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

AutoCAD for Mac and AutoCAD LT

Autodesk AutoCAD is primarily made for the Windows operating system, but it has a Macintosh (Mac) version as well. The Mac version has a different user interface and is somewhat limited in features compared to AutoCAD for Windows.

So, if you are a Mac user, you will find the user interface a little different but still, it’s the same software and functionally, the commands will work the same. The major differences between the Mac version and the Windows version of AutoCAD are the following:

  • Mac has a classical AutoCAD-type user interface whereas the Windows interface is modern and ribbon-based
  • Some tools will work on the command bar instead of the palette in the Mac version
  • Many Windows AutoCAD tools are either reworked or completely missing in the Mac version

In a nutshell, it is recommended to use the Windows version of AutoCAD and this book has also been written for the Windows version of AutoCAD, so Mac users may find it difficult to follow along due to the previously listed differences. However, it is still workable and, with a little bit of trial and error, you will be able to use this book with the Mac version of AutoCAD, too.

Another type of AutoCAD that is currently available is AutoCAD LT, which is a sort of lighter version of AutoCAD. The LT version, although cheaper, does not support most of the 3D tools and LISP.net customizations. Despite these missing features, AutoCAD LT still supports AutoCAD files and you can seamlessly transfer files between AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT.

This book is fully compatible with AutoCAD LT for Windows and you can use this book if you are an AutoCAD LT user. You will, however, find the AutoCAD-only tools missing.

Now that we have looked at the differences between AutoCAD for Windows and Mac and AutoCAD LT, let’s explore the user interface of the program.