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

The Construction Line command

This command is available in the expanded Draw panel in the Home tab, as shown:

Figure 3.27: The Construction Line option in the expanded Draw panel

Construction lines are infinite lines that are helpful when you make lines for reference. An example of a reference line is the series of vertical infinite lines created using the reference of a floor plan to mark the places where doors and windows can be added in elevation. In the following figure, the vertical infinite lines are construction lines:

Figure 3.28: Red lines made for reference using the Construction Line tool

Using these red lines, you can make another drawing that exactly aligns with the floor plan shown here. Make a note here that I have used a red color for the construction line to make them look distinct but in general, the construction lines take the default drawing color.

In the following example, I will show you the steps to make a...