Book Image

Practical Autodesk AutoCAD 2023 and AutoCAD LT 2023 - Second Edition

By : Jaiprakash Pandey, Yasser Shoukry
Book Image

Practical Autodesk AutoCAD 2023 and AutoCAD LT 2023 - Second Edition

By: Jaiprakash Pandey, Yasser Shoukry

Overview of this book

AutoCAD is 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 2nd edition guide will take you through everything you need to know to make the most out of this powerful tool, from a simple tour of the user interface 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 plots like a professional. As you progress, the book will show you how to convert your 2D drawings into 3D models and shapes. You’ll also discover advanced features, such as isometric drawings, drawing utilities for managing and recovering complex files, quantity surveying, and multidisciplinary drawing files using xRefs. Finally, you’ll focus on rendering and visualizing your designs in AutoCAD. By the end of this 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 creations.
Table of Contents (21 chapters)
1
Part 1: Introduction and 2D Drafting
6
Part 2: Customization, Collaboration, and Using Reusable Content
12
Part 3: 3D Modeling

Summary

In this chapter, we learned how to properly set up AutoCAD to start 3D modeling. While setting up our working environment to better serve the 3D modeling process, we learned about the concept of workspaces and explored the dedicated 3D workspaces in AutoCAD 2023. We also looked at how to divide the drawing area into multiple viewports to view the model from different angles simultaneously.

Then, we learned how to navigate and change the view effectively and quickly. We learned about the different alternative navigation tools available in AutoCAD, how to switch between the standard views, and how to create our own set of views that suit our project.

Another important aspect is the style by which the objects are displayed. 3D objects can be displayed in many different styles, ranging from something as simple as wireframes to realistic models with lighting, materials, and reflections. Each style has advantages and disadvantages regarding the model’s visibility and...