Drawing units
Types of measurement notation
Typing Coordinates
Using the Dynamic Input tooltip to enter coordinates
Absolute Cartesian coordinates
Relative Cartesian coordinates
Polar coordinates
Direct distance entry
Orthogonal mode
Polar tracking
Displaying Coordinates
Picking Coordinates on the Screen
Snap settings
Object snaps
Running object snaps and Object Snap mode
Overriding Coordinate Settings
Locating Points
Object snap tracking
Using the temporary tracking feature
Point filters
From feature
Summary
Chapter 5: Setting Up a Drawing
Choosing Unit Types
Setting the drawing units
Setting the angle type
Setting the angle measure and direction
Drawing Limits
Understanding Scales
Working with scale formats
Using annotative scales
Customizing the scale list
Deciding on a scale and sheet size
Creating a Titleblock
Specifying Common Setup Options
Customizing with the MVSETUP Command and Setup Wizards
Summary
Part II: Drawing in Two Dimensions
Chapter 6: Drawing Simple Lines
Using the LINE Command
Drawing Rectangles
Drawing Polygons
Creating Construction Lines
Creating Rays
Summary
Chapter 7: Drawing Curves and Points
Drawing Circles
Understanding the circle options
Drawing circles
Drawing Arcs
Understanding arc options
Drawing arcs
Creating Ellipses and Elliptical Arcs
Understanding ellipse options
Drawing ellipses
Making Donuts
Understanding DONUT options
Drawing donuts
Placing Points
Changing the point style
Creating points
Summary
Chapter 8: Viewing Your Drawing
Regenerating and Redrawing the Display
Panning
Using the PAN command
Using the scroll bars
Using the ZOOM Command
Understanding ZOOM options
Using ZOOM Dynamic
Using the SteeringWheel
Creating Named Views
Saving a view
Displaying a view
Managing named views
Creating animated presentations from named views
Using named views to manage a drawing
Working with Tiled Viewports
Configuring tiled viewports
Using tiled viewports
Saving and restoring viewport configurations
Using Snap Rotation
Understanding User Coordinate Systems
Understanding UCS options
Saving and restoring a custom UCS
Controlling the UCS icon
Using a custom UCS
Creating Isometric Drawings
Understanding isometric planes
Drawing in Isometric mode
Summary
Chapter 9: Editing Your Drawing with Basic Tools
Editing a Drawing
Understanding object-selection basics
Erasing objects
Moving objects
Copying objects
Copying and moving objects from one drawing to another
Rotating objects
Scaling objects
Using the CHANGE command
Selecting Objects
Selecting objects after choosing a command
Cycling through objects
Selecting objects before choosing a command
Implied windowing
Customizing the selection process
Summary
Chapter 10: Editing Your Drawing with Advanced Tools
Copying and Moving Objects
Mirroring objects
Using the ARRAY command
Offsetting objects
Aligning objects
Resizing Commands
Trimming objects
Extending objects
Lengthening objects
Stretching objects
Using Construction Commands
Breaking objects
Joining objects
Creating chamfered corners
Creating rounded corners
Creating a Revision Cloud
Hiding Objects with a Wipeout
Constraining Objects with Parameters
Using geometric constraints
Auto-constraining objects
Using dimensional constraints
Working with the Parameters Manager
Double-Clicking to Edit Objects
Grips
Stretching with grips
Moving with grips
Rotating with grips
Scaling with grips
Mirroring with grips
Customizing grips
Editing with the Quick Properties Palette and the Properties Palette
Using the Quick Properties palette
Using the Properties palette
Selection Filters
Using Quick Select to select objects
Using the FILTER command
Naming and editing filters
Using filters
Groups
Creating and modifying groups in AutoCAD
Creating and modifying groups in AutoCAD LT
Using groups
Summary
Chapter 11: Organizing Drawings with Layers, Colors, Linetypes, and Lineweights
Working with Layers
Understanding layers
Creating new layers
Using layers
Using special layer tools
Modifying layers
Changing Object Color, Linetype, and Lineweight
Changing an object's color
Changing the current color
Changing an object's linetype
Changing the current linetype
Changing an object's lineweight
Changing the current lineweight
Working with Linetype Scales
Changing linetype spacing by using a different linetype
Changing linetype spacing by changing the global linetype scale
Changing linetype spacing by changing the object linetype scale
Importing Layers and Linetypes from Other Drawings
Matching Properties
Summary
Chapter 12: Obtaining Information from Your Drawing
Drawing-Level Information
Listing the status of your drawing
Listing system variables
Tracking drawing time
Object-Level Information
Listing objects
Finding coordinates
Measuring objects
Getting information from the Properties palette
Getting information from the Quick Properties panel
Dividing and Spacing Commands
Dividing objects
Measuring objects
AutoCAD's Calculator
Calculating numbers
Using coordinates
Using object snaps
Using the scientific calculator
Converting units
Working with QuickCalc variables
Using QuickCalc in the Properties palette
Summary
Chapter 13: Creating Text
Creating Single-Line Text
Justifying single-line text
Setting the height
Setting the rotation angle
Adding special characters and formatting
Editing single-line text
Understanding Text Styles
Creating a new text style
Renaming and deleting text styles
Modifying a text style
Making a style current or changing a text object's style
Importing a text style
Creating Multiline Text
Using the In-Place Text Editor
Creating text for different scales
Editing paragraph text
Importing text
Creating Tables
Inserting a table
Specifying a table style
Adding data to a table
Modifying a table
Inserting Fields
Creating fields
Editing and updating fields
Managing Text
Using Quicktext
Using AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT fonts
Freezing text layers
Using MIRRTEXT
Finding Text in Your Drawing
Checking Your Spelling
Summary
Chapter 14: Drawing Dimensions
Working with Dimensions
The elements of a dimension
Preparing to dimension
Drawing Linear Dimensions
Specifying the dimensioned object
Using dimension options
Creating jogged dimension lines
Drawing Aligned Dimensions
Specifying the dimensioned object
Using the options
Creating Baseline and Continued Dimensions
Drawing baseline dimensions
Drawing continued dimensions
Dimensioning Arcs and Circles
Marking arc and circle centers
Dimensioning arc lengths
Creating radial dimensions
Creating diameter dimensions
Dimensioning Angles
Creating Ordinate Dimensions
Drawing Leaders
Creating a multileader
Editing multileaders
Creating a multileader style
Aligning and combining leaders
Using Quick Dimension
Creating Inspection Dimensions
Creating Geometric Tolerances
Starting the tolerance frame
Inserting the tolerance frame
Editing a tolerance frame
Editing Dimensions
Editing associativity
Using the DIMEDIT command
Using the DIMTEDIT command
Flipping dimension arrows
Editing dimension text
Using the Properties palette to edit dimensions
Changing annotative scales
Spacing dimensions equally apart
Breaking dimensions
Using Quick Dimension to edit dimensions
Using grips to edit dimensions
Editing objects and dimensions together
Summary
Chapter 15: Creating Dimension Styles
Understanding Dimension Styles
Defining a New Dimension Style
Managing dimension lines
Defining symbols and arrows
Managing dimension text
Fitting dimensions into tight spaces
Defining primary units
Defining alternate units
Formatting tolerances
Changing Dimension Styles
Choosing a new current dimension style
Creating a variant of a dimension style
Modifying a dimension to use a new dimension style
Modifying dimension styles
Overriding a dimension style
Updating dimensions
Comparing dimension styles
Copying dimension styles from other drawings
Summary
Chapter 16: Drawing Complex Objects
Creating and Editing Polylines
Using the PLINE command
Editing polylines with the PEDIT command
Editing polylines with the Properties palette or Quick Properties palette
Drawing and Editing Splines
Creating splines
Editing splines
Creating Regions
Creating Boundaries
Creating Hatches
Understanding hatch patterns
Defining a hatch
Determining the hatch boundary
Dragging and dropping hatch patterns
Creating gradient fills
Editing hatches
Using the SOLID command
Creating and Editing Multilines
Creating a multiline style
Drawing multilines
Editing multilines
Creating Dlines in AutoCAD LT
Using the SKETCH Command
Digitizing Drawings with the TABLET Command
Summary
Chapter 17: Plotting and Printing Your Drawing
Preparing a Drawing for Plotting or Printing
Doing a draft plot
Plotting a drawing from model space
Creating a Layout in Paper Space
Entering paper space
Using the Layout Wizard
Laying out a drawing in paper space on your own
Annotating a layout
Saving a layout template
Working with Plot Styles
Setting the plot-style mode
Creating a plot-style table
Attaching a plot-style table to a layout
Setting the plot-style property for a layer or object
Plotting a Drawing
Specifying plot settings
Previewing your plot
Creating a plot stamp
Creating the plot
Summary
Part III: Working with Data
Chapter 18: Working with Blocks and Attributes
Combining Objects into Blocks
Understanding base points and insertion points
Creating a block
Redefining a block
Saving blocks as files
Replacing an existing file
Inserting Blocks and Files into Drawings
Using the Insert dialog box
Using the DesignCenter
Managing Blocks
Working with layers
Exploding blocks
Using the XPLODE command
Editing blocks
Creating and Using Dynamic Blocks
Understanding action-based parameters
Understanding the work flow of dynamic blocks
Defining a dynamic block with action-based parameters
Inserting and modifying dynamic blocks
Using Windows Features to Copy Data
Manipulating objects with the Windows Clipboard
Using drag-and-drop
Working with Attributes
Creating attribute definitions
Inserting blocks with attributes
Editing attributes
Extracting a database from attributes
Summary
Chapter 19: Referencing Other Drawings
Understanding External References
Attaching an external reference
Opening an xref
Using the External References palette
Editing an Xref within Your Drawing
Choosing the xref or block to edit
Editing the xref
Controlling Xref Display
Xrefs and dependent symbols
Circular references
Clipping xrefs
Speeding up the display of large xrefs
Managing Xrefs
Xref notification
DesignCenter
The xref log file
Working with DWF, DGN, and PDF Underlays
Attaching a DWF underlay
Attaching a DGN underlay
Attaching a PDF underlay
Modifying an underlay
Summary
Chapter 20: Working with External Databases
Understanding External Database Access
Preparing for Database Connectivity
Organizing the database structure
Configuring a data source
Connecting to Your Database
Connecting a database to a drawing
Opening a data table
Editing data in the Data View window
Linking Data to Drawing Objects
Creating a link template
Creating a link
Creating Labels
Creating label templates
Creating attached labels
Creating freestanding labels
Querying with the Query Editor
Using the Quick Query tab
Using the Range Query tab
Using the Query Builder tab
Using the SQL Query tab
Creating selection sets with Link Select
Working with Query Files
Storing queries
Importing and exporting queries
Summary
Part IV: Drawing in Three Dimensions
Chapter 21: Specifying 3D Coordinates
Working in a 3D Environment
Using 3D Coordinates
Absolute and relative Cartesian coordinates in 3D
Cylindrical and spherical coordinates
Using editing commands with 3D wireframes
Using point filters, object snaps, object tracking, and grips in 3D
Creating 3D polylines
Creating helixes
Using Elevation and Thickness
Creating surfaces with thickness
Using the HIDE command
Controlling the display of hidden lines and objects
Adding elevation to objects
Working with the User Coordinate System
Using the UCS icon
UCSs and viewpoints
Using UCS options to change the UCS
Changing the UCS dynamically
Summary
Chapter 22: Viewing 3D Drawings
Working with the Standard Viewpoints
Using the VPOINT command
Looking at a drawing from the standard viewpoints
Using DDVPOINT
Using the ViewCube to View Your Drawing
Creating a Named View with a Camera
Creating a camera
Editing a camera
Adding a Background to a Named View
Working with the Tripod and Compass
Displaying a Quick Plan View
Displaying Parallel and Perspective Projections
Using 3D Orbit
Starting 3D Orbit
Navigating with 3D Orbit
Refining your 3D Orbit view
Using ShowMotion to Cycle Through Views
Creating shots
Displaying shots
Walking Through a Model
Navigating in Walk mode
Specifying Walk mode settings
Flying through a model
Saving the walk as a movie file
Using a motion path to save a movie file
Navigating with the Wheel
Using DVIEW to a Create a Perspective View
Using DVIEW
Understanding the DVIEW options
Working with Visual Styles
Displaying visual styles in AutoCAD
Creating custom visual styles
Using the shading options in AutoCAD LT
Display materials, textures, and lights as you work
Laying Out 3D Drawings
Using SOLVIEW to lay out paper space viewports
Using SOLDRAW to create hidden lines and hatching
Using SOLPROF to create profiles
Flattening 3D drawings
Printing in 3D
Summary
Chapter 23: Creating 3D Surfaces
Drawing Surfaces with 3DFACE
Using the 3DFACE command
Making 3D face edges invisible
Drawing Surfaces with PFACE
Creating Plane Surfaces
Creating Polygon Meshes with 3DMESH
Drawing Standard 3D Shapes
Box
Wedge
Pyramid
Cone
Sphere
Dome
Dish
Torus
Mesh
Drawing Revolved Surfaces
Understanding the REVSURF command
Working with the REVOLVE command
Drawing an Extruded Surface
Working with the TABSURF command
Working with the EXTRUDE command
Sweeping objects along a path
Drawing Surfaces Between 2D Objects
Creating ruled surfaces
Lofting objects
Drawing Edge Surfaces
Working with Multiple Types of Objects
Converting 2D objects to surfaces
Converting meshes to smooth surfaces
Thickening a surface into a solid
Extracting edges from a surface or a region
Summary
Chapter 24: Creating Solids and Editing in 3D
Drawing Basic Smooth Solids
Drawing a box
Drawing a wedge
Drawing a cone
Drawing a sphere
Drawing a cylinder
Drawing a torus
Drawing a pyramid
Creating Extruded Solids
Managing objects used to make other objects
Using the EXTRUDE command
Drawing Swept Solids
Drawing Revolved Solids
Drawing Lofted Solids
Drawing Polyline-Like Solids
Manipulating Solids
Grip-editing solids
Selecting sub-objects
Moving, rotating, and scaling with the gizmos
Working with Mesh Shapes
Creating meshes
Editing meshes
Converting solids and meshes
Creating Complex Solids
Combining solids
Subtracting solids
Creating a solid from the intersection of two solids
Creating a new solid by using INTERFERE
Pressing or pulling a region
Using solid history
Sectioning and Slicing Solids
Using the SECTION command
Creating an interactive section object
Using the SLICE command
Using Editing Commands in 3D
Mirroring in 3D
Arraying in 3D
Rotating in 3D
Aligning in 3D
Trimming and extending in 3D
Filleting in 3D
Chamfering in 3D
Exploding and converting 3D objects
Using the SOLIDEDIT Command
Editing faces
Editing edges
Editing bodies
Listing Solid Properties
Summary
Chapter 25: Rendering in 3D
Understanding Rendering
Learning the steps
Doing a default rendering
Creating Lights
Setting the default light
Creating a point light
Creating a target point light
Creating a spotlight
Creating a Free spotlight
Creating a distant light
Simulating the sun
Managing lights
Working with Materials
Attaching a material from the Tool Palettes window
Using the Materials palette
Creating your own materials
Attaching materials
Using backgrounds
Doing the Final Render
Statistics
Saving rendered images
Summary
Part V: Organizing and Managing Drawings
Chapter 26: Keeping Control of Your Drawings
Accessing Drawing Components with the DesignCenter
Navigating with the DesignCenter
Accessing named drawing components
Controlling the DesignCenter display
Accessing Drawing Content with Tool Palettes
Creating a new tool palette
Adding content tools
Adding command tools
Copying a tool
Setting tool properties
Organizing tool palettes
Using a tool palette
Setting Standards for Drawings
Using the CAD Standards tools
Using layer notification
Translating layers
The Communication Center
Renaming named objects
Working with Sheet Sets
Understanding sheet sets
Creating a sheet set
Setting up sheet set references
Using a sheet set
Organizing Your Drawings
Archiving drawings
Finding drawings
Specifying drawing properties
Maintaining Security
Password protection
Digital signatures
Keeping Track of Referenced Files
Handling Errors and Crashes
Taking care of temporary files
Repairing corrupted drawing files
Using backup drawings
Recovering from a crash
Managing Drawings from Prior Releases
Summary
Chapter 27: Working with Other Applications
Importing and Exporting Other File Formats
Exporting drawings
Importing files
Working with Raster Images
Attaching images
Managing images
Clipping images
Controlling image display
Pasting, Linking, and Embedding Objects
Embedding objects into a drawing
Using Paste Special
Linking data
Summary
Chapter 28: Creating Electronic Output
Sending Drawings
Using eTransmit
Specifying transmittal settings
Opening Drawings from the Web
Using the Browse the Web – Open dialog box
Using i-drop to drag objects into a drawing
Creating Object Hyperlinks
Creating a hyperlink
Using a hyperlink
Editing a hyperlink
Publishing Drawings
Understanding DWF and DWFx files
Creating 2D DWF and DWFx files
Creating 3D DWF and 3D DWFx files
Using the Publish to Web Wizard
Posting DWF and DWFx files directly
Editing Web pages
Viewing DWF and DWFx drawings
Summary
Part VI: Customizing AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT
Chapter 29: Customizing Commands, Toolbars, and Tool Palettes
Working with Customizable Files
Editing customizable files
Backing up customizable files
Using the command-line form of commands
Documenting your files
Creating Shortcuts for Commands
Creating shortcuts to Windows programs
Creating keyboard shortcuts to commands
Customizing Toolbars
Customizing classic toolbars
Removing buttons from an existing toolbar
Creating a new toolbar
Removing custom commands
Customizing the Quick Access Toolbar
Creating and displaying a Quick Access toolbar
Adding a drop-down menu
Customizing Tool Palettes
Summary
Chapter 30: Creating Macros and Slide Shows
Creating Macros with Script Files
Creating the script file
Running a script file
Recording Actions
Creating an action macro
Editing an action macro
Playing back a macro
Creating Slide Shows
Creating slides
Viewing slides
Using scripts to create slide shows
Creating Slide Libraries
Summary
Chapter 31: Creating Your Own Linetypes and Hatch Patterns
Creating Linetypes
Creating simple linetypes
Creating complex linetypes
Creating Hatch Patterns
Summary
Chapter 32: Creating Shapes and Fonts
Creating Shapes
Using shape files
Creating shape files
Editing shape files
Creating Fonts
Summary
Chapter 33: Customizing the Ribbon and Menus
Working with the Customization File
Understanding the Customization file
Loading and unloading customization files
Customizing the Interface
Looking at a ribbon panel
Writing macros
Customizing the ribbon
Customizing the drop-down menu
Customizing mouse buttons and tablet buttons
Customizing image-tile menus
Customizing tablet menus
Working with the Screen menu
Creating keyboard shortcuts
Customizing the double-click behavior
Customizing the Quick Properties palette and rollover tooltips
Summary
Part VII: Programming AutoCAD
Chapter 34: Understanding AutoLISP and Visual LISP Basics
Introducing Visual LISP
Opening Visual LISP
Opening and loading an AutoLISP file with Visual LISP
Loading an AutoLISP file
Using an AutoLISP routine in AutoCAD
Looking at an AutoLISP routine
Using the Visual LISP editor
Closing a file and Visual LISP
Getting Help in Visual LISP
Working with AutoLISP Expressions
Understanding AutoLISP syntax
Working with numbers and text
Using AutoLISP on the Command Line
Creating AutoLISP Files
Summary
Chapter 35: Exploring AutoLISP Further
Creating Variables
Working with AutoCAD Commands
Accessing AutoCAD commands
Creating functions
Creating functions with arguments
Working with system variables
Working with Lists
Using lists for coordinates
Creating dotted pairs
Setting Conditions
Conditional statements
Loop statements
Managing Drawing Objects
Getting information about an object
Modifying objects
Creating selection sets
Getting Input from the User
Putting on the Finishing Touches
Summary
Chapter 36: Exploring Advanced AutoLISP Topics
Understanding Global and Local Variables
Working with Visual LISP ActiveX Functions
Reviewing AutoLISP retrieval and modification
Using ActiveX with Visual LISP
Debugging Code
Using the Error Trace window
Working with breakpoints
Using the Watch window
Summary
Chapter 37: Programming with Visual Basic for Applications
Starting to Work with VBA
Opening the VBA environment
Getting acquainted with VBA
Investigating the hierarchy model
Accessing help
Writing VBA Code
Looking at VBA syntax
Saving a VBA routine
Loading a VBA routine
Running a VBA routine
Using the Visual Basic Editor
Understanding variables
Creating VBA statements
Getting User Input
Creating Dialog Boxes
Understanding the Toolbox toolbar
Changing dialog box properties
Adding dialog box controls
Modifying Objects
Using constants
Using functions
Debugging and Trapping Errors
Moving to Advanced Programming
Summary
A Final Word
Part VIII: Appendixes
Appendix A: Installing and Configuring AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT
Preparing to install
Starting installation
Installing the VBA enabler
Installing network licenses and CAD Manager tools
Changing an installation
Authorizing AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT
Creating and modifying a workspace
Switching between workspaces
Customizing the status bar
Configuring options
Using command-line switches
Understanding configuration files
Creating multiple configurations
Using the Plotter Manager
Editing a plotter configuration
Appendix B: AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT Resources
Using AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT Help resources
Learning from your dealer
Taking a course
Learning from other users
Reading magazines and newsletters
Appendix C: What's on the DVD-ROM
Using the Drawings folder
Using the Results folder
Using the Links folder
Using the Software folder
Applications
Using the eBook version of AutoCAD 2010 and AutoCAD LT 2010 Bible
AutoCAD® 2010 & AutoCAD LT® 2010 Bible
AutoCAD® 2010 & AutoCAD LT® 2010 Bible
Ellen Finkelstein
AutoCAD® 2010 & AutoCAD LT® 2010 Bible
Published byWiley Publishing, Inc.10475 Crosspoint BoulevardIndianapolis, IN 46256www.wiley.com
Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana
Published by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana
Published simultaneously in Canada
ISBN: 978-0-470-43640-0
Manufactured in the United States of America
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Trademarks: Wiley and related trade dress are registered trademarks of John Wiley & Sons, Inc., in the United States and other countries, and may not be used without written permission. Autodesk, AutoCAD, AutoCAD LT, DWF, DWG, and the DWG logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., in the U.S.A. and/or certain other countries. Certain content, including trial software, provided courtesy Autodesk, Inc., © 2009. All rights reserved. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Wiley Publishing, Inc., is not associated with any product or vendor mentioned in this book.
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Dedication
To MMY, for teaching me that there's more to life than meets the eye and that the deeper levels of life are the most intelligent, powerful, and blissful.
About the Author
Ellen Finkelstein learned AutoCAD in Israel, where she always got to pore over the manual because it was in English. After returning to the United States, she started consulting and teaching AutoCAD as well as other computer programs, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. She has also taught courses on Web writing and usability. Her Web site, www.ellenfinkelsteincom, contains tips and techniques for AutoCAD, PowerPoint, and presenting, and she publishes the AutoCAD Tips Blog, and a monthly AutoCAD Tips Newsletter. Ellen has written extensively on AutoCAD, including articles for Autodesk's Web site and features for AutoCAD's Help system. Ellen's first book was AutoCAD For Dummies Quick Reference. Since then, she has written books on PowerPoint, OpenOffice.org (OpenOffice.org For Dummies), Flash (such as Flash CS4 For Dummies), and Web technologies (Syndicating Web Sites with RSS Feeds For Dummies). You're holding the tenth edition (wow!) of this book, which previously appeared for AutoCAD releases 14, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009.
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Foreword
Congratulations!
Whether you are a new or expert user with AutoCAD, you have truly made a worthwhile investment with the AutoCAD 2010 & AutoCAD LT 2010 Bible. This book will be a valuable addition to your library that you will use on a regular basis as a reference and guide to using AutoCAD. With each release of AutoCAD and its new feature set, the AutoCAD Bible is an excellent resource for learning and getting up to speed quickly on all things AutoCAD.
Everything from the basics of AutoCAD to 3D and programming is covered in this book. The information is well organized, and a comprehensive index makes retrieving information that you need a cinch.
You'll see real-world examples and AutoCAD drawings on the DVD that will quickly help you to understand and learn new concepts through the exercises. Even more helpful is the fact that the drawings are available in both a before and after format, allowing you to use the after format as a reference.
Ellen has been writing books about AutoCAD for so long that she is practically a household name here at Autodesk and in the AutoCAD world. She is an active participant in our beta program and helps shape the direction of future releases of AutoCAD. You are truly learning from one of the finest and most experienced professionals in this field.
Although the in-depth coverage of this book may seem overwhelming, do not feel discouraged by the book's thickness. Pick out the tools that you want to learn about and then proceed from there. If you are interested in learning new features, pick a different topic each week to learn about it.
Thank you, Ellen, for creating another great edition of the AutoCAD Bible. I know our customers will benefit from reading it as I have.
Kathy O'ConnellAutoCAD Product ManagerAutodesk, Inc.
Acknowledgments
I would like to offer special thanks to Stephanie McComb, my acquisitions editor, who was very supportive throughout the writing of this book.
A huge thank-you goes to Jade Williams, whose infinite organizing power kept the book on track. Jade kept up with a seemingly infinite number of versions of text documents and images, coordinating the writing, editing, and production of the entire book.
My thanks to Lee Ambrosius, (www.hyperpicscom), the highly knowledgeable technical editor for most of the book. Lee's comments improved the book throughout. In addition, Lee and Brian Benton both took on chapters to update; their expert help made this huge project a lot easier. Finally, Darren Young did a superb job of technical editing for Lee's chapters. These three are AutoCAD authorities and you, the reader, benefit.
I also thank Marylouise Wiack for her precise editing of this very technical book, and all of the people at Wiley who helped with the production of this book and its DVD.
Thanks to Kathy O'Connell, AutoCAD Product Manager at Autodesk, Inc., for the excellent Foreword for this book. I also want to express my great appreciation to the members of Autodesk's beta and product teams who were very supportive throughout the beta period. They include Shaan (the great) Hurley, Nate Bartley, Eric Stover, Matt Stein, and many others.
Many people contributed drawings and software for this book. I'd like to thank all of them. They have helped to make this book the most comprehensive book on AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT available.
Finally, I would like to thank my husband, Evan, who helped out around the house while I was writing, writing, and writing. Without his support, I could not have completed this book.
Introduction
Welcome to the AutoCAD 2010 & AutoCAD LT 2010 Bible. Whether you use AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT, you'll find complete explanations of all the powerful features that you need to know about to design and draw anything. This book is designed to be your comprehensive guide to both the AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT programs.
This book covers every significant AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT feature. If you're a beginning user, you'll find everything you need to start out; if you're already using AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT regularly, the book covers advanced material as well. Although you can use this book as a tutorial if you're just starting out or learning a new set of features, it also provides a solid reference base to come back to again and again. The short tutorials on almost every topic will quickly have you creating professional-level drawings. The DVD is chock-full of drawings, a trial version of AutoCAD 2010, and add-in programs (which are for AutoCAD only). This book is all that you need to make full use of either program.
For AutoCAD 2010, the emphasis is on a wide range of new features, including parametric constraints and 3D mesh modeling.
Is This Book for You?
The AutoCAD 2010 & AutoCAD LT 2010 Bible covers all of the essential features of AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT and includes clear, real-life examples and tutorials that you can adapt to your needs.
Although I fully cover the basics, I have also included material on the many advanced features, such as AutoLISP, 3D modeling, rendering, and customization. (Most of the advanced features apply to AutoCAD only.) The following categories should help you decide whether this book is for you.
If you are a new AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT user
If you are new to AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT, the AutoCAD 2010 & AutoCAD LT 2010 Bible guides you through all that you need to know to start drawing effectively, whatever your field. Just start at the beginning.
If you are upgrading to AutoCAD 2010 or AutoCAD LT 2010
This book highlights all of the new features and helps you to make the upgrade transition as seamless as possible. Look for the New Feature icons.
If you are switching from another CAD program
You already know what CAD is all about. This book clearly explains the AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT way of drawing the models that you have already been drawing. In addition, you'll find a great deal of essential information about transferring files and data from other formats.
How This Book Is Organized
This book is divided into eight parts.
Part I: AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT Basics
Part I provides the background information that you need to start drawing. It starts with a “quick tour” that has you drawing right away, and then covers how to start a drawing, use commands, specify coordinates, and set up a drawing.
Part II: Drawing in Two Dimensions
Part II covers all of the commands and procedures for drawing and editing in two dimensions. In addition, I discuss how to control the drawing process with layers, zooming, and panning. Also included in this part is information about dimensioning, plotting, and printing.
Part III: Working with Data
Part III covers many ways to organize and share data, including blocks, attributes, external references, and external databases.
Part IV: Drawing in Three Dimensions
Part IV explains everything that you need to know to draw in three dimensions. It also discusses how to present 3D drawings using shading and rendering techniques.
Part V: Organizing and Managing Drawings
Part V helps you to incorporate AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT into your work world by explaining how to set standards, manage drawings, and work with other applications. It concludes with a chapter on creating electronic output.
Part VI: Customizing AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT
Part VI introduces the tools that you need to customize commands, toolbars, linetypes, hatch patterns, shapes, fonts, and the ribbon. You'll also find a chapter on creating macros with script files as well as the Action Recorder.
Part VII: Programming AutoCAD
Part VII introduces you to programming AutoCAD. It includes three chapters on AutoLISP and Visual LISP, and one chapter on Visual Basic for Applications. This part applies to AutoCAD only.
Part VIII: Appendixes
Part VIII provides additional information for AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT users. Appendix A gives instructions for installing and configuring AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT. Appendix B covers additional resources for AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT users. Appendix C explains what you'll find on the DVD.
The DVD contains a complete copy of this book in nonprintable PDF format.
How to Use This Book
You can use this book in two ways: as a tutorial and learning tool, or as a reference.
As a tutorial
The overall organization of the book goes from simple to complex, and each chapter has several step-by-step exercises. This enables you to use the book as a tutorial, from beginning to end. You can always go back and redo any exercise when you need to refresh your memory on a particular feature.
For newcomers to AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT, Parts I (AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT Basics) and II (Drawing in Two Dimensions) are essential. After that, you can refer to chapters that interest you. Parts III (Working with Data) and V (Organizing and Managing Drawings) are also useful for beginners. Intermediate users will probably be familiar with most of the material in Part I and will be more likely to skip around, looking for the specific topics that they need. However, don't forget that many new features are introduced in Part I. Enough material appears in this book to bring intermediate users up to a fairly advanced level.
I have designed this book to be comprehensive and to include every significant feature of AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT. Therefore, do not be concerned if some of the material seems too advanced. It will be there when you are ready for it.
As a reference
The AutoCAD 2010 & AutoCAD LT 2010 Bible is organized as a reference that you can refer to whenever you are stuck, or when you try to do something for the first time. Each chapter covers a topic completely, making it easy to find what you're looking for. Each Steps exercise (with a few exceptions) can be done on its own without doing the other exercises in the chapter. You can easily look up a topic and complete a related exercise without having to go through the entire chapter. A complete index at the back of the book can also help you to find features and topics.
Doing the Exercises
AutoCAD is a very customizable program. To a lesser extent, AutoCAD LT can also be customized in many ways. This book assumes that you are working with the default setup. However, a number of changes may have been made to your system that could result in the user interface and drawings appearing or even functioning differently from those shown in this book. If you installed AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT yourself and made some adjustments, you know what changes you have made. However, if you are using a computer that was set up by someone else, it may help to talk to that person first, to see what changes they made.
In addition, as you work through some of the exercises in this book, you will make certain changes in the program's setup. Most of these are minor changes that any user would make while drawing. For safety, Cautions and Tips accompany all changes that could have serious consequences, such as customizing the menu. For example, when customizing the menu, you will be instructed to copy the menu file under a new name, and you will then work with the new menu file, not the original one. Nevertheless, if you are working on a network or sharing your computer with someone else, it is important to consult with others who may be affected by the changes that you make.
If you do the exercises, I recommend that you do them from the beginning. Important instructions are given during earlier exercises that may affect your system later. For example, one of the first exercises is to create a new folder to hold your drawings from the exercises. This folder keeps your exercise drawings separate from other drawings that have been created in your office. However, each exercise stands on its own so that you can go back and do only the exercise that you need.
You can create your own configuration to help ensure that some changes that you make will not affect others. Instructions for doing this appear in Appendix A under the heading “Creating Multiple Configurations.”
The exercises in the AutoCAD 2010 & AutoCAD LT 2010 Bible have been carefully checked by a technical editor to ensure accuracy. However, we cannot anticipate all situations, due to either varying hardware and software configurations or customization. If you have a problem with an exercise, contact me at the e-mail address listed at the end of this Introduction so that I can correct the problem in the book's next edition. I will also try to give you the information that you need to complete the exercise.
Conventions Used in This Book
Given all the ways in which you can execute a command in AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT, you'll find it useful to read this section, which describes this book's typographical conventions. You will find this section helpful for doing the step-by-step exercises as well.
Using commands
AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT offer workspaces (covered fully in Appendix A) that provide very different ways of executing commands. The default workspace, 2D Drafting & Annotation, uses the ribbon and Application menu, whereas the Classic workspace uses more traditional menus and toolbars. I use this default workspace (or the 3D Modeling workspace for 3D drawing in AutoCAD) throughout the book. All workspaces offer a command line, where you can execute a command by entering its name.
When I explain how to execute a command, I give the instructions for doing so on the ribbon. In addition, I almost always provide the name of the command so that you can enter it on the command line.
The new ribbon created a quandary for me, because I know that some people, especially those upgrading from earlier releases, will not use it; instead, they will prefer to use the Classic workspace with its familiar menus and toolbars. However, I felt that explaining how to execute each command in three ways (the ribbon, the menu/toolbar, and on the command line) would be awkward, perhaps confusing, and space-consuming. What should you do if you are using this book with the Classic workspace?
In many cases, especially if you're upgrading, you'll already know where to find familiar commands. For new commands, it's easy to find their location in the Classic workspace by going to the Help system. Follow these steps:
1. Press F1 to open the Help window.
2. Click the Contents tab on the left.
3. Expand the Command Reference and then the Commands item.
4. Expand the listing of the command's first letter and click the command.
5. Look at the top of the right-hand pane, where you'll find instructions for all the available methods of executing the command.
When referring to the ribbon, I might say, “Choose Home tab⇒Draw panel⇒Line,” which means to click the Home tab if it's not already displayed, look for the Draw control panel, and click the Line button in that panel. If you're not sure which button to click, hover the mouse cursor over a button to see its tooltip, which provides more information. You can expand many control panels by clicking their title at the bottom of the ribbon; if a command is on the expanded section, I indicate that in the instruction.
A few of the ribbon panels have drop-down lists (or flyouts), which are equivalent to sub-menus. Therefore, to indicate which button to choose, I may need to tell you to choose View tab⇒Navigation panel⇒Zoom drop-down list⇒Zoom Extents. Although I haven't found a good alternative, this is not completely satisfactory for two reasons. First, it's a mouthful! Second, the flyout names do not appear, making it hard to know which is the Zoom drop-down list. However, in most cases, the button icon will make it obvious which drop-down list I'm talking about.
To indicate that you should choose a command from the Application menu, for example, I say, “Choose Application Button⇒Save,” which means that you should click the Application Button at the upper-left corner of the application window (which opens the Application menu), and then click the Save item.
Every command also has a command name that you can type on the command line, which appears at the bottom of your screen. Command names are shown in capital letters, as in CIRCLE. AutoLISP functions (which apply to AutoCAD only) are shown in small capital letters, as in command.
Figures
In order to create clear, legible figures, I have used the default off-white background in AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT. However, many people use a black drawing area. In Appendix A, I explain how to change this color. As you read through the book, you should be aware that you may see on your screen a negative image of what I show in the figures — a dark background and light-colored objects. Once you get used to this difference, you'll easily recognize what you see in the figures.
In AutoCAD, the 3D environment further changes what you see on your screen. The default 3D background is gray. Again, I have sometimes changed the background color to white for the purpose of creating a clear figure.
Prompts, your input, and instructions
In the step-by-step exercises, most instructions are presented in the same font and style that you are reading now. However, when I reproduce the command line, the prompts appear in a nonproportional font. Other instructions (such as “Type the first coordinate”) are shown in italic. In any context, input that you need to type appears in bold.
The Dynamic Input feature shows prompts near your cursor, but additional options only appear if you click the down arrow on your keyboard. To make clear all of the available options, I use the command line format of prompts.
Here's a sample step-by-step section. In this exercise, you click the proper ribbon button (which is shown in the margin), type the number shown in bold, press Enter where indicated by the bent arrow (↵) symbol, and follow the instructions that appear in italic.
8. To create a second rectangle inside the first one, choose the Home tab⇒Modify panel⇒Offset. (I cover this and other editing commands in Chapters 9 and 10.) Follow these prompts:
Specify offset distance or [Through/Erase/Layer] <Through>: 4 ↵
Select object to offset or [Exit/Undo] <Exit>: Click the rectangle to select it.
Specify point on side to offset or Exit/Multiple/Undo] <Exit>: Click anywhere inside the rectangle.
Select object to offset or [Exit/Undo] <Exit>: ↵
Often I refer to specific elements in a drawing. References to these elements appear in the text as numbers in circles, such as 1, 2, 3, and so on. You'll find the corresponding number in the figure to which the text refers.
Mouse and keyboard terms
You can draw using a mouse or a puck. The mouse is familiar to all users. A puck (or sometimes a stylus) is used with a digitizing tablet. Because most users do not have a digitizing tablet, I do not directly refer to it in this book. If you have one, follow the instructions for using the mouse in the same way, but using your puck.
A mouse can have two or more buttons. Many users like using a mouse with at least three buttons because you can customize the buttons to suit your needs. However, because many mice have only two buttons, I assume only two. The left mouse button is used to choose commands and toolbar buttons, and to pick points in your drawing. For this reason, it is sometimes called the pick button. The right button usually opens a shortcut menu.
The time-sensitive right-clicking feature enables you to use the right button either to open a shortcut menu or as the equivalent of pressing Enter. Because this feature is not on by default, I do not assume that you have turned it on. I use the term right-click when you need to access a shortcut menu. If you have time-sensitive right-clicking turned on, you need to hold down the right mouse button more than 250 milliseconds (by default) to display the shortcut menu. See Chapter 3 and Appendix A for more details.
If I say one of the following
• Choose Application Button⇒Options
• Choose Home tab⇒Draw control panel⇒Line
• Select the circle in your drawing
it means that you need to use the left button of your mouse.
When I say to press Enter, it means that you need to press the key that is marked Enter, Return, or ↵ on your keyboard. Often I use the bent arrow symbol (↵) that you see on your Enter key to indicate that you should press Enter.
I also use the mouse terms listed in the following table.
Mouse Terms
Term
Description
Cursor
The shape on your screen that shows you where the mouse is pointed. It can take a number of shapes, such as crosshairs, pickbox, or arrow. It is also known as the mouse pointer.
Pickbox
A type of cursor consisting of a small box, used to select drawing objects.
Crosshairs
A type of cursor consisting of intersecting lines, sometimes with a pickbox at their center.
Pick
Point to a drawing object and click the left mouse button.
Click
Press the left mouse button once and release it.
Double-click
Press the left mouse button twice in rapid succession.
Click and drag
Click the left mouse button and hold it down while you move the mouse, dragging an object on your screen with it.
Choose
Click a ribbon item, menu item, toolbar button, or dialog box item. You can sometimes choose an item using the keyboard, as well. I also use this word when you need to choose a command option, which you can do by choosing from a shortcut menu with a mouse, as well as by typing the option's abbreviation on the keyboard.
Right-click
Press the right mouse button once and release it. If you have turned on time-sensitive right-clicking, hold the right mouse button at least 250 milliseconds (by default) before releasing it.
Shift and click
While holding down the Shift key, press the left mouse button once and release it.
Shift and right-click
While holding down the Shift key, press the right mouse button once and release it.
Shift and mouse wheel
Press the Shift key and hold down the mouse wheel, using it like a button.
Select
Highlight an object in a drawing by picking it or by using another object selection method, or highlight text in a dialog box or text document.
What the Icons Mean
AutoCAD 2010 & AutoCAD LT 2010 Bible is liberally sprinkled with icons — symbols in the left margin that call your attention to noteworthy points.
This icon means that the feature that I am discussing is not available in AutoCAD LT.
The Caution icon means that you should pay special attention to the information or instructions because a possibility exists that you could cause a problem otherwise.
Cross-References refer you to a related topic elsewhere in the book. Because you may not read this book straight through from cover to cover, you can use cross-references to quickly find just the information you need.
The New Feature icon means that a feature is new to AutoCAD 2010 or AutoCAD LT 2010 or has been significantly changed.
A Note icon alerts you to some important point that requires special attention, or additional information that may be helpful.
The On the DVD-ROM icon highlights references to related material on the DVD.
A Tip shows you a way to accomplish a task more efficiently or quickly. You'll find plenty of practical advice here.
About the DVD
The DVD contains all of the drawings that you need to do the exercises in this book. These drawings are a great resource to help you learn using real-world drawings. In addition, the DVD includes the drawings that result after you finish an exercise or tutorial. In this way, you can check whether you have done an exercise correctly.
The DVD also contains many add-on programs that I hope you will find useful. I am especially pleased to include 30-day trial versions of AutoCAD 2010 and AutoCAD LT 2010 on the DVD, as well as this entire book in (nonprintable) PDF format. For more information, read Appendix C.
Other Information
This book assumes that you know the basics of Windows, although the instructions that you'll read here are usually detailed enough to get you through any task.
AutoCAD 2010 & AutoCAD LT 2010 Bible covers AutoCAD 2010 and AutoCAD LT 2010. However, most of the information also applies to the 2009 release of both programs. I have used AutoCAD in Windows Vista, but almost everything also applies to Windows XP, although some of the screens will look different. If you are using AutoCAD LT 2010, again, some of the screens will look different. Where there is a significant difference between AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT, I explain the difference.
Contacting the Author
I would be happy to hear any comments that you have about this book. The best way to contact me is by e-mail at [email protected]. You can also use the United States Postal Service (a.k.a. snail mail) and write to me in care of Wiley. Please note that I can't provide technical support for my readers. The publisher maintains a page on its site that includes the drawings used in the exercises (in case you lose your DVD) and any errata at www.wileycom/autocad2010bible.com. I have my own Web site at www.ellenfinkelstein.com that contains information on my books, errata (at www.ellenfinkelstein.com/autoCAD.html#errata), and AutoCAD, including many AutoCAD tips. I invite you to sign up there for my free AutoCAD Tips Newsletter, so that you can continue the learning process. Go to www.ellenfinkelsteincom/acad_submit.html.
Part I: AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT Basics
IN THIS PART
Quick Start: Drawing a Window Chapter 1: Starting to Draw Chapter 2: Opening a Drawing Chapter 3: Using Commands Chapter 4: Specifying Coordinates Chapter 5: Setting Up a Drawing
The six chapters in Part I provide all of the basics that you need to know to start drawing in AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT. These chapters are essential for the beginner, but even current users can find some new tips and pointers, especially related to features that are new to AutoCAD 2010 and AutoCAD LT 2010. The Quick Start chapter is a beginner's tutorial to get you up and running immediately. You'll draw a window and have the opportunity to use many of the 2D features of AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT. This tutorial will provide a firm basis for the knowledge in the rest of this book.
Chapter 1 introduces you to AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT and surveys the main screen, including the ribbon, command line, and status bar. You'll learn how to launch the program, execute a command in a variety of ways, save a drawing, close a drawing, and exit the program. Chapter 2 explains how to create and open drawings. Chapter 3 covers the many ways to use commands, while Chapter 4 discusses how to specify coordinates. Chapter 5 concludes Part I with an explanation of how to set up a drawing.
If you feel that you know enough to skip to Part II, skim this part for New Feature icons to find out about the latest developments in AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT.
Quick Start: Drawing a Window
Learning AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT is a bit like trying to decide which came first — the chicken or the egg. On one hand, you need to know the basics before you can start drawing. On the other hand, understanding the basics can be very difficult if you haven't had the experience of drawing something. In this Quick Start chapter, you resolve this problem by drawing, dimensioning, and printing a simple window in AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT.
This Quick Start chapter is meant for beginners. You get the feel of AutoCAD's precision drawing tools and experience how to build a drawing. The AutoCAD/AutoCAD LT interface is very customizable. Note that the instructions for the exercise in this chapter assume that no one has made major changes to the default settings.
Chapters 1-5 fill you in on basic information that you need to move on to drawings that are more complex. By experiencing the drawing process first, you will find the initial learning curve to be easier and smoother.
Don't worry if you don't immediately understand everything you're doing. It all becomes clear as you progress through this book. If you haven't read the Preface, now is a good time to go back and read the part that explains how to follow the exercises. When you type the X and Y coordinates (shown in bold), type the first number, a comma, and then the second number, with no spaces between them. The ↵ symbol means to press Enter on your keyboard.
When you start AutoCAD 2010 for the very first time, the Initial Setup dialog box appears, asking you to answer a series of questions. It is simply a method for you to create a custom workspace according to your industry and user interface preferences. You can skip this part by clicking Skip, and run it later.
1. Start AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT.
You see the new drawing. (If you are prompted for a template, skip to Step 2, third sentence.)
2. Choose Application Button⇒New. (The Application Button is the red A at the upper-left corner of your screen.) The Select Template dialog box opens. Navigate to the Drawings folder of the DVD of this book, choose abqs-a.dwt, and click Open. You see a blank drawing. (I explain more about templates and opening drawings in Chapter 2.)
You need to open this template for the rest of the exercise to work properly.
3. To save the drawing and give it a name, choose Application Button⇒Save. In the Save Drawing As dialog box, use the Save In drop-down list to navigate to any convenient folder, such as the MyDocuments folder. Type abQS.(01) in the File Name text box and click Save. (I go into more detail about saving a drawing in Chapter 1.)
In Chapter 1, I provide instructions for creating a special AutoCADBible folder for all the exercises in this book. If you want to create this folder now, do so and save the drawing in that folder.
4. To free up the drawing area, close any windows or palettes that are open by clicking their Close (X) button, so that your screen looks like Figure QS.1.
This chapter assumes that you're using the default 2D Drafting & Annotation Workspace. Click the Workspace Switching button on the right side of the status bar at the bottom of your screen, and choose 2D Drafting & Annotation if it's not already checked.
5. At the top of the screen, you see a tabbed area filled with buttons, called the Ribbon, which contains the Layers panel (section) on the Home tab, as shown in Figure QS.1. From the Layer Control drop-down list in the Layers panel, click the down arrow and choose WINDOW, as shown in Figure QS.2. (Layers help you organize the objects in your drawing; I cover them in detail in Chapter 11.) Anything you draw will now be on the WINDOW layer.
6. With your left mouse button (also called the pick button), choose Home tab⇒Draw panel⇒Rectangle. (Using the ribbon is only one way to give AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT commands. I explain other ways in Chapter 3. You can find more about drawing lines and rectangles in Chapter 6.)
Move your mouse so that the cursor is in the main drawing area. Your screen should look like Figure QS.1. If you don't see the tooltip bar — also called the Dynamic Input tooltip — near the cursor, then click the Dynamic Input button on the status bar at the bottom of your screen.
FIGURE QS.1
The AutoCAD screen, as shown while drawing a rectangle.
FIGURE QS.2
Choose the WINDOW layer from the list of layers.
7. Follow these prompts to draw a rectangle that is 44" wide and 80" high.
Specify first corner point or [Chamfer/Elevation/Fillet/Thickness/Width]: 0,0 ↵
Specify other corner point or [Area/Dimensions/Rotation]: 44,80 ↵
You see the full prompt shown here in the Command window at the bottom of your screen. You see an abbreviated version of the same prompt in the Dynamic Input tooltip that appears near the mouse cursor. In an architectural drawing, distances are assumed to be in inches, so you don't need to specify a unit (although you can if you want).
Notice that the text that you type appears next to the cursor in the Dynamic Input tooltip. When you press Enter, the text that you typed is echoed in the Command Line window at the bottom of the screen.
8. To create a second rectangle inside the first one, choose Home tab⇒Modify panel⇒Offset. (I cover this and other editing commands in Chapters 9 and 10.) Follow these prompts:
Specify offset distance or [Through/Erase/Layer] <Through>: 4 ↵
Select object to offset or [Exit/Undo] <Exit>: Click the rectangle's border to select it.
Specify point on side to offset or [Exit/Multiple/Undo] <Exit>: Click anywhere inside the rectangle.
Select object to offset or [Exit/Undo] <Exit>: ↵
9. You can draw from geometric points on objects such as endpoints and midpoints. (I explain how to specify coordinate points in Chapter 4.) To draw a line between the midpoints of the inner rectangle, choose Home tab⇒Draw panel⇒Line, and follow these prompts:
Specify first point: Press and hold the Shift key and right-click. From the shortcut menu that opens, choose Midpoint. Place the cursor near the midpoint of the left side of the inner rectangle. When you see a triangle and the Midpoint tooltip, click.
Specify next point or [Undo]: Press and hold the Shift key and right-click. From the shortcut menu that opens, choose Midpoint. This time, place the cursor near the midpoint of the right side of the inner rectangle. When you see the Midpoint tooltip and triangle, click.
Specify next point or [Undo]: ↵
Your drawing should now look like Figure QS.3. (Your window should be green.)
FIGURE QS.3
The beginning of a window.
10.