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

Using the Extrude command

Extrude is the first of the group of commands that are used to convert 2D objects to 3D objects, and it is a mandatory operation for any 3D modeling software, as many 3D bodies can simply be created by drawing a 2D base and then extruding it. To start the Extrude command, you can type the EXTRUDE command name, or just type EXT then press Enter. Alternatively, you can click on the Extrude button found in the Create panel in the 3D Basics workspace, and if you are using the 3D Modeling workspace, you will find the Extrude button in the Modeling panel under the Home tab, or in the Solid panel under the Solid tab, as shown here:

Figure 12.1: Alternative methods of starting the Extrude command

Depending on the selected object, the Extrude command will create a 3D solid or a surface. Generally, if you select a surface or a 2D closed shape (such as a circle, a polygon, or a closed polyline), the Extrude command will create a 3D solid...