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

Making a rectangle

To make a rectangle, use the REC command or use the Rectangle tool from the Draw panel in the Home tab. The rectangle command will help you make a four-sided rectangle or square. There are a few different ways of making a rectangle using the rectangle tool. We will first learn how to make a rectangle using coordinates, and later, we will also see the method of making a rectangle using Dynamic Input. Let’s begin by using coordinates to make our rectangle.

Making a rectangle using absolute coordinates

To make a rectangle using coordinates, you need to deactivate the Dynamic Input option from the status bar, shown in the following screenshot. To turn it off, click on its icon in the status bar or press the F12 function key:

Figure 2.38: Dynamic Input mode in the status bar

When Dynamic Input is on, a tooltip will show next to your cursor, and when it is off, you won’t see a tooltip, as in the following screenshot:

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