Mastering Autocad 2021 And Autocad Lt 2021 – 2nd Edtiion

Description

By (author) Benton Brian C.; By (author) Omura George

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Give life to your designs and keep your CAD skills fresh with Mastering AutoCAD 2021 and Mastering AutoCAD LT 2021

AutoCAD continues to be the tool of choice for architects, project managers, engineers, city planners, and other design professionals, and when the industry experts need to learn the latest CAD techniques and trends, they turn to Mastering AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT. Packed with real-world examples, straightforward instructions, and downloadable project files, this edition of this bestselling AutoCAD reference has been fully updated for the latest features from the 2021 version of AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT. From getting familiar with the interface to preparing for Autodesk AutoCAD certification, Mastering AutoCAD 2021 and AutoCAD LT 2021 gives CAD professionals command of the software’s core functions and complex capabilities.

• Develop AutoCAD drawings from concept to creation
• Use hatches, fields, and tables
• Work with dynamic blocks, attributes, drawing curves, and solid fills
• Apply 3D modeling and imaging techniques
• Customize your interface and configure template settings and styles
• Get ready for the Autodesk AutoCAD Certification exam

Whether you’re seeking on-the-job certification or just looking to dream big and draw, Mastering AutoCAD 2021 and AutoCAD LT 2021 is the ultimate guide to all things AutoCAD.

Table of contents:

Introduction xxvii

Part 1 The Basics 1

Chapter 1 Exploring the Interface 3

Taking a Guided Tour 3

Launching AutoCAD 4

The AutoCAD Window 5

Using the Application Menu 8

Using the Ribbon 10

Picking Points in the Drawing Area 15

Using the UCS Icon 16

Working in the Command Window 16

Working with AutoCAD 17

Opening an Existing File 17

Getting a Closer Look 18

Saving a File as You Work 22

Making Changes 23

Working with Multiple Files 24

Adding a Predrawn Symbol with the Tool Palettes 28

The Bottom Line 31

Chapter 2 Creating Your First Drawing 33

Getting to Know the Home Tab’s Draw and Modify Panels 33

Starting Your First Drawing 36

Specifying Exact Distances with Coordinates 41

Specifying Polar Coordinates 42

Specifying Relative Cartesian Coordinates 44

Interpreting the Cursor Modes and Understanding Prompts 45

Understanding Cursor Modes 46

Choosing Command Options 47

Selecting Objects 52

Selecting Objects in AutoCAD 53

Providing Base Points 55

Using Noun/Verb Selection 59

Editing with Grips 64

Stretching Lines by Using Grips 64

Moving and Rotating with Grips 66

Understanding Dynamic Input 69

Displaying Data in a Text Window 74

Displaying the Properties of an Object 75

Getting Help 78

Using the InfoCenter 78

Finding Additional Sources of Help 79

The Bottom Line 79

Chapter 3 Setting Up and Using the Drafting Tools 81

Setting Up a Work Area 81

Specifying Units 82

Fine-Tuning the Measurement System 84

Setting Up the Drawing Limits 85

Looking at an Alternative to Limits 87

Understanding Scale Factors 87

Using Polar Tracking 88

Setting the Polar Tracking Angle 90

Exploring the Drawing Process 91

Locating an Object in Reference to Others 92

Modifying an Object 93

Planning and Laying Out a Drawing 96

Making a Preliminary Sketch 98

Using the Layout 100

Erasing the Layout Lines 106

Putting on the Finishing Touches 108

Aligning Objects by Using Object Snap Tracking 109

Using the AutoCAD Modes as Drafting Tools 114

Using Grid Mode as a Background Grid 115