Book Image

Practical Autodesk AutoCAD 2021 and AutoCAD LT 2021

By : Yasser Shoukry, Jaiprakash Pandey
Book Image

Practical Autodesk AutoCAD 2021 and AutoCAD LT 2021

By: Yasser Shoukry, Jaiprakash Pandey

Overview of this book

AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT are one of the most versatile software applications for architectural and engineering designs and the most popular computer-aided design (CAD) platform for 2D drafting and 3D modeling. This hands-on guide will take you through everything you need to know to make the most out of this powerful tool, starting from a simple tour of the user interface through to using advanced tools. Starting with basic drawing shapes and functions, you'll get to grips with the fundamentals of CAD designs. You’ll then learn about effective drawing management using layers, dynamic blocks, and groups and discover how to add annotations and plot like professionals. The book delves into 3D modeling and helps you convert your 2D drawings into 3D models and shapes. As you progress, you’ll cover advanced tools and features such as isometric drawings, drawing utilities for managing and recovering complex files, quantity surveying, and multidisciplinary drawing files using xRefs, and you'll learn how to implement them with the help of practical exercises at the end of each chapter. Finally, you’ll get to grips with rendering and visualizing your designs in AutoCAD. By the end of the book, you’ll have developed a solid understanding of CAD principles and be able to work with AutoCAD software confidently to build impressive 2D and 3D drawings.
Table of Contents (17 chapters)

The Construction Line command

This command is available in the expanded Draw panel in the Home tab, as shown:

Figure 3.33: The Construction Line option in the expanded Draw panel

Construction Lines are infinite lines that are helpful when you make lines for reference. An example of a reference line is a construction line made using the reference of a floor plan to make the elevation. In the following figure, the red lines are Construction Lines:

Figure 3.34: Red lines made for reference using the construction line tool

Using these red lines, you can make another drawing that exactly aligns with the floor plan shown here. Make a note here that I have used a red color for the construction line to make them look distinct but in general, the construction lines take the default drawing color.

In the following example, I will show you the steps to make a construction line...