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 Boolean operations

Boolean operations are essential in any 3D modeling software. AutoCAD can perform all kinds of Boolean operations on 3D solid bodies and planar surfaces. The following sections will cover the Boolean operation commands in detail and these are as follows:

  • Using the union command
  • Using the subtract command
  • Using the intersect command

Let’s start by looking at the union command in more detail.

Using the union command

The union command is a handy tool when creating complicated 3D models since, in many cases, the 3D object that is required to be created can be broken down into several simple 3D shapes. So, you can just create the simple 3D shapes using the primitive commands and then join them together using the union command.

To start the union command, you can type the command name, UNION, or just type UN and then press Enter. Alternatively, you can click on the Union button found in the Solid Editing panel in the 3D Modeling...