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

Creating color gradients

With the Gradient tool, you can add gradients of color to any selected area. The Gradient tool also works like the Hatch tool, but in this case, instead of a pattern, a color gradient is applied to the selected area.

In the example drawing of the kitchen that we used earlier with the hatch command, we will add three-dimensional effects to the sink and the top of the refrigerator using the Gradient tool. You can start the Gradient tool from the expanded Hatch flyout on the Draw panel of the Home tab, as shown in the following screenshot. Alternatively, you can also use its command alias, GD:

Figure 6.24: The Gradient tool in the Hatch flyout of the Draw panel

Using the following steps, we will learn how to apply gradients to the sinks of the kitchen drawing:

  1. To apply the gradient, select the Gradient tool and then click on a point inside the area where you want to apply the gradient. The workflow for applying a gradient will...