Table of ContentsIntroductionxxvPart 1 The Basics Chapter 1 Exploring the Interface Taking a Guided TourLaunching AutoCAD The AutoCAD Window Using the Application Menu Using the RibbonPicking Points in the Drawing AreaUsing the UCS Icon Working in the Command WindowWorking with AutoCAD Opening an Existing File Getting a Closer LookSaving a File as You Work Making Changes Working with Multiple Files Adding a Predrawn Symbol with the Tool PalettesThe Bottom Line Chapter 2 Creating Your First Drawing Getting to Know the Home Tabs Draw and Modify Panels Starting Your First Drawing Specifying Exact Distances with Coordinates Specifying Polar Coordinates Specifying Relative Cartesian CoordinatesInterpreting the Cursor Modes and Understanding PromptsUnderstanding Cursor ModesChoosing Command Options Selecting ObjectsSelecting Objects in AutoCAD Providing Base PointsUsing Noun/Verb SelectionEditing with Grips Stretching Lines by Using GripsMoving and Rotating with Grips Understanding Dynamic Input Displaying Data in a Text Window Displaying the Properties of an Object Getting Help Using the InfoCenterFinding Additional Sources of HelpThe Bottom Line Chapter 3 Setting Up and Using the Drafting Tools Setting Up a Work AreaSpecifying UnitsFine-Tuning the Measurement SystemSetting Up the Drawing LimitsLooking at an Alternative to Limits Understanding Scale Factors Using Polar TrackingSetting the Polar Tracking Angle Exploring the Drawing Process Locating an Object in Reference to Others Getting a Closer LookModifying an ObjectPlanning and Laying Out a Drawing Making a Preliminary Sketch Using the Layout Erasing the Layout Lines Putting on the Finishing TouchesAligning Objects by Using Object Snap Tracking Using the AutoCAD Modes as Drafting ToolsUsing Grid Mode as a Background Grid Using Snap ModesThe Bottom Line Chapter 4 Organizing Objects with Blocks and Groups Creating and Using a Symbol Understanding the Block Definition Dialog Box Inserting a SymbolScaling and Rotating BlocksUsing an Existing Drawing as a Symbol Modifying a Block Unblocking and Redefining a BlockSaving a Block as a Drawing File Replacing Existing Files with Blocks Understanding the Write Block Dialog Box OptionsOther Uses for Blocks Understanding the Annotation Scale Grouping Objects Modifying Members of a GroupUngrouping, Adding, and Subtracting from a GroupWorking with the Object Grouping Dialog Box Working with the AutoCAD LT Group ManagerThe Bottom Line Chapter 5 Keeping Track of Layers and Blocks Organizing Information with LayersCreating and Assigning LayersWorking on Layers Controlling Layer VisibilityFinding the Layers You WantTaming an Unwieldy List of Layers Assigning Linetypes to Layers Adding a Linetype to a Drawing Controlling LineweightsKeeping Track of Blocks and Layers Getting a Text File List of Layers or Blocks The Bottom Line Part 2 Mastering Intermediate Skills Chapter 6 Editing and Reusing Data to Work Efficiently Creating and Using Templates Creating a TemplateUsing a Template Copying an Object Multiple Times Making Circular CopiesMaking Row and Column CopiesFine-Tuning Your ViewFinishing the KitchenetteArray along a PathMaking Changes to an Associative ArrayDeveloping Your Drawing Importing SettingsUsing Osnap Tracking to Place Objects Finding an Exact Distance along a CurveChanging the Length of ObjectsCreating a New Drawing by Using Parts from Another DrawingEliminating Unused Blocks, Layers, Linetypes, Shapes, Styles, and More The Bottom Line Chapter 7 Mastering Viewing Tools, Hatches, and External References Assembling the Parts Taking Control of the AutoCAD Display Understanding Regeneration and Redrawing Saving Views Understanding the Frozen Layer Option Using Hatch Patterns in Your DrawingsPlacing a Hatch Pattern in a Specific AreaAdding Predefined Hatch PatternsPositioning Hatch Patterns AccuratelyUpdating a Block from an External FileChanging the Hatch AreaModifying a Hatch PatternUnderstanding the Boundary Hatch Options Controlling Boundaries with the Boundaries Panel Fine-Tuning the Boundary Behavior Controlling Hatch Behavior with the Options PanelControlling Hatch Default Layer, Layout Scale, and ISO Line WeightUsing Additional Hatch Features Using Gradient ShadingTips for Using Hatch Space Planning and Hatch Patterns Using External ReferencesAttaching a Drawing as an External Reference Other Differences between External References and Blocks Other External Reference Options Clipping Xref Views and Improving Performance Editing Xrefs in PlaceUsing the External Reference TabAdding and Removing Objects from Blocks and Xrefs Understanding the Reference Edit Dialog Box Options The Bottom Line Chapter 8 Introducing Printing, Plotting, and LayoutsPlotting the Plan Understanding the Plotter Settings Paper Size Drawing Orientation Plot Area Plot Scale Shaded Viewport Options Plot Offset Plot Options Exit Options WYSIWYG Plotting Using Layout Views Setting Plot Scale in the Layout Viewports Adding an Output DeviceEditing a Plotter ConfigurationStoring a Page SetupPlotter and Printer Hardware ConsiderationsUnderstanding Your Plotters Limits Knowing Your Plotters Origins The Bottom Line Chapter 9 Adding Text to Drawings Preparing a Drawing for Text Organizing Text by StylesGetting Familiar with the Text and Annotation Scale Control Panels Setting the Annotation Scale and Adding Text Inserting Text Exploring Text and Scale Understanding the Text Style Dialog Box Options Styles Set Current/New/Delete Font SizeEffects Exploring Text Formatting in AutoCAD Adjusting the Text Height and Font Understanding the Text Editor TabAdding Symbols and Special Characters Setting Indents and Tabs What Do the Fonts Look Like? Adding Simple Single-Line Text ObjectsJustifying Single-Line Text ObjectsUsing Special Characters with Single-Line Text ObjectsUsing the Check Spelling Feature How Check Spelling WorksChoosing a Dictionary Substituting FontsFinding and Replacing TextThe Bottom Line Chapter 10 Using Fields and Tables Using Fields to Associate Text with Drawing PropertiesAdding Tables to Your DrawingCreating a Table Adding Cell Text Adjusting Table Text Orientation and Location Editing the Table Line Work Adding Formulas to Cells Using Formulas Directly in Cells Using Other Math OperationsImporting and Exporting Tables Importing a Table Exporting Tables Creating Table Styles Adding or Modifying a Table StyleThe Table Style OptionsThe Bottom Line Chapter 11 Using Dimensions Understanding the Components of a Dimension Creating a Dimension StyleSetting Up the Primary Unit Style Setting the Height for Dimension Text Setting the Location and Orientation of Dimension Text Choosing an Arrow Style and Setting the Dimension Scale Setting Up Alternate UnitsSetting the Current Dimension Style Modifying a Dimension StyleDrawing Linear Dimensions Understanding the Dimensions Panel Placing Horizontal and Vertical Dimensions Continuing a Dimension Drawing Dimensions from a Common Base Extension Line Adjusting the Distance between DimensionsEditing Dimensions Appending Data to Dimension Text Using Grips to Make Minor Adjustments to Dimensions Changing Style Settings of Individual Dimensions Editing Dimensions and Other Objects Together Associating Dimensions with Objects Adding a String of Dimensions with a Single Operation Adding or Removing the Alternate Dimensions Dimensioning Nonorthogonal Objects Dimensioning Nonorthogonal Linear Distances Dimensioning Radii, Diameters, and Arcs Skewing Dimension Lines Adding a Note with a Leader Arrow Creating Multileader Styles Editing Multileader Notes Breaking a Dimension Line for a LeaderApplying Ordinate DimensionsAdding Tolerance NotationInserting Tolerance and Datum Values Adding Inspection Dimensions The Bottom Line Part 3 Mastering Advanced SkillsChapter 12 Using AttributesCreating AttributesAdding Attributes to Blocks Copying and Editing Attribute Definitions Turning the Attribute Definitions into a BlockInserting Blocks Containing AttributesEditing AttributesEditing Attribute Values One at a TimeEditing Attribute Text Formats and Properties Making Global Changes to Attribute Values Making Invisible Attributes Visible Making Global Format and Property Changes to AttributesOther Block Attribute Manager OptionsRedefining Blocks Containing Attributes Extracting and Exporting Attribute Information Performing the Extraction Extracting Attribute Data to an AutoCAD Table The Bottom Line Chapter 13 Copying Existing Drawings from Other Sources Methods for Converting Paper Drawings to AutoCAD Files Importing a Raster Image Working with a Raster Image Scaling a Raster Image Controlling Object Visibility and Overlap with Raster ImagesClipping a Raster Image Adjusting Brightness, Contrast, and Fade Turning Off the Frame, Adjusting Overall Quality, and Controlling Transparency Working with PDF FilesImporting a PDF Scaling and Osnaps with PDFs Controlling the PDF Display Coordinating Geographic Locations Making Adjustments to the Map Finding Measurements and DistancesThe Bottom Line Chapter 14 Advanced Editing and OrganizingUsing External ReferencesPreparing Existing Drawings for External Referencing Assembling Xrefs to Build a Drawing Updating Blocks in Xrefs Importing Named Elements from Xrefs Controlling the Xref Search PathManaging Layers Saving and Recalling Layer Settings Other Tools for Managing LayersUsing Advanced Tools: Filter and Quick SelectFiltering Selections Using Quick SelectUsing the QuickCalc CalculatorAdding Foot and Inch Lengths and Finding the Sum of AnglesConverting Units with QuickCalcUsing QuickCalc to Find PointsFinding Fractional Distances between Two PointsUsing QuickCalc While in the Middle of a CommandStoring Expressions and ValuesGuidelines for Working with QuickCalcThe Bottom LineChapter 15 Laying Out Your Printer Output Understanding Model Space and Paper SpaceSwitching from Model Space to Paper SpaceSetting the Size of a Paper Space LayoutCreating New Paper Space ViewportsReaching Inside ViewportsWorking with Paper Space ViewportsScaling Views in Paper SpaceSetting Layers in Individual ViewportsCreating and Using Multiple Paper Space LayoutsCreating Odd-Shaped ViewportsUnderstanding Lineweights, Linetypes, and Dimensions in Paper SpaceControlling and Viewing Lineweights in Paper SpaceThe Lineweight Settings Dialog BoxLinetype Scales and Paper SpaceDimensioning in Paper Space LayoutsOther Uses for Paper SpaceThe Bottom LineChapter 16 Making Smart Drawings with Parametric ToolsWhy Use Parametric Drawing Tools?Connecting Objects with Geometric ConstraintsUsing AutoConstrain to Add Constraints AutomaticallyEditing a Drawing Containing Constraints Using Other Geometric ConstraintsUsing Constraints in the Drawing Process Controlling Sizes with Dimensional ConstraintsAdding a Dimensional ConstraintEditing a Dimensional ConstraintUsing Formulas to Control and Link DimensionsAdding a Formula ParameterTesting the FormulaUsing Other FormulasEditing the Constraint OptionsPutting Constraints to UseThe Bottom LineChapter 17 Using Dynamic BlocksExploring the Block EditorOpening the Block EditorEditing a Block and Creating New BlocksCreating a Dynamic BlockAdding a ParameterAdding an ActionAdding an Increment ValueEditing Parameters and ActionsKeeping an Object CenteredUsing Constraints in Dynamic BlocksAdding a List of Predefined OptionsCreating Multiple Shapes in One BlockRotating Objects in UnisonFilling in a Space Automatically with ObjectsIncluding Block Information with Data ExtractionThe Bottom LineChapter 18 Drawing CurvesIntroducing PolylinesDrawing a PolylineSetting Polyline OptionsEditing PolylinesSetting Pedit OptionsSmoothing PolylinesEditing VerticesCreating a Polyline Spline CurveUsing True Spline CurvesDrawing a True SplineUnderstanding the Spline OptionsFine-Tuning Spline CurvesMarking Divisions on CurvesDividing Objects into Segments of Equal LengthDividing Objects into Specified LengthsThe Bottom LineChapter 19 Getting and Exchanging Data from DrawingsFinding the Area of Closed BoundariesFinding the Area of an ObjectUsing Hatch Patterns to Find AreasAdding and Subtracting Areas with the Area CommandGetting General InformationDetermining the Drawings StatusKeeping Track of TimeGetting Information from System VariablesKeeping a Log of Your ActivityCapturing and Saving Text Data from the AutoCAD Text WindowStoring Searchable Information in AutoCAD FilesSearching for AutoCAD FilesRecovering Corrupted FilesUsing the DXF File Format to Exchange CAD Data with Other ProgramsExporting DXF Files Opening or Importing DXF FilesUsing AutoCAD Drawings in Page Layout ProgramsExporting Raster FilesExporting Vector FilesUsing OLE to Import DataEditing OLE LinksImporting Worksheets as AutoCAD TablesUnderstanding Options for Embedding DataUsing the Clipboard to Export AutoCAD DrawingsThe Bottom LinePart 4 3D Modeling and ImagingChapter 20 Creating 3D DrawingsGetting to Know the 3D Modeling WorkspaceDrawing in 3D Using SolidsAdjusting AppearancesCreating a 3D BoxEditing 3D Solids with GripsConstraining Motion with the GizmoRotating Objects in 3D Using Dynamic UCSDrawing on a 3D Objects SurfacePushing and Pulling Shapes from a SolidMaking Changes to Your SolidCreating 3D Forms from 2D ShapesIsolating Coordinates with Point FiltersMoving around Your ModelFinding Isometric and Orthogonal ViewsRotating Freely around Your ModelChanging Your View DirectionUsing SteeringWheelsChanging Where You Are LookingFlying through Your ViewChanging from Perspective to Parallel ProjectionGetting a Visual EffectUsing Visual StylesCreating a Sketched Look with Visual StylesIn-Canvas Viewport ControlsTurning a 3D View into a 2D AutoCAD DrawingUsing the Point Cloud FeatureThe Bottom LineChapter 21 Using Advanced 3D FeaturesSetting Up AutoCAD for This ChapterMastering the User Coordinate SystemDefining a UCSSaving a UCSWorking in a UCSBuilding 3D Parts in Separate FilesUnderstanding the UCS OptionsUCS Based on Object OrientationUCS Based on Offset Orientation UCS Rotated around an AxisOrienting a UCS in the View PlaneManipulating the UCS IconSaving a UCS with a ViewUsing Viewports to Aid in 3D DrawingUsing the Array ToolsMaking Changes to an Associative ArrayCreating Complex 3D SurfacesLaying Out a 3D FormSpherical and Cylindrical Coordinate FormatsUsing a 3D PolylineCreating a Curved 3D SurfaceConverting the Surface into a SolidShaping the SolidFinding the Interference between Two SolidsCreating Tubes with the Sweep ToolUsing Sweep to Create Complex FormsCreating Spiral FormsCreating Surface ModelsSlicing a Solid with a SurfaceFinding the Volume of a CutUnderstanding the Loft CommandMoving Objects in 3D Space Aligning Objects in 3D SpaceMoving an Object in 3D Rotating an Object in 3DThe Bottom LineChapter 22 Editing and Visualizing 3D SolidsUnderstanding Solid ModelingCreating Solid Forms Joining PrimitivesCutting Portions out of a SolidCreating Complex SolidsTapering an ExtrusionSweeping a Shape on a Curved PathRevolving a PolylineEditing SolidsSplitting a Solid into Two PiecesRounding Corners with the Fillet ToolChamfering Corners with the Chamfer ToolUsing the Solid-Editing ToolsStreamlining the 2D Drawing ProcessDrawing Standard Top, Front, and Right-Side ViewsCreating 2D Drawings with the Base View CommandAdding Dimensions and Notes in a LayoutUsing Visual Styles with a ViewportVisualizing SolidsThe Bottom Line Chapter 23 Exploring 3D Mesh and Surface ModelingCreating a Simple 3D MeshCreating a Mesh PrimitiveUnderstanding the Parts of a MeshSmoothing a MeshEditing Faces and EdgesStretching FacesMoving an EdgeAdding More FacesRotating an EdgeAdding a CreaseSplitting and Extruding a Mesh FaceCreating Mesh SurfacesRevolved Surface Edge SurfaceRuled SurfaceTabulated SurfaceConverting Meshes to SolidsUnderstanding 3D SurfacesEditing SurfacesUsing Extrude, Surface Trim, and Surface FilletUsing Surface Blend, Patch, and Offset Understanding AssociativityEditing with Control VerticesEditing with the CV Edit BarMaking Holes in a Surface with the Project Geometry PanelVisualizing Curvature: Understanding the Analysis PanelThe Bottom LinePart 5 Customization and IntegrationChapter 24 Customizing Toolbars, Menus, Linetypes, and Hatch PatternsUsing WorkspacesCustomizing the User InterfaceTaking a Quick Customization Tour Understanding the Customizations In All Files PanelGetting the Overall ViewFinding Commands in the Command ListOpening Preview, Button Image, and ShortcutsGetting to the Core of Customization in the Properties GroupCreating Your Own Ribbon Panels and MenusCustomizing Ribbon Panel ToolsCreating Macros in Tools and MenusPausing for User InputOpening an Expanded Text Box for the Macro OptionEditing Keyboard ShortcutsSaving, Loading, and Unloading Your CustomizationsUnderstanding the Diesel Macro LanguageUsing Diesel at the Command LineUsing Diesel in a Custom Menu MacroUsing Diesel as a Menu Bar Option LabelUsing Diesel and Fields to Generate TextCreating Custom LinetypesViewing Available LinetypesCreating a New LinetypeUnderstanding the Linetype CodeCreating Complex LinetypesCreating Hatch PatternsThe Bottom LineChapter 25 Managing and Sharing Your DrawingsSharing Drawings OnlineSharing Project Files with eTransmitProtecting AutoCAD Drawing FilesePublishing Your DrawingsExchanging Drawing SetsExploring Other Publish OptionsCreating a DWF File by Using the Plot Dialog BoxSharing Files with Autodesk 360Getting Started with Autodesk 360Sharing FilesEditing Drawings OnlineControlling File AccessTracking File VersionsCollaborating with Others Using Design FeedAdding Hyperlinks to DrawingsCreating HyperlinksEditing and Deleting HyperlinksTaking a Closer Look at the Hyperlink OptionsManaging Your Drawings with DesignCenter and the Tool Palettes Getting Familiar with DesignCenterOpening and Inserting Files with DesignCenterFinding and Extracting the Contents of a DrawingExchanging Data between Open FilesLoading Specific Files into DesignCenterCustomizing the Tool Palettes with DesignCenterSearching Your Drawing Library with Content Explorer Indexing Your FilesSearching Your FilesControlling Content Explorers DisplayAdding Network Resources Establishing Office StandardsEstablishing Layering and Text Conventions Checking Office StandardsConverting Multiple Layer SettingsExploring Other Layer Translator OptionsThe Bottom LineAppendicesAppendix A The Bottom LineChapter 1: Exploring the InterfaceChapter 2: Creating Your First DrawingChapter 3: Setting Up and Using the Drafting ToolsChapter 4: Organizing Objects with Blocks and GroupsChapter 5: Keeping Track of Layers and BlocksChapter 6: Editing and Reusing Data to Work EfficientlyChapter 7: Mastering Viewing Tools, Hatches, and External References Chapter 8: Introducing Printing, Plotting, and LayoutsChapter 9: Adding Text to DrawingsChapter 10: Using Fields and TablesChapter 11: Using DimensionsChapter 12: Using AttributesChapter 13: Copying Existing Drawings from Other SourcesChapter 14: Advanced Editing and OrganizingChapter 15: Laying Out Your Printer OutputChapter 16: Making Smart Drawings with Parametric ToolsChapter 17: Using Dynamic BlocksChapter 18: Drawing CurvesChapter 19: Getting and Exchanging Data from DrawingsChapter 20: Creating 3D DrawingsChapter 21: Using Advanced 3D FeaturesChapter 22: Editing and Visualizing 3D SolidsChapter 23: Exploring 3D Mesh and Surface ModelingChapter 24: Customizing Toolbars, Menus, Linetypes, and Hatch Patterns Chapter 25: Managing and Sharing Your DrawingsAppendix B Installing and Setting Up AutoCAD Before Installing AutoCADProceeding with the Installation Configuring AutoCADThe Files TabThe Display Tab The Open And Save TabThe Plot and Publish Tab The System TabThe User Preferences Tab The Drafting Tab The 3D Modeling Tab The Selection TabThe Profiles TabThe Online TabConfiguring the Tablet Menu AreaTurning On the Noun/Verb Selection MethodTurning On the Grips FeatureSetting Up the Tracking Vector FeatureAdjusting the AutoCAD 3D Graphics SystemFinding Folders That Contain AutoCAD FilesSetting Up AutoCAD with a White Background