AutoCAD & AutoCAD LT All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies

Description

AutoCAD is the leading software tool for creating technical and architectural drawings, but it definitely doesn't lead in the "easy to master" category. That's why there's AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies—the perfect way to break a complex topic into bite-size, easy-to-understand pieces.

Once you get the hang of using AutoCAD and its slightly less feature-rich cousin, AutoCAD LT, you discover that it offers wonderful advantages. AutoCAD allows you to

• Create precision to 14 significant digits
• Re-use portions of your drawings by copying and pasting
• Draw things full size and print your drawings in any scale
• Produce drawings that are easier to read when reduced
• Electronically share and distribute drawings
• Design in 2D or 3D

So obviously, the trick is to speed up that "getting the hang of it" process. That's where AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies comes in especially handy. Ten easy-to-follow minibooks cover every aspect of AutoCAD, including the latest features of AutoCAD 2007, so you can find just what you need to know quickly and easily. You'll get the scoop on

• AutoCAD basics, such as setting up drawings, finding your way around the interface, and using all the tools
• Drawing and modifying objects in 2D and annotating your drawings
• 3D modeling and viewing, working with solids and surfaces, and rendering
• Understanding how AutoCAD LT differs from AutoCAD and deciding which program you need
• Advanced drafting skills, including organizing drawings, working with blocks, and using AutoCAD utilities
• Setting up your drawings for plotting to paper and publishing
• Sharing your drawings online for collaboration
• Customizing and programming AutoCAD to make it work the way you want it to

In the familiar, friendly For Dummies fashion, AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies gives you plain-English explanations and step-by-step directions. Written by a pair of AutoDesk Authorized Authors, this handy guide will help make your relationship with AutoCAD a happy and productive one.

 

Table of Contents

Introduction.

Book I: AutoCAD Basics.

Chapter 1: Drawing on (and in) AutoCAD.

Chapter 2: Navigating the AutoCAD Interface.

Chapter 3: All about Files.

Chapter 4: Basic Tools.

Chapter 5: Setting Up Drawings.

Chapter 6: Precision Tools.

Book II: 2D Drafting.

Chapter 1: Drawing Objects.

Chapter 2: Modifying Objects.

Chapter 3: Managing Views.

Book III: Annotating Drawings.

Chapter 1: Text: When Pictures Just Won’t Do.

Chapter 2: Dimensioning.

Chapter 3: Hatching Your Drawings.

Book IV: LT Differences.

Chapter 1: The LT Difference.

Chapter 2: Extending AutoCAD LT.

Chapter 3: Mixed Environments.

Book V: 3D Modeling.

Chapter 1: Introducing the Third Dimension.

Chapter 2: Using the 3D Environment.

Chapter 3: Viewing in 3D.

Chapter 4: Moving from 2D to 3D.

Chapter 5: Working with Solids.

Chapter 6: Working with Surfaces.

Chapter 7: Rendering: Lights, Cameras, AutoCAD!

Book VI: Advanced Drafting.

Chapter 1: Playing with Blocks.

Chapter 2: Dynamic Blocks.

Chapter 3: External References.

Chapter 4: Organizing Your Drawings.

Chapter 5: AutoCAD Utilities.

Book VII: Publishing Drawings.

Chapter 1: Page Setup.

Chapter 2: Sheet Sets without Regret.

Chapter 3: Print, Plot, Publish.

Book VIII: Collaboration.

Chapter 1: CAD Management: The Necessary Evil.

Chapter 2: CAD Standards.

Chapter 3: Working with Drawing Files.

Chapter 4: Sharing Electronic Files.

Book IX: Customizing AutoCAD.

Chapter 1: The Basics of Customizing AutoCAD.

Chapter 2: Customizing the Interface.

Chapter 3: Customizing the Tools.

Chapter 4: Delving Deeper into Customization.

Book X: Programming AutoCAD.

Chapter 1: The AutoCAD Programming Interfaces.

Chapter 2: Using Custom Programs.

Chapter 3: Introducing AutoLISP.

Chapter 4: Visual Basic for AutoCAD.

Index.