The bestselling guide to AutoCAD, fully updated for the 2013 version
AutoCAD, the number one architectural drawing software, can be challenging to learn. This comprehensive guide has sold more than 160,000 copies in previous editions and is the go-to resource for architects, engineers, drafters, interior designers, and space planners who need to learn and use AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT. From the basics of creating drawings and using commands to 2D and 3D drawing techniques, using layers, rendering, and customizing the program, this book covers it all. A Quick Start guide allows even newcomers to create an actual drawing on their very first day.
Expert AutoCAD author Ellen Finkelstein presents more than 150 tutorials illustrated with real-world drawings from AutoCAD pros. The companion website includes before-and-after drawings, bonus chapters, video tutorials, and more!
- The comprehensive, soup-to-nuts reference that even some Autodesk employees keep on their desks
- Covers AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT in complete detail, from using the interface and commands to customizing and programming AutoCAD with AutoLISP and VBA
- Begins with a Quick Start guide to help novices create a real drawing on their first day with the program
- Covers creating drawings, using commands, and specifying coordinates; working with complex 2D and 3D drawing techniques; using layers; and creating dimensions, 3D coordinates, solids, and rendering
- Discusses customizing commands and toolbars and programming AutoCAD with AutoLISP and VBA
- Includes a companion website with bonus content, video tutorials, and before-and-after drawings
AutoCAD 2013 and AutoCAD LT 2013 Bible is the comprehensive, one-stop AutoCAD resource for newcomers and veterans alike.
Table of Contents:
Acknowledgments xxxi
Introduction xxxiii
Part I: Introducing AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT Basics 1
Quick Start: Drawing a Window 1
Chapter 1: Starting to Draw 13
Chapter 2: Opening a Drawing 29
Chapter 3: Using Commands 35
Chapter 4: Specifying Coordinates 53
Chapter 5: Setting Up a Drawing 91
Part II: Drawing in Two Dimensions 107
Chapter 6: Drawing Simple Lines 109
Chapter 7: Drawing Curves and Points 119
Chapter 8: Viewing Your Drawing 135
Chapter 9 Editing Your Drawing with Basic Tools 165
Chapter 10: Editing Your Drawing with Advanced Tools 191
Chapter 11: Organizing Drawings with Layers and Object Properties 245
Chapter 12: Obtaining Information from Your Drawing 283
Chapter 13: Creating Text 303
Chapter 14: Drawing Dimensions 361
Chapter 15: Creating Dimension Styles 415
Chapter 16: Drawing Complex Objects 449
Chapter 17: Plotting and Printing Your Drawing 485
Part III: Working with Data 525
Chapter 18: Working with Blocks 527
Chapter 19: Adding Attributes to Blocks 577
Chapter 20: Referencing Other Drawings 593
Part IV: Drawing in Three Dimensions 617
Chapter 21: Specifying 3D Coordinates 619
Chapter 22: Viewing 3D Drawings 649
Chapter 23: Creating 3D Surfaces 693
Chapter 24: Creating Solids and Editing in 3D 729
Part V: Appendixes 803
Appendix A: AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT Resources 805
Appendix B: What’s on the Companion Website 811
Index 815
Bonus Chapters on the Companion Website
Bonus Chapter 1: Working with External Databases BC1
Bonus Chapter 2: Rendering in 3D BC33
Bonus Chapter 3: Keeping Control of Your Drawings BC69
Bonus Chapter 4: Working with Other Applications BC125
Bonus Chapter 5: Creating Electronic Output BC153
Bonus Chapter 6: Customizing Commands, Toolbars, and Tool Palettes BC181
Bonus Chapter 7: Creating Macros and Slide Shows BC205
Bonus Chapter 8: Creating Your Own Linetypes and Hatch Patterns BC219
Bonus Chapter 9: Creating Shapes and Fonts BC231
Bonus Chapter 10: Customizing the Ribbon and Menus BC243
Bonus Chapter 11: Understanding AutoLISP and Visual LISP Basics BC273
Bonus Chapter 12 Exploring AutoLISP Further BC289
Bonus Chapter 13 Exploring Advanced AutoLISP Topics BC317
Bonus Chapter 14: Programming with .NET BC337
Bonus Chapter 15: Installing and Configuring AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT BC373
About the Author :
Ellen Finkelstein has been teaching and writing about AutoCAD since 1989. Besides writing computer books, she has written content for Autodesk and taught at Autodesk University. Visit her website, www.ellenfinkelstein.com, for free AutoCAD tips and tutorials.
